Beach Bums

With the unusual and steaming hot weather we've had in Chicago lately, there's no better way to cool off than to hit the beach! Chicago may be in the Midwest, but we're lucky enough to have a huge body of water to take advantage of during the summer months. As a Nebraska native, I always imagined every lake was mucky and dirty; but to my surprise Lake Michigan has very clear, clean and pleasant water. In my opinon it beats the West Coast beaches because you don't have to deal with the salt and seaweed.

After a hard work week nothing beats relaxing on the beach all afternoon. And in our case, we ended up staying until the lifeguards closed the beach down. We biked for about 10 minutes from our apartment along Lake Shore Drive pedway with lake views to our beach spot. We made our camp with the essentials: snacks, water, magazines, fresh fruit, a floppy hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. It was one of my favorite days spent in Chicago thus far. Not to mention, both Michael and I were needing some sun to get rid of some tan lines from golfing and running/biking! North Avenue beach, you will be seeing a lot of us this summer.

Chicago's seashells (and Michael skipping rocks in the background)

Sweet Summertime

Before moving to Chicago everyone continued to rave about the amazing Chicago summers. I now understand why!

Although we’ve been lucky with beautiful weather, summer in the city has lived up to my high expectations. As a lover of all things outdoors and bright colors, we’ve taken advantage of the Lake Shore Drive running/biking trail, North Avenue beach, outdoor dining and grilling, and have spent numerous hours in the park and exploring our new neighborhood.

We’ve taken full advantage of our apartment’s rooftop by either sipping on a glass of wine or, my personal favorite, grilling with sangria. It’s a great spot to socialize with friends, which we’ve done once, and plan to do more once we make more friends. :) 

 

Sangria

View of the Harbor.

My grilling buddy :)

We’re steps away from the Lake Shore Drive running/biking trail (that stretches 27 miles long!) so we biked to the North Avenue beach with Harley, only to find out dogs weren’t allowed on the beach. Luckily there was a great little grass area where we camped out for a bit.

Hydrating after a mile bike ride to the beach.

Here’s a recipe for my favorite summertime drink! My friend gave me her recipe and I can’t get enough! It's kind of a "pour until it tastes right" recipe.

Summertime Sangria

1 bottle Pinot Grigio

Lemonade

Rum (4 oz)

Triple Sec (4 oz)

1 cup brown sugar (melt sugar on stove top)

Fruit (Strawberrys, Oranges, Apples, Berrys) 

Goodbye Cali...for now

My last days in Cali were very bitter....with very little sweet. Although I was anxious to get home and see my loved ones and my pup, I had really found my place in California. Not only was my job everything I had dreamed of (working in a highly creative ad agency, working with great people, working in entertainment and being challenged everyday) but I had a great group of girlfriends.

And let's be honest, the beach, constant 75 degree weather mixed in with sunshine wasn't anything to complain about. As Nebraskans, we love to talk about the weather; and well, the time I was in California, the weather was just about perfect. Did I mention that there was no humidity?!

Some photos below are from San Diego, when two of my best friends (Haley Herold and Geneice Wilcher, both former Miss Nebraskas) came for the weekend. 

Haley, Geneice and I in San Diego

I continued to work on my bucket list, which included: the Fashion District (with another Nebraska Native and friend),  Rodeo Drive, Laguna Beach (with my other best friend who came to Cali with her family for a summer vaca), lots of sushi and Sprinkles cupcakes,

Laguna

Farewell dinner with Miss USA and Cali friends

And perhaps one of the hardest goodbyes was at my summer job. I left Los Angeles Center Studies with good friends and loads of new experiences. 

 

Best,

BW