City vs Suburbs-the ever so debatable question.

So 2011 is here and this will be my fifth year living in the city of Chicago. It has its cons(they JUST raised taxes,parking meters,crime,and the highest gas prices in the US) but it's pros outweigh them-wonderful parks, restaurants, museums,a variety of shops to choose from,a convenient public transportation system,and a very diverse ethnic scene.

Now comes the critical part-where to live once kids come into picture? This is something that even though I am not pregnant(don't be spreading rumors now lol),I am looking down the road when I do have kids,what will our family lifestyle be like? City dwellers? Or Suburbanites? I recently had this conversation with a fellow colleague over lunch today who is working in the city as well as living downtown with her husband and one year old.

I grew up in a typical suburban town where the most exciting thing to do is hit up the community mall,TGIF's(or any of those big box restaurants,Olive Garden,etc,you get the pic)or a sports bar dive. Everyone for the most part had at least 2-4 cars in their driveway,garage,and a backyard. I had a pretty good childhood though,complete with backyard,swingset and sandbox.  As I got older however,it didn't seem to appeal to me the suburban lifestyle so I went to Grad school in Chicago and loved it ever since. I did have to move back temporarily but hated it. Luck and persistence had enabled me to move back to the city where I wanted to be.

Now of course,the ever so ending advice pours in as I contemplate my next move. I live in the city but work right outside the city in the suburbs where most of my coworkers live. Numerous times have they advised me that the schools in the suburbs are better,and you get a backyard,a garage,etc. Oh and the kids! The kids will have a backyard,you cannot raise a kid in the city without a backyard! My colleague views it otherwise: she takes her child to the public library often and takes advantage of the wide variety of parks we have,especially along the lake. The Chicago Public School system,however,is one up for debate,as different parts of the city apparently are "better run" than others. As Mayor Daley steps down and others try to take over to be the next mayor of Chicago,this will be a focus on their agenda.

Part of me wonders if staying in the city is such a great idea,and there are times where I do have this inkling that I want to be in the suburbs,because my childhood was great and would want that for my future children too. But then I also think of the numerous things I can do with kids in the city too that I was unable to as a child with all the attractions it offers. And being able to walk to let's say, to the dry cleaners,theatres,and shops is such a big bonus(and good for you healthwise).

Either way,I have to just ignore the noise that everyone tries to give me(including my parents who definitely want me back close to them in the burbs) and figure it all on our own with my husband. One thing we don't want is live in the middle of nowhere just to afford a McMansion and an Escalade which so many people we know are doing,but I see no point in that.

If you live in the city and are starting a family I would love to hear your advice on how you are doing it! So far I am hearing good things from the ones that do.

Free entry to Art Institute of Chicago January 3rd to February 4th

Picasso.Monet. Renoir. Starting January 3rd to February 4th the Art Institute of Chicago will have free admission all day long including evenings! Check out some great classic works as well as modern pieces in one of Chicago's greatest landmarks it has to offer. With winter in full swing in Chicago, what would be a better way to enjoy it while staying warm at the same time.

Don't get in a rut when in a relationship-keep the spark alive.

Another guilty pleasure of mine is watching reality TV series Giuliana and Bill,that shows on Style Network on Monday nights. Bill Rancic if you recall,was the first Apprentice on Trump's reality show. Giuliana if you don't know, is a TV host for E! I especially love this show because not only does it take place in the Windy City,but also because it is honest-to-goodness reality show without all the crazy drama. Some may think this is boring but it is a nice change from all the tacky reality shows that have been popping up everywhere. Giuliana and Bill have put "relationships and marriage can be fun" back on the map.

Watch this clip as they talk about how getting in a rut is easy when in a marriage or serious relationship. Good advice from a couple whose idea of marriage should include keeping the spark through creative ways. All too much we hear that once someone gets in a serious relationship or marriage,we tend to just get into this routine and not try anymore. I believe this is definitely the secret to any relationship.

Christmas in Chicago-enjoy the festivities.

     

Christmas in Chicago can get pretty cold and the snow is dreaded by all,but the holiday festivities warms up the city like no other. Chicago remains throughout the year as an ideal city full of activities.

Here are two events that will get you through the holiday winter season.

ChristKindlmarket-is a street festival that takes place up to December 24th at Daley Plaza. Check out German based goods and sip on hot wine or chocolate,as well as take pictures under the city's Christmas tree.

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier-is another festival that takes place at Navy Pier. Take in the sights and sounds that is also great for young and old alike. Check out Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier for more information. 

And of course window shopping on State St. is always a timeless tradition. Check out the Walnut Room at Macy's on State for a festive feast. 

Who says hibernating during the winter is necessary to survive the winters in Chicago-get out there and enjoy what Chicago's winter season has to offer. Before you know it,it'll be springtime.

Sunday cruising on Michigan Ave.

"The Mag Mile"

Shopping after Thanksgiving? Don't buy if it's not "worth" it.

Today marks the first day for holiday shopping as people frantically look for good deals on Black Friday and beyond.

But there is something to be said about purchasing some of these deals. A lot of the products that are selling are usually brands that may or may not last for a long time. You may find that great plasma for under $600 but will find out 5 months later that you need a TV repairman to fix it. This example may be too extreme,but it is just a reminder that just because a product is marked down at an extremely low price does not necessarily mean it's a quality product. Make sure you check out the brand,what it's warranty entails,and the details included in the product. Or else you will find yourself spending money on the same product for double the price where you could have avoided that in the first place.