If you know me, you know that I love movies. L-O-V-E. I’ve loved them since I was a kid and saw E.T. in the theaters.

And I took a little bit of a blog break last week because I was fulfilling one of my movie-lover bucket list items: going to the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

One of my clients was there and I got to be on the ground for five days working and hanging out in Park City, seeing screenings, etc. Yes, I was working, trust me, it was not all play.

It was a stressful, exhausting and taxing time, but also, just…amazing.

Park City is gorgeous, I was fortunate enough to visit it last summer for a conference, but the best part was going to the screenings. My colleague and I saw a total of 8 movies over four days and I loved EVERYTHING I saw, minus one movie. Most of the movies we saw were heavy too, including the documentaries, but I really hope these get wider release because you guys should check them out.

Here is the cheesy part: during one screening, when the reality of where I was sitting hit, I started to tear up because being there has been a dream for so long, that I couldn’t believe it was happening. CHEESE.

Here are a few pictures from the trip.

More photos are on Facebook and Flickr (here). Yikes, just looking at it makes me tired. Time to rest up!

How was your weekend? Anything new with all of you?

Before I succumb to the craziness and cooking in a few days, I decided to get out of Chicago for a weekend and visit Arielle and Lacey in New York. I love New York (almost as much as Chicago) and being back, but this time in fall, was just what I needed.

Sure, there was a lot of walking, drinking and eating (A LOT) but the best part was catching up with good friends and laughing (a lot). That may sound cheesey, but it’s true.

So to best sum up my three days in NYC, here is a little photo sampling of my trip.

Yep, lots of eating and drinking. But everything was amazing and I was on vacation so…calories don’t count :)

How was your weekend? What’s your favorite thing to do on a weekend away?

I’m strictly talking about travel here.

In the last year, I’ve been fortunate to take a lot of amazing trips, visiting gorgeous spots for work and personal plans. I’m grateful for those experiences and wouldn’t trade them but when I was preparing to leave Seattle/Vancouver (recap is coming!), I had a realization.

I need to take a travel break.

I love traveling, exploring and seeing new places but I haven’t been around Chicago much this summer or around my friends and I want to change that. I need to.

After my recent trips, I realized I had not seen many of my friends in more than a month. I miss them, miss talking to them and going out with them. Text messages do not have the same effect, even if it’s better than nothing.

So I’ve put my plans for a week-long fall trip on hold so I can just BE in Chicago. I’m still doing a weekend in LA and NY (not in the same month) and then I’m staying local. And I’m excited. Sure, there may be a month where I’m screaming to get out, but for now, being lazy around Chicago with friends and my house sounds perfect.

Right now, I need to find more balance in my personal life with friends, work, etc. And if I’m serious about trying to date, I need to be here for that too. Unless Prince Charming is in another city, well, but that hasn’t been the case yet.

What about you? Do you like to be on the go a lot or prefer to hang around home?

This summer, I’m spending a lot of time on the West Coast. First, it was Los Angeles, then Salt Lake City, then San Diego, my most recent travel adventure. I was there for the BlogHer conference and not only was reunited with some of my blogging loves, but also, had some damn good food and fun.

So while I’m recovering from a few days in the whale’s vagina (see Anchorman reference), I’m also preparing for Seattle coming up! Time to put away the carry-on suitcase and prepare for the one I always bag-check. Crazy, but I’m excited.

Below are some pictures from the weekend. Sadly, I didn’t take a ton of food porn photos (bad, I know), but I think you’ll see the right amount of fun with the debauchery stories kept to those that were present :)

How was your weekend?

Movie Review: Friends with Benefits, which does include gratuitous JT ab shots and music.

Anyhow, this weekend, I closed out July by doing not a lot, which is good because August is going to be BUSY for me, so I’ll take my rest where I can.

It started off with drinks near Marilyn Monroe from Some Like it Hot (no I’m not making that up) and ended at Wrigley Field for the Paul McCartney concert! Yes, it was hotter than sin in that stadium (like, no air circulation) but it was worth it. Let’s take a look.

View from our seats!

Pre-concert photo montage

Paul McCartney rocking out!

The concert in a word: AWESOME. As a raging Beatles fan, it was heaven, hearing songs I listen to on my iPod and on record live was just amazing. And sitting with the person I went with, both of us singing “Yesterday” is a moment I won’t ever forget. Really, it brings a tear to my eye thinking about it.

I also got a little pre-concert gift from my guest too. Yeah, he gets me.

But as amazing as last night was, it’s on to August! I don’t know about you but this month is cray cray for me and there is lots to look forward to, such as:

• BlogHer in San Diego! I must brush up on Anchorman lingo
• Seattle and Vancouver – time to hike, drink wine and stuff my face (sexy!)
• Birthday – Yeah I’ll work on getting more excited for this
• Next! Yes, that’s right, I’m going back for Thai cuisine. Very excited

Yeah, that’s all that’s coming up for me, not much at all :)

Do you have any big August plans? How was your weekend?

Summer is a tough time for me to keep this site updated too. I’m busy outside, traveling or working (its my craziest time) and honestly, I need to spend more time with my non-blog life too. But, I missed writing here and am hoping to get back on track in posting.

So while I was gone, I was in Los Angeles to visit Jenn at Bottle Up the Crazy. Instead of weekly FaceTime chats, we decided to meet IN PERSON and have a relaxing 4th of July weekend in her current location. Well, when I say relaxing, I mean me bringing a list of things to visit and dragging me along for my crazy adventures.

Such as…..

Visiting the Hollywood sign (well it’s in the background, sort of)

Hiking in Runyon Canyon (the smile hides the pain I’m in)

Getting close to my “Oscar moment”

Checking out a movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery (it was Ghostbusters!)

And closing out the weekend the way it began, at the beach (at sunset this time)

I’m still editing photos from the weekend (there are a TON) but honestly, being in LA with Jenn and visiting Katelin and Nicole was amazing. Sure, I got sunburned and felt like I would literally melt in the heat, but it was SO MUCH FUN. I still missing Jenn a lot still but I’ll get to see her, Katelin, Nicole and a bunch of my favorite people at BlogHer in less than a month.

So enough about me, how are you doing? What’s new? How was your weekend?

Yes, since I started my travel adventures a year ago, I have officially been bitten by the travel bug. I love Chicago, being here with my friends and enjoying my surroundings but the urge to get out there and see new things is SO strong.

So to keep the momentum going, I’ve made a list of places I plan to visit during the rest of 2011 and early 2012. Why make a list? Well, I’m a planner so me and lists are BFFs. Plus, it helps me organize my vacation time and figure out when I need to start budgeting.

Let’s take a closer look at solo travel 2.0:

Summer/Fall 2011:

Los Angeles - Most of my California travels have taken me to San Francisco but this time, I’m off to LA to visit the lovely Jenn and be a tourist (proudly!)

Seattle/Vancouver - I’ve NEVER been to the Pacific Northwest but I hear it’s gorgeous! And I’ve never been to Canada so I’m excited to see two new parts of the country (and our neighbor to the north)

London or Paris - That’s right! I’m going back to Europe. I haven’t decided which one I’m going to yet but it I am so excited!

Early 2012:

Hawaii – Another place I’ve never been! And the history buff in me is dying to see the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu and get lei’d (TWSS)

Europe - Potential locations include the South of France or Barcelona

Yes, this is a bit ambitious but I’m going to do everything I can to make it happen. And the one thing that will be different from these other trips? I won’t be going for another two weeks or if I do, I won’t do the entire thing alone again.

Going alone to Italy was such an amazing time and a great challenge, but it was also VERY lonely at some points. I don’t regret it, but I learned a lot from it, including how I would do things a little differently next time.

What about you? Any big travel plans this weekend, summer or over the next few months?

Anyhow, after Florence, I entered the last leg of my trip, which was two nights in Venice and then returning to Rome for a final day before flying home to Chicago.

In talking to friends before I left, the verdict on Venice was split. Some said they loved it and one friend in particular said she hated it (she was very vocal about it too). But I’ve wanted to see St. Mark’s Square for a long time and, well the city is on water so I wanted to mix up the places I was visiting throughout the country.

Here is my verdict: Venice is beautiful but really, two nights there is enough (partially because it is so expensive)

I’ll get back to the cost stuff but first, let’s focus on beauty. Living in the Midwest, along Lake Michigan, I love water. I have always loved looking out at it because it’s soothing for me. And Venice has LOTS of water. When I walked out of the St. Lucia train station I was greeted immediately with a) burning hot sun and b) the Grand Canal. Yes, it’s not natural but it is stunning.

The main way to get around the city is by water too (or walking). I rode the Vaporetto several times down the Canal to sight see and get to my hotel. It’s a little nerve wracking at first (and bumpy) but it is a great way to see the city, especially the Rialto Bridge and get a great view of St. Mark’s Square/Doge’s Palace.

Here is the other thing about Venice: it’s very narrow. The streets are narrow and windy and honestly, you feel like a hamster running through a maze sometimes, but it’s awesome. I loved wandering around, getting lost, and finding myself sometimes going in a circle. The architecture of Venice isn’t as stunning as Rome (in my opinion) but it is very beautiful and fairly clean. But the canal does smell badly at times so I can only imagine how bad and crowded it is in summer.

Let’s get a closer look at the sights!

This is literally the only picture of me in Venice. Grabbed it while at a vaporetto stop en route to the train station

Gondola rush hour on a side canal

St. Mark’s Basilica/Square (so crowded)

Doge’s Palace (look closely and you can see it’s white and pink!)

View of St. Mark Basilica’s roof and Venice from above

View of St. Mark’s Square and Venice from above

Lovely live evening music from Quadri in St. Mark’s Square

Postcard Venice scene: gondola, bridge and bright buildings

Doge’s Palace (to the left) and prison (to the right) with the Bridge of Sighs in the middle. It’s currently under reconstruction and ads placed over the restoration scne

Approaching the Rialto Bridge on the vaporetto

View of the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge

Wedding party in St. Mark’s Square. Why they want to put pigeons on themselves, I don’t understand

As I mentioned, Venice is VERY pricey. Holy cow. And it’s not just hotel that’s expensive, everything is. Coffee, bottled water, food (especially) and entrance fees to museums. But, it was worth it and I’m glad I got to see it in person. And if/when I ever have money to literally burn (w/o consequences), I will go back!

So that is the end of my Italy journey. I’m still uploading a lot of photos from my trip to Flickr and created an Italy set for them. Some things that will be posted there that aren’t here are: day trip to Siena and my cooking class in Chianti. Those (and more Venice photos) are being uploaded tonight and more from Rome are coming soon.

Movie Review: Bridesmaids, time for some gross girl humor

The second leg of my Italian adventure included getting from Rome to Florence and testing my skills at reading European train station signs, something I haven’t done since 2000. The whole Rome Termini experience and getting on the correct train (and being in the correct seat) for Florence was a little dramatic, but it all worked out :) Leaving Rome was tough but I was ready to slow down on the all-day, force march tourist stuff and relax.

Well, that didn’t totally happen because once I was done sight seeing, I went in to full on eating mode.

Literally, I ate in Florence like I have never eaten before.

Here’s a sample of my daily eating schedule:

• Light breakfast (cappuccino and croissant)
• First lunch (sandwich or focacia)
• Second lunch (same as above – but from a different place)
• Mid-afternoon snack (gelato and/or red wine)
• Dinner (appetizer, pasta and optional dessert – plus red wine)
• Post-dinner treat/second dessert

Yep, that is literally how I ate almost every day for five days in Florence. Sure, I was still walking around a lot but not as much as Rome, so I got a little tired at times :) I blame the red wine on that.

There was great food in every place I visited but I definitely sampled the most in Florence.

Oh yeah, and in between eating, I also saw some gorgeous sites. Let’s take a closer look.

Me at the Duomo – Yes, it makes me look MORE petite

Full frontal Duomo. The beauty and size of this place literally knocked me back

View down Via dei Calzaioli (main road in Florence), love the flags!

Palazzo Vecchio (which greets you at the end of Via dei Calzaioli), I mean, wow

Hi postcard scene at the Piazza San Marco, I mean, really?

Me in front of the Ponte Vecchio (yeah, it’s gorgeous)

The hill of stairs to climb for San Miniato – aka where I got sunburned

Me at the Piazzale Michaelangiolo (oh yeah and a killer view behind me)

Yeah that view is so gorgeous, let’s get a closer look (without me in it!)

Yeah that’s pretty damn gorgeous

And then when I got back from the Piazzalo, I ran in to a random parade, literally.

See!

The vibe between Florence and Rome was totally different. Rome is very fast pace, big city, lots to do and see and Florence is a bit more laid back. Things open later, it is smaller and honestly, more crowded with tourists. This isn’t a bad thing, but I found it harder to find those little off-the-beaten-path places I wanted.

But, similar to Rome, it was tough to say goodbye when I left. I found some amazing places to eat and saw some really beautiful things, but alas, it was time to move on.

Side note: Jersey Shore is filming their latest season in Florence right now, which has been VERY unpopular with the locals (even the American students). Sadly, I missed their arrival by four days (actually, I’m not sad). Next time Snooki, it is ON.

But I do now!!!

So let’s recap quick what happened: as part of my solo travel adventures, I decided (almost a year ago) to go back to Europe and visit the one place that alluded me in 2000 – Italy. Later, I decided I was going for two weeks to visit three cities: Rome, Florence and Venice.

Lofty goal? Yes. Slightly insane? Yes. Concern-inducing for someone I’m related to? Yes.

But I did it and had an awesome time.

Italy is a very beautiful place. Like, walking around the cities during my two-week adventure, I literally couldn’t believe some of the beautiful things I saw. Thinking about it almost brings me to tears because it’s just so unlike anything we have in the Midwest. Sure, Chicago  has some great sights, but not the raw history that Italy does.

So to give everyone a recap of my trip, I’ve broken it in to three posts: Rome, Florence (and day trips) and Venice/Rome (where I ended my trip).

Below is the first installment – Rome.

The purpose of only visiting three cities over two weeks was to spend several days in each, explore, see the sights and also get a sense for the city. Getting in and out of a city in 2-3 days is fine and allows you to cover more places but you don’t get to really SEE and experience it.

I spent a total of five days in Rome and absolutely, 100% loved it. Maybe it’s because it’s a larger city and similar to Chicago in some ways but I just felt really connected to it. I did a lot of touristy stuff but also took time to explore the different neighborhoods, sample the food in each and get a sense for the whole city.

Plus, let me tell you, when you’ve done that much touristy stuff and history 101, you get burned out fast, so exploring gives you a break and let’s you see things off-the-beaten path.

Let’s get to some pictures!

Colosseum – I spent my first and last day in Rome there. So gorgeous and HUGE!

Trevi Fountain – Yes, it is much larger than the one in Vegas :)

At the Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona – Yes, that’s the new man in my life

Roman Forum – There are so many ruins in Ancient Rome, it’s amazing to imagine the history here

My favorite street in Central Rome (Via dei Coronari) – Full of gorgeous buildings, art galleries and off-the-beaten path shops

Spanish Steps at dusk – This place (like the Trevi Fountain) is jammed ALL THE TIME. But gorgeous

View of Rome from a massive hill I climbed. Sadly, it wasn’t a nice day, but the view was still stunning

During my day at the Vatican/St. Peter’s, I got to have my picture taken in the garden with the dome in the background

Full view of St. Peter’s from the square. The crowd at the bottom was gathered because the Pope was taking visitors that day. Naturally.

The Pantheon – It was right by my hotel so I got to walk by it every morning. Not bad!

I saw a lot of random things in Italy, including a Ferrari parade in Rome (40 Ferraris went down the street one day). I called this, the midlife crisis parade :)

No, I didn’t get a souvenir that said this, but by the end of the trip I was telling everyone how much I loved Rome!

Amazingly, this doesn’t even scratch the surface of images I took in Rome but I don’t want to bore you with the insane pictures I took so I’ll be uploading more of them to my Flickr account throughout the week. Seriously, I took more than 1,000 photos, it takes time to get through!

I could literally talk about Rome all day, I loved it that much. It is so beautiful that you just feel in awe of the things that happened there years ago and how connected it is to so many things.

This sounds cheesy but it’s true, every time I try to describe how beautiful the city is, I start to tear. When I think about the gold radiating off the buildings at sunset, I just don’t know how to describe it. I miss it, but I’m still glad to be home.

Movie Review: That’s right, I’m also seeing movies again now that I’m home! Tonight’s recap, one of my favorite books: Water for Elephants.

And now it’s time to do that again.

In just a few days, I leave for my Italian vacation.

I’m excited and shocked that it’s finally time to go but I’m also scared as sh*t.

My mind cannot turn off about things I’m nervous and worried about, such as:

• What if I don’t sleep on the flight? Will Advil PM really do the trick?
• What if I have an awful time overseas?
• What if I get lonely? Two weeks is a long time!
• What if no one speaks English and they throw pasta or food at me when I butcher the language?
• What if I get lost, miss my train or have literally no idea where I’m going?
• What if my hotels are awful and I run out of stuff to do?
• What if I don’t get to do everything I want?
• What if I get flagged at customs and get the “friendly” security check?

Wow, re-reading this, it’s amazing I’m not clinically crazy. Goodness.

The thing is, no matter how much I research, ask questions of friends that went to Italy, etc., I have a tendency to get worked up about the unknown. Why? Because I have no idea what to expect, especially because it’s international travel.

I’m so grateful to those that have answered my questions and lent me books about the trip and I think I’m panicking because I’m feeling like I’m pretty prepared to go.

I guess what I’m most scared of is that after all this planning, travel and money, I’ll leave disappointed but I have to let that fear go.

So I’m trying to get everything done this week and then focus on the main thing, being able to go off the grid while I’m gone so I can really relax.

Woo! Here we go!

What about you? Do you ever get pre-travel nerves?

I have to give credit to Katelin because she made the connection.

Yes, I got to go back to the lovely New Orleans for a conference late last week and this weekend and it was amazing. New Orleans is quickly becoming one of my favorite places and will always have a special spot in my heart because it was the first solo vacation I took almost a year ago.

It’s funny that I was there almost a year ago and that trip helped me get to where I am now, which is going to Italy this week. Holy cow.

Anyhow, yes, I love New Orleans and its major selling point (separate from Abita and beignets) is that it is warm without being too miserable right now. We’re in the 40s and rainy in Chicago (hate)  but we had amazing weather in New Orleans, 70s and sunny with only one day of humidity. It’s true that weather can really affect your mood because I was happy as a clam there!

And the benefit about going back this time is that I could go back and see specific things I wanted because I already canvased the French Quarter last year. It’s amazing how much you remember when you start walking around.

Plus, there was lots of good food to be had as well, including:

Beignets – I’m not ashamed to say I went to Cafe du Monde EVERY DAY (and twice on Saturday)

Soft shell crab po boy – There are no words

BBQ lobster – yes please

Homemade ham and cheese soft pretzel. I wanted to slather this all over my body

Yes, the food in New Orleans is beyond tasty but it was also great to hang out with bloggy friends too, including Katelin, who I never get to see enough.

Okay so maybe Nola isn’t exactly like Vegas (even though there were some crazy outfits and lack of pants wearing), but between the walking and late nights/early mornings, my body sure feels like it was.

Clearly, I need to visit Nola more often, and stretch before walking all day. But I did get to bust out the flip flops so I’m still happy!

How was your weekend?

Movie Review: Fulfilling my Victorian movie love with Jane Eyre. Take me to the moor.

Oh and it’s 20 degrees in Chicago, so winter is back and that is not helping me be distracted from shopping either.

So this intense savings time has made me rely heavily on online window shopping (thank you Pinterest for keeping me sane) and making a list of what I want to buy post-trip so I don’t go out and buy it now. But this desire to spend money has also lead me to actively window shop for things I absolutely do not need.

It’s as if my brain just likes the creative stimulation of non-trip-related research and mentally buying things. That’s what I’m telling myself at least :)

For example, here are things I’m window shopping for that I don’t need:

Condos - I blame my intense HGTV addiction for this. I online shop condos and get design/decorating ideas as well from places like Pottery Barn, Pinterest and Anthropologie. It’s intense. Sometimes, I daydream what I would do to decorate those condos, like install double ovens, butcher block countertops…take me away…

Wallets - I found a charming Louis Vuitton wallet two weekends ago that I was coveting pretty hard core. I had no intention of buying it, but looking at it, when I absolutely don’t need it, was interesting

Other trips – Yes, I have a trip within a month and the planner part of me is already very loosely researching my summer trips to Portland, Seattle, Louisana and Vancouver. Seriously, I need to stop!

Cosmetics - I have more samples and beauty products than a Nordstrom counter. I don’t need more of this stuff but I cannot resist in looking. Um, getting samples of products I’m looking at don’t hurt right?

Clearly, I need to start reading again and avoiding any store unless my item to purchase meets a rigorous screening of “do I need this before my trip? No really, do I?”

Do you online shop for forbidden things? If so, what?

Movie review: Hoping Matthew McConaughey can keep his shirt on in The Lincoln Lawyer

And in order to offset a lot of the trip costs, I’ve been diligent at saving, which means little going out and shopping. Yes, it sucks bigtime. I’m literally going crazy. But, even though I’m saving, I did have to make a few pre-trip purchases.

Yes, it’s a mix of being practical and feeding the urge for doing a little spending.

First Italy-intended purchase:

New spring jacket. I have an Eddie Bauer fleece that is looking pretty rough after six years, so a new spring-like jacket for Italian evenings is necessary. So I went to North Face to scope it out and I walked out with this.

I like the fitted shape and that it will keep the wind off me.

Upgraded camera. Until now, I’ve been shooting photos with a Canon Point & Shoot 7 Megapixel camera. On clear days, it’s amazing but in any kind of low light, it’s very unreliable and therefore very frustrating. So in prep for Italy, I decided to finally bite the bullet and invest in something amazing: an SLR.  Behold this beauty.

I’m still learning how to use it but so far, I’m really enjoying it. The picture quality is SO much better. And with an 18-135 lens, let’s just say, I can get really close. I cannot wait to be more comfortable with this for my trip.

Yes, there has also been a little non-Italy spending too….new wallet and spring clothes but still, I will pack those clothes and carry that wallet in Italy so yes, it’s a justified spending. Plus, almost all of my clothes don’t fit right now and I’m tired of feeling frumpy in everything I wear.

Despite this, I’m still trying to keep pre-Italy-necessary purchases to a minimum but if I use it when I’m there, that counts right?

Do you shop for your vacations?

Let’s venture in to my brain :)

• Found out today from Nora and other Twitter friends that they DID see me on Oprah today. That totally made my afternoon. Tonight, I saw it with my own two eyes! I’ll try to grab a picture of it to show everyone. If you DVR’ed it, I’m at the commercial break around minute eight
• I’m thinking of taking the 30-Day Vegan challenge. I think it would be a great opportunity to readjust my diet but giving up dairy would be a huge problem. I love dairy…a lot
• The movie trailer for Something Borrowed (inspired by Emily Giffin’s “pink book”) was finally released. I’ve watched it probably 10 times. My man, John K, is looking SUPER hot in this yet again. I’ll be seeing this
• Bethenny Ever After starts in two weeks on Bravo and I cannot wait. I would love to have tea and scones with Bethenny and Gail Simmons. They are my Bravo girl crushes
• My HGTV addiction is on full-force. I am obsessed with House Hunters and Selling New York. Makes me want to have my own home
• An SLR is in my future but I can’t pull the trigger to buy. Sometimes, I hate being so cautious with spending
• I’m also becoming addicted to Fringe and Parks and Rec. Both are must-watches in my DVR and I look forward to both each week. My Pacey crush is getting bigger too
• I have another week to take vacation this summer. I’m thinking of Seattle and Portland or Seattle and Vancouver. I honestly cannot decide

Well, I think that covers just about everything I’m thinking about right now.

What’s on your mind? Any big weekend plans?

Yes, that’s right! Italy is a GO. Plane ticket purchased and tentative hotel reservations in Rome, Florence and Venice have been made. But as I searched for hotels (which was totally overwhelming) I started to get a little numbers shocked.

Then I started creating a trip budget and I started to get more numbers shocked and fearful. Looking at my total estimate for the trip I couldn’t help but say, “holy f*ck, this trip is going to cost me a fortune.”

And the thing is, the fortune isn’t even because of extravagant hotels (trying to find a midpoint between hostels and luxury) but it’s just amazing how fast all of this adds up.

And then another part of my brain turns on and the self doubt seeps in, saying: “can you even afford this?” “where can you cut corners?” “maybe you should just take the hit on the plane ticket and stay in Chicago.” And lately, I’ve been thinking about changing the dates of the trip overall and eating the change fee on the plane ticket.

I hate this self doubt because it kills the fun, much like money can.

So after talking to a few friends, they told this side of my brain to shut the f*ck up for one simple reason: It’s worth it.

Now, that has become my affirmation as I look at things I want to do in Italy, how I get around, where I want to eat, etc. because otherwise, I’m going to start dreading this trip more than look forward to it.

And I should look forward to it. I’ve worked hard to go and waited 10 years to ball up and go on my own. I want to go and see everything I’ve read about in books or seen in movies, drink more wine than my 5′ 3″ body can take and eat until I have a 7 month food baby. Why? Because trips like this don’t happen all the time and if I am going to spend the money, I deserve to make the most out of it.

It goes back to the fact that I don’t feel like I deserve nice things, so when things like this happen, I immediately self sabotage. Wonder if I can put that on my online dating application :)

Either way, this is happening and I’m going for it. And if I have to sell my eggs, body or soul after to recoup the money, so be it. I’ll list them on Craigslist.

What about you? Do you obsess about money when you travel?

And I’m talking about the withdrawal of endless guac and chips, daiquiris, pina coladas, sunshine, hot weather and breathtaking views. Yes, I still love Chicago and it is good to be home, but the beach was perfect.

So let’s take a quick look at the trip!

I spent five-six days at the Occidental Grand Xcaret in Riveria Maya where I….

Took in the gorgeous hotel scenery (seriously? Postcard!)

Chilled with some local wildlife

Drank…a lot (I can’t believe I didn’t take any photos of the daiquiris, FAIL)

Relaxed at the beach (hot!)

And in a hammock (double hot!)

Checked out some ruins

And got to celebrate the lovely Allie O’s wedding (providing one of my favorite photos from the trip)

Plus, on the way home, my roomie Meg and I got to shop in Cancun’s Duty Free shop. Seriously, this place was ah-mazing!

And today, the re-adjustment to real life has been rough! I woke up with a full blown cold, was craving a drink at 10 a.m. and had to remind myself that I now have to cook and clean up after myself again. This real life sh*t sucks.

So I decided to include one more photo in this montage: one of me at the wedding.

I opted to go with the black/purple Banana Republic one and I got a TON of compliments on it. The last time I wore it out, it was SO snug and uncomfortable and here, I had room to breathe, eat and drink. And I felt smoking hot in it (even if I had to wear my glasses due to the salty, dry air).

Have you ever been to Mexico? If so, where are your favorite places to visit?

Anyhow, to help clear my cluttered mind of random stuff I’m thinking about, I put together a lovely bulleted list of things on my mind, some more random than others.

• How long will it take once I arrive in Mexico to be on the beach with drink in hand? My guess? One hour (at the most)
• Is it possible to wear leggings as pants all the time and not look silly? I’m willing to try
• I’m totally obsessed with Boo the dog on Facebook. Seriously, I would steal that dog. I want one just like him (kidding?) The video of his “typical day” makes me scream with cuteness
• This week’s episode of Glee was so amazing. I’m letting myself download three (or four) songs…or maybe just all of them :)
• Daylight savings time is bringing me down. I love getting another hour of sleep, but dark at 5 p.m.? Really?
• Arielle asked me this weekend if everyone in the Midwest is obsessed with football. After seeing the crowds at the bar Sunday, I think she’s right
• Why is picking paint colors so difficult? I’m so indecisive with what colors to select for my living room/bedroom. I’m thinking off white and light gray but I cannot commit. Blerg
• I’m pretty much also stalking photos from the Breaking Dawn set in Brazil. I’ve got Twilight fever yet again!
• I need to get back in for a mani/pedi stat. I did my own last night and it was…well embarrassing
• I’m dying to try Temptu’s Under Eye Concealer. I have serious under eye circles

Also, THANK YOU everyone for the feedback on the dresses to wear to the wedding. Holy cow, I was truly blown away by the response it got!

The dresses I packed tonight are the Banana Republic purple/black dress, floral dress and pink NY & Co. one. The final pick will be a gametime decision, but I feel good about all of them thanks to you guys! I even laid out jewelry, purses and shoes. I will be glammed up in any of those dresses!

What’s on your mind lately?

This week is a big (and short) week for me. MEXICO is imminent! After months of waiting and planning, it’s almost time.

And now my anxiety about travel has been replaced with anxiety over what to wear to a destination, beachy wedding.

Normally, I go to Midwest weddings, where I have three dresses that I rotate wearing, but now I’m thrown totally off my game and digging through my closet asking out loud, “what do I wear???”

So that’s where I need your help!

I have four options of what I can wear to the wedding, some are casual fun and formal so I’m opening it up to you to help me narrow it down to two dresses.

Yeah, I’m trying not to overpack again. The likelihood of this happening is slim, but I’m trying :)

Here we go!

Option 1: Banana Republic (with pockets!!)

Option 2: Floral dress (unnamed brand)

Option 3: New York & Company

Option 4: JCrew and white cami

A few notes:

• Right now, it will be in the low- to mid-80s and partially sunny in Mexico on wedding day
• I asked the bride how formal the wedding is supposed to be and got no response (she’s been busy!)
• I can breathe in all dresses right now (leaving room for food and alcohol!)
• Also, none of these are fully styled to include jewelry or final shoes. This was an impromptu fashion show
• Yes, these photos are awkward. I’m awkward in photos.

So what dress(es) should I wear or eliminate?

Thank you everyone for your help! My indecisiveness is coming out bigtime as I prepare to leave.

Growing up in the Midwest, mountains were non-existent, so I decided to pack up and get up close and personal with them, and visit the lovely Doni and Ashalah along the way :)

During my adventure, I split my time between Denver and Boulder and let me say this, Boulder definitely won me over. Denver was cool and had great food (and beer) but two of the big highlights from the trip came in Boulder.

On my first day in Boulder, I was initiated to the city by hiking the Royal Arch trail in Chatauqua Park. Yes, I’m not a big nature person and I’ve never been on an official hike but I thought, no big deal, it’s not like we’re climbing a small mountain.

WRONG. I thought I was in shape, and then I went on this hike. Altitude definitely affected me because for part of it because I was having trouble breathing and focusing on the trail. It was only three miles, but it was intense with steep inclines, high rocks to step on and even some mini-rock climbing.

In all honesty, I didn’t think I would make it to the top and almost turned around to go back.

But I didn’t, I kept with it and I made it!!:

You can see the visible exhaustion and joy on my face. Sure, I complained a little bit, but I did feel a real sense of accomplishment at this. I am woman, hear me roar!

The next day, I was a little sore, so I made my bonding time with nature more low-key by going on a drive with Doni through Estes and Rocky Mountain National Park (along with some wine/beer tasting along the way).

The views were beyond amazing. I mean, I just don’t even know how to describe it. Being from a flat-landed part of the country, it just truly took my breath away. Here are some photos:

I would absolutely go back to Colorado (and want to soon!) and next time I want to go white water rafting and hit up more of the breweries that cover Colorado. Seriously, the local beer I had was delicious. Great Divide Brewing is one of my new favorites.

How was everyone else’s weekend? Are you a big camper or outdoorsy person?

New movie review: Man candy and bullets in The Town (seriously, Ben Affleck cleaned up NICE)