Everyday Life

Chicago Holiday Shopping at Late Night Andersonville

andersonville chicago swedish flag watertower
~ Julia ~ 9 Comments

Andersonville has long been one of my favorite Chicago neighborhoods. With its many independently owned shops and restaurants, this historically Swedish enclave in Edgewater has something of a small town feel to it and local charm in spades!
andersonville chicagoThis past Friday the hubby and I headed to the area for Late Night Andersonville, an annual neighborhood event where shops, cafes and bakeries stay open an additional four hours for holiday festivities. Some stores have little treats laid out, or hot chocolate, while others have live music and Christmas carols. It’s like a more fun version of a pub crawl where you hop from store to store, enjoying special holiday deals while getting to support local business owners.

Here are a few of my favorite spots to find that perfect something for everyone on your Christmas list:
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Homelessness and the Holidays: Five Things To Keep In Mind This Giving Season

~ Julia ~ Leave a comment

we-make-a-livingBecause I work in social services, it’s not uncommon for me to be asked by a friend or family member what the best way is to help someone who is homeless, especially during the holidays. I love this questions for a myriad of reasons, because it usually results in meaningful discussions, but mostly it reminds me that people are, at their core, good. Continue reading →

Top Ten Favorite Christmas Movies

~ Julia ~ 1 Comment

Now that Thanksgiving is officially over and we’re all enjoying our turkey sandwiches, I feel like I can come out in the open with my holiday cheer. I am, to put it mildly, a Christmas fanatic. I love the lights, the shopping, the music and every tacky, tinsel covered tree. Every year I have a bucket list of festivities that I force my friends and family to endure with me, and I am unashamed to admit that I’ve been listening to the Rat Pack croon carols since before the Halloween candy was even gone. If you are not one to embrace the spirit of the season, no judgement, but this blog just might not be the place for you until after the new year.

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is the movies. Nothing beats snuggling up under a blanket with some peppermint tea and a holiday classic. Here is a list of a few of my favorites, in no particular order.

Nightmare Before Christmas
You have to appreciate a movie that can effectively, and efficiently, appeal to two holidays simultaneously, while also delivering an infectiously catchy soundtrack.
nightmare before christmas


A Christmas Story
The 50’s nostalgia, the leg lamp, the horrible, pink nightmare bunny suit, and one infamous line on repeat: “You’ll shoot your eye out.”
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