A day in Chicago Town

I would like to start this by saying that when you read the title, you MUST pronounce Chicago correctly. Well, actually, you must pronounce it the way I say it, and we can debate about correctness later. Basically, it's "CHICK-AGO". Really stress the O guys. And southerners, don't feel left out! If Georgia is your home, "SHICK-AGO" is your game.

Now, proceed to read about Chick-ago. And say Chick-ago a few more times, because it's fun!

 Up and at 'em for an earrrrlllyyy morning!

Okay fine.

It was 10:30! But still! A traveler needs her beauty sleep. And plus it was freezing outside, so staying in a warm cozy bed seemed way more attractive.

Then we went shopping!

And then I was broke!

Chicago does do beautiful things, no?

My favorite thing about traveling to different cities is that I know no one there, so therefore I can act like a dork and no one will remember! It's bliss! No more shame as I trip on the sidewalk, no more embarrassment as I have food dripping down my chin. Cities don't care! That being said, I do think Chicago has kind of an "I'm spying on you!" attitude. Get with the program, Chicago, you ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO CARE!"

I think I will end this conversation between me and Chicago. I always like to have the last word.

Oh hey, it's me! Oh hey, it was also 40 degrees and I was in a mini skirt! Now Grandma, don't worry, I wasn't really. But I might as well have been naked because I would probably have been an ice cube either way.

Like I said, cities don't care.

To end our blissful day we went to THE BEAN. I mean, it's a bean! In Chicago! At sunset?! What is not to love!? It was magical....and freezing. But I digress.

After beaning it up, we walked a few more blocks to check out the art museum. There was a gala going on so lots of ladies in formal evening gowns and men driving BMWs. I totally fit right in....except I was wearing all Target. Practially Oscar de La Renta for the middle class! YEEAH!

Our last stop was Navy Pier, mostly to re-live my Vera Bradley Dreams and pretend I was
Liz on Location since that's about all I did in the 13th year of my life. And then we went to our happy hotel to watch sponge bob and eat applesauce.

duh.

Happy Adventuring to you - and you can see my last trip to Chicago HERE. (PS: No celebrity sightings this time though...next time? It's on.)

BloomFest

Saturday is for cherry blossom hunting. Officially! I've been wanting to see the DC cherry blossoms for goodness knows how long. (Goodness DOES know: 4 years!) So this weekend we decided to be-bop on up to DC to behold the cherry blossom BloomFest.

Unfortunately our Cherry blossom joy was a wee bit premature - the tidal basin blossoms were not in bloom. But we did spot some trees on the Capitol and I'm am now an immense cherry blossom fan. Seriously, the trees ARE PINK AND FLUFFY!

I mean, if a tree CAN be fluffy, which it can right?
 Totally! Absolutely! YES! Maybe?

There were also about 400 portapoties on the National Mall. So classy DC, so classy.


What did you do this weekend?

Right where I belong.

 I've been trying to take more photos lately, which fills up my camera card which in turn makes me not be able to take photos.

Funny how things like that work!

Guys, I started track. And it's painful. The lady who was helping us said "Are you a distance runner or a sprinter?" and I'm just like " I'm a sitter-on-the-couch-er." Ha, at least I'm not a liar. Today after our WAY TOO EARLY practice, it reeeeaaaallly hurt to move. So naturally, I didn't! Thank goodness there's a plethora of blogs and such to keep a sitter on the couch.....right where she belongs.

Journal love.

I love writing.

I like sharing my thoughts, opinions and ideas. I like writing things down. I adore making lists. I think snail mail letters are the greatest. I like blogging because its fast. I just plain love communicating.

Today is about journals because....of course, I love them!Apparently I like floral/damask print journals.

I love writing things down. The main reason I do it is so that when I'm a cool adult I can remember things about my childhood. I don't want to forget a single thing. So I write everything down and then some. I also have a prayer journal, bible verse journal (hopefully, you'll see more of this stuff soon) blog/craft journal and journal that mom and I share.

So today because its nearly valentines day, and because that has nothing to do with it, because I love journals and because I love you, you get to peek in my diary! For AHG, I had to keep a journal for 3 months. Of course, I already had a journal (diary, whatever.) so I just copied sentences from it and made a little thingy. (Gettin' real descriptive here!) I'm showing you that.

May 2011
I got my hair cut, I look like someone from 1940. All I need it two barrettes and I am ready to go. Today is the day people think the world is supposed to end. Am I writing this from heaven? Am I sitting on a cloud? Am I hearing harps? Nope. I’m still on my bed,. Hang on - I hear a trumpet…..Just kidding. The drive here was good. Except there was some insane lightning in North Dakota. And then to top it all off, its only 50 degree’s here! You can bet your china teapot I’m not the least bit happy. ____________________________________________________________________ June 2011 This weather is bugging me. My teeth hurt. And we have a fire on June 3rd!! Yes, we are bad. But cold! I had a sleepover with the Nuxoll’s and Jana. We found a man eating chicken and a man who collects cans and eats girls. Yeah, it was spooky. Today, at the farmers market, I found a rock that was painted like a lady bug and had glasses. I named her Beatrice. Right now, I am wearing my dress with rosettes on one shoulder - it has magical powers! But I made bread and each loaf weighed 2 pounds. So, I guess that proved that it does not have magical powers. ______________________________________________________________________ July 2011 Tomorrow is that dreaded dentist appointment. I failed in trying to get Dr. Silcher sick - bummer! (Next day) I actually felt nothing, getting my gums cut was a breeze! Thank ganache for modern medicine. Casey Anthony will be free on Thursday, can you believe it? I am in need of a new purse, so I ordered another Vera Bradley. I hope it comes before camp. I watched Justin Beibers Movie, his fans are pretty scary. Life is more than a boy who sings and wears purple high tops (and who has a rhinestone heart on one shoulder of his jacket!!!!)

So there you go. A little peek into my diary/weird thoughts.

Oh, and did I mention I love journals?

Frannie Love

Now, I know Frannie is not the most attractive name, but let me tell you! It is a very attractive purse!I was not planning on including Vera Bradly's in this series because I think you already know I love 'em. However I didn't know my Frannie would come so soon, and I didn't know I would love it this much. The only drawback is that there is no inside pocket. But who needs pockets anyway? And the pattern! It is so wonderful and springy. I love spring.

Day 2- done. Vera Bradley love - never ending.

On my radar

I am always thinking of things that would make my life complete. Of course, none of these will ever do that, but sometimes I like to imagine that I'd be the happiest and cutest girl in the world if I had these things. Don't remind me I can be sort of shallow okay? Thanks.

Lip gloss! Of course, I always could use some more. And then new tropical flavors are perfect for spring!



Address labels. I write so many letters, cute address labels seem sort obvious.
A Vera Bradley! I already ordered mine in the new spring color, so this shouldn't really be on the list. But I don't actually have it yet, so technically I want one still.
A cute $75 dollar coat with striped nautical, navy lining that I wont wear? I want this so bad.

What have you been wanting lately? I hope they are in your budged, unlike mine. I'm sort of a dreamer like that.

Just a bunch of jiberish...

Oh my goodness! Every time I sit to write a post, all interesting information leaves me and I am left with nothing to show, tell or even blab about!

This weekend I was crazy busy planning and executing my AHG project. I planned a party for my troop, decorated it and used a microphone in front of 50 people. (I was really nervous about that.) The party went well, and I am so jazzed that I got it over with.

I am here right now to apologize for the celebrations page. I forgot to gather the January celebrations. I think I need a co-celebrator. Any volunteers?I promise to get back on track with February. I'm just guessing that there are some pretty awesome holidays for that month.

One last thing, I ordered my Vera Bradley. (Big woot!) I absolutely could not decide, I wanted one I could carry on my wrist. Because that's what they did in the 50's and 60's and those cute little handbags are totally in. But then I went to Michaels and I got so fed up having to carry my purse, that I decided right there I would order a cross body. And that's that. I won't tell you which one I got, but I'll show you the fabric....
Please don't judge me. This is way cuter in person. I was not a huge fan when I saw it online, but I changed my opinion when I saw it for real.

Happy Monday? It is Monday right? I keep forgetting which day it is, and for that matter, I still keep forgetting its 2012!!

That time of year.

Its the time of year to start shopping for a new Vera Bradley! I have my eye on a little cutie, but they sold out in my favorite pattern. What a tragedy! I'm off to watch Monk, and then I'll blab more.

xoxo, kryn

I weighed my purse

The Culprit

I think we should have a "guess how much my purse weighs contest"! Wouldn't that be so great? But since there are only about 10 people who read this blog, the contest would be kind of lame.

So! I just might as well tell you the whole story.

Yesterday, or whatever day Thursday was, I was at Publix. Now, everyone knows that Publix has large scales in the entryway . Personally, I think it is a bad idea for Publix. Because if everyone who came in weighed themselves, they'd probably come out with a lot less food.

But anyway, I weighed myself. I was kind of like "Huh??" and then I got of. But then! The light bulb went off. How about getting on without my purse? It was a great moment for all mankind. And you know what, my purse weighs 5 stinkin' pounds!

The moral of the story is you should always, always, take off your purse when you weigh yourself in the middle of the entry way at Publix.

End of story.

Newvember #18: My purse needs to diet.

Look Closely

And you'll...see my cousin dancing with a zucchini...KJ trying to get a dog the balance on his head...

A really grumpy lady...
My grandma doing the Bill Clinton ....(yes, its a REAL hippie van!)
a flying teddy bear....
....and a Vera Bradley.

Look closely, you'll be surprised at what you find.

Newvember#7: Look Closely

Vera Bradley people know their stuff

Last weekend, we went out to dinner after dropping our guest of at the airport. The food was good, but the most important part was the conversation I had with the waitress about VB's.

Waitress: I really like your bag.
Me: Thanks, me too!
Waitress: I have that in the Weekender.
Me: Yeah, that's a great bag.
Waitress: I used to work at a store where they sold Vera Bradley's. I got 50% off.
Me: *gasping* *sighing* *calculating how many years it will be until i can work*
Waitress: I know every bag, style and color.
Me: Really? *holding up bag*
Waitress: Betsy. Twirly Birds pink.

We Vera Bradley lovers know our stuff. I went to a store today where they sold Vera's. I was the one who was helping the lady who was trying to help me. And I found my new purse. The one I am going to get shortly. After all, Its almost Q4!

Lucky you!

I know you've been wondering..."What is the week 6 design?". You're in for a treat!


Simple. Cute. Blue. I love all those things. Its not really keeping with the vintage theme of my other pages, but I decided I had to use it because I love the pattern. It reminds me of a Vera Bradley. Naturally, I'm in love.

Achoo

Blogs are sort of like Diary's you know. Sort of. Yesterday, I wrote a whopping 5 pages in my diary. Yes 5! So many funny things happened, from me dropping the laptop bag to our no laughing game at the Walkers that I had to include every detail. Oh by the way, I have a diary. I love it. I like to write. I like to read what I write. I like it very much. I have a hilarious story that involves Elise, Facebook and Diarys, but none of you would understand it because one of those "you have to be there" moments. I kind of hate those. Then when you tell other people they don't understand what you are talking about and its really awkward.

Once Upon a time I was in a Spanish class. Besides the fact that the only word I learned was Hola, I learned that one girl in our class was a humongous fan of Pink Elephants. When ever we'd write story's or translate, she always managed to incorporate "Elefante Rosa". It was really funny. And you may be wondering why the post is titled Achoo. Its because when I sneeze, I sound like an elephant. I really do! I actually accidentally took a video of me sneezing today and it was a great celebration. I'm not posting it because I was in my pajamas and wearing Tye dye.

So that's that. I apologize for the lack of post and interestingness in the few posts I manage to get out. I have some pictures for you I'll share later.

Sincerely,
Achoo too you

PS: Forgot to Mention, today is the release of the Winter 2011 Vera Bradleys! Are you so excited? Excuse me while I go buy out Vera Bradley.

Pink is for awesome people

I am so thrilled with today's holiday. National Pink Day. Pink has been my favorite color for as long as I can remember. It's just plain adorable. But Pink really is for Awesome people. It takes talent to make pink work. I naturally gravitate toward pink. My Vera? Pink. My cardigan? Pink. Sophie's dog tag? Pink. My comforter? Pink (Here any way). While we are talking about colors, we've decided to name this house "Haricotvert" Which is a type of green bean. Houses really should have names. And that was so fitting since this house is a very nice but un liked shade of green. But we should not be talking about green on such a wonderful day. Today is about pink. And so it shall be.

In Honor of National Pink Day, I decided to go and get some Essie nail polish. I probably would have gone anyway. The reason I wanted Essie is because they have about a million shades of pink. And that's just what I like. And wanted. I was leaning towards a more coral pink, but then I was reminded I should go with a more true pink. Powder pink it is. I think Kate Beard has this same color. I am so pleased. Kate Beard has good taste.Absolutely lovely. I like this color so much. I've decided to buy only Essie from now on. That basically means I wont be buying nail polish very often. $8 doll hairs is a little much. But I had money burning a hole in my pocket. I needed to buy. I get that sensation every so often. Usually it does not work out so well. But today the flame was good. It inspired me.

My day was spent dusting and cleaning and going through my massive stacks of who knows what. I found a poem I'd written long ago. It was hilarious. I have a feeling I was avoiding work when I wrote this poem. Here ya go....

"When I see a daisy, I feel lazy.
I feel like lounging all around,
I feel like laying on the ground.
So whenever I'm lazy,
its because of that stupid Daisy!"

I don't see much poetry in my future. This was a very long time ago. And I have not written a poem since. Thankfully.

I'm off to have a pink Shirley Temple. Please love pink as much I do. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Sincerely,

Lazy Daisy at Haricotvert

PS: Today I went to a bookstore with mom. She wanted to get me some coloring books.I told her that since I'll be 14 this fall, I don't need any. Last time I checked, 8th graders don't don't spend their days coloring. She did not really want to hear that. I decided to go look for Mein Kamf instead. The End.

I love a good picnic

I was pleased to see picnic day. I love picnics. I don't go on official picnics very often. But I enjoy my unofficial picnic all the same. I was planning on having a picnic today. I was planing on inviting friends and eating cupcakes and playing Mafia. No such luck. Apparently the weather does not know about my celebrating. There was rain. Rain is bad picnic weather. But to me all a picnic is, is eating outside. And today I did just that. I went to the Farmers Market. I got a super yummy potato and bacon burrito. Potato and Bacon is a match made in heaven. A delightful combination. I also sampled jelly, ice cream and fresh bread. I enjoyed everything. I bought some Rhubarb Raspberry Jam. Another match made in heaven. Then mom and I went shopping at all the cute stores on Main street. I tired on every Vera Bradley purse in that stinkin' store. I decided I need a new one. Right Away. I love bag's you see. Its a weakness of mine.

Another reason I was jazzed about today is that it is International Picnic day. Its so cool to think people in Hong Kong or Paris might be celebrating today too. I would love to picnic on the lawn by the Eiffel Tower. Oh yes. I will do that some day. And maybe on June 18th. I also love watermelon. And every good picnic has watermelon. Everyone knows that. Once I had a picnic with my Grandma and K.J. at the Cabin. We got a mini watermelon and put it in the creek to keep it cold. So cool. So picnicy (no pun intended.)

The best picnic of all times was the one in Emma. Hands down. They went to Box Hill. How cool right? Emma had the cutest dress on. And hat. I'm almost positive they had watermelon. If not, I might overlook it. Any BBC picnic has to be pretty good. The English do it right. Sometimes. They had cake and pickles and probably ham sandwiches. Another picnic essential. They had wine too. But we all know it was grape juice don't we? They had umbrella's and blankets and baskets. It was the best picnic this earth has ever seen.

Today we went to the Library too. It happens to be very near to the Farmers Market.

This is outrageous. These words should be banned. "Young People." My biggest pet peeve. At every good and sane library we are "Young Adults" but oh no. Here we are young people. I dislike that very much. That was so 1970. Please. Its 2011.

I hope you pincniced and I hope you enjoyed your picnic as much as I enjoyed that heavenly potato and bacon burrito. I'm off to jump on the trampoline in the rain. A wonderful Summer tradition.

Sincerely,
Please pass the watermelon

PS: Despite the fact that I hate the phrase young people, I enjoyed my Left Behind book very much. Those books are so cool. I absolutely love them.

PPS: Fans of Beatrice, I looked for more Beatrice's today. But all the lady bugs today were frowny and angry. Something no lady bug should ever be. Next week I'll see if I can't get a happy one. Until then, Beatrice Rocks.