RAINY ADVENT

The holidays in Chicago are always filled with buzz — this time, a little more rain and undertones of gloom. Still yet, it's my upmost cherished time of the year and what else could be a better hike up to Christmas other than my dear family. (By "family" I mean "family + wombmates" — aka, childhood friends that I've literally known for 20+ years! It's a uniquely mind boggling reality, one that still surprises me twenty some years later and counting.) Though the brutal chills have me committing oaths never to visit home in the winter ever again, moments of reflection calm me down into one blob of a feeling, that is, grateful. This gem of a place I call home, the indefinable relationships, and the every day sights of little succulents planted next to my coffee — all these things deposit in me fresh inspiration and gratitude.  Chicago, depressing weather and all, I love you. Happy Holidays. 

1. Arthur and California + Soy Latte

2. Plant + Garage

3. Nice Interior + Buzz Killer Espresso, Wicker Park

4. Charlie + DIY Christmas cards

5. Wicker Park spaces + Helen Kim

6. Selfie + Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

HAPPY DAYS

 It's as they say — our 20's is the time for ceaseless self-discovery. And in these times of sheer joy, or, "The return," more commonly known as my homecoming to Chicago, I take a moment to recognize that I am absolutely head over heels for capturing moments. Editing photos, being in inspiring spaces, and then of course bragging (and I am so convinced I have fair bragging rights) just how exceptionally awesome (and good looking) the people in my life are makes me so, so happy. I really should structuralize all my blog output. How? Oh boy. But for now, I will sleep with a smug smile.

NEW YORK CITY . 2

Here's another set of photos from NYC. If I were to summarize my trip outside of "total jaw-dropping inspiration," the last photo packages it pretty well — "Figure out what you want. Say it loud. Then SHUT UP." Precisely. New York City kept it real, no doubt. Its resounding authenticity forced me to face the unknown, figure it out, and go for the grabs. Infamous for its grind, NYC definitely allotted space for self-reflection, but no pity parties. Zip. And that my friends, leads me to say that I am certainly allured, curious enough, and pretty sure I'll be back next year for something special — insert teenage squeal. Until then, lets dream on.

1. Toby's Estate, Brooklyn

2. Soho, Manhattan

3. Harlem Apartment

4. Two Hands

5. Stumptown Coffee

6. Roberta's Pizza