If you've been paying any attention to the news, there is a blizzard that has hit Chicago so hard that people are up to their ears in snow (literally). Although a very small part of me feels a bit left out- insert fun pics of all my friends playing in mountains of fresh snow- I am grateful to have spent two extra days in beautiful, sunny, WARM, California.
My flight back was smooth and easy, and I took in the cool comfortable breeze that welcomed me home. By request, my dad picked me up in his brand new car with my favorite In N Out burger (animal style), fries, and vanilla shake. Waiting for me at home was my mom, a half dozen Sprinkles cupcakes, and a fresh batch of caramel popcorn/chex mix. It was my actual birthday that night, and the little girl in me who still loves to open presents was excited to unwrap my gift.
The rest of the week was spent catching up with friends, and of course it went by all too fast. I also got in some shopping at South Coast Plaza (a girl can have serious withdrawals being away for too long), had a lot of good Japanese food, and most importantly quality time with my family.
Sometimes it's really hard being so far away from home, but truly it makes you appreciate what you have so much more. This vacation was just what I needed in so many ways. I feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle February in The Windy City! Special thanks to my brother, who funded my trip back home and even flew down from Nor Cal just to celebrate my birthday- you rock.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Live Your Best Life
Oprah says it best.
It sounds so simple, really. Why is it then, that so many of us don't do it? I suppose everyone has their own reasons- understandable and legit reasons- that continue to hold them back. So maybe the real question at hand is what you are willing to do to change that?
Last night I was watching Revolutionary Road and was once again reminded of the four words that have become my motto for this new year (and hopefully the rest of my life).
Live your best life.
For me personally, living my best life in this current moment means taking advantage of living in an incredible city rich with history and culture. After my two years pass in Chicago, who knows when the next time will be that I'll get to do something like this again.
During the past few months, I feel like I haven't been able to enjoy being in this city as much as I would have liked to. I have become a working machine, only stopping to eat, sleep, and commute. And ohhhh, the commute. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be.
In a recent conversation with my younger brother, he mentioned that there aren't many easy ways to cut out unhappiness or unwanted stress in your life... but as it turns out, cutting out a long commute could make all the difference.
He was right. To make a long story short, I decided to take a new job ridiculously close to home (ladies and gentleman, it will take me all but two minutes to walk there). It wasn't the easiest decision to make, especially because I really did enjoy working for my previous employer... but it had to be done.
Sometimes living your best life means taking big risks. Sometimes there will be sacrifices made. There's definitely the chance things may not turn out the way you envisioned and hoped for, but how will you know if you never tried?
It sounds so simple, really. Why is it then, that so many of us don't do it? I suppose everyone has their own reasons- understandable and legit reasons- that continue to hold them back. So maybe the real question at hand is what you are willing to do to change that?
Last night I was watching Revolutionary Road and was once again reminded of the four words that have become my motto for this new year (and hopefully the rest of my life).
Live your best life.
For me personally, living my best life in this current moment means taking advantage of living in an incredible city rich with history and culture. After my two years pass in Chicago, who knows when the next time will be that I'll get to do something like this again.
During the past few months, I feel like I haven't been able to enjoy being in this city as much as I would have liked to. I have become a working machine, only stopping to eat, sleep, and commute. And ohhhh, the commute. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be.
In a recent conversation with my younger brother, he mentioned that there aren't many easy ways to cut out unhappiness or unwanted stress in your life... but as it turns out, cutting out a long commute could make all the difference.
He was right. To make a long story short, I decided to take a new job ridiculously close to home (ladies and gentleman, it will take me all but two minutes to walk there). It wasn't the easiest decision to make, especially because I really did enjoy working for my previous employer... but it had to be done.
Sometimes living your best life means taking big risks. Sometimes there will be sacrifices made. There's definitely the chance things may not turn out the way you envisioned and hoped for, but how will you know if you never tried?
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Empire State of Mind- Christmastime in NYC
Prior to last weekend, I have never been to New York during Christmastime. Though I have visited the city more times than I can keep track of, I have somehow managed to have other things to do that kept me away. It has long been on my "bucket list," and I'm so glad that I finally got the chance to go because it is truly magical during this time of year. Chicago does an incredible job spreading the holiday cheer, but there is nothing like walking down Fifth Avenue and checking out all the fabulous store fronts.
Though it was just a short weekend getaway, the mini vacay was exactly what I needed. Work has been insanely busy for the holidays, and the timing could not have been better. Plus, this was a special trip because I got to go with my good friend Jo. This was her first trip since going with her family years and years ago, so she was really excited to go as well. Going on trips with your significant other or your family is always great, but the experience really changes when you go with a friend. In other words, we got to go shopping ALL DAY and do girly things that would bore our husbands to death!
So our trip began with a quick bite of pizza and a show. We chose Promises, Promises because we are both HUGE fans of Kristin Chenoweth. Our only complaint was that we didn't get to see Sean Hayes perform (he was sick), but the good news was that his understudy was awesome AND we got to see Molly Shannon play the part of the drunk lady. It was a fun show and a great way to start off the weekend.
After the show, we walked around Times Square and then grabbed a late night snack at Carnegie Deli. Now having had both Carnegie and Katz's famous pastrami sandwiches, I must say that Carnegie does not hold a candle to Katz's. Don't get me wrong- it's still very good, but I was more interested in the matzo ball soup and latkes that the couple eating next to us were having! Plus, the prices are ridiculously ridiculous. I guess that's a given seeing that it's in a touristy area, but seriously? $15 for one sandwich + another $3 to split it? And no free re-fills on $3 Cokes? It's highway robbery if you ask me!
Anyway. Onto the next day...
We slept in and made our way to Bergdorf Goodman for a very belated birthday lunch for Jo. I had requested a special table by the window overlooking Central Park for the occasion, and let me tell you, BG does NOT disappoint. Lunch there is probably one of my favorite NYC experiences, and I know that I will be back again because it was that amazing. The food was incredible and the service exceeded my already high expectations.
If there is a place I love more the Bloomingdale's, it is Bergdorf Goodman. Thank goodness it is so far away because I would be bankrupt if I lived nearby. Shopping is divine, especially when you hit their amazing designer shoe sales.
After BG, we checked out The Plaza hotel, walked around the park, and hit up all our favorite stores down Fifth Avenue. Here are a few of my favorite decorated store fronts! Fendi was my favorite (sorry Tiffany, you were a close second!), and then Cartier was third.
Inside the Happiest Place on Earth. Yes, that is Tiffany and Co. for those of you who are not in the know.
Presents from Heaven (Santa).
Having some fun at the NBA store.
Of course, we worked up an appetite shopping so we had to have a hot dog. It totally hit the spot, and I'm happy to report that Jo enjoyed it! Then it was off to see the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. OMG was it a ZOO there- people pushing and shoving everywhere... not fun. But boy, was it a sight to see.
We had a few hours until our dinner, so we decided to get another snack (Junior's Cheesecake!) at Grand Central Station. I just love walking into the main concourse- it's so majestic, strikingly beautiful and breath-taking.
Macy's.
Dinner was at Boqueria, one of my favorite places to eat for Spanish tapas. I often crave their Seafood Paella because it is soooo delicious. I remembered having this amazing strawberry sangria in the summer, but it was replaced with another seasonal drink. It sounded pretty good (cranberries drenched in rum), but that was mistake because it was WAY TOO STRONG, and I was definitely buzzing after a few sips! We were pretty stuffed after all the good eats, but powered through another round of drinks and dessert at a diner with Jo's family.
Sunday came too fast, but we got to have a nice brunch with my friend Kim who I met on KWEST Japan. It was really great to see her, and we mostly ended up chattering away about her wedding plans for next year. Her fiancee is classmates with Scott, but she still lives in NYC, so I am crossing my fingers that she'll move so we can hang out more!
NY, I'll be back soon. After all, it's such a quick and easy flight to and from Chicago. :)
Until next time...
Though it was just a short weekend getaway, the mini vacay was exactly what I needed. Work has been insanely busy for the holidays, and the timing could not have been better. Plus, this was a special trip because I got to go with my good friend Jo. This was her first trip since going with her family years and years ago, so she was really excited to go as well. Going on trips with your significant other or your family is always great, but the experience really changes when you go with a friend. In other words, we got to go shopping ALL DAY and do girly things that would bore our husbands to death!
So our trip began with a quick bite of pizza and a show. We chose Promises, Promises because we are both HUGE fans of Kristin Chenoweth. Our only complaint was that we didn't get to see Sean Hayes perform (he was sick), but the good news was that his understudy was awesome AND we got to see Molly Shannon play the part of the drunk lady. It was a fun show and a great way to start off the weekend.
After the show, we walked around Times Square and then grabbed a late night snack at Carnegie Deli. Now having had both Carnegie and Katz's famous pastrami sandwiches, I must say that Carnegie does not hold a candle to Katz's. Don't get me wrong- it's still very good, but I was more interested in the matzo ball soup and latkes that the couple eating next to us were having! Plus, the prices are ridiculously ridiculous. I guess that's a given seeing that it's in a touristy area, but seriously? $15 for one sandwich + another $3 to split it? And no free re-fills on $3 Cokes? It's highway robbery if you ask me!
Anyway. Onto the next day...
We slept in and made our way to Bergdorf Goodman for a very belated birthday lunch for Jo. I had requested a special table by the window overlooking Central Park for the occasion, and let me tell you, BG does NOT disappoint. Lunch there is probably one of my favorite NYC experiences, and I know that I will be back again because it was that amazing. The food was incredible and the service exceeded my already high expectations.
If there is a place I love more the Bloomingdale's, it is Bergdorf Goodman. Thank goodness it is so far away because I would be bankrupt if I lived nearby. Shopping is divine, especially when you hit their amazing designer shoe sales.
After BG, we checked out The Plaza hotel, walked around the park, and hit up all our favorite stores down Fifth Avenue. Here are a few of my favorite decorated store fronts! Fendi was my favorite (sorry Tiffany, you were a close second!), and then Cartier was third.
Inside the Happiest Place on Earth. Yes, that is Tiffany and Co. for those of you who are not in the know.
Presents from Heaven (Santa).
Having some fun at the NBA store.
Of course, we worked up an appetite shopping so we had to have a hot dog. It totally hit the spot, and I'm happy to report that Jo enjoyed it! Then it was off to see the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. OMG was it a ZOO there- people pushing and shoving everywhere... not fun. But boy, was it a sight to see.
We had a few hours until our dinner, so we decided to get another snack (Junior's Cheesecake!) at Grand Central Station. I just love walking into the main concourse- it's so majestic, strikingly beautiful and breath-taking.
Macy's.
Dinner was at Boqueria, one of my favorite places to eat for Spanish tapas. I often crave their Seafood Paella because it is soooo delicious. I remembered having this amazing strawberry sangria in the summer, but it was replaced with another seasonal drink. It sounded pretty good (cranberries drenched in rum), but that was mistake because it was WAY TOO STRONG, and I was definitely buzzing after a few sips! We were pretty stuffed after all the good eats, but powered through another round of drinks and dessert at a diner with Jo's family.
Sunday came too fast, but we got to have a nice brunch with my friend Kim who I met on KWEST Japan. It was really great to see her, and we mostly ended up chattering away about her wedding plans for next year. Her fiancee is classmates with Scott, but she still lives in NYC, so I am crossing my fingers that she'll move so we can hang out more!
NY, I'll be back soon. After all, it's such a quick and easy flight to and from Chicago. :)
Until next time...
Saturday, December 11, 2010
40 Degree Weather? Yes, Please!
Every week, the temperature drops by a few degrees. I would say it's because of this fact that I am getting more and more used to the cold.
I no longer feel sorry for people who complain that it's cold back home. The wind chill here is serious! It makes the weather feel so much colder than it really is. For example, 35 degrees here feels quite different than 35 degrees there. I have now become one of those people who think 40 degrees is a FANTASTIC day for weather. I might even say that 50 degrees is... hot.
Next week we'll be in single digits, and at some point next year we'll probably go below zero. I can't even imagine what that's going to feel like!
So what do I have to look forward to these days? Snow. I LOVE walking in fresh snow and seeing the streets covered in soft white powder. The days that it snows are actually warmer than days that don't- it's so strange psychologically because the most beautiful, crystal clear days when the sun in sparkling and the skies are bright blue are the most bitter cold.
The thing I've really come to hate weather-wise is the rain. Man, rain sucks in Chicago!!! Mostly it's because of the wind- and to be honest, I think that rain is worse than snow here. It is a total pain in the ass to walk in, and you need an umbrella made of steel to weather the storms.
Despite the extreme cold and harsh weather conditions, I am (for the most part!) enjoying the winter season. Everything is decked out for Christmas, and the holiday spirit is all around us. I'm just hoping that this newfound excitement will carry me through my first winter here in Chicago.
Let's just pray that I don't slip on the ice and fall on my ass.
Happy Holidays!
I no longer feel sorry for people who complain that it's cold back home. The wind chill here is serious! It makes the weather feel so much colder than it really is. For example, 35 degrees here feels quite different than 35 degrees there. I have now become one of those people who think 40 degrees is a FANTASTIC day for weather. I might even say that 50 degrees is... hot.
Next week we'll be in single digits, and at some point next year we'll probably go below zero. I can't even imagine what that's going to feel like!
So what do I have to look forward to these days? Snow. I LOVE walking in fresh snow and seeing the streets covered in soft white powder. The days that it snows are actually warmer than days that don't- it's so strange psychologically because the most beautiful, crystal clear days when the sun in sparkling and the skies are bright blue are the most bitter cold.
The thing I've really come to hate weather-wise is the rain. Man, rain sucks in Chicago!!! Mostly it's because of the wind- and to be honest, I think that rain is worse than snow here. It is a total pain in the ass to walk in, and you need an umbrella made of steel to weather the storms.
Despite the extreme cold and harsh weather conditions, I am (for the most part!) enjoying the winter season. Everything is decked out for Christmas, and the holiday spirit is all around us. I'm just hoping that this newfound excitement will carry me through my first winter here in Chicago.
Let's just pray that I don't slip on the ice and fall on my ass.
Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
'Tis the Season in Chicago
Some of you may already know this, but for those who don't, I will be spending the holidays here in Chicago. Not by choice, but because of the fact that hotels are open 365 days of the year. Weekends and holidays are the busiest, especially in the months of November and December.. so in short, going back home to Cali is not an option for me. =(
I wasn't expecting it, but someone at work must love me because I got Thanksgiving Day off. Of course, I work the day before and the day after- it isn't much, but I'll take it. We will be joining a few friends who aren't able to celebrate with their families, and I'm so happy to have a real Thanksgiving meal. Scott mentioned the possibility of going out to eat at a nice restaurant with this very same group, and I said no way in heck- I want to have a homeade turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the traditional fare! As the actual holiday is getting closer and closer, I am getting very homesick, but I just have to remember that this is only temporary and I'm fortunate to be spending it with good friends.
I'll be making candied yams, a pumpkin cake, and my favorite biscuits with cranberry jelly inside. If I can't be at home to eat my mom's cooking, at least I can eat a few things that I have every year. =)
I do have to say that Chicago does an amazing job at lifting spirits during the holiday season. I can't believe how gorgeous it is EVERYWHERE I go. The streets where I live are lined with beautiful lights, wreaths, and snowflakes. Downtown where I work, the window displays, hotel fronts, and millions of lights are gorgeous. Even the trains are decorated like crazy!
Tonight I watched the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony just outside of my apartment building. It was a lot of fun with all the other locals cheering together and trying to stay warm with tiny cups of mint/chocolate milk tea. Afterwards, I treated myself to a Creme Brulee latte from Starbucks, which is indeed the new love in my life. Tiny bits of caramelized burnt sugar? Yumm-O.
Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday, and today I am getting all the decorations and my little mini tree out of our storage.
Happy Holidays!
I wasn't expecting it, but someone at work must love me because I got Thanksgiving Day off. Of course, I work the day before and the day after- it isn't much, but I'll take it. We will be joining a few friends who aren't able to celebrate with their families, and I'm so happy to have a real Thanksgiving meal. Scott mentioned the possibility of going out to eat at a nice restaurant with this very same group, and I said no way in heck- I want to have a homeade turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the traditional fare! As the actual holiday is getting closer and closer, I am getting very homesick, but I just have to remember that this is only temporary and I'm fortunate to be spending it with good friends.
I'll be making candied yams, a pumpkin cake, and my favorite biscuits with cranberry jelly inside. If I can't be at home to eat my mom's cooking, at least I can eat a few things that I have every year. =)
I do have to say that Chicago does an amazing job at lifting spirits during the holiday season. I can't believe how gorgeous it is EVERYWHERE I go. The streets where I live are lined with beautiful lights, wreaths, and snowflakes. Downtown where I work, the window displays, hotel fronts, and millions of lights are gorgeous. Even the trains are decorated like crazy!
Tonight I watched the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony just outside of my apartment building. It was a lot of fun with all the other locals cheering together and trying to stay warm with tiny cups of mint/chocolate milk tea. Afterwards, I treated myself to a Creme Brulee latte from Starbucks, which is indeed the new love in my life. Tiny bits of caramelized burnt sugar? Yumm-O.
Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday, and today I am getting all the decorations and my little mini tree out of our storage.
Happy Holidays!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Living Like a Midwesterner
It has almost been four months since our move here to Chicago, and exactly two since I've started my new job.
Now that we're completely settled in, I've taken note of the most significant change in my lifestyle.
PRACTICALITY.
Yesterday I had brunch with my friend Phyllis, who like me, moved to Chicago from warm and sunny California. Although she's got a year ahead of me, we were both talking about how we had to make some major adjustments!
#1. Forget about all the fancy shoes and handbags. They will do you no good here. In the fall/winter, flat boots (no heel) are a must, and in the warmer months, a good pair of walking shoes and flats. A good, practical black handbag will take you through the year!
#2. Invest in a few good thick cashmere sweaters for the cold weather. NOTHING I brought from Cali is good enough for the bitter cold. My warmest sweaters still need to be layered with about three other things!! Puffy down jackets are also a must. I even bought a puffy hooded vest, which I never would have been caught dead with in LA. Funny how much your style can evolve.
#3. Coats, scarves, and gloves from Cali are stylish, but not warm or practical. I quickly realized that my coats were a waste of closet space. I could have worn them in the beginning of fall, but then locals would poke fun because it was too "warm" for coats yet. When it did become "coat season," I had to go out and buy a thick HEAVY peacoat... and the most popular color? Black. You don't want it to get dirty on the train, rain, etc. No pretty winter whites. Scarves can't be made of polyester or acrylic- yes, we do need to look at the labels now to see what is going to keep you warm!
For now, us Midwest newbies are building the basics. However, while we are living this so-called life of practicality, we can still try to be as stylish a possible.. which brings me to a new term I have learned out here:
The Coastie.
What is a Coastie, you ask? Anyone who hails from the East or West Coast whose style is noticeably fashionable. Although this sounds like a compliment, I can assure you it is not. As explained to me, it is like someone who styles their hair with the "LC bump" (if you watched The Hills, you should know what this is). Well, as much as I have adjusted my fashion sense here, I am not ashamed to be called a Coastie and embrace my fashion sense non-Coasties wish they had!
Though in a way, this all makes me think about how silly it was for me to spend so much money on expensive designer shoes and bags. When you see how unnecessary it is out here, you start to wonder how living in a particular part of the country can affect what you choose to spend your hard earned money.
Now that we're completely settled in, I've taken note of the most significant change in my lifestyle.
PRACTICALITY.
Yesterday I had brunch with my friend Phyllis, who like me, moved to Chicago from warm and sunny California. Although she's got a year ahead of me, we were both talking about how we had to make some major adjustments!
#1. Forget about all the fancy shoes and handbags. They will do you no good here. In the fall/winter, flat boots (no heel) are a must, and in the warmer months, a good pair of walking shoes and flats. A good, practical black handbag will take you through the year!
#2. Invest in a few good thick cashmere sweaters for the cold weather. NOTHING I brought from Cali is good enough for the bitter cold. My warmest sweaters still need to be layered with about three other things!! Puffy down jackets are also a must. I even bought a puffy hooded vest, which I never would have been caught dead with in LA. Funny how much your style can evolve.
#3. Coats, scarves, and gloves from Cali are stylish, but not warm or practical. I quickly realized that my coats were a waste of closet space. I could have worn them in the beginning of fall, but then locals would poke fun because it was too "warm" for coats yet. When it did become "coat season," I had to go out and buy a thick HEAVY peacoat... and the most popular color? Black. You don't want it to get dirty on the train, rain, etc. No pretty winter whites. Scarves can't be made of polyester or acrylic- yes, we do need to look at the labels now to see what is going to keep you warm!
For now, us Midwest newbies are building the basics. However, while we are living this so-called life of practicality, we can still try to be as stylish a possible.. which brings me to a new term I have learned out here:
The Coastie.
What is a Coastie, you ask? Anyone who hails from the East or West Coast whose style is noticeably fashionable. Although this sounds like a compliment, I can assure you it is not. As explained to me, it is like someone who styles their hair with the "LC bump" (if you watched The Hills, you should know what this is). Well, as much as I have adjusted my fashion sense here, I am not ashamed to be called a Coastie and embrace my fashion sense non-Coasties wish they had!
Though in a way, this all makes me think about how silly it was for me to spend so much money on expensive designer shoes and bags. When you see how unnecessary it is out here, you start to wonder how living in a particular part of the country can affect what you choose to spend your hard earned money.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
In N Out, Shake Shack, or Five Guys. Which One Are You?
So I'm here to put in my two cents about which burger reigns supreme.
THE VERDICT: In N Out
I based my decision primarily on the chain that I would frequent the most consistently and never get tired of.
One of the things I miss most about California is the In N Out burger. I probably went there more than any other restaurant/fast food chain by a landslide. There was something so satisfying about having such a solid, tasty burger... and the best part was, it never felt like a guilty pleasure because it actually seemed healthy.
So here is the breakdown (in my opinion)-
In N Out
Pros: Best burger overall. Love the thin patty, secret sauce, toasted bun, and chilled lettuce and tomato. It's just addictive. One of my favorite sodas is Dr. Pepper, and the fact that I can have that along with my burger is like the cherry on top.
Cons: Not a huge fan of the fries, and the shakes are just ok.
Shake Shack
Pros: Best hamburger patty- seems to be the most fresh and juicy. Best fries, best shakes, and yummy frozen custard.
Cons: Although the patty itself is really great, everything else on the burger is not as good as In N Out.
Five Guys
Pros: You open up the door, and the first thing that hits you is a blast of groovy jazz music. How fun is that?!! Food-wise, there is a wide variety of free toppings. Personally, I don't like to pile toppings on my burger, but for people who do, I can see how this place would be awesome. The fries are also pretty good, and they also have a Cajun option!
Cons: Unspectacular bun, lettuce and tomato were warm and soggy. I have to say that it was my least favorite of the three burger joints. I really wanted to like this place, but have to say that it was quite underwhelming. A brand new location just opened up on our block, and I can walk there in minutes. Oh well. :*(
So there you have it. In N Out, you still have my heart.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)