Lincoln Park Farmer's Market

The other weekend, Michael and headed to the Lincoln Park Farmer's Market early one Saturday morning. I had read up on the best Farmer Market's in the city, and this one received great reviews. Lincoln Park has a beautiful little running/walking/biking path that we took to get there. It's covered by trees and we even rode by a driving range that I'm sure we'll be checking out before the summer comes to an end. 

It was a quick ride for us to get to the market on Armitage Ave & Orchard St. Coming from a farm family and farm community, I am always excited to get fresh veggies and fruits; and of course to give back to the "farmers." To my surprise they were serving crepes and fresh bread. This reminded me of Europe, and Michael or I couldn't have been more excited. Unfortunately we left feeling a little disappointed. Maybe I had too high of expectations after reading the raving reviews and from being a reoccurring customer at Los Angele's farmer's market at the Grove. If you've never been, LA's farmer's market is absolutely huge and wonderful. 

In the end, we came home with some amazing peaches and fresh bread for bruschetta. We plan to scope out other farmer's markets Chicago has to offer; so I'll be sure to share what we find!

Harley will be receiving this for his upcoming 21st birthday at the end of the month :)

Notice the bite out of the bread in my basket, Michael couldn't wait till we got home (haha)

Teen Choice Awards

My last day in California was spent at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards. I went with my close friends who are also 2 former Miss Arizona USAs and a former Miss Wyoming. We had a blast! It took place at Universal Studios, and I can't say I hated being in a room full of some of my favorite celebs. Below are some photos highlighting my experience.

Goodbye Cali...for now

My last days in Cali were very bitter....with very little sweet. Although I was anxious to get home and see my loved ones and my pup, I had really found my place in California. Not only was my job everything I had dreamed of (working in a highly creative ad agency, working with great people, working in entertainment and being challenged everyday) but I had a great group of girlfriends.

And let's be honest, the beach, constant 75 degree weather mixed in with sunshine wasn't anything to complain about. As Nebraskans, we love to talk about the weather; and well, the time I was in California, the weather was just about perfect. Did I mention that there was no humidity?!

Some photos below are from San Diego, when two of my best friends (Haley Herold and Geneice Wilcher, both former Miss Nebraskas) came for the weekend. 

Haley, Geneice and I in San Diego

I continued to work on my bucket list, which included: the Fashion District (with another Nebraska Native and friend),  Rodeo Drive, Laguna Beach (with my other best friend who came to Cali with her family for a summer vaca), lots of sushi and Sprinkles cupcakes,

Laguna

Farewell dinner with Miss USA and Cali friends

And perhaps one of the hardest goodbyes was at my summer job. I left Los Angeles Center Studies with good friends and loads of new experiences. 

 

Best,

BW

LA Summer...Take 2

Life as an intern.

Wow, so much happened in California this summer, I don’t know where to start! I had been to California a couple times prior, but I wanted to ensure I saw everything I could while I was there.

For the 4^th of July, we went to a Dodgers game and to Newport Beach: both a ton of fun! I spent a majority of my time working, but found time to squeeze in dinner dates and outings with my Miss USA friends and some Nebraska alums. 

Good friends and former Miss Arizona USA 2010 & 2009

One of my favorite weekends was spent in Malibu. Alicia Blanco, Miss AZ USA 2009, and I spent the entire day on the beach. If I ever live in Cali permanently, I will be one of those people who camp out on the beach all weekend. It’s simple; all you need is snacks, sunscreen, a towel and umbrella. After a hard week of work it’s pure bliss. 

Until next time,

B