spontaneity paid off

Brian got a last-minute unexpected day off today and we deliberated getting

a few things done around the house, or taking a few hours to have a fun,

relaxing afternoon. No brainer! We had lunch at Al's Cafe, a restaurant in a 1892

building that was once a millinery, offices, an appliance store, and a radio repair

business. When we walked in, the hostess led us upstairs, as the downstairs

 area was already packed. We were amazed that we had the whole floor to

 ourselves and that the space was so charming and beautiful.

While we were waiting for the waiter to bring our drinks, we walked around,

admiring the vintage books and decor...

Swooning over these windows, curtains, and chandelier...

 After a delicious lunch of homemade soup and sandwiches, we walked to

Elgin Books ~ an independent, used bookstore. I could've spent hours in 

this store. There was this light-filled room with some tables right next to the

little coffee bar (which, to me, if there could actually be a bonus to a used

bookstore, it's that they have good coffee, too)...

A long hallway with stacks of books...

 and nooks and crannies filled with even more books! I am definitely going

back when I have more time.

 I had brought in a couple of bags of books for book credit ~ and while the owner

didn't give a lot of credit for the books, we still came home with four new-to-us

books for "free". While walking back to our car, we saw these two hand-painted

murals on the sides of buildings and I thought they were really cool. Couldn't

tell you the meaning or stories behind these murals though. I'll have to do a Google

search and see if I can find anything.

So glad he had the day off and that we were spontaneous. 

Win-win.

Have you done anything offhand lately, for which you were grateful for

afterwards?

 

beautiful butler's table

 Brian had one last day of vacation left, so we took another day trip.

This time we went to the town of Evanston, just north of Chicago. It's a gorgeous

culture-filled town along Lake Michigan, home of Northwestern University, and

 boasts tons of unique restaurants and shops. This is also the town Brian

grew up in, so it's extra-special to him. But, before I get to that butler's table...

We had lunch at Dixie Kitchen - a true Southern, Cajun, and Creole

restaurant. Loved the decor in the restaurant...

And the food - wow! I haven't had fried chicken in about 15 years. I normally

stay away from unhealthy food like that. But I just had to try some. I only ate

a wing and a couple of bites of the breast meat. It tasted exactly like the fried

 chicken that my mom used to make - and she's from Kentucky - so

she knows how to make darn good friend chicken! There were also grits, cole

slaw, a corn muffin, and smoky collard greens. Needless to say, most of this went

home with me. And that was with Brian eating some of it, too! 

 Later in the afternoon, we stopped at our favorite Evanston coffee shop -

 The Brothers K - for herbal iced tea. This place has a hip and bohemian vibe and

you'll find a lot of Northwestern students, as well as writers, locals, and young

 moms with babes.

Brian's eyes are the same color as the wall. :-)

 Now. On to the place where I found the butler's table - Secret Treasures.

I think it's a good thing that I live far enough away from this place, that

I can't just jump in the car and make a quick trip. Even though this store

is on the small side, it's packed with all kinds of lovely goodies. The

owner is personable and friendly, and the prices are fantastic. There were

furniture pieces outside of the store...

 and here is the beauty that came home with me.

I didn't even know what kind of table this was at first; just that I loved

the x-legs and the tray on top. It's a little banged up, but I hope to sand

it and paint it down the road. It fits perfectly in front of my living room window.

I could even see other uses for this table, such as when we have a party -

I could use this to hold all the beverages, ice bucket, and glasses.

I could also picture it holding stacks of books and some lovely candles, or

being used as a bedside table.

Have a beautiful weekend!

 Linking up to The Farm Blog Hop
and The Creative HomeAcre Blog Hop