Happy Birthday Jane! You sure know how to write a great birthday post. I felt like I was right there with you guys. Tasting those delicious appetizers, the four o'clock tea at Drake Hotel, the eggs benedict and all the shopping....HOW fun.(I love getting high quality kitchen pots) it looks like a wonderful birthday, I hope you felt special because you sure are! hugs, Leslie ps Love that first photo. A slice of real home life.
You, my sweet dear, had a truly perfect birthday- WOW! What a fun time and you did everything I would think perfect for me as well.....even did your proper afternoon tea...you know how much I love that!
So glad you enjoyed yourselves.
I looked up our weather today online and all they were showing were pics of Chicago lol - what a MESS, huh?
But, well, I love winter, so if it is going to be winter it should be snowing.
Our full moon in its cloudless sky is breathtaking tonight - def gets colder when there's no clouds.
Happy Birthday again, dear! So delighted with this post--your home pic beginning and ending, and all the wonder of downtown Chicago in between. (I believe I'd have carried my favorite sodas in my suitcase!) :) Strike that. I'm sure I would!
You have a truly fabulous life, darlin', even though it's "real life." :) It speaks volumes that although a few lovely meals out and a wonderful night in a great hotel were lovingly enjoyed and embraced, your "most wanted gifts" were pots for your kitchen. Your heart truly belongs in your home---cooking, gardening, crafting, decorating, blogging (Yay!) and more, plus making your family (and us) feel the warmth. And with snowdrifts like that, too! I'll bet you've already got some stew or soup in mind for the stock pot. You're a very special person, Jane--with such varied qualities, but always warmth--never doubt it!
happy birthday to you, jane!! so glad the trip was great and you got home safely:) and the new g-baby is right around the corner--you must be so excited! who knew milo was so talented-haha!
Happy birthday to you! Sounds like a wonderful way to spend your birthday. Mine is at the end of the month and it's always a holiday since it is also Kuwait's Liberation Day and the day after National Day. :) Sending warm wishes your way. Stay safe! Tammy P.S. That Milo is too cute stretched out over two pieces of furniture and Layla is a little cutie.
Happy Birthday dear Jane! What a wonderful way to celebrate! That snow is SO pretty! The view from your car looks like a postcard:) Have a blessed and beautiful birthday dear friend, HUGS! Today would be a great day for a baby:)
H a p p y B i r t h d a y, Jane! Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers every day! The baby! The blizzard!
What a perfect birthday get a way!
The original Sur la Table opened in the Pike Place Market just one year after the original Starbucks opened there in 1971. Since then, both places have been an addiction for me! I know what you mean about the crocks filled with gadgets...the $$$$ add up quick!
I can't get my mind off of that first image of the balancing Milo! What a character!
Happy Birthday TODAY dear friend!... your birthday weekend getaway sounds wonderful!... and lunch at Ralph Laurens!!!... you know I love everything that guy does!... and Sur La Table, one of my favs too!... and you are right about the little "gadgets" in the crocks... no dollar store here that's for sure!... I do have fun browsing though, and buying an occasional spatula or something... your snowstorm really hit hard, and I must admit, although I don't like winter, it looks pretty... I'm with Layla... stay inside and look out!... your photo of your own "secret service man" is too cute!... have a wonderful day, xoxo... Jule Marie
Good Morning, A belated Happy Birthday and so glad that you had such an enjoyable one. I am glad I didn't get as much snow as you did. We are to get more tomorrow. I hope that they are wrong. I enjoyed seeing your pictures. I like looking at tall buildings outside, but not looking out from the top. I am afraid of heights. Have a wonderful day. Stay warm and safe. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend Shirley
Jane I enjoyed your photo stroll through Saturday's Birthday celebration. So tomorrow is your BD, I have a friend that celebrates his entire Birthday month! I agree I also prefer Sur la Table. A sauce pan and a stock pot :-)
I enjoy a high tea around Christmas time. In Philadelphia at the Rittenhouse in the Mary Cassett tea room. I once enjoyed tea in New York City at the Plaza when it used to be a gorgeous hotel. Quite a fun very highbrow treat.
Thankfully you arrived back safe and sound in the snow to warm yourselves at home cuddled together recalling all of Saturday's memorable moments.
Thanks for sharing Blondie, Ralph Lauren's restaurant looks handsome inside. Oneday I hope to enjoy it. I love Chicago and have been planting weekend visiting seeds in John's head.
Happy, happy Birthday, and many more dear Jane! Thanks for sharing the details of your Chicago weekend - it all sounded wonderful. Bob knows the Drake well and told me how nice it is.
Wow, tons of snow by looks of it - send us a bit, we haven't had a flake yet this Winter.
How your eye appt. goes well and you celebrate your real 'birth day' in a fun way. Love from us both - Mary XX
Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your celebration weekend. You certainly did paint the town white! So many wonderful treats, the Afternoon Tea sounded particularly fabulous.
We find, as you seemed to do, that even a short break away can seem as if one has been on a long holiday. So much activity packed into a short time and all within a short drive of home. We should have loved this and you certainly sound as if you enjoyed yourselves enormously.
But, the snow drifts sound alarming. We have had a light dusting here, but that is all. Very unusual. Stay warm......put those cooking gifts to good use!
Happy Birthday! Your Chicago getaway is my favorite way to celebrate. Experiences to remember are even better than gifts that are forgotten, and your weekend sounds like such fun! You got about twice the snow that we did, still, after 12-14 inches it's all a pain. Pretty, but a pain. I don't know about you, but we are supposed to get more tomorrow! Only 44 days 'til Spring...:>)
I am soon jealous that you got to go to Ralph Lauren's restaurant! My mom sent me the pictures of the one that just opened in New York recently and I was pissed that we didn't live on that side of the country when it happened. Maybe he'll open one on this side? probably not, but I hope so. The food looked delicious and the decor.... so gorgeous.
What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday! Such fun. Thanks for sharing about your lunch, dinner, and tea time. Glad you had such a good time! I had no idea you received 22.5 inches of snow. Now that's excessive! It is lovely, though. Soon you will be a nana! Yay! xo, Beth
What a great Birthday gift and so much fun. What hotel did you stay at? It's been about 8 years since I was in Chicago and RL wasn't there yet. But I loved all the stores on Michigan Ave in the Miracle Mile - great restaurants. I love Rosebuds on Rush. I was so happy when Feline's came to Chicago and I love that store in Boston. Your lunch and tea time sounds like so much fun. Yes, pots and pans can get very expensive. Love the Alclad one but only have two when they were on special. I know you are getting excited about the baby. A little girl - how special. Can I have your address as I have a little gift I want to send to her. Be careful in the snow and stay nice and warm. Have a great week dear friend. Mary
That was a gorgeous post. Loved the shopping pics and LOVED the hubby shot as a secret service man! Woo hoo! My hub loves Sur La Table, we visit it regularly in StL. The food looked amazing. We have had so little snow, I miss it and your pictures helped. What a heavy looking wet snow! The Pepsi price was OUTRAGEOUS.
Happy birthday! It sounds like you had the perfect birthday weekend. I've always liked Ralph Lauren, too. His restaurant looks elegant and classy, just as one would expect. I love Sur La Table! Such a cool store with so much kitchen stuff to look at and drool over. What brand of saute pan did you end up getting? I have nice Cuisinart pots and pans but my favorite is my Le Creuset pan. Good thing I won it in a blog giveaway because I doubt if I could afford one! ;-) Hope your eye dr. appointment goes well. I go next week.
It sounds like you had a wonderful birthday, Jane! You certainly got a lot into one day! : ) Mmmm, your eggs benedict look delicious. I haven't had them in years. We used to go to brunch to a place that always offered them and that was my "go to" meal.
What a nice birthday you had. I love RL but have only been there once, when it first opened. We stayed at the Peninsula upstairs from RL. It was a work function because I'd never have been able to afford a $500 plus a night room. At least you had decent weather on Friday. Now we have to wait for the big thaw. Happy Belated Birthday!
What a perfect birthday celebration! It sounds like it was so much fun! You're totally making me hungry with all that food talk...devon-shire cream, lemon curd, etc. Yum! And that snow! I can't believe the height of the snowbanks! Yowza! Be careful and stay warm. Love the pic of Milo's balancing act. Lol!
You do more in one day than I do in a week, so either you're the energizer bunny or I'm very, very lazy :).
Love the places you visited Jane. Sur la table, Lauren's restaurant and the Drake hotel to listen to music. Sounds like a near perfect day to me (if you had gotten a massage that would have made it perfect) ;)
I look at all that snow and I'm so grateful we are down south now!
Hi Jane, Happy Birthday. I love going into Chicago to celebrate almost anything and It looks like your birthday week end was great. Great place to stay, great food and fun. Yep we are getting more snow as I type this. Just what we need a few more inches on top of the 19 from Saturday and Sunday. Ughhhhh I want summer!! Happy Birthday. Kris
February 3, 2015 at 7:52 PM
Anonymous said...
Happy Birthday from me, Jane, and I wish you a wonderful year ahead. It sounds like you are adding to the family which is the true meaning of joy. Someone new to love. I've had tea at the Drake and it is nice. What a good idea to make lunch the main meal of the day. I didn't know Ralph Lauren had restaurants so I am out of the loop. I haven't been to State Street since Marshall Field's went out of business. Next spring I'll check out Bloomingdales. Ginene
Happy belated birthday Jane. Wonderful pictures, I am so jealous of that snow, I love a true winter. Your birthday treats sound perfect, I'm glad you had a great time. xx Nancy
I was thinking about you every time the news mentioned your blizzard. So glad that you got to experience a wonderful birthday, get home safely, and have a great post for us about all of it !:)
Happy Be-lated Birthday, Jane! We almost shared a b-day -- mine was the 3rd, but I'm way older than you! We have never been to Chicago, but it is on our bucket list. It looks like you had a super-fun celebration.
I cannot imagine doing day-to-day things in all that snow! Wish I could send you a bit of our sunshine and warm temps!
Happy Birthday Jane! What a wonderful celebration. The room, appetizers, tea, breakfast and shopping. What more could a girl ask for!! Glad you had fun. Now I'm off to catch up on more of your posts!! Hugs, Jody
I LOVE Ralph Lauren's restaurant. I went in teh fall and sat outside...I'm thinking I need to go back SO I can enjoy the ambiance inside!!
March 1, 2015 at 11:02 AM
[Image]Snow days. Abby and Tom were off work today after our winter storm, all Chicago schools closed. The weather people were very cool...the warnings came on Friday with great hour by hour updates. By midday Saturday, we knew what to expect and when. I love this shot...Tom snoozing, Abby grading papers, and Milo managing to sleep on not one, but two pieces of furniture. A balancing act.
[Image]For my birthday celebration we headed downtown on Saturday morning at about 10:00 a.m. This is a picture of our room. I took it, it's not from the website. I love the pink plaid chair, kind of funky, and the headboard. The opposite side of the room held a dresser/cabinet with a big TV, and most importantly, the little mini fridge. You know, the one with the little bag of cashews for $12.00, and a bag of M&M's for $6.50. My must-have can of Diet Pepsi Sunday morning set us back $5.50. Grrrrr....
[Image]Off we went to lunch shortly after checking in. Look way up...this is the John Hancock building, 100 floors and 1,506 feet high. The Skybar on the top floor is absolutely a must if you visit the city.
[Image]I was so thrilled when Bloomingdales came to Chicago. I've been to New York just once, I was 19 years old. Going to Bloomingdales was a dream of mine and I distinctly remember only being able to afford a pair of knit winter gloves. Then one came to Chicago...yay! The store is so endearing to me!
[Image]This is where I planned for us to have lunch. It is right around the corner from our hotel close to all of the great shops on and near Michigan Avenue. And that is the place to be for anything and everything. I've always loved Ralph Lauren for his American style...classic, a bit preppy, but not pretentious. His restaurant didn't disappoint.
[Image]I absolutely loved the restaurant...gorgeous gilt framed portraits (of whom, I'm not sure, nor did our waiter), and various pieces of fine furniture, like this large cabinet and filled with old books and and antiques.
[Image]I had to sneak in an appetizer or else The Husband and I debate and hem and haw forever. He's not crazy about trying new foods or ways of preparing them. Thankfully, he really enjoyed this Beef Carpaccio with Lemon Oil, Capers and shaved Parmesan. So good. And that's arugula...I'm really becoming a fan of it.
[Image]The Husband had a spinach salad with a piece of seared salmon served atop. I had the Eggs Benedict, it was before noon and brunch items were available. We were both in heaven. Mimosas made everything extra special. :)
[Image]The Husband...my personal Secret Service Man. We went to Water Tower Place. For my birthday gift I simply wanted two things; a saute pan and a stock pot. Laugh, I know. I like to buy my pots and pans "al a carte". Off we went to Sur la Table.
[Image]This is a cooks paradise. Not as showy or commercial as Williams Sonoma, and I really do love that shop. But I was seriously looking for a great saute pan and I had a criteria that I won't bore you with. Yikes...the one I had my eye on was well over $200,00. Back to the drawing board. I finally found one within my budget and am totally thrilled with it. Also, a stock pot, as I brought my only one up to the lakehouse since I'm always making pasta and potato salad in huge quantities in the summer when we have guests. I also added a few wooden spoons and some cute red and pink sprinkles for Valentine's Day baking. And these were my wonderful birthday gifts from The Husband! And take note...those little crocks you see above are NOTHING like the dollar bins at Target, if you know what I mean!!!
[Image]Yes! We did four 'o clock tea at The Drake Hotel. I couldn't include all the pics but it was just a beautiful setting with flowers and pretty tables, silver and china. We were seated right next to a fountain with cherubs spewing water from their mouths (is there another way to put that elegantly?) We each had a different sort of tea (can't remember now), and a three tier stand was brought with small savory bites, and sweets such a macarons, biscuits and pastries. Lemon curd, Devon-shire cream and jam made everything perfect. We really loved every bit of our experience.
[Image]We had a little down time in our room, just resting and watching a little TV. I had a great bit of advice from Suzanne from Privet and Holly. She suggested if we did the tea, that we simply enjoy a bit of night life and get appetizers to nibble on rather than dinner. And this was our plan...hence, the super nice lunch at RL. At about 8:30 p.m.. we dressed a bit more formally and went downstairs to the bar area. It was alive with a good many friendly people. and with The Husbands dry but fun personality, conversation flowed with those around us. We had a few "small plates" as they are called; fried calamari and delicious chicken fajita egg rolls. Beautifully presented, too.
[Image]
All the while, I was looking out the windows at the snow falling. Okay...time for a walk, it was so beautiful. The Husband wasn't so keen but we agreed to walk across the street to The Drake Hotel (once again) and we spent an hour in Coq D' Or, listening to a wonderful singer reminiscent of Frank Sinatra. We loved it. :)
[Image]Of course we knew the forecast and the weather people were right on target. A lot of snow fell Saturday night...more so south of downtown where we live. A 25 minute drive took over an hour but The Husband drives so carefully and knows this route to and from work. This is our neighborhood after we got off the treacherous expressways. Pretty, but we had to be so careful.
[Image]I had to share some snow pictures...as if you haven't been "pictured out" already! That's my picnic table and the big old pot that held my four tomato plants last summer.
[Image]And my hedges around the patio. Snow sculptures. I think I see a few animals! And these will be here awhile as we are getting down to as low as 16 degrees this week. Total snowfall in inches in my area...22 1/2 inches. Ouch. The Husband used the snow blower to not only clear our driveway and sidewalks, but also a few elderly neighbors and some families not home. Even with the plows...many people have gotten stuck in snowbanks along our streets, including Abby just tonight. So much snow...piles reaching six feet high on each side of the street. I will get more pictures tomorrow. It's not going anywhere with the cold temps this week. Brrrrrr...
[Image]Finally, if all of you are not exhausted by my pictures...here is my Layla content in peering out the window at the people shoveling, snow blowing and chatting as neighbors do when they are drawn together in a common crisis. And the plows, which she is afraid of...so bark bark bark!!!
Thank you for all of your birthday wishes. Tomorrow is the actual day and I'm celebrating with a visit to the eye doctor. Still praying for the safe arrival of Kevin and Mary Clare's baby girl!
"A BIRTHDAY AND THE 2015 CHICAGO BLIZZARD"
52 Comments -
Happy Birthday Jane! You sure know how to write a great birthday post. I felt like I was right there with you guys. Tasting those delicious appetizers, the four o'clock tea at Drake Hotel, the eggs benedict and all the shopping....HOW fun.(I love getting high quality kitchen pots) it looks like a wonderful birthday, I hope you felt special because you sure are!
hugs,
Leslie
ps Love that first photo. A slice of real home life.
February 3, 2015 at 1:09 AM
You, my sweet dear, had a truly perfect birthday- WOW! What a fun time and you did everything I would think perfect for me as well.....even did your proper afternoon tea...you know how much I love that!
So glad you enjoyed yourselves.
I looked up our weather today online and all they were showing were pics of Chicago lol - what a MESS, huh?
But, well, I love winter, so if it is going to be winter it should be snowing.
Our full moon in its cloudless sky is breathtaking tonight - def gets colder when there's no clouds.
February 3, 2015 at 1:18 AM
Happy Birthday again, dear! So delighted with this post--your home pic beginning and ending, and all the wonder of downtown Chicago in between. (I believe I'd have carried my favorite sodas in my suitcase!) :) Strike that. I'm sure I would!
You have a truly fabulous life, darlin', even though it's "real life." :) It speaks volumes that although a few lovely meals out and a wonderful night in a great hotel were lovingly enjoyed and embraced, your "most wanted gifts" were pots for your kitchen. Your heart truly belongs in your home---cooking, gardening, crafting, decorating, blogging (Yay!) and more, plus making your family (and us) feel the warmth. And with snowdrifts like that, too! I'll bet you've already got some stew or soup in mind for the stock pot. You're a very special person, Jane--with such varied qualities, but always warmth--never doubt it!
February 3, 2015 at 4:48 AM
happy birthday to you, jane!! so glad the trip was great and you got home safely:) and the new g-baby is right around the corner--you must be so excited! who knew milo was so talented-haha!
February 3, 2015 at 5:05 AM
Happy Birthday!!!... what a great way to spend it.
We've got the same amount of snow... and my back feels it. Ugh. Off now to shovel more.
February 3, 2015 at 5:49 AM
Happy birthday to you! Sounds like a wonderful way to spend your birthday. Mine is at the end of the month and it's always a holiday since it is also Kuwait's Liberation Day and the day after National Day. :) Sending warm wishes your way. Stay safe! Tammy P.S. That Milo is too cute stretched out over two pieces of furniture and Layla is a little cutie.
February 3, 2015 at 7:27 AM
Happy Birthday dear Jane! What a wonderful way to celebrate! That snow is SO pretty! The view from your car looks like a postcard:) Have a blessed and beautiful birthday dear friend, HUGS! Today would be a great day for a baby:)
February 3, 2015 at 7:33 AM
What an amazing birthday you had! The food looks delicious!
February 3, 2015 at 7:48 AM
What a lovely birthday weekend! You went to all my favorite places so I lived vicariously through it. Lol.
February 3, 2015 at 7:52 AM
H a p p y B i r t h d a y, Jane!
Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers every day! The baby! The blizzard!
What a perfect birthday get a way!
The original Sur la Table opened in the Pike Place Market just one year after the original Starbucks opened there in 1971. Since then, both places have been an addiction for me! I know what you mean about the crocks filled with gadgets...the $$$$ add up quick!
I can't get my mind off of that first image of the balancing Milo! What a character!
On baby watch in the PacNWest!
~Lynne
w/L
February 3, 2015 at 8:05 AM
Your birthday weekend sounds like it was so much fun! I love the idea of just going shopping for something you really want, too.
Now that weather...I'll pass. :)
February 3, 2015 at 8:16 AM
It sounds like a wonderful weekend complete with beautiful snow!
February 3, 2015 at 8:18 AM
It sounds like the perfect birthday weekend! Happy Belated Birthday!
February 3, 2015 at 8:39 AM
Happy Birthday TODAY dear friend!... your birthday weekend getaway sounds wonderful!... and lunch at Ralph Laurens!!!... you know I love everything that guy does!... and Sur La Table, one of my favs too!... and you are right about the little "gadgets" in the crocks... no dollar store here that's for sure!... I do have fun browsing though, and buying an occasional spatula or something... your snowstorm really hit hard, and I must admit, although I don't like winter, it looks pretty... I'm with Layla... stay inside and look out!... your photo of your own "secret service man" is too cute!... have a wonderful day, xoxo... Jule Marie
February 3, 2015 at 8:42 AM
What a dreamy birthday get away...it sounds like it was just about perfect. I loved everything you shared...xoxoxo
February 3, 2015 at 9:07 AM
Good Morning, A belated Happy Birthday and so glad that you had such an enjoyable one. I am glad I didn't get as much snow as you did. We are to get more tomorrow. I hope that they are wrong. I enjoyed seeing your pictures. I like looking at tall buildings outside, but not looking out from the top. I am afraid of heights. Have a wonderful day. Stay warm and safe. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend Shirley
February 3, 2015 at 9:12 AM
Happiest of Birthdays Sweet Lady.. wishing you many many more in good health and joy.
Sonny
February 3, 2015 at 9:12 AM
Jane I enjoyed your photo stroll through Saturday's Birthday celebration. So tomorrow is your BD, I have a friend that celebrates his entire Birthday month! I agree I also prefer Sur la Table. A sauce pan and a stock pot :-)
I enjoy a high tea around Christmas time. In Philadelphia at the Rittenhouse in the Mary Cassett tea room. I once enjoyed tea in New York City at the Plaza when it used to be a gorgeous hotel. Quite a fun very highbrow treat.
Thankfully you arrived back safe and sound in the snow to warm yourselves at home cuddled together recalling all of Saturday's memorable moments.
Thanks for sharing Blondie, Ralph Lauren's restaurant looks handsome inside. Oneday I hope to enjoy it. I love Chicago and have been planting weekend visiting seeds in John's head.
Sending Birthday kisses your way.
xoxoxo,
Vera
February 3, 2015 at 9:29 AM
Happy, happy Birthday, and many more dear Jane!
Thanks for sharing the details of your Chicago weekend - it all sounded wonderful. Bob knows the Drake well and told me how nice it is.
Wow, tons of snow by looks of it - send us a bit, we haven't had a flake yet this Winter.
How your eye appt. goes well and you celebrate your real 'birth day' in a fun way.
Love from us both -
Mary XX
February 3, 2015 at 9:39 AM
Wow, that is a lot of snow! Glad you had a happy time of it. (He does look rather Secret Service)
Brenda
February 3, 2015 at 9:40 AM
Happy Birthday, Jane! Your weekend in the city sounds wonderful! And wow, you really got hit with a ton of snow! Hope you are staying warm & cozy:)
February 3, 2015 at 9:51 AM
It looks like you had a wonderful birthday, despite the snow.
February 3, 2015 at 9:54 AM
Hello Jane,
Happy Birthday.
Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your celebration weekend. You certainly did paint the town white!
So many wonderful treats, the Afternoon Tea sounded particularly fabulous.
We find, as you seemed to do, that even a short break away can seem as if one has been on a long holiday. So much activity packed into a short time and all within a short drive of home. We should have loved this and you certainly sound as if you enjoyed yourselves enormously.
But, the snow drifts sound alarming. We have had a light dusting here, but that is all. Very unusual. Stay warm......put those cooking gifts to good use!
February 3, 2015 at 10:01 AM
So glad you had such a wonderful time on your birthday, Jane. That is definitely a lot of snow. xo Laura
February 3, 2015 at 10:17 AM
Happy birthday! What a great celebration. Sounds heavenly. Stay safe and warm with all that snow!!
February 3, 2015 at 10:43 AM
Happy Birthday! Your Chicago getaway is my favorite way to celebrate. Experiences to remember are even better than gifts that are forgotten, and your weekend sounds like such fun! You got about twice the snow that we did, still, after 12-14 inches it's all a pain. Pretty, but a pain. I don't know about you, but we are supposed to get more tomorrow! Only 44 days 'til Spring...:>)
February 3, 2015 at 11:14 AM
Happy Birthday! It looked perfect :)
I am soon jealous that you got to go to Ralph Lauren's restaurant! My mom sent me the pictures of the one that just opened in New York recently and I was pissed that we didn't live on that side of the country when it happened. Maybe he'll open one on this side? probably not, but I hope so. The food looked delicious and the decor.... so gorgeous.
Layla reminds me so much of Bubba :)
xo
February 3, 2015 at 12:06 PM
What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday! Such fun. Thanks for sharing about your lunch, dinner, and tea time. Glad you had such a good time! I had no idea you received 22.5 inches of snow. Now that's excessive! It is lovely, though. Soon you will be a nana! Yay!
xo, Beth
February 3, 2015 at 1:14 PM
What a great Birthday gift and so much fun. What hotel did you stay at? It's been about 8 years since I was in Chicago and RL wasn't there yet. But I loved all the stores on Michigan Ave in the Miracle Mile - great restaurants. I love Rosebuds on Rush. I was so happy when Feline's came to Chicago and I love that store in Boston.
Your lunch and tea time sounds like so much fun.
Yes, pots and pans can get very expensive. Love the Alclad one but only have two when they were on special.
I know you are getting excited about the baby. A little girl - how special. Can I have your address as I have a little gift I want to send to her.
Be careful in the snow and stay nice and warm.
Have a great week dear friend.
Mary
February 3, 2015 at 2:13 PM
That was a gorgeous post. Loved the shopping pics and LOVED the hubby shot as a secret service man! Woo hoo! My hub loves Sur La Table, we visit it regularly in StL. The food looked amazing. We have had so little snow, I miss it and your pictures helped. What a heavy looking wet snow! The Pepsi price was OUTRAGEOUS.
Happy birthday!!
February 3, 2015 at 2:41 PM
Birthday wishes Jane. Wonderful warm post, great secret service shot, what fun shopping. Enjoy the fur babys, so sweet.Blessings Francine.
February 3, 2015 at 3:26 PM
Happy birthday! It sounds like you had the perfect birthday weekend. I've always liked Ralph Lauren, too. His restaurant looks elegant and classy, just as one would expect. I love Sur La Table! Such a cool store with so much kitchen stuff to look at and drool over. What brand of saute pan did you end up getting? I have nice Cuisinart pots and pans but my favorite is my Le Creuset pan. Good thing I won it in a blog giveaway because I doubt if I could afford one! ;-) Hope your eye dr. appointment goes well. I go next week.
February 3, 2015 at 3:33 PM
Your birthday sounds delicious in every way.
Did you know Suzanne of Privet and Holly is in this months Artful Blogging?
Fondly,
Glenda
February 3, 2015 at 3:52 PM
It sounds like you had a wonderful birthday, Jane! You certainly got a lot into one day! : ) Mmmm, your eggs benedict look delicious. I haven't had them in years. We used to go to brunch to a place that always offered them and that was my "go to" meal.
February 3, 2015 at 5:17 PM
Happy belated Birthday...it was wonderful!!!! You lucky devil...we got that much snow too, then another ten yesterday...ugh!...:)JP
February 3, 2015 at 6:33 PM
What a nice birthday you had. I love RL but have only been there once, when it first opened. We stayed at the Peninsula upstairs from RL. It was a work function because I'd never have been able to afford a $500 plus a night room. At least you had decent weather on Friday. Now we have to wait for the big thaw. Happy Belated Birthday!
February 3, 2015 at 6:53 PM
Hi Jane,
I will be contacting you as my tour guide the next time I visit Chicago. What a great time. :-))
A great post! Thank you and I am so glad you had a great Birthday!!
Carla
February 3, 2015 at 6:56 PM
What a perfect birthday celebration! It sounds like it was so much fun! You're totally making me hungry with all that food talk...devon-shire cream, lemon curd, etc. Yum! And that snow! I can't believe the height of the snowbanks! Yowza! Be careful and stay warm. Love the pic of Milo's balancing act. Lol!
February 3, 2015 at 7:03 PM
You do more in one day than I do in a week, so either you're the energizer bunny or I'm very, very lazy :).
Love the places you visited Jane. Sur la table, Lauren's restaurant and the Drake hotel to listen to music. Sounds like a near perfect day to me (if you had gotten a massage that would have made it perfect) ;)
I look at all that snow and I'm so grateful we are down south now!
February 3, 2015 at 7:48 PM
Hi Jane,
Happy Birthday. I love going into Chicago to celebrate almost anything and It looks like your birthday week end was great. Great place to stay, great food and fun. Yep we are getting more snow as I type this. Just what we need a few more inches on top of the 19 from Saturday and Sunday. Ughhhhh I want summer!!
Happy Birthday.
Kris
February 3, 2015 at 7:52 PM
Happy Birthday from me, Jane, and I wish you a wonderful year ahead. It sounds like you are adding to the family which is the true meaning of joy. Someone new to love. I've had tea at the Drake and it is nice. What a good idea to make lunch the main meal of the day. I didn't know Ralph Lauren had restaurants so I am out of the loop. I haven't been to State Street since Marshall Field's went out of business. Next spring I'll check out Bloomingdales.
Ginene
February 3, 2015 at 8:00 PM
Happy Birthday! Sounds like a wonderful weekend with hubby. Afternoon tea, it's been so long since I went to afternoon tea. A favorite thing to do.
We had the snow too! 2 feet plus and then another 16 inches yesterday. They call it a Winter pattern. I am snow fatigued.
February 3, 2015 at 10:01 PM
Happy belated birthday Jane. Wonderful pictures, I am so jealous of that snow, I love a true winter. Your birthday treats sound perfect, I'm glad you had a great time. xx Nancy
February 3, 2015 at 11:41 PM
What a super birthday treat, great food, great company & excellent prezzies.
How about spouting to replace spewing? Much more elegant as befits RL!
February 4, 2015 at 8:54 AM
Happy Belated Birthday!! It sounds like y'all had a fabulous time! The snow looks so gorgeous!
February 5, 2015 at 11:04 AM
I was thinking about you every time the news mentioned your blizzard. So glad that you got to experience a wonderful birthday, get home safely, and have a great post for us about all of it !:)
February 5, 2015 at 12:21 PM
Sounds like THE perfect birthday!!!!! I loved every sentence and every photo!!!
February 5, 2015 at 1:53 PM
Sounds like you had a wonderful birthday! I enjoyed your "tour" of Chicago.
February 5, 2015 at 9:49 PM
Sounds like your
"getaway" to DT
Chicago was the
perfect way and
place to celebrate
YOU, Jane!!!
Hope your next
365 day trip around
the sun is full of
much joy....
xo Suzanne
February 10, 2015 at 3:40 PM
Happy Be-lated Birthday, Jane! We almost shared a b-day -- mine was the 3rd, but I'm way older than you! We have never been to Chicago, but it is on our bucket list. It looks like you had a super-fun celebration.
I cannot imagine doing day-to-day things in all that snow! Wish I could send you a bit of our sunshine and warm temps!
February 12, 2015 at 7:14 AM
Happy Birthday Jane! What a wonderful celebration. The room, appetizers, tea, breakfast and shopping.
What more could a girl ask for!! Glad you had fun. Now I'm off to catch up on more of your posts!!
Hugs,
Jody
February 19, 2015 at 9:02 AM
I LOVE Ralph Lauren's restaurant. I went in teh fall and sat outside...I'm thinking I need to go back SO I can enjoy the ambiance inside!!
March 1, 2015 at 11:02 AM