You know those days (sometimes weeks) that are jam packed with never-ending meetings, e-mails, and deadlines to meet and the only thing you can think about is that chilled bottle of wine in the fridge? Yeah, I can safely say that this has been one of those weeks. And while a glass of wine at night does the trick, so does researching my dream vacations. I personally believe I was meant to be a gypsy. The boyfriend would probably vouch for that as well because I’ve lived in five different cities in a matter of four years. But, I love to travel, it’s one of my greatest passions.  And these are a few places on my must-travel list:

Greece: When I was in Europe this is a place I longed to visit, but unfortunately never made it. My inspiration may have come from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (don’t make fun). The architecture is so interesting and how can you go wrong with that view of the Mediterranean? Exactly!

Bora Bora: An ideal trip for two to a little French Polynesian Island near Tahiti. It’s been a dream of mine to stay in one of those bungalos above the water. How do places like this exist?

California Wine Country: I’ve been to LA and San Diego, but have never ventured out from either city. Napa Valley or Sonoma would be ideal in the summer–touring winerys and staying at a swanky hotel that overlooks the vineyards. I’m sure you can tell I’ve had time to think about this.

Venice: Although I have been to Italy, the closest I’ve been to a gondola is the Venetian in Las Vegas. Which of course doesn’t compare. When I go, I’m totally doing the tourstie things like riding in a gondola and eating spaghetti and meatballs.

What are your deam vacays?

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

This past weekend my boyfriend and I traveled with a few friends to Indianapolis for the Supercross Races. Even though this weekend revolved mainly around boy things like eating nothing but carbs and juicy burgers, they treated me to a shopping trip on Saturday to gain some of my livelihood back (thanks boys). We walked through and around downtown sightseeing, spent an afternoon on the steps of  the Monument Circle people watching, and joined in on all of the green beer and Irish specials on St. Patty’s Day. We even visited the oldest bar in Indianapolis, The Slippery Noodle. How could you not go in with a name like that?

{The Cadillac Ranch bar we stopped at on St. Patty’s Day. The biggest bar built under a bridge}

{An awesome display of Patriotism at the Supercross Races}

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

This Saturday is St. Patrick’s Day and I’m gearing up for all of our festivities in Indianapolis starting with the color of my nail polish. I’m wearing “Spanish Moss” by Revlon.  Their color palette is really great, and I’ve purchased a few other unique colors  from them in the past.  We’re leaving tomorrw morning for our trip (so today is like Friday, yay!) I’m looking forward to seeing some great bands, the canal being dyed green, St. Patty’s Parade and lots of good food. We’ll see if I actually work up the guts to try a Reuben sandwich this weekend. Happy St. Patty’s Day everyone and may you carry the luck of the Irish.

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

If you read my Monday Mayhem, it’s probably obvious that i’m a fan of The Bachelor. My Monday nights are dedicated to nothing more than mindless tv. This week the top three girls went to Interlaken, Switzerland-a place I visited almost three years ago this March. Watching the girls and Brad travel through Interlaken made all of my memories suddenly rush back. And I will agree, Switzerland is truly the home of extreme sports. I signed up to go night sledding down one of the alps and it was the most exhilarating, awesome, wild thing I have ever done. We drove up the side of the mountain, which was a scary ride in itself, taken hundreds of feet into the air on a lift, and dropped off at the top. This is all in the dark may I add. We had glow sticks to see the paths and zoomed our way down. Half way through we stopped for dinner (cheese and meat fondue) at a little restaurant in the mountain.  Totally awesome!

{Traditional breakfast}

{We rented a smart car to drive through the mountains in Interlaken}

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

My boyfriend and I celebrated our six-year anniversary at the end of December. Instead of getting each other gifts, we decided to take a little weekend mini vacay to the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. I was highly looking forward to it. I’m gone every week for work, so we definitely cherish our weekends together. We were staying at a swanky hotel, going out for a nice dinner (decided here), and were getting a couple’s massage on Sunday morning after brunch. I have to be honest, I was nervous for the boyfriend to get a massage (he’s never had one). He ended up loving it, so I’m confident it won’t be our last.

{Packing my outfit for dinner. Vest: Adrienne Landau | Boots: Ideeli | Watch: Michael Kors}

{Getting some interior design inspiration–a walk-in must have: double doors}

{Some bathroom inspiration as well at the Well Spa}

{Relaxing and peaceful}

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

I’m totally the girl in the airport security line whose bag just happens to break as it’s riding on the conveyor belt or going through a routine security check (I tend to leave my hairspray, perfume, water, you name it in my bag). True story, when flying from Chicago to Paris the zipper of my carry-on completely broke leaving everything wide open and busting at the seams. As if I wasn’t already a wreck about flying over the ocean, now all of my belongings were going to be flying out of my bag too! I have been desperately needing a quality carry-on without costing me an arm and a leg. I’ve finally narrowed it down to the below five.

What one is your fav?!

1. City Bag- Zara
2. Cameron Flap – Frye
3. Vintage Weekender – Fossil 
4. Leather tote – Madewell
5. Jet Set Travel – Michael Kors

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

The one thing that I have grown to love most about Madison is its versatility.  The picture of the sailboats that I took right at sunset made me feel like I was in Cape Cod walking along the shore. I’ve never been there, but from all of the Nicholas Sparks’ novels I’ve read, it’s exactly how I’d picture it.  The Memorial Union (last two pictures) is absolutely beautiful at night. That one building completely transforms the Madison college feel into an elgant ambiance.

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

Being from Wisconsin, you would think that our state capitol is somewhere that I have often been. However, this is not the case. I’ve driven around and through Madison, been there on a couple of field trips back in the day, but never enjoyed anything the city had to offer until recently. On the weekends, I’ve had time to stroll around the city with my camera in hand. Wisconsin is a truly beautiful state to live in-look at this!

 Part Two is coming tomorrow!

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

Every Wednesday my boyfriend and I meet halfway between Madison and Milwaukee for date night. It’s the one night a week we get to see each other, catch up, and enjoy the other’s company. Long distance relationships are never fun, but I have to admit,  I’m enjoying all of the new restaurants we get to taste together. This past week we met in a quaint little town called Cambridge. It’s a nostalgic spec on the map that I’ve been wanting to explore the many times I’ve passed through on my journeys home. We savored the last bit of summer eating out on the cobblestone patio and sipping ice tea from a mason jar.

{Adorable town of Cambridge}

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB

One of the things that made me fall in love with the East Village is the homey feel it exudes when walking along the streets. While there is still the hustle and bustle of New York City, there are antique, vintage, and consignment shops galore. This makes for great shopping in my book. I think I became obsessed with finding vintage Chanel handbags and shoes, Louis bags that were adored for years, and Michael Kors sweaters.

{shelves of vintage Chanel’s}

{A place where New Yorkers could remember and honor those who perished on 9/11}

{The most amazing antique shop I have ever been into}

{Wooden letters that fill an old tool box}

Sincerely,

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW CAB