Millenium Park Concert

Chicago in the summer is something I will miss with fall peaking it's head around the corner. With that said, I've been spending as much time outside as possible. Having been a tourist in Chicago before moving here, I always thought it would be cool to go to a concert at this amphitheater in Millenium Park. So, the other weekend we headed to the park with some snacks and a blanket and camped out listening to music. It was a perfect evening, and I highly recommend it if you're in the area! Did I mention that the concert was free?! How cool is that?

Missing Family & Friends

With my family (missing my sister) at Miletta Vista Winery for my birthday.

I've been in Chicago for nearly 2 months and it's been nothing but great; but I can't deny I'm missing my family and friends. One of the reasons I chose to move to Chicago was because it was a quick trip home. Luckily I'll be traveling home mid August to graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with my Master's! But what I'm really anxious for, is to see and spend time with my loved ones. 

(Sadly, Miletta Vista had a tragedy and was burned to the ground by lightning shortly after we visited. Please send prayers to all who were affected.) 

And of course, after my family I'm missing my dear friends. I have to say I'm a pretty lucky girl to have the friends I do. Luckily for Skype, phone calls and Facebook, my friends don't seem near as far away as they are; that is my friends in Nebraska anyway. Below are some photos from my birthday/going away party at James Arthur Vineyard. Funny, I'm beginning to see a theme here with my love of winery's and parties.

My long time best friend!

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)

Birthday Picnic

There’s something about your birthday that just makes you feel extra special. And on May 26,2011, the day could not have been more perfect. With Nebraska weather, you never know how the weather will be (one day it’s 75 and sunny, the next day its 50, rainy, and windy), but God chose to make my birthday the perfect temperature with clear skies, and boy was I thankful!

This called for one a birthday picnic at one of Michael and I’s favorite places: James Arthur Vineyard. We grabbed the pup, some sandwiches, a blanket and headed to the outskirts of Lincoln. We were lucky enough to have the vineyard all to ourselves. 

My favorite wine from James Arthur: Edelweiss

Harley was loving every minute.

I encourage you to venture out the next nice spring or summer day for a picnic. It's really easy, all we did was take some sandwiches, got some wine at the vineyard, grabbed a blanket and we were set! It's fun date idea! 


Later that night, some friends came to grab dinner. It was short notice, so not everyone could make it, but I was thankful to my close friends that could. Especially since Michael and I were taking off for California the next day where I spent the summer interning at an advertising agency! 

Cheers to 23 years old and new adventures!

Xo,

Belinda