My Chicago Bucket List - Spring 2015 - Part I

Okay folks, I have decided that as from today winter is over. Officially.
Temperatures are climbing, we have set our clocks to Daylight Saving Time, the skies are blue and my hibernation is finally over. Enough reasons to throw a barbecue, go for a walk without the never elegant snow boots or the depressing thermal underwear that makes you feel at least 10 pounds heavier than you actually are, or just be euphoric about the sun and .  Trust me: spring definitely IS here!

And that calls for a Chicago Spring 2015 bucket list!

*  Attend at least one Chicago Fire soccer game 

This was on my fall bucket list as well and guess what: I did it and it was a great experience, even though it was quite a boring game (0-0) against Montréal Impact, and Americans still consider it a girls sport: we are Europeans and we love it. You can find the Chicago Fire schedule online, so if you're in Chicago and want to join us: the more the merrier!






* Try as many food trucks as possible 

(c) Chicago Food Truck Fest

While working on my next big project (more news on that later this week), I discovered a great website which I decided to share with you all: The Chicago Food Truck Finder. On this website you find most food trucks and the location they can be found. I love the idea!
And there is of course Chicago Food Truck Fest: not to be missed! The date remains to be announced, but news is posted on a regular basis on the event's Facebook page.
I think it is about time that the city does something about all these - sometimes stupid - food truck rules. This is one of those things they should promote instead of making it hard for all those creative entrepreneurs ...  Are you reading this Mr E

* Discover as many Chicago neighborhoods as possible 

This wonderful city has 77 neighborhoods and the plan is to discover every single one of those. It would be a little optimistic to say I want to discover all of those neighborhoods this spring (or this year) but a girl can only try, right?

*(finally!) Buy a bike and use it as often as Chicago weather will permit me 

(c) Choose Chicago 

When I was still living in Antwerp - which seems such a long time ago already - I depended on my bike to take me all around town. I really want to start biking here as well, since one of our mayor's goals is to make Chicago America's most bike friendly city. And we are well on our way according to Bicycle Magazine. In 2010 Chicago was in 10th place in their biannual ranking of the US 50 most bike friendly cities, in 2012 we moved up tot number 5 and last year we took 2nd place, after New York which is still number one. I wonder if we can take the lead next year. For those interested: you can find a ton of information on Chicago's bikeways on the city's department of transportion's website.  Chicago Bike Week is June 12 - 19th. But I won't wait that long to get my new set of wheels, since we have a great bike shop only three blocks from our place. Kozy here I come!


* Wine & dine outside whenever I can 

This spring I want to find out all about patios, terraces, outdoor dining, beer gardens, .... in this beautiful city. For over ten years I have been working from home.  Working from home has its perks, I am available for breakfast, lunch, drinks (almost) anytime :-)

* to be continued * 

CHIberia for dummies

Many warned us, even more just smiled when we told them it was going to be our very first winter in Chicago. After having survived some seriously cold days of minus 20 (celsius) we are back at more Belgium like conditions now: cloudy, foggy and temperatures around zero degrees (again: celsius - I haven't been here long enough to use Fahrenheit, don't even know if I EVER will). This means I am not all that desperate for (C)hibernation anymore and I am willing to try to share some of my experiences, tips, and concerns for those who might need them. Chiberia for dummies, part I.



* The outfit * 

I know your mother has taught you well: when it's cold, dress in layers. When it's very cold, use more layers. When in Chiberia: stop counting the layers, just use as many as humanly (and practically) possible. Don't forget to put two pairs of socks and warm snow/all weather boots.
You start with thermal base layer and then continue on building. Good news in the thermal underwear department by the way : Japanese Uniqlo will open a shop in Chicago late 2015.
We strongly recommend a visit to their store. Or webshop. This is high quality low price stuff !


Up next: the shoe department. I bought a pair of Merrell boots at Nordstrom Rack for less than $100. Happy with them, especially since most Chicagoans seem to be wairing Sorel. Except me. And my boyfriend. And my son. :-)



* The make-up* 


Or: the lack thereof. If you use water based make-up you are in for a special treat as you can imagine. My advice: use Bio Oil or plain and simple Vaseline and apply any other stuff only when absolutely necessary...






*The diet* 

Extreme cold always makes me crave for carbs, carbs, and more carbs ... But I lost over 25 pounds in about one year, thanks to my low carb diet. So I try to find alternatives. I really try! I swear I do!




*The work out* 

We  have a gym in our building. Which is great!  I have this gym used exactly one time.
To be honest : I almost used it ... There was this guy working out there and apparently he was in pretty good shape. I said 'hi', and went back upstairs. To have a sandwich. With mayo. Lots of it.


*The distractions*
My boyfriend and I both have the slight tendency towards buying too many books, records and dvd's. We know this is wrong but we simply cannot help it. I used to see more down than upsides but hey: when you cannot leave the house for several days because of that Polar vortex thing: it is a f***ing blessing to have so many entertainment options at hand. Hallelujah!

*The communication* 

Being an iFamily we are kind of addicted to our iPhones, iPads and iMacs. As you may already know battery life of the mobile Apple devices really sucks. And as temperatures drop, battery life drops too. So keep your phone warm, and your charger with you at all times.


*The calendar*

Do not, I repeat: DO NOT look at your calendar too often. April may seem a long time away. And well: it actually is almost three months from now. Which is a VERY long time. Really.


*The humor* 

Humor is a good remedy, often it even is the best one. Keep smiling!
And most importantly: keep warm!