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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

A Date Night to Remember With Johnnyswim

 

Graham and I don’t get many date nights. The last time we spent an entire evening to ourselves was on Valentine’s Day. Last weekend’s date to the Need to Breathe concert, for which Johnnyswim was opening, was a much needed night out for us and one that we looked forward to since I bought the tickets in March. If you have read this blog for a while, you know that we LOVE Johnnyswim’s music. I discovered them in 2013 when the duo were one of VH1’s You Oughta Know artists. At the same I worked at a newspaper and had mornings off to watch music videos before getting ready for the day. We have seen them live four times now: At the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, at the Space in Evanston, at the Vic Theatre in Chicago and now at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island.

It might make some people shake their heads, but we only went to the show for Johnnyswim. Seriously. We also booked the meet and greet VIP package because we knew they wouldn’t be playing for as long as the other times we’ve seen them, and we wanted more time with them. We had previously met them in Phoenix (for free) but this was worth it to us because it’s not like we get date often!

The show was set to start at 7 p.m. with Forest Blakk, and the meet the greet was scheduled to begin at 4:50. We arrived at 4:55 after rushing through Chicago traffic; it took us an hour to get there! We made it, though, and after security we waited for about 10 minutes to be escorted to the general admission pit area, where we would be taking photos with them. Then we waited another 15 or so minutes, but I figured this would happen, and we weren’t mad at all.

We took our opportunity to talk to them about Adelina, seeing them live, giving birth at about the same time (Amanda had their baby girl in April, too.) and about Graham’s job. They were as lovely as ever. After a few minutes of conversation, we said goodbye. It was a short but awesome encounter.

At 7, Forest Blakk took the stage. I had never heard of him, but I enjoyed the songs he played for us. I suggest checking him out!

Johnnyswim’s set was also much shorter than when we have seen them in the past, but again, they weren’t the headliners, so we expected that. We were just grateful for our night out together and to hear them live again.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, they are amazing live. If you have a chance to see them in your area, do it! You can thank me later.

See Johnnyswim Live:

Johnnyswim Tour

Related posts:

Johnnyswim at the MIM
Johnnyswim at the Space
Johnnyswim at Vic Theatre

Summer Running Spotify Playlist

 

Summer Running Spotify Playlist
What songs would you add to my summer running Spotify playlist?

I’ve gotten a bit of a late start on my half-marathon training, but I’m excited to finally begin. Why so late? When I was pregnant I eagerly awaited the day I could run again. Many women can continue running while pregnant, but sadly I was not one of them. I counted down the days until my six-week postpartum appointment when I would be cleared to work out and I could celebrate with a run. It didn’t happen that way, though. Instead I couldn’t start running until eight weeks postpartum. I was exhausted, though, and any free time I have had would be spent resting, to be honest. Now I am finally more comfortable hiring a sitter so I can run or work out in general. I’ve been slowly adding songs to my summer running Spotify playlist to prepare for half-marathon training. Wish me luck as I start getting ready for the Chicago Fall Half Marathon!

Summer Running Spotify Playlist:

I will be updating my summer running playlist as the season progresses. I hope to have enough music for my half-marathon by September. Do you have a workout playlist? What songs would you add?

Songs include:

  • “Thunder/Young Dumb & Broke” by Imagine Dragons and Khalid
  • “Say Amen” by Panic! at the Disco
  • “Wait” by Maroon 5

 

Related post:

Chicago Marathon 2016 Recap

December Playlist | Christmas Songs

Christmas music

Can you believe Christmas is in 24 days? It’s time to put on some Christmas music and wrap or make gifts for our loved ones! We’ve also been watching a holiday movie every night as a family, and that’s been so fun. I actually refrained from listening to holiday music until Thanksgiving week this year, but I’ve been known to start playing my favorite Christmas songs in early November in the past.

Some of my favorite Christmas songs:

  • “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. This is my all-time favorite. It’s just so good!
  • “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Johnnyswim (I like it more than the original.)
  • “Oh Holy Night” Any version.
  • “Mele Kalikimaka” by Bing Cosby
  • “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” Any version.

Want to listen to my playlist? You’ll find a mix of Christmas classics with newer versions. Just hit shuffle and enjoy! You can also follow the playlist on Spotify to see any additions I make this month.

 

 

The list currently has 27 songs but it’s constantly growing.

What are your favorite Christmas songs? Do you like a specific version/singer? When do you start listening to holiday music? Let me know in the comments!

Related posts:

Holiday Season Check List | Things to Do in November and December

Cruelty-Free Beauty Wish List | Gift Ideas

Companies That Give Back | Holiday Gift Ideas

Our 2017 Family Holiday Cards

Johnnyswim at Vic Theatre | Why You Should See Them in Concert

Graham and I looooove Johnnyswim. The husband and wife duo have incredible voices and are such talented songwriters. Their song “Take the World” was our first dance song at our wedding, and we listen to their music all the time.

I bought tickets for last Friday’s show months ago and we’ve been anticipating the show ever since. They played a sold out show at the Vic Theatre in Chicago, a gorgeous venue. The best moments:

  • Johnnyswim’s openers were so fun! Striking Matches are a duo from Nashville that were energetic and played so well!
  • Abner and Amanda always go into the audience for at least a song.
  • Johnnyswim mix up their songs, transitioning into the next so perfectly and never being dull.
Tickets for the show were mostly general admission for about $34. You could also buy VIP passes to get into the theater earlier and meet them before the show. We skipped those because we met them in the past (for free) after a show, but I found myself wishing we had purchased them the night of the show. The Vic Theatre is set up so that each little section of the main floor is raised a little higher than the one in front of it, so if you’re short you can still see if you try to stand close to the railing. That’s what I did and I had a perfect view!

We take everything opportunity to see them live, and I’m sharing why you should see them play live before they get even bigger:

  • Their music is damn good.
  • They sound even better in person.
  • They involve the audience in the show.
  • They typically perform in intimate settings.
  • Tickets are affordable; prices don’t do them justice.
  • They sometimes bring their adorable son Joaquin or good friends (like Steph Curry) onstage.
My favorite Johnnyswim songs:
  • “Take the World”
  • “Home”
  • “Diamonds”
  • “Heart Beats”
  • “Don’t Let It Get You Down”
  • “Summertime Romance”
  • “Annie”
  • “Adelina”
  • “You and I”
  • “Live While We’re Younger”

 

Listen to Johnnyswim:

Hit shuffle and enjoy!

Hamilton | Broadway in Chicago

 

Hamilton Chicago, Broadway in Chicago, Privatebank Theatre

Like many Chicagoans, I spent quite a bit of time scanning Ticketmaster for “Hamilton” tickets when they first went on sale. Most of them were super expensive ($300-400) and sold out, so I gave up. Then, in November, I heard about more dates being released and found two balcony seats available for $80 each (including fees). I scooped them up immediately!

My friend Rachael and I took the train downtown (to Monroe stop) and walked a block to Privatebank Theatre, where we found a large crowd gathering outside. The lines to get in were quite a mess. We stopped to take a couple of photos and just wandered through the doors when we saw an opening. I was instantly struck by how beautifully ornate the theatre is. It opened in 1906, and you sort of feel like you’re stepping back to that time when you walk in the doors.

Hamilton Chicago, Broadway in Chicago, Privatebank Theatre

Because our tickets were on the balcony, we had to walk up stairs to get to our seats. I huffed and puffed my way up, wondering if my being out of breath was due to the excitement or a lack of fitness. (I’m sure it was the former. haha) The nearest women’s restroom is down the stairs on the second level, by the way, but there’s a bar/snack bar on each floor. Some seats on the balcony have obstructed views, but we were in Row M and I could see everything. At certain points a person a few rows down moved her head and blocked some of the actors’ feet, but that’s no big deal at all.

Hamilton Chicago, Broadway in Chicago, Privatebank Theatre

I won’t recap the story, because I’m sure you know what Hamilton’s about, but instead I’ll tell you about how it made me feel. It was stunning. I was blown away by the talent of the cast; and the songwriting is incredible. I also feel like I learned (or was reminded) more about history there than in high school. Maybe that’s an exaggeration. …

I had completely forgotten that Wayne Brady is currently joining the cast to play the part of Aaron Burr. While I am familiar with Brady, I had no idea his voice was so impressive.

As you can probably tell, I enjoyed “Hamilton” and want to try to see it again. I think everyone should see it if given the chance. It’s worth the hype!

Have you seen “Hamilton”? 

P.S. If you don’t want to pay for theatre parking or want to take public transportation, consider using Spothero to find more affordable parking nearby. Using my link gets us both a $5 credit. Thanks!

Fall Running Playlist

Fall is almost official upon us, so it’s time for a new running playlist! Fall is my favorite time to run. The weather noticeably changed in Chicago over the past week, making running a thousand times more enjoyable. It’s nice to not have a waterfall of sweat gushing off me after every workout.

I’ve started compiling songs for the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 9 and the Chicago Half Marathon on Sept. 25, which are approaching at lightning speed. As usual, I mixed old and newer songs as well as slower and faster tempos. Do you need some running or workout music? See how you like this Spotify playlist! Follow the playlist and let me know what you would add.

Featured artists:

  • Beyonce.
  • Daya and the Chainsmokers.
  • Sia, of course.
  • Outkast
  • Many, many more.

I am constantly updating my playlists as I go. I find new songs everywhere, and my favorite trick for adding them to my list is using the Shazam app and then clicking “Listen in Spotify.” If I notice I am skipping a song frequently during my runs I sometimes move the song to another playlist or delete it altogether.


What’s on your workout playlist right now? How often do you update your music lists?

Fall 2016 Running Playlist

Related running posts:

Chicago Marathon training recaps:

Running favorites**:

** This post contains affiliate links and ads.

Ways to Relax During the Workday + Meditation Playlist

Recently I’ve had an even harder time relaxing than normal. I have always dealt with anxiety, but it’s been on overdrive lately as I await some big changes and as work has become more and more busy. On some days I wake up and immediately zoom about the apartment cleaning up, taking care of the dogs and plants, and keeping up with my blog before work. Sometimes I barely have time to make myself food, so I rush over to Starbucks for an overpriced breakfast. Then work begins and my to-do list becomes a treadmill. I keep sprinting and sprinting but I never quite get to the end.

You can probably relate to this. You probably have a never-ending daily to-do list as well. I don’t like to complain because I know I am fortunate in many ways.  But when my heart is racing constantly for most of the day, I know I need to do something about it. It’s become more important to me recently to make the time to relax. So how do I deal with my anxiety on a daily basis? I’ve been finding little ways to calm myself when I’m stressed. Some of these actions work better than others depending on the day. Also, this more geared toward people who work from home like I do, but you can still incorporate most of these if you work in an office setting (or when you get home from work).

  1. Turn off anything that makes a sound. Turn off or ignore phone notifications. Sit there and work on my breathing. I will count my inhales and exhales and try to make my exhales a little longer each time. This doesn’t take a lot of time; just a few minutes will make me feel immensely better.
  2. Lie down on my yoga mat or bed and listen to my meditation playlist. I close my eyes and try not to think about anything. My meditation playlist has mostly ocean and rain sounds, which I find relaxing and remind me of being in Hawaii and Costa Rica. You can make your own meditation playlist of whatever soothes you. Put whatever you like on it — I’m not the meditation police! 
  3. Yoga practice. If I can’t make it to class at the studio, I practice on my own on my breaks. You can find many classes online. (See my guide for at-home yoga.) This doesn’t have to be anything intense, even light stretching and anything that opens your heart (physical movements that open up the chest) will help.
  4. Make your workspace as calming as possible, whether it’s clearing unnecessary clutter, lighting a candle in your favorite scent (if you’re not in a shared office), adding a photo of your favorite place on Earth or getting a small plant.
  5. Go for a walk or a run (or an Orangetheory class). It helps to get outdoors and fresh some fresh air. If I am super stressed I try to go to a class to get rid of that nervous energy.
  6. Remember that you can only do one thing at a time. Set asides blocks of time and focus on the most urgent things on your to-do list. Ask for help when you need it.
  7. Call someone. I recently had an upsetting workday and felt defeated. I decided to call my co-worker to talk about what happened and how I felt. While telling her what was on my mind didn’t change the situation, verbalizing how I felt made me FEEL a thousand times better. I had a clear head to return to work and get through the rest of my day. Call anyone who will listen, and be sure to ask about their day as well.
  8. End your day with a relaxing soak. I use Epsom salt several times a week. I listen to music or watch videos I enjoy. I then practice self-care with simple things like a face mask or painting my nails a new color. 
  9. Make time for whatever makes you happy. Lately I’ve been reading self-development (aka self-help) books like “You Are a Badass” and “Year of Yes.” These have reminded me to really pursue what I love and take steps to make my life what I what it to be. So whatever really moves you, try to incorporate it in your day in whatever way you can: reading about it, writing, knitting, dancing, whatever. 
Do you meditate? What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?

Meditation Playlist:

Related post:

Taste of Chicago

I finally made it to (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 on Saturday, and I made it happen!

I took the train to Grant Park after the last session and met up with Graham and two of our friends.

We started off with 24 tickets each (12 tickets cost $8.50). We were walking around and mulling over our options when I saw Lou Malnati’s. I had yet to try it, so I rushed over immediately to grab myself a cheese and Graham a sausage pizza. I thoroughly enjoyed every bite.

We next headed to Dia de Los Tamales to grab tamales. I tried the black bean and corn while Graham chose pork. Again, yum! I loved the salsa on top. I also tried my friend’s veggie burger before moving on to Chicago-style fries from Gold Coast Dogs.

It was then time for desserts. We chose watermelon Italian ice from Franco’s Ristorante, then headed to get the Mexican paletas at La Mexicana. I immediately gravitated toward the lemon lime. AMAZING! I wanted another, but instead we tried sea salt and caramel gelato from Franco’s. (We ended up buying another 12 tickets for the last two desserts.)
We probably could have tried more food, but it was time to head home after an exhausting yet fun day.

Have you been to Taste of Chicago?

Spring/Summer Chicago Bucket List

Last summer was my first in Chicago, and I quickly discovered how overwhelming it can be to decide what to do. The city comes alive in the spring and summer: After hibernating all winter, everyone ventures outdoors for countless festivals, events and things to do. It was not usual to have weekends booked up weeks in advance. This year I want to try to cover as much of this list as I can. What’s on your summer checklist?

My Chicago Bucket List

 

Spring/Summer Running Playlist

Spring is upon us, though you wouldn’t know it if you’re in Chicago. Snow in April? Why?! Luckily it’s warmed up since then and this weekend might actually be nice! Anyway, a new season brings a new running playlist! I like to regularly change my running playlist to avoid getting bored and give me renewed motivation. I get excited about the opportunity to listen to my favorite music without being interrupted. I’m actually getting a little nervous about my upcoming half-marathon, so this playlist will hopefully relieve some of that tension.

Here’s what I’ll be listening to:
  • Chance the Rapper
  • Zara Larsson
  • Sia
  • Repeats from Kendrick Lamar, K’naan and Outkast
  • Remixed songs from Mariah Carey and Katy Perry
  • Daya
  • Lots more!
I’ll be adding and subtracting from the playlist as the season goes on. Have any suggestions? Leave them in the comments!
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