Chicago: lattes, friends, photos

I was thrilled that Anni, a not-so-fledgling photographer, agreed to take some photos for me last week in Chicago.

Many of you have already seen these shots, because Anni was SO quick at getting them posted! (there are a few new ones in this post!)

I'd been dying try a latte at Intelligentsia, so we met up again on Friday morning (late morning, thanks for your patience, Anni!)

Its sort of awkward to get your photo taken alone. It wasn't that busy, but I felt a little self-conscious every time someone walked by, or slowed down to see what was going on. Anni made me feel really comfortable, and was super encouraging (she kept saying how much she loved the shots she was getting!)

I wanted a headshot for this blog, so I thought it would be fun to get some shots with latte art in a coffee shop. (and p.s. I love lattes, but I've not had anything like Intelligentsia. YUM)

Anni had already scoped out the neighborhood and found some other great spots too.

I'm amazed at what she accomplished in just over an hour. We had a lot of fun (despite the cold wind!)

There are so many shots I love, but now I have to decide which one to use in my bio.

I hope you can help me choose! I've embedded a poll in this post so you can vote for your favorite.

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Thanks again, Anni for a wonderful morning, and some great photos!

obvs, all photos by Anni Cee Photographie

Chicago, the work bit

The reason I was in Chicago last week was to attend/work a large Christian conference being held at McCormick Place, The Gospel Coalition. E came along because he was really interested in the conference (he is a seminary student after all), and was able to help me.

[We really enjoyed being in Chicago with the almost 6,000 other attendees and really benefited from the sessions. If you're at all interested, I would highly recommend listening to the talks by Tim Keller, Matt Chandler, Conrad Mbewe, Mike Bullmore & Don Carson.]

The days were really long, 12 to 14 hours, and we chose to stay at the historic Palmer House Hilton in the Loop instead of at the conference hotel, so we had a commute as well.

But even after getting out at 9-10pm each night we couldn't just head to bed! (and staying at the Palmer House was worth it)

I tried my first bubble tea (coconut) at Argo when I stopped in for a quick bite. It took a minute to get used to, but I loved it!

The second night we weren't feeling adventurous enough to try something new, so we stopped in at Bennigans on Michigan avenue. I was craving their monte cristo sandwich and it did not disappoint.

essentially, a fried dough deli sandwich sprinkled in powdered sugar & dipped into raspberry jam. ( did not eat it all (though I wish I could have!)

We spent time with friends eating at Lou Malnati's (after which E proclaimed he actually liked Chicago-style deep dish--a miracle!).

source

And met up with our friend Gino for drinks in Old Town.

I've never spent this much time in the city, because I lived far enough into the burbs that we only came up for special occasions, but E and I were surprised to discover we really enjoyed the urban environment after spending a few days 'working' and 'living' there. There are a lot of facets to city life, but being there together made it seem somewhat different than last time I was in Chicago.

I was still happy to come home to my 75 and sunny home with views and mountains (it had just started to snow when we took off!), but we wouldn't rule out a city when it comes to our next place to live.

Chicago Blog Friend Meetup

I had such a great time last week in Chicago. (Traveling for work is a lot more fun with E along)

We arrived on Monday and I sent E off to get a hair cut in the 'burbs, while I went to meet up with Jenna and Anni. When we left after a couple hours, I felt like we could have easily sat and chatted for two more! I love meeting up with internet friends.

We met at Carnivale in the West Loop.

The food was delicious, and the restaurant colorful and vibrant.

Guacamole & chips + Ropas Viejas (sauce was YUM)

I've been following Jenna for almost three years! So happy we finally got to meet.

Her birthday was just a few days away so we celebrated with a free dessert.

(and splurged a little on #TWLC)

The three of us

I had such a great time going out with these ladies!