When Winter Came in NYC

BREAKING NEWS-- IT SNOWED IN NEW YORK THIS WEEKEND!!

It does every winter, but it's always a dramatic story each time. Come on people, it isn't novel that it snows in this city. So, in case you've been living under a rock, snow fell in New York-- 26.8 inches to be exact. Winter Storm Jonas came and conquered.

Seeing how New York City is a city that operates on its public transportation, I know snow can inconvenience everyone. But, for the last 25 years of living here, I almost always hide at home and play only with the snow nearby. Yes, I know it can be dangerous outside, but I just didn't want to live inside my shell this weekend. This time, so long as the trains were running, I left Queens and trekked into the city. I put on my warmest layers, my wool stockings, winter accessories, and the most important of all...my snow boots. Though I anticipated on being out there for much longer, the MTA announced that outdoor trains would close early and that threatened me-- so I cut my adventure short. See? I was still being careful and knew that I did not want to be stranded in another borough.

I wanted to shoot with my Canon but the snow blew straight into my face. My camera's not waterproof, so I left it in my bag the entire time. Let's be honest, I wasn't truly prepared to wreck my camera for this. However, that's what smartphones, Instagram & Snapchat are for. Here's exactly what I did during my four hours out in the city.

My New York City Moment

Snapchat

I plan on taking a lot of photos this year, but this form of documentation will do for now. I'm not much of a video blogger, but I do want to remember these moments when I look back. New York will always be my home, so I'm appreciating what it is in this moment, and embracing the weather I dislike the most.

<3,
Laura

Make Life One Long "Windy" Weekend

The motto of the weekend: "Make Life one long Weekend."

Memorial Day Weekend was only 3 days long, but I seized the moment and flew to Chicago to explore a different city. If you can navigate New York City, then it is a piece of cake figuring out Chicago. It was meant to be though, because upon arrival were signs that read "Make Life one Long Weekend" and I knew that this was the right decision.

Sometimes in life, you just have to go with the flow and travel where the wind blows-- figuratively speaking. But, because it was my first time in the "Windy City," I had to visit the touristy parts including the Bean and Millennium Park, the Navy Pier and the Willis Tower. However, I didn't make it up to the top of the Willis Tower because of the 2 hour long wait. I honestly hate crowded areas and touristy activities, but it felt like everyone and their mothers were visiting Chicago. Of course that is to be expected when one decides to go Memorial Weekend when everyone else in the country is also off.

The Chicago River

Cloud Gate in Millennium Park

Jay Pritzker Pavilion 

By nightfall, the city breeze cooled and I hopped on a boat down the Chicago River that introduced the beautiful architecture that filled the Chicago skyline. And, at the very end of the boat ride was a 15 minute firework show that kicked off the summer season. 

The Chicago River

THE VIEW:
This was probably my favorite part of the entire weekend. The boat had the best view of the fireworks blasting off of the Navy Pier and all was tranquil on the river waters.

Fireworks shooting off from the Navy Pier

Smoke from the fireworks show traveling with the wind

THE FOOD:
AND what is Chicago without a little deep dish pizza?? Lou Malnati's Pizzeria does the job.

Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza

My pizza smiling back at me

The WONUT: when waffle wifey meets the donut dough

THE ART:
Walk anywhere from Oak Street Beach to buildings and storefronts, you'll see talented artwork.

Oak Street Beach

Street Art in West Town near Milwaukee Ave 

And where there are trains and buses, you must travel away from the populated downtown area. I spent one afternoon going up north where I found West Town. It reminded me of hipster Williamsburg in Brooklyn, filled with coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques and thrift shops...and oh, a RECORD STORE.

Reckless Records in West Town

"Clueless" candles!!! Where would you find these anywhere else in the world??

Chicago was perfect for a weekend getaway. There was a lot more I could have seen and done, but I'm extremely content with all that I was able to see. Staying in the downtown area of Chicago felt like walking around Midtown in Manhattan. It was safe, peaceful, filled with walkers like me and plentiful cabs. 

Buckingham Fountain

For more photos, check out the entire gallery under the "PLACES" tab, or peruse through it down below: