24 Chicago, a summer city

Chicago is glorious in the summer time - the water turns a special shade of blue as if in competition with the sky and the shores of Lake Michigan are perfect for relaxing. The city is lovely to walk around; it's pretty by day and even prettier by night as the lights of the buildings glimmer on every reflective surface possible - the dome of the Bean, the river and even puddles.

We managed to fit in an architecture tour, plenty of eating at Taste of Chicago, some bike riding, restaurant hopping and more sleep than I had managed the entire week before. All in all, a perfect weekend away... similar to our lovely trip last year! 

From Chicago, with love xox

27 NOLA in colour

As much as photographing it in black and white seemed essential to convey the graciousness of the homes in the Garden District, NOLA is a city of vibrant colour. The French Quarter is redolent with history and brimming with life. The area is home to some beautiful architecture, designed and built in days long-gone; indulgent food that is big on taste (and bigger on calories) and inspiring art you can wander around looking at for hours.

As pretty as it is, the area does have a seedy underbelly, so be careful if you're walking there late at night especially around Bourbon St. The revellers are so busy revelling that you don't want to get in their way (unless you're planning on joining them).

From New York, with love xox

21 View from the top

Our rooftop is one of my favourite places in the summer. We’ve spent so many evenings up there over the last couple of months with our friends and next door neighbours, enjoying the balmy night air, great conversation and easy food. Last Wednesday especially was truly memorable - the sky exploded in colour in front of us as America celebrated its Independence Day.

It was truly one of those pinch-yourself moments as we sat and watched what seemed to be our own personal skyshow from our very own New York City rooftop.

From New York, with love xox

32 Love

It happened today for me, and yesterday for them. After a lazy Sunday lunch, he took her back to the first house they had lived in together, then the park they had walked through on their first date and he asked her to marry him. I can't stop smiling as I write - the 'her' is my little sister, the 'him' her now-fiance. It was the first thing I heard when I woke up and is sure to be the last thing I think of tonight. I'll never forget the joy in her voice and the smile on her face when we spoke this morning and I heard the words "I'm getting married".

When she asked me to be the matron of honour, I almost cried. I only hope I can be as wonderful for her as she was for me the day of my wedding. We spent the morning laughing, guzzling down Rescue Remedy and she quietly organized anything and everything so I didn't have to worry. I can't wait to go dress shopping, to watch her walk down the aisle and into the arms of her husband to be.

All my love SB. and JB. - you guys rock.

From New York, with love xox