Our Chicago Faves!
As the school year winds to a close and college students are reflecting on the work they’ve completed and the memories they’ve made, the team here at Living the Chi Life thought it would be a great idea if we shared with you what our fondest Chicago memories are, or our favorite things about Chicago!
“My favorite Chicago memory from this school year was being able to make a spontaneous trip to the Tilt at the top of Hancock Tower. I am an adventurer despite my fear of heights, and it was breathtaking to be suspended in a plexi-glass box thousands of feet above the city of Chicago. That experience alone was such a rush, and made me appreciate just a little bit more.” – Emily
The view from the John Hancock Observation Deck (Photo Credit: Emily Wagner)
“I’ve always been a huge fan of music and concerts, but before moving to Chicago I never really got the chance to go to that many concerts. What I love about Chicago is how many concerts are available. My freshman year I only went to one concert but this year I’ve been to 5 or 6. I’ve seen some of my favorite bands like Bleachers and The 1975, and discovered new bands like Oh Honey, New Politics, and Austin Gibbs, and rediscovered some old favorites like Paradise Fears and William Beckett. There are so many small and large venues throughout the city, so there’s never a shortage of great concerts. I’ve even paid as little as $10 a ticket to see some shows. I love that I have so much great music at my fingertips, and that I always have the opportunity to discover more great bands.” -Colleen
“My best friend from home was visiting me at Loyola for a weekend of her spring break. I was showing her around downtown, impressing her with all of my “I’m such a city kid” knowledge. Anyway, we exit the Ghirardelli store (for free samples, of course) and decide to head home. We catch the 147 (express bus to howard) right as it’s about to leave, and rush out without bothering to check if it’s going north or south–I mean, I know Chicago so well, it’s not like I need to check anyway. Basically, we end up riding the bus for a really long time before I realize that the bus is emptying and we haven’t hit Lakeshore Drive. That’s because we had been going the wrong way. After that, my friend never trusted me with our Chicago directions, but we did get to make an awesome side-stop at Millennium Park to see the bean at night. All in all, great bonding time, but lesson learned: never assume the direction a bus is going.”
The Chicago Skyline from the Bean’s perspective.
“My favorite thing about Chicago is its beauty. Living near the lake gives me the opportunity to appreciate Chicago’s natural beauty on a regular basis. I distinctly remember going on a boat cruise with my boyfriend last summer. Chicago’s skyline was breath taking. After the cruise, we spontaneously decided to take a ride on the Ferris wheel. It was definitely a night to remember.” – Marisol
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- Before boarding the boat.
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- View from the boat.
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- Before getting on the ferris wheel.
“While I love many restaurants and different kinds of foods, my absolute favorite restaurant is Quartino in River North. I introduced it to my friends for my birthday and they loved it! It has an authentic Italian feel with food that tastes incredible. I love that the entrees are not too large so you can order many options and have a taste of everything without being bombarded! It’s a restaurant that values sharing so bring your best friend or plan your next date here! You won’t regret it!” – Rena
Baby Spinach Salad with pears, walnuts, & ricotta
Stay ThirsTea with DavidsTea!
By: Rena Haralambopoulos
I had first come across DavidsTea visiting my cousin in Toronto, which I soon found out was the first David’s Tea ever! As a tea lover, I had to go in and try some. Long story short, I fell in love with the vibe, people and selection at DavidsTea. Not willing to have a long distance relationship with DavidsTea, I returned to Chicago with a few bags of loose tea but heartbroken. When I found out the company had expanded to Chicago, I was overjoyed and had to share my excitement! Unlike other tea places, DavidsTea also makes beauty products from their tea! I love the selection at David’s Tea as much as I love the benefits each tea has that many people may not know of! David’s Tea has 8 different types with 150 flavors! While David is the expert, I’d like to share some of my favorites and their benefits!
1. White Tea – Honey, I Dew
I always drink white tea accompanied by my post work out meal because it is rich in antioxidants and promotes cardiovascular health! It also is a great way to gradually cool down because it has less caffeine than other teas. I like fruity hints in my white teas which is why I LOVE Honey, I Dew because it has hints of apple, watermelon, pineapple, and mango! Do I think you should get some after you read this? Honey, I Dew!
Other favorite White Tea: Secret Weapon
2. Green – Kiwi’s Big Adventure
I am a huge promoter of Green Tea and its health benefits of antioxidants, energy, and healthy weight loss. I aim to drink a cup a day to boost my metabolism. Kiwi’s Big Adventure was the first tea I ever tried from David’s Tea, where the love began. I love to make it iced in the summer time as an energizer. The kiwi flavor is unique and great to substitute for a sugary fruit juice any day!
Other favorite Green Teas: Movie Night, Green Passion Fruit
3. Oolong – Bubbie’s Baklava
I love dessert almost as much as I love tea, but too much dessert is not good for you. I was skeptical that it could possibly taste similar to one of my favorite treats, so I bought it at my last visit to David’s Tea and it tastes incredible! The pistachios, walnuts and cinnamon entice you with tastes of this delicacy. Oolong tea is known to promote alertness, control weight, and even clear skin! Not even baklava can do that!
Other favorite: Coconut Oolong
4. Black – Espresso Yourself
My love for tea and need for coffee have come together to create this magnificent Black Tea! I start off every morning with black tea because of the caffeine and because it does not make me jittery as coffee sometimes does. It was hard choosing one black tea, because it’s my favorite but I wanted to point out that while I understand you coffee addicts out there, tea has different benefits that everyone should look into! Cutting down on coffee is no easy task but with similar flavors, this tea can help!
Other favorite Black Teas: Chocolate macaroon, Love Tea
5. Pu’erh – Chocolate Orange
You want to tell me there is chocolate in there? Yes!! I love Pu’erh because of its smooth and sometimes sweet taste goes very well with dessert! Chocolate and orange sound like an odd combination, but the sweet chocolate hints and spicy notes of orange blend together for flavor your taste buds will thank you for.
6. Mate – Jungle Ju Ju
Mate Tea aids digestive health and is a stimulant that enables you to stay focused! I love drinking Mate after lunch time because it makes me bounce back to work while getting rid of any bloat from my previous meal. Jungle Ju Ju has pieces of papaya and peach that will help you tackle on the jungle that is your day!
7. Rooibos – Pink Lemonade
This Pink Lemonade Tea is such a treat, especially when it is iced! The tangy refresher is great for the summer, and tastes amazing without adding anything too it! This blend includes with Hibiscus, lemon, mango and lime! Along with amazing taste, this caffeine-free tea also is said to aid bone health, stress, and even premature aging. In that case I’ll buy a truck load…
Other favorite: Birthday Cake
8. Herbal – The Big Chill
Herbal tea is my best friend when I have a cold and cannot sleep. The Big Chill also has peppermint which helps relieve my stomach before bed. These benefits and the relaxing lemon, mango, mint, and vanilla notes give me a sweet taste followed by sweet dreams.
Other favorite: Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait
Special thanks to Amanda Demas and Megan Ward for the photos!
To learn more visit www.davidstea.com!
The future of art and entertainment: Dance film
by Jordan Kunkel
Chicago is a booming dance city. With Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and Tap companies around every corner, live dance serves as beautiful art and unique entertainment for the city. Sarah Prinz, a senior at Loyola, brings a new medium to the Chicago dance scene: dance film.
As the Digital Age influences culture and society, Prinz believes art must adapt to these technological advancements–dance film being her representation of this accomplishment. Check out the video below to learn more about Prinz’s involvement with dance film.
Disclaimer: this video was created for my Chicago dance blog, Live at Chicago.
Comic Book Culture is Alive!
By Marisol Ledezma
Earlier this week, I decided to check out Graham Crackers Comic Books. After hearing about Jordan’s experience at Third Coast Comics, I figured I could do a little more research about comic book culture. I decided to go to Graham Crackers because I remember having a pleasant experience a few years ago while on an adventure with some friends.
Photo Credit: Marisol Ledezma
Is Comic Culture Dead?
By Jordan Kunkel
Comic-book superheroes are reaching a wider audience in mainstream pop culture, but not through colorful pages and speech bubbles. It’s superhero movies, like the Avengers series, that have lead to this rise in popularity. But what about the paper stories and comic shops that started it all?
Third Coast Comics may look warm and inviting, but my visit there proved otherwise. Photo Credit: Jordan Kunkel
Restaurant Spotlight: Uncommon Ground
by Emily Wagner
In my opinion, breakfast food is the best type of food, and because of this, I am always on the hunt for really delicious restaurants that serve it. This Sunday, I went to Uncommon Ground, located at 1401 West Devon Ave in Chicago, for brunch, and can I just say, I was not disappointed.
Brunches of Fun!
By Colleen Laughlin
Photo Credit: Dave’s Geeky Ideas
One of my favorite things in life is brunch. I love breakfast foods, but not waking up early, so brunch lets me sleep in but also eat delicious food. It’s the best of both worlds. Luckily I live in Chicago, the top city in the US for brunch! Ron Swanson and Leslie Knope got it right when they said people were idiots for eating anything other than breakfast foods.
There’s no shortage of delicious brunch places to discover in Chicago. Since Easter is this Sunday, and Easter and brunch go together like Leslie Knope and waffles, I figured I should highlight some of my favorite brunch places in Chicago.
Blog Spotlight: The Cozy Corners of Chicago
As we have mentioned before, this blog is part of our Communication and New Media class at Loyola University Chicago. We are just one of five other groups in the class who are all producing a blog, and this week, we’re collaborating with another blog called Cozy Corners of Chicago. Check out some of the great posts they write below, and afterwards, head on over to their blog to check out their post about us! Happy exploring!
Photo Credit: Cozy Corners of Chicago
6 Things to Do During the Greek Independence Day Parade
By Rena Haralambopoulos
Have the Saint Patty’s Day Blues? Bring those blues (and whites, for that matter) to the Greek Independence Day Parade coming up this Sunday at 2:30 pm in Greek Town (Halsted St.)! While you may be familiar with the festivities during Saint Patty’s Day, you might question what kind of things you can do at the Greek Parade (besides watching it, of course!). Here is a helpful list to get you through the festive day.
Photo Credit: Connie Lemberis
The Rat behind the Turntable
By Jordan Kunkel
When walking through the third floor of Campion Hall at Loyola University Chicago, you can often hear Camden Stacey DJing using the equipment set up on the desk in his room. Stacey, a freshman Information Systems major at Loyola, DJs and produces music under the brand name of SnapRat. He plays at both smaller parties and larger gigs, and recently opened for Jason Derulo at Loyola’s Colossus concert.
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