Weekend In Chicago (Meeting Norman Reedus!)

I am finally settling in after one of the greatest weekends of my entire life! I just got back from Chicago, IL after four days of seeing celebrities, celebrating birthdays, and enjoying the city. I'll do a trip guide, but this weekend was so unforgettable that I wanted to make a separate post. The whole trip was based around going to Comic-Con but I tried to enjoy as much as I could! Spoiler alert: I met Daryl Dixon and can officially die happy. *heart eyes*

Drinking the Lollipop Passion from Sugar Factory

I planned this trip with my mom and brother almost six months ago, and what was perfect was that my best friend Emily moved to Chicago in June so I got to visit her! We started out the weekend getting our VIP badges and all-access Comic-Con bands at the convention center, then I met-up with Emily for dinner and drinks. To my happiest surprise, there was a Sugar Factory located within walking distance from my hotel! We wanted to go in Vegas but were turned down cause we only wanted drinks (da fuq Vegas what did you expect?). After dinner at King's (a bowling place with great food and drinks) we hopped on over and got one of the giant alcoholic drinks we'd been craving for months. Our bartender was quite the looker so that just added onto the fun!

At Navy Pier with Margaritaville margaritas!

The next day Emily and I spent the day exploring Chicago, while also seeing a movie you wouldn't suspect (Straight Outta Compton and I cried like a baby at the end). We walked around Michigan Ave and made our way towards Navy Pier to drink margaritas and enjoy the view of the city. For dinner was a Chicago staple -- Cheesie's -- and it was delicious!

At the famous Chicago Theater!

Saturday I spent my morning at Comic-Con and explored all the vendors. I even got to see a panel with Ian Somerhalder...who is just as sexy in person! The costumes all around the convention center were crazy, but I had to give props to the people who went all out. At night I celebrated Emily's birthday with her by trying new bars and eating our favorite drunk staple -- cheese curds (try it one day and you will thank me)!

Cutest couple award to Norman and me! ;)

Sunday was the greatest day of my life so far. I woke up super early to meet the love of my life! After countless hours of waiting, I finally got to step behind that curtain and take a picture with the hunk that is Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon on The Walking Dead). As soon as I walked up to him he said, "Hi sweetheart!" and put his arm around me. I deemed it necessary to then place my hand on his abs...which were ROCK HARD! Then after more lines and waiting it was time for my autograph. Let it be known that the convention center was about 30 degrees and I suffer from cold hands whenever the temperature gets below 60. I walk up to him and he goes, "Lexi! Hi Lexi!" (he knew my name from the post-it attached to my picture), smiles, and sticks up his hand. I told him my hands were freezing because of the cold, but still touched mine to his. He then grabbed my hand and squeezed and brought it to the counter while he signed my photograph...never letting go of my hand and rubbing it with his thumb! He asked how I was doing and I did the same to him, then once my mom got her autograph he said to us, "goodbye ladies!" I WAS SHAKING FOR 30 MINUTES AFTER HE IS LITERALLY THE SWEETEST MAN AND HE MADE ME SO HAPPY! I know I would have been tired and grouchy after taking photos and signing autographs all day, but he mad me feel like the luckiest girl in the world and I will love him forever for it. It was an unforgettable weekend to say the least!

Until next time my loves x.

My Favorite Wines

It's no surprise that I'm a fan of wine (is it?) and I figured it was about time I share with you some of my favorite varietals and brands that I've tried. Know before reading this that I am very partial to whites and rosés, but I'm always down to drink a bold red every now and then!

Reds

Summit Lake Cabernet Sauvignon

Bodegas Bilbainas Vina Zaco Rioja Tempranillo

Whites

4 Foxes Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Blufeld Sweet Riesling

Montinore Estate Borealis The Northen Whites Willamette Valley White Blend

Rosés

Il Conte d'Alba Stella Rosa Stella Pink

Jaboulet Parallele 45 Cotes du Rhone Rosé

Sparkling

Domaine Carneros Verméil Demi-Sec


I'll add more as I continue to try! If you're looking to try some new wines and don't know where to start, I would highly recommend going to tastings! The price you pay is well worth it and you have the ability to try an assortment of wines that by the bottle would cost you a whole lot more. Also, you can follow me on Delectable, an app that allows you to browse wine reviews and post your own! It's great because if you really like a wine you try, you simply take a picture of the bottle and save it on your profile. Trés convenient.

Until next time my loves x.

July Favorites!

July was hot and sticky and reminded me of that time I saw One Direction in Denver two years ago and now I want to cry. I've been working my booty off looking for a second job and working for my other one, but I've still found the time to shop (duh). I can't believe summer is almost over...but that means I am one month closer to Paris!

July Favorites

Beauty Favorites

tarte The Sculptor in Park Avenue Princess ($24) -- I'm a huge contour fan, and this stick makes it so much easier. The creme base goes on smoothly and blends much better than most powdered bronzers. If you're a contour beginner then I strongly suggest trying this product...hell even if you're a pro you should use this! I'm basically here to help, so be smart and buy it here.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation ($39) -- This new foundation by Too Faced instantly became a classic for me. My color, Vanilla (yes I am pale as a ghost 365), matches my skin so perfectly that I have a nice, natural finish. I also like that it's not too dewy or matte -- it looks just as the name suggests, like you were born with it! Buy your own here.

Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Dry Shampoo ($20) -- I have been on search for a good dry shampoo for I can't even tell you how long. Each drugstore brand I'd try would just turn out to be shitty, and the smell was always too much. This stuff, on the other hand, smells like honey and for once makes me head feel clean. It also gives great volume on those days when my hair is flat with no personality. Pick up a bottle here, I think they're having a sale!

Music Favorites

She's Kinda Hot by 5 Seconds of Summer -- I like boybands, we know this, and that's all the justification I need. This song is catchy and cute and have I ever mentioned Luke Hemmings is adorable? Take a listen.

Fight Song by Rachel Platten -- This is my ANTHEM! I listen to this when I'm feeling like the whole world is against me and it helps me realize that I should never stop fighting for what I want. Every recent college grad should add this to her playlist. Listen for yourself.

TV Favorites

Astronaut Wives (ABC) -- All I want in life now is to marry an astronaut...and live in 1961. My mother and I have always been fascinated with this time period (can you say JFK?!) and now we have another reason to. Who knew about all the drama and heartache that went on during the US' first explorations of space? I am hooked and I just found out which astronaut of the original Mercury 7 died and I may have shed 1000 tears.

Food Favorites

Greek Meatballs -- Have you seen my recipe? I am obsessed with these puppies and have been craving them nonstop. I'm thinking of just making 12 dozen and eating them for the rest of my life...go team.

Raspberry Caramel Macchiato -- Not only does this drink look pretty, but it's sooooo good! Make sure that when you order it at Starbucks you get a regular Caramel Macchiato and just add a few pumps of raspberry to it, otherwise it would be way too much. There's nothing I love more than pink drinks!




What were your July favorites? Do you like Luke Hemmings? WELL TOO BAD HE'S MINE!



Until next time my loves x.