local finds: south bend chocolate company

 

DTSB (you know, downtown south bend? yea, i'm using local slang since i've been here for all of 3 weeks) is probably one of the most relaxed downtown-areas that i've ever experienced. there are cute shops and boutiques, (what look like) cool bars, and some really great restaurants lining main street. it's as laid back as you can get.
the first place beau took me to when we were visiting south bend in january was the south bend chocolate company. it's crazy! - you walk into the place and it's like you're getting 4-in-1: it's a cafe, specialty dessert shop (including their famous chocolate...covering every type of fruit, nut, and snack you can imagine), it's got it's own pastry counter, and one whole side is dedicated to lunch (which is awesome, by the way). there are tons of tables around the entire place, free wireless, and comfy couches - definitely encouraging it's patrons to stay awhile...which we did. if you're ever in south bend you have to check this place out.

road trip

 

 beau and i are prepping for a road trip this weekend. we have a wedding to go to, and of all places, guess where it is - south bend! convenient, right?! so, we are going up a day early to look at a few places. [i'm keeping my fingers, toes and eyes crossed hoping that we find something.] and, because i have severe ADD while packing, i came across this article in one of my old lucky magazines and had to share.

[i'm sure everyone knows these, but they're those types of things i usually tend to forget]

tips for packing:

-roll, never fold

- check out the weather report

- put a change of clothes and some toiletries in your hand luggage (especially your toothbrush!)

- never get on an airplane, or car, without a cashmere blanket (i'd take any kind of blanket) and a scarf

- bring an extra bag - the kind that rolls up real nice and small - in case you really go shopping on your trip

- pack socks and good snacks

- pouch everything: all your electronics go in one, your toiletries in another, etc.

{above::sweater - the other place, tank - forever 21 (similar), jeans - forever 21 (similar), boots - carlos santana}

happy weekend!