Quick Trips to Chicago
Derick’s corporate office is in Chicago so he has frequent visits throughout the year for conferences and meetings. Anyone in the design industry would understand that I literally manipulate my calendar when the opportunity arises to stow away with him and explore this city. The trips are usually only about 2 nights and Derick in stuck in a hotel conference room most of the trip, but we do make time to sneak away when we can. This city is so amazing, you can always find something new you hadn’t seen before. And the conference hotel is right on Michigan Avenue. So there’s that…!
This trip I decided to put my sights on a new experience, and one that didn’t include shopping (plus we carried-on to make traveling a little lighter/quicker. That little trick kept me from impulse shopping too since I knew I couldn’t get it home!). 2019 has been a pivotal year for me. After a treacherous holiday season I began the year with a fertility coach, started grief counseling, and have put my focus on self care. I’ve had a hard time with crowds and social functions for over a year now, which is something I’ve never dealt with in my life and am having to learn how to navigate daily. So once I found Chill Meditation + Massage I packed the yoga pants, comfy cardigans, and couldn’t wait to namaste. It was the perfect way to fill my time in such a busy city. Their business concept is amazing, and the interiors concept is minimalist urban zen. I dug it immediately:
“incense-free modern meditation. no-need-to-get-naked massage. thoughtfully curated retail. a space designed for calm. ”
I booked the “Breath” guided meditation class and then had quite possibly the best massage of my life, fully clothed. The full body stretch was just as relaxing paralyzing in the best way possible. I may have drooled a little. I sat and sipped mint tea afterwards and chatted with the owner who was sweet and humble and a great conversation. You have to visit this place if you ever get the chance. It is life changing.
Derick and I ate a few new places this time. We brunched at Beatrix in the Fulton Market District on Sunday when we arrived and it was SO GOOD. So good the bloody mary wouldn’t even fit the frame on my Instagram post. Derick had the green chili enchiladas and I had the cauliflower grits and eggs with crispy brussels. Seriously, my mouth waters typing it. I also frequented LYFE Kitchen for their healthy dishes and quick smoothies, and loved their fresh juices - the cucumber mint was my fave.
Okay, so I did a little shopping. I’m sure you doubted I completely refrained anyways #retailtherapy. Just a few things that I knew would travel back easily. I always make sure to find an Athropologie here, their seasonal window and retail displays never disappoint. I got a few home facial items and turned our hotel room in to a mini spa that night while Derick was at their company’s welcome reception. I also shopped Free People and grabbed a new yoga tank for Chill and some silky spring scrunchis. I never leave this town without hitting Nordstrom (which is conveniently next door to our hotel). I found a new line of clean non-toxic skin care I’m excited about and got the perfect spring wedding guest dress on sale!
I’ve been working on a list of our favorite Chicago spots coming soon in another post. I have to say this trip was one of my favorites though. As a true Oklahoma girl, the hustle of the city can be a little overwhelming if you’re not in the right mood. But this trip was easy like Sunday morning. I credit Chill Chicago for most of that. I can’t wait to come back once everything is bloomed and the weather is warm. I love these little quick trips, but I’m always ready to get back home to a little black puppy and to hear the familiar “y’all!”
