Every summer that I've lived in Chicago I create a summer bucket list of things I want to do during the season. This year I am simplifying the process by sticking to just my favorite things to do in the city instead of trying to do everything. Completing my check list will be a bit more challenging with two kids, but I'm up for the task! My favorite things to do in Chicago: Standup ... Read more
Lava and Rainforests Adventure with Paradise Helicopters
** This post has been sponsored by Paradise Helicopters of Hawaii. All opinions and images are my own. I've crossed off something that's been on my bucket list for a long time during our Big Island vacation: seeing lava! During our honeymoon in 2014 Graham and I had hoped to see the lava but we weren't able to; at the time it wasn't flowing toward the ocean and we could only see the crater ... Read more
My Chicago Summer Bucket List & On-the-Go Photo Tips
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Walmart Family Mobile. All opinions are mine alone. #SummerIsForSavings #CollectiveBias #WFM2 Summer is breezing past us, and we still have many items left on our Chicago summer bucket list. Some of these activities I would do as part of my own self-care, and some would be fun to do as a family! My goal for the ... Read more
Chicago Spring Bucket List
Spring is finally here, though Chicago has yet to get the memo. The only way I can get through the remaining weeks (days, I wish) of this weather is to plan all the fun spring activities I want to do this season. Thus, another Spring Bucket List is born! My Spring Bucket List: Take three Dabble classes. I have my eye on a summer cocktail class, a jewelry-making class and hopefully ... Read more
Travel Wish List | 5 Places to Go
** This post contains affiliate links. Canva I was inspired by the New York Times' 52 places to go in 2017 article to share five places I have on my travel bucket list. Some are half a world away and some are right next door, as you will see below. What's on your travel list? Five places to consider: 1. Thailand is at the top of my list. If I could go anywhere in the world right this ... Read more
Our Canada Road Trip Itinerary
** This post is sponsored by Radisson. Graham and I have been planning a trip to Canada for a while. I recently read an article about amazing places to go in Ontario and I became inspired to plan a 2017 road trip from Chicago. The destinations we want to check out in Ontario are only about 7-8 hours away, and since we are pros at road trips — we have done three 1,700-mile road trips! — the ... Read more
Fall Bucket List
I sat down to write my 2016 fall bucket list and quickly realized I wrote almost the exact same activities as I did in 2015, so why reinvent the wheel? I'll be customizing the above activities for the Chicago area, of course, like I did last year. For the stroll at a garden or park, I'll most likely visit Morton Arboretum. For apple picking, hot apple cider, corn maze and pumpkins I can ... Read more
September Goals
August was another blur. We say that every month, don't we? September will be exciting because Graham and I celebrate our second anniversary this month and we are one month closer to some major changes. Baseball season is also heating up, and the Chicago Cubs are a big deal for the Flora family, so we'll be closely watching and cheering for the team all month long. It's also my last month of ... Read more
Taste of Chicago
I finally made it to Taste of Chicago (one of my Chicago summer bucket list items) over the weekend. I was dying to go last year but I had no one to go with. Womp, womp. Normally that doesn't stop me, but it's a huge festival that can be kind of intimidating to do alone. I was determined to try Taste after the SoFabU conference on Saturday, and I made it happen! I took the train to Grant Park ... Read more
Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga on Lake Michigan
Photo by Chicago SUPYoga Last weekend I crossed off another Chicago summer bucket list item. I have wanted to try stand-up paddleboard yoga since last summer, but I let fear and the whirlwind that was my first year in Chicago prevent me from doing it. When plans fell through for Sunday I knew this was my chance. If I didn't take advantage of a free day, then who knows when I would be able to do ... Read more