Let's Go Chicago

Chicago has been on my lists of cities to visit for a while now, so I jumped at the opportunity when my friend Jessie invited me on a long weekend getaway to the windy city this past March (only 4 months late).

The Accommodations

The Godfrey Hotel

Our hotel was in a great location; we were able to walk to most places we had to get to. I felt very safe, even with a few shady people walking around at night. The hotel itself was a modern boutique hotel with a restaurant in the lobby and bar a few levels up. The staff was nothing but kind and when my friend and I had some issues with our hotel room they moved us over to another one.

We enjoyed a night at the bar they had in the hotel and it was both convenient and a good time. There is a dress code and they are serious about it. My friend’s sister went to check it out when we first got there in sweats and they didn’t mind her taking a look, but she wasn’t welcome to stay. We made friends with the bartender and some of the other bar patrons, it was a very friendly environment. Everything is very posh and dark, but in a good way. The music is loud and upbeat and the crowd was a fun mix of people. They had a really pretty balcony with nice city views, but it was the beginning of March and pretty cold so we didn’t last long out there.

Overall a great hotel, I would definitely recommend The Godfrey Hotel to others visiting the city.

The Food

Wildberry Pancakes and Café

This was hands down one of my favorite meals of the trip. This pancake house is right across from Millennium Park so it is the perfect place to start a day in the city. I love breakfast food and this place had it all. The wait was a little long, but they serve coffee while you wait and it honestly went by pretty fast. You get so much food for the money and it’s all delicious. Seriously, if I could only recommend one place to eat in Chicago, this would be it.

Gibsons Steakhouse

Gibsons is one of the most well know steakhouse in America apparently. Our waiter gave us a beautiful rehearsed story about how amazing and famous the steakhouse is. The steak was good, not the most amazing, but I think my issue might have been the cut I got. The French fries though, those I will recommend to everyone. Also, be careful if you order dessert. A slice of cake is the size of basketball, no joke. It was really good, but four of us couldn’t even put a dent in it. Basically, it’s worth a go, but I’m not sure if it’s quite worth the hype especially for the prices.

Giordano's

You can’t go to Chicago and not eat deep-dish pizza so we hit up Giordanos after the brewery. Personally I like a lot of sauce on my pizza so I loved the deep dish, it was amazing. It’s a chain so there might be much more authentic Chicago pizza, but Giordanos certainty hit the spot.

The Drinks

The John Hancock Center 96th Floor Bar

We didn’t go to Sears/Willis Tower, but we did take a ride up to the top of the John Hancock Building which had such amazing views of the city and Lake Michigan. We had a drink at The Signature Lounge at the 96th. My friend Gabrielle said that the views at night are just as breathtaking if you’re looking for a cool spot for drinks or dinner.

Streeters Tavern

Sometimes the best places are the ones you just happen upon. We had been walking around for a long time and we just wanted to grab a drink before we headed off to get ready for our first dinner. We found this adorable Irish pub (maybe it just seemed Irish because of all of the St. Patrick's Day decorations) that reminded me of MacLaren's in How I Met Your Mother. It was such a hole in the wall, you walked down some stairs and entered a dark room with pool tables, a bar and some great character. We grabbed some beers, some bar snacks and enjoyed a bit of time reminiscing on our adventures in Chicago.

Half Acre Beer Company

The brewery has tours every Saturday at 11:00am, but we had to get this brewery super early because they only allow so many people in due to its size. We were literally the last people in line, but we made the cut. It’s a fairly small space with room for some brewing and then a small gift shop. They had 4 beers on tap and you got 3 tickets for samples.

The best part of the brewery was the owner. While we were drinking he was just up there telling us his story and talking about his love of beer. I really liked the Pony Pilsner and  the IPA they had. If you love beer and exploring breweries then I would definitely recommend making the short drive just outside the downtown area to visit Half Acre.

Three Dots and a Dash

We didn’t go out much since it was a short trip and we were pretty tired from a lot of exploring, but we did make it out one night. We went to Three Dots and a Dash and it had a super sketchy entrance in the back alley. It was so worth it though, the place was packed and the drinks were expensive, but it’s definitely an experience. The music was good and the drinks were beautiful.

Things to Do

Millennium Park

You cannot visit Chicago for the first time and not go to the Bean. So that’s exactly what we did and I loved every single touristy moment of it. It really was a sight to see and a very fun place to take pictures.

The rest of the park was actually pretty cool too though. There was an ice skating rink that was still open. There was this cool art instillation that apparently spits water when it’s warmer. Walking around we saw other cool art pieces and some great views of the city.

The Navy Pier

If you want a picture perfect shot of the Chicago skyline, head over to the Navy Pier. I love a good view and a good skyline and Chicago’s was top notch. The Navy Pier was a bit of a hike from our hotel so we took an Uber on our last day in the city. We walked along the water and looked for a lunch spot.

The Navy Pier was worth the visit for the view alone, but for the most part it was kind of shut down. I have a feeling that it is much more lively during the summer when it is not as cold. There were a ton of restaurants (although we didn’t eat at the Pier). There was a beer garden that looked super cool, but it was closed. There was a stain glass window mini museum, a closed Ferris wheel, a greenhouse space, a theater that was closed and a gift shop or two. 

Howl at the Moon

My first time at a piano bar was quite the experience. We reserved some great seats right by the pianos and the performances were amazing. All the people up there had so much talent and could not only play the piano, they could play the guitar and the drums and they could sing! The tables were super small and the food wasn’t the best, but I feel like you go for the experience and not the food. This is also apparently a piano bar chain? So if you've been to one before it's probably pretty similar, but still a fun way to spend a night in Chicago.

Chicago is a HUGE and beautiful city. I loved how walkable everything was and it seemed like there was always something to do. A long weekend simply wasn't enough time to fit everything in. I look forward to a return to the windy city. Below are five things that I would love to do next time I'm in Chicago!

Art Institute Chicago

Sears/Willis Tower Sky Deck

Lollapalooza

Blackhawks Game

Chicago Cubs Game

Let me know what else I missed in Chicago that I need to check out next time I'm in the city!!

xx Kristen

Tuesday Tunes

*Ignores the fact that I haven’t blogged in months* Happy Tuesday!! Check out the song I’ve been blasting in my car lately!

1. Dangerous Woman – Ariana Grande

This song is amazing; people who don’t even like Ariana Grand like this song, that’s when you know it’s a good song. I can understand almost all of the words she’s singing and it’s catchy as hell.

2. My Church – Maren Morris

There’s something about country music in the summertime, it almost gets better as the weather gets hotter. If you love music, especially country music, then this song will speak to you. Listening to your favorite bands becomes a spiritual moment that lightens your soul. Listen and learn about Maren’s country church.

3. If It Ain’t Love – Jason Derulo

I love Jason Derulo, whenever he comes out with a new song, I’m almost guaranteed to like it and buy it. I love his voice and his upbeat music that is basically made to be played anywhere people will be dancing.

4. Sit Still, Look Pretty – Daya

Her voice is amazing and this song has some major girl power vibes going on.

5. Drunk In The Morning – Lukas Graham

There’s no way you have escaped Lukas Graham’s song 7 years, it’s literally on the radio every 15 minuets. This song has his same voice and tone, but with a slightly less sentimental message. It’s one of the nicest booty call songs I’ve heard.

6. Fragile – Kygo

Yes, just yes. Love Kygo, love this song

7. Drunk on You Love – Brett Eldredge

This has become one of my favorite country songs as of late. It’s so cute, so fun and is basically a drunken love song.

8. BASMF – 3OH!3

Yes, 3OH!3 still makes music and I am so excited to listen to more of it. I listened to them so much in high school and this song has all of the fun, inappropriate craziness that I’ve come to know and love.

9. Old Guitar – Burnt

I can’t stop playing this song; I have actually replayed it multiple times in the car because as soon as it ends I want to hear it again. I can’t even explain it; you just have to hear this song.

10. King of the World – Weezer

Another band from high school that is still making music and kicking ass. I’ll actually be seeing them in concert next month so I listened to their new CD after I got my tickets. This is one of my favorites off their new album.

11. Brand New – Ben Rector

This is just a lovely song; it just makes you feel good inside. That feed good feeling is one of my favorite things about music and this song delivers.

12. Lonely Cities – Tigertown

I’m not sure what it is about this song, but I love it. It feels like it has a lot of layers to it and I just enjoy the idea of Lonely Cities.

I feel like so much new music comes out in the summer! It’s like the artists know that we will be riding around with our windows down and that we need that perfect soundtrack to our summer. What’s even more exciting, this is just the beginning.

What’s on you summer playlist?

xx Kristen

I'm Feeling...24?

What’s cool about being 24? Nothing really, but celebrating it sure was fun. My birthday is on Valentines Day so I usually have to celebrate on a different day because of the *couples.* Birthdays should last the entire weekend anyways. 

Sweetwater Brewery

Day drinking is a must when celebrating a birthday and Sweetwater has the perfect space for just such a thing. Shout out to Nash for making us so popular at the brewery (everyone loves dogs).

House Party

You have to try very hard not to crash between day drinking and your birthday party. Luckily I had my friend Ida watching out for me, feeding me Japanese food and encouraging me to keep drinking (perseverance!). She also helped me cook all of the party food and didn’t let me burn myself on the oven. Friends are very important.

I got to celebrate with my friend Laura, her birthday was Friday and mine was Sunday so it was perfect. The photo wall may or may not still be up in my apartment (it is).

Brunch & Movies

For as long as I can remember I go and see some move on my birthday, it’s an unofficial tradition since I love movies so much and some kind of chick flick ALWAYS comes out on Valentines Day.

We had brunch at the Pig and the Pearl and then went and saw How to Be Single. The movie was hilarious and you must see it, but it was also surprisingly heart-warming and very girl-power inspiring. We may have teared up at the end a little bit (a lot). The entire cast was perfect, they worked really well with each other and the movie was fast paced and intertwined the multitude of stories very well.

Home is Where the Food Is

Then I headed home to the family and celebrated with them my favorite way: a steak dinner cooked on the grill by my father.

So here’s to 24 and hoping that I might have my life together by the big 25 (doubtful).

xx Kristen

*Gold wall streamers, party crowns and "Champs Drink Champs" glasses from Swoozies

*Photo booth garland and table garland from Target

California Love: Day 4

Alfred’s Coffee

We started our day on Melrose Ave at a cute coffee shop. The line was out the door and it was super hard to find a spot to sit, but it was really good. We’ve heard stars love to go here, but we didn’t see any. Then we walked around Melrose, but everything was closed because it was still so early.

The Grove

We walked to the Grove, an outdoor shopping mall and went in and out of more shops. It had most of the basic mall finds, what looked like some nice restaurants and a HUGE Barns and Noble store. We were told that it was best not to try and eat at The Grove since everything is so expensive, instead you can head next door and get great food for a better price at the Farmers Market.

Farmers Market at The Grove

The Farmers Market was a little strange, very low ceiling and it stretched out much further than we originally expected. There were way too many choices and we were way too hungry. We ended up just grabbing burgers and fries, but they were delicious. We took another lap and saw that it had stands for foods and produce too. They also had random little toy shops throughout. It was a very strange place, but definitely worth seeing.

LACMA

I was so upset we didn’t get to go to the Broad Museum, but I finally got my museum fix at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. We didn’t have a ton of time there since we had to go back and get ready for the James Cordon show. The set up was a little strange, there were so many buildings for the exhibits. I did find some Monets though to my delight. One thing we weren’t able to do that would have been awesome was the Rain Room. You had to buy separate tickets and they sell out pretty fast, but it would have been so awesome. You get to walk around a room that’s pouring down rain, but it never touches you. Wherever you go, it doesn’t. I would for sure have needed a full day at the museum to see everything they had to offer, but I liked what small part I did see.

The Late Late Show with James Cordon

This was probably one of the things I was most excited for when we decided to visit Los Angeles. I love The Late Late Show and James Cordon and I’ve always wanted to go to a taping of a show. We registered for the free tickets online, but had to get there super early to get in line. After waiting for hours and being hoarded like cattle Jessica and I were seated toward the very front. The stage is so much smaller than I thought it would be.

There was a hype guy who told us what we needed to do and instructed us on how and when to cheer. It was slightly exhausting, not going to lie. My hands were red from clapping, but it was seriously so much fun. I got to high five the two guests as they came down the stairs to the couch. It was Nathan Fillion from the TV show Castle and Randall Park from the TV show Fresh Off the Boat. They were both very funny and great guests.

James Cordon is hilarious; I really enjoyed watching him work. It’s also so weird to see him do promos between takes, but it was cool to see how everything comes together. It takes so many people behind the scenes to make the show look so good and natural on TV.

The performers were Cirque du Soleil Curious. At the end of the show they did a short performance and it was insane. They are so talented and I can’t even imagine how their bodies contort like that.

The other star of the show is definitely Reggie Watts. He’s so talented and hilarious; he works really well with James and rounds out the show with humor and energy. I would recommend attending a taping of the Late Late Show to anyone; it was such a cool experience.

The Fat Dog

After the show taping we were dead tired, we did not want to get ready or travel very far for food. We ended up finding the Fat Dog super close to our apartment; we just walked there and had a quick but delicious meal. The best part was the first date conversation we overheard. We were eating at the bar and the couple next to us was telling each other all about their lives. It was amazing, the woman was a production assistant and the guy was in casting. I guess everyone in Hollywood really does work in show business?

The Surly Goat 

We finally rallied after a nap and took an Uber to The Nice Guy. We heard that celebrities hang out there and that it was a cool, chill lounge. Sadly, we had no idea that you needed reservations. We showed up and couldn’t get in so we went to The Surly Goat, a bar I had found on Thrillest or something. It was a Monday night so it was super empty, but it ended up being kind of nice just hanging out and talking about the trip all night. It was a little bit of a hole in the wall, but I really liked it and the bartenders were awesome.

In conclusion, we saw no celebrities in their natural habitat, it rained when we went to the beach and we were too tired to go out most nights, but it was one of the most amazing trips I’ve ever been on. I can’t wait to go back, hopefully when it’s a little warmer and I can stay a little longer.

Until next time west coast.

xx Kristen