If you're looking for the perfect immersive art & technology experience then you have to check out WNDR Museum in West Loop. This incredible sensory experience allows you to be immersed in art as you navigate different rooms and explore the stunning exhibits throughout.  

Your senses heighten as you enter the Wndr Museum seeing sequin walls that change color as you trail your fingers against them. Each room has a different story to tell, and I thought it was so creative how each say something in their own way. One of my favorite rooms has a paintbrush that completes a painting with a robot. It's so interesting to see how art, fused with technology, can be so thrilling! 

This multi-sensory museum includes installations from Yayoi Kusama and Barbara Kruger. They are opened 7 days a week and  reopened with 20+ NEW installations. This is the perfect family getaway, but can also be used for a fun date night experience. There's so many magical rooms inside the museum but if you're looking for personal favorites that is a MUST then some of my favorites were, The WNDR Lightfloor, I enjoyed feeling like I was on a different planet. Basically every time you step the floor lights up like fire flies, shaping and molding to your movements.  This amazing floor is made up of 100s of motion sensored LED panels which glisten underneath your feet! Talk about trippy, it's an insanely cool experience!

If you're looking for a calmer, more serene experience, then this next room might be for you. My other favorite is the Flux Room. It's so relaxing as pictures radiate off your body, transporting you to a calm forest, or beautiful sky. The sounds, visuals, and scents are all algorithmically generated. It's brings you this aroma of calm but also makes you feel like you've  been to these places before. It almost has it's own pulse that conglomerates with yours making you feel almost in a dream like state. It's beautiful, soothing, and the perfect place to come and just been in the zone with your thoughts.

If you're seen posts about WNDR Museum then you've probably seen the giant silver orbs that hang from the mirror room. This amazing room is "Let’s Survive Forever", 2017 - Yayoi Kusama. It's my next favorite room that I absolutely was in awe over. Fair warning, if you're an avid picture taker, like myself, you have 60 seconds to take all your pictures, revel in the artwork, and bask in it's beauty. You also cannot touch the artwork, which is understandable. However, this room transports almost to a Alice In Wonderland feeling, with the beautiful crystal clear orbs and reflections of yourself all in view. 

WNDR Museum was just voted one of the top 5 immersive art experiences in the country by USA Today's Reader Poll and I can completely understand why! There's nothing that I have ever experienced like it. Each room is so unique and it was such a pleasure experiencing it! Thanks for having me WNDR - you surely were a wonder. 

Until next time love bugs!
xoxox
​Rachel

If you're like me, you're constantly looking for fun activities to do with your friends or family. Search no further, I have the perfect summertime Chicago activity that you have to try!

If you love seeing Chicago with breath-taking views while being on a luxury yacht, then you have to book with Knot Your Boat Charters. 

This incredible experience allows you to live the luxurious lifestyle, experiencing a yacht all to yourself with the people you treasure the most.

There's nothing like the fresh wind in your hair, the feel of the mist from the lake on your skin, and the stunning views from Lake Michigan, showing Chicago in all it's glory. 

Not only does this rental company provide people with quality boats and yachts but they also charge a reasonable price, so you can have affordable luxury. I was allowed to have 12 people on our yacht - it also is BYOB- yes you read that correctly! I found that to be so awesome, because my friends and I could bring our own drinks on board. I ended up brining some wine, my friend made cocktails, and it was a recipe for a great time! 

On top of being BYOB you can also bring your own food and snacks. We had some cheese boards, chips and dip, along with some sweets snacks - elevating the entire experience. If you're particular about your music then you will be happy to know that you can link your phone up to their Bluetooth and play your own tunes!

We got to sale all over Lake Michigan and see so many beautiful landmarks. Of course, I had driven past some of these places but there's something so magical about seeing them on the boat. We did a later cruise - setting sale in the evening around 6:30. It was so magical to see the sunset glimmering off the lake, casting hues of pinks and orange reflecting off the water.

We also got the opportunity to see the fireworks illuminate the night sky from Navy Pier. It is truly something I will never forget. 

If you're looking for a great Bachelorette, girls outing, or a way to celebrate with family, I highly recommend renting your own yacht and partying it up on the lake. Now, if you're a person who loves a good deal, you can take $100.00 off using my code Rachel100! All you have to do is click here to book and make sure to write in my discount code. Overall, my friends and I had such a amazing time dancing the night away - it was for sure a YACHT of fun!

Until next time love bugs.

xoxox
Rachel

If you're looking for a fun, colorful, pop-up experience then you got to check out Neon Summer!
Chicago is known for it's gorgeous city sights and this Lincoln Park Pop-up is fitting perfectly into this category. This immersive experience is the best activity to do with friends or even with that special someone!

When you first walk in you're immediately drawn to all the bright fun colors and activities that they have. My friend, Natalie, and I decided to bee-line it to the bar just so we could sample some of their delicious drinks. I ended up getting their Pink Lemonade mixed with vodka and it was so refreshing and colorful just like the entire experience.

Now, if you're a blogger, influencer, or just a person who loves to take pictures, then this gem is the perfect place for you! There's literally sections that are perfect for every type of photo op, make sure your phone or camera is charged because you're definitely going to need full batteries for this experience!

Some of my favorite photo op spots were the giant burn book, yes, you heard me correctly. All my Mean Girls fans they have a giant Burn Book along with an inside page featuring the notorious Regina George!

They also had gorgeous colorful old-style mobile homes for display and they were so retro and fun! I also enjoyed the Watermelon Sugar set, of course, the song was playing in my head the entire time. 

Now, if you're not the hugest photo person but love interactive games then they also have go-karts, mini golf, and axe throwing! Pretty much, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So if you're visiting the Chicago area, or looking for a fun experience for your family, friends, or significant other, I highly suggest you check on Neon Summer! Hope you are having a great day!

Until next time!
Xoxox
Rachel

If you're looking for a delicious treat, along with a colorful, fun location, then you have to check out Jojo's Shake Bar in River North!

You've probably stumbled across their decadent images on social media, the ones with the fluffy, colorful, gooey milkshakes? If so, then   your mouth has probably watered in anticipation to try some their delicious treats. However, they're so much more than just their milkshakes. 

I got invited to check out their whimsical outdoor patio that whisks you away to a fantasy wonderland, with it's beaming twinkle lights, and colorful décor. It's almost allows you to get that feeling of nostalgia being a kid in an amusement park, but for adults! I have to say, I did notice families there as well, so this place can also be a great option for a day out with your kids and family.

We got to start off trying some of the delicious menu options, I want to give a huge shout out to our waitress, Tessa, she recommended so many great options and was such a pleasure to speak with!

First off, we need to talk about these colorful flights of drinks! Just like a rainbow, the Patron Margarita Tower was refreshing, full of flavor, and overall dangerously good! I could seriously finish them all myself. That,  mixed with the JoJo's Fries, were the perfect combination! 

My friends and I also got to sample some of the delicious cocktails, I tried the electric lemonade, and y'all it was amazing! With a tinge of lemon mixed with a hydrating effect of strawberry it's the perfect summer mixture to sip on. We also got to sample some of the tantalizing menu options. The Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich, The Smash Burger, and The Health Nut, were some of my favorites - let's just say we had to unbutton the pants after these yummy options. Of course, you cannot go to Jojo's without sampling their flavorful milkshakes, so we were lucky enough to try the Pride Shake, which is literally the stuff of dreams! This rainbow dream shake is a rainbow fruit shake, with a cake slice, candy heart ribbon, rainbow lollipop, and white chocolate graham cracker. This is what I envisioned when I dreamed of candyland as a kid!

Overall, we had such a wonderful time checking out Jojo's Shake Bar. It's the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, get a yummy snack after work, or just chill with friends. Besides, who could say no to a delicious cold milkshake on a hot summer day? I know I couldn't! Make sure to check this River North gem out. Thanks for reading, until next time love bugs!

xoxox
​Rachel

Ahoy there, if you're looking for a slice of paradise on North Ave beach, then Shore Club is the place for you. There is nothing I love more than Chicago summers, especially when it's spent tanning, laying out on the beach, and just pretending I'm whisked away to a tropical paradise. Who knew that paradise, can be in my backyard.

Shore club offers stunning views of the beach, wonderful menu options, and dazzling drinks as well. The restaurant embodies costal living with it's pastels, teals, and tropical vibe. I love how their menu has a Mediterranean twist giving you the feel of a vacation without leaving the city of Chicago. 

My friends and I had the opportunity to sample some of their delicious menu options and they did not disappoint. Some of my favorites included the local cheese plate (can never go wrong with cheese), The Mykonos Board, and the fried chicken sandwich. Everything was fresh, light and filled with an abundance of flavor. It's the perfect combination when you've left the beach and need to recharge and get some bites to eat. Now, can we talk about one of my favorite things about Shore club, their tropical drinks!

There's nothing more refreshing than a tantalizing cocktail especially when you've been tanning on the beach all day. I got to try the Mayor Daley, which had makers mark, lemonade, iced tea, and fresh citrus. It sort of reminded me of a Long Island lemonade, pairing similar in its flavor. Each one of the drinks we're dazzling in their own right, and just brought the entire beachy vibe all together. I highly recommend doing a flight of their frozen cocktails, it's perfect for sharing, refreshing, and  overall a party in your mouth! 

Bestie, if you find yourself on North Ave Beach, or if you're simply looking for a fun place for a date, a place to entertain friends, or a cool place to visit in Chicago, I highly suggest checking out our little taste of paradise at Shore Club, I ASHORE you, you won't want to miss out on this gem. Happy Hump day love bugs! 
Until next time.

xoxoxo
Rachel

If you are looking for a fantastic Mexican restaurant, with ambient lighting, rustic vibes, and colorful plating then you need to check out La Luna located in Pilsen! 

When you first arrive you can see the amazing open concept, allowing you to witness all the delicious smells wafting from the open kitchen delighting all your senses. The second thing you may notice is all the colorful, bright, fun décor! Allow yourself to be whisked away to Mexico in all it's cultural delight. 

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Pilsen is known for all it's amazing restaurants and La Luna definitely fits perfectly in this scene. I love Mexican food, in fact, it's one of my favorites, and I loved how the restaurant sticks to the savory flavors but adds a artistic play on traditional food. 

Not only is their food amazing but the cocktails are magazine worthy, with their bright colors, fragrant aromas, and delicious taste! Bringing the whole atmosphere together of traveling and relaxing on a beach eating good food, drinking, while listening to poppin' music. 

We were honored to sample a bunch of different items on their menu! We started off with a delicious elote, it had grilled corn, aioli, cotija, and chili powder. It was flavorful, light, and overall a party in the mouth! We also got to sample the Queso fundido and Guacamole. Both are worth a try, each are savory and so delicious!

After the appetizers we tried the Entrana, which had Skirt Steak, chimichurri, and waxman potatoes. Of course, we couldn't visit La Luna and not try the delicious tacos so we got to sample some of those as well. I loved how colorful and flavorful they were. They're perfect sizes for wanting to share or if you want to splurge and have them all for yourself. The owner and waiter was so amazing at explaining all the menu options - along with making sure we felt like we were apart of the La Luna familia. 

After all the amazing food we finished everything off with a shot of tequila. If you know me personally, you know i'm not the hugest tequila fan, but, I will say this tequila went down smooth and actually didn't taste bad at all. It helped break down all the food and allowed my stomach to relax a bit, haha!

Overall, it was such a great experience visiting this Pilsen gem, will definitely be back for their brunch which I heard is amazing! We had so much fun and loved all the amazing options that we got to try. 

Have a great day love bugs.

xoxox
Rachel

After 2020 I basically ate half my weight in disgusting, greasy, and unhealthy foods. Let's just say that year wasn't the best mentally for anyone or physically. However, as things started to open back up and 2021 rolled around I decided that it was time to get back into a better mentality along with eating healthy.

I have been making the push to completely go pescatarian, something I've been struggling with for awhile. I think a lot of my hesitation stems from our restaurant and food scene being so meat heavy. That is why I was so excited to collaborate with Fons Empanads!

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If you are like me, and enjoy delicious empanadas, but not the feeling you get after eating a hefty meal, then Fons is for you. Also, if you're a vegetarian or vegan, then you're going to love that I am showing you this restaurant.  Fons is one of the first plant-based empanada restaurants, and it's conveniently located in Lakeview, Illinois. 

When you first arrive you are greeted by the owner, Daniel, who truly treats you as if you're apart of the family. Next your senses will be delighted as you see all the scrumptious colorful empanadas on display. The atmosphere inside the quaint restaurant is bold and fun in color just like their delicious menu options! Not only is the food colorful and creative but the drinks are as well. We got to try the refreshing Blue Matcha Blueberry Lemonade and it was amazing! Also, did I mention they make their own garlic sauce that is too die for! I may be back just to purchase a bunch of those!

I got to sample their box of empanadas and they were fresh, filled with flavor, and honestly I didn't even realize there wasn't any meat present! The spices and freshness of the ingredients took my senses to Colombia, with it's diversity of flavor in every bite. 

All of the empanadas were delicious in their own way, with each bite, you could see all the love and passion that the owners put into the cooking. My mom used to always say there's nothing better than a home-cooked fresh meal, and you can taste that in every savory bite. My personal favorite was the smoky mushroom and margarita pizza flavor. My husband's favorite was the Tinga and Ropa Vieja flavor. 

If you are looking for a delicious gem in Lakeview, then I highly suggest you check out Fons! Also, if you purchase a box of empanadas and bring the box back - you can get a FREE empanada! Trust me you will be back for seconds... it's that GOOD! Have a great day lovebugs!


xoxox
Rachel 

If you're looking for a chic, atmospheric, hot spot in River North, then you have to check out Point & Feather!

My friend and I were invited to check out the restaurant and immediately loved the vibe. With a rustic and sophisticated atmosphere it's a place that you can totally chill and relax after work but also party at over the weekend. 

There's unimitated activities to do there - which sets them apart from other restaurants in that area. When you arrive you might see some people playing darts - which is so fun, or relaxing and socializing by the pool table. Lisa and I had too much fun playing with the pool table - I hadn't played in awhile but it was fun having that option.  

The entire vibe of this chic bar gives me dark academia vibes with their evergreen book shelves, high ceilings, and overall rustic look. Whoever did their decorating definitely brings the whole look together - it's one of my favorite things about the restaurant. 

I love a good balance especially when the theme matches the food and drinks. The beauty extends past the atmosphere and also trickles down onto the food and cocktails as well. I loved how fresh and flavorful the drinks were transporting you to a tropical oasis with their bold, bright, and fun flavors. You can tell that the in house mixologist really spent time playing with flavors to find the right combinations for each one.

The food was also delicious! Lisa and I ended up starting with the nachos which were so good! With a crispy corn tortilla, three cheesy blend, and perfect amount of spice, it's the perfect mix to delight your palette. We also heard great things about the chicken tenders so we got that as well. To be honest, the starters were so filling that it was difficult for us to get a full dish. So if you're a big appetizer person, this place will definitely be for you. However, we wanted to try a full menu option so we decided on the shrimp tacos. They were absolutely amazing, with fresh pico de gallo, sautéed rock shrimp, and sour cream, it was heavenly. I'd highly recommend trying their tacos as they were fresh, delicious, and filled with flavor. 

Overall, we had such a blast heading to Point & Feather, truly a River North gem. If you're looking for a great after work spot - or looking for a chill place to go during the weekend, you should check this place out! Thanks for having us!

If you are like me - then a girl's night is definitely needed from time to time. Since Covid getting together with friends seemed to be pushed to the back burner. My friends and I would get together at least every other  week (just to catch up). However, when the virus happened it would be every other month. Being a social person - it was difficult to cope with not being able to go out and experience all the fun places, food, and atmosphere Chicago had to offer. 

Luckily, we all had the opportunity to get vaccinated and we finally got to go out! Parlay is probably one of my favorite places to visit. The versatility is unmatched with it's multiple levels of fun. If you're more of a sporty person who has a chiller vibe than the lower level is for you. Sip some cocktails, enjoy a bite to eat, and watch the games. However, if you like more of a club scene then the upstairs is definitely for you. My friend's and I were celebrating our friend Julie's birthday - and the entire atmosphere was perfect for that. We were gifted a bottle along with some refreshments to go with (pineapple juice, and cranberry juice).

The music is always poppin' with great jamming hits and fluorescent lights. The entire atmosphere is that perfect mix for a fun party. Now, lets get to the question on everyone's mind...was it Covid friendly? I can fully answer yes. Although we had our vaccines everyone (staff wise) also was fully vaccinated. In fact, they ask you for your vaccine card to confirm that you are as well. Everything was nicely sanitized and I completely felt safe which is important for everyone. I think the best part of the whole experience was that feeling of nostalgia. I remembered the times before Covid - when going out with friends wasn't such an oddity. 

 In the warmer months they also have a beautiful rooftop that I have frequented often. If you're a foodie and enjoy delicious bites and drinks then that will definitely be more your scene. All in all, if you're looking for a fun girl's night out location or you're traveling to Chicago, check out Parlay - you won't be disappointed!

​Have a great Monday love bugs!

Hey lovebugs, I am so excited because I had been thinking of how I would write this for awhile. As you all know I am a huge dog person. I had been wanting a fur baby since my husband and I got married three years ago. However, living in a small condo downtown, it didn't seem right for us at that time. Plus, both of us worked full time so we wanted to make sure when we did get a puppy that we would have time to spend with him or her. As we all know the pandemic happening drastically changed everyone's lives. It allowed me to work from home until further notice so after discussing it with my husband, we decided that my 28th birthday gift would be a fur baby!

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To say I was excited would be an understatement. I was over the moon thrilled. Like I said, I had been wanting to get a puppy for awhile. Moving into our new home didn't seem fully completed without a sweet little bundle of fur to share it with us. Patrick and I started looking five weeks before my birthday. Due to my allergy restrictions and asthma, I knew that I wanted a dog that would be hypoallergenic and perfect for someone like me. I had always loved the look of goldendoodles, and once I found out that there were hypoallergenic my husband and I were sold. We searched for a good breeder for about two weeks and all of them seemed to be sold out of puppies, which was a bit devastating. Not only did I feel defeated but I felt like we would have to wait another year to find our little fur baby. However, a week before my birthday we found an amazing breeder that said they still had a litter of puppies for sale. We decided to go the next day to see some of the puppies. The night before the breeder sent me a couple of pictures of some of the puppies but one in particular caught me eye.

After seeing the picture of this adorable baby girl I was so excited to meet her. I wanted to make sure that not only she bonded with us but we made a lasting impression on her. The next day my husband and I drove 4 hours to go and meet our puppy.  I remember getting to the house and seeing all the bundles of fur running around and playing. Patrick and I kind of stood back and observed as we spoke to the breeder. It's so funny because as we were watching the dogs, a adorable puppy started to waddle up to me and sniff around me. Of course, I immediately picked her up and was greeted with a nice little comforting lick. I immediately feel in love with her compassionate personality and how she seemed attached to me. The breeder was stunned and laughed because that puppy happened to be the one I said I wanted in the pictures, it turned out to be my Sadie. It was so weird how she was attached to us even at the first meeting. I do believe in fate and I honestly believe she is meant to be in our lives. She was only 7 weeks at the time so sadly we had to leave her for one more week before picking her up the week after. 

I thought I was fully prepared for dog parenting y'all. The amount of Youtube videos I have watched is insane. Not only did I have everything ready for her at arrival but I thought that I would have every answer to every question pertaining to Sadie, was I wrong? Absolutely! Nothing really went as planned and that is what prompted me to write this blog post because I want to share some tips that I have after being with Sadie for over a month.

Okay, so I know you're probably reading that title and are slowly freaking out so let me clarify. You will be able to sleep but it may not be as much as you're used to. When we first brought Sadie home we were lucky that she did sleep through most of the night. However, we would periodically get up a couple of times during the night and we knew it was because she would have to use the bathroom. We thought long and hard and decided to not use the puppy pads. Instead, we have slowly trained her to only get up around 2 am, and 7 am, to use the washroom. Was it like that in the beginning? No, she would literally get up every 2 hours and whine to use the potty - so sleep kind of went out the window. However, over time you will decide what is best for you and your fur baby! Do you research, feel out your puppy and the rest will come in time.  

Sadie is a bitter and I was NOT ready for that. I had a toy poodle growing up and she basically never bit anyone. Therefore, I was not expecting Sadie to be as nippy as she is. In fact, all she does it nip everything, my leggings, my hands, my legs...really anything in sight. At first, I am NOT going to lie I was hurt by it. I kept thinking like a human response that she is biting me because she isn't bonding to me and she doesn't like me. I legit went through a slight depression because I felt like she didn't loved me as much as I expected her too. This is a normal feeling it takes time to bond with your pup and if you have those feelings there's nothing wrong with you. It's a new adjustment and just like new things it takes time. Everyone's process is different so go easy on yourself. After talking with a trainer online she said that  of course Sadie is teething so she will bite whatever is in front of her. However, she also explained that because Sadie loves and has bonded with me her nipping is a form of playing with me. I had noticed that she didn't nip or bit anyone else but me. I took it negatively but in fact it was the opposite. She considers me family and when you're comfortable with someone you can fully be yourself with them. If you puppy is nipping what I have found to help is positive reinforcement with toys, the kong, and tug of war toys. They have been life savers for me. Is Sadie fully a non nipper? No, but she is getting so much better! The thing is magic doesn't happen over night so be patient and keep practicing. 

I thought Sadie would immediately come home with me and snuggle all day. I was completely wrong, in fact, Sadie is such a independent little lady. She loves to explore, run around, and do her own thing. Is that a bad thing, no? Was I a bit down about it at first, yes. Then I had to sit back and realize that these little fur babies have their own personalities, their own ticks, and their own lifestyles. They fit nicely with ours but we have to realize that they're their own person. What we sometimes want they don't want, and that's okay. Today was the first day that Sadie actually came up to me and wanted to snuggle. It all comes with time. Even though Sadie may look like a giant snuggly teddy bear that doesn't mean that she wants to snuggle all day.

When all else fails spread the love. If you truly shower your pet with affection they will know it. There's so many ways you can show your pet that you love them. It can be through time spent, or with a special toy, or just positive reinforcement. I read somewhere that we are the center of our pet's world. When we feel down or useless our pets are our number one fans. Let that sink in. No matter how crummy you feel you pet will always love you. Pets don't judge but they adore you unconditionally and there's so much magic in that. So, when all else fails love them with all your heart. Everything else will fall into place. I hope my helpful tips can be of service to you as you potentially think about getting a puppy or have one already. Remember, to give your fur baby all the love in the world because they deserve it. Thanks for reading! Have a happy Monday, love bugs.

xoxoxo
​Rachel