Chicago is currently teasing us with spring-like temperatures, a random blizzard-like day after it was 55 and lots of rain so basically you could say spring is semi-here. We’re going to have spring for a whole three weeks if we’re lucky so I’ve got to take advantage of it by thinking about my first-ever spring Chicago bucket list!
It still feels so surreal that I’m saying Chicago bucket list. I feel so fortunate I get to experience Chicago and am so thankful for the things it’s already taught me. So with appreciation for what I’ve been able to do already and excitement for the spring, let’s dig in!
Make My Own Candle
Make your own candles are basically the new wine and paint nights (please, do not EVER invite me to that) and I am HERE FOR IT! I’m a big candle fan and I love, love, love the idea of customizing one. Scents like leather, tobacco, peppercorn, bergamot, honeysuckle, rosemary, peony and vetiver are my jam. Typically I get a candle with one or two of these scents combined but I’ve wanted to make my own “signature” candle for a while. (I did have a chance at this when I launched Honestly Relatable custom gift boxes that had their own candle from Bungalow 26 in Wichita!) I want to make my own candle at Aura Candle Bar in Lakeview.
P.S. I first wanted to make my own candle when I lived in Wichita and was thrilled Nectar Republic was offering classes. Then 2020 happened and well, we don’t need to think about that. Reach out to them if you’re in Wichita about taking a private class and bookmark their site!
Finish Bedroom Overhaul
My quest to turn my beyond BLAH bedroom to something that feels like a peaceful retreat is underway. Unfortunately, things cost money and in Chicagoland they cost more than they did in Wichita. I’m piecing together the bedroom one paycheck (and what I have on hand) at a time and am thrilled it’s coming in according to budget, but just taking a little longer than I want (which is yesterday).
The requirements are simple:
- Use 50% of what I already own
- Add in lighting (there’s no overhead lighting in this room and I HATE that)
- Must bring me joy
Honestly restricting myself to being realistic about what I can do in this room, having a few trouble spots and taking the time to understand what I want out of my room has been really nice. I think I’m going to have a better end-product as a result of this.
Buy A Bike
Listen, I never thought I would say the above words. However, my love of my Peloton, desire to move my body more and having Lake Shore Drive… I have no reason not to have a bike. And I actually want one! My friend Melissa has been lobbying for me to say these words since we both moved to Chicago and then became friends (we both knew of each other in Wichita but didn’t actually meet until we moved).
She’s one of those people who rides 20 miles for fun and casually says it’s “not that far” when it’s like 2 miles away. (I am still salty about the first time she said that and let me tell you, it was not “just ahead” for about six more “just ahead” statements.) Nothing super nice, but more than a cruiser in case I get on a REAL lark and start doing bike races.
Take (A Few) Virtual Cooking Classes
I have been taking Stephanie’s cooking classes this year and loved them! She’s Chicago-based but of course, virtual means anyone can take them! It’s always a really fun class, social and a wide variety of skill level. It feels like you’ve had some social interaction but didn’t have to lug a bunch of stuff back and forth and can enjoy the meal immediately! Sign up for her emails and she sends out the monthly schedule and often has a few surprise classes that are fun to take. If you can’t make it to the live Stephanie always makes the recording available.
Shoot A LOT (!!!) of Chicago Content
I’m in love with Chicagoland. I know it may sound silly, but I got so excited when I found out Illinois has UTZ chips. Kansas doesn’t carry that brand (I couldn’t find in Wichita or Lawrence when I lived there) and it was just a little reminder of life being different than it was for me. Anyway, I want to do a better job of documenting exploring the city and sharing it with you. Right now it mostly consists of walking, picking up bakery treats, sitting in my car to eat it, running to a store for curbside pick-up (so many places I haven’t “been” to but have been buying from). Not SUPER exciting but shooting more of my favorite Chicago places is a BIG priority for me.
Places to share and photograph:
- Wrigley building
- Ohio Street Beach
- Riverwalk
- West Loop
- So many bakeries I love
Start Container Gardening and Overhaul Outdoor Space
I’m going to turn my very large patio into an outdoor space! I love browsing Pinterest for those glorious, overflowing beautiful flower containers. I still don’t have a dining room table (ahem) so I’m going to my outdoor space into an al fresco dinner space. I’m going to get a little bistro set (maybe like this!) and do some flowering containers (like this or this). I’ll do a vegetable garden in something like this.
Vegetables to grow:
- Okra
- Peppers
- Lettuce (and other greens)
- Squash
I’m so excited to transform this blllaahhhh space that has so much potential! Oh and I have a feeling I’ll throw in an outdoor rug to make it feel extra homey. Anyway, throw in some outdoor lights and I will never leave my backyard!
Hit 100 Peloton Rides
Ahhhhh! Guys I’m so close (ish) to 100 rides and I can’t wait to celebrate. One of the things I love most about Peloton is the way everyone celebrates for each other. 100 rides is a BIG deal in the Peloton world. You get a shirt but even more important, it’s a chance to support your friends. I am so excited that my friends get it and are going to give me those big 100 balloons to have in the background of my ride and my friend Kara is sending me a custom sash! Aggghhh, I just love this bike so much that I’m getting a little misty-eyed thinking about what 100 rides means to me.
When I know when I’m hitting the 100 ride I’ll share with you so if you’re interested in riding together!
I’m excited to see what spring brings, especially as we get vaccinated! What’s on your spring bucket list? And if you’re local to Chicago, please tell me what I should consider adding!
Kalie
Oh my goodness, I love making candles! A couple of my friends and I made some back in Dec 2019 at a local place in Indy, Penn & Beech. I thought I wanted to go more of those grown up scents that DO smell great, but once I got in there I just made something that smelled like pink starburst and I do not regret it one bit.
So excited for your bedroom overhaul! I love the challenge of using half of what you already have, too. Can’t wait and get some inspo myself!
Also, idk why, but when you mentioned exploring certain areas it made me think of Taco Maya, this AMAZING taco shop in the south loop. If you’re ever near there, it’s amazing! My friend used to work across the street from there and whenever I visited, I had to make a stop. They have a salsa bar and mmm avocado salsa and veggie tacos were IT.
My spring bucket list is to get to know our new house! Since we bought in October, we haven’t experience spring yet so trying to start a garden, lay down mulch, etc. etc. Oh, and to get that vaccine, too! Indiana opened to all residents starting March 31 and ya girl is hyped.