The Edit by Stine | Vol. 40

May was A LOT.

And I don’t even mean that in a bad way, it was just a full plate all month long. We celebrated my husband’s birthday, I got to see my nephew play in his championship baseball game, we went to Chicago, and we’ve been getting the pool summer-ready while tackling projects around the house.

It’s been non-stop, but I love seeing the progress.

Let’s get into it…

If I’m being honest, there’s just something about Chicago.

I’ve always said it’s a city I could absolutely see myself living in… but those winters? I just can’t do it. I lived through enough snow in my youth to know better, ha. But it is so tempting.

I had such a good time on this quick getaway. I shopped, I ate so much pizza, and I walked more than I have in a long time (my feet are still recovering).

We did a sunset lake cruise and an architecture river cruise (I’ve done this before, but it’s always so beautiful), and I finally made it to the Art Institute. I’ve wanted to go so many times, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.

And I finally made it to Wrigley.

That felt like a full-circle Chicago moment. My husband is a massive Cubs fan and has talked about Wrigley for years. Even as someone who isn’t a huge sports person, there was something really special about being in that stadium. So much history.

Did I mention the shopping?

Chicago is incredible for shopping. One of my favorite experiences was finally getting to visit Alice & Wonder I’ve browsed their site so many times, and it did not disappoint.

Yes, I made a customized hat… and yes, I loved every second of it.

I’ve actually thought about placing an online order since getting home because I can’t stop thinking about a few pieces. I should have just bought them while I was there.

I also made sure to do my duty as a supportive wife and loaded my husband up with all the sports gear I could find—jerseys, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats… all of it. He was raised in Chicago and is still a big-time Chicago fan, so it felt necessary.

Made in the Midwest / Meet Me At The Lake Sweatshirt / Summertime Chi Printed Shorts

I finally made it to Ralph’s Coffee, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was one of the best iced lattes I’ve had.

The Salted Honey Cold Foam? Incredible. I’ve already been looking up recipes to try and recreate it at home.

Yes, it’s very Instagram aesthetic, but the coffee itself absolutely delivered. (And yes, I went more than once.)

We also had lunch at the connected RL Restaurant, and I loved the whole experience. The vibe is very Americana, country club energy. Very classic and chic in the best way.

From the bread service, to the mini chilled bottles of Diet Coke, to the glass of Champagne (of course)… it was all so good.

I had a hard time deciding what to order because everything sounded amazing, but I went with the classic burger and it did not disappoint.

We also browsed the Ralph Lauren boutique, which is stunning. The staircases, the displays… I was mentally taking notes the entire time. It’s such a timeless, elevated space.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Viceroy in the Gold Coast area and really enjoyed it. The location was perfect, especially if you love shopping.

They had a candy cart in the lobby daily (which felt like such a fun little touch), plus an on-site restaurant and bar, great room service, and a walk-up coffee bar.

It’s also right next to Lou Malnati’s and within walking distance to Gibson’s (and several other restaurants) if you’re looking for a great dinner spot.

And I have to mention the cake situation at Gibsons… truly unreal. One slice could easily feed six people.

It really was one of those trips I know I’ll be thinking about for a long time. I’m ready to book my next trip back for Christmas.

• The salted honey cold foam from Ralph’s Coffee. I’m still thinking about it.

• Deep dish pizza is great, but have you experienced tavern-style thin crust? OMG

• Grilled Corn on the Cob with good butter and flaky salt. I can’t get enough.

• Sticking with my Duolingo subscription! I’m on day 118 so far.

• Watermelon salad! I look forward to this every summer.

• Taking my niece and nephew out to dinner. Just us talking. No ipads. No phones.

• The sunset on both the river and the lake….the Chicago skyline is unreal.

• Walking through the Art Institute of Chicago and seeing so many incredible pieces (Matisse, Degas, Monet… I could have stayed all day).

• A luggage store directly across from my hotel… it’s like they knew.

• Coming home to my husband and my sweet girl, Penelope! I truly missed them.

Next week, we’re getting back into our regularly scheduled programming: beauty, books, music, tv, and everything I’ve been loving lately.

I have a lot to share, so stay tuned.

Talk soon! Have a great weekend.