Hello, mid-40 degrees! It's still January in Chicago, right? Anyway, one of my favorite weekend activities is checking out unique coffee shops around my neighborhood, and with the day's temp making for quite walkable weather, this morning's stop was Beatrix in Streeterville. Ordered myself a cappuccino and some croissant-type pasty (honestly can’t remember the name, but it was good). The atmosphere seemed to be more of a sit-down restaurant than a come-in-and-hang-out coffee shop, but cute and pleasant nonetheless.
Post coffee, I ventured off to the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon. Whenever anyone asks me what it’s like, my go-to is “think frozen lazy river.” It’s basically loop around ice rink, located on Randolph and just off Michigan Ave, providing for an amazing city view. On top of it all, the music they had playing was a top-notch throwback playlist, aka 100% jams.
*Pro-tip: Bring your own skates to not only avoid paying for skate rental, but also to hop on the ice sooner (the skate rental line can get *pretty* long...). With no admission cost and your own skates in hand, you've got yourself a free and fun activity to enjoy in the heart of downtown!
*Pro-tip: Bring your own skates to not only avoid paying for skate rental, but also to hop on the ice sooner (the skate rental line can get *pretty* long...). With no admission cost and your own skates in hand, you've got yourself a free and fun activity to enjoy in the heart of downtown!
Being a former figure skater, lacing up my skates is probably one of the best feelings. More often than not, I find myself more comfortable in my skates than regular shoes - figuratively speaking because my ice skates are definitely not as comfortable as my New Balance gym shoes.
However, everything I am today was built wearing these skates. The competitive nature of this sport gave me my drive and ambition; it taught me that hard work and grace must go hand in hand in order to achieve the best results. I learned how to shake off a tough critique, and how to humbly accept a first place honor. Ice skating showed me that balance is the essence of everything, and that is a lesson I will always carry with me.
However, everything I am today was built wearing these skates. The competitive nature of this sport gave me my drive and ambition; it taught me that hard work and grace must go hand in hand in order to achieve the best results. I learned how to shake off a tough critique, and how to humbly accept a first place honor. Ice skating showed me that balance is the essence of everything, and that is a lesson I will always carry with me.