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.
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:
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
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.
When WGN Radio reached out and asked me to be apart of their Pride Parade this year, I was like SIGN ME UP! It’s one of my favorite days in Chicago. I have yet to miss a parade (except when I lived in NYC), the love, energy and vibe Chicago has on this day is incredible. 
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 🙂
Hi! This past month has been so busy! Sharing our pregnancy has been so exciting and we are starting to prepare around the house. Lot’s going on in the past month, mostly really, really wonderful things this past month. Continue reading
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park Zoo
Bridge at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Conservatory
Hotdog at North Avenue Beach
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
Every month I will take a photo from my feed with your help to “break it down”. I find that captions don’t always tell the whole story. This would be another way to get a more behind the scenes on what is actually going on in real life rather than on social media.
This photo was taken last August at North Avenue Beach and The Shore Club restaurant. I reached to Levine Moore Photo to take professional photos for my blog. This was the first and only professional photos I have ever taken. I usually have Manny, my dad or Alex from Sassy Confetti to take them. I know I should get updated headshots soon or at least take professional photos more often. But time, childcare and money always seem to get in the way.
I chose having wine somewhat involved in my blog pictures because really, I drink a lot of it and seemed natural for it to be apart of the photos. And if I’m being extremely honest, I was pretty nervous ahead of time and I definitely had a glass of wine while I was getting ready. I eventually warmed up after sometime or so, but “traditional” photo shoots don’t come natural for me. I’d much rather take photos in my everyday life, whether it’s with Noah or at an event, so much easier for me.
I remember posting it when we were driving on our way to my parents house while I was sitting in the back seat with Noah. He was napping and I needed to take advantage, this happens a LOT. I get lots of work done in the car on the weekends when he’s sleeping or entertained for a bit.
The photos did come out great and I’m glad I did it, but not sure when my next round will be.
And as always, you can sign up for weekly blog alerts here. Thank you for following along!
Until next time,
Christine
Ok, so I know it’s May 8th already and I am a little behind, but forgive me ok? I will try better next month. Promise. So here it is…
Bad
I am going to start with the bad this past month because April was crazy. I officially declared it my families unhealthiest month we have ever had. So much so, I didn’t even disclose a lot of of it on social media because I literally didn’t think people would believe me. Like I was making it up or something.
Week 1: I threw out my back after taking Noah out of the bathtub and literally couldn’t walk for a week. I have a bad back and this just made it ten times worse. I couldn’t lift him, took some time off work, and was basically bedridden.
Week 2: Noah had a double eye infection and a nasty cold. He was home from daycare all week, so I was on full mommy duty and no work. It was a long, boring week indoors.
Week 3: I somehow managed to get strep throat, which actually landed me in the ER. I was in so much pain and it became so difficult to breath. After a few rounds of steroids, fluids, and antibiotics, I was feeling better in about a week. Again no work and bedridden. Yes, it sucked.
Then, bam. April was pretty much over. Yes, very, very unhealthy month for us. I didn’t accomplish much, no blogging, events, or work. But we are all better now and looking forward to a healthier May.
The Good
Now thats out of the way, there was some good stuff that happened in April.
I was invited into Glow Out Salon to try out one of their services. I chose a blow out and it was fantastic. The space is also super, super grammable and fun to hang out with your friends. They offer spray tans, braids, blowouts and nails. It’s really a one stop shop. Definitely worth checking out if your in the area.
I had been having a serious burger craving and needed a big, juicy burger. Over the summer, I had tried Big Bob and Fritzys at Roscoe Village Burger Fest and I was hooked. I had never been to the Lincoln Park restaurant and very happy I did.
Their Angus Chuck burgers are grilled perfectly and they use Merkts Cheddar, it’s delicious. They also have shakes and sweet potato waffle fries with honey mustard, so so good. They also deliver on Grub Hub, I promise you’ll love it.
Since April was crazy, I was definitely feeling overwhelmed. I took a little break during my lunch and took a meditation class at Chill Chicago with a friend. It was so nice to just unplug and relax (although, meditating is so much harder than people realize). I need more practice, but Chill is such a zen place, I instantly felt a little lighter after leaving.
One of my favorite things I did ALL month was the Spring Bouquet making class at Flowers for Dreams. I am the least non-Pintrest person and really can’t put together a bouquet for the life of me, so I was really excited to try this class. They go through it step by step, and you also make a fun cocktail and they serve food along the way. It’s $40 dollars, but part of the profits are donated to nonprofits they work with. It’s such a great time and it’s for a wonderful cause. I plan on bringing my friends back in June for the flower crown class.
I am looking forward to May and so far, it’s been off to a great start (and healthy one at that!)
Until next time,
Christine
