Cuffing Season Update: Time is Ticking

Hola Chicagoans...

Cuff Season Shopping Trip

It's freaking cold outside and it's safe to say Cuffing Season is in full swing. This year has really flown by, so it's hard to believe we're in the midst of another Cuff Season, but whether you like it or not, snow will be here soon enough... so what's your current Cuff Status?

I'm currently invading the same life force, but have seen some great power cuff moves being played around me. For the most part my close friends are being about that Cuff Season life and have found quality boos for the season (... maybe more!), so I'm more worried about YOU, the people. Are you still auditioning folks? Try-outs over and you're narrowing it down to the final 1? (or two/three for you players... though that shit is exhausting).

Putting a spin on what can become a very routine thing, I've taken my Cuff Season antics to the streets. The weather is cold, but still enjoyable (no snow, arctic freeze lol) so the boo and I enjoyed a day of shopping (where I snagged these awesome Levi's Demi Curve ID Jeans) and brunch at Waffles.

Waffles Brunch: Chicken & Waffles, Steak & Eggs

I'm all about brunch in the South Loop. Nothing beats waking up and being in walking distance of amazing food options. Plus you get to support local businesses. So far, Waffles is still one of my preferred spots, Tapas Valencia has great Sunday drinks specials, Eleven City Diner lures me in with their Bloody Marys, and Yolk is an oldie but goodie.

Happy New Year



New Year's Eve

I started writing this post on January 2nd, but my life force has been on shenanigans as of late so I'm finally finding the time to post this now! The new year is in full swing and I'm slightly ashamed to admit I spent the first few days on a 72 hr champagne diet. Yes... I solely survived on champagne, orange juice, and restaurant food for 3 days. It was kind of amazing. Oh, and a hookah! Can't forget about the hookah. I'm not a smoker, but I'm always down to light up a hookah. Homemade cocktails, great friends, and a hookah - - what better way to start 2012!

Dominican Republic

Adding to my blogging struggles was my highly anticipated trip to the Dominican Republic with my bestie LadyLa83. We spent 5 days frolicking on the beaches of the DR and taking our ratchet shenanigans international! I had a lovely time, learned so much, and actually appreciated the fact we were without cell phones and internet access. It was refreshing to be unplugged from the matrix for a few days, and I don't think we could've done it any other way - - cold turkey like an addict.

I got back to the states last week and intended to blog about my trip, but realized that there's a certain beauty in keeping some things just between the people that were there. I'll share a few funny moments in another post, but I won't be my usual self and OD on Facebook albums lol.

I can't believe that I'm boarding another flight in the AM to head East for work. This is my first official business trip and I'm looking forward to it, but slightly dreading having to fly again - - only because we were JUST flying and I literally just washed the sand out of my clothes from the DR vacation. Nevertheless, I'm blessed to have a job and will rise to the occasion. Maybe the down time in the hotel will allow me to crank out a few blog posts.

If you're still reading my blog, muchas gracias. I always realize that when I get busy living life, I sometimes start to slack on my blogging... which is a good thing because everyone needs to pull their head out of the computer long enough to enjoy the people around them... plus I'm getting TONS of blog material lol.

So, what posts are in store?

1) Update on my hair color/Brazilian Blowout

2) Brazilian Blowout (the company) sent me a wonderful, handwritten thank you card for the posts I've written along with the entire line of products

3) Finally posting my full review/video (hopefully) of the curlformers

4) Art of the Ninja Vanish

5) Interior Design and Apartment hunt updates

6) A few random things about life, love, and reality TV lol



Update

I have been posting irregularly as of late due in part to my search for a new apt. My boyfriend and I are on the hunt for a new place to lay our heads and it has been more challenging than I anticipated. First off, moving is never fun... but when you've been spoiled with amenities and location everything seems like a downgrade. Oh, the dilemma of champagne taste and a wine cooler budget!

I have grown to love my life in the South Loop. I love having everything in my backyard - - work, the lake, soldier field, my gym, restaurants, nightlife... everything is only a quick walk or cheap cab ride away. Not to mention having a washer/dryer in our unit, balcony with lake views, and PARKING!!! I've been slowly wrapping my mind around Hyde Park... a little further South than I'd like to live, but a nice area nonetheless. We looked at some apts yesterday and wow... well, all I can say is that anyone that is able to live in a studio, I commend you!!! Some of the studios I saw blew me away (in the worst way possible). Actually paying someone $700+ for a 350 sq ft space, bootleg kitchen, decently sized closet, little bathroom, and well basically 1 room to live in! Ouch... I guess I didn't realize that a studio truly is 1 room. Imagine throwing a mini fridge and mini stove in your bedroom - - BAM! You have yourself a studio apt. Now imagine paying over $700 for that space? Well, then you have yourself a problem.

-parking
-location (close to public transportation)
-lake or city views
-1 bdrm
-1 bath
-walk in closets
-parking
-gas range
-laundry in unit
-utilities included
-did I mention location? lol...

I ran down my list of "must haves" and realized that what I need is a house. Unfortunately, my house is 1700 miles away in Scottsdale, AZ....

So, now I find myself staring at a list of everything I "need" and thinking that it sounds like some magical fairy tale because getting all of this for under 1k is not an easy task. After a few disappointments, I came across a diamond in the rough. It's in Hyde Park, has an awesome view, and a few of my other wants. Pray for me that everything works out!!