It’s the dead middle of August, school’s back and everyone’s making it seem like summer is coming to an end. And although the unofficial end to summer is Labor Day, technically we still have until September 21 and I of course will be milking that as long as I can. For those living in Chicago, we know this season can live one long into October – I’ve celebrated birthdays with snow and birthdays with 80-degree temps – so I try my best to be optimistic.
With a few weeks left of nice weather, there’s still quite a few things I’ve been wanting to do, and would like to nail down before coat season. If you live in Chicago, you’ll likely relate to these more.
See a Show at Ravinia – If you’ve never been to Ravinia, it’s must. I went once last year and it instantly became one of my favorite places ever. In a suburb north of the city, it feels like a magical little place somewhere far, far else. Most importantly, you can pack a full picnic – food and booze included – and relax on the lawn all night. I’m hoping to catch O.A.R. over Labor Day weekend for only $20.
Eat on All of the Patios – This could be a post in itself, but there are so many great restaurants that’re known for their large outdoor patios. I’ve been dying to go to Parson’s Chicken and Fish and Park & Field, but did finally try 90 Miles Cuban Cafe – a lovely BYOB place known for it’s fun atmosphere and outdoor seating.
Attend Movie in the Park – This one I’ve got to get on fast, and although next week is the last show at Millennium Park, Wrigley Field now shows movies in their outdoor park. You can’ t bring booze, but food is allowed – and the movie selections are classic.
Try to Make Frosé – This has actually been on my list since last year. There are so many different varieties and ways to make this drink, I’ve got lots of rosé and no excuse.
Have a Drink at Shore Club – The cutest little spot on the lakefront opened up and I’ve yet to go. There seems to be lots of events and fun tastings every week, and during the day you can even rent a cabana. Seems perfect!
Go to the Beach, Again – I’ve only gone once this summer, but given how fortunate we are to live in a place with so many beaches, I’ve got to get a good tan to hold me through winter.
Make Pesto – I did actually follow through from this bucket list and plant a small herb garden. I have a ton of basil that I don’t want to harvest until I have something to do with it. (I’m putting this off due to the expensive cost of pine nuts, which are needed for the sauce. I know, cheap.) I’ve never made it before, so if it turns out, I hope to freeze cubes of it to use throughout the winter.
And a few things from my Spring Bucket List that I still haven’t done… and I’d love to know what’s on your list that I’m missing!
Play Tennis – My friend and I talk about this all the time, and considered looking into getting a coach. We both played in high school, but there’s no telling what those skills look like now! Ha! I’m literally a 5-miute walk from courts. Not sure when the nets will go up, but I’ll definitely.
Go for an Early Morning Weekday Run – I’ve said I was going to do this since I moved to the city. I always thought it would be so easy to wake up early and run when the lake is steps away and you can watch the sun come up. It should be that easy, but I’ve always found an excuse. One of these days we’ll hit 60 degrees and I’m hoping that’ll motivate me.
Hang A Piece of Art On My Wall – Yes, this is real. I explained it a bit more in this post, but as you can tell by the balcony mention, I’m insanely indecisive when it comes to anything with interior decor. I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t hang one thing in my last studio, and I’m making sure this doesn’t happen here. In need of lots of command hooks as piece of mind!