My First Mom-cation and Why I Want Another One

Posted in travel by thechicagogoodlife

I will admit it. I have never been alone overnight without Manny or Noah. I usually have one or the other with me. Not sure if that is coincidental, but leaving the both of them was definitely different for me.

I was invited to a Chef’s Dinner at Three Embers Restaurant ,which is inside the newly renovated Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. The chef was preparing a dinner for Chicago influencers to highlight their locally sourced cuisine. We had the option to spend the night because it’s about an hour away from the city. At first, I was so excited to get away by myself for the night for the first time, but that morning, I literally

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Amazon Prime Day 2018: What I am shopping for this year

Posted in Healthy & Fitness, recipe by thechicagogoodlife

Amazon Prime Day is here! For those are that are unfamiliar, it’s like Black Friday shopping, but in July. Amazon has some incredible “lightning deals” that are 20%, 30%, even 60% off of items from fashion, beauty and home. The sale is from July 16th at 3pm est until July 17th at 11:59pm. It’s the first time they have ever had the sale for a day and a half, so there will be plenty of things for everyone. Now that Amazon owns Whole Foods, they are also having a deal. Spend $10 in-store, get $10 on Amazon from July 11-17th. For Prime members: Scan your Prime Code or use your mobile number at checkout in-store between 7/11-7/17/18 on a single purchase of $10 or more. See more details here.

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9Jul2018

June Roundup: what we’ve been up to

Posted in Monthly Roundups by thechicagogoodlife

June came in as quickly as it left. Does anyone else feel that way? It went by so, so, so fast! I am fully in the second trimester and feeling better than the first, so I have gotten so much more done! We did some home renovations, celebrated Father’s Day and our 5 year anniversary. I also got a chance to take a trip to Saugatuck, Michigan for the first time. June was definitely busy, but an overall an exciting month. Continue reading →

5Jul2018

Pride Parade: Let’s Talk About It

Posted in Chicago by thechicagogoodlife

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.

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30May2018

Surprise! Coming this Winter…

Posted in Baby, pregnancy by thechicagogoodlife

We will be a family of 4! I am so excited to share that Noah will be a big brother early December.

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28May2018

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Posted in Chicago, Lifestyle by thechicagogoodlife

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24May2018

Coffee with Christine

Posted in Coffee with Christine by thechicagogoodlife

May 18th

What is your favorite part of blogging?
I know this is going to come off slightly annoying, but honestly, I really love…read more at Coffee with Christine

16May2018

May Photo Breakdown

Posted in Photo Breakdown by thechicagogoodlife

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

9May2018

April Roundup: what we’ve been up to

Posted in Monthly Roundups by thechicagogoodlife

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.