From Chicago to the Amalfi Coast and All Adventures In Between!

     3 years ago we made our first trip to Italy - thank you again Jim and Susan for helping us arrange one of my most favorite trips!  This year as we sat down to think about where we wanted to go and who should be making the trek abroad.. we decided on Italy and this time the Amalfi Coast would be our destination!
     So, here we are - 14 of us in a 7 bedroom/7 bath villa near the town of Nerano - 127 steps from the water.  It's been quite the excursion to get here - planes, trains and automobiles! I left Chicago and got on the train to O'Hare - while checking in and heading to security I was notified that my flight out of the USA was cancelled and at that point I knew the fun was about to begin.  After numerous attempts United got me on a flight through Munich and eventually in Rome.  Arriving at the Rome airport around 3pm, I grabbed my luggage and was ready to join the crew - next up, load 2 vans and start the drive. Here we go.

Yes, this is what I'm taking and eventually it will be somewhat packed and organized. It's going to be a sundress kind of trip.

I'm prepared - you name it I'm ready - all the products we need for 9 days in Italy.

Here's the train part... the adventure begins!

We stopped for dinner - these are the beach houses, loved the colors against the blue water. 

What a view! Sat down for dinner outside Nerano - not sure if it's due to the long day of travel or our  "hangry mode"...but it was the best pasta I've had.

A little house wine - why, yes I will! We may have gone through 8 bottles at dinner.. maybe?

Darin ordered a large beer - quiet delicious and hit the spot. 

This was my dinner - homemade pasta (I will attempt when I get back to Chicago) with shrimp and mushrooms in a white cream sauce. 

Limoncello! Perfecto - best way to end the meal and toast to our wonderful friendships and being in the Amalfi Coast.

Nothing needs to be said here - this is AMAZING!!! 

Our drivers pulled over to show us how beautiful the Amalfi Coast is.. this was after 28 hours of travel. 

And another... 

Took this picture from our villa - we have a beach and little restaurant with the best caprese panini. 

Peroni anyone? 

After hours in the sun we took a small walk to grab an American and Prosecco.... this life doesn't get old.  

First view in our villa - tomorrow I will post more. We didn't arrive until 10pm last night so the photos were limited. 

The tile in a bedroom - just find it devine!

So, life in the Amalfi is going to be good - thanks for  following my adventure throughout the Amalfi Coast, Isle of Capri and can't wait to get Positano and look for ceramics.  xo

La Vie en Rose

     Since I can remember my parents have made a big deal about birthdays! When we were kids this translated to "birthday week" - we could pick our favorite foods to eat, watch TV at dinner vs the news and my mom at some point would make pancakes for breakfast to spell out our names.  As an adult some of this has changed - we have jobs, no pancakes to spell out K-R-I-S-T-I-N, I watch TV when I want but no matter where I am I still celebrate my birthday week!
     This year my birthday fell on a Tuesday - and I had fabulous plans with Sheri, Liz and Mike! We went to my favorite restaurant in Denver - A Cote/Z Cuisine!!! It's the best French Bistro I've been to.  It's located in the Highlands neighborhood in Denver and the ambiance is perfect.
    I love their La Vie en Rose cocktail - grapefruit and Grey Goose vodka granite with a splash of Rose Champagne.  It's light, fresh and so delicious.
    For my dinner, no question, always go with the Tartine gratinee Facon Madame.  It's a slice of artisan bread layered with Long's Farm local ham, bechamel sauce blanch - imported Emmethal, Raclette and Vacherin cheeses baked for 20 minutes and served with a gently fried egg on top and a petite salade vinaigrette on the side.  The flavors work so well together, the cheese sauce with salade, if only they were open on a Sunday - I'd head there for dinner tonight.
   It was the perfect birthday - a lot of laughs, fabulous cocktails and spending time with my dear friends!

My sent me my favorite flowers - Gerbera Daisies! 

La Vie en Rose

Tartine gratinee Facon Madame

Liz, Mike, Sheri and I!  (Kent was at a work event) but these 4 have made living in Denver beyond fun!!

Birthday week in Denver was terrific! Friends, laughter and La Vie en Rose! xo

Hey Michigan Ave...I've missed you!

     When I moved to Chicago in 2005 I knew I wanted to be in the South Loop - it was the up and coming area and I liked being close to the lake and having Michigan Ave right there!  It took me quite a while to find the right place for me - a lot of the new construction was too "cookie cutter", no personality and I needed something that screamed KRISTIN! when I walked through the front door.. so after months and months of walk-thrus, drive-bys and dragging my realtor around - I found it!
     I will never forget that Friday night that my realtor called and said this condo just came open today, we're listing it and we need to go NOW... and so we did! This is it I told her as I walked around, it was located in an old building that had been renovated and the original owner was a carpenter and built an upstairs and a ladder into the wall to get up there... she designed the back splash and added the side by side washer and dryer with extra storage.
     The unit is on the top floor of a 6 story building and sits on Michigan Ave - I walked onto balcony (wrap around I might add) and there was lake view... I had to hold down my excitement as there were a few other people walking around and checking it out too.  I def would need to update the paint, change up some colors and eventually change out the appliances but I knew this was the place for me!  We wrote up the offer, it was accepted and I moved in 1 month later.
     I love the space, the view, my neighbors and am so excited to be back home!

The entry way... I hired a designer to come in and paint this area, the ceilings and my bedroom and bath.   This room gets western sun in the afternoon and when I picked this blue mixed with the sunshine makes the room so happy! 

My bedroom - this was taken from the loft upstairs - it wraps around and has a door to close off the room and upstairs loft.  I had it painted with Ralph Lauren suede paint - 2 walls are a grey tone, 1 is chocolate brown and the brick wall - it's a true urban city feel.

Better view of living room from the upstairs - I like to keep things simple - I had the couch made to fit the size of my loft and kept it neutral.  The TV is in the armoire so I can close the doors if not watching.
I will changing out the marble around the fireplace this year. 

This is the ladder that was built into the wall to get upstairs... it's unique and again gives it a true city feel.  

Kitchen and dining room space. I'm changing out the white appliances this year  and  giving the granite counters a refresh.

Better view of the upstairs loft area.... the window is an old door and has a hinge to open and widen the space.  Used the same door on the left to close off the upstairs loft/bedroom.  The upstairs is my favorite space - I have my desk, yoga area and a comfy couch. 

Another view of the blue wall...this was my move out day.

Better view of brick, dining room and balcony door. 

Here's my building - I like being in a 6 story vs a high rise... my condo is the top balcony.

Painted the floor with a diamond design - another view of the window that opens to my bedroom.

This should be called the "before" photo as this kitchen is about to change.

Well, that's a quick peak into my Chicago condo. I'm counting down the days to be home and  June 1 is the perfect time as there is nothing better than a Chicago Summer! Come visit! xo

Sweet Chicago...I'm coming home!

I took this photo of the Chicago skyline in 1997 when living in Chicago was simply a dream!

     It's been awhile since I've posted...just a few things going on in my life but as they say, When Life Hands You Lemons...travel, see your family, visit new places, lose a job and get a better one!! As of Feb 1 I was unemployed and for people that know me that meant very little - I was interviewing, networking and making some big decisions about life!
     As of March 4 I'm excited to tell the world I'm employed and moving back to Chicago.  I bought a condo there in March 2007 and I've been renting it for the past 2 1/2 years while I've been in Denver... we'll leave my condo for another post...but as sad as I am to leave Colorado and all it's sunshine, mountains and friends - I get to move back to Chicago and move into my own condo.
     My new company flew me to Chicago last weekend for some meetings and put me up at The Trump  - it was the perfect way to soak up the energy of the city, get a morning run in and be grateful that I'm  coming back to my family and friends.

The view and architecture of the city never gets old! This is the Wrigley Building and a peak of the river (it will be green as of next Saturday for St Patrick's Day)

My morning run - when I lived in Chicago my friend Dawn at I would meet at 4:45am to get a few miles in - I took this at 5:45am but still that same feeling - nothing beats the energy of Chicago!!

Who doesn't love a pair of slippers - waiting for me upon check in - it's the added touches that make this hotel so fabulous!

I should have lightened this as the darkness doesn't do it justice - the rooms are soothing and you feel relaxed just being in one... turn down service at night, Nespresso maker in the room and who doesn't love a TV in the bathroom mirror?

We had a long day and ended up at Smith & Wollensky for dinner - I chose the tuna, always rare with a wine reduction

My new friend/co-worker, Tina, ordered oysters for the table - she's an East Coaster so she asked if she could prepare for me... delicious!

What better to wash down our amazing dinner - an UNoaked Chardonnay.

Our 2nd day we had 45 min to grab lunch so we decided on Sixteen, the exquisite restaurant on the Sixteen Floor of the Trump - wow! Too much money for too little food... I understand this would be a treat for people - the view is spectacular but when you need a quick lunch, no good.
This was the amuse Bouche... cucumber gelatin with sliced scallion and caviar.

Smoked potato leak and truffle soup - delicious and I appreciated the presentation.

Lobster potato gnocchi with winter citrus - the flavors worked well together, the only problem I needed about 3 more cups of it. :)

Portillo's... this is truly all I wanted while visiting Chicago! My favorite Italian Beef Sandwich with sweet peppers - there is nothing like it! I didn't get the chocolate cake but highly recommend to anyone in Chicago - you have to try a piece to understand how moist and chocolaty it is!

Well, that was literally a taste of my trip back to Chicago... there will be many more posts to come - there are so many terrific restaurants, neighborhoods and people in this city - can't wait to be back!  Life is an adventure, my seat belt is strapped and I'm ready for the ride! xo

When Life Hands You Lemons...

     My friend Alex sent me a card awhile ago and on the front it was a little girl and said "When life hands you lemons" and you open the card and the girl had put them in her bra! It made me laugh so hard - considering my surgery last month it really had me laughing!  In my last post I mentioned how important friends and family are - it continues!
     Last Thursday I ran out to my office and met with my boss to find out my job is being eliminated on Feb 1.  I love my job, the people, being in Denver, working from home and traveling on Southwest quite a few times a month!  One of the biggest things I learned from this company is how important life/work balance is!! As I start to put my resume together, network and think about the future I took a few minutes to look at pictures and show myself what makes my life the very best - it's the people in it that make each day special and continue to tell me something better is around the corner.
     Here are a few of my favorites!

My mom gave me this card at Christmas - put a smile on my face right away - love the red boots, the sass and spunk that goes with the image! 

Chicago!!!! There is an energy around this city that compares to no other! I do miss my condo there!!!  Apply for jobs there and keeping my options open.

Wendy, Darin and I at the Phoenix Open last year! Sun, fun and hanging out with 2 of my favorite people!!

A few of my Christmas gifts! The Cannes poster with Marilyn was something I wanted from the time we landed in France last May, The Sunshine Family was something I played with as a kid, One Good Deed a Day (need to keep that up) and a frame my mom made me from my Pinterest boards!!

Sisters weekend in Phoenix - Eat, Drink, Shop...repeat!

Oh! How I love Southwest Airlines - they've been so good to me! 

This was a fav day - Red Rocks! Jacqui! New car! Morrison Inn!

This is my Nonnie with Wendy and I.  I loved her so much! She taught us to be strong, positive and independent women! She is missed everyday!!!  

My mom!! The most selfless person I know! She gives her heart 100% and is always there to listen and let me be me! Love her to the moon and back!!

Barcelona! Darin, Jason, Mike and I. Good eats and laughs!!

Melissa, where would I be without you? So glad we've stayed friends after I moved from Chicago - you keep me positive!

And those cameras! The cameraman were good to me - let's see what this weekend brings!?

The Packers will always be #1 to me! Family time at the game - a Christmas tradition!!  Thanks Glen!

Stacy and I - from college to now and forward - always a good time to be had!!!!  We'll be back this weekend for the playoff game! Let's go Broncos!

My 40th and our trip to Italy! Wine, wine and more wine! Jenn, Katie, Becky and I.

Sabri and I at the Bronco - Bears game in Denver! So much fun having her visit for a weekend!!! Come back Sabri!

Oh Sheri! You keep me laughing! Love you girl! So lucky to have Sheri and Kent in Golden!

Jeff, Kateri and I in Breck! Great night - catching up before Jeff rode the Triple Bypass and the ladies got their nails done!

Jen, Jim and I in Chicago - Jen's been a staple in our lives! Always fun to see them and catch up over her cookies and taco dip.

Another version of sisters weekend - Lisa, Louise, Beth, Kateri, Wendy, Kristin & Karen! The laughs we had - thanks again Kateri for that incredible trip to Maryland!!

For some reason Kim and I are inside more than we're on the slopes - Not sure where I would be without all of the Andersen's!  Lizi, Kim and I at Keystone! 

and here's little Megan! Junior Olympics in Steamboat.... 

Osmundson-Walker Clan! Denise, Darin, Wendy and Jimmy at Breck Golf.  Love having Jimmy and Denise in Breck!!

It's all about the outfit! Something I put together in Cabo!

Katie and I in Cabo - best friend week! We laughed, laughed and drank!!  Def need to go back soon!

Monte Carlo - this picture tells you without words how beautiful of a trip this was! Jenn, Kristin, Wendy and Kateri.

Jenn and I in Cannes! We missed the film festival by a few days.

There is a pic of Kim and I skiing...or rather skinning at this time! Amazing workout!!

Liz, Mike and I - the 3 muskateers! From the moment I decided to move to Denver they welcomed me with open arms (well, maybe not Mike since he's not a hugger!) 

Costa Rica - Melissa was one of the 11 women we met on this trip. We'd laugh for hours in the ocean, splashing around and sharing our dating drama! 

My sister Wendy! She's the world to me and my best friend! She opens always there and laughing with me and sometimes at me! :)  

France! What a trip!!

Friday night Happy Hours! What else would we have done this summer?? Thanks Jacqui for always opening your home to me for a fabulous night and our walks the next day!

Stacy and I.  Thank you University of Wyoming for introducing us to each other - and letting me share your house in Laramie!

Melissa, Sabri and I in Nashville.... up to NO good! This sh$t just got real!!

Lora - always a phone call away! Dinner out in Denver during out girls weekend. Tried to pack as much into 2 days as we could!!

Megan!!!! Love this pic and her! Copper Mountain! Who knew a 13 year old could teach you so much about life!!!

This picture was from my sister's wedding but I have it in my family room and look at it daily! I love each of them so much!!! Wendy, Mom, Dad, Boyd, Kris, Colleen and Paul! So many laughs, hugs and lots of love!!!

I hope you enjoyed looking at these as much as I did!  Life may be giving me some lemons right now but I'm going to do my best to keep my head up, send my resume out and make some lemonade!  xo