Seeing the sites of Chicago

Vintage Travel Barbie couldn't come to Chicago and not see at least some of the sights. And what better day to go out than St. Patrick's Day...espcially in Chicago. So after a day at Stephanie's temp assignment, where VTBarbie and Pixxa enjoyed a nice lunch, they ventured out.

VTBarbie: Ummm...lunch smells good, but I wonder if Stephanie can get off of her temp assignment early today so that I can see some of Chicago.

Pixxa: I hope so! Since it's St. Patrick's Day, I wanted to show you some of the crazy night life.

Pixxxa: Here we are in front of the world famous sign in front of Wrigley Field...home of the Chicago Cubs. Shhhh...don't tell anyone, but even though I live on the Southside, which is traditionally known as Chicago White Sox territory, I am a Cubs fan.

Pixxa: Here's the statue of Ernie Banks, also known as Mr. Cub.

Pixxa: He was always known as saying "Let's play two".

The girls then decided to walk around a little bit of Wrigleyville, the area surrounding the ballpark, known for it's bars and bars and bars! Most famous is The Cubby Bear.

They tried to find some other happening spots, but they were a little early for the night life.

So they decided to leave Wrigleyville and walked back toward the car.

But they decided to take one more pix at the stadium.

And there is always an opportunity for shopping!!

As they drove toward downtown, they passed by quite a few buildings with interesting architecture.

VTBarbie commented "there are so many interesting buildings!"
Pixxa: Now we are in the DePaul area...known as that because it's the home...

...DePaul University, of course

VTBarbie: What is that loud noise?

Pixxa: You haven't been in Chicago if you've not experienced an ambulance going by.

VTBarbie: YIKES!!

VTBarbie: I love all of the different types of buildings and the crazy streets!

VTBarbie: So Chicago is full of different neighborhoods, huh?

Pixxa: Yes, that's what makes it so interesting because 2 blocks away you're in a whole other world!! VTBarbie: What's this?

Pixxa: One of our new parking pay boxes. You pay and then have to walk back to your car to put the ticket in the window so you don'r get a ticket.

VTBarbie: That's crazy!

Pixxa: I know! Alright, let's keep moving...Downtown here we come!!!

The Big Party

Capping off VTBarbie's Chicago visit was an invitation to the Windy City Collectors annual dinner. Michael and I surprised VTBarbie with a lovely evening gown to enjoy the evening in.

We arrived at the big dinner and found our table.

There were so many people to meet and our table was full of wonderful guests.

And everyone was dressed to the nines!

The food was delicious!

And in honor of Ken's birthday (the theme of the dinner), Jef Beck was on hand to give a presentation on, what else but his favoite subject, Ken. He also had a book signing.

There was so much going on. There were people selling items, there was a ton of raffle baskets, and there socializing all around. Isn't this a beautiful scene?

This was the gift...not one doll, but a set. And there was even a birthday cake for Ken.

There was a lovely photo op background that VTBarbie took advantage of.

I think VTBarbie loved her dress!

And of course VTBarbie met up with Travel Ken.

Our hostess for the evening invited everyone over for a group shot.

Everyone looked fabulous!!

And VTBarbie and Travel Ken had a great time!

But VRBarbie's night was made when she got the chance to meet Jef Beck. He even autographed his book just for her. What a fabulous night!!

Partyin' at Barbie Club, Part 2

And the fun continued on through the night...

There were more people for VTBarbie to meet.

Then there was a vintage photo op...complete with a vintage carrying case.

The party was in full swing. VTBarbie bumped into Travel Ken again...and his gorgeous blonde friend.

VTBarbie certainly didn't mind the attention they paid to her.

And then there was the doctor...VTBarbie had a blast!!

The party continued in the loft by Mod-o-Rama.

VTBarbie loved all of the details that were put into the loft.

Mod-o-Rama specializes in making mid-century furniture and rooms.

VTBarbie had her eye on a few pieces that she would have loved to take with her on the rest of her journey.

Who am I kidding?!! If I could have given her the entire room, she would have been estatic!

VTBarbie and Travel Ken talked about their travel adventures and chatted about how they will meet again in Florida.

And then it was attack of the doctors again and we decided it was about time to wrap it up.

But this Barbie said it all...Happy Birthday Ken!! Fifty years of being there for Barbie!!

Partyin' at Barbie Club, Part 1

Almost 2 months ago, I had a visitor, Barbie, the Vintage Travel Doll. Vintage Travel Barbie (VTBarbie) is traveling the US, making new friends before she makes it to the National Barbie Convention, where she will be raffled off. I was lucky enough for her to visit close to her birthday. She arrived on March 10th and we went straight to my Barbie Club Meeting with the Windy City Collectors.


The crew was all there to welcome both VTBarbie and the Travel Ken.


Both Barbie and Ken introduced themselves...then it was time for the surprise...


A cake and candles!


The club sang to the Travel Ken, to Vintage Barbie and to Vintage Ken, who was also in attendance.


It was a great moment considering all that Ken has been doing to win Barbie back.

Another Barbie had a special cake for her Ken, and Vintage Travel Barbie helped to sing to him.

Vintage Travel Barbie us very friendly and walked all around the meeting to meet new friends.

This group was celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Boy, March sure is a busy month. Barbie's birthday on the 9th, Ken's birthday on the 13th and St. Patrick's Day on the 17th.

VTBarbie found yet another Ken and Barbie celebration!

And she found this Ken who'd had one drink too many!

Happy Earth Day!

Friday was Earth Day...a day when we pay special attention to saving our earth. Several companies were offering Earth Day "specials", so I decided to celebrate Earth Day by doing some recycling.

Hmmmm...my plan was to go Downtown, but I couldn't very well plan an Earth Day celebration by getting in my car and wasting gas and putting more pollutants into the air. So I decided to take public transportation. In case you don't know, I don't do public transportation. I hate the waiting and not being on my own timetable and not being able to go directly from point a to point b---not to mention the uber crowded trains. But, I decided that if I timed it just right, I could miss both of the rush hours so I could handle it---all for the name of Earth Day.

So I purchased my transit card...

waited for the train and jumped on. The train ride took about 35 minutes. I could have driven and parked in probably about 15 minutes.

The train, which actually is called the "L" (either for Elevated train or Loop, depending on who you ask), let me off in the subway which leads directly into the Macy's Building (formerly know as Marshall Fields). I was looking for the Origins section, but had to walk past the candy section. But I was strong---probably because my second stop was going to be for cupcakes, but I did take a quick look around! =)

Back on-track, I found the Origins counter. Origins was offering a free, full-sized facial wash in exchange for an empty skin care container and a completed form. I was really excited about this because the facial wash , Checks and Balances, sounded really neat.

But alas, they were out of the free samples, and instead were offering a Night Health Bedtime spray or balm designed to help you fall asleep. Disappointed, I turned in my container and form and took the free spray. Yes, it was definitely time for a cupcake!

So I made my way to the opposite side of Macy's to Sarah's Pastries. They had a black (chocolate) & white (vanilla) cupcake that is awesome!

Their treats look delectible!

Despite the long line, I was good and just got a pair of black & white cupcakes. Then it was off to my final stop...across the street from Macy's...The Disney Store.

In exchange for 5 plastic bags, The Disney Store was offering a cute little reusable shopping bag. Yep, you guessed it...they were out! But they did substitute a reusable shopping bag with your choice of character...and they had a ton to choose from! So I grabbed Mickey...he had a classic feel, and headed back to the subway with my cupcakes and my free loot.

Yep, even though it didn't turn out exactly as I'd planned, I had a pretty good day, celebrating Earth Day! Oh...and even the train car that I was on coming back home was "earth friendly" as the lights (except those right over the door) were out. It was quite the intimate ride---especially in the darkness of the subway.

Hope you enjoyed my adventure!! And though the official Earth Day is over, we can all do a little something everyday to celebrate Earth Day everyday.

Luv Ya!!

Pixxa