Chasing Away Some Summertime Blues

This summer is just about halfway done but it's honestly been one of the best that I've had in a while. Mainly because I've gotten to do just about everything that I wanted, both happily on my own and with my favorite people.

I have to give a shout out to my friend Jessica, the creator of Ari Rose Body Care. If you love smelling amazing and support organic, cruelty-free, sustainable, and hand-made soaps, then you NEED to check out her products. She is a fairly new business in Chicago, but she can ship all products to you if you don't live in the city. I am in love with her Skin Frosting (your legs will NEVER feel smoother with any other product!), her soaps Midnight Tide, Luscious Lux and Sunshine Day, the popular Black Butter mud mask, and My Little Secret (ladies only!). Jessica is a wonderful momma of two beautiful little girls and works hard to provide the best skincare for every woman--especially if you have sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin. I can't stress enough how grateful I am to have met this woman, and I'm super happy that she had her own table recently at the Beautious, run by Chicago Woman Magazine, an event that featured businesses providing services for beauty and style.

I finally checked out the Maggie Daley Park and there was definitely a lot to see and do. Though it's mainly known for the skating ribbon during the holidays, there are also picnic groves, tennis courts, and a climbing wall that's actually run by Lakeshore Sport & Fitness. The kids had a great time in the Play Garden, which had little playgrounds that were created with a theme (like the sea), but I think Jose had just as much fun!

I was extremely excited to see my brother play in his newly-formed band, I Am Warhol this month. They had a show recently at Livewire Lounge and I went out to support them. These guys are truly talented!

Check out their page on Facebook if you're a fan of hearing metal/rock played by some cool, local Chicago rockers.

I also checked out the Little Goat Diner on Randolph St. when I stopped by for a quick career chat with my newly acquainted friend Liz. Their omelette of the day was phenomenal, which I complemented with a small biscuit and gravy. Delicious!

That same day, Samantha and I went to Estereo in Logan Square. I pass by it all the time on my way home, so I was eager to see what it was about. I loved what I saw walking in: all of the windows were open, the bar was in the middle, tables and stools surrounded the bar and salsa vinyls were playing on a record player. The drink menu featured a lot of yummy cocktails that helped make you feel like you were transported to the Caribbean in the middle of the day!

Paloma and mojito.

On a random adventure for lunch with the bestie, we found the perfect little Argentinean spot nestled in a residential neighborhood. La Nonna provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner to its patrons; the food is AMAZING, but what also makes this place so special is the humble beauty and atmosphere inside.

It opened up about three months ago, so I do anticipate it becoming so busy there might be a wait time to grab a table soon enough.

Also, I am SO proud of my friend Abby for becoming a doctor of physical therapy. We celebrated last week at the Virgin Hotel's rooftop bar, Cerise. It was the perfect night to spend with my beautiful ladies.

I've had quite the culinary adventure so far this summer. No regrets--but no skipping out on the gym either! Sam has been making sure I work hard for each burger....

More updates soon!

xo

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How Well Do You Know Me Tag

So I was recently tagged by the lovely Samantha of The Brunette Blend for this fun, different type of post: I will answer the following 11 questions that she came up with, and then create my own questions that I want 11 other bloggers to answer. Here we go!

1. Let’s get this out of the way ASAP. *N Y S Y N C or Backstreet Boys?

This is tough! Growing up I was ALL about *NSYNC (ask my sister--I had the moves down for every music video). However, over the years I've come to truly appreciate all the bangerz that Backstreet Boys had....and boy, did they have a LOT more than *NSYNC. Sooo....it depends on the era of Dulce, I suppose. Haha!

2. Has your blog changed directions since you started?

Honestly, it hasn't changed that much. I think I started A Juxtaposed Mind in January 2016 to share whatever's on my mind, whether it's a topic about life or a product/event/musician that I love, and I'm doing just that. The aesthetics of the blog will definitely be spruced up every now and then, but so far I don't foresee the blog's goal changing drastically.

3. Who inspires you to be better?

My family and close friends. Within my support system there are certain individuals who help me pick myself up during the tough times because I've seen them rise even stronger after REALLY tough times, like my mom. At the same time, I'm trying not to depend on people for things that I know I can find within me, like wisdom, confidence and courage; the challenge now is to find inspiration in anyone/anything that I face in my life--no matter what kind of experience they bring.

4. What is one thing you couldn’t live without?

This is so millennial of me to admit, but I really do need my iPhone. I'm terribly forgetful so I put all my appointments/events/etc on my calendar; plus, I don't own an alarm clock (does anyone still have one?!) so I set them up on my phone. Oh, and I love having apps to play music on the road because I get bored quickly with the radio. Gosh, I never realized how dependent I was on my phone! Oops.

A self-proclaimed selfie addict.

5. What is your social media platform of choice?

I love tweeting! 

6. What is the first thing you do in the morning?

Check the time and, if it's possible, go back to sleep.

7. What have you learned from blogging?

Blogging has taught me three things: 1) That I truly love to write. Writing helps me take all the little thoughts that won't go away and put them in a designated place (in my journal, my poetry, this blog), depending on if they're private or public thoughts.  2) To be a good writer, you also have to be an avid reader. I kind of fell off from my books-to-read pile I have in my room so I'm making time to read for at least 30 minutes a day. 3) Blogging helps people interact and connect with others, but it is just the tip of the iceberg. You can definitely meet a ton of people online who share your interests/hobbies--that's the whole point of it! For me though, it's the foundation for knowing how to truly interact with people, network, make new friends, or just share whatever you want about your life or work.

8. What was the last photo you took?

This picture of Jose washing the dishes. I had just made us some delicious chicken fajitas!

9. What movie do you quote on a regular basis?

It used to be Anchorman but now it's Borat for sure. It cracks everyone up how I can change my voice to sound just like him!

10. What is one of your beauty tips or hacks?

Putting a little bit of Vaseline on my eyelashes after applying mascara. It makes them so much shinier!

11. What are the three things that ALWAYS make it into your grocery cart?

Vegetables, fruit and something made with chocolate. Hey--the first two are healthy enough! 

OK, here are the 11 bloggers I nominate for this challenge!

Gaby of Beauty by Gaby

Megan of Some Places I'm Moderately Excited About

Jordin of West Loop Soul

Michelle of The Healthy Latina

Maggie of Mag Mile Runner

Ellie of Hungry By Nature

Yanira of Yanira Garza 

Chrissy of The Hungary Buddha Eats the World

Chau of Lime Light Lane

Sonia of Onyx and Faith

Angie of Afrolatina Natural

And my questions are....

1. Where are you from originally (family too)?

2. What made you want to create your blog?

3. What's one piece of advice that you were given in the past that has really helped you on your journey to self-growth?

4. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

5. What are your travel must-haves?

6. Who are some designers you NEED in your closet?

7. What's your favorite summer drink?

8. What's one thing (or person!) that can instantly brighten a bad day for you?

9. Which selfie or photo taken by you is your current favorite?

10. Which skill would you like to master?

11. What's the best book or series that you've ever read?

Have fun, bloggin' beauties!

xo

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Goodbye June, Hello July!

Hi! I hope everybody had a wonderful 4th of July! I did so much in the past week it's almost a blur. Does anyone else feel like the summer is flying by??

Last week I visited one of the most beautiful park and trail systems in Chicago, the 606 Trail. The first time I walked the 606 I started at the far west side of the trail (I think the access point I started on at was the Drake ramp) and we stopped at the Humboldt ramp. Last week, my friend Samantha and I started at the Western ramp and walked it until the end. Both times I remembered to bring the essentials: sunscreen, water bottle, and a hat!

We honestly spent so much of the walk admiring all of the beautiful houses on either side of the 606--they look like the giant houses you'd see in on a trail in Venice, Los Angeles. We also did a mini/impromptu photo shoot (she used to take photography!) and I also got some great shots of the architecture and artwork that you'll see on the 606. If you have the chance to walk on the 606, go for it--just be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

My 4th of July was spent with friends, family, and of course, lots of good food. I might also add that I did the majority of the grilling (remember, I'm doing a much better job cooking for myself these days!) and everyone was raving about my cheeseburgers!

Since this year the holiday landed on a Tuesday, we called it an early night because most people had to work the next day. But I still loved following my tradition of standing in the alley and watching my neighbors set off tons of fireworks. I don't think I'll ever get tired of that tradition; as a kid my dad would usually prop the ladder against the garage so that my siblings and I could climb up and have a great view of the fireworks twinkling in the sky, like were having our own Navy Pier show.

I had also checked out The Bristol recently for a Windy City Blogger Collective event and I had such a wonderful time meeting so many amazing bloggers--like the founder of the WCBC, Kit Graham, and this blogger/beauty queen Gaby Ramos.

I went back to The Bristol the following Sunday for brunch (remember my brunch quest!?) and it was nothing short of delicious!

I agree with the left chalkboard: "Yes way, rosé!"

Smoked ham eggs benedict.

If brunch was delicious, then I am sure that ANY meal there is totally worth checking out! Also, if you didn't notice, the exposed brick walls give the restaurant a very romantic vibe, so I definitely recommend it for your next date. Their upstairs floor is also super cute and perfect if you are looking to book a private room for any baby showers/bridal showers/wedding rehearsal dinners/birthdays/etc.

Also! I finally made my way to a Cubs game with the bestie. Unfortunately, the Cubbies weren't doing so hot... even though the day certainly was!! We stayed hydrated as best we could but eventually we ended up having ice cream for dinner.

Oh, and I have to say that this week the following albums will certainly be on repeat: the new album by Calvin Harris (featuring SO many amazing artists); the emotionally-driven and powerful debut album by the beautiful Jessie Reyez; and of course, the brutally honest album by Jay-Z.


xo

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