London Gin Club

Over a week in and I'm still LOVING London! This past weekend I tagged along with some friends to an epic birthday party gin tasting. You heard me right.

We all marched over to a tiny little hole in the wall spot; The Star at Night in central London. We headed down the lower level that turned into a gorgeous white cave.

Diane and I grabbed a seat at the head of the table and poured over the menu deciding what to order while the rest of the group arrived. When I say this place is known for it's gin, I mean it. That's ALL they serve! 

After very little deliberation, we all decided to go with the gin tasting menu. A £50 menu of 8 different types of gin accompanied with garnishes, tonic, and big goblets filled with ice. How could we go wrong?

Out came the gin! We sniffed every flavor but couldn't tell much of difference from them. They all smelled like gin.

Next came the goblets to start the tasting.

And finally, our server expertly educated us all on what garnish went with each gin and how to proceed, right before he dropped (and shattered) two of the goblets. Maybe he had his own gin tasting right before.

Dave was the first brave soul to try out the gin. He went with the "liqueur" sample, garnished with a lemon, and it was a good choice.

Haha, it's much better than this picture makes it look!

Next up was me. I went with the "spice."

Garnished with a little plum I rubbed all around the rim.

Here we go!

A blurry view of my thumbs up approval! Though not as good as Dave's.

Last up on our end of the table was Diane. She went with the floral garnished with a strawberry. Brilliant choice!

A much classier reaction that either Dave or myself. Kudos, Diane!

 We continued the night away with the rest of our tasting. It was amazing how different each one really was. I thought I would like the sweeter more citrusy flavors, but the aged and liqueur were actually some of may favorites. I never would have guessed. We finally ended up at nearby Chipotle for a     last minute dinner. A wonderful night in my new city!

Arrived in London!

I'm finally here in London! I've been here a week but it's honestly felt longer. I'm relearning everything from how to tip (or rather, not tip) to what words NOT to say (pants means underwear here, oops).  I'm loving every minute  of it.

Until mid-July I'll be staying in cute studio right down the street from my office. It's corporate housing and I'm pretty impressed. Very bright rooms with maid service and top end electronics. Let me show you around.

You walk in to find a comfy bed and pops of yellow color around the room.

Here's a view from the side. A little TV and desk are on the other side.

A cute little couch and table (already had a few people over to enjoy some wine and dinner).

There's a little kitchen for me to try and whip up some meals. I won't lie, I miss my giant Chicago kitchen and all my appliances! But this will certainly do for now.

And here's a quick peak into the bathroom (across from my bed). It has one of those weird half doors in the shower, so everything get soaked when I take a shower. I'm getting better at it slowly!

You can see more fancy photos of The Rosebery online here.

I promised to update you on more of my adventures soon :)

To The Pointe

I went to the Gilt City Warehouse sale in Chicago today. Racks of dresses, shoes and jewelry galore. I stumbled across a pair of Chole ballet flats I've loved from afar for a while. At over 50% off I scooped them up (even though the are a bit small). I'm breaking them in as we speak :)

image from Pinterest

LA Escape

Chicago still hasn't seen much of spring this year and it's killing me. I needed some sun, so I headed out for a quick trip to Los Angeles. One of my best friends, Michelle, came up from San Diego and joined me for a mini reunion before I move to London.

First things, first. Champagne to celebrate!

We stayed at the SLS Beverly Hills, which is chockfull of decadence, luxury and just plain funkiness. It had a little bit of an Alice in Wonderland thing going on. Let me give you the grand tour.

Red carpet entrance. How very Hollywood of them.

When you walk in a lovely little horse with a lamp on its head greets you. And his porky little friend offers you an apple.

The rest of the 'lobby' reminds me of a tea party in Alice's Wonderland.

The elevators wait for you in a mirrored, red lit room. Not going to lie, Michelle and I kept thinking about that scene from The Shining.

Our room was filled to the brim with mirrors. I guess people like to look at themselves in LA?

We headed down the street to a spot I've wanted to try forever, Joan's on Third. I've heard people rave about their chocolate chip cookies. I had to have one (eh, just a normal cookie).

The shop/restaurant itself was adorable. All decorated for Easter!

Look at the cheese!!

We snagged a table outside and waited for our omelets to arrive. Boy were they tasty!

Will full bellies we went for a stroll around the neighborhood. Before we new it we stumbled upon a giant pebble and I got an arm workout in.

And then the infamous street lamps at the LACMA appeared. Obviously a photo shoot ensued.

After our stroll we headed back to finish off the champagne and enjoy the rooftop pool. My swimsuit was very fun, but has left me with some interesting tan lines. You can find it at Nordstrom (Robin Piccone 'Penelope" crochet suit).

Short but sweet trip. I had a great time. Until next time, Michelle!