I like food (in chicago)

The only picture I got from Chicago Diner

Chicago has some of my favorite vegan spots. Somehow I didn't get a picture of my food and the very best one, Chicago Diner. You guys, cookie dough peanut butter shake!! There were a few other places we didn't even go to this time. We did go to Native Foods twice though. We have gone to one in CA before and thought it was ok. I really liked it this time. They also were featuring a new menu. My nephew was bummed the reuben wasn't on the menu anymore but they said other locations are still serving it.

 Native Foods- rockin moroccan (tofu, moroccan sauce, grilled veggies, steamed quinoa, raisins and toasted almonds), sesame kale macro (tempeh, pickled red cabbage, short grain brown rice, red beans, garlic kale, sweet potatoes, cucumber wakame salad and tahini sauce) and Elinor got the mac n cheese.

 twister wrap with baby green avocados, cucumber salsa, chipotle sauce with crispy native chicken. 

peanut butter parfait. Dave and I split this and we both wished it was bigger.

chocolate cupcake. She didn't share.

 Native Foods always has an awesome recipe on their wall. I can't wait to try this one out

 West Town Bakery and Diner- Vegan S'mores pancake. I remember getting these last time and they were awesome. This time I wasn't too into them. They were too rich. Elinor loved them though. I didn't realize until now that other pancakes could be made vegan. You just have to ask the server.

 biscuits and gravy. They were a little spicy but super good.

 We stopped by La Colombe which is funny because it is a Philly coffee that we use at home.

a puppy for after xmas

It is so hard to blog when we aren't home! We are in Chicago having a blast. Our trip to Ohio was fun and too short like always. Tonight (or last night because I'm scheduling this) Dave and I are getting a date night while my sister watches Elinor. We are going to a show but still an adult night out is something I need!
Our trip has been in 3 parts. Flew to Chicago, drove to Ohio and then drove back to Chicago. We didn't take any pictures our first day in Chicago. Well, on the real camera at least. We went to eat at Native Foods (so good!) and came back to my sisters. The next morning we ate at West Town Bakery (again so good! and they had smore's pancakes!) and then we were off to Ohio.

The drive is 5 hours but so easy. Elinor took a big nap most the way. We needed a snack and to stop a little over half way. The Midwest is awful for vegan or even healthy food off the highway. We ended up having some snacks in the car that my sister had packed and then bought a pack of apple slices for Elinor at McDonalds. Yes, that was as healthy/vegan as it gets. She was ready to party as soon as we got to my parents. Everyone spoiled here and had Christmas gifts waiting for her.

 My brother bought her a pull along puppy. She walked around the whole time holding him off the ground hanging from the leash.

 showing me presents

 My parents poor puppy is getting old. Elinor made him so uncomfortable.

 She had so much fun with her Pa

 Breakfast with Pa. He was able to get her to eat so much the whole time we were there.

Running in circles

California

We are currently in Ohio visiting my parents, we have been here since Friday. My plan was to post these pictures as soon as we got here but without my computer and visiting I never had time! I just realized I could use Dave's computer to post this.

Last Wednesday we head to California. Elinor was such a great littler traveler, barely making a peep the whole flight. 

HR from Bad Brains was on our flight!

As soon as we got to LA we headed to Veggie Grill. 

Oh I wish we had one near us. Some of the best vegan food I have ever had. We have gone a couple of times with meat eaters that also love it. After stuffing ourselves we checked into the hotel in LA and went shopping. 

While shopping we met up with a friend. We told our friend we were wanting donuts not expecting to actually find some. There happened to be a Babycakes pretty close by. 

After getting some donuts and a cupcake we went to Native Foods for dinner. I was really excited about it but I ended up not liking it. Dave's food was ok and mine was ehh. 

this guy was playing outside of Native Foods. He was amazing!

We swung by another friends house just to pick up some posters Dave had printed for the fest. We ended up sitting outside talking for way longer than we thought. Elinor slept the whole time and missed out meeting some new friends. As soon as we got back to the hotel she woke up super wild and happy. 

The next morning after picking Uncle Shawn up from LAX and eating at Hugo's (such good breakfast!!) we started driving to Santa Barbara. We made a few stops at the Camarillo Outlets, guitar center and Ross. 

Instead of staying at a hotel, we found a vacation rental. It is amazing and cheaper than the hotels in the area! It was back from everything, so quiet and beautiful with multiple gardens and walking trails. They have never allowed children there but made an exception for us! She was really good the whole time there, I hope they thought so too. I would love to stay there again next year. 

in front of the lemon tree at the hermitage

inside the front gate

swinging on a bench in the backyard

Dave and Elinor looking at lizards in the cactus garden

walking on the trail next to the house

the trail lead to the natural history museums backyard

the museum had a butterfly garden

cuddles with Daddy

we kept hearing growling and then found it was coming from this guy

she just stared at him confused

walking back to the museum backyard

more of the backyard on another day (Also a dress I got from Ross)

some of the gardens at the Hermitage

I have a couple more pictures of Elinor at the beach and some fest ones that I will save for tomorrow.