Are you tired of the cold? So are we. Here are a few reasons why we still love Chicago and how to survive until spring!
This winter has been fierce. The snow, wind, and polar vortex cold have us questioning why everyone doesn’t make a mass exodus to California. This weather is not having a positive influence on the collective mood of the Windy City’s population. Chicago redeems itself when it transforms back into a beautiful gem of a summer beach town. Until then, here are 20 ways to cope with the season:
-Watching the upcoming Olympics and the current season of Downton Abbey: juicy plot + gorgeous English countryside setting + lavish costumes by Ralph Lauren + Maggie Smith/Lady Violet one-liners…what could be better on a cold winter’s night?
-Catching up on all (or most) of the Oscar-nominated films. This is perpetually on my to-do list. “American Hustle” was pure, escapist enjoyment and made me forget about winter for a couple hours.
-Luxuriating in a bubble bath with LUSH bath bombs. You can’t go wrong. They all smell heavenly, look so pretty, and all LUSH products are cruelty-free!
-Listening to the lovely music of Fialta, my friends Beth and Mike’s San Luis Obispo, Calif.-based band, makes me happy and reminds me of summertime.
-Receiving a soothing facial by Charlotte at Lakeview’s The Studio Within.
-Visiting the Lincoln Park Conservatory…a trip to this mini tropical paradise is a reminder that spring really is around the corner.
-Enjoying a gingery Moscow Mule (or two) at Evanston’s UNION…followed by a Tom Collins at Alcove (also in Evanston), the tiniest bar in the Chicagoland area.
-Getting out of town. Why not embrace the snowy weather and venture to the woods of Wisconsin, the quaint town of Galena, or the ski resorts in Michigan. Those “Pure Michigan” commercials are pretty enticing. Petoskey in summer is so cute—it must be equally stunning in winter! New England in winter is absolutely gorgeous, too.
-Visiting the World’s Fair Exhibit at The Field Museum sounds really interesting. If you’re looking to learn more in advance, read the fascinating book The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.
-Buying a big bunch of tulips as a reminder that spring WILL come.
-Perusing the chic little shops on Clark Street in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Brimfield’s seasonal window displays are absolutely adorable.
-Applying Chanel Coco Rouge lipstick in Rendez-Vous, the perfect cheerful shade of neon pink. For an extra sun-kissed glow, NARS illuminator in Orgasm and Smashbox Soft Lights in Shimmer does the trick.
-Reading a fabulous book. Next on my list is Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, highly recommended by a dear friend.
-Having a cozy dinner at the new Logan Square location of the legendary Chicago Diner. *Disclaimer: This is quite possibly my favorite restaurant in Chicago so I’ll go here any time of year but winter is an especially good time for comfort food.
-Browsing Art Effect in Lincoln Park and having a {soy} latte at nearby café Floriole is an instant mood-lifter on a dreary day. A trip to Heron PR’s favorite bakery, Sweet Mandy B’s, is definitely needed as well.
-Making homemade Valentine’s for friends and family. Who doesn’t love receiving good old-fashioned snail mail, especially when glittery hearts are involved?
-Sticking with New Year’s resolutions and doing Jillian Michaels’ “Ripped in 30” workout in the comfort of my own home. It really works! What doesn’t work is the inconvenience of going to the gym in -10 degree weather. Jillian is a good motivator!
-Indulging in a manicure/pedicure at J Nails in Lincoln Park. The $20 special, also a Heron PR favorite, is available most weekdays. This quite possibly could be the best deal in town! I love the new “Live and Let Die” deep emerald and gold polish by OPI along with all the new spring gel colors.
-Nesting at home while the snow falls and doing thinks like knitting a sweater, cooking this delicious tomato basil soup recipe and baking these tasty cranberry orange muffins.
-Adopting a cat or dog at PAWS or another local shelter. What better way to stay toasty throughout the long Chicago winter than to have a furry, warm pup or kitty to snuggle with at night?
