Skip to main content
Find Your Rhythm
an aerial view of the city
Lifestyle and Culture Archives - Atrio Apartments Blog Just another Rent Cafe Blogs Sites site Mon, 17 Oct 2022 01:49:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 Finding Balance Between Work and Life Isn’t Always Easy https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/09/30/finding-balance-between-work-and-life-isnt-always-easy/ https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/09/30/finding-balance-between-work-and-life-isnt-always-easy/#respond Fri, 30 Sep 2022 13:36:00 +0000 https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/?p=57 These days, work-life balance can seem like an impossible feat. Technology makes workers accessible around the clock. Fears of job loss incentivize longer hours. In fact, a whopping 94% of working professionals reported working more than 50 hours per week and nearly half said they worked more than 65 hours per week in a Harvard…

Read More

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

]]>
These days, work-life balance can seem like an impossible feat. Technology makes workers accessible around the clock. Fears of job loss incentivize longer hours. In fact, a whopping 94% of working professionals reported working more than 50 hours per week and nearly half said they worked more than 65 hours per week in a Harvard Business School survey. Experts agree: the compounding stress from the never-ending workday is damaging. It can hurt relationships, health and overall happiness.

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.

]]>
https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/09/30/finding-balance-between-work-and-life-isnt-always-easy/feed/ 0 57
Fall Decorating: Tips and Tricks for Your Autumn Home https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/08/30/fall-decorating-tips-and-tricks-for-your-autumn-home/ https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/08/30/fall-decorating-tips-and-tricks-for-your-autumn-home/#respond Tue, 30 Aug 2022 12:38:00 +0000 https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/?p=99 Fun fall decorating suggestions 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…

Read More

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

]]>

Fun fall decorating suggestions

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.

]]>
https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/08/30/fall-decorating-tips-and-tricks-for-your-autumn-home/feed/ 0 99
A Beginner Guide to Biking and Cycling in Chicago https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/08/15/a-beginner-guide-to-biking-and-cycling-in-chicago/ https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/08/15/a-beginner-guide-to-biking-and-cycling-in-chicago/#respond Mon, 15 Aug 2022 12:34:00 +0000 https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/?p=96 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…

Read More

The post A Beginner Guide to Biking and Cycling in Chicago 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.

]]>
https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/08/15/a-beginner-guide-to-biking-and-cycling-in-chicago/feed/ 0 96
10 Tips to Becoming Better at Time Management https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/05/30/10-tips-to-becoming-better-at-time-management/ https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/05/30/10-tips-to-becoming-better-at-time-management/#respond Mon, 30 May 2022 12:49:00 +0000 https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/?p=86 10 tips for mastering time management at work 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…

Read More

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

]]>
10 tips for mastering time management at work

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.

]]>
https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/05/30/10-tips-to-becoming-better-at-time-management/feed/ 0 86
6 Unique Winter Date Ideas Around Chicago https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/02/04/6-unique-winter-date-ideas-around-chicago/ https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/02/04/6-unique-winter-date-ideas-around-chicago/#respond Fri, 04 Feb 2022 19:08:00 +0000 https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/?p=69 It doesn't matter if you're single or in a long-term relationship: coming up with an unusual date can be challenging. Sure, you could go out to eat, but it's occasionally great to do something that doesn't need you to sit across from each other at a table. That's why we've compiled a list of more…

Read More

The post 6 Unique Winter Date Ideas Around Chicago appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

]]>

It doesn't matter if you're single or in a long-term relationship: coming up with an unusual date can be challenging. Sure, you could go out to eat, but it's occasionally great to do something that doesn't need you to sit across from each other at a table. That's why we've compiled a list of more imaginative possibilities for you and your potential or current spouse (while keeping current safety constraints in mind). Explore Chicago sights, demonstrate your axe-throwing prowess, or visit the conservatory. Here are a few unusual date ideas in Chicago for your romantic inspiration.

6 Unique Date Ideas Around Chicago

1. Walk along the 16th Street Murals

The walls of an abandoned railroad embankment in Pilsen stretch from the Chicago River to Western Avenue, hosting a colorful and expanding outdoor gallery of murals by well-known and rising artists. As you walk down 16th Street, impress your date by pointing out some of your favorite artworks, whether they're vibrant compositions by renowned local artists like JC Rivera and Hebru Brantley or contributions from international street artists like ROA and Sheryo.

2. Hit the mark while axe throwing

Axe throwing, which is sort of like the Canadian lumberjack version of darts because it requires tossing an axe at a wooden target, has grown in popularity in recent years, but don't rule it out as a unique (though a little intense) date option. Bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to lighten the atmosphere while you see who has the better arm, and check the company's website for walk-in availability at one of two Chicago sites.

3. Get lost in Garfield Park Conservatory

Are you looking for a low-cost date idea? The Garfield Park Conservatory is free and open 365 days a year (but reservations are required and donations are appreciated). Once inside, you and your date can wander through rooms brimming with various plant types. Admire the colossal palm trees, pose for a snapshot in the Desert House, and examine the prehistoric ferns.

4. See Chicago Avenue's art galleries

Some of the city's best and most inventive galleries are located along Chicago Avenue between Ashland Avenue and Wood Street, making for a very manageable (and not to mention free) walking art tour. Begin your journey with Matthew Rachman Gallery, which features elegant mid-century furniture and modern art, before heading west. Along the route, you'll pass across galleries like DOCUMENT, Rhona Hoffman Gallery, Volume, and others. Keep in mind that many galleries require reservations in advance of your visit, so you'll probably need to prepare ahead.

5. Indie movies at the Music Box

You and your date might go watch the latest blockbuster at the multiplex, but at this beloved arthouse theater, you're more likely to find something a little more thought-provoking. Now that the Music Box has reopened to a restricted capacity, you can watch everything on the big screen, from foreign blockbusters to indie documentaries.

6. Have a beer by the river

You're not quite ready to have a drink with your date inside? It's not an issue. The terrace at Metropolitan Brewing in Avondale has been open all winter, selling German-style beers with a view of the Chicago River just outside the bar. Tables are first-come, first-served, although when the temperature is low, you won't have to wait long. If you are too cold, snuggle up next to your date rather than across from them!

The post 6 Unique Winter Date Ideas Around Chicago appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

]]>
https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/02/04/6-unique-winter-date-ideas-around-chicago/feed/ 0 69
5 Must-Visit Art Galleries for Art Lovers in Chicago https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/01/18/5-must-visit-art-galleries-for-art-lovers-in-chicago/ https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/01/18/5-must-visit-art-galleries-for-art-lovers-in-chicago/#respond Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:14:00 +0000 https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/?p=63   Chicago is an internationally recognized art and design city, with the art community virtually always humming with new exhibits and events. Chicago has some amazing museums that you should visit, including DePaul's Art Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the National Museum of Mexican Art. Several Chicago neighborhoods…

Read More

The post 5 Must-Visit Art Galleries for Art Lovers in Chicago appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

]]>
 

Chicago is an internationally recognized art and design city, with the art community virtually always humming with new exhibits and events. Chicago has some amazing museums that you should visit, including DePaul's Art Museum, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
Several Chicago neighborhoods have evolved into art districts throughout the years, with a plethora of art galleries ranging from lively, experimental studios to museum-like facilities.
If you are looking for something to do in Chicago, check them out!

 

Kavi Gupta Gallery

Kavi Gupta Gallery, founded in 2002 in Chicago's West Loop district, focuses on presenting exhibits of worldwide emerging and mid-career artists in all media. For its curatorially focused, project-based, and ambitious and inventive programming, the venue has earned significant popular and critical response.
Each year, the gallery exhibits more than a dozen museum-quality exhibitions in its two permanent gallery spaces, while its publishing label, Kavi Gupta Editions, produces high-quality artist books and catalogs. Among the artists represented by the gallery are Wadsworth Jarrell, Mary Sibande, and Mickalene Thomas.

Vertical Gallery

Vertical Gallery is the city's foremost urban-contemporary gallery, located in the Ukrainian Village area on Chicago's near west side. Since its inception in 2013, the space has earned a reputation for consistently showcasing notable emerging and established local, national, and international artists.
Their primary focus is on works influenced by street art, urban surroundings, graffiti, pop culture, graphic design, and illustration. Among the artists represented are Anthony Lister, Ben Frost, Blek le Rat, David de la Mano, and Herakut.

Corbett vs Dempsey

Corbett vs Dempsey, founded in 2004, is dedicated to both the historical and contemporary legacy of Chicago art, as well as the duty of showcasing prominent international artists throughout the Windy City.
Since its founding, the gallery has been involved in an extensive examination of the known and unknown in Chicago, bringing solo exhibits by artists such as Richard Artschwager, Albert Oehlen, Joyce Pensato, Terry Winters, and Christopher Wool, and continues to represent some of them.

 

Richard Gray

Richard Gray has been working in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood since 1963, promoting the development of historically significant artist careers and developing remarkable art collections.
The gallery represented a number of well-known artists, including Magdalena Abakanowicz, Bethany Collins, Jim Dine, Jean Dubuffet, David Hockney, Alex Katz, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, Jaume Plensa, and Evelyn Statsinger.

Stephen Daiter Gallery

Stephen Daiter Gallery is a good spot to go if you're interested in photography. It specializes in avant-garde, experimental, and documentary/photojournalism photography and offers fine and vintage examples of major classic American and European photography from the twentieth century.
The Chicago School of Design, the Bauhaus, the Photo League, and the André Kertész Estate are among the institutions they have chosen. Dawoud Bey, Elliott Erwitt, Susan Meiselas, Martin Parr, and Alex Webb are among the artists included.

The post 5 Must-Visit Art Galleries for Art Lovers in Chicago appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

]]>
https://www.liveatatrio.com/blog/2022/01/18/5-must-visit-art-galleries-for-art-lovers-in-chicago/feed/ 0 63