February just flew by, didn’t it? We started off the month closing up the showhouse - what a great experience that whole thing was. Thanks to the great group of designers and volunteers involved, it was a ton of fun. Thank you for your support and an extra special thanks to those of you who came out to see it!

We then had a visit from my mom which always means a lot of activity on the home front. To thank her for all her hard work, I took her out for afternoon at the St. Regis. You know how I love a good afternoon tea so it was nice to find a good one in town.

I got a little downtime at home, to veg out in front of the fire and watch some tv. (Downton! I knew Matthew was going to bite it but Sybil!? Tragic. Smash is even better this season, the Following is super creepy and it’s always good to have the Amazing Race back. )

In the totally boring category, I finally, finally started working out after a long hiatus. I hate working out with a passion but I love to eat – as you can tell from my Instagram or Twitter feed – so it’s got to be done. I miss the days when I could get away with just walking everywhere and that was enough exercise. (I’m curious, how do you all stay in shape?)

Then it was off to Chicago. We’re making real progress on the house, I got totally inspired by the Jean de Merry showroom there (it was like visiting a gallery, each piece a work of art) and I also had one of the most memorable meals ever at Alinea. Edible helium-filled balloons? Three feet tall vases filled with ice and orchids as a serving vessel? Sixty garnishes for one dish? Yup, just a few of the highlights.

I feel like I’ve been working nonstop since 2013 began and not that I’m complaining but I am really looking forwrd to the mini-vacation I’ll be taking next week. London, here I come! I hope you had a good month too.

*My Month in Pictures is part of my Living La Belle Vie series. You can follow me on Instagram (@FromTheRightBank) or Twitter for more daily pictures.

(Photos: FROM THE RIGHT BANK)