The Life We Share through the seasons in Gold Coast/Old Town

By now, I’m sure you’ve gathered that I looooove Chicago. From my first apartment in Lakeview (hence Lake Shore Lady!) to my current place in the Gold Coast/Old Town area, I’ve pretty much been a super fan. I always knew it was a special city, but it took me living in New York to really realize it. Chicago is clean and friendly with tons of safe neighborhoods… oh, and it’s VERY pretty too ? I especially love that I’m not far from my family in the suburbs, and my brother and Ali are only a few short blocks away! Even though moving back here was a huge change, I found that the people – and the city itself – are always reminding me that this is where I’m supposed to be.

So, when @properties told me about their new campaign called #TheLifeWeShare, I jumped at the chance to write about the small joys in my cute neighborhood. It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives, but the truth is, there is something to celebrate and be grateful for in EVERY season. Yes, even winter!! So, to celebrate that, here are a few things I love about living here in every season…

WINTER

Might as well start with what we’re currently experiencing, right?! While winter in Chicago isn’t the best, I love how Chicagoans just deal with it. Sure we complain, but we also don’t dwell on the frigid temps – we just continue to go about our days! We’re also PROS at being cozy. (Like my sweatshirt? ?) When it’s really cold, I love that I can warm up at one of my favorite fitness classes, pick up some groceries and then come home, make dinner and binge watch a new show with Adam! Doesn’t sound so bad when you put it that way, right?

SPRING

And then the skies part, it stops snowing, and the city comes alive again! I looove Spring in my neighborhood. Everyone is so happy to finally come out of hibernation! We can enjoy simple pleasures again, like going for a walk instead of rushing from one heated interior to another as quickly as possible. Plus, the trees become green, the flowers start to bloom, and some evenings are even warm enough to do yoga by the lake. (We did that during teacher training and it was the dreamiest!)

SUMMER

Here we go… welcome to the BEST time to be in Chicago! This is when living by the lake is quite literally the best perk of my neighborhood. In just 10 minutes, I can have my toes in the sand, looking out over Lake Michigan. When the beach is crowded, I especially love to bring a book to the lawn area just south of Castaways. I mean, what could be better than sunshine and the skyline?! I also love being close to the Chicago History Museum – Corepower Yoga does outdoor classes in the back throughout the summer, and there’s also huge grassy lawn that’s perfect for picnics.

FALL

As much as I love Spring and Summer, Chicago is absolutely gorgeous in the Fall. There are a ton of trees in my area, so it feels extra magical when leaves start to change. Also, if the Cubs are still doing well in the post-season, my neighborhood (and the whole the city, really) is SUPER supportive with game-day specials and W flags hung everywhere.

And even though we definitely have seasons here, there are a few things that are constant no matter what…

FITNESS

As you’ve probably gathered from my Monthly Fitness Recaps, if a studio is walking distance from me, I will go more often ? I’m serious! It’s a huge reason why Corepower Yoga, Flywheel & Flybarre, and Orangetheory are such staples in my life here. That being said, even if those aren’t your favorites, there’s also SoulCycle, Pure Barre, and Yoga Six (and more!) nearby. Honestly, this is probably the biggest reason why I’ll be sad when/if I have to leave this area. Working out couldn’t be more convenient – and all of the teachers are the nicest!

MORE NEIGHBORHOOD FAVES

While we’re talking about convenience, I love taking a short walk to get coffee and fresh bread from La Fournette on the weekends. With Starbucks all over the city, I love supporting smaller local coffee shops. Especially ones that smell as amazing as La Fournette. In the summer I’ll stroll home, but in the winter I’ll bring it right back to my couch and snuggle up with Parks & Rec! The best.

My other favorite is Real Good Juice Co. I remember stopping in the very first week they opened back in 2014! They not only won me over with their amazing smoothies and juices, but it’s also adorable inside with the nicest staff. They even convinced me to do a CLEANSE, for goodness sake! That should tell you how much I love their healthy concoctions right there.

The health nut in me is also completely obsessed with my local grocery store, Plum Market. They have the most beautiful produce, my favorite snack brands (Simple Mills, Siete Foods, Eating Evolved, Health-Ade, etc), and a killer prepared foods section. It’s seriously the BEST.

And if anyone asks me the ONE thing they should do in my neighborhood, I always tell them to go to Restoration Hardware. I usually get a funny look, but once I clarify that they can eat at the 3 Arts Cafe inside, they jump on board. It’s is quite literally the prettiest most magical spot in the Gold Coast. Whether you’re brunching, ordering a glass of wine, or just hunkering down in a corner to work – you’re in for a treat.

Last but not least, you might have picked up on the fact that I love going for walks. That’s because the homes near me are so. stunning. You can definitely swoon over houses in any neighborhood, but these are especially detailed and historic. So so so pretty.

Well, that was fun!

I’m so glad that I was able to partner with @properties on this project and talk about my favorite neighborhood in my favorite city! If you’ve never heard of @properties and you live in Chicago, it is the #1 independent real estate brokerage firm in Illinois, Chicago, and the North Shore. Quite the big deal! They also love this city so much, they want to see how YOU find beauty if your communities and neighborhoods.

All you have to do is share a photo using the hashtag #TheLifeWeShare and tag @atproperties on Instagram and you could win some amazing prizes! It can be a photo of snow falling, your best friends snuggled up in your apartment, or that view you show everyone who visits. I’m SO excited to see your posts!

Here’s what you could win:

• Two pairs of tickets to the Joffrey Ballet – February 9th
• Two $100 Gift Cards to Boka Restaurant Group – February 16th
• Ancient Thermal Bath & 30’ Relaxing Massage packages for two from Aire Ancient Baths Chicago (2) – February 23rd
• One-night “staycation” for 2 at the Waldorf Astoria (2) – March 2nd

Are you going to share a photo and enter this giveaway?!

If you are, which neighborhood will you be posting about? I love hearing about all of the awesome communities here!

This post was sponsored by @properties, but (as always!) all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the companies that make Lake Shore Lady possible!

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