So, here’s something: my very first job was that of a singing, dancing, server at the kitschy 50′s throwback burger joint Johnny Rockets.

Yep. At the tender age of 15 I learned the art of crooning into a ketchup bottle to none other than Frank Sinatra’s “My Kind of Town: Chicago.” while slinging hamburgers and milkshakes…

“Each time I roammmm Chicago is…calling me home.”

Not me. These people actually look cooler than I did... if you can believe it.

Here’s something else: I am totally enamored with the musical Chicago. I love the movie and the Broadway musical equally and for different reasons. (We can chat about it if you really want to. And I pretty much always do want to chat about it. Open invitation.)

As a theatre major in college, I did one of my big senior projects on comparisons between the two and I happen to know every last bit of the original Fosse choreography to “All That Jazz.”

I will perform this at a cocktail party if you are not careful.

I also love deep dish pizza, jazz, and um….OPRAH.

Yeah, girl!

And I don’t know if I have ever laughed as hard as when I saw Triumph and Jack McBrayer at the Wiener’s Circle on Conan. If you haven’t had the pleasure, please view it here:

Long story short: I’m clearly obsessed with Chicago.   And yet? I HAVE NEVER REALLY BEEN THERE.

I mean, once. For work. And we spent all day in conference rooms until evening where we shared a beer at a Houlihan’s or something. Which clearly doesn’t count.

UNTIL NOW. Tomorrow – the great city of Chicago will reunite the CoBros…and newly minted CoSister as G and I are going to visit THIS GUY:

I can’t wait.

See ya tomorrow, Windy City. I don’t care how cold you are – I am ready to get down ScoCo style.

xx, L

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It’s no secret that I’m totally, completely, head-over-heels in love with the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.  I gushed about it HERE and again in major detail right HERE.  And since then my affection for it has only grown stronger and stronger…

Kevin and I spent V-Day/Prez Day weekend at the RC Lodge.  It was the first time I’d been there when it was too cold to use the outdoor pool and hot tub, but it certainly didn’t stop us from having an amazing time.  There is SO much to do there even in the winter!

hi! i love you!

Here’s a peek at our chilly weekend…

All aboard the Linger Longer Express!

We walked around the gorgeous property and played a little Horse on the outside basketball court.  (I did not win, but there’s always a next time!  Watch out, babe…)

We took advantage of the swings.

We sipped on wine and watched folks ice skate.  (Drinking + skating was not in the cards for me this trip, but it was really fun to watch other people.)  #totalclutz

We relaxed at the indoor pool and hot tub.

We made friends with Dooley, the resident RC Lodge lab.  Hi buddy!

We whipped up some serious s’mores.

We had a delicious dinner at Linger Longer Steakhouse, which we both agree is home to the best steak in Georgia.  And you can quote me.

We chilled on our balcony overlooking Lake Oconee.

And we didn’t want to leave.  I mean, really, why can’t I just live there?!  It’s only 75 miles from Atlanta – I could commute!  #whowantstogivemeahelicopter

I’m never more relaxed than I am at the RC Lodge.  I highly, highly recommend visiting!  There’s something awesome to do there any time of the year, so don’t let the winter weather deter you.  It’s truly lakeside paradise!

xx, L

Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
1 Lake Oconee Trail
Greensboro, Georgia  30642
706.467.7196

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Hello, everyone!  It’s me!  It’s me!  I’ve returned from my two month hiatus!

THANK YOU for allowing me that precious time for a little blog cleanse.  After over three years of almost constant blogging, I’ll be the first to admit that you can get burnt out when you overdose on things that you love so much (gelato, pizza, yoga, Real Housewives of any city, blogging), so I truly appreciate your patience with me.  The good news is that I’m officially back now and ready to fill you in on lots of exciting things going on in Atlanta!  Starting tomorrow, I’m back to the grind.  Today, I wanted to update you on what I’ve been up to over the past two months.

Kevin and I tied the knot in Atlanta!  It was an unforgettable weekend for us.

(Muscles brought to you by the amazing pilates reformer guru, Meredith Bass!)

We took an awesome trip to Arizona!  Here we are in Sedona…

At the South Rim of the Grand Canyon…

And relaxing at the Ritz-Carlton Resort at Dove Mountain.

We spent Thanksgiving in Jacksonville where we came in second place in a highly competitive family holiday cookie competition with these bad boys.  Brown Butter Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies.  (We were robbed, I tell ya!)

We traveled to beautiful Montego Bay, Jamaica for Rosh’s wedding.

Then to Delray, Florida for our friend Jesse’s wedding.

And we celebrated the New Year in sunny Jacksonville Beach!

In between all of our traveling, we found time to eat.  A lot.

Drink.  A lot.

Relax.  A lot.

Experiment in the kitchen.  (Here’s the no-brainer peppermint bark recipe we used.)

Feed ducks.

Ride horses.

Drive boats.

Get together with good buddies.

Play with nail polish.

Hug some babies.

Get some dental work done.  (Sidenote: I really wanted this to be our holiday card, but I was vetoed.)

Watch an entire two seasons of Homeland.  Totally obsessed – more on that later…

And meet Charles Barkley!

Needless to say, it’s been a very busy past two months.  I’m rejuvenated now, and it feels so great to be back! 

Here’s to the Q+DD!  Here’s to 2013!  It’s totally gonna be a great one!

xx, L

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This time next week, I’ll be poolside at The Cosmopolitan Hotel Las Vegas!!

It’s all I can think about.

THIS…

And this…

And this…

And this…

And this…

And – I’m not gonna lie - there may be some of this action, too…

One week!!  Peace out Atlanta ———-> VIVA LAS VEGAS!! 

xx, L

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So sorry I have been MIA.  Things are getting crazy in my life.  But I have LOTS to tell you ASAP.  From eyelash extensions to trunks full of glorious men’s clothes to some new gift ideas – I promise it’s alllll coming.

But right now, I’m getting ready to leave town for the 3rd weekend in as many weeks…  They’ve all been amazing, but this weekend, I can’t help but think of last Labor Day when the best guy I’ve ever met asked me to marry him!  

I didn’t know how he’d top it… and truth be told – I don’t think he can.  BUT:  spending Labor Day at the Greenbrier does not exactly suck and that’s what we shall be doing!

Yes.

My bag is packed to the brim with all my preppiest stuff.  Including my new Tory bag (!!!)

and my new coral lipstick/gloss combo

So, I’m basically all ready for afternoon tea.  Pinky finger up and all.  

Muffy – I’m coming for you! 

xx, L

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