Harvest Time Orchards 2018 | Twin Lakes, Wisconsin

For some reason this year, Markus and I took longer than normal to head out to the orchards. When we finally made the trek out to Twin Lakes, all the trees were bare and the store was devoid of a single apple. It was kind of sad, but it’s okay because the main reason we drove almost two hours was the apple cider donuts. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take any photos, because we ended up devouring the entire order in minutes. No joke, I would probably drive another two hours to eat those amazing donuts!

The Upside Down Bar | Logan Square, Chicago

In honor of season 2 of Stranger Things being released today, I wanted to share my photo from the pop-up bar in Logan Square. The bar was just an eight minute drive from our house so we decided to stop in one night to check it out. We went on a Sunday night at 6 p.m. and it was already packed full of people. What I found surprising was the clientele wasn't just the typical hipsters you find in Logan Square, it was mix of all kinds of people. Just goes to show you the scope of people that love Stranger Things. As most of you know, Netflix sent a hilarious cease-and-desist to the owners of the pop-up. It may be shut down now, but may the Upside Down Bar forever live in our hearts. 

Harvest Time Orchards | Twin Lakes, WI

It’s been three years since Markus and I went apple picking at County Line Orchardin Hobart, Indiana. I liked our experience there, but there are so many orchards near Chicago that we decided we wanted to check out another place this year. We’ll probably check out a new spot next year as well. Maybe I should make it a goal to visit all the popular orchards and see who has the best donuts. Because let’s be real, that’s why we go to orchards, for the donuts or maybe that’s just me?

This year, we decided to check out Harvest Time Orchards in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. They have lots of activities for the family: apple picking, donut shop, country smoke house, corn maze, cider barn, brat shop and more. Unfortunately we didn’t have a chance to pick apples, because you have to drive into the orchard and we were having car troubles. We didn’t want to breakdown in the middle of a family picking apples. There were a lot of people at the small orchard, but it didn’t feel too packed. There were lots of things to do so people were spread out all over. We did wait an hour and half for three apple cider donuts, but I have to tell you, those were worth it. I know it sounds crazy to wait that long for something so little, but these donuts were delicious. They were warm and light and not too sweet. I would wait in line again for those fluffy treats.

Noelle's Day Off | Chicago, Illinois

I was born in the 80s and like most kids, I was raised by the TV and loved movies, especially those directed by John Hughes. I devoured all of his films and they always resonated with me. Ferris Bueller's Day Off is in my top three John Hughes movies. In all actually, I just wanted to be as cool as Ferris. After I watched it for the first time, all I've ever wanted to do was follow in his footsteps and do the same things. When Markus and I moved to Chicago, I thought that my dream was finally going to come true. A couple years passed and I thought it was just going to be one of those things I said I would do, but never did. So cut to last November, Markus and I finally fulfilled my dream. I even convinced him to dress in the spirit of Ferris and Sloane.

Unfortunately, we didn't do everything featured in the film. It's highly unrealistic to be able to do all those things in one day. Also, the locations are spread out through Chicagoland. I cut it down to four things that were close and the most iconic. First, we stopped at the same parking garage they dropped off Cameron's car. We were able to park our car there for the whole day. Afterward, we walked over to Sears Tower. I know it's now called Willis Tower, but it will always be Sears Tower to me! This was the only place that someone recognized us dressed like Ferris and Sloane. I was surprised that no one else noticed, but I guess we did look Asian hipsters.

After we finished peering over the ledge at the Skydeck, we made a quick stop at the Flamingo Sculpture on Dearborn. It's the scene where Cameron and Sloane are looking for Ferris. Our last and final stop was at the Art Institute of Chicago, where I would finally see my favorite painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat. After we spent a couple hours in the museum, I was exhausted, but in a good way. I was so happy that I finally had my own day off and explore cool places in the city. The whole experience was everything I hoped it would be and more!

Alcatraz Island | San Francisco, California

If you know me, you know that I'm a fan of Unsolved Mysteries and shows like it. I especially like shows where dudes go to haunted places and taunt ghosts. They always feel a chill, but never see a ghost. I can't stand horror movies, but when it comes to the real stuff, I'm all in. My high school best friend Heather is also a fan of these kinds of shows. Her husband, who is also named Mark, booked a tour of Alcatraz Island for Valentine's Day one year. I spazzed over her pics and she promised that we would go one day. Cut to April of 2015, when she heard that we were coming to San Francisco, she immediately booked a tour for us. She's incredible and so thoughtful!

Alcatraz always seemed like one of those places that might be overrated or a tourist trap, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was my first prison tour, so it was really interesting see what it's like. It was really depressing at times and also thought provoking. I loved the inside look into the famous escape by Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers. I still remember the episode of Unsolved Mysteries about it and wondered if the three survived or not. I guess we'll never know! Either way, it was a fantastic afternoon touring a famous landmark and getting an inside scoop on the infamous island.