Special Guest
Eirene Heidelberger – Parenting Coach – GIT Mom – short for Get It Together, Mom!
Website: https://www.gitmom.com
Social: @GITMom

Colleen & Catie’s Picks for Summer in Chicago

Colleen
Accommodations: Radisson Blu in Chicago or any hotel with a rooftop
Restaurant: Benihana Chicago – Sushi and Japanese Steakhouse with a traditional teppanyaki experience
55th anniversary of Benihana which they’re celebrating with “55 Reasons to Indulge your Benihana Crave” which you can find at www.benihana.com
Great place to bring the family. A truly interactive dining experience.
Conveniently located on Michigan Ave.
The restaurant also features a sushi bar, cocktail lounge and outdoor patio
Here’s a tip: If you’re driving, you can pay for your parking online at benihana.com before your visit, which is convenient.
Rooftop Bar: Raised at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown
Summer Activities: Chicago Dogs
Located in Rosemont at Impact Field, just a short drive or El ride from the city.
Tickets are very reasonable, and they offer a variety of food packages and snacks
Right now they have a Friends & Family 4 Pack. $36 gets you 4 tickets, 4 hats, pizza
They also have fun events, like Bark at the Ballpark (next one is Sunday, Sept. 1)
Anti-Cruelty Society will be at those games to educate people on pet adoption.
Go to https://thechicagodogs.com for game schedules and to buy tickets (Tickets range from $9 – $25)
Summer Festivals:
Festivals are a great way to enjoy Chicago summers.
Lollapalooza is happening this weekend and the Chicago Jazz Festival is August 23-Sept. 2 at Millennium Park
How to get around:
If you’re going out to see the Chicago dogs, you can even take the Blue Line El train from the city to Rosemont.
Tips:
Be sure to stay hydrated and cool. Ice packs, neck fans and air conditioning! Museums are also a great place to stay cool in the summer.

Catie
Accommodations: The Ritz Carlton- Navy Pier suite
Restaurant: Pizzeria Portofino
Rooftop Bar: The Ritz Rooftop- Champagne Cart Thursdays and Sundays.
Summer Activities:
Chicago Cubs game
American Girl Store
Activities on the River (kayaking at night, boat rides)
Summer Event or Festival:
Chicago Gourmet Sep 27 – 29, 2019
Chicago Air and Water Show
Tips:
Take the EL to and from the airports. Get a three day CTA pass. If you do drive, download the ParkChicago App.
Make sure your bag is small enough if going to bigger events like Soldier field and Cubs game. You can’t Bring in sunscreen spray to the cubs game. Check out River North or West Loop.

“What’s” with the “Trip Sisters”

What’s in Your Suitcase?
Marika Workout Clothes – Available on Amazon
Marika features lightweight and seamless fabrics for ultimate support and comfort. Great for working out or adventuring around the city this summer. Shape enhancing leggings are crafted using patented technologies to flatten, slim and sculpt your figure.

What’s on your phone?
Uber Comfort – New version of Uber that Give Passengers More Control
Free on iOS and Android, with in-app purchases
Allows customers to request extra legroom, a specific car temperature, and other amenities right in the app. These features will mean your Uber Comfort ride might cost a little more than a regular Uber, but the luxurious may be worth it. Uber Comfort is now available in 40 markets around the nation including San Francisco, Los Angeles, D.C., and Chicago.

What’s the tip?
Best Free Things to do in Chicago this Summer
Chicago’s free beaches are a great way to spend the day in the sun
Lincoln Park Zoo – Great place to take the family
Garfield Park – A conservatory open rain or shine, with hundreds of different plants and flowers.
Morning Workouts on the Lawn – The Great Lawn at Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park. Free daily workout classes.
Chicago riverwalk – Great place to go for a stroll and take in the city
Rooftop bars – While you may have to buy a drink, these are great places to enjoy the city and great views with friends
Chicago SummerDance – Spirit of Music Garden, Grant Park – A 4,900-square-foot, open-air dance floor in Grant Park’s Spirit of Music Garden where professionals give one-hour dance lessons in styles like samba and tango, followed by two hours of live music and dancing. Complete schedule at www.chicago.gov
Free concerts and movies in Millennium Park – Check out www.choosechicago.com for the lineup