Hilton Chicago: The Perfect Summer Getaway

The Perfect Summer Getaway: Chicago’s Gold Coast Neighborhood

Top Ten Tourist Attractions for Families

The Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is just steps away from some of the most iconic must see Chicago attractions. Families can park their car

and walk in any direction to enjoy one or many unique attractions found on Chicago’s famed gold coast.  Attractions that are great for families include:

–        American Girl Place

–        Chicago’s Pizza Tours

–        Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop / Hershey Chocolate World Store

–        Millennium Park

–        Oak Street Beach

–        Historic Water Tower

–        Chicago Observation Deck

–        Tilt 

–        Water Tower Place

–        Broadway Playhouse

All of this activity calls for a home away from home stay and the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is just the place for a summer family stay. Recently refreshed spacious suites, offering separate living areas, flat screen TV’s, plus jaw dropping views of Lake Michigan and panoramic city views makes this property a top pick. You won’t want to miss the night time skyline from the top floor pool and fitness center.  It’s a site to behold. An array of eleven unique suites adorned with iconic Chicago themed wall art await guests.

Today’s connected travelers will appreciate free lobby Wi-Fi plus business travelers can also take advantage of connectivity stations and printing capabilities. The property is group and business friendly with 10,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting space for events to include destination weddings, business and exhibit events. Host a fundraiser for 300 guests in the Lakeshore Ballroom or choose amongst 14 stylish meeting rooms with A/V capabilities: including the Gold Coast Board Room featuring classic lakeside views, and a 52-inch flat-screen monitor.

The resort also provides guests two onsite dining options. The Local – Chicago, a restaurant that infuses local Chicago fare with traditional courses, is a delicious dining experience. Sushi lovers will want to dine at Mirai Sushi featuring a three-star menu of traditional Japanese options layered with a modern day twist – serving the freshest sashimi, specialty rolls and small plates. Families can take advantage of the children’s menu offering kid favorites and adult approved entrees. Of course, the Magnificent Mile and nearby neighborhoods are dotted with unique eateries from fine dining establishments to mom-and-pop neighborhood favorites.

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Flights are available from Chicago O’Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway Airport. The hotel is easily accessible with valet and self parking options: click here for driving directions.

About:

All of this activity calls for a home-away from home stay and the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites is just the place. Recently refreshed spacious suites, offering separate living areas, flat screen TV’s, plus jaw dropping views of Lake Michigan and panoramic city views makes this property a top choice. You won’t want to miss the night time skyline from the top floor pool and fitness center, it’s a site to behold. An array of eleven unique suites adorned with iconic Chicago themed wall art await guests. Upgrade to a Lakeview Suite to savor views of Lake Michigan while business travelers may want to book an Executive Level suite with private access to the Executive Lodge where complimentary breakfast, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar is available daily.

Packing Tips for The Everyday Girl – Infographic

It’s no secret that I’m a Pinterest addict and this week would be no different!  I’m packing for a holiday trip and want to ensure that everything’s organized.  My biggest obstacle is planning my attire for the entire week.  There’s nothing worse than realizing I left something at home and instantly start to locate the nearest Target.

Regardless, there are some girls that get it right (in terms of packing.)  We all know them and recognize them in the airport. They’re the ladies wearing dark sunglasses, a Tory Burch Carry-On, bottled water, and portable cellphone charger.  This elite group of women are effortless, cool but most importantly have not left anything.

To help the rest of us (that are like myself) with packing tips, I want to share the infographics below.

Click on the photos to visit the site that provides more details for proper packing.

Holiday Travel Essentials – How To

The holidays prove to be a busy travel time! From escaping the cold weather for a warm relaxing vacation to traveling to your loved one for a long weekend, make sure you have those key travel necessities on hand such as:

KORRES Greek Yoghurt Cleansing & Make-Up Removing Wipes will fit into any carry-on bag! This package of pre-moistened cleansing wipes are formulated with nourishing Greek yogurt to easily remove stubborn face and eye makeup while softening skin. Each pre-moistened, textured, and non-irritating cloth effectively removes stubborn face and eye makeup, leaving skin refreshed and deeply nourished. A calming duo of chamomile and calendula oils relieve stressed or sensitive skin while gentle macademia and jojoba oils help skin retain moisture. Perfectly packaged for on-the-go cleansing, skin is left revitalized, smooth, and hydrated ($15; Sephora.com).

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Take freshness on-the-go with the mini versions of Lavanila’s bestselling deodorant! This All-Natural, freshly scented pure vanilla deodorant provides superior, long-lasting odor protection. Soothing essential oils blend with powerful anti-oxidants and beta glucan technology for daily defense and nourishment ($8; Lavanila.com).

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Don’t let your scent be compromised during travels! Katy Perry’s Mad Potion Eau de Parfum Rollerball features tahitian vanilla orchid, sweet white peony, fresh & crisp apple, madagascar bourbon vanilla, luminous jasmine petals, soft & whipped fluffy musk, Mexican vanilla bean absolute and glowing amber ($18; Kohls.com).

Katy Perry Rollerball

Get comfy with Hästens Travel Pillow. With 100% duck down this travel pillow is the perfect accessory to guarantee a little beauty rest while you’re traveling – whether by air, train, or automobile. Or use it as a makeup bag and zip it up with your loose beauty items with the rugged blue check fabric out. Then when you have settled in to your seat for your long trip reverse the pillow to expose the soft cotton and down interior. Comes in three colors. ($150; Hästens Stores nationwide; for more information, visit: www.hastens.com).

Travel Pillow

Add a pop to your hair with Hairdo by HairUWear French Braid Band. Add a finishing touch with the Hairdo French Braid Band that’s as much fashion accessory as it is hair accessory. Effortlessly chic, it attaches in an instant. What better way to add cachet? Use to hold your hair back for a classic look or hold your ponytail or bun in place with this braid band, just like you would use an elastic ($10; Ulta.com).

Braid Band

 

Summer 2015 Recap: Fun In The Sun

Summer’s the time of year I reconnect with my family and friends.  Although I adore the Fall, I try to enjoy a little fun in the sun!  My boys are out for the summer and as a mom it’s important to make memories before they start summer jobs, traveling abroad, or preparing for college.

I also like to grab some adult time with a glass of wine (or cocktail) sip gourmet coffee and share laughs with my best friends.  I live here in Maryland but I was born and raised in Alabama; I move around (now) like a city girl but still a southerner at heart.  I guess that explains my cooking hobby and outdoor living.  I learned at an early age that serving a hearty dish brings people together.

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One hidden secret that many may not know is that Alabama has some great thrift stores!  I participate in a good ole’ thrifting session while visiting the heart of dixie.  My normal finds include heirloom items, knick knacks, and various clothing items.  If you’re a true southern girl, one can not forget to visit the local water park (because it’s hot) and host a family barbecue.  My dad will normally cook on the grill; our barbecues are fairly traditional, eating hotdogs, steaks, or seafood.

Summer would not be eventful without a trip to the Smithsonian Institute.  I love the nostalgia of statues and museums.  They’re constantly updating and you never know what’s in store when you visit.  Life can get pretty hectic but don’t forget to relax, rejuvenate and feed your soul!

Other random things I do in the summer –

Read a good novel

Visit the Pool (often)

Dance at a Concert

Golf Outing 

Arts & Crafts

Watch Fireworks

Shop The Farmers Market

Enjoy Netflixs

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Visit my Instagram @kwest1908 for more photos

 

 

Jessica Alba Carrying Cinda B Tote

Jessica Alba was spotted earlier this week carrying a cinda b tote while on vacation in Mexico w/ her family.  What’s special about this tote is that it’s stylish, roomy, and has a removable bottom.  I love a chic tote bag because it allows me to carry additional items that can’t fit in my purse.

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Visit cinda b to view more of their handbags and accessories.

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Packing Tips for Fashion Girls: Look Fabulous on Vacation

Going on vacation is an exciting time for any fashion girl.  But there’s always the dilemma of packing for an extended amount of time.  Honestly, it can become overwhelming and the thought of going through airport security’s mentally exhausting.

Ready for anything with my Vera Bradley Duffle Bag
Ready for anything with my Vera Bradley Duffle Bag

We shouldn’t let that distract us from looking fabulous and having a good time.  To help us get motivated I want to share a few quick packing tips:

1.  Always pack a variety of summer dresses – whether it’s a maxi or shift dress.  Packing a dress makes room in your duffle bag and you don’t have to iron!

2.  Use accessories to dress up your vacation style or tone it down.  Pack a fedora hat (so we don’t have to worry about our hair) add a belt to cinch the waist for a sexy look and a few statement necklaces to dress up a basic t shirt.

Simple Travel Accessories
Simple Travel Accessories

3.  Your shoe collection should also be effortless style.  Include flip flops (easy to put on) flats for a cool night and two pairs of pumps.  In terms of pumps, I like to go with a basic color that coordinates with any garment such as nude or black.

4.  Undergarments need to reflect your coordinated pieces.  For example, a new mom should include a slimming camisole to keep the abdominal muscles (firm) underneath a blouse.  We can also add a bodysuit for that gorgeous dress that shows your curves.

5.  In terms of pants, consider a pair of shorts, jeans, or even leggings.  All three are great options when packing your vacation attire because they’re transitional pieces that can mix and match.

Kimmie Ready for Travel
Kimmie Ready for Travel

6.  Don’t forget your swimsuit – I like to keep two options in mind; one swimsuit for a sexy date and another suit for having a good time (you’re not concerned with your appearance in this suit because it’s comfortable.)

Packing for any trip can be demanding but with the right tips and perspective, we can have an amazing time and still look great!

Four Seasons Baltimore Introduces New China Specialist Program

A wedding is a reflection of a couples’ personalities and their vision of a future life together, and Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore has all of the elements – dream location, incredible cuisine, inspiring décor, and impeccably trained staff – to create personalized, special celebrations. The Hotel is now enhancing its services to go beyond that one special day to help couples look forward to a lifetime of unforgettable entertaining together with the new China Specialist Program.

The Hotel’s Director of Stewarding John Flynn is available to offer expert advice to newly engaged twosomes on how to curate a selection of beautiful china, glass, and silver patterns that are certain to take centre stage as they welcome friends and family into their home. Couples can escape the hectic conventional registering experience and enjoy a private consultation in the comfort of a luxurious hotel setting, with a glass of bubbly or zero proof cocktail. In meeting with guests, Flynn will guide them through a series of questions designed to aid them in determining the type of dinner and stemware, including silver and stainless that would be the best investment based on their lifestyle and how they like to entertain. Whether it’s ornate and vibrant or simple and understated, Flynn’s priority is helping busy couples find a pattern for life – with the peace of mind that Four Seasons provides by taking care of every detail.

Flynn’s highlights include: Registry 101, mixing and matching, modern vs. classic and special place settings. Additionally, he will share his top tips on how to best care for and maintain different types of tableware, along with things to consider when registering, such as taking an audit as a couple of existing essential pieces before registering, choosing a broad range of items to accommodate different budgets of guests attending the wedding, and over-registering for more than is needed.

“We firmly believe that true hospitality extends beyond the confines of our Hotel and planning for one special day. We create special experiences for our couples throughout the Hotel and beyond that make for a truly memorable start for their new life together,” Flynn says. “We want to build a deeper relationship with guests getting married at our Hotel and offer them a more comprehensive experience of Four Seasons lifestyle as we help them to build their new life together.”

With more than 10 years in the hospitality business, Flynn has been responsible for the proper cleaning, storage and distribution of china, silver, glassware, pots, pans and other cookware. His extensive catering training has also taught him the importance of plateware as a frame for the presentation of food.

The complimentary consultations are approximately one hour long, by-appointment-only, and available exclusively for couples getting married at the Hotel.

View a sample of Flynn’s selections from the celebrated Rosenthal catalogue in a recent post on Four Seasons Weddings online magazine.

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