Chicago!

So today is my first day back at work after my lovely weekend away. Lesley and I spent the weekend checking out Chicago and doing plenty of "research" (basically, shopping). I ended up spending tons of money, but I actually bought the things that I had on my list as needing to buy, so that was awesome, and ultimately I'm pretty proud of myself. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the logic and rationalization of someone who is addicted to shopping, that is what we do. We find ways to make the fact that we spent way more money than we should have seem ok. It helps us sleep better at night. So I rationalize the money I spent by being proud that I stuck to my list, and also by the fact that I got basically all my Christmas shopping done, which means that while I may be SUPER broke right now, I don't have to shell out a lot more money in December. I can just be good until January, when I might actually have some money again.

As far as the research goes, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite shops that we visited just in case you ever want to check them out. My favorite of the clothing shops we visited was Penelope's in Wicker Park. It's where I got the fabulous coat, you can see in the picture down below. It's not surprising that I liked it, since they carry some of the same lines as Nana. I also got a B-day present for my bro there, but I'm not gonna say what, since I know he reads this sometimes. They had a lot of stuff, which was a little bit overwhelming, but since it was the first store we went in, we really had the energy to look through everything, and they had a great selection. The girls who worked there were also really nice, which makes a big difference to me, working in shops and all. Paper Doll, also in Wicker Park, is probably one of the best paper goods and stationary stores I've ever been in. The selection was fantastic. They actually have everything I had picked out from various websites and had been eyeing for ages, so I could get it all in one place without paying for shipping, which was amazing. The atmosphere is also incredibly pleasant, and they gave us awesome hot cider. The shop dog Maude is also a highlight, which made me decide that I want a shop dog for my store (eventually), or maybe two. The other shop I really adored, was the one where I did all my Christmas shopping, Art Effect in Lincoln Park. They had tons of fun stuff. the website describes it as a modern day general store, and I can't think of anyway to describe it, but it is definitely a great place to buy gifts. Lelsey did mention that after the first time the novelty kind of wears off though, which I could definitely see. Either way I'm glad to be done with my Christmas shopping so early!

Since it's me and Lesley, we also did a lot of eating. The most memorable and different place we got food was Baladoche, a place in Lakeview that has authentic Belgian Zucker waffles. Really all I can say here is that they were amazing, totally different form anything else I'd ever eaten, and if you're in Chicago now or you ever go visit, you absolutely have to go. It was awesome. I also made guacamole for Lesley, Kourtney and I. Kourt had never had my guacamole before, so this of course further spread my fame. In case you don't know (and then you are obviously oblivious) I make awesome guacamole. It is especially popular as a drunk snack, and in those circumstances it gets referred to as "drunk guacamole". If you're interested, liquor up and come find me, I'm always happy to make guac for my friends.

The other note worthy thing we did was check out the lights on Michigan Avenue. They just had the lighting ceremony Saturday and we showed up just afterwords. It was fun and super pretty. It also lead to some ridiculous pictures. Those lead to the people around us thinking we were intoxicated,which we weren't but people seem to think that about me a lot, especially when Lesley is around. One of the pictures is posted below, but I really put it up to satisfy Lesley's demand that the fur trapper hat be featured randomly and frequently on the blog.



All in all it was an awesome weekend. Lesley kept tyring to encourage me to move to Chicago and I have to tell you, I was pretty tempted. It is an awesome city. And I actually have about as many friends there as I do here, which is pretty funny. But I have to stay here definitely until my lease is up and I'm pretty sure I will be staying for good. As much fun as it is to see other places and explore other cities, I do love it here, and I want this to be my home for good. But I do forget how much fun trips are when I haven't been on one in awhile. My everyday life pales in comparison, but of course that is normal, so I can deal.

Address Guide:
Penelope's: 1913 W Division St
Paper Doll: 2048 W Division St
Art Effect: 934 Armitage Ave
Baladoche: 2905 N Clark St