Sangria and Spa Night

The last weekend of 2017 I got a chance to spend it with old friends.  I’ve known these girls for almost 20 years and it was fun catching up.  One of them moved to Florida, but was in town visiting family and friends during the holidays.  She decided to throw a spa night at her mom’s place to introduce us to a new skincare line.  She’s currently working with them and is very impressed with their results.  Who are we to turn down beauty secrets?  She made it more appealing by having sangria and tapas as well!  I love low key Saturday nights.  I’ve grown to appreciate a more intimate setting nowadays.  Regardless, I was very fortunate to see my old friends during the holidays, and as a result, will try to make it a habit to visit them once in a while wherever they reside now.  I can’t wait to tell you about my recent road trip to Detroit!  Until next time…

Simple button down to hangout with friends...

Ladies night at Cafe Iberico

I am an introvert at heart and although I love a great party; I get worn out with too many social settings.  Sometimes I need to lounge around in my apartment and think.  When the holidays were happening, I felt overwhelmed at times, especially since I was still processing the loss of loved ones.  I took every opportunity to rest and take care of myself when I was alone, in order to switch back “on” and deal with people.

Our good friend was in town during the holidays, and we finally caught up with her after Christmas.  It was a FREEZING that Wednesday after work.  I made my way down to Café Iberio with my other friend who picked me up.  It was definitely one of those days you could not be outside no more than 5 minutes.  In the end, the rest of the girls showed up, and we had a blast with sangria and tapas.  I just want my friends to be happy.  At this point, all of us are dealing with things on our own.  It’s nice to get together one in a while and just laugh… 

Spanish Square for Tapas

The day after Easter my mom invited me and my brothers to come by for ham.  I felt bad because I told her I had plans that Easter Sunday to go to the Baby Sprinkle.  I guess she really wanted to do something with us.  I need to be more aware of her needs.  She gets lonely and it’s hard trying to fit some time with her especially when the weather has been all over the place.  So far this spring, Chicago has had its nice days followed by 4-5 days of consecutive rain and showers.  I feel bad for those who are suffering with flood problems.  This rain won’t give.

That same week one of our friends was visiting from California.  She set aside to catch up on Thursday since she was also working while she was here.  Me and my friends all came together to see her.  Unfortunately, the bar that she wanted to meet up at didn’t have a working kitchen due to construction.  We decided to go to Spanish Square across the street for some tapas.

We didn’t realize we walked into their weekly wine tasting event that takes place every Thursday.  Of course me and my friends loved that!  We had a ball that night.

I ended the evening on a high note, but what happened afterwards had me troubled for a bit.  Looking back this past month was a bit difficult for me.  I’m usually optimistic but with so much tension all around, I’m hoping things will start looking up soon.  I’ve been under the weather and it’s wearing me down.  I’m looking forward to taking it easy this weekend.

Let's eat!

I may not be a foodie but I got a chance to eat pretty well last October.  My friends make fun of me that I never have an appetite for anything.  I rather have a good drink than to have a big meal.  That's because I usually watch what I eat and exercise regularly.  But there are occasions when I find myself out and about trying new things.

My boss wanted to surprise one of our coworkers to a lunch for her upcoming wedding.  She chose the Ralph Lauren restaurant on Chicago avenue.  I was excited to check it out because I've never been.  We made reservations and noticed how full the place was.  Luckily we got our table and ordered a way!  RL is beautifully decorated in Ralph Lauren fashion.  There were sections that looked like a library and then there were sections that reminded me of a horse stable.  There are tons of pictures hanging; some are photographs of old Hollywood actors and  some are of Chicago's iconic skyscrapers.  I missed the feeling of being back in time.  Our city has had our share of up and coming restaurants with a new age/ fusion twist.  It was nice to be in a luxurious country club-style restaurant and enjoy some traditional American food.  By the way, my club sandwich was to die for!  I will say I was pretty envious of their monogram RL coffee cups with matching saucers.

That same week I had dinner in Avec restaurant on Randolph street.  If you head over to this trendy neighborhood, you'll see a string of restaurants back to back.  I haven't been in that area in a while.  It was nice to enjoy a night out in the city.  This tapas restaurant was delish!  I enjoyed the dishes very much and would highly recommend it for a date night out.  

Afterwards we wanted to have some cocktails.  I was curious to see the new Loews hotel, so we headed down there.  We ended up catching the World Series game there.  I loved the lobby bar and even though I'm not a sports fan, had a great time there with the fellow spectators!  Congratulations Kansas!  That was an awesome game!
Tonight me and my family will be celebrating Christmas Eve.  I'm excited to see my mom.  I bought her a vintage brooch and I hope she likes it!  I will let you guys know.  As for everyone out there, please have a safe holiday and enjoy the time spent with family and friends.  If you are spending it alone, there's plenty of Christmas specials on tv as well as blockbuster movies out (hint: Star Wars) for your viewing pleasure.  I'm single so I know how it feels to be alone sometimes.  It's moments like these you go out and try to enjoy your holiday regardless of your circumstance.  Not everyone has it so easy.  No matter how down and out you feel, remember Life has a way of reminding you how blessed you are!  Live life to the fullest!!  And Merry Christmas!!!!!!

 

Check out that mirror!  Loved the décor in RL restaurant!

I cannot find these anywhere, but I need them in my life!



The best club sandwich I've ever had, hands down!

Cheese spread in Avec....

A bottle of pinot to go with our dinner...

I love healthy dishes like this Trout we shared. 

Kale salad with shrimp!  SOOOOOO good!

What I wore to Avec and Loews hotel.  I chose an off the shoulder sweater with bootcut jeans.  Pretty basic since I didn't know where we were heading to.

Let's celebrate!

Talk about having the holiday blues!  The mood in Chicago is very grim.  The Chicago Police is under investigation.  The mayor is constantly defending his actions involving the Laquan McDonald shooting.  Not to mention there's protests happening all around the city.  Everyone wants answers.  The upcoming presidential election has the topic of terrorism on their agenda.  As well as controversial remarks being made involving Muslims in our country.  It does not feel like Christmas at all.
It's a sad time for our city, and for our nation.  My mother was pretty emotional about Thanksgiving without her husband.  Tomorrow me and my brothers will be coming over to help her put up the Christmas tree.  She thought about not putting it up, but we talked her out of it.  I wish she wasn't so sad.
I wish I wasn't so sad!  What gives?  I'm beginning to feel like I'm sinking.  I have friends around me that are having some tough times too.  I don't remember the last time I've been excited about anything.  It's been a while.  I wish I could pack up and leave, just to recharge my batteries.  It's not that I'm overworked.  Hey, I'm content when I AM at work, only because I get to take my mind off myself for 8 hours or so.  But Facebook and other social media reminds us of the world we're living.  A world that is so unsettling.  A world that is unfamiliar to us all.  Not only do we know how scary things can get, it's HOW we handle things that is making me worried.  I miss my old life.
When I returned from Italy back in September, Labor Day had passed.  I remember trying to adjust to my jet lag before I headed back to work.  I walked in and my co-workers noticed right away something was wrong.  I felt lost in translation.  Flying on a Dublin flight to Paris, then walking the streets by myself, jumping on a mini plane to Bari.  Then spending two weeks all around Italy had taken it's toll on me.  Not to mention landing in Chicago and feeling the energy there among the people.  I've been in contact with Irish, French, Italians and now Chicagoans in a matter of 14 days.  It's the most drastic change I've encountered in a while.  I felt so lost.  I still don't know where I'd rather be.
I've obviously adjusted back to my life.  But now things are back to the unfamiliar.  In my own city.  In my own country.  I'm wondering if people around the world feel the same uneasy feeling I do.
Within the following week from being back in Chicago, I attended a dinner for one of my friends for her birthday.  It was at a Tapas restaurant out in Niles called Café Marbella.  The food was delicious.  I remembered tasting the food and thinking to myself how different it was from the Italian food I've been having the past two weeks.  Yet it was still delightfully good.  Maybe a trip to Spain is in my near future?
Afterwards, we didn't know where to go.  We figured let's hop on the expressway and by Rio Nightclub.  We made our way inside and mingled for a bit.  We decided to head downtown.  We passed up Underground and noticed the line wasn't so long.  Then we found parking.  A sign!  Let's see if this is possible. 
Luckily we didn't wait long.  We walked in and had a blast.  Some of the girls in our group have never been to Underground and they loved it.  A table full of men invited us over.  They were at a wedding reception earlier.  We had a great time!  I was happy the birthday girl was enjoying herself.  She deserved the best for her birthday.  It was good times.
It seems so long ago that night.  I hope things look up soon.  I miss me.

Café Marbella in Niles

The birthday girl with her friends

She was happy we made it to her dinner. 

Checking out Rio Nightclub for a bit.

I'm glad I wore my ankle boots and not heels.  It turned out to be a long night!

At Underground Nightclub.  It seemed so long ago. 

Tis the Season for PARTIES!!

Time for another throwback Thursday.  Since I'm still recollecting on December, I didn't realize I attended other parties besides the Holidays.  One of my friends celebrated her birthday at Cafe Iberico for brunch.  This was a fun gathering, mostly because, WHO DOESN'T LOVE CAFE IBERICO??  It has been around since 1992 serving tapas from all over Spain.  I usually take friends that are new to Chicago since you can find something for everyone.  I especially love the mussels and garlic shrimp.  YUMMY!  The sangria is the best in the city too.  We had a great time catching up with everyone.

Birthday flan cake!

Cheese!!

 

Another memorable party was our annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!  Our friend usually throws this one every year, but this time it was bitter sweet since she has now moved to sunny California.  We definitely did not want to miss her last farewell to this fun group.  I bought my sweater from Sears, but a lot of people ordered their sweaters on-line.  There are some pretty creative ones, especially the customized versions.  Take a look!

 

My gingerbread cookie Oh Snap! Christmas sweater...

Even Darth Vadar was in the house!

His sweater has an attached teddy bear!

My pregnant friend and her wreath!

Yes these polar bears are doing the naughty!