Cup Chasing!!

As you know, the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup again this year.  For any Chicagoan, we go CRAZY whenever one of our teams wins a championship.  One of the winning traditions the Hawks do for their fans is taking the Cup to various places in the city and show up unannounced.  With the help of social media, such as twitter, people get to follow the cup and see where it shows up next.  I love how excited the fans get by just word of mouth.
One Wednesday evening my friend texted me to say that a tweet was sent out on where Old Stanley might be.  It listed various places such as The Scout and Underground as well as Paris nightclub.  We decided to go cup chasing and head downtown.  I had to get up in the morning but decided not to drink at all.  It was the safest way to get up in time for work.  lol. 
I got by the Hubbard neighborhood and quickly texted my friend.  There was a huge line outside of Paris nightclub, along with cops blocking off the streets.  I was guessing they were in there already and quickly ran to Underground.  My initial plan was to get inside a venue before they showed up, but since they were at Paris already, Underground was the place to be.  My friend joined up soon after and we walked around and found some more friends to hangout with.  Well it turned out to be a pretty late night!  It was 1am and STILL NO CUP.  We all kept checking Instagram as well as Twitter constantly for any updates.  Looks like they ended up at Paris around midnight and were still partying it up with the fans.  I did not expect to be out so late, but at this point we were so close to seeing the players, I knew I couldn't leave.  The anticipation was growing and Underground was getting packed.  It was hard not to drink and join in the celebration.  It was finally around 2am when the players walked in.  I was so exhausted by then, but with all of the excitement the crowd was giving them, I got my second wind!  Unfortunately, they DID NOT have the cup with them because apparently the cup has a curfew (go figure).  But it was still a blast we got a chance to party with the players.  I got home by 4am.  Just in time for a nap before I got up for work at 6am.  It was a rough morning but totally worth it!  I would do it all over again... 

Not the actual Stanley Cup.  There were various imitations on the night of the Championship.

Waiting around at Underground...

Still waiting...

STILL WAITING!  lol

They're finally here!!!  The Chicago Blackhawks!!

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A long summer's day...

TGIF peeps!  I don't know about you, but this week in particular felt super long.  To make matters worse, it's getting dark pretty early.  Yet another reminder that fall is officially here.  Luckily the weather has been sweet so far, so it hasn't hit me yet that it's time to dust off the sweaters.  I'm hoping we'll have a warm Halloween for a change.  Last year the weather was cold and rainy!  YIKES!
Back in June, one of the most anticipated neighborhood festivals fell on a warm Saturday.  The Old Town Art Fest started off cloudy with the chance of showers, and if you know Chicago weather, it usually means storms.  Luckily it seemed the clouds were passing, (as so you thought).  I made my way down to join my friends for some afternoon action.  Artists showcase their work in a trendy locale ready for anyone whose interested in finding unique pieces.  There's even live music for entertainment.  I wore a white linen button down and my rag & bone jeggings with flat sandals.  Since I'm transitioning to summer weather, wearing breathable fabrics is a must.  Me and my friends had a good time before we all headed to other places we needed to be.  I had to head out to a family bbq while my other friends had a graduation dinner to attend.  We all agreed to meet up later on.
I hurried to my uncle's place to for the bbq.  A family friend had hired a Brazilian band for some music, but guess what came creeping up on us??  That's right, a storm.  It started to get very dark.  I think we were all hoping they were some passing clouds, but no such luck.  It started to pour on us.  We all scrambled to move the food inside and the poor band quickly covered up their equipment.  My uncle had a tarp so he grabbed a couple of guys to help him put it up.  I guess he could have done this beforehand, but these rain clouds came out of nowhere!  Once he got the tarp on, the party continued.  We danced the night away until the storm passed us by.  I loved the fact that we made the most of the night, despite our weather malfunction.  What else can you do?
We left around 11pm, where I quickly went home and changed to go back out.  Looks like the graduation party was heading out on the town and I wanted to catch up to them.  We met at Hubbard Inn for some drinks and then decided to go to another spot when we got a rude awakening.  Yup, you guessed it.  It was storming again.  We took refuge at Epic restaurant next door and stayed there the whole night.  The rain would not go away this time.  It did not stop raining hard til the next day.  I was pretty much done with the weather and headed home while my friends cabbed it to another spot.  They were determined to have some fun.  I on the other hand knew better.  No matter where they ended up, the weather was going to put a damper on attendance.  I knew I wasn't going to miss much.  lol.  Lesson learned from all the years I've lived here.  Sometimes it's better to quit while you're ahead...

Old Town Art Fest fun!

Look the sun's out!

Family bbq fun

Enjoying the music despite the weather..

My mom is still a little quiet around the family.  I think she's really missing her husband here.

Later on at Hubbard Inn for the graduation party.  We had a blast as usual...

Spoil yourself BUT take care of business FIRST!

Following up my June events, was a quick birthday party for my co-worker friend at Irazu restaurant in Wicker Park.  Irazu is a Costa Rican restaurant and has been in the neighborhood since 1990.  I LOVE their empanadas!  It's BYOB as well, so I rushed over to a liquor store nearby and brought over a bottle of wine.  We had a good time with her friends and family.  AGAIN, it was pretty nippy out so they had the heat lamps on full blast while we dined outside.  I got a chance to wear my birthday-present-to-myself gift which this year is a leopard print Alexander McQueen scarf!  I was a happy camper knowing I could rock a scarf in June!  lol
As I've gotten older, gifts in general have been a touchy subject for me.  First of all, if people ask what I would like to do for my birthday, I go in a panic.  I NEVER have an idea on what I would like to do, much less, what I would like to receive on my birthday in general.  Boyfriends in the past have gotten me things they THINK I would appreciate, and I do.  I think for me as long as I'm with my friends and loved ones, that's all that really matters to me.  Not some table service bonanza with a few of my "closest" friends.  It's definitely not my style as well as asking for elaborate gifts.
But on the subject of "elaborate", I've had loved ones get me things that I know I could have lived without, but deep down know it cost them a pretty penny.  I started to feel bad because I felt responsible for them spending so much on me especially if I didn't appreciate the thought of their gesture.  To me, I was more mortified they spent so much on me, and always felt guilty about it.  Feeling guilty is NOT something you should feel on your birthday, so I decided a long time ago not to accept any gifts (if they ask what I would like) and get the things I DO secretly wish for on my own.  If friends want to take me out to dinner that's fine, since we will be catching up which I enjoy very much so.  A bottle of wine?  Sure!  Who doesn't love vino?  But costly gifts are not for me unless I get it myself. 
Since I started this I've very much enjoyed my gifts-to-myself.  I treat myself to Valentine's Day and Christmas too.  They are my treasures and I take pride in my taste!  lol!  I know what value my gifts add to my closet as well as my self esteem.  Yes it's true.  Studies have suggested that wearing certain items can boost your self confidence.  But it's important to add not to let material things run your life.  The last thing you want to do is get yourself in debt because you felt you NEEDED a pair of Christian Louboutins in your wardrobe. 
Let's talk about "lifestyle".  It amazes me when people get celebrity obsessed because we clearly know that most of the time, fashion designers give away most of their goods for FREE.  They just want the exposure celebrities will bring to their brand.  For the average citizen, walking around in $1500 pair of heels are not practical.  But people LOVE the luxury of these items so there goes the sound of a credit card swipe. 
I'm no different as anyone else.  WE ALL WANT NICE THINGS.  But you HAVE to be practical and not get into debt.  Since I knew my birthday was coming up and I had my eye on my scarf, I didn't shop for weeks so I could secretly save up in the meantime.  Yes I did pay by credit card, but I made sure I was good to go for the next couple of months on payments.  My credit cards are purposely on a low credit limit so I don't get out of control with my spending.  For some, having a high credit limit makes them believe they have all of this credit to spend, when in actuality it simply means credit card companies recognize how responsible you've been in the past, (and hope you will get irresponsible in the future).  
I've had my share of credit card problems, and I've learned to manage my debt over the years.  Wearing my scarf is proof that I buy practical items that fit into my lifestyle and not one of a celebrity.

Let's get this party started!!

The birthday girl and me with a friend...

B.Y.O.B at Irazu

Stepped out for a bit at a nightclub.  I felt a litte underdressed wearing jeans but we made it a short night anyway.

 

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

The Chicago Blackhawks are in the playoffs!!

Ending my recap of May events, last but not least, was the blackhawks playoff' game at Timothy O'Toole's Pub.  We had a pretty solid group gather up together in what was a memorable night for all of us.  I wore my new Blackhawks t-shirt I bought at Target.  Since I'm a terrible Chicago sports fan, I joked to my brothers that if the hawks make it to the playoffs, I'll get a hawks shirt.  I own a Chicago Bears shirt and a Bulls shirt, but I was still missing the championship winning Blackhawks.  I have a Chicago Cubs hat and Sox hat too, so I think I'm good in that department.  lol.  Regardless, part of the appeal in Chicago is the fact that we are in LOVE with our teams, (just not me, because I hate sports). 
Growing up with two brothers who were constantly grabbing the remote to watch yet ANOTHER Chicago team game, I grew to hate watching sports.  And I was the awkward girl in High School who was terrible at playing sports as well.  As I've gotten older, I've had more of a if-you-can't-beat-them-join-them mentality to sports, mostly because everyone here in Chicago LOVES sports!  I looked at it more or less as a social gathering of sorts, where we can drink and get goofy and once in a while, glance over at the game.
Not very sportsman like in my opinion, but I can't grasp the excitement of sport watching, period.  That's what I think made this a wonderful night for me.  I got to see my friends again, and make new ones too!  We ended up winning the game which lead us to the championship series, which of course, we won the Stanley Cup.  I will say that the Blackhawks were an important part in making my summer memorable!  lol.  More details later...
Happy Friday everyone and remember, I'll be back soon to finish recapping my June, July and August events in a few weeks.  I'm off to make new memories for myself since I am going on vacation again.  Might be my only one this year so I promise I'll make it good.  lol.  ttyl

Timothy O' Toole's was PACKED!



Bathroom selfie.  It was still a little nippy at night even though it was the last weekend in May!

Memorial Day!

On Memorial Day Monday my friend hosted a small gathering at her new condo.  She wanted people to bring champagne while she took care of the grill.  I thought that was a splendid way to spend the holiday!  Girl talk and enjoying the hot weather.  It was officially HOT so I busted out the shorts.  The funny thing about switching seasons is looking through your summer stash of clothes.  I got rid of 2 bags full of out-dated clothes and gave them away to friends and family.  As we're now in the middles of August I'll be doing the same thing again for fall/winter clothes.  I've been trying to be more thoughtful on my spending as well.  I worked in retail for over 10 years and accumulated a huge wardrobe over the years.  I've also learned a thing or two on what to invest in and what to be thrifty with.
First of all, summer clothes basically consist of shorts, tees, and tanks.  And here in Chicago, the humidity is what makes it feel scorching.  I try to wear breathable materials such as cotton because it helps dealing with sweat.  If I wear a pricey silk item, I'm consciously aware that that sweat won't absorb as well.  The last thing you want is to wear a sweaty silk top trying to look cute.  Polyester tops work better only if they're sleeveless (since it's not a natural fabric).  In this end, it's best to go "cheap" for summer clothes in natural cotton and skip out wearing the pricier silk items since they do not work well in humidity.
Dresses,  Dresses are a sensitive subject for me because I'm not a dress girl.  I have friends, though, that ONLY wear dresses in their wardrobe, so I understand how dresses have an impact when it comes to shopping.   I do although have a rule of thumb when it comes to dresses.  If a dress fits you perfectly, and you absolutely love it, no matter what the occasion the dress is for (cocktail, day dress, clubbing, etc.), BUY IT.  There were times in my life that I did buy a dress for just that reason alone, and it has worked for me over the years.  I have a beautiful white wrap dress that I bought 10 years ago and I still get compliments on where I got it from.  I've worn it a bunch of times and it hasn't failed me once.  In this factor, price does not matter.  Whether it's high end, or from forever 21, I still take extra care of my dresses regardless, mostly because I want to have multiple wears out of it.  If I do buy a dress, it's because I absolutely am in love with it, plain and simple.  Occasions will arise out of no where and you'll be glad you can rock your beautiful dress.  Patience is the key.
I've had my share of impulse buying and that has never worked for me, mostly because you're buying something for the sake of buying.  You just want to walk out with something in your hand and that's crazy because you're not even sure if you like what you just bought.  Try to purchase items you're in love with and you won't go wrong. 
Shoes are definitely an investment item, so there you might spend a pretty penny.  It has been my experience that my pricier shoes have lasted longer over the years AND bottom line, they are more comfortable than my cheaper shoes.  They are simply made better so it's best that you invest in shoes and get your money's worth.
The following weekend I went to a country concert at Joe's on Weed Street with my friend who had an extra ticket.  I rarely do country outings but I had a good time watching the show.  Joe's reminds me of the spots I visited in Nashville, so if you want to do the live-country music-scene, go to Joe's.   

Memorial Day BBQ with champagne and these lovely ladies!

Checking out Cadillac3 at Joe's on Weed Street!

They rocked!

B is for BABY SHOWER!!

During Memorial Weekend my friend had a baby shower.  I haven't seen all of my friends in a while.  As we get older we get more busy, but it's times like these that bring us all together.  I love it!  The shower was held at a golf resort in Evanston.  It was perfect because it was not far from the city and had plenty of parking for everyone.  Hey in Chicago, that's a big deal.  lol.  Everyone had a specific task in participating in the shower.  I was in charge of the games the kids will play.  My friend made this shower kid-friendly since most of her friends are moms.  That way no one had to find a sitter on the day of.  I found most of the games on Pinterest, (a God send) and luckily the kids had fun!  They were mostly based off the game minute-to-win-it.  I also bought some prizes from the dollar store to give away. 
In the end, we had a great time and the kids enjoyed themselves too.  I can't believe how fast time flies!  My friend gave birth to her son in July! 


Pretty setting!



Treats for everyone!



The beautiful mother-to-be!

One of the games I found on Pinterest.  In one minute try to scoop up as many cotton balls as you can into a bowl on your head.  Blind fold of course. 

Another minute-to-win-it game.  Post as many post-its on someone for a minute.  Who ever has the most post-its on their body wins!  Remember, sometimes they don't stick as easily...



Me with my friend's baby girl who was born back in January!