Life and Links: Hunkering Down for the 2018 Chicago Snowstorm

Last Updated on September 28, 2022 by JaimeSays

Here I am, making snow angels at Maggie Daley Park. I love skating and the snow. I have such solid winter gear that I am never wet nor cold. I’ll share some of my favorite gear soon, along with fun reads for this 2018 Chicago snowstorm weekend!

Boy oh boy. This week started especially memorably for me as my mom’s new cat slept in my bed for the first time. This may not be a big deal to anyone else, but I am allergic to all animals. After my mom’s last chemo treatment, I finally bought her a hypoallergenic cat eight years after we first met with a breeder. Turns out, I am obsessed with this cat. She greets you at the door when you come home from work, she loves playing in water, and sleeps about 20 hours a day. And although she is furry as all get out, she is definitely hypoallergenic.

Just look at this little mug, she melts my heart.

Things to do in February in Chicagoland

The Loews Chicago hotel is doing something super cool and is offering rooms for just $89 for anyone stuck in Chicago because of the snow. To book a room online, use the code “STAYWARM” and plan on showing your ID at check in. This rate applies to anyone with an Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, or Michigan ID. Or you could do the sensible thing and just stay home watching movies!

The Chicago Travel and Adventure Show: February 8-9, 2020

I didn’t realize how awesome the Chicago Travel and Adventure show was before I actually attended. Why? Because standing around a conference center in Rosemont, IL doesn’t sound particularly adventurous. But, the show is just a vehicle to introduce you to new destinations and get you excited for your future travels. Not only that, there are fun speakers, great food, and animal rides. The show really does work wonders, as I ended up booking a trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as a result of meeting someone at a booth. The show runs from 10AM-5PM Saturday, and 11AM-4PM Sunday. One day tickets ar $11 for adults and free for anyone 16 years old or younger.

Hiplet Ballet at McAninch Arts Center February 9th, 2020

Hiplet is a style of hip-hop dance on pointe shoes. It is a mix between hip hop dance and highly technical ballet. I have only ever watched it on YouTube or Instagram so I can’t wait to see this live. Tickets start at $40 and are available here.

An App To Track Illnesses While you Travel

Speaking of illnesses, a new app came out this week that allows you to check the prevalence of up to 15 different illnesses across the country. It’s called Doctors Report. It’s effective for checking incidences in your neck of the woods, and also to check the likelihood of getting an illness while traveling. Isn’t that a great tool?

What I’m Reading

My friend Erika over at With Love, Paper and Wine wrote an article about why you should visit Napa Valley in the winter offseason. Highlight: a walk-in tasting at Caymus without an appointment.

In 1981, then Mayor of Chicago, Jane Byrne, moved into the most dangerous housing development in the city. Such an interesting read.

I just bought 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos and can’t wait to read it. It talks about being a likeable person, raising children that you are proud of, and standing by your convictions. If only I had more time in the day!

As the date approaches, I’ve been reading about some of the right and wrong things couples do in terms of budgeting for their wedding. This article is a great tool to avoid debt.

Susan highlights a trip to Valparaiso, Chile. I must be too Midwestern because my first thought was that I didn’t realize Indiana was so colorful.

In Case you Missed It…

Looking to buy something for your special someone this Valentine’s Day? I posted a guide of gifts for your favorite traveler.

Did you catch my post on high tea in DuPage county? It’s much cheaper than the city options and honestly, has more delicious food accompaniments.

What I’m Buying

I found what I think are the cutest and girliest phone cases around, and then learned I can also design my own with Casetify custom iPhone cases. I love that there is so much customization available for my phone.

I’m absolutely obsessed with cute pajamas. Soma has some of the cutest pajamas around. I picked up more than a few styles this winter, and some of my favorites are on sale.

-I’ve been really enjoying fresh scents in my home. I don’t use candles because I have a knack for forgetting to blow them out, but I just learned of Oojra’s healthy and sustainable sourced home scents. The creator of the line came up with the brand as a healthy way to provide home decor and scents for his mother with cancer. I’ll be getting myself the Thai Jasmine reed diffuser once it’s back in stock.

In the meantime, I will be popping sinus medicine and getting my rest this weekend in the hopes to kick this cold. Have a great weekend!