TAYONTHEMOVE

January 2016

9 Posts Back Home
Showing all posts made in the month of January 2016.

Mindy’s Hot Chocolate – Chicago, IL

Eating Out

In my last post I was remembering the warmth. However, since I have no control over the weather, I embrace winter by drinking lots and lots of hot chocolate. And lucky for me, there are several places in Chicago dedicated to just that much like Mindy’s Hot Chocolate. One of my friend’s had been wanting to try this place after reading so many great reviews. So a couple of weeks ago we finally got the chance! It’s located in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood in the middle of shops and restaurants. As soon as I walked in, I loved the interior. And the very first thing that I noticed when I walked in was a beautiful brick wall that was painted white and embellished with wall planters made from glass bottles. So simple, yet so eye catching too. I was happy when they seated us right by it. We both ordered the Medium Hot Chocolate made…

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Indiana Dunes State Park, IN – Flashback to Warmth

Beaches

As a lover of warm weather, I can’t help but think about warmer days. It’s now the end of January and I am so ready for the summer even though it will still be a while before it’s here. But, I do have to say that I am thankful that winter here in Chicago has been relatively mild this season compared to previous years. This post is a flashback to my first summer in Chicago (last year) and I guess I couldn’t stay away from a beach post for long. My four year old niece, much like me, adores the beach. So I had to make sure I gave her that experience here as well. I know there are beaches in Chicago by Lake Michigan but I wanted to get away from the city which is why we ended up at the Indiana Dunes State Park. It’s about an hour and a half from where…

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The Millworks – Harrisburg, PA

Eating Out

I am so excited to share this post with you! The last time I went to Harrisburg was in November, on the birth of my niece. That is when I discovered The Millworks. Well, technically I didn’t discover it on my own. My friend suggested we go here (I love it when my friends know exactly the kinds of things I would like and appreciate). So basically this place is for anyone who enjoys art and food. As you walk in, you are immediately greeted by artwork on the walls. Inside, there is a shop which features prints, jewelry, pottery etc. from local artists. They have several art studios on the main floor as well as the upstairs. I fell in love with the architecture and the interior design immediately. The lumber utilized inside was re purposed from whatever was left inside when the building was originally purchased. The design up…

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Susquehanna River – Harrisburg, PA

Tay Explores

If you randomly find yourself in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, don’t panic! It may seem like a place with not much happening but you will be surprised once you decide to give it a chance. I go here a lot because my sister lives here. And if I’m honest, staying here for more than a weekend sometimes could have felt like torture if it wasn’t for my awesome family and friends. However, I did eventually learn to appreciate it. There are some hidden gems to be discovered and I try to find new ones whenever I go. I will start off with the Susquehanna River (I guess this one’s not that hidden). I remember several years ago before my sister moved there, I went to visit friends. They asked what I wanted to do and in response I immediately asked “Where is that place with those cool steps by some body of water?” I remembered seeing pictures of it on someone’s Facebook…

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Inspiration Kitchen, Garfield Park, Chicago

Eating Out

I went to this restaurant after visiting the Garfield Park Conservatory which I wrote about in my previous post. When we were done, it was lunch time so when looking up places to eat around this area, Inspiration Kitchen showed up with really good reviews. We got fried chicken and biscuits from here and I just have to say that this was probably some of the best friend chicken and biscuits I have had! The chicken was perfectly crisp and seasoned really well. The biscuits had cheddar cheese in them and were so delicious! The side of Macaroni and Cheese was just okay (I’m not the biggest Mac-n-Cheese fan in general though). The menu changes seasonally and I think that if a restaurant does this, most likely it means that they get the most fresh local ingredients. In addition, they also have a great story on how they help with the poverty stricken areas in Chicago.…

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Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago, IL

Indoor Activities

I have this random obsession with conservatories (as you will notice while following along my blog). When my friend was visiting me last March, I wanted to find some things to do that were different than just going into the city. I was on Instagram and found some beautiful posts of the Garfield Park Conservatory and kept reading that it was FREE so that was a no-brainer. I think one of the reasons why I love going to them is because especially in the winter months when all you see are dead trees everywhere, all the colorful flowers and greenery is refreshing for the eyes. Plus it’s indoors so you won’t be freezing your butt off! The room with the umbrellas was my favorite. This was the spring installation from last year called “Sun Showers”. The art installations change seasonally and I’m pretty sure they have a new piece now which I am going…

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Blackberry Market, Glen Ellyn, IL

Eating Out

One thing that I’ve liked about the Chicago suburbs is that they all have downtown areas that are unique. And Glen Ellyn is no exception. I really enjoy walking through it and going to all the small boutiques, restaurants and cafes. A place that I go to often is Blackberry Market. They make things fresh in house and try to get most of their ingredients locally. I come here and do my work, drink hot chocolate and occasionally have lunch. I love the colors used in the interior as well as the art all over the walls. I’ve tried three of their sandwiches (Grilled Cheese, Grilled Gouda and Caramelized Onions and Braised Beef Brisket). Everything has been delicious so far. There is a tomato chutney that is inside the grilled cheese which is phenomenal! In addition, you can find a variety of fresh salads that are changing throughout the year. My favorites are the Southwest Salad and the…

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Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk, Chicago

Tay Explores

As sad as I was to move out here, I do have to say that Chicago ended up being a really awesome city. It’s clean, easy to get in and out of, there’s tons to eat and most of all so much amazing art and architecture everywhere. In particular, I immediately fell in love with the Lincoln Park neighborhood. And I make it a point to bring friends and family here whenever they are visiting. With winter break coming to an end, I took my nieces by the Lincoln Park Zoo and Nature Boardwalk this past weekend. They have an outdoor ice skating rink here during the winter months and thought they would enjoy it. In case you were wondering, its $5 for admission and $5 for skate rentals. It’s right outside of the zoo (which is free) and in between the barns. In this area, my favorite part is the…

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Southern California – More Food Adventures

Eating Out

More food! This is going to be another quick and short post about some delicious places I dined at. Mediterranean Cafe – Pasadena, CA Who doesn’t love Mediterranean food? When I went to school in Norhridge, Pasadena was halfway between my house and school so I often stopped here. This is one of my favorite cities to go to when I am back in California, especially Old Town. Anyway, a friend of mine who lived here introduced me to this cafe and I love her for it! I like getting their beef kebab plate. SO GOOD! You will not be disappointed here. Everything is tasty and fresh! Tom’s Farms, Cheese and Wine Shoppe – Corona, CA This was such a cute and fun place to walk around at. There were a few outdoor pop up shops that were selling jewelry and other types of art. Anyway more about the food! We had a vegetarian pizza full of…

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