You guys! My gfs are getting married left and right. And as my friend, Emilie, pointed out, it’s going to be so sad when this period of our life ends and we don’t have an excuse to fly to one another every other month. Amy and Matt got married in Chicago last month. Such a beautiful wedding! Amy was in her element, their families were clearly so happy, and there was gold everywhere which is my FAVORITE. At one point, Dan told me he looked around and couldn’t find me or any of my girlfriends anywhere. Suddenly it dawned on him there was only one place we could all possibly be: THE PHOTO BOOTH. Jump cut to him pulling open the curtain to find thirteen girls smashed into a photo booth with the bride and props. Doyle. Congratulations Amy and Matt! (I love how Matt is smiling at Amy shimmying her way into the reception in the photo above.)
Earlier that morning I got to go wedding dress shopping at BHLDN with my best friend, Caitlin. She lives in NYC and I live in LA, so it was a treat that we were able to sneak this in while both in Chicago for the wedding. She has since chosen a dress not pictured here, so I’m not revealing anything! Don’t worry! 
She looked gorgeous in everything she tried on (yes, everything), and I may have tried on a pair of statement earrings myself. My favorite part of BHDLN in Chicago are the huge and super private dressing rooms–very luxurious!
^^Three engaged girlfriends!^^
Tag Archives: Chicago
mr. & mrs. boots
Earlier this month we spent a weekend in Chicago for the wedding of our friends, Sally and Andrew. Andrew’s last name is Boots, and it’s pretty much what everyone calls him. I love that Sally’s full name will now be Sally Boots! Adorable! On the Friday before the wedding we went straight from the airport to an early dinner at the Publican. Definitely one of the best meals and service that I’ve had in a while. The menu is super meat focused, and the booths have doors on them like cattle corrals–which made the meal feel private and cozy even in such a busy restaurant. Both the Publican and the wedding reception were in the Fulton Market/West Loop neighborhood, which is apparently where lots of awesome restaurants are popping up. Here are some photos from the wedding! Sally is one of my oldest friends, and weddings with all my childhood and high school girlfriends always proves to be a little silly…especially when someone discovered there were fake mustaches…
^^Yep, even our bride, Sally, put on a mustache! She’s the best.
Congratulations, Sally and Boots! You two are the sweetest couple and we had the most amazing night celebrating with you!
happy holidays
I’m on the plane headed home to Chicago for Christmas where Mom, Dad, Willyman, Grandmom, and girlfriends await. I’ll be missing my best friend Caitlin who will be in CO for the holiday (we grew up across the street from each other), and of course, Dan, who’s headed back to the east coast to see him family. Last night Dan surprised me with a Pendleton blanket, and I’m currently obsessed. That guy knows me so well. With my new blanket, the tent Dan gave me for my birthday this year, and a January calendar that may actually allow for two days off in a row together (!), I think a camping trip is in order. I’d love any suggestions! I’ve heard good things about Ojai.
2012 has been an incredible year. Dan interviewed for a job on my birthday in March, got the job, moved to LA a month later, and in August we moved into our first apartment together. I took Blogshop and launched my photography business, and have been thrilled by the support and response from friends and clients. I spent a luxurious week in the Outerbanks with my family (and the weather was perfection!). I spent two incredible months writing and creating characters that culminated in a show at The Groundlings–some of the most fun I’ve ever had in my life. Dan and I created The Whaling Club, which continues to grow and challenge my creative side. The first of my group of girlfriends married her high school sweetheart, and their wedding was beautiful and so special (we also got to eat at Next on that trip!). I pumped myself up and found courage while dancing to Beyonce. And we re-elected Obama!
2013 you have a lot to live up to! Yet there’s already so much to look forward to. I’m excited to have a strong team supporting and working with me on my acting career. My best friends, Caitlin and Emilie, are coming to visit LA in February! Dan and I are planning a getaway up to San Francisco. I hope to visit New York, see my brother’s talent in action, and visit friends and family. And there will be a lot more dancing to Beyonce, duh.
Happy Holidays! Cheers!
wedding
The last month has been very busy with amazing things, and thus the blog has been neglected. Among those things included performing in a play, taking Writing Lab at the Groundlings, and settling in to our new home. We’ve just returned from an awesome weekend in Chicago. My mom scored us a last minute reservation at Next (!), and we attended a gorgeous wedding at the Chicago Botanic Gardens and watched two very dear friends get married.
The blog will get a lot more attention this coming month, and my next projects will be apartment related. I’ve been pinning up a storm of inspiration, and I can’t wait to add a couple key furniture pieces to the place and some personal touches. Here are some photos from the wedding weekend!
Ruxbin Kitchen
While home in Chicago over the weekend for a bridal shower, my parents and I had dinner at Ruxbin Kitchen, one of my favorite spots to dine. You must go! I’m smitten! My first trip there was back in November with my boyfriend Dan, and we absolutely fell in love with the food, decor, and spirit (did I just say spirit? yup!) of the place. I mean, real yum. In November (when it was freeeezing), we savored an unbelievable calamari dish with Korean flavors, garlic fries, and an epic linguine and clams. This time around, highlights were the escolar crudo, octopus with fried chickpeas, beef and broccoli, and the lightest pot de creme EVER. Nate, the kitchen manager, door greeter, expediter, and in-house dry soda maker has welcomed me both times–and remembered that I was from LA. We also got to chat with Vicki, who opened Ruxbin with her brother and chef, Edward Kim. It’s so obvious they’re all passionate about what they do, which is part of what makes it such a special place to visit.
Bon Appetit named Ruxbin one of the best new restaurants of the year in 2011 (along with my one of my favorite LA spots, Son of a Gun). It’s just one of those places that manages to feel special and new every time you go. AND it’s BYOB–both times I’ve taken this bottle of Pinot Noir. One time I saw a table shaking their own martinis! They don’t take reservations (both times I went at opening on a Sunday and was seated right away–but there was a gathering outside before the doors opened). See the current menu here.
Can’t wait to go back next time I’m in Chicago!
(photos by Emily Johnston Anderson via Ruxbin Kitchen)
bridal shower
I flew home to Chicago over the weekend for my friend Carly’s bridal shower. Carly is my first girlfriend from high school to get married, making the whole event that much more special. And to top it off? She’s marrying JB! Who also went to our high school! It’s such a treat to be from the same town where their families still live. Somehow I lucked out because the two are currently living in Santa Monica, near me.
The bridal shower was gorgeous and intimate. Lots of ladies gathered together to celebrate Carly’s August nuptials with lunch, (several) bellinis, and gifts. It was so wonderful to spend the day with my best friends. Carly wore a beautiful cream dress from Anthropologie. And how adorable is her mother in those polka dots?! I see a strong family resemblance running among those Andersen ladies.
a cozy boat 