Kaskade at Tao

One of my favorite djs was coming to Tao and me and my brother decided to purchase tickets.  We were thirsty for some good music and  wanted to come out of hibernation from the long winter months.  For the most part, there were some electronic djs that I didn’t get a chance to see in January and February, but for the most part, some shows were too difficult for me to make it to.  One of them performed on a Sunday night, and I knew I couldn’t miss work the next day for some show.  Another dj was in town but the weather was horrible.  Kaskade always draws a big crowd, and we knew we had to act fast before the tickets were sold out.

Well guess what happened?  I bought my ticket and sent over my proof of purchase to my brother.  He informed me that he was going to get his by lunchtime.  To his surprise, the show had sold out!  Now what?

I tried looking for other sites to see if anyone else was selling tickets for this event.  Nothing.  On Instagram they held a contest 2 days before the show to give away some tickets.  I was getting desperate.  I figured worst case scenario I’ll give my ticket to my brother and he will have to go by himself.  Kaskade is his favorite dj and I didn’t want him to miss his performance. 

I didn’t win the contest, but a promoter of Tao did mention to contact him for tickets and table service the night before the show.  Me and my brother were not interested in table service, but were hoping to score one ticket if possible.  I lucked out with the promoter contacting me right away and asking me how many tickets I wanted.  “Just one,” I replied.  Dead silence.  I decided to continue the conversation on my own hoping I didn’t come off as a pest.  “Is there somewhere I can purchase the ticket?” I asked.  He finally replied an hour later that he was going to put me on his guest list but that I still had to pay.  No problem!

The next day me and my brother decided to head to Tao early in case we were going to run into any issues with this promoter.  The biggest joke in the industry is that there probably isn’t a “guest list” and might be denied at the door.  For all I know, his Instagram account can have a fake name on it!  We walked up to the bouncer and my brother was granted entry with my ticket.  I told them I was on the guest list courtesy of the gentlemen’s name.  I showed him our conversation via Instagram and the bouncer told me to go on in.  After security checked my purse, I was stamped and granted entry as well!  We scored!!  Not only were there no problems, but the guys at the door never charged me at all!  Me and my brother decided to celebrate at the bar.

Since we got there pretty early, it was fun people watching.  The club filled up pretty fast and eventually Kaskade came on and was amazing.  It was the perfect night for us to enjoy some good music!

King for a Day!

I am so grateful today is Friday!  I am pooped out.  I had an eventful week and I’m glad it’s almost over.  I am also proud of myself.  I managed to get some things done for my upcoming trip.  It’s nerve wrecking everytime I have to fly out.

Last weekend Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby was going on.  And I didn’t do a thing.  I was not in the mood to deal with overly drunk people.  I skipped out on the day parties and enjoyed my usual Saturday routine.  I cleaned up my apartment, did some French lessons, and read a chapter on a book I’m trying to finish up.  I also had the chance to lay out on my balcony.  I missed being under the sun.

Sunday I had a birthday party to attend to.  My friend’s son was turning one, and she threw a big soiree for him!  He was calm throughout the party despite being around so many people.  We were impressed!  It was nice to see my friends together.  It’s getting harder and harder to catch up with one another.  I had a good time until someone let the yorkies out.  My allergies started right away and I left shortly after.

With all of us moving in different directions and dealing with personal struggles of our own, I think the importance of being kind to one another is more important than ever.  I’m stressed out as well and my anxiety is not helping the situation.  The countdown has begun…

Golden Year Birthday Party!

My trip is this week and I am nervous as ever.  Not to mention, I’ve been getting migraines more frequently.  I’m not sure if it’s sinus related considering Spring is right around the corner, but the temperatures here in Chicago has been dry and frigid.  I’m wondering if it’s tension.  I hate this!!!  I had trouble sleeping Friday night and the fact that I went out on Saturday with it being Daylight Savings Weekend did not help whatsoever.  Regardless, I did manage to finish up my laundry so I could start packing.  I’ve even have my toiletries together ready on my bathroom counter.  I usually pack that last since I use my products daily. 

Back to recapping my events.  I FINALLY reached March events and the first weekend was an eventful one!  My friends from Michigan were in town to throw a birthday party for their son who turned 2 years old.  It was his Golden Year birthday.  Hopefully he’ll remember how much fun it was!  It was a Sesame Street themed party and the kids loved it.  The kids’ age ranged from infant to 11 years old, but everyone got along great.  Elmo and Cookie Monster even made a cameo appearance!  Lol.  It was great my friends together with their little ones.

Baby Shower Brunch

I’m still recapping February’s events.  I’m getting nervous about my upcoming trip because everything is happening so fast.  Of course, there’s a ton of things I have to do.  Namely, getting my seasonal haircut which I will be doing tonight.  I can’t wait to chop off these winter ends!

After my long night when my friends were in town, I had to get up early the next day to go to a baby shower.  I was exhausted so I skipped church to get more zzzz’s.  Trust me I didn’t have time to feel guilty about it.  My friends were assuming I was at service so I got ready as fast as I could.  Since church was over at 12pm, I knew they were on their way to pick me up.  Luckily,  I wrapped my present a few days earlier.

We made our way downtown, but traffic was terrible.  I was worried that we were going to run into the mom-to-be before we had a chance to set up.  We luckily found parking at a lot in front and ran inside the restaurant.  A friend of ours offered up space at his restaurant.  He had our section ready for us.  We quickly decorated and waited patiently.  I guess it didn’t matter rushing down there because the mom-to-be got there an hour late!  Oh well.  What can you do?  She was very pleased with her shower and the lunch was delish.  I love it when things fall into place!

Allons en ville!

I’m still recapping February’s events!  We’re still experiencing frigid weather here in Chicago, and most of the East coast are getting snow.  So technically, winter is going strong.  Lol.

The last weekend in February was pretty crazy.  I knew I should rest up because me and my friends were going to throw a baby shower for someone.  But that didn’t stop me from stepping out on the town.  Saturday morningme and the girls got together for brunch to discuss the details of the shower.  We quickly picked up a few things to make sure we had everything we needed.  The shower was being held on Sunday, so we were crunched for time.  I knew some friends were in town from North Carolina and they wanted to meet up in the evening for dinner.  I told them I would skip dinner since I had brunch earlier.  I’m a light eater and eating out twice would not benefit my tummy.  I worked out after hanging with the girls and then got ready. 

Brunch at Dapper’s East

I met up with everyone at Sunda.  My out-of-town-friends really love that restaurant and always try to book a reservation whenever they’re in Chicago.  I had my cocktails and caught up with them afterwards.  I knew it was supposed to rain and was skeptical about going out at all, but here I was.  Sure enough, it started to pour while we were inside.  WHEW!  But of course, the rain wouldn’t give up, and we grew tired of sitting around.  We decided to try to go to a wine bar around the corner.  I was being a baby because I had on my black suede ankle boots.  Suede and rain don’t mix, but luckily it wasn’t raining heavily as it was earlier.

We settled at Public House for a round of drinks.  Since we didn’t know what to do next, we decided to go to their favorite nightclub Disco.  They were hoping to bar hop for a bit but the weather was too annoying to walk in the rain.

Luckily, we got in right away and headed upstairs.  Disco is a lot of fun and my out-of-town-friends absolutely love it.  We practically closed the place down before heading to an afterhours spot.  I probably should have been home hours earlier but I ended up checking in at 6am!  YIKES! 

Señor Pan

The day after the basketball game, my family celebrated my older brother’s birthday.  Technically, I am the oldest but since I have two brothers, it’s easier to describe him as the oldest one.  We decided to take him out to dinner to Señor Pan; a Cuban restaurant in the northside.  There was a lot of snow from the day before, so we had some trouble finding parking.  We finally lucked out in the parking lot but these are things to consider when you live in the city.  My mom was very excited to be out of the house.  It’s hard for her to live in retirement and not be able to leave her place because of the crazy weather we’ve been having.  Not to mention, we did not expect the flu to be as scary as it was this season.  I did not want to risk her getting sick.  Regardless tonight was a special treat for her.  The food was delish and my brother enjoyed the staff coming out to sing him happy birthday.  I was very surprised they did that at the last minute.  He definitely will remember this dinner! 

I ordered Ropa Vieja!  It was delish 

We loved the personal touch! 

Happy Galentine’s Day

I’m still recapping the month of January.  Despite its frigid weather, I had to step out for my step brother’s birthday.  My mom wanted to have dinner at her place to celebrate.  That same day my friends wanted to get together to catch up.  They needed some girl time.  I told them I would head over once dinner was over.

In lieu of Galentine’s Day, I wanted to mention how incredibly important my friends are to me.  I can honestly say I have been blessed with an amazing support group.  These girls have seen me at my worse and still wanted to stick around.  I love them very much.  I don’t know what I would do if they weren’t in my life.  Even my friends who live afar are my secret treasures.  I don’t think distance can tear apart the bond and memories we have shared over the years.  I am a lucky woman.

With that in mind, I am also very protective of them, and who I include in my circle.  It’s not easy to share your deepest secrets.  As I have gotten older I pride myself with the girls that I have.  I absolutely HATE drama of any kind, and unfortunately, in an age of self-absorbed personalities, it’s easy to mistaken a foe as a friend.  Don’t beat yourself up if you’ve made the wrong assumptions on people.  It’s all a part of growing into your true self.  Honesty is the best policy, and knowing when to spot the fakes is a process itself.  Just like any other relationship, some friendships grow apart.

My mom made an amazing dinner.  I know she loves her husband’s son very much.  Me and my brothers were goofing off as usual.  It felt like we were little kids again.

Once dinner was over, my brother dropped me off at my friend’s place, and we stayed up all night talking about everything.  Girl time was a blast…    

Clueless vibes 

Le table

Banana bread birthday cake