My first Gay Pride!

Today I got to experience my first Gay Pride parade in Chicago. It was so much fun...

Started the day off at my friend Dawns for mimosa and yummy pastries (also learnt that you're not able t buy alcohol before 11am in the States (well at least Chicago)...sorry alcoholics!!)

We then made ourselves look as colourful as possible with beads, topped off with cowboy hats and we were all set! Luckily we got a spot right at the front so was able to take some great pictures:

The thing I found the funniest is that every big brand has a float: Walgreen, United, Macys. My sceptical side feels that these brands aren't necessarily that supportive of gay rights but that this is all just a publicity opportunity! This was my favourite of the bunch:

Also had my second celebrity spotting...good ol Fernanda

The only criticism i had of the whole day was the gap in between the floats. That was until I came home and discovered that vandals had attacked the floats last night and slashed a lot of their tyres. WHY DO SOME PEOPLE HAVE TO RUIN IT FOR OTHERS. All i can say is you didn't win as everyone there had a great day and there was lots of support all round!

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Tires-Slashed-on-Chicago-Gay-Pride-Parade-Floats-hate-crime-124563044.html


The End!

Me with my free condom!!

Crazy weather in Chicago!

When it rains it pours in Chicago! Not quite sure whats going on with the weather right now here!!? Last night even the tornado alerts when off in the suburbs because of the crazy storms we had! I happened to be sitting outside eating dinner just before it struck and luckily managed to secure the last table inside before the heavens opened.

According to the news there were still around 220,000 homes without power this afternoon! The storms also affected air and train travel and pulled down trees!!

CRAZY!!!?!?!!

Great vegetarian restaurant in Wicker Park!

Had a great night tonight...not only met some new friends but got to try out a new restaurant...MANA Food Bar. 

Its set up similar to a tapas place with small plates so perfect place to go with a group as you can order a few things and try them all! We started out eating outside but in true Chicago style it the weather switched and the heavens opened! Luckily we managed to sneak the last table inside!!

I can honestly say whatever you order will be amazingly yummy but top recommendations:

• RAVIOLI - sweet pea, tomato, mint pesto and asiago cheese
• SAAG PANEER - fresh spinach and cheese in a spiced
• MANA SLIDER - brown rice and mushroom burger with spicy mayo

And definitely try the coconut water and fresh lime Sake Cocktail...deliciouso!!

Also just seen on their website they are starting a shop...so I'll be waiting in anticipation...YUMMY!

U.S Post Office!

So I had my first experience with a U.S Post Office last night. 2 words...SCARY but EFFICIENT!

The lady was a little forceful but really helpful and the whole experience pain free. I'm still not sure I understand exactly how it all works  (Priority, Express etc) but my advice to any new visitors is just go straight up and ask - they'll soon put you in the right direction and of course tell you if your doing anything wrong!

Plus, they are not like Post Offices in the U.K and close before you leave work, they actually stay open up until 6pm, so you stand half a chance of getting there after work hurrah!

Must admit however I heard the most hilarious story recently from a close friend who said that she went into a Post Office just after she moved here and had put the wrong amount of stamps on a letter. When realising what she had done she remarked (in the usual U.K sarcastic humour) "Silly me, must have put too much vodka on my Cheerios this morning!!" The Post Office Worker was extremely concerned (not realising she was being sarcastic) and asked if she was in fact an alcoholic!!! Classic...I do miss the British humour!

New York baby yeah!!

Just got back from a weekend away in New York and it was so much fun! My friend Becky was going for work so I thought I would invite myself along...as you do!

The only thing I would say for the next time I go is I would choose to stay in central Manhattan vs New Jersey (however that's what was best for Becky so its completely cool). For those staying there though its just a heads up, its a bit cheaper to stay New Jersey side but you may end up spending the same amount on boats to and from Manhattan. If not we stayed in the Sheraton and it was nice.

The first day there we decided to head to Central Park. Unfortunately the weather wasn't great, but Central Park is still incredible and the food at the Boat House lived up to all expectations.

A few friends along the way...



Then on to the museums ...

Then what else but...SHOPPING!! Bloomingdales baby yeah! We got makeovers by Dior!

And cupcakes...





Then Sunday me and Becky took in Times Square. We watched Adams Family on Broadway which was absolutely hilarious and re-lived our childhood in M&M world!

And definitely a recommendation if you visit New York, we went to the best Sushi place ever - Takahachi

I spent the final day in New York visiting one of my old Directors Kateski and had so much sun, although she dangerously introduced me to Shake Shack. Kateski....what have you done!!

The perfect end to a perfect weekend. Can't wait to go back!

America's Got Talent...

Loving America's Got Talent tonight. Some quality acts! Some of my favourites:

Tanner Edwards - sooooooooo cute!



The Silhouettes - pure genius!!

Back Stateside via Toronto

So finally back in Chicago and I can't believe I forgot how amazing this place is, I love it. Especially at the moment. I feel like I have come back to a completely different place! Everyone is out on the streets, all of the restaurants have their rooftops and patios open, the beaches are packed!

Unfortunately I didn't have a great start back however. I went via Toronto on this occasion, (which is a great city! Its very much like Chicago in its own way) and the woman who checked me in with air Canada put the wrong baggage labels on my suitcases. Lady...do I look like my surname is Dalcin and that I'm heading out to Fort Lauderdale...I think not!

The weekend was spent therefore borrowing stuff and having to wear my glasses as i had packed all of my lenses in my case....BIG LEARNING CURVE! For all of you naive travellers (much like myself) be sure to always carry essentials with you. My carry on bag will forever be like my first aid kit from this day forward! Oh and a tip for all you ladies, if you go into Nordstrom and even buy 1 thing from one of the makeup brands they will pretty much do your makeup for the evening. My savior was called Brittany who works for  Lancôme (however I did then spend a ludicrous amount of money!)

Still managed to have a fabulous weekend thanks to the gorgeous Carrie (not Bradshaw). We spent Friday evening with friends at the Cedar Hotel - the patio there is great and lots of cute guys!

Then Saturday sat all day on the terrace of the Palomar and had a great night out (bit of a bar crawl)

1.  Sushi Wabi
2. Emerald Loop - corner of Wabash and Wacker (not so amazing - bit quiet!)
3. Rockit (always a favourite)
4. Benchmark (by this time anything would have been amazing - nice place though!)
5. Maccy D's (you gotta do it!)

So all in all a pretty good week! all that's left to do is send my receipts to Air Canada to get them to pay up!