Aka: "Heaven on Earth"

Once I fully convince myself that that vacation was actually real, 
I'll be sure to write LOTS about this adventure of a lifetime :) 

USVI / BVI / "Heaven"

  

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

It feels so nice to play catch-up today while waiting at the airport to get outta dodge for the long weekend.  In doing so, I wanted to be sure to take a minute to remember and honor the real reason none of us have to report to work on Monday. 

To all those who have served before, 

to those who are away from their families doing so right now, 

and to those who will do so ahead, 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE & BRAVERY

    

Das Boot

Prost has re-opened

which means two things: 

1) DAS BOOT IS BACK

and 

2) Well, that's all that really matters!!

Let the good times roll

   

Chicago Kite Festival

Thanks to the invite from Megan & Olivia, 

I enjoyed every milli-second of the 

Chicago Kite Fest on Saturday!

The weather was spectacular...

The kites were beeeauuutiful...

but the great company 

was by far the best part of the day :)

  

LOVE

    

Sandbox Cubbies Outing :)

Sandbox Cubbies Game

  

"Men at Work"

Reason #218,947 why I laugh a lot at the office

    

2nd Fridays Gallery Night

If you ever have a chance this Summer to check-out 2nd Fridays in Pilsen, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting the galleries. Here are some pix from the super talented artists at LaCuna Loft...

2nd Friday @ LaCuna

"Hello from Machu Picchu"

Stephen & Kendra went to Peru to celebrate their one year wedding anniversary, and so my parents and I thought we'd live vicariously through their trip ;)

While eating at a Peruvian steak house over the weekend, my dad spotted this mural at the restaurant and immediately asked the waiter to take our photo. 

The conversation went as such: 

My Dad:
"Impy! Let's take a picture in front on the Machu Picchu painting and send it to SJ & Kendra!"

Me: 

Correct

Dad: 

"Here, hold the menu so they know we're at a restaurant"

Me: 

"I'm fairly certain they will pick-up on the fact that we're not actually in Peru..."

Mom: 

"How do I use my iPhone to take the picture?"

Dad:

"Impy come on, hold a menu up!" 

Mom: 

"Say 'Queso'!" 

Me: 

IS THIS REALLY MY LIFE?!?!?!
 
Mom: 
"Gracias! Now how do I send this from my iPhone? I can never see because the buttons are so small..."
   

Incredibly Fortunate

Can't believe it's been TEN YEARS since I
applied for a Visa to study abroad in Florence.  

{insert longing sigh here}

While filing the paperwork to renew my passport, 

it physically took my breath away to go through 

each and every stamp... 28 in total.

Not a day goes by when I don't stop to think about 

how each and every trip, travel companion, country, 

culture, and adventure has shaped my everything. 

beyond thankful = me

    

2012 ITA CityLIGHTS Awards

Although our companies were not up for an Oscar, 

it was super inspiring to be in the presence of so many 

smart entrepreneurs of-every-level at the

 Illinois Technology Association Awards 

last night. 

Congratulations to 

Redbox, GoGo & TrunkClub!

I know it's probably not nice to focus on just three of the many, but those are my personal faves for this year ;)

  

    

A Giant Leap for Humankind

   

Now, if only the state of Illinois could get their shit together!

   

Let's Bev

And then...

We created a real company :)

Be sure to stay tuned for the launch of 

LET'S BEV

Coming to Chicagoans July 2012

    

Awesomeness

Today my team worked out of Sandbox's section of 1871. 

If you haven't read about this incredible initiative, 

be sure to check it out!

  

Congrats, Annie & Kevin!

CHEEEEERS to a couple who's love and friendship I admire with all my heart.    

To the new Mr & Mrs Laferriere, 

I can't even begin to express how happy I am for you and how fortunate I feel to have been part of your bid day in Boston. 
Thank you for EVERYTHING!

My cheeks hurt from smiling :)

Adore you both,

Stace

  

Annie & Kevin's Wonderful Wedding

Midwestern Gem

This past week I was in Minnesota for work stuffs 
and not gonna lie, 
I totally fell for Minneapolis... 
Who knew?!? 

LOVE

Sandbox Bowling

Sandbox Bowling Party

 

The Friendly Confines

The nice fan sitting behind Regs & I snapped this photo while we were apparently having a beary serious convo about da Cubbies ;)

Reason #3,745,916 why I love Chicago 

  

Congratulations, Jeff & Candace!

So thrilled for the two of you :)

Thank you to both the Rich & Garcia families for an absolutely spectacular wedding weekend. Can we do it all over again?!?

   

Penguin Party

I would have had a wonderful time at Jeff & Candace's rehearsal dinner regardless of the venue, but hanging out at the Tampa Aquarium with PENGUINS on parade?!?! I mean, come on now... BLISS :)