North Coast Festival

I’m recapping September events!  I’m glad I’m getting to Labor Day Weekend.  I saw the single-day pass off of Groupon.  My older brother got one as well since he wanted to see Gucci Mane.

I was looking forward to Eric Prydz and Deadmau5 performing together on stage.  I absolutely love dance music along with EDM and these two are on the top of their game.  I got there early to checkout the scene before my brother arrived.  Part of the fun is seeing all of the action around you.  I love silly costumes and good vibes!  Everyone is having a good time.  I couldn’t think of a better way to kickoff my weekend.  

Now an update in the Hurricane Maria rescue mission.  It seems that airlines are booking flights on-line only to cancel them or delay flights altogether.  Over the weekend, we’ve gotten word about loved ones through a 3^rdparty since communication is still down.  No running water or electricity throughout the island.  People are donating goods in New York as well as Chicago and Florida.  It’s a rush against time to get these items to those in need.

Mamby Memories

The holiday weekend is right around the corner!  I hope you have some fun stuff in store this weekend.  I have two parties to go to and I’m looking forward to seeing my friends.  I got a chance to see some of them last night over cocktails and it was a good time.  Sometimes catching up with everyone gets your mind off things. 

Last weekend I went to Mamby on the Beach music festival.  My friend encouraged me to get a ticket at the last minute and I’m glad I went.  Music festivals can be a crazy atmosphere but as long as you’re with the right people it could be tons of fun.  I have friends that question why I still go to them but for me, music is everything!  Especially when it’s dance music…

Let’s face it.  Seeing the crowd react to the dj and people jumping up and down can put a smile on anyone’s face!  You can see the expression of joy everywhere.  For a moment, everyone is riding one harmonious wave.

Although I was unfamiliar with some of the acts that performed, I did get introduced to new djs and recently started following some on social media.  They even finished off the festival with fireworks.  I loved every minute of it!

Spring Awakening Sunday!

On Sunday I went to church and headed home right afterwards.  It was going to be another scorching day in the 90s.  I didn’t have any plans to do anything except continue reading my new book of the month.  Currently I’m reading Timothy Ferriss’ “The 4 Hour Work Week”.  So far I’m enjoying this different perspective!  Lol.

Out of nowhere a friend of mine called me up and asked if I wanted to join him and his friend at Spring Awakening.  I almost bought tickets with another friend of mine two weeks prior but they backed out.  Now here I am again, wondering if I should go or not.  This year they moved the venue to Addams/ Medill park.  I wasn’t sure where that was, so I took the cta train and then hopped in an uber for the rest of the route.  There were so many people there!  I made my way to will call and purchased my ticket.  Luckily it wasn't sold out.  I went to find my first dj of choice Duke Dumont and enjoyed his set before my friends got there later on. 

I love music festivals!  There is so much going on and for an introvert like me, I find the people watching very amusing.  The music was awesome and we all had a blast the rest of the night.  I saw Gorgon City, Alesso and Martin Garrix.  I don’t think I’ll be doing any other festivals this summer but you never know!  lol

Lolla Recap!

My Lollapalooza recap is here!  As usual, it was pretty epic.  I have to say, it's definitely my favorite festival of them all.  You have all walks of life roaming Grant Park in our beautiful city!  What's not to love??
I've been attending Lollapalooza for over 7 years.  There were times I didn't purchase tickets and would sit outside the venue and picnic with my friends.  Although the majority of the crowd are young, you will see a range of all age groups as well.  I DO have to note that Lolla is NOT for everyone.  I'm always amazed whenever people purchase tickets to a massive festival, only to stay behind the side lines because they hate crowds.  lol.
Regardless, I found my way inside Saturday's concerts.  Luckily the weather had cleared up by the weekend, because for Day 1 & 2 it did rain as usual.  Mudapalooza strikes again.  I was hesitant on wearing sneakers because I did not want to ruin another pair of shoes.  I wore my studded motorcycle boots and a high low tunic with my black denim to "blend in" with the crowd.  It looks like I will be doing a spring cleaning of my closet once again since some of my items are outdated.  Regardless if they fit or not, I can honestly say some of my mini skirts have to go!  I'm also a fan of graphic tees and I hate to admit it but some of them look comical now. 

Wearing black and white for Lolla...

We got in around 5:45pm in time to catch Oliver Heldens set at Perry's.  Afterwards we made our way to see the ones who started it all at Lolla- Jane's Addiction!  We were conflicted when it came down to the closing sets, but settled on watching Disclosure open, and seeing Red Hot Chili Peppers finish the night.  I was exhausted and too tired to do anything else.  I went home to start it all again the next day.

Love Buckingham Fountain

As close as we can get!

The infamous Perry's Stage

For Sunday the temperature got warmer to the low 80s.  This time I wanted to wear something sleeveless and definitely NOT jeans.  I settled for my boyfriend shorts and another pair of flat boots which weren't so heavy to lug around.  My motorcycle boots weigh a ton and tired out my legs the night before.  I will advise although people choose to wear flip flops or sandals, I am not a fan of having my feet exposed at a music festival.  People be tripping (no pun intended) and I rather wear sneakers or boots.
I found an old fringe top and decided to pair that up with my outfit.  It's an interesting top and where else would I wear such a thing anyway?  On to the festival!
This time we arrived with a larger group around 2:30pm.  It took us a while to get in through security and we were sweating up a storm waiting in line.  We all agreed to check out some bands later on, and decided to walk around to see what Lolla had to offer.  I was impressed with the Lolla store.  My friend bought a tank top she switched into, and I purchased a Disclosure recyclable tote bag. 
The rest of the day was interesting.  We got a chance to hear Silversun Pickups, Yellow Claw, and Flatbush Zombies before ending it with LCD Soundsystem and Ellie Goulding. 
Now that it's over I'm a little bummed out, but I know I cannot do more than 2 days of this.  I was thrilled to see people older than me jamming out to the music.  I have a sneaky suspicion this will not be my last Lolla.  hee-hee



YES!!!

Happy Hump Day! I'm back!!

Well as you can guess, I've been on hiatus blogging since I went away on vacation.  It's been two weeks of adjusting back to my normal life, but believe me, it has not been easy.  I usually get pretty bummed out once I come home.  It's a selfish reminder that I would rather be somewhere else.  I'm not sure if anyone else goes through this, but I usually burst into tears once I walk into my apartment.  I need to figure out what I'm going to do with my life since living here on my own has been troublesome for me.  Maybe I'm more lonely than I thought. 
Regardless, blogging HAS helped me appreciate my life more and the friends I DO have here.  There are lots of changes going on in my social circle, and I've been having a hard time fitting in.  People are having babies, planning weddings, and I'm still here trying to relate to the new person my friends are becoming.  No more singletons for them!  It's time for their new roles as mother or wife.
Although I've never been "officially" married, I was in a long relationship that lasted 7 years.  It was a huge part of my 30s.  It's been over now for 3 years, but I still have a hard time adjusting that I'm back in the market.  Do I want to get married and have a family?  Of course I do.  But as the years go by, I find that maybe not everyone gets that opportunity in life.  Is that a bad thing?  I've been questioning that myself lately.
As you can see by my train of thought, something came light of my vacation, and I'll explain that later.  I am still trying to catch up to my June events.  The funny thing is today is the 1st day of Fall.  lol.  It's going to be interesting recapping my summer activities entering a new season.  But if I've learned anything by catching up, is that sometimes you never realize how much has happened to be where you are NOW.  It gives us a chance to slow down a bit and smell the roses. 
Back in the beginning of June I was invited to a concert in Portage Theater.  My neighborhood is changing and this theater has been renovated to host new venues that come into the city.  The Portage Theater has been around since 1920 and is one of the oldest movie houses in Chicago.  I was excited that I did not have to travel far from home to have a night out.  I wore my jeans and a striped top since I wasn't heading downtown for a change.  Regardless I met my friends and we ended up at a private reception where they had the band come out.  Los Amigos Invisibles are from Venezuela and have been gaining popularity since they performed at Lollapalooza a few years back.  I had a great time!  What a nice surprise to the neighborhood for some great entertainment!     

Private reception area for the band!  They did a meet-and-greet as well...

Los Amigos Invisibles!

Me and my friends having some fun with the photo props..

Feeling like a movie star!  lol