With Halloween fast approaching, it's time to put the finishing touches on your costume. We believe that looking around our city may bring a fantastic amount of inspiration, whether you're just not inspired or haven't had time to pick something up yet. With that in mind, check out these Chicago-themed costume ideas for Halloween and express your Chicago love.

1. Ditka, Coach

This is a classic, but it's so simple to pull off and is so Chicago. All you need for the Coach Ditka outfit are the famous Bears sweater vest, aviators, a mustache, and a shirt and tie. If you don't already have a Bears sweater or sweater vest in your wardrobe, Amazon has you covered.

2. Retro Bulls Addict

You could utilize the mustache and aviators to match with your old Bulls apparel, similar to the Ditka costume. With the Bears' current season, we'd understand if you wanted to represent the Bulls rather than the Bears. Just make sure your Chicago accent is flawless!

3. Dangerous Business

This one is really straightforward to do. All you need is a white button-down shirt and some very short shorts that are concealed by the shirt's length. Pair with white socks and black sunglasses to complete the outfit.

Four. Mean Girls

Another timeless option, you can't go wrong with a Regina George costume for Halloween. With all of the fantastic characters and the many clothing they wear during the film, you have a lot of options here, but we're going with traditional Regina. You'll need her "A Little Bit Dramatic" tank, which is available here. Wear a pink cardigan over the tank and either a pleather black mini skirt or a pleated pink mini skirt to complete the outfit; she is pictured wearing both.

The Blues Brothers (5th)

This is another iconic Chicago style that is really easy to achieve. You just need a black suit, a black tie, a black hat, and black sunglasses. This Halloween, represent Chicago in style.

President Barack Obama

You can't go wrong going up as our president for Halloween, since he is without a doubt one of Chicago's favorite sons. All you need is your best suit and, of course, an Obama mask, which can be found at almost any costume shop. If you can't find one for whatever reason, we've got you covered.

7. The Flapper Girl

If you want to travel even further back in time than the Coach Ditka appearance, the antique 1920's Chicago flapper girl costume is ideal. Styleably represent Chicago and the Roaring Twenties. You're likely to find something you like among the many flapper girl costumes available at Party City.

Chance The Rapper 8th

Rep Chance this Halloween to ensure you get on that super light beam, since he is another of Chicago's beloved sons. Chance has a variety of styles, but you can put together a nice Chance costume with some overalls and a classic White Sox cap.

9. Any Chicago Sports Figure

Some could call it a sham, but we think it's just a great basic costume. Put on one of your favorite Chicago sports jerseys and pretend to be your favorite Chicago athlete. The possibilities are unlimited. You might be Patrick Kane or Kris Bryant. Please, though, leave the old Derrick Rose jersey at home.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Who doesn't adore Ferris Bueller, a famous Chicago film? This Halloween, channel your inner Ferris with his entire movie costume. Look at the outfit here.

Ferris wouldn't be having nearly as much fun if it weren't for his girl Sloane Peterson. Don't go to Halloween without your daughter; luckily, a full Sloane costume is also available. Check it out right here.

11. CTA Track Employee

The fantastic CTA. Nothing has a stronger love/hate connection with the people of Chicago than the CTA. Dress in blue and wear one of those awesome neon construction vests for Halloween, and you could well find up getting to lead a railway car yourself! The CTA is probably OK with that; they even have a kid's track worker outfit.

Harry Caray (12th)

This Halloween, you can't go wrong with the Harry Caray look. All you need are some thick-framed black spectacles, white hair, suspenders, and a love of Cubs baseball.

The post Try These 12 Amazing Chicago Costume Ideas for Halloween appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

Work-life balance means something different to every individual, but here health and career experts share tips to help you find the balance that’s right for you.

1. Let go of perfectionism

A lot of overachievers develop perfectionist tendencies at a young age when demands on their time are limited to school, hobbies and maybe an after-school job. It’s easier to maintain that perfectionist habit as a kid, but as you grow up, life gets more complicated. As you climb the ladder at work and as your family grows, your responsibilities mushroom. Perfectionism becomes out of reach, and if that habit is left unchecked, it can become destructive, says executive coach Marilyn Puder-York, PhD, who wrote The Office Survival Guide.

The key to avoid burning out is to let go of perfectionism, says Puder-York. “As life gets more expanded it’s very hard, both neurologically and psychologically, to keep that habit of perfection going,” she says, adding that the healthier option is to strive not for perfection, but for excellence.

2. Unplug

From telecommuting to programs that make work easier, technology has helped our lives in many ways. But it has also created expectations of constant accessibility. The work day never seems to end. “There are times when you should just shut your phone off and enjoy the moment,” says Robert Brooks, a professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and co-author of The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence and Personal Strength in Your Life. Brooks says that phone notifications interrupt your off time and inject an undercurrent of stress in your system. So don’t text at your kid’s soccer game and don’t send work emails while you’re hanging out with family, Brooks advises. Make quality time true quality time. By not reacting to the updates from work, you will developing a stronger habit of resilience. “Resilient people feel a greater sense of control over their lives,” says Brooks, while reactive people have less control and are more prone to stress.

3. Exercise and meditate

Even when we’re busy, we make time for the crucial things in life. We eat. We go to the bathroom. We sleep. And yet one of our most crucial needs – exercise – is often the first thing to go when our calendars fill up. Exercise is an effective stress reducer. It pumps feel-good endorphins through your body. It helps lift your mood and can even serve a one-two punch by also putting you in a meditative state, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Puder-York recommends dedicating a few chunks of time each week to self-care, whether it’s exercise, yoga or meditation. And if you’re really pressed for time, start small with deep breathing exercises during your commute, a quick five minute meditation session morning and night, or replacing drinking alcohol with a healthier form of stress reduction.

“When I talk about balance, not everything has to be the completion and achievement of a task, it also has to include self-care so that your body, mind and soul are being refreshed,” says Puder-York.

These exercises require minor effort but offer major payoffs. Psychotherapist Bryan Robinson, who is also professor emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and author of the book Chained to the Desk, explains that our autonomic nervous system includes two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (our body’s stress response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (our body’s rest and digest response). “The key is to find something that you can build into your life that will activate your parasympathetic nervous system,” says Robinson. Short, meditative exercises like deep breathing or grounding your senses in your present surroundings, are great places to start. The more you do these, the more you activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which “calms everything down, (and) not just in the moment,” says Robinson. “Over time you start to notice that in your life, your parasympathetic nervous system will start to trump your sympathetic nervous system.”

4. Limit time-wasting activities and people

First, identify what’s most important in your life. This list will differ for everyone, so make sure it truly reflects your priorities, not someone else’s. Next, draw firm boundaries so you can devote quality time to these high-priority people and activities.

From there, it will be easier to determine what needs to be trimmed from the schedule. If email or internet surfing sends you into a time-wasting spiral, establish rules to keep you on task. That may mean turning off email notifications and replying in batches during limited times each day. If you’re mindlessly surfing Facebook or cat blogs when you should be getting work done, try using productivity software like Freedom, LeechBlock or RescueTime. And if you find your time being gobbled up by less constructive people, find ways to diplomatically limit these interactions. Cornered every morning by the office chatterbox? Politely excuse yourself. Drinks with the work gang the night before a busy, important day? Bow out and get a good night sleep. Focus on the people and activities that reward you the most.

To some, this may seem selfish. “But it isn’t selfish,” says Robinson. “It’s that whole airplane metaphor. If you have a child, you put the oxygen mask on yourself first, not on the child.” When it comes to being a good friend, spouse, parent or worker, “the better you are yourself, the better you are going to be in all those areas as well.”

5. Change the structure of your life

Sometimes we fall into a rut and assume our habits are set in stone. Take a birds-eye view of your life and ask yourself: What changes could make life easier? 

Puder-York remembers meeting with a senior executive woman who, for 20 years of her marriage, arranged dinner for her husband every night. But as the higher earner with the more demanding job, the trips to the grocery store and daily meal preparations were adding too much stress to her life. “My response to her was, "Maybe it's time to change the habit,'” recalls Puder-York. The executive worried her husband might be upset, but Puder-York insisted that, if she wanted to reduce stress, this structural change could accomplish just that.

So instead of trying to do it all, focus on activities you specialize in and value most. Delegate or outsource everything else. Delegating can be a win-win situation, says Stewart Freidman, a management professor at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School and author of Leading the Life You Want: Skills for Integrating Work and Life. Freidman recommends talking to the “key stakeholders” in different areas of your life, which could include employees or colleagues at work, a spouse or a partner in a community project. “Find out what you can do to let go in ways that benefit other people by giving them opportunities to grow,” he says. This will give them a chance to learn something new and free you up so you may devote attention to your higher priorities.

6. Start small. Build from there.

We’ve all been there: crash diets that fizzle out, New Year’s resolutions we forget by February. It’s the same with work-life balance when we take on too much too quickly, says Brooks. Many of his workaholic clients commit to drastic changes: cutting their hours from 80 hours a week to 40, bumping up their daily run from zero miles a day to five miles a day. It’s a recipe for failure, says Brooks. When one client, who was always absent from his family dinners, vowed to begin attending the meals nightly, Brooks urged him to start smaller. So he began with one evening a week. Eventually, he worked his way up to two to three dinners per week.

“If you’re trying to change a certain script in your life, start small and experience some success. Build from there,” says Brooks.

The post Finding Balance Between Work and Life Isn’t Always Easy appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

A lot of sports bars ideal for watching a game do have good food though, it’s just a question of posting up at the right spot. Whether you’re a hometown supporter or find yourself displaced in a world full of annoying Blackhawks fans, here are some excellent places to catch both a game and a bite to eat.

Benchmark

If you went to a Big 10 school and like to wear puffy vests in the fall, then you don’t need us to tell you Benchmark is a great place to catch a game. Combine a retractable roof with good bar food and you can sit here eating and drinking all day without feeling trapped inside. Make sure a side of tots is involved and consider a cookie skillet for dessert.

Old Town Pour House

Everything we said about Benchmark also applies to Old Town Pour House across the street. High ceilings allow for a couple of huge TVs, and the slightly upscale nature of the bar means quality food as well. Any of the sandwiches or burgers are a good way to go, and pair them with one of the seemingly endless amounts of beers Pour House has on tap.

Parlor Pizza

Parlor is a throwback to college life and a peak Miller Lite game. You need to do some due diligence if you want a table, but the extra effort is worth it. A lot of pizza and the craziest bread is the move.

Happy Camper

Happy Camper is a great spot to post up with a group and eat things covered in cheese, the highlight of which will be pizza. If you have friends who aren’t as interested in the game as you even they can get behind the beer, flannel, and food.

Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap

You won’t find a crazy rowdy crowd at Melnick’s, but you will find crazy good wings. If you’re looking for a more low-key post-up session, Melnick’s is your spot. You want infinity firecracker wings, a few hot wings, and nachos to ensure a balanced diet. Science says nachos are part of any balanced diet.

Cortland’s Garage

Cortland’s follows the simple yet effective sports bar formula: lots of TVs + communal seating + great burgers + cheap beer + diverse good beer = perfection. Go on Mondays when Miller Lite pitchers are $10 or Saturdays for a $5 Bloody Mary bar.

Ranalli’s

Since Ranalli’s was revamped a couple of years ago it’s become an excellent environment to watch a game. The patio is ideal in the summer, but the influx of TVs, quality pizzas, and other bar food will always treat you well. The convenient Lincoln Park location on Lincoln Ave. is also a strong bargaining chip if you have friends that live all over the city.

WestEnd

Generally speaking, we are fans of the bars in town run by the Four Corners crew, which includes WestEnd and also Benchmark & Ranalli’s on this list. They do a good job of cultivating a good sports watching experience while also serving good food and beer. WestEnd in the West Loop is a great example of a sports bar done right, and its location near the UC helps add to that fact.

Links Taproom

When you don’t care about “the game” but need “the game” as a reason to drink fancy beers and eat sausages before 5:00 pm on a Saturday without feeling like a degenerate, stop by Links. The majority of the TVs are digital menus of the 40 or so taps (including 2 rotating nitros), so if you’re the one diehard who truly cares, sidle up to the front bar and snag an order of the Buried Alive fries.

Piece Brewery and Pizzeria

Alright, so Piece isn’t exactly a “sports bar” per se. But there are enough TVs in the bar area and the pizza is delicious. If you’re looking to catch a casual game, settle in at the bar with a New Haven-style pizza, which is a good companion to have for any game.

Glascott’s Groggery

If you don’t know that you can order Athenian Room food at Glascott’s then we have failed you in life. So this is a friendly reminder that cold beer and a piping hot Athenian chicken kalamata await you at the Glascott’s bar where you can post up and watch any game.

State

University of Wisconsin fans should already know this, but State in Lincoln Park has good food and more tvs than any other establishment in the world. It’s a fact because we did the research. The amount of TVs here is mesmerizing.

The post Where to Eat and Watch Football Near Atrio Apartments in Chicago appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

Finally, fall has here! Are you ready to decorate your home with the beauty of the season? Use some of the décor suggestions below when it's time to pack it all away.

Establish a focus.

You could be anxious to fill your home with as many items with an autumnal theme as you can if you appreciate the change of the seasons and can't wait to exhibit your pumpkin décor. Before going crazy with the decor, pick one (or two, okay) main focal points to prevent overloading your guests.

Your focal point may be placed anywhere you and your people spend the most time together, such the coffee table, kitchen island, fireplace mantel, or dining room table. You need to be able to enjoy it!

Place more compact layouts in the other spaces of your home when that is finished. Accent pieces like miniature pumpkins, candles with a fall theme, fake fruit and greenery, and other such things are lovely.

Choose local art

If you want to add a heartfelt and attractive touch to your Christmas décor, why not frame the work of a local artist? It will make your home seem like a part of the neighborhood, and we guarantee you'll grin every time you see it. With each new season, you can build quite the collection, and taking it out of storage will definitely bring back some pleasant memories.

Dollar stores, please

You don't need to spend a lot of money at pricey department stores if you're decorating on a tight budget. You may discover some high-quality items in the dollar sections of many stores, or you can check out the dollar shop in your neighborhood to see what special Christmas discounts they are providing. You'd be surprised at how many great items are available at much reduced prices, and there are typically a few unique finds included, too.

How do your patio and front porch look?

Since the first thing visitors notice when they arrive at your home is your front porch, this is an excellent chance for you to demonstrate your decorating skills. A cheerful wreath, a few pumpkins, and a floor mat with a fall theme may transform the room completely! Some people go so far as to spend more money on scarecrows, lovely signage, or glowing orange lights.

What are your fall decorating tips? Tell us in the comments!

The post Fall Decorating: Tips and Tricks for Your Autumn Home appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

Thanks to the hundreds of miles of new bike lanes that have been created in the previous 10 years and the city's thankfully flat geography, Chicago has been routinely ranked as one of the country's most bike-friendly cities.

This guide will get you started riding in Chicago, regardless of whether the warming weather has motivated you to forgo other modes of transportation (or you're interested in how those winter warriors manage it). We presume you are familiar with the fundamentals, but if you want a refresher on the legislation or basic safety, the city's website has information on both.
There are several ways to cycle in the city, including fearlessly commuting all year long, using the occasional Divvy when the bus is running late, and cycling lazily to the park. So don't worry! We'll show you how to use Divvy effectively, identify the greatest bike streets in Chicago, and become familiar with the city's bike culture. Let's start moving.

Why independent bike shops are the best

If you want to own a bike, the first step is to purchase one. Yes, it is feasible to find a discount online or at a big-box retailer, but your local bike shop will offer you so much more. Through seminars, lectures, and other educational initiatives, bike businesses like the Recyclery in Rogers Park and Blackstone Bicycle Works in Woodlawn teach eager riders how to repair their own bicycles.
The two locally owned businesses are anchored in the area and offer high-quality bikes at affordable prices. These stores provide reconditioned bikes, upcycled bikes, and used components to make riding more accessible to locals.

Stay safe

The good news is that riding around Chicago is not too stressful. But there are several locations to be cautious about, just as with any type of city bicycling. Bike lanes, particularly those that are next to parking spaces, are one of the most frequently frustrating situations. The risk of obstructed lanes or, worse still, dooring—when a car or passenger opens their door into an approaching biker—rises for riders.

By making it simpler to report lane blockages, groups like Bike Lane Uprising are working to call out drivers and shield them from further injury. Despite how frequently automobiles and trucks stop or idle in a bike lane, it's against the law, and violators face a $150 fine.
If the situation is very dire, call 311 to report any construction or automobiles that are obstructing bike lanes. A request for increased bike lanes, the disposal of abandoned bikes, or more bike racks at a place can also be made using the web portal.

The Chicago Reader's Mellow Bike Map, which offers bikers some of the most attractive routes across the city, is a reliable resource for a calm ride. The routes are intended to show riders streets that may not be highlighted on the city's official bike map, those quiet residential areas that aren't officially designated as bike lanes but in practice offer some of the most laid-back riding available, according to John Greenfield, who assisted in developing the map.

Using your bike and the CTA

Once you feel at ease in your local neighborhood, you might want to go out to discover other fantastic riding spots in Chicago. You might choose to use the CTA or the Metra to go to the Lakefront Trail or the 606 because there isn't a pleasant cycling path there.
Before having to cancel your plans, make sure you are aware of the limitations when it comes to riding your bike on public transportation.

• Bicycles are not permitted on L trains during peak hours, which are from 7 to 9 a.m. and later from 4 to 6 p.m.
  There are no prohibitions or time limitations on buses, plus they feature front and rear external bike mounts! It is simple to hop on your bike and not worry about obstructing anyone else.
  Bicycles are prohibited by Metra on trains departing from downtown from 3:30 to 7 p.m. and on trains traveling downtown from 5 to 9 a.m.

Divvy for renting bikes

The city's transportation is now greatly dependent on the Divvy Bike service. Since its launch in 2013, the system has expanded significantly, and there are plans to expand Divvy to every neighborhood in the city and quadruple its size by adding roughly 10,000 more e-bikes.

Here are several ways you may use the bike-share program to your advantage, depending on how you go about it. The first option is the $3 one-time, 30-minute riding pass. It is the ideal length for a fast leisure trip and was intended to assist commuters in getting home from the final L or bus station.

There is also a $15 24-hour pass, which is excellent for visitors or tourists who want to see the city. If you commute, Divvy's yearly membership costs around $99, and the Divvy for Everyone program provides low-income residents with subsidized membership rates.
So what is the drawback? The bulky, hefty Divvy bikes might not appeal to you if you're a committed rider seeking to invest in your own gear. However, the service is reasonably priced, and there are no issues with storing or locking. In the end, everything depends on your riding preferences.

Take up winter biking

Choosing to ride in the winter is one of the greatest decisions each ambitious cyclist must make. Inclement weather calls for extra caution, but a little chill shouldn't keep you off your bike. Here are some suggestions if you want to make year-round biking a habit out of your seasonal bicycling.

• Think about the state of the roads. Road quality is the main source of winter bike safety concerns. Black ice may surprise even the best-prepared cyclist, and clearing snow from certain spots can take weeks. Consider the most current weather and the most recent snowfall before you go. It might be advisable to forego the trip because the majority of neighborhood streets and bike lanes won't likely get plowed. Unfortunate design flaw: protected bike lanes are also not plowed. Stay on major highways if you do venture outside.

• You should allow more time. Your body just won't move as rapidly in the winter, even if the roads are clean. Be prepared to go much more slowly, especially during strong winds.

• Think about your equipment and larger tires. Road bike tubes are typically small, reducing road contact to increase speed. Consider using bigger tubes in the winter to improve traction and assure safety. This guide goes into further depth about this procedure and lists additional useful winter equipment, such as mudguards, and functional pumps, as essential winter necessities.

• Dress in layers! No matter how chilly it is, riding is a vigorous kind of exercise, which results in perspiration. This can be mitigated by stacking carefully. Consider wearing three layers of clothing: a base layer of breathable workout clothing, a second layer of insulation dependent on the day's temperatures, and an outer layer that is wind and water resistant. Another thing to consider is that bicyclists are also susceptible to overheating, so avoid dressing in too many layers.

The post A Beginner Guide to Biking and Cycling in Chicago appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

The Chicago summer would not be the same without Lollapalooza. The annual music festival is one of the biggest in the world, with thousands of fans coming from all over to see it. This year is no different!

We also want to highlight the fact that West Fest is happening this weekend just down the street!

LOLLAPALOOZA

July 28–31, 2022, will see Lollapalooza 2022 Chicago at Hutchinson Field Grant Park. 

Every Lolla lineup causes hands to wave, heads to nod, and crowds to yell. There are 9 stages, and more than 170 bands from all over the world.

Metallica, Dua Lipa, J. Cole, Green Day, Doja Cat, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Baby, Kygo, and MORE are on the 2022 list! Purchase tickets and 4-Day Passes right away! Upgrades might be accessible (VIP, Platinum, General Admission Plus). For information on premium ticket options and availability, visit the ticket link.

Click HERE for Tickets!

WEST FEST 2022

Friday, July 8th

5-10pm

Saturday & Sunday, July 9th & 10th

12pm-10pm

Chicago Ave. between Wood & Damen

1800-2000 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago IL 60622)

$10 Optional Donation

#WestFestChicago @WestFestChicago

The West Town Chamber of Commerce hosts West Fest Chicago, an annual street celebration, on Chicago Avenue between Damen Avenue and Wood Street in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. Since its inception in 2004, West Fest Chicago has developed into one of Chicago's most well-known and well-attended street events. 2020 saw West Fest Chicago go virtual with the hashtag #WestFestChicagoAtHome due to COVID.

What makes West Fest Chicago so unique? The festival is locally organized and administered by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, with a focus on local performers and products. West Fest Chicago includes neighborhood stores and restaurants as vendors in addition to regional artisans and producers of exquisite goods. The event also has Kid Fest, which offers family-friendly activities and live entertainment, Pet Fest, which features charitable dog-related activities, and more.

In addition to featuring cutting-edge live music curated by Empty Bottle Presents and the ever-popular West Fest Chicago House DJ stage, West Fest Chicago is a reflection of the diverse West Town neighborhood.

Attending West Fest Chicago is $10 suggested donation. The West Town Chamber of Commerce, a local 501 C6, receives the proceeds and uses them to support the small companies in West Town Chicago with beneficial activities and services.

The post Local New West Fest and Chicago’s Biggest Music Festival Return for 2022: Get Tickets to Lollapalooza appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

Two Ways to View the Navy Pier Fourth of July Fireworks Display in Downtown Chicago: Lakeside Lights

Chicago the Beautiful

At Navy Pier, the metropolitan skyline sparkles over Lake Michigan as water lapping against the coast. As children play and giggle, the fountains burst into life as the Chicago sun sets behind you.
As the Cubs gain the lead, Wrigley Field is filled with the sound of the bat, and then…
Over Willis Tower, the sky erupts, illuminating the already starry night with hues of red, white, and blue.

Wow, you say to yourself as the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel rotates and a refreshing breeze caresses your face. You are surrounded by a beautiful aura of light as colors brilliantly reflect off the water in a stunning display. People are smiling in awe and looking up at the sky with strong energy.
It's time for one of the most lovely American holidays and celebrations!

Fireworks on July Fourth!

With the best fireworks shows close to downtown Chicago, Catalyst Chicago wants to make sure your Fourth of July is unforgettable.

Below are links to numerous fantastic shows. Be sure to reserve your boat tour on the Summer of George lakefront cruise before space runs out.

1. Navy Pier Fireworks – the most wonderful show!

Navy Pier kicks off Independence Day weekend with the specatacular Hilton Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 2.

To secure a prime viewing location along the Pier, visitors are advised to get there early. By way of Hilton's generosity, guests will receive "diffraction glasses," which will give the fireworks display a thrilling new level of visual intrigue (while supplies last).
One of the numerous free outdoor events honoring the Fourth of July weekend is Hilton Fireworks at Navy Pier, which is accompanied by holiday-themed music.
Reminder: There won't be any fireworks on July 4th, Monday.

2. Chicago River and Navy Pier Boat Cruise

On your trip to the lake, join as people cruise along the Chicago River while enjoying beautiful views of the city's cityscape. Once on the water, you may see the spectacular fireworks display from Navy Pier, the best of 2022, with unrestricted views.

Don't panic if Navy Pier doesn't have fireworks. We're going to see fireworks somewhere else! It'll be a fireworks and alcohol cruise!

Free gifts include a personal American flag.

Check out the Chicago Tribune's post on where to find more Fourth of July performances and activities in the Chicago area for a comprehensive list. see fireworks here.

If you have any inquiries or know of any other local shows, please leave a remark for us!

The post ​​​​​​​Two Ways to View the Navy Pier Fourth of July Fireworks Display in Downtown Chicago: Lakeside Lights appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

We’ve all experienced the woes of time management at work. You wake up hopeful and optimistic—not only will you meet all your deadlines, but you’ll hit the gym and make a healthy home-cooked meal, too. 

Then life happens. You leave late, you hit traffic, and you arrive at your desk already frustrated with the world. Sitting down to finally knock out that project you’ve been procrastinating for weeks, you realize you’ve got back-to-back meetings until noon—and yes, you’re already late for the first one. You finally walk out of the last meeting, and you start wading through emails when you get pulled into a meeting with the VP. He has a last-minute request for you. “It should only take an hour,” he says. Try three. 

The good news is that there are ways to reclaim those seemingly elusive lost hours of the day. It’s all about personal time management—manage your time instead of letting it manage you. We’ve got ten time management tips for work to get you started

1. Figure out how you’re currently spending your time.

If you’re going to optimize your personal time management, you first need to figure out where the time is going. Try diligently logging your time for a week by tracking your daily activities. This audit will help you: 

• Determine how much you can feasibly accomplish in a day.

• Identify timesucks.

• Focus on activities that provide the greatest returns. 

As you conduct this time audit, it will become pretty clear how much of your time is spent on unproductive thoughts, conversations, and activities.

You’ll gain a more accurate sense for how long certain types of tasks take you (which will be very helpful for executing on a later tip). This exercise can also help you determine the time of day when you are most productive—that way, you know when to work on your projects requiring the most focus and creativity.

2. Create a daily schedule—and stick with it.

Daily Schedule (Click on image to modify online)

This step is absolutely crucial for learning how to manage time at work. Don’t even attempt starting your day without an organized to-do list. Before you leave work for the day, create a list of the most pressing tasks for the next day. This step allows you to get going as soon as you get to the office.

Putting everything on paper will prevent you from lying awake at night tossing and turning over the tasks running through your brain. Instead, your subconscious goes to work on your plans while you are asleep, which means you can wake up in the morning with new insights for the workday.

If you can’t do it the day before, make sure you write out your list first thing in the morning. You’ll find that the time you spend creating a clear plan is nothing compared to the time you’ll lose jumping between tasks when you lack such a plan.  

Learn how to create a time management schedule that works for you.

Learn more

3. Prioritize wisely.

As you organize your to-do list, prioritization is key for successful time management at work. Start by eliminating tasks that you shouldn’t be performing in the first place. Then identify the three or four most important tasks and do those first—that way, you make sure you finish the essentials.

Evaluate your to-do list and make sure you organized it based on the importance of a task rather than its urgency. Important responsibilities support the achievement of your goals, whereas urgent responsibilities require immediate attention and are associated with the achievement of someone else’s goals. We tend to let the urgent dominate when we should really focus on activities that support our business goals.

To avoid this pitfall, use one of the time management tips for work found in Stephen Covey’s book First Things First. He offers the following time management matrix, known as the Eisenhower matrix, as an organizational tool for prioritizing tasks based on these ideas of importance and urgency.

4. Group similar tasks together.

Save yourself time and mental energy by trying to complete all of one type of to-do before moving on to the next. For example, create separate chunks of time for answering emails, making phone calls, filing, etc. Don’t answer emails and messages as they come in, as doing so is distraction at its finest. Turn off your phone and email notifications to completely eliminate the temptation to check at an unappointed time.

5. Avoid the urge to multitask.

This is one of the simplest time management tips for work, yet it can be one of the hardest to follow. Focus on the task at hand and block out all distractions. It can be tempting to multitask, but you’re just shooting yourself in the foot when you attempt to do so. You lose time and decrease productivity when switching from one task to another.

Similarly, don’t get overwhelmed by a to-do list stretching a mile long. Stressing over it will not make it shorter, so breathe in, breathe out, and take it one task at a time.

6. Assign time limits to tasks.

Part of creating your schedule should involve setting time limits on tasks instead of just working until they’re done. To-do lists are great and wonderful, but sometimes you might feel like you never check anything off.

If you’re looking to set a steady pace to your workflow, the Pomodoro Technique can help you check off your to-do list in 25-minute chunks, taking short breaks between each stint and a longer break after completing four. This technique balances a narrow focus with frequent breaks, reducing mental strain and maintaining motivation. 

If you’d rather set your own pace, timeboxing allows you to block out varied amounts of time. Use your time log (step #1) to get an estimate for how long an activity will take you. Once you’ve spent the designated amount of time on that task, move on to the next important activity. You’ll find your productivity skyrocketing and your to-do list shrinking when you have these parameters in place.

Timeboxing Example (Click on image to modify online)

7. Build in buffers.

One of the more enjoyable time management tips for work: Make breaks a part of your schedule. When you finish a task, give yourself time to breathe. Take mini breaks to recharge, whether that be a short walk, a game of ping pong, some meditation, etc.

8. Learn to say no.

You’ll never learn how to manage time at work if you don’t learn how to say no. Only you truly know what you have time for, so if you need to decline a request in order to focus on more important tasks, don’t hesitate to do so. And if you take on a project that is obviously going nowhere, don’t be afraid to let it go.

Rather than doing a lot of tasks that yield little or no value, complete fewer tasks that create more value. Remember the 80/20 rule—80% of your output comes from 20% of your inputs. Focus your efforts accordingly.

If you can’t say no, delegate it. While delegating can be a hard skill to learn, it can work wonders for your personal time management. You’ve put together a talented team, so determine the tasks you can pass on.

9. Get organized.

For effective time management, this tip needs to actually go on your to-do list. If you have piles of papers scattered all over your desk, finding the one you actually need will be like finding a needle in a haystack. There are few things as frustrating as wasting valuable time looking for misplaced items. Not to mention how hard clutter can make it to focus.

Little things make a big difference. Create a filing system for documents. Unsubscribe to emails you no longer need. Just think—you only have to do it once, but you get the benefits forever.

10. Eliminate distractions.

Social media, web browsing, co-workers, text messages, instant messaging—the distractions at work can be limitless. A key to personal time management is being proactive about getting rid of them. Shut your door to limit interruptions. Close all tabs except the ones you are currently working on. Turn off messaging notifications and leave your personal phone calls for lunch.

Take baby steps. Identify your top two distractions and focus on conquering those for two weeks. And remember that getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and eating healthily can all help you stay focused during the workday—especially when that afternoon slump hits.

There you have it—ten tips for time management at work that can take your productivity to a whole new level. You’ll be hitting the gym and cooking like Martha Stewart in no time. 

The post 10 Tips to Becoming Better at Time Management appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

There are multiple roasteries in Chicago that diligently acquire beans to create the right mix, as well as serious coffee houses that provide drips and espresso that put cheap diner fare to shame. At these 10 key shops, both roasters and baristas may show off their drink-making skills.

Metropolis Coffee, Standing Passengers, Blue Bottle Coffee, Mojo Coffee, South Shore Brew, and Afro Joe's Coffee and Tea have all been included for the fall 2021 update. Due to Chicago's top-notch baristas and robust, nuanced brews, narrowing down this list was exceptionally difficult.

1. Mojo Coffee

200 S Wacker Dr

Chicago, IL 60606

(312) 631-3881

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This New Zealand import has three open locations in Chicago (a fourth is still closed for the pandemic) and proves that there is more to coffee from the Southern Hemisphere than the flat white — although Mojo’s version is one of the city’s best. The food menu is also unusually sophisticated for a coffee shop, offering a selection of fancy toasts and omelettes for breakfast and lunch.

2. Cà Phê Dá

1/2, 1800 S Carpenter St

Chicago, IL 60608

(773) 999-1800

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You won’t be able to grab a weekday morning cup of coffee at this cafe attached to HaiSous — it’s only open in the evening and for weekend brunch — but if you go, you will have the advantage of enjoying chef Thai Dang’s chicken wings, fries, and waffles. The coffee is also “Dang Good,” brewed Vietnamese-style and served with a truly decadent cap of egg custard.

3. Cafe Jumping Bean

1439 W 18th St

Chicago, IL 60608

(312) 455-0019

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A Pilsen standard for more than two decades, Cafe Jumping Bean has become a community hub and now has a second location a few blocks west on Damen Avenue. In addition to coffee, including the house special “Screaming Bean,” the cafe serves a limited menu of sandwiches and salads.

4. Bridgeport Coffee Company

3101 S Morgan St

Chicago, IL 60608

(773) 247-9950

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This neighborhood cafe grinds out some of the city's best coffee using beans procured from across the world, which it sells by the pound. There’s a second location in the Hyde Park Art Center.

5. Back Of The Yards Coffehouse & Roastery

2059 W 47th St

Chicago, IL 60609

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Back of the Yards Coffee is a community icon in a neighborhood that often only finds itself in the media spotlight for the wrong reasons. The owners pledged to make their coffeehouse and roastery a welcoming place. Their motto reflects their efforts: "resilient and robust."

6. Plein Air Cafe & Eatery

5751 S Woodlawn Ave

Chicago, IL 60637

(773) 966-7531

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This European-style cafe on the University of Chicago campus features a full assortment of coffee drinks and pastries, plus breakfast, lunch, and wine. It's a collaboration between Kevin Heisner (Heisler Hospitality) and former Little Branch partner Soo Choi. The patio affords nice views of the Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House.

7. Build Coffee

2912, 6100 S Blackstone Ave

Chicago, IL 60637

(773) 627-5058

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Build Coffee serves as an informal community center in Woodlawn and a gathering place for the journalists and nonprofit workers whose offices are nearby. It serves java from HalfWit and pies from Justice of the Pies, and hosts performances, gallery shows, local group meetings, and other projects. And, if all this weren’t enough, it’s also a used bookstore.

8. Kusanya Cafe

825 W 69th St

Chicago, IL 60621

(773) 675-4758

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Kusanya Cafe opened when Phil Sipka came over from Robust Coffee Lounge to give Englewood a coffeeshop and alternative to fast food. He uses beans from Bridgeport Coffee and serves sandwiches and all-day breakfast. The coffeehouse also hosts community events, like open mic nights and yoga classes.

9. South Shore Brew

7101 S Yates Blvd

Chicago, IL 60649

(773) 437-3906

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Located across the street from the South Shore Cultural Center and just a few blocks from Lake Michigan, South Shore Brew is a bright, sunny space that serves up a solid menu of coffee drinks, including the surprisingly good coffee lemonade, as well as oatmeal and panini sandwiches.

10. Afro Joes Coffee & Tea

8344 S Halsted St

Chicago, IL 60620

(773) 234-1308

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Afro Joe’s opened up last year in Auburn Gresham and sells its own special coffee blends, named for important Black Chicagoans like Harold Washington and Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. There’s also a full cafe menu, a rotating assortment of seasonal sandwiches (including the popular short rib grilled cheese), and special pastries called Afro Puffs.

The post The Top Coffee Shops in Chicago for the Best Local Cup of Joe appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

Treat your mom to eggs benedict, pancakes and bottomless mimosas with the help of these special Mother's Day menus

Mother's Day this year is coming up on Sunday, May 8—have you made plans yet? If not, the best Mother's Day brunch deals are here to save the day. Stop by some of the top brunch spots in Chicago for special menus stacked with towering plates of French toast, pancakes and bottomless mimosas sure to make your mom's day. (And of course, it never hurts to tack on a bouquet from one of the best flower shops in Chicago.) Want to plan the best Mother's Day ever? Check out some of the most promising Mother's Day brunch options in Chicago this year.  

Where to have Mother's Day brunch

1. The Langham

Go all-out this Mother's Day at The Langham's flowers and brunch extravaganza, where guests can arrange their own bouquets and enjoy a customizable three-course menu, plus buffet stations of pastries, seafood and carved meats for grazing. A live acoustic duo provides music to set the mood, and kids can check out a card-coloring station to make something creative for Mom. $225 per person, $50 per child. Reservations available via Tock. 

2. etta

Feeling a little stumped in the gift department this year? Let the folks at Etta take care of things. Reserve a spot at the restaurant's River North or Bucktown locations for a three-course, family-style meal that boasts delicious brunch options (think blueberry coffee cake, soft scrambled eggs with fava beans and challah French toast) along with complimentary roses and rosé for your mom. $65 per person, $25 per child. Reservations available via SevenRooms.

3. The Bristol

If you've got picky kids coming to brunch, we bet they'll be satisfied by The Bristol's selection of hotcakes, sausage, buttered noodles and scrambled eggs for the little ones. Even more importantly, adults will dig special a la carte Mother's Day dishes with luxe touches, like deviled eggs and caviar or fromage omelet with watercress and truffle. Prices vary. Reservations available via OpenTable.

4. Soul & Smoke

Prefer to stick closer to home? Pick up a Mother's Day offering of three jerk grilled lamb chops from Soul & Smoke, which are served with a side of sweet-and-tangy pineapple salsa. The lamb chops alone are enough to feed a small family, but we won't fault you if you tack on a half-pound of the restaurant's succulent brisket or some cornbread muffins. $30.50. Order via Tock for pick-up May 7–8. 

5. Beatrix

Treat Mom to breakfast in bed with Beatrix's brunch to-go package, which includes scrambled eggs, melon and berries, brown sugar berries, maple chicken sausage and lobster and crab enchiladas with soft scrambled eggs and salsa verde. Round off your meal with an order of take-and-bake cinnamon rolls for a sweet treat. $43 per person. Order via Tock by May 7 for pick-up May 8. 

6. Prime & Provisions

Pick and choose from Prime & Provisions' buffet-style brunch, where you'll find options like eggs benedict, cinnamon French toast and made-to-order Belgian waffles, among other treats. If you want to go above and beyond, add on a $75 flower bouquet to complement breakfast options. Prices vary. Reservations available via OpenTable. 

The post The Best Mother’s Day Brunches in Chicago for an Amazing Meal with Mom appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.