** This post about living in Chicago is sponsored by Zumper. All opinions are my own. It's hard to believe that G and I have lived in the Chicago area for half a decade now. We had no idea what our new adventure would bring when we moved from Arizona to Chicago in 2015, but we are so grateful we took the leap. It's definitely changed our lives. I'm reflecting on some of what I've learned ... Read more
Trying the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle Bike
My gym membership is currently on hold during the pandemic. I won't be going to a gym for the foreseeable future, but I still need a release for my stress and a way to get some exercise. For many months I have been interested in getting a studio bike, but I had no idea which one to purchase and I was hesitant to spend that amount on workout equipment. But the more I thought about it and the longer ... Read more
Visiting Brookfield Zoo After Reopening
We haven't done much besides have picnics and go on family walks for the past five months now, so if we find an opportunity to do something fun outside while maintaining a safe distance from others, we will jump at the chance. At the same time, my husband won't have many days off, especially on weekends, for the next few months. That's why we took a random Tuesday off together to have a family day ... Read more
Trying Riche Organics Bath Bombs
The pandemic has severely hit small businesses. Now more than ever it's important to support local and small companies as much as possible. One of the local businesses I've supported recently is Riche Organics, a retailer of organic soaps, candles, bath bombs and other body products, including some with CBD. Riche Organics is located in the Old Orchard Mall (Westfield) shopping center in Skokie, ... Read more
Trying Nohbo Eco-Friendly Body Wash Drops
I recently received the Nohbo body wash drops I ordered in January after seeing an update on the company on the show "Shark Tank." My interest in the company began in 2016 when I first saw the company on the show. I placed orders for shampoo and body wash drops because I was unsure if I'd still receive my orders from the past two years while the company made changes to its products. So far I have ... Read more
Small Businesses I’ve Found on Social Media Recently
** This post about small businesses contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! This year I've decided to do my Christmas shopping as early as possible. I started a sinking fund for holiday shopping in January, so I already have savings for gifts and I've made a few purchases. My goal is to ... Read more
Things I Did During Quarantine
Maybe I just hallucinated a pandemic. That's how it feels when I continue distancing while others are enjoying the reopening by going to restaurants or hosting parties. I am still living that semi-quarantined life and don't really know when that will end. I've been reflecting on the various stages of quarantine I've experienced since March. First it began with anxiety. Lots and lots of anxiety. I ... Read more
Lessons I’ve Learned From Starting My Own Etsy Shop
You just have to begin. That's what I told myself when I began listing items on Etsy in May. I had opened a shop a couple of years ago but only listed a couple of items before taking them down. I hadn't given it much effort. This time I wanted to give it an actual try and share my creations. In just a week I landed my first sale and every since then I have hit 90 sales. That's more than I imagined ... Read more
My Recent Cricut Projects
** This post about my Cricut projects contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you! If there's a positive that has come out of quarantine, it's that I am now the proud owner of a Cricut Maker. I have wanted to purchase one for some time, because I love to DIY and buy personalized gifts. When the lockdown began I became ... Read more
Sangria Mocktail With Perrier® Strawberry
** This Sangria Mocktail With Perrier® Strawberry post is sponsored by Perrier® but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. Springtime means gorgeous weather and more time outdoors soaking in the sunlight. We love going on family walks to notice the changes spring brings, like blooming flowers, the return of perennial plants and the greener trees. After our walks we ... Read more