Nutcracker Sweets.

Though this is our "off" year for our biennial trip to The Nutcracker, when 2 of my bestest friends asked if I wanted to join them this year, I clearly said yes.  Our ballet date is tonight, and it couldn't have come at a better time.  This has been a rough week for yours truly, with worry and lack of sleep dominating the proceedings, and getting lost in the Kingdom of Sweets is exactly what I need.  

Racked has an awesome collection of photographs from the costume department of the NYC Ballet.  A few of my favorites are below, but be sure to check them all out here.

Have a merry weekend.

xo. di.

*images by Driely S. for Racked, via Racked 

In the Park.

This part of the park was just calling my name last Saturday evening.  I wandered, I sat and read, and I photographed, as the sun began to set.  It was beautiful.    

xo. di.

*images property of Diane Crary

windy city wine.

as i mentioned in monday's post, i spent saturday afternoon & evening at the windy city wine festival in grant park with a group of fabulous girlfriends.  it was one of those picture-perfect chicago september days where you can't believe you ever question leaving this city (which usually happens around january/february of each year!).  i've lived here for six years and never knew this festival, situated around buckingham fountain, even existed until last friday (whoops!).  

if you go next fall, i recommend arriving in the afternoon or early evening - as the day went on the festival got more and more crowded, which turned into longer and longer lines for the tastings.  when we first got there, you could walk right up to almost every stand, which is just way more fun!

xo. di.

*images belong to diane crary

spring bloom.

on one of our 80 degree days last week (!), i took an evening stroll through the neighborhood streets of lincoln park, camera in tow.  i could not believe how much was already in bloom.  i mean, does the earth even know it's march in chicago?!

xo. di.

*images by diane crary

christmas in the city redux.

popping in again today to bring you a few fun things to squeeze in if you happen to be in chicago this holiday season.  take a peek at last year's christmas in the city post for details on these festive spots.

lincoln park zoo lights

macy's on state street windows + walnut room

christkindlmarket

enjoy!

xo. di.

*images by me

the land of oz.

i can't believe it has taken me this long to share with you one of my favorite little spots in all of chicago: oz park in lincoln park.  so here i am to rectify that situation.  the park was named for the wonderful wizard offrank l. baum, who had settled in chicago in 1891.  every time i pass the area it makes me smile.

 

“i am convinced that the only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones.  

for the common folks are like the leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed.”

- l. frank baum, the land of oz

xo. di.

*images by me