Tag Archives: Chicago

Meal Planning for a Family of 3 with Tony’s Fresh Market

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I hate to admit it, but I love grocery shopping and meal planning. I don’t know what it is, maybe it just sets the tone for the week and helps us stay organized? Whatever it is, I do it weekly. Sometimes even on a Saturday night by myself? It’s like a night out right? Hah.

I will make a list of the meals first Monday through Friday and then list out all the ingredients needed for each meal. We have our weekly usual meals, but I try to add in a meatless monday meal, a meat focused one and usually ending with pizza on Friday nights.

One thing that helps meal planning go smoothly is grocery shopping, Some things I look for in a grocery store are:  Continue reading →

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Chicago Gourmet 2018 Recap

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Chicago Gourmet weekend is now over and I have to say, it was perfect. The weather was amazing (last year was over 95 degrees) and being sober, I was really on the hunt for good food.

Chicago Gourmet is a foodie and wine event that Bon Appetit magazine sponsors every year at Millennium Park. It brings together renowned chefs, restaurants, wine and spirits. There are tastings, book signings, cooking demos, and wine and cocktail seminars throughout the event. It is truly a “foodie” experience.

This year extra special because I got invited to a pre-party with COUNTRY Financial with a demo from Chef Tony Priolo from Piccolo Sogno, which is literally my top 5 favorite restaurants in Chicago. They sponsored the Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ tent, which was one of the best parts. Live music, BBQ, cocktails, and lot’s of photo opportunities.

Chicago gourmet 2018 Chicago

Chicago Gourmet 2018 Country Financial tent

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One month without a car in Chicago

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Like many Chicagoland residents, the traffic in the summer is outrageous. With all the increase in Ubers and Lyfts, I felt like these past few months have been even worse. For example, I was heading to the Western Suburbs this past July and my normal 45-50 minute commute turned into a 2 hour nightmare (I almost ran out of gas, but that’s a whole other story…). Traffic, parking, construction, and so on was driving me crazy.

I also was becoming too reliant on our car. We have so many forms of public transportation within steps of our home, why did I keep driving everywhere? I was spending so much money on parking and gas, but why? When Lyft asked me to join their #ditchwithlyft campaign, it was perfect timing. I knew it was time to ditch our car for the month and take more public transportation.

ditching our car for one month and taking public transportationditching our car for one month and taking public transportation Continue reading →

Where I would make dinner reservations in Chicago

Posted in Chicago, Marriage by

(Updated October 2018)

Let me first say that we don’t get out too much these days, but when we do decide to get out for a date night, we try to make it nice (who got that Housewife Dorinda reference?!). We get all dolled up, hit the town, and home by 9pm :). These restaurants below not only have incredible food, but the atmosphere make great date night spots or perfect of towners. So here we go 🙂

chicago dinner reservations

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Hey Chicago People! Win Tickets to Sangria Festival *Giveaway Closed*

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SPONSOR POSTER 20X30 SANGRIA 2018.jpg

Although I might not be drinking much of Sangria these days, I have teamed up with the Sangria Festival on August 18th and 19th to giveaway two tickets! Fun right?!

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Subscribe to my blog here. It’s really that easy!  I send out weekly emails on Wednesday’s of all sorts of stuff going on in the CGL, new posts, giveaways, reviews, etc. Don’t worry, I won’t spam you and it’s once a week.
  2. Follow Sangria Festival
  3. Follow Me! 

That’s it!

(must be over 21 years of age, live in the US to enter and giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram or WordPress).

The winner will be emailed tickets on Wednesday, August 1st.

Until next time,

Christine

July Update: My Chicago Summer Bucketlist

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Chicago Summer Bucketlist

Summer is flying by. I really can’t believe 4th of July is already over, it needs to slow down! I wanted to update my Chicago Summer Bucketlist (you can see the original post here.) and share some things we have been up to around the city. We’ve done a few things, but we have so, so much more to do! Many of the things listed are family friendly and a few for the adults only.

Summer in the Windy City is the absolute best and I know there are an endless amount of things to do. If there are any festivals or places I am missing, add them in the comments below and I will include them! Summertime Chi is like no other, so enjoy every moment.

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Our 5 year Anniversary: Then and Now

Posted in Marriage by

Here it is! Our 5 year wedding anniversary is June 22nd and I can’t believe how much time has gone by. When I looked back at these photos,  besides the tears and laughs, I couldn’t believe a few things. One, we were very, very skinny and looked a lot less tired, hah. Two, how excited we were to get married. We were just so happy to celebrate with our friends and family for one giant party! I still say our wedding was the best party we ever threw 🙂

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My Chicago Summer Bucketlist

Posted in Chicago, family friendly by
Chicago summer things to do for everyone, kids, and families

Lincoln Park

Chicago summer things to do for everyone, kids, and families

Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago summer things to do for everyone, kids, and families

Bridge at Lincoln Park Zoo

Garfield Park Conservatory

Lincoln Park Conservatory

chicago hot dog at north avenue beach

Hotdog at North Avenue Beach

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Montrose Point Bird Consrvatory

Chicago is just the best in the summer. In fact, us Chicago-goans wait all year for it. The festivals, beaches, farmers markets, and activities are endless. For tourists, it’s the best time of the year to visit as well. The city and it’s people really come alive during the spring and summer months.

I put a list together of things I like to do in the summer, some I plan on doing, and even ones you can bring the whole family to. If you know anyone looking for adventures or have friends coming in town, send this their way!  Continue reading →