Longest post title ever? Yup. Not sure I care though because it’s exactly what sums up this blog post.
Yes, OMGÂ I’m actually moving. I don’t think it really hit me until last night when I was packing up my dishes. I’ve gone through so many life changes over the past 3 months that I don’t even know where to begin. This is kind of a brain dump of words, so I apologize in advance.
I knew about 6 months ago that I wanted to quit my job. I felt myself becoming more unhappy by the day and like I mentioned earlier, knew I just needed a change in my life. I wasn’t really planning on leaving until November, but decided one day in August that enough was enough. All I needed was a little faith in myself.
After quitting, there were decisions that quickly needed to be made regarding my living situation. My apartment lease was up in November and didn’t have the desire to live in Minneapolis any longer; I’ve been here my entire life! So in August I took a trip to Chicago to visit one of my best friends and to explore the city.
We had such a lovely time shopping, going out and celebrating her birthday. Chicago really is beautiful. To me it feels like a bigger Minneapolis. Still a nice midwestern feel, but just with more things to do.
Since Tony lives in Chicago in the off season, it was an easy decision for me to make to live there. Here are some photos of what I’ve done around the city…
Walked basically everywhere. I love how accessible the city is. I’m probably going to need to sell my car because I have a feeling I’ll never use it. Gosh, that’s going to be weird.
I’ve gone to quite a few delicious restaurants including Mercadito, Lou Malnatis, Gyro on the Spit, The Squared Circle and probably some others that I’m forgetting.  They were all really good, although I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of Lou’s deep dish pizza. I really need to check out some of the other famous pizza places before I can name a favorite.
Of course, I’m a HUGE fan of breakfast and brunch. Here’s a delicious egg white scramble from Yolk. For me, I love simple, healthy breakfasts that don’t make me feel overly full. Eggs, toast, veggies, fruit. I’m all about that and this was just perfect. It’s pretty difficult to eat healthy while traveling but it’s really about the choices you make.
I had the chance to visit the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM because helllloooo cupcakes! Have you been to one?
Oh and doughnuts! Omg for some reason I’ve rediscovered my love for big fat doughnuts. I heard about Glazed and Infused in Lincoln Park and knew I had to visit. I got three doughnuts for Tony and I to sample: Pineapple Coconut, White Chocolate Cranberry and Pumpkin Pecan. My favorite was the pineapple coconut – mmmmmm.
I’ve heard there are quite a few doughnut shops around the area so I’ll need to check those out too. I figure if I walk a mile and back to the location, I burn off a doughnut.
After I went to grab doughnuts, I found Tony at the bar watching the Bear’s game. I surprised him with doughnuts then he took me to a fun Beercade (beer + arcade place) where we played old games like Mortal Kombat and pinball. It was so much fun.
Searching for an apartment wasn’t fun at all, but somehow I found an adorable one that’s pet friendly, has hardwood floors and a dishwasher! I’ll be moving in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago in early November.
In between all of my apartment hunting, Tony and I went to see the Fink concert (photo above). Honestly it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to!
Tony and I also celebrated our 1 year anniversary together. He brought me to a National Park in Illinois and we hiked all day long. Of course I needed snacks…
I stocked up on Quest Bars before we left. Honestly these things are my absolute favorite snack/treat. The flavors are amazing. I just rediscovered white chocolate raspberry but my usual favorite is double chocolate chunk.
We hiked for about 4 hours. The weather was gorgeous and we got lucky that it wasn’t too chilly yet.
I got Tony a TV and he LOVED it. Obviously.
Anyway we’ve really enjoyed our time together over the past year and so a big hug and kiss to my lovely boyfriend. Thanks for eating all of the food I make and for always making me feel special. You’re a gem and I feel so lucky!
Anyway enough sappy stuff. Let’s talk about what else I’ve been up to.
Hmmm well I finally finished Gone Girl and then saw the movie. I thought that both were really good although I will admit it’s probably the worst date movie you could ever go to. Also, a little bit scary.
Next, I’ve really have been baking and cooking quite a bit. So I’m just going to throw a bunch of food pics at you with random descriptions.
These cookies are coming to the blog soon!
I made a Spanish breakfast for Tony.
This apple crisp = omg.
Sounds delicious!
I can never have enough muffins. Better yet, healthy muffins!
Sweet potato pancakes with chai spices. Yes, you really should.
Everyday.
Mini french toasts!
Pizza from Pizzeria Lola, my favorite pizza place in Minnesota.
Made these bad boys for a photoshoot. OMG they were ridiculous.
Skinny banana muffins! With chocolate chips. Please try them.
Lactose free mac and cheese that‘s uber creamy and delicious. Plus it only takes 15 minutes!
Last but not least, a baby kitty! I’ve been obsessed with visiting the animal humane society. Soon I’ll be picking one out and I can’t wait!
Hope you guys enjoyed a little glimpse into my life lately. Thank you for all of your support and love over the past few years. I’m excited for this new journey of my life in Chicago.
xo!
23 comments
Congrats on the big move! Chicago is one of my favorite cities – wish I could live there myself! Looking forward to the new recipes – those pictures made me super hungry 🙂
Happy and excited for your new chapter! Cant wait to follow along 🙂 Noms to the food photo dump!
Can’t wait to hear more about Chicago and what you’ll do there! Best of luck with the move!!
I’M SO EXCITED FOR YOU. Gosh, where do I start. Mercadito is fabulous and so much fun. The Sprinkles ATM makes me so giddy, every time is like the first time. I like to follow it up with a trip to Bhldn because what more do you need in life besides cupcakes and bridal gowns. And your random food pics are making me relive gawking at your insta feed. I need your nutella cookies, chocolate chip pumpkin zucchini bread, and lactose free mac in my life! Lov. In. It.
YAAY CAN’T WAIT FOR APARTMENT PICS
Congratulations!! Chicago is such a fabulous city! Several years ago, I visited to attend a conference. I fell so in love, that now I schedule a visit every year around attending courses to maintain my license – with an extra week tacked on so I can enjoy the city 🙂 Best wishes for a fabulous new chapter of your life!! Change is good 🙂 Oh – and while not a “healthy” eating spot, you *must* go to the Purple Pig!!!!
This is so exciting!! I live in Milwaukee, so if you ever need a buddy to explore Chicago with, I’m only an hour away! 🙂
Anytime Abby! Come for a weekend adventure. I’m sure we can find some yummy vegan places. 🙂
Congrats on the move! Chicago is an amazing place to live and one I am proud to call home. My best friend lives in Minneapolis, and loves Chicago, and I love Minneapolis, so we have fun traveling to each others home cities for a visit. Give Lou’s another chance, out of all the other pizza places out there, that one has always been a favorite. Plus you can take frozen ones home with you to go! My cousin lives in Lakeview and we always go to Bottle & Bottega for wine/paint nights; nothing like a few snacks, a great bottle of wine, and dabbling in paint to have a fantastic night out! Can’t wait to see pictures and hear about your new adventures, and try more of your wonderful recipes!
When I was about your age, I moved from Mpls to Chicago! Best decision ever…okay no wait, moving to San Diego after that was 🙂 But…I love Chicago and my sister moved there to go to school and she never left. So my family is all back in either Mpls or Chicago. You are totally right in that Chicago is a bigger Mpls. Still very midwestern in so many ways and I know you’re going to LOVE IT!! CONGRATS!!!!!!
Welcome to Chicago! You’ll love Lakeview. It still feels like a neighborhood in the middle of the big city and there is tons to do. Add Pequods pizza to your list of pizza places to try in Chicago. Their pan pizza is my favorite. It has a thick crust and yummy caramelized cheese around the edges.
Welcome to Chicago! I’m sure you’ll love Lakeview! Be sure to try Pequod’s Pizza when you move here. That’s my favorite. Their pan style has a thick crust and caramelized cheese are the edges.
So exciting!!! Chicago is great!
So exciting! I love Chicago, so I know you will too.
Chicago is such an amazing city! I spent 5 years there are and my brother is still there. He lives in the Wicker Park area and when go visit we always hit up Milk and Honey (breakfast), Jerry’s and Bangers and Lace. Have fun, you will love the city!!
So exciting, I missed your post I usually don’t comment but I’ve made to many of your recipes. great blog!
Chicago is the best city. It will always be my favorite city, and where I feel most like myself! The endless amounts of amazing restaurants, beautiful lake (especially in the summertime!) and architecture/glorious skyline don’t hurt.
Sooooo exciting about Chicago! My sis lives there, and I’m a huge fan of the city!! Well, except when it’s freezing…but I suppose you’re used to cold weather. 😉
Seriously, so exciting! Can’t wait to follow along with your new adventures, and maybe even see you there sometime soon. Best wishes with moving!
How did I not know there was a Sprinkles ATM in Chicago? I know where I’ll be going next time I’m in the city! Congrats on the move and the new lifestyle 🙂
So awesome you’re moving to Chicago. Such a wonderful city with SO many things to do and new foods to try!!
I live here! You will have to keep the updates coming about your move! I would love to help show you around more! Best of luck!
I’m so excited for you and jealous!!!! I’m 3 hours from Chicago in Grand Rapids and have been to Chicago probably 40 times in my life.. I just love it. You’re going to love it. The food. Bring your fat pants and you’ll be fine. I’m coming to visit. xo
So many wonderful change for you! Can’t wait to meet you this week (hopefully) at Chopped Con!
Congratulations on the move, sounds like a great adventure!