So you're moving to the big city: how to break the news and being prepared.

That's it. You've decided you're moving to the big city. You visited (or read up on) the city and like what you see, and you think it will be a good decision and a great experience. Living in the city has many opportunities and can be pretty exciting.

What will your family and friends say? Well one thing I can tell you is that you will be drilled on how you will do this, after all, it is a BIG move we are talking about here. Just "visiting" a city and actually living in one is a HUGE difference, believe me, I know. Here are some questions to think about that you should be prepared to answer yourself and that overly concerned parent, sibling, friend, etc:

Where will you work? This question will for sure come up because let's face it, living in the city isn't cheap, and you will need a job to pay for expenses. It's a good idea to start job searching at this point if you haven't already. Sometimes it's a good idea to get that job first and then make that announcement, whatever you are more comfortable with. Kind of a no brainer if you ask me, but when you get excited about something, we usually don't think about these things right away. It's easy to fantasize wanting to live somewhere without really stopping to think about how we are going to fund this new lifestyle of ours.

In the mean time save, save, save so you can at least have 6 months worth of savings for expenses. You will need this money especially for that security deposit and one month's rent that apartments require. You may get some backlash from others that living in the city means bills, bills, bills (duh!) but be prepared to have an action plan on how you are going to budget so you will be financially secure in this department. You don't have to spell it out at this point but just mentioning that you will be working on a budget plan so you can afford to live out there within your means may put that worried parent or friend at ease.

Chicago in the summertime.

Where will you live? Check your local paper and local apartment searching sites when looking for an apartment. In my case here in Chicago, I've used Chicago Reader and Chicago Craig's List. Also Domu is another excellent resource out here for apartment searching that I have used. Ideally, you want something close to your job. However, you may want to move to a neighborhood that has good public transportation if possible where the rent may be cheaper. Consider having a room mate which can help cut the expenses down. Also, apartments that include gas, heat, and water in the rent are your best bet and can cut down on expenses too. Even better, visit your desired city and check out the different neighborhoods and jot down which apartments appeal to you and give the landlord a call for prices.

Why? Why not? Try to stay positive and focused and don't let others try to change your mind. I had coworkers and relatives before I made my move who were such naysayers. These are the type of people you want to just shut out and not listen to. Many people are very comfortable living in their small towns and when they hear someone wanting to move to a large urban setting, it can make them feel uncomfortable and insecure for whatever reason. It IS different, and you will be dealing with a diverse population compare to where you are living now. But this is why you are moving out there right? You want to experience a new environment, and you prefer the fast pace lifestyle that gives you variety. Bigger cities offer many things to do, restaurants, great shopping, challenges and more.

So this post was just in a nutshell how to be prepared to make that announcement and how to answer those hard pressed questions when making a move to the city. Look out for future posts as I get into more detail on job searching, apartment searching, and much much more. Good luck!

Taking this blog to a new level.

Hi everyone, long time no blog!

I have been on another yet, hiatus...

First off I have been approved to be a contributing blogger on The Local Tourist! Check out my posts about things to do around Chicago-you'll love it! I am having so much fun as I write about the different places and events I am checking out.

I have also been busy with my almost one year old who will soon be a year this week! I can't believe how fast the first year went. I have been busy planning her birthday party and what not.

We finally painted our condo too-it's nice to finally look at walls with colors and not just white walls.

On top of all of this, I have been thinking about ways I can get more involved in the blogosphere...I miss writing, and I used to write short stories and read tons of books for fun when I was younger, but that  all that came to a halt when I started college.

I also have been reading up on so many ways to turn blogging into a career, and how so many people are doing it, especially those moms with young children They are truly inspirational. From food blogs to mom blogs to DIY blogs, your sky is the limit it seems with blogging.

So with that being said, I had been brainstorming ideas on how I can get involved and had a couple ideas. First off, I want to take this blog to a new level. I eventually want to pay for an actual domain but for now I am going to hold on to this domain name at Blogspot. I am thinking to create another site and actually purchase a domain but still tweaking what to call it, will let you know once I do!

I will be posting about advice and tips on how to adjust and live in a big city such as Chicago. I have been through it all from living broke during grad school to finding jobs to making new friends in what seems impossible in a large urban area. Many of my peers who went from small town to big city didn't make it because of some mistakes they had made. I am here to tell you what you need to do in order to stay in the big city for as long as you can.

So look out for the following weeks as I make the changes...wish me luck!

Great coffee in a great neighborhood-Metropolis Coffee Co.

If you live in Chicago, you very well know where all the "hotspots" are. This also includes where you can get a great cup of coffee from a local mom and pop shop.

Enter Metropolis Coffee Company.

When I was house hunting I knew I wanted to stay in the neighborhood of Edgewater. I could write a whole post about this neighborhood(which eventually I will). One great feature of where I live is this coffeehouse. I am truly spoiled and lucky I live five minutes walking distance to this place. It's been voted many times as the most popular coffee in the city and they even get customers from all over the country.

You know they sell the best coffee when other local coffeehouses sell Metropolis Coffee as well. Even some of the hotels downtown offer this coffee for their guests.

This place attracts students from the nearby university, parents with their toddlers, the mobile office worker, and groups of friends catching up. It's the ultimate example of the neighborhood coffeehouse.

Metropolis is known to roast and brew their own coffee,which means you can get a freshly roasted cup of coffee each time. The baristas are friendly and know their stuff. Taking a bag or two home is available for those last minute visitors you want to impress.


The coffeehouse is cozy,warm, and always decorated with local art that you can also purchase. Pastries and other delights are available to accompany that hot cup of java. And of course, free Wifi.

When the weather is nice, you can take that coffee to go and walk just a few feet towards the lake. Metropolis coffee in hand walking along Lake Michigan is truly paradise!

So if you happen to be venturing on the Northside of Chicago, this is the place to be. Good coffee, good atmosphere and best of all, it's local. It's truly the anchor of this neighborhood and a good representative of what Chicago coffeehouses are all about.

Need a cab? Contact Chicago Cabbie.

Hailing a cab in Chicago can be a hit or miss. In my case, I stick to public transportation for the most part.

But if I ever DO need a cab, I definitely will be contacting Chicago Cabbie. Notice I said "contact" as oppose to "calling".

That's because contacting Chicago Cabbie is as easy as following him on Twitter and sending out a Tweet request. Social Media at it's best. I love this concept.

Many people don't hail cabs because most cabs don't accept credit cards. Chicago Cabbie accepts credit  card as a form of payment! Also, they provide free Wifi service so you don't have to use up your own data, how cool is that?

For more information follow Chicago Cabbie on twitter @ChicagoCabbie.

Meet Melania...

Hi there! Sorry since it's been awhile since I have blogged, but as you have read in my previous post, I was getting ready to become a mom and have been busy being one! Life does definitely change as the cliche goes when becoming a parent. Many responsibilities come into play and your child becomes your #1 priority.

Not only that, I had to also transition into being a "working mom", which means I do the daily 9-5 grind as well. Luckily, I have family to watch her so no need for a babysitter or daycare. My family has always been this way, I was babysat by family members only too, gives you a peace of mind knowing that it isn't some stranger watching your own kids. It may work out for some, but it's just not our thing to have outside family members watch our kids. What's great about my job is though is that I never work nights and  weekends, so at least I have that going for me.

I really miss blogging so hopefully now with winter approaching, I will be spending more time doing what I love: writing and reading. You may see more baby posts but I will continue to write about my navigations of city living, and this time it will be navigations of city living as being a parent as well, which is always a hot topic around here.

Play dates in the city-do they exist? And can I keep my coffee dates?

 As I get closer and closer to becoming a mom, I have already thought about what life is going to be like having a child. One of the many things I have been pondering about is whether or not it will be difficult to meet other parents who have children in the city.

 I can imagine living in the suburbs how easy it can be because majority of couples who have children live out there. As far as the city goes, it can pose a challenge. I dearly love my friends who don't have children in the picture or even marriage on the horizon and I will continue to keep in touch with them. I do know that a lot of times, people's relationships change once they have kids, but I really hope that won't be the case with me, and that I can continue to have a variety of friendships. But I do know that meeting other couples with kids would be beneficial as I can bond with other parents who are either going through the same thing I will be going through or have already been there and can relate to me.

There are some parenting groups that I have seen here and there in Chicago, so I will just have to explore them and see if they are worth checking out. I do know a couple mothers that have already offered to hang out once I get established in the future so I will just have to see how that will go, it's a good start.

If you know of any great Chicago parent groups or organizations let me know in the comments section!

And Happy Mother's Day for those who are already mamas!

Ann Sathers coming to the Edgewater neighborhood

The Granville redline stop corridor has been getting more and more new businesses every time I turn around. With the huge shocker of Banana Foster Cafe closing abruptly, I am happy to learn that the empty storefront will now be the new home of another Ann Sather location. Ann Sather  is owned by Alderman Tunney from the 44th Ward and has few locations throughout the north side of Chicago.

I purchased a home in this area so I am really happy to know that the businesses are continuing to pour in. Plus, having an empty storefront on the corner of a busy street is never good, so this is definitely welcoming to the neighborhood.

It will be fun to check out their brunch and lunch menu steps away from my home with my family when it opens.