Hi everyone!
Sorry for the delay on this mashup, 2019 has been off to a crazy start.
To start off, happy New Year everyone! Can’t believe how time has flown by! We’re already into another calendar year as well as another blog year too. The blog turned 3 this year, which is pretty crazy to think about given that I was in school and in another country when I started it. I can’t believe how much it’s grown and all the people that I have and will continue to meet as it goes on. Thank you guys for your support – I appreciate it!
As for the first activity in the new year, it’s a little more reminiscent of the previous month, but still fun none the less! A co-worker and I finally visited the Santa Baby pop up at Deuce’s and The Diamond Club in Wrigleyville that was on my Christmas activity list. I was surprised it was still open. Luckily it was but the food and drinks were actually really good and the decor was adorable! I have a feeling they’ll be doing this next year so, hopefully, we can visit again before Christmas comes around next time! 🤣
The nachos and green “Grinch” chicken quesadillas followed by their Cinnamon Toast Crunch spiked milkshake
Shop the look: http://www.shopstyle.com/shop/thehargz/43197716
Next up, I visited a really cool bar in Wicker Park that recently got renovated: Blue Line Lounge. This retro-style bar is famous for its martinis, and boy are they good! There’s a bunch to choose from so definitely try one when you visit. The Peanut Butter & Jelly, Passionfruit, and Effen Perfect are all good!
Speaking of the holiday season, I wanted to give an update on one of my favorite gifts: my blue light glasses. Call it a placebo effect but I actually really like them and feel like they’ve helped a lot at work. I look at screens all day and feel as if I haven’t had any bad headaches or eye strains since I’ve started wearing them. I’ll forget to put them on sometimes and I notice a difference! It’s been a little bit of an adjustment since I’ve never worn glasses before but I do like the style – do them make me look smarter? 😉
Another change I’m sure you noticed quickly into this post is that I lightened my hair a bit. I’ve gotten highlights on occasion but never actually fully dyed my hair another color before. It was a little bit of a shock at first but I’ve always wanted to try something different and am just now biting the bullet. I really love it and will probably stick with it for a little bit!
This next spot is one I’ve been trying to check off my list for a while: Happy Camper in Old Town. I’ve tried the sister spots Homeslice & Paradise Park many times and love them, so now I can finally complete the trio! I’ve also never had brunch at any of them until now. It did not disappoint either! With a swirled straw and umbrella- filled Stiegl (a signature style of all their restaurants), I also got the Breakfast Pizza and French Toast sticks for a bite of savory and sweet. They were both amazing – especially with one topped with eggs & bacon and the other topped with ice cream & jam. Then we got sent a pair of the famous Oreo-dusted cookie dough balls. They are so dense and rich, I love them!! Given their size, they are the perfect note to end a nice meal with. We were also there during BINGO and it was so fun. The emcee was hilarious! So many interesting prizes you can win like a crock pot or a TV. The proceeds during it all goes back to a cause too which is so nice!
And finally, one of the craziest events of this month: the Polar Vortex!! I can’t believe how crazy cold it got – even with it being Chiberia season. Did any of you try all the funny little tricks of the weather like freezing water midair? Kinda silly but was cool to see in the moment.
Local Spots I Checked Out: Santa Baby Bar, Blue Line Lounge, Happy Camper
Events I’m Looking Forward To Next Month: Diptyque Galentine’s Day Party, Paradise Park & Casamigos Galentine’s Day Party, Chocolate Making with Veruca Chocolates, Blogger’s Night at Enolo Wine Cafe, Brunch at Holt’s, Dinner at Two Lights, IU Blackhawks Night, Smash Room Preview
See you in the next post!
