Hi everyone!
Playing catch up this week since the previous one was packed. To start, I tried a new seasoning on my avocado toast: Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend. It added a little saltiness and flavor to the toast with onion & garlic thrown in. Plus, the ingredients are all things normal people know – no additives or any other unnecessary extras. I want to try making those 2-ingredient bagels with it next!
After hearing great things about this new Lincoln Park boutique, I decided to check out Bliss & Belle. Their assortment is so trendy and fun! From cute clothes to kitschy gifts & knick-knacks like pizza mugs and Chicago necklaces.
Also, Bliss & Belle had Insomnia Cookies!! I’ve actually never had them until now (there was a similar place at school) and they did not disappoint. I had the chocolate mint one and the mint really made it. The decor was amazing. There was a pink sitting area with a gallery wall and a neon sign with a cute little bar cart – honestly, I could move in!
A couple other things about this boutique that I like: it’s owned by a former Hoosier (go IU!) and their pricing is not bad either! Most of the items were cheaper than other places and the quality didn’t deviate because of that. I got this super cute jean skirt, which was super soft and stretchy!! You’ll see this in a future post or two for sure.
Since I was getting hungry, I decided to stop into the Budlong – a take on Nashville hot chicken. I tried the chicken sandwich with an egg on top along with coleslaw and pickles (the pickles I forgot to take off but honestly didn’t really mind them!). Definitely start with the “classic” for heat, I can take a little heat and it was just enough for me. It had a nice crunch too. As predicted, it can’t replace Nashville’s version but it definitely fills the void until I go down there again. Also, fair warning that this is a big sandwich, I couldn’t even finish it all!
Keeping in theme with boutiques, I stopped by Alice & Wonder in Lincoln Park with Katie for the launch of their newly expanded space. As I’ve mentioned before, this boutique is one of the cutest ones in the city. Very similar to Bliss & Belle, the assortment is mainly clothing with an adorable gift/knick-knack section with brands like one of my favorites, Packed Party. Remember that door necklace I got before Florida? Packed Party is the brand! Anyway, the launch was in partnership with Lively – a new kid on the block in the lingerie world. It blends athleisure with lingerie (finally) and pricing is not bad with the majority of the products right around $35 each. Katie and I were part of the lucky 20 people that scored a swag bag with a free bralette (more on that in a future post), stickers, a $10 gift card to Alice & Wonder for the event and other goodies!
The drink sponsor was a brand I also hadn’t heard of before called Ramona. Hailing from Italy and served in a trendy can, I wasn’t surprised that this literally went down like water. I would totally grab these in a store – it was so good! The drink matched the decor for sure. I loved seeing all the new photo opportunities like this “Yass Queen” wall with a throne fit for a..well..queen!
Staying kind of in the area, Katie and I hopped over to Shore Club. Shore Club is a beautiful bar right on the water, perfect for popping in for a drink while walking along the beach. We heard about this great new app called Bar Pass where you can score free drinks and specials at different spots around the city just by “RSVPing”. There was a free frosé here so it made the excuse to check out the space that much sweeter. We explored the inside, packed with a stunning gold bar reminiscent of The Hampton Social – perfectly our type of place. As for the outside, the murals and lights all around really matched the vibe inside.
In honor of the Royal Wedding the following morning, I went all out on the perfect charcuterie board (see full post here) for the occasion along with picking up Target’s new wine that I had heard so much about. The wine was only about $12-$13 and tasted great, not too sweet and not too dry. Plus, let’s be honest that packaging sells itself.
To wrap up the week, Katie and I checked out OG’s (or Old Grounds Social), a new spot that just opened in Lincoln Park (see a theme?). It was so pretty inside! There were plenty of murals to take photos by like a Wizard of Oz one and a Star Wars one, among many other old movies.
As for the food, they have lots of little appetizers and wings along with pizza. We got cheese curds (I mean of course, right?) which were very airy and light. Different from ones I’ve had before but not in a bad way! We also got chips and salsa/guac and, accidentally since the kitchen just made them and gave them to us, their Fried Chicken Nachos with white corn tortilla chips, chihuahua cheese (my favorite!), guac, pico de gallo, and crema. These chips you guys…they are probably the best ones I’ve ever had. They’re layered and kind of remind me of pita chips in their airy yet thick texture with just the right amount of grease. I want to buy these or make them somehow because they were that good.
The real crown jewel of this spot, though, is its “patio”. Similar to Beatnik and Celeste, OG’s has an indoor deck with windows and greenery all around with string lights hanging down and different murals on the walls. This room can actually be rented out for parties and such as well. Our favorite part was the hanging chairs and flower wall, naturally, since it was so pretty plus those chairs are so fun to swing around in.
Before I go, let’s talk outfits for a second – I think this is the first time I’ve ever really worn a top knot in public that I actually did myself (for reference on when it was done professionally here and here). I actually kind of like it! I have very thick hair for those who don’t know, so I was shocked that I was able to actually get it to stay with under 10 bobby pins and that it didn’t fall out or come loose at all. As for the clothes, the top was the one I ended up getting at Alice & Wonder and I’m so glad I did. It is so SOFT. Like I could wear it to bed soft. I couldn’t resist after I tried it on, plus that pink lettering? C’mon! The skirt is one I’ve had for a while but I hadn’t worn it in a long time. I definitely want to work it into my wardrobe more since it’s so fun and comfy. The shoes I wore in Nashville and around the city a few times – I just adore the tassel detail! If you’re want to try this number yourself – I linked all different items below to recreate it:
Local Spots I Checked Out: Bliss & Belle Boutique, The Budlong, Alice & Wonder, Shore Club, OG’s
Events I’m Looking Forward To: Whiskey Tasting at Prime & Provisions with M Social, Refinery 29 + Rimmel London Party, Co-Optim + Chanel Launch Party, Denver Trip + Drake Concert
See you in the next post!
