The Weekly Edit
legos, swimsuits, and Chicago Italian Beef with a side of Studio Ghibli.
—In this week's newsletter: being a Lego mom and how to get access to the behind-the-scenes tour at the Lego HQ in Denmark; my recommendations for the five swimsuits I always reach for when I am packing (and I always bring at least one every trip!); and some timely links for Japan and Chicago.
Let’s Go Legos
I didn’t know I was a lego mom.
Or a Minecraft mom.
Or a mom who would know so many things about Hot Wheels.
But oh man I am so glad I am.
I told you yesterday that the best part of my day is when you come home.
And it’s true, every single day.
What a gift.
I wrote that about my oldest son (age 7) in an attempt to describe the way that adoring someone means you then find all kinds of new interests because they are interested in them. In falling in love with what they love, you can access a part of them, and also the parts of you that come into being because of them.
All that to say, I now love legos. And I’m here to tell you that if you too love legos, or love someone who gets jazzed about a fat step-by-step guide on how to build a lego rocket or lego car, this experience might be up your alley.
Once a year the Lego HQ “home of the brick” - somehow I say this in the Arby’s commercial voice in my head - opens the lottery to gain a spot on “The ultimate 3-day LEGO® fan experience.” This behind-the-scenes tour at the headquarters in Denmark is for the true fan - you get to see behind the lego veil - access inaccessible parts of the factory, tour the founders house, have dinner with lego designers, and of course get access to exclusive (and sometimes retired) sets. It’s been called both awesome, and “well-worth it” by past attendees so if you’re a fan, put this on your calendar.
Details:
Bookmark this page for the lottery opening, registration generally opens in October for the following year.
You must be 12 to attend, and if you’re between 12-17 you must bring an adult with you.
Runs about $3400 for the three-day tour, which includes accommodations.
Swimsuit Season!
We’re thisclose to April which means that like clockwork I’m VERY MUCH anticipating bathing suit weather/season and all the lovely summery things that go with that - slightly sticky sunscreen skin, cold salty sea water, picnics by the pool, margaritas and Rosé all day - a girl can dream until the temperature rises!
On that note - I have a short list of my five bathing suits that I reach for when packing for warmer weather, and let’s be honest I always pack at least ONE bathing suit no matter what because I want to be ready for an impromptu cold plunge or hot tub. Strong proponent for classic colors for bathing suits - white, red, black, and then of course a great print. Oh and also I have a love for high-waisted 50s silhouetted suits - so I threw an option in for that as well.
White
Up first, a bikini from Marysia, in coconut. I have the Santa Clara top and the Spring-Tie bottom. The scalloped edges are a hallmark for this brand, and they take the suit just beyond basic to classic. The suit itself is lined and stays put. It’s a favorite of mine, and I also have the cut-out one-piece if I’m more in mom-mode.
Red
To go with the classic red, I went with the ever-classic, Eres. These suits LAST, and they really hit the venn-diagram of simple and sexy. I have the Mouna top in Grenadine (seems like the closest color they stock now is Corail), and the Fripon bottoms.
Black
I have this Vitamin-A one-piece which is very comfortable, stays put, and also manages to go the distance if I want to put on pants/shorts over it and stroll to dinner in it too.
Print
Love love love La Double J prints, and have a couple of her dresses, but fell in love with this suit and it did not disappoint. It’s cute, stayed put while snorkeling in the Maldives, and did I mention how cute the print is- it is so fun!
50s Silhouette
So I have a Lisa Marie Fernandez suit in a pink seersucker (discontinued color), but this black version seems just about as perfect an option in this genre as one could get.
Note: I love bathing suits (grew up in SoCal) and have lots more options if you want more recs! Just hit respond and we can chat all things bikini and one-piece!
Links of the week
As someone who can sometimes be chronically online, OF COURSE I was inundated with the Studio Ghibli explosion with the ChatGPT update this week. Mostly I thought it was fun and cute, and it reminded me that you can take a tour of Studio Ghibli while in Japan, see link here. *As a side note I can set up a private tour if you wish instead.
And speaking of Japan, here’s a cool thing I found about how local Japanese people are offering free guided tours in Japan which seems like something my very extroverted and/or adventurous friends and clients might be into. Check it out here.
In honor of Brownell Academy–my host agencies annual meetup of advisors and partners - which is both an amazing time and held in Chicago this year, I have three links for you:
A discussion of the best Italian beef in Chicago. A discussion that alas I will not be able to join in on myself as our schedule is PACKED, but I thought you should have it here anyway. (Spoiler: the answer is always Johnnie’s)
A link to the “Yes Chef, the Bear Tour” - which comes highly recommended, and would be perfect for anyone who calls themselves either a foodie or a Jeremy Allan White fan (I claim both).
And three, when asked what to do in Chicago, the chorus of travel advisors aligned on one-note, and it was: take the architecture boat tour. Bundle up (because, Chicago spring), but do it. It’s worth it.
I’m booking for summer 2025 trips right now, as well as already into the fall and festive. Reach out if you want to get on my calendar, I’d love to work on a trip with you!