Summer in the City: My FUN-Do List

Each and every summer I make a to-do list of summer projects.  This year, I am making a FUN-Do list of summer activities/experiences.  Each and every summer, I completely FAIL at just enjoying summer.  I make work the priority and forget to stop and enjoy the sunshine.  At the beginning of summer, I always think that I have plenty of time to attend one of the summer concerts or go to an exhibit, but then I would never end up actually going because of either my work schedule or our B&B bookings ("B&B bookings" are a joke - I say this because of all the visitors we have during the summer months).  So, when I sat down to make this year's list, I reminded myself to be realistic.  Here is what I hope WILL be up to this summer:

1.  I'm On A Boat

I love floating around on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.  I don't have a boat, but there are a lot of options for someone to rent a boat.  I will be cruising with some friends in July the date is set and the reservations are made up and down the river.  I will definitely be blogging about this experience.

2.  Roy Lichtenstein:  A Retrospective

I am a long time member of the Art Institute and I fully intend to enjoy this summer's new hot exhibit.  You can find more information about the exhibit HERE (it closes September 3, 2012).

3.  Bike Ride to the Botanical Garden

This cyclist wants to wake up and smell the roses.  The North Branch Trail will take me all the way to the garden and I can't wait to see it for the first time!  Bonus:  This activity is FREE.

4.  Early Evening Concerts in Millennium Park

I love Millennium Park.  During the summer, you can enjoy FOR FREE concerts in Pritzker Pavilion.  Here is the schedule.  I am happy to report that I already attended one this year and had a BLAST.  TIP:  Get there EARLY to claim your spot on the lawn!

5.  Navy Pier Fireworks on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

What can I say?  I love fireworks.  I normally don't go down to the pier unless I have guests in town.  This year, I am heading down to watch the fireworks purely for my own enjoyment!

6.  Jazzin' at the Shedd

This event is probably the only event on my list that I NEVER miss during the summer.  I love Shedd Aquarium and this event is one of the member benefits that keeps me renewing my membership each and every year.  I suggest going early and touring the aquarium before the music starts.  The food is not spectacular, but that is definitely not the purpose of the visit so plan to get a great meal later that night.  You can find the Jazzin' schedule HERE.

7.  Genghis Khan: The Field Museum

One of the only museums that I am NOT a member of . . . Genghis Khan may change that status depending on admission price.  I keep hearing fabulous things about this exhibit and I need to check it out for myself.  Like the Lichtenstein exhibit, Genghis Khan ends September 3.

8.  Patio Time

I definitely do not appreciate the great outdoor space I have for living in the city.  I am going to start having my breakfast/coffee out on the patio and enjoy the gorgeous sunshine.  I complain for nearly 6 months out of the year about the weather and then when it is nice enough to be outside, you will find me INSIDE.  Not acceptable.  I am going to add a bit of enjoyment to my every day routine.

9.  Pedicures with my Husband

Each and every summer I try to convince my husband to go get a pedicure with me.  I will succeed this summer.

10.  Day at the Pool

For my wonderful central Illinois friends this objective probably sounds ridiculous.  However, with the exception of a vacation, I don't think I have had "a pool day" since moving to the city. 

As you can see, it is a short list, but I am okay with a short list.  I, of course, have TONS of home improvement projects that I also want to accomplish this summer, but I really need to LIVE and ENJOY life beyond work and home improvement.  I am certainly not getting any younger and I want to have as much fun as I can this summer.

Nellcôte

I have been reading all about Nellcôte for a couple of months now.  Located on Randolph's "Restaurant Row" (former location of the beloved Marché), it is certainly a great spot for meeting people after work (you want to "get out of the Loop," but don't want to go too far).  Two girlfriends and I had reservations for 5:30 pm.  No issues - seated right away and not pressured in any way to make immediate decisions. 

Drinks
The cocktail menu is intriguing, but we ladies were in the mood for vino so out came the wine menu which is quite diverse.  So diverse, in fact, that we consulted the sommelier.  The sommelier was fantastic and listened to our every unsophisticated desire.  Out comes the 2009 Sant'Elena pino grigio, which is orange in color, so fun.  It was FANTASTIC.  Question:  The sommelier sampled our wine before we did.  He sampled immediately after showing us the bottle and then we sampled.  Is that normal?  I have never had that happen before this experience at Nellcôte.

Dinner

The menu is technically a sharing menu, but some of the plates are quite large.  To be completely honest, I was disappointed with everything, including dessert (big sweet tooth here) except the bread and pizza, which were both "something to write home about."  I would absolutely come here again for one of these delicious pizzas.  Nellcôte mills its own flour and it makes all the difference - the crust is absolutely amazing. The toppings were so very fresh.  The fennel sausage pizza tasted like an Italian summer.

Decor

You would never know that you are sitting in the former digs of Marché.  For a former "small town gal," this place just makes you feel like you are in the "Big City."  I highly recommend it for celebratory drinks and for every girly girl who loves to put on her heels and bring out her inner rock star goddess.

What I Love: May 2012

1.  Holly Suzanne Fine Art.
At this very moment, I am in love with Holly Suzanne's "Glamour Girls."  Ms. Holly Suzanne describes the series as "flirtatious fun" and it is exactly that.  I keep wondering over to her website to dream about a purchasing one of these super fun mixed media pieces to put in my home.

2.  Chobani Pineapple Greek Yogurt
I cannot stop eating this stuff.  On a recommendation from my mama, I purchased one.  Immediately after I finished the 6 ounce container of goodness, I knew this item would be a "regular" on the old grocery list.  The yogurt is gluten free and comes in at 2.5 grams of fat and 160 calories for the entire container and, most importantly, it is FILLING.  The sugars are a little high for my taste, but it is so tasty I can justify it!


3.  Chicago Magazine
The subscription was an impulse purchase, but it turned out that I really enjoy reading about the new restaurants and about the people behind all the Chicago action.  No, I don't expect any of the articles to win a Pulitzer Prize, but it is a few steps up from the "glossy magazines" that I crave while in line at Target.


4.  La Yunta Torrontés
It was described to me as the "white sister to Malbec."  Well, this sister has some style.  Made from the Torrontés grape, this wine has a very balanced citrus flavor that can be enjoyed on a hot summer's day.  And this refreshing beverage won't break your piggy bank.  You can expect to pay $10 - $15 per bottle.

5.  Starbucks Natural Fusions Ground Coffee, Cinnamon Flavor
I feel like every month I am all about the coffee . . . yeah, it is true.  This month I have been all about Starbucks cinnamon flavored coffee.  It is a medium blend coffee with just the right amount of cinnamon flavor - definitely not an overpowering taste.  The best part is that to get the cinnamon taste, Starbucks uses natural ingredients, including real cinnamon.  With recent studies coming out about the great benefits of cinnamon, you can toast to your health each morning!


6.  The Art Institute of Chicago Lunch Hour Gallery Talks
It is impossible for me to express how much I love ARTIC.  I have been a member for nearly four years.  A couple of months ago I realized that I was not frequenting this beautiful building nearly as much as I should.  My work/life balance currently needs some work; no pun intended.  To help get me to a more balanced place, a friend and I started attending the gallery talks that ARTIC holds regularly over the lunch hour.  For a girl that NEVER takes a lunch (I told you I need to work on my work/life balance), this is a HUGE step.  Not surprisingly, I am completely addicted to these talks.  The talks make me feel like I am taking this incredible art history course with a brilliant professor, but there is no homework and no final - just pure enjoyment.  I highly recommend you attend at least one.  The calendar is on ARTIC's website.

7.  Now Sweet Almond Oil
My skin tends to be on the dry side.  I do a good job keeping my face moisturized, but a terrible time with the rest.  An esthetician recommended that I use a moisturizing oil at night after I get out of the shower.  One trip to Whole Foods (the people there are so knowledgeable about EVERYTHING) and I have the most moisturized skin and a new favorite product.

8.  Tazo Chai Tea Concentrate
Rainy days make me crave chai tea lattes.  It is a known fact.  If I am at work, it isn't a problem, because I can just trot over to the nearest Starbucks.  When I am at home, nothing can make me go out into the rain.  So, I keep a box of Tazo Chai Tea Concentrate on hand to satisfy my rainy day cravings.

9.  Lake Shore Bike Path
The northern part of the path is seriously busy, but if you start at the museum campus and go south you are in for a smooth ride.  There is nothing better than riding along the lake front.  NOTHING.

10.  West Elm Sales Associates
I can't make a decor decision to save my life.  The people at West Elm are always so so so patient and nice.  I cannot say enough good things about these people.  Go in and look at all the pretty things and tell them I said "hello."