Some things I have been into lately

Hi kids, what have we been up to recently? It has been a while since I have sat down to chat with you about non-graduation and travel-related topics. So, I thought this perfect (early)fall evening was the opportune time to let you in on some things I have been loving as of late, spanning the spectrum of entertainment, activities and even some good-eats.

As we enter the end of September, I am quickly preparing for my favorite time of the year, which is of course fall-into-winter. I firmly believe that everything good in the world happens in the months of October to February. I know this is firm stance, but I have yet to be convinced otherwise. With the shift in weather, comes a shift in my daily rituals and interests. I basically transform into a cozier version of myself, who listens to entirely too much Autumn acoustics and is always down for a Stranger Things marathon. Before I go into full fall mode, I wanted to share some of my September favorites in the hopes that you find a few things that fit your fancy. As always, grab a seat, maybe a snack of the Pumpkin Spice variety and get reading.

Podcast, My Favorite Murder: This podcast being first on the list was no coincidence, considering I spend what some would say is entirely too much time listening. I have always been into podcasts, especially of the crime variety, but then I was introduced to Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert and was pulled away from my normal favorites. Enter My Favorite Murder… I was recommended this podcast by a close friend and the first episode pretty much blew my mind. It is hosted by comedians and online personalities Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark and it’s been a chart-topper ever since, creating a community now known as “murderinos.” A typical listen to consists of Karen and Georgia’s hilarious banter, along with each delving deep into their favorite murder of that week. While this podcast is not for the faint-hearted and can for sure be a downer at times, what I truly love most is how the hosts intertwine comedy and their genuine love for the psychology of killers and true-crime to balance it all out. While it is not as structured as other murder podcasts, the hosts leave room for so many hilarious tangents and witty commentary on society and their personal lives. If you have any interest in true-crime, this is the podcast for you… and you get the added bonus of being apart of their awesome community of listeners.

Activity, Decorating new apartment for fall: If you didn’t already know, I recently moved into a new place with my two best friends in Naperville. While a random decision, it really is the best thing that could have happened to me. I feel so lucky that I get to have a place to make my own right out of school, and I get to share it with two girls that mean the world to me. Throughout renting my apartments in college I decorated, but I never fully let myself get into because I wanted to keep the money for school and it was by all means only a college apartment. BUT now that I am graduated and in the process of getting my life together, I have let my inner HGTV fan out and she’s going nuts. Decorating our space has been such a fun process and everything is so cheap when you’re splitting it three ways. Now that we are moving into the BEST time of the year, AKA Fall, it also means that it is the start of seasonal decorations. So, most of my time outside of work has been spent at the local Target and/or Hobby Lobby clearing them out of all of their autumnal and spooky décor. I know what your thinking, “Marisa it is too early for that,” and I just want to respond by saying that any time after August is fair game in my book. Why waste precious time waiting for the season to “start,” when you could be celebrating now? I am saving all my favorite fall and Halloween activities for when the weather finally decides to cool down a bit, but decorating in my air-conditioned apartment set to a chilly temp has been perfect for getting me in the fall mood. If you’re like me and need to start decorating, don’t forget to cut your coupons and save a bit of money for some PSL’s to drink while your shop.

Movies, Netflix Films with Noah Centineo: Listen… I am not going to sit here and act like I discovered this hidden gem of an actor, instead, I am going to fully throw myself on the bad-wagon and proceed to share it with all of you. If you don’t know already, which I am not quite sure how that is possible, Noah Centineo is the romantic lead of two new Netflix original films, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” and “Sierra Burgges Is a Loser.” Since their release, which was literally within weeks of each other, everyone realized they’d been sleeping on this rising young actor. If not only for his adorable exterior, everyone is also gushing over his acting chops as the teen-rom-com man of our dreams. First, he took on the role of my favorite boy next door, Peter Kavinsky, in the movie adaptation of one of my favorite book series, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” Then he played the sweet, misunderstood type in “Sierra Burgges is a Loser.” I had huge expectations for both of these films, one I had known the storyline and hoping the actors would do the characters justice, and the other had Barb from “Stranger Things,” so I knew I would like it. After watching, both movies were great, but Noah was even better. He nailed his performances and is quickly making a huge name for himself in Hollywood. Is it weird to recommend an actor more than a movie? I am going to go with no to make myself feel better, either way, watch his work.

Music, Leon Bridge’s new album Good Thing: Ok, so this may not be considered “new” because it came out a few months ago, but I haven’t talked to you all about music in a while and this is the perfect place to gush over my favorite artist’s new album. Let me preface this by saying that my love for Leon Bridges has reached unhealthy levels at this point. He is just so effortlessly cool and looks like he walked straight out of jazz club in the late 50’s. His music is so retro, yet ahead of its time and I was so excited to see how he was going to translate that into his second album. Let me just say…. it did not disappoint and I bought tickets for his concert in Chicago… which is next week. (EPPPP.) I honestly don’t even know where to start with my thoughts on this collection of songs. Leon has always been an artist that is constantly reinventing his genre of music and has mastered the art of releasing songs that are so different, yet maintain a cohesive overall sound. The best way I can describe his first album was Sunday morning, cooking breakfast music. This album took an even cooler turn that makes me want to dance on a table in a diner. It’s still retro, but a little more soulful and smooth. My FAVORITE song from the album and maybe of all time is called “Beyond,” which is a gorgeous ballad. The others include “I Forgive You”, “Mrs.” and “Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand.” I highly suggest you get listening.

Good Eats, Açaí-bowl from Robeks: OK, I know I have babbled on for quite some time so I will make this recommendation short and sweet. I recently discovered my love for acaí-bowls and it has been revolutionary for my breakfast routine. If you aren’t clued in, these are basically smoothies in bowl form that are a little thicker in texture and made beautifully with fruit toppings and usually a dollop of granola, coconut shavings, and peanut butter. They are not only delicious but full of nutrients if prepared the right way. While I have made my own a few times, I have become lazy and fallen in love with a specific bowl from my local smoothie shop, Robeks. These are quickly becoming a trendy breakfast item, but I know that there aren’t many places that serve them outside of the city. If you are curious, just look up what’s in your area, otherwise, they serve a few great options at Jamba Juice! Also, I couldn’t not mention how photo-worthy they are… so get snapping.

Well, that’s all I’ve got for now! Look forward to fall-related content, along with part two of my Italian adventure post coming soon. Don’t forget to comment any of your recent favorites as well.

 

Over & Out,

Ris.

My favorite city time-wasters

If you are a student in the city, then you understand what it is like to have some free time to fill in-between classes. My days in the West Loop consist of a few hours of actual classes and just as many hours spent meandering around campus trying to find something to do. This tends to end in me spending too much money on clothes I don’t need, but after a few years of gathering experience, I can proudly say that I have found a few sure-fire activities to keep me busy and not hurt my wallet (that much.) If you keep finding yourself in a similar situation, continue reading to discover some new ways to waste time, but have fun doing it.

1. Going to a museum: While not an obvious choice, taking a quick trip to adventure around museums downtown has become one of my favorite pastimes. I think there is something to be said about taking a few hours to visit a specific gallery or exhibit at a museum, and then coming back another day to experience a different part. If you’re thinking, “Marisa, that’s so expensive,” fear not! There are so many free options along with free days in Chicago! As a Columbia student, I have free access to The Art Institute of Chicago, but if you don’t have that privilege, here is a link to a calendar of museum free days for 2018: https://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/museums-and-arts/free-museum-days/

Photo from a recent Art Institute adventure.

2. State Street Shopping: Okay, I know I said that we should try our best to not spend money, but who doesn’t love a good window shop? Being that my campus is located right at the end of all of the great shops on State Street, I am at the perfect location for a quick browse between classes. Some of my favorite options include, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 and Old Navy. There is also a stellar Target, that I go to so often that the security officer and I are on a first name basis. I couldn’t forget the gigantic TJ Maxx, along with a beautiful two-floor Anthropology. For times that I still want to shop around, but not so much for clothes, I love walking through the Macy’s on State Street. Having had a visual merchandising course there last semester, I discovered all the cool architecture and historical charm that location has to offer.

3. Walk through Millenium Park: This is an activity that is surprisingly fun, no matter the season. While a walk in negative degree weather isn’t ideal, taking a stroll to the bean and through the park isn’t so bad on snowy winter day. Because of my close proximity to the park, I have taken too many walks to count through one of them most popular and beautiful sites the city has to offer. I highly recommend grabbing some lunch to go, finding you favorite bench and people-watching in that area. I also find that these sites offer a different experience when you aren’t seeing them at top tourist hours. There is a certain charm to the Bean that can’t always be seen when clouded with hundreds of people. Walk past the Bean and you’ll find the huge skating ribbon in the winter and in the summer an awesome park and rock-climbing wall.

This was the winter day I was talking about.

5. Grocery Shopping: This might sound like a weird option, but walking around grocery stores in the Loop is one of my favorite things to do on class breaks. I particularly love exploring Trader Joe’s, as I do not have a location that is close enough to my apartment to justify shopping there. Trader Joe’s is more than just a grocery store, while they do have so many unique healthy food options, they also have created such a relaxed and fun food-shopping experience. Not to mention their flower section, which is to die for. This past-time might not be for everyone, as carrying groceries to your next class isn’t always the best option, but for a light shop or to scope out your future grocery items, I would highly suggest this as your new go-to way to waste time.

6. Coffee shop chilling: As far as I am concerned, this is the perfect way to spend a few hours between classes. Finding your favorite coffee shop in a sea of them downtown, is quite the task, but I think that I have found a few spectacular shops for every occasion. The great thing about the city, is that their coffee shops are great for all seasons as well. In winter you can sip a warm coffee surrounded by fairy lights and cozy decor and in summer, almost all cafés open their outdoor seating, where you can enjoy a specialty iced latte and the warm weather. Some of my favorites include Goddess and the Baker, Intelligentsia and Beatrix.

Such a sucker for latte art.

If you have any pastimes that you think I should try out, comment them below and don’t forget to tell me your favorite recommendation of mine!