Chicago

We've been in our new "home" for a little over a month already. Which is insane. Time is going by so fast.

Our new home is a 2 bed 1000 sq ft apartment in a high rise on the 20th floor in Chicago.

I honestly thought this would be a bigger adjustment, but we taken to the "downsizing" amazingly well. A smaller space = less stuff to baby proof and clean. That makes me happy.

I love our new little corner of the world. We take walks everyday (baby I go at least 2x a day, 1 with daddy at night). On average I walk about 3-5 miles a day.

We can walk to the beach, any type of shopping you can dream of, well I should say, mostly shopping someone like myself could only dream of. Where I used to have Target, Walmart and Aldi on my normal driving routes, I now have likes of Kate Spade, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Barney's New York. LOL. I'm sure the people in the stores wonder what a chic in 20 dollar old navy jeans and 5 dollar flip flops is doing walking down their well manicured street.

I love living in Chicago alot more than I imagined. I thought I would like it, but I thought that there would be enough cons to make me annoyed on a regular basis. That's is not that case at all. I think our Apartment Finder guy did an amazing job showing us this place. We are close to everything! Public Transporation, which we are becoming pros at and baby loves riding the el!

The truth is, I'm alot afraid of how much I like it. I've always had this dream of moving out west to California to be close to sand and surf, the other day as I was hanging out at the Oak St beach with baby, I thought. Wow, this is kind of like my favorite beach in Cali, except its Chicago. Although, it is summer time, the best time in Chicago... I'll update you on my love for Chicago and yearning for Cali in January or March timeframe :)

Ok, so another thing I love is how much stuff we do. I'm not joking, I honestly think in the month we have been here we have "done more" than in the last year in the suburbs. Our jobs and commutes consummed so much time, when it came time for fun or weekends, they were basically non existent. We were too tired!

Stuff we've done and liked:

Farmer's Market- Every Saturday the whole family dog included head out for a morning of fresh pastries and organic vegetables and fruits. I feel very European selecting my fresh foods and putting them in my reusable (ALDI) bag. Baby and Dog get lots of free food samples from the vendors. It's great. I like buying and supporting local business owners when I can.

Millenium Park- Monday nights all summer free concerts. It's very Ravina like (bring a blanket and a picnic and listen to music. Why it's better than Ravina = FREE!!) We listened to She & Him. Baby liked the music, but she REALLY liked running with her friend around the "BEAN". Pictures to follow!

FESTIVALS- I've always known Chicago is very well known for the many summer festivals that occur between May and September. However, I haven't actually been to, well any. Until we moved to the city. Let me tell you, this is a parent's (whose too cheap to pay for a sitter) dream! Here's the premise: Free Entry (for the most part, or they request a small donation). Lots of food and beer vendors and live music.
The great part is, it's like going out to a bar, except its outside and people bring their strollers. It's great. You feel like you've had a night out and paid 0 babysitter fess and 0 cover or entry fees. Only slightly over priced food and beer :) Totally worth it!!!
And we get to discover different parts of the city, we might not have any other reason to go.

Festivals we've attended so far:

Belmont/ Sheffield Music Festival- supporting local business in Lakeview. Baby liked the music, we liked the atmosphere. I'm still sad I didn't actually go for it and get a giant alchohalic concoction served in a pineapple. Oh well, next time :)

Mayfest- Lincoln Square. This was a fun one! German fest. kind of like Oktoberfest, but in the spring. Something about a Maypole? I don't know. In any case. My husband purchased us both a 1 liter plastic boot of strong german beer, brats, potato salad and large soft pretzels. Delicious. Baby spilled a good portion of my beer, which is ok. 1 liter is a bit much for me :) Good german music bands. This little town is like little Germany. Agrocer, dress shop and many german beer haus'. Cute. Quaint.

This coming weekend, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by our choices, but I'm sure it'll be fun whatever we choose.

Friday- Blackhawks (won the Stanley Cup) Ticker Tape Parade near the Loop

Saturday- Midsommerfest- Andersonville- Two great bands that I like on two different days. Mike and Joe Saturday and 16 candles Sunday... tough choice. Since it's free, maybe we'll go both days?

Saturday- Oak Street Muzic Fest

Sunday- Ribfest- It's weird I have a thing for ribs and wings. My husband, not such a fan. Although I feel like a man, I am totally excited for this fest!

Sunday - is also Blues Fest- but I'm not that big of a blue's fan. Probably we'll skip this!

To fun times in the city!!!