We had our first date night in months (I think?) on Saturday night at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago. We saw Johnnyswim, our favorite duo, for the fifth time, and it was one of the best shows we've see them perform. We were nervous about getting to the Riviera Theatre because Graham had to work Saturday and his end time was uncertain. (It depends on when a game ends.) Also, I was ... Read more
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 ... Read more
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 ... Read more
December Playlist | Christmas Songs
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 ... Read more
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 ... Read more
Hamilton | Broadway in Chicago
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 ... Read more
Ways to Relax During the Workday
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 ... 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
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 ... Read more
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 ... Read more