Shopping in Chicago is great. You can find any store you're looking for within an hour or two. There's even two Ikeas. If you liked the outdoor shopping mall experience in San Diego, you can also find that here in the Old Orchard Shopping Center. Although, it doesn't hold the same charm in the winter. It also reminds me of Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio.

If you do a 30 second google search you'll find a million things to do in Chicago. I'll tell you a little about my favorites. This doesn't mean other things on the list aren't good. They are, I just can't list everything, you know?

I feel like Chicago is the place I became a wife, a mother and an adult. Although I went to college in Portland, as soon as I graduated and got married (one week apart) I moved to Chicago. I lived there for five years and loved every summer of it. I'll be honest, the winters are terrible but the summer almost makes up for it.

I know I don't really have to tell you how awesome San Diego is. I'm sure you know. The weather is amazing, the food is good, the sunsets are amazing and it smells amazing. Every time I fly there I notices how good it smells as soon as I leave the airport. Amazing I tell you.

You guys are in for a real treat today! My good friend Danielle is going to guest post about food in San Diego. Danielle is probably the most knowledgeable person I know about food. Not only does she know how to choose a good restaurant but she knows a ton about unique ingredients, good recipes and the science of baking. So, enjoy her recommendations!

Shopping in San Diego is a great treat. There are beautiful outdoor malls with immaculate flower beds and fun music. People are happy and it seems as if they don't have a care in the world. Fashion Valley is a beautiful mall, although very popular. If you're a people watcher, this is the place for you.

The Beach: this may seem obvious. Well, it is I guess. You can go to the beach and have a great time without spending anything. We spent most of our beach time at La Jolla Shores and loved it.

Welcome to the beautiful, sunny, San Diego. Today I want to talk a little about the culture of San Diego, but before we do that I should tell you about my stay in SD. When my husband was in law school he did a summer internship there. So, I only lived there for about three months but I have been there numerous times and I love San Diego. A lot. It is definitely one of my top five favorite cities.

I hope you've enjoyed our virtual trip to Columbus. If you haven't been to Columbus you really should plan a trip. It's a great place. I also wanted to let you know that in 2009, BusinessWeek named Columbus THE BEST place in the country to raise a family. So, if you're looking for a new city or if Columbus is an option for you, check it out. You'll be glad you did!

I know I mentioned before that I lived in German Village when we lived in Columbus. Let me tell you a little more about my old neighborhood and the other neighborhoods in the city.

This is the best fabric store I've ever been to. Hands down. When I get a chance to go back to Columbus, this will be towards the top of the list of places to go.

When I first moved to Columbus, I didn't know very many people. I did a quick internet search and found out that they have a fabulous science museum called COSI.