Café Con Monica

On long weekends….

Wouldn’t it be great if after you came back from a long day you were allowed to nap at work? I really think I need to be better about not messing up my sleep schedule on long weekends! That being said I had just the right amount of relaxing and fun this weekend!

Now that I am blogging again I really must be better about taking photos of things I do! I am working on it though!

Friday… night I had dinner w/the boyfriend at my fave thai place and then snuggled up and watched Inglorious Basterds (Thank  you Netflix for that)

Saturday… I spent the day relaxing and did manage to get a little workout in before  heading to watch the Blackhawks game with my two besties! Luckily they won or I was going to be banned from watching anymore playoff games. Superstition is serious business around here. (again I need to be better about taking photos!)


Sunday….The weather was not cooperating so there was rain all day on and off. Perfect for laying around and reading before heading out to the Belmont Sheffield Street Fest that night w/the Boyfriend. We managed to get rained out for a bit so we headed to get some food at a place inside and then went back. If you are in Chicago you must must try Dinky Donuts, they don’t have a store front yet but will be selling at Street Fests this summer!

Monday….I spent the day with my family having a bbq and just sitting around enjoying the weather (once it stopped pouring)

It was a great weekend! 
Finally in the last full(kinda) week of school too!!!
How was your long weekend??

Summertime in Chicago…

This past weekend we had fantastic weather here in Chicago and it just got my heart so happy knowing we are about to have full on Summer soon! There is so much to do here. So I thought I would share some of my favorite things about warmer weather in Chicago!

{1} 
Movies in the Park
Many of the Chicago Park District parks have movie nights and you can just bring yourself a blanket or chair and a picnic and enjoy! 
{2} 
Beach
I know for people who live on the coast this is nothing but for the midwest we are lucky to have a beach where you get to turn around and see our awesome skyline! There are also fireworks Weds & Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day that you can watch from most of the shoreline! 
{3}
Street Fests
Ooh how I love a good street fest! Cover bands, food & booze that is all you need on a summer night in Chicago! They start in mid-May and have so many different themes and its also a great way to check out a neighborhood you haven’t been to yet.  I will actually be checking Belmont Sheffield Music Fest this weekend!
{4} 
Outdoor Concerts @ Ravinia 
While Ravinia is actually a suburb, it is completely accessible by public transit so it counts! Its a great space for concerts and has this awesome lawn where you can bring food, booze, blankets, chairs…some people even set up tables! I saw John Legend, Carrie Underwood & Gypsy Kings there last year!

{5} 
Outdoor Eating!

I mean duh! Check out Christine’s post on the best outdoor dining spots in Chicago here She has a great list!

{6} 
Exercise along the lake 
Whether you walk, run, do yoga, swim, or any other outdoor activity you can take advantage of the cool breeze off the lake by working out there! There is an awesome path that runs 18 miles! When it gets even moderately warm you can see people on the path! 
{7}
The Zoo! 
 We technically have two zoos but one is the best location right by the lake in the city and its free. Yes you read that right…Free! Lincoln Park Zoo! They have lots of fun activities year round too!

 
this list could go on and on but I would be a fool to not mention that you should watch a baseball game! 
{8} 
Catch a Cubs game! 
The thing is I am a Cubs fan so I can’t possibly recommend you watch a Sox game but if that is your thing then go for it. Wrigleyville is a must stop for a Chicago summer. You can hang out in the area before and after the game and check out all the bars! 
I always say the bleachers are the best place for a party but some people prefer a regular seat. 

 So with all that said…if you are in Chicago this summer try to check out some of the great things this city has to offer!
 

Monday Recipes…

I had a terribly lazy weekend…I mean Lazy. It was fantastic! I did manage to go shopping with the bestie to get a new birthday dress and I am very very excited to wear it.

I have been trying to get my ass back on the low-carb cooking all my meals path I veered off a few months ago! So I went to the trusty old Pinterest for some recipes I am planning to try!

There is a lot of cheese in most of these…which is funny since I am lactose intolerant but that is what those lactaid pills are for! I have to buy them in bulk (thank you costco!) 
Do you have any favorite low carb recipes???

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