moonjib

We visited over Christmas. It was beautiful, even though many of the plants were dormant in the Cali “winter.” I loved the Japanese garden! When we move to California I want to get a yearly pass so I can go whenever I want…there’s just so much to see and it’s all gorgeous!
Also, on a cool note, we saw the famous “Blue Boy” painting which was on display at the museum while we were there. It’s a really famous painting that is featured in a lot of Victorian period movies!

I visited my sis this fall. She goes to the U. of Denver. We had a blast! The weather there…it’s amazing! I’m from Chicago and I’m used to BITING cold. It was cold there and there was snow, but it was arid and sunny. Very lovely! Don’t think my sister will ever move! I look forward to going back soon (and again and again!).
I will say, on the down side, that the Denver airport has got to be one of the worst in the country. That part kinda stunk. At least the tickets are relatively cheap since it’s a major hub.

I visited this town the summer before I left for college and immediately decided I wanted to go to school at William & Mary. So cool, especially if you love history. Very nicely done.

I live a little more than an hour from here…it is a beautiful, relaxing place to visit NOT in the month of March (college and high school spring break…unless you like drunk kids beating the crap out of eachother 6 inches from your blanket). I’m on my way there tomorrow night. Hooray!

These guys moved to Chambana from Dallas and opened up three restaurants in the area. This one was down the street from where I lived on Springfield Ave. It’s Tex-Mex, but they have the best chile relleno I have ever had. I crave eating there. I wanted them to cater my wedding. It’s making me hungry just writing about it. Even if you’re just driving through or visiting for the weekend, this restaurant is WORTH finding! Everything is good if you love Mexican food. I have never been there on a “so-so” day. Oh I miss eating there.

El Torero
2312 W Springfield Ave, Champaign
More info: (217) 351-7024

Here are the two locations in Houston and the hours. I’ve been to the one in River Oaks. Sit outside on a nice day and enjoy your gigantic burrito!! Even if you’re a big boy, you still want to get a “regular” size…it’s literally the size of a football. I got beef, mushroom, pinto beans, lettuce, tomato, and avocado on a whole wheat tortilla the size of a pizza. I only ate half and my husband ate the leftovers for lunch the next day. TO DIE FOR!

River Oaks
2245 West Alabama
Houston, TX 77098
713-529-0535
FAX: 529-0373

Monday – Friday
11:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday & Sunday
7:30am – 10:00pm

West End / Heights
1609 Durham
Houston, TX 77007
713-426-6634
FAX: 426-6003

Monday – Friday
11:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday
11:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday
11:00am – 9:00pm

And never broke anything despite some MAJOR wipeouts on the slopes! Ah, the joys of youth and bones that are still bendy. It’s FREEZING cold and the slopes are great for everyone in the whole family. I had many a fun youth group trip up here in the winter. And I repeat, the Midwest rules!

The food, amazing. The shopping, flea market heaven. Get your chile covered lollipops and pose with a stuffed donkey. Awesome culture and music. They film many movie and tv scenes in the train station at Olvera St. It’s a local favorite!!

I went here as a kid with my family…it’s so cool! They give you a free Hershey bar at the end of the tour. You can smell the chocolate as you DRIVE into town. Bliss. A must see for anyone in the area with a family. Fun time!

A friend of mine lives in Manhattan and I went to visit her for a weekend and we had a blast…shopping in Chinatown and Soho, lunch in Little Italy, cosmopolitans and riding on the subway…it’s best to visit if you know someone there who knows their way around and where the best places to go are(as is any city). It rained cats and dogs the whole weekend and I forgot to pack underwear but it was the most fun she and I have ever had together. I did all the tourist stuff when I was little and it was great to just “hang out” and walk around Times Square at night. So worth it. Check it off your list folks.