My Favorite Place: Wisconsin

              So here I am, sitting on my friend’s couch, watching Netflix and writing blog posts. I’m currently in a different state than I live in. And something hit me: I could write a blog post series on my favorite places and events! It doesn’t have to be a ‘pro and con’ thing, just a “I loved this, go check it out if you can” kind of post/series.

I decided to start with Wisconsin, United States.

I thought I’d start with a state as a whole because I feel like I go there a lot. I will be doing towns or cities too, to show the best parts of the place. But seeing as I’m in Wisconsin right now, I’m ready to tell you the wonderful things I’ve been to in this state! (P.s. these are in no particular order. I appreciate them all equally.)

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1) Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery and Market

Door County as a whole is a wonderful trip, especially in the summer. Door County is also famous for their cherries. And I LOVE cherries (and cherry flavored things). My favorite stop is Lautenbach’s, which sells everything cherry-esque including wine! I stopped there recently and bought sweet cherry wine, cherry syrup, chopped cherry jam, and a bottle of sweet cherry juice (I didn’t lie when I said I liked cherries...). They also have pie filling, cherry salsa, cherry mustard, maple syrup and raw honey. Not everything is cherry, too. Just take a look around and you’re 10000% sure to find something you like. They also have an amazing winery and have wine tastings! I’ll put the website below (in which you can buy things online too!) If you’re ever in Fish Creek, WI, this is a great stop. 

Location:

 9197 Hwy 42

Fish Creek, WI 54212

Website

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2) Summerfest

I try to go to Summerfest with friends as much as I can because it's the biggest concert series in Wisconsin. It happens at the end of June into July every year. There's a huge line up of big acts and tons upon tons of smaller acts to enjoy too. The Summerfest grounds is a big long strip where there are stages on either side of you when you walk down it. Summerfest is also known for their food and beer. Food from all around the world showcase here and there's so much alcohol choices that you won't be able to choose just one. Beer is VERY popular here and it gets kind of annoying with all the drunk people everywhere you step, but the music is worth it! I saw Kesha last year and it was a blast. It's definitely something I suggest in the summer, even if you go for one person! I could go on and on but I'll keep it simple: experience it at least once if you're in the area that time. 

Location:

200 N Harbor Dr

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Website
Facebook

(I would also sign up for their emails to get good updates on who's performing!)

3) Cedarburg Winery

I will do Cedarburg as a town in another post, but I wanted to include this on my favorite part of Wisconsin tour because I buy way too much wine here and so do my friends who visit. This winery is known in the Midwest and I'm always so shocked when people in Illinois know about this place. They have regular wines: white, red, spiced, rose, ect. But then they have seasonal wines. During the Christmas season, they have Christmas Blush (a semi sweet wine) and during the summer they have strawberry blush ( a sweet wine). You can also taste the wine before you buy it, but it costs $1 each sample. Definitely a great winery!

Location:
N70 W6340 Bridge Road
Cedarburg, Wisconsin 53012

Website

Facebook

4) Wine and Harvest Festival

Yes, I'm sorry, another Cedarburg reference. But this time it's an event! I've been going to this festival since I was young (my family always shortens it down to the Fall Festival). It takes place in September every year and thousands of people show up, so if you don't like crowds, this is not the place for you unfortunately. BUT they have so many booths of things people are selling, like jewelry and paintings and clothing. It's so eclectic that it's fun to just walk through. It's located on the main road of downtown Cedarburg and there's so much food there, that even the pickiest eaters will find something they like. They also have alcoholic drinks like handmade mule and wine along with the regulars like Mike's Hard Lemonade. It's such a fun time. You might have to walk a lot, especially with parking, because there is practically nowhere to park close. 

Here's where you can find more information on this year's festival:
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5) Wisconsin Dells

Now, I actually haven't been IN Wisconsin Dells since I was little, but I've been AROUND it while driving around it. But I wanted to put this because I have nothing but good memories (except that one time my brother had to get stitches in his foot because he opened a metal door and his foot got caught...). I love water and I love swimming in it. The Dells have so many water parks that you really have to pick one resort per day because it's just so much. They also have other activities to do outside of the water parks, but you'd have to google those because I've only been to the resorts. I truly believe this place is great for kids and adults alike. 

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(** Images from Google Images, Facebook, or the website**)

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Top 5 of February 2019

1) Brow Boss Gel by Colourpop. I hate to say this, I'm not a fan of Colourpop. I feel like it's cheap, it breaks a lot, and the eye shadow is awful at blending. Yet I keep buying it, hoping it the brand can change my mind...I ordered brow gel from them, kind of on a whim because it was inexpensive and again, I was hoping it would work. And it DID. I've had some other more pigmented gels than this one, but it gives a good color for the price of $6 and when I don't want to fully do my eyebrows, this works in a jiffy. 

Link to buy it: XX

2) Coffee shops. I have so many upcoming reviews on a lot I've been to recently, but the coffee shop vibe is always just...something I love. I'll even settle for Starbucks. I'm not really a coffee snob, so I don't know much about it, but I love lavender in my coffee and I like caramel. Give me either or and I'll be happy.

3) Lavender. It's been know, but I'm here to declare it: I LOVE ANYTHING LAVENDER! The smell, the taste, the way you can make so many things from it, and I especially love growing it. I tried going to some lavender shops in Wisconsin but they were all closed during the winter, so I never experienced something that I think I would buy everything out of. I'm always trying to look for things to make from my lavender and this summer I think I might make soap!

4) Conversations with the Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes. I hate to say that I've watched my share of serial killer documentaries and a lot of Ted Bundy. He's just...psychotic. Anyway, Netflix released a new documentary on Ted and it includes his tapes where he just talked and talked and lied and lied and then in a way, confessed to his murders. Even though I knew most of the things I was watching already, these episodes really went into it. It was intriguing and shocking. It wasn't scary like Facebook is saying, it just can be creepy in parts. It's definitely interesting and kept my friend on her toes while we watched it!

5) Cherry Jam. I went to Door County and they're known for their cherries, which I love. I bought chopped cherry jam for the first time, even though I'm not a huge jam fan. Holy cow was this jam good! I had it on multi grain toast and it was phenomenal. In all honesty, I would eat it plain...BUT I WON'T!

Where to buy the jam online:

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Review: Elgin B&C and The Green Read

Another review! This time, they include books!

Elgin Books & Coffee 

Elgin, Illinois is a place I go to a lot even though I don’t live there. Many of my friends live there, though. I used to work in Elgin, too. And I just learned it has cute coffee shops. WHO KNEW?! ( I probably SHOULD have known, to be honest...) So I decided to go to one by myself after my doctor’s appointment one day. I was a little cautious at first because I hate driving in any downtown and this place was smack dab in the middle of downtown. I (luckily) found one spot left in the free parking lot, hopped out of the car, and headed to search this place out. It had a small door that said “please leave backpacks and big bags at the counter” and I immediately thought that was weird. Until I walked in. 

              It was a used book lovers dream. It was also a claustrophobic's worst nightmare. The entrance was a VERY small and short hallway with bookcases on either side. Keep walking in and there’s a small counter in front, an opening on your left with some tables, and to your right was just a hallway with books. I spied the menu behind the tiny counter and order a caramel apple cider. I really have no idea HOW any coffee machine would fit, but it did. Here’s a list of the craziness that I discovered (in a good way). I didn’t do a pros and cons with it, I just wanted to bullet point my musings for this!

* The caramel apple cider is better than Starbucks. How is it so good? Don’t ask me, I just know that I wanted to drink 80 more of them. 

* I don’t remember the amount I paid but I believe it was around $3 for a large. I just know that I was happy with the price!

* I couldn’t tell if the woman behind the counter was an employee or an owner, but she gave me an owner vibe. Whichever she was, she was extremely friendly and I gave her a good tip for treating me so well. (She also liked my purse which means her fashion taste is GREAT!)

*They had so many sections and genres of books, that I couldn’t keep up. They had history books of all different races, sports books, psychology books, and even a vampire horror section. 

* They ship books from Amazon, too! I’ll put the link below!

* Their seating inside kind of feels like a cafeteria but I really like it for some reason. They have an outdoor seating space too, but it’s closed right now because it’s 4 degrees outside....

* I really wouldn’t go too deep into the store if you don’t like small or tight spaces. It gets to be a maze in the back of the shop and it’s not some people’s forte.

* It’s the only business from the owners and they’ve had it since 2005 so supporting them is helping support small businesses!

This article here really showcases Elgin Books and Coffee so take a read if you'd like: XX

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Location:
66 S. Grove Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120

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The Green Read 

I was trying out a coffee shop with a friend and it was placed in a downtown area of the town, which means there are little shops all around. My friend and I left the coffee house and wandered the streets in the frigid cold. We passed a book store called The Green Read and went right in.

At first, I didn't really know what to do. It was an open (yet a little small) space with tables in the middle and bookcases running all along the sides. I then realized it was a used bookstore, which I love. A wonderful woman (who didn't have a name tag so I didn't get her name!) came out and welcomed us. Here's my bullet point list of what I learned (no 'pros and cons' for this one either!)





*This bookshop is run solely by volunteers. No one gets paid to work there!

* Here's what their "about" page on Facebook says: 

" We are owned and operated by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. With our passion for environmental sustainability and reducing waste through reuse, we are excited for this venture sharing books and knowledge as well as creating a community space where all are welcome. We offer wifi and a cozy place to sit and chat (The Green Nook), as well as a huge selection of book genres. We look forward to having you!"

*They give their money they make to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, which I will post a link to below if you'd like to see what that means!

*I bought 2 books for $6! $3 for paperbacks and I was VERY happy. I got 2 fashion books. I went home, opened the first book and found out it was signed by the author! So cool! 

* You can trade in your used books to earn credit to buy other books at the store.





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Defender's Site

Location:

61 North Williams Street

Crystal Lake, Illinois

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Review: Aroma Coffee and Wine

              I am always one to ask a friend to get coffee, whether it be “Want to go get coffee tomorrow?” or “Let’s meet up for coffee sometime!”. Coffee is a staple. Now, I don’t drink it every day, but I really do like it. And it’s everywhere so it’s easy to pick up and go or sit down and enjoy. 

              I was in the midst of a friend date at a coffee shop when I texted my mother a cute picture of me and my friend drinking the coffee we bought. She then texted back that I should do a blog post on coffee shops and little eateries. I thought it was a wonderful idea. ALAS, HERE I AM. I went to 6 coffee shops in two days and had so much coffee that I think I’m going to be wired for a week straight. But it was such a fun experience, even when I went alone! 

              I do have to say, this post is mainly for people who live in suburban Illinois (outside of Chicago) BUT it can also be for people who like reading reviews. Whatever you fancy is fine with me! I also wanted to do bullet points because it’s easier to read! So here I go, diving right in!

Aroma Coffee and Wine

I heard of this shop from a coworker before it opened since she had a family connection to it. She really got me pumped up about it just from hearing about its wine and coffee. I couldn’t go the opening day of Aroma because I had to work, but I wanted to go to support it and I ended up going on the Friday and Sunday of their opening week. I went with friends and we discussed what we liked and what we didn’t. Here’s our take:

Pros:

*Cute decor (a little rustic with metal chairs and very hip lighting).

*The cups for water are actually mason jars, so they’re reusable and eco-friendly

*They start serving alcohol at 11, which is good for a lunch time crowd

*They serve not a vast, but a good amount of alcohol (i.e. vodka soda, red/white wines/ moscato, prosecco)

*Small (only 49 people can fit in there) yet very quaint. 

*Caramel Macchiato is delicious and would recommend. 

*They DO have lavender syrup (which I LOVE), but you have to ask for it!

*Smart location. They are across the train station and have a salon in the same complex. So if you need to wait until your highlights set, go get a glass of wine or coffee next door!

*Friendly staff. Now, I’m going to try and keep this short, but I’m SO impressed with the staff as in they are so friendly and if they don’t know the answer to my question about something, they ask someone else, they don’t just say “I don’t know”. I’m going to name drop, but a barista named Kaitlyn (sorry if I butchered your spelling! SO SORRY!) was the nicest person I’ve met throughout my coffee hopping adventure. She asked my name, told me her’s, and then when I went in again that week, she remembered my name and made sure to come over and say hello. I just can’t get over how much it meant to me, as a customer, to be treated like a friend. (I HAVE TO SHOUT OUT THE

‘COFFEE EXPERT’ TOO! He made sure he came over to us to get feedback on what he could do better and I LOVE that!) All in all, the whole staff I’ve encountered is just amazing. 

Cons:

(I hate saying ‘cons’ because I want to keep everything positive, but it has to be done on reviews!)

* The menu was a little awkward. It’s a paper menu that you pick up in front of the register and my friend (who has some anxiety) felt rushed to order and just ordered what ever I got. I would suggest that if you pick up a menu, step to the side!

*This isn’t a con for most people, but I’m a plain eater sometimes. There wasn’t anything like a plain bagel and cream cheese. It was very millennial, as in, the avocado toast has things I haven’t even tried before on it. It was very fancy (which is totally cool!) and to be honest, this place makes me wish I had a better palate. But I’ll see if one of my friends would like something on the menu so they can review it for me!

* Not a ton of iced coffee items. You have to ask for them to see what they have. Which I’M fine with because I don’t like iced coffee, but my friend loves iced drinks. She ended up getting iced cold brew with lavender, vanilla and oat milk. She really liked it!

Price:

I would say the food is a little pricey. For example, $9 for a ham and cheese sandwich. A small caramel macchiato was $4.50, which wasn’t that bad, to be honest. My friend’s cold brew was $3.50 for a small and that lasted her a while, so great price there. The wine I got was $9 which I BELIEVE was the cheapest but I'm not completely sure.  So you have to pick and choose if you have so much you can spend, but it’s oh so worth it.

Other things I want to point out:

*The wine pairs with food. They did that on purpose and it’s so cool AND smart! I just got my Moscato D’Asti by itself (ALSO WOULD RECCOMEND!) and I was a happy camper. 

*I think this place will thrive even more in the springtime, since it’s on a street with tons of shops. But right now, it’s hot coffee weather and they’re doing great!

I hope you all liked my review of Aroma Coffee and Wine! I have a lot more reviews coming up but I had to write this one first because I was so excited about it!

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Location: 77 E Woodstock St.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

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Girl Power

I’d like to start off this post by stating the obvious: yes, I HAVE done a “Girl Power” blog post before and it’s actually my most popular post on my whole blog. But now that I have a podcast, I would like to make an episode based on my blog post. But I decided to kind of reconstruct my old post and make THIS one. I’ll still keep up the old post (You can find it HERE) and you can read the cool quotes from cool people including a top model, an artist, and a female-led website. For this post, I wanted to express the feelings and emotions of women who come from different backgrounds and have different life stories. To see what women think about BEING a woman. I had one

restriction for the questions I asked: the answers had to be positive. I don’t want this to be a man-hating post, I want this post to be UPLIFTING for females. For girls who want to read about girls who empower each other. 

So now, to start this off, I asked “who do you look up to? It can be anyone, even if we don’t know them!” Here are some answers:

Emily: “I look up to all of my amazing friends who are women and some awesome women who are or have been in the show Wicked because they are all very strong and wonderful and they tell a story of empowered women through the show."

Robyn: “In terms of famous people, I really look up to Emma Watson and Michelle Obama. Both home themselves in such a regal way and speak about issues facing women in such an intelligent and logical way that it gives such good examples of feminism. On social media, I follow pantsuit nation (more political but very girl power), and girls love travel which is an amazing group which is all about support of other women and their journeys of self discovery or just discovery.

 As far as women in my actual life I have to say my grandmothers. My mom's mom (who recently passed away) raised 4 children while pursuing her masters in education and working as a teacher. She was both strong and kind and I'm honored to have known her. My dad's mom is a scientist like me and is honestly kind of a badass. She eloped with my biological grandfather because their families didn't approve and after she had children, and he passed away, in her 50's she lived in the dorms while she went back to college. She challenged what it meant to be a woman by working in the sciences and not letting age determine who or what she could be. Both women traveled the world and it made them understanding and compassionate towards people of all backgrounds”

I then asked: “What does being a woman mean to you in our society these days?”

Emily: “Though it can still be scary sometimes, I think being a woman in society now has become something much more positive because we have so much more support and the social constructs are starting to shift. Being a strong woman is not a bad thing, and this is so, so important for society to understand”

Robyn: “Being a woman these days means not sitting quietly anymore. It doesn't mean being mean or talking down to anyone else. It doesn't mean hating men, but it does mean not saying thank you when someone makes a comment that makes you uncomfortable. It means pointing out things that are sexist and that it's not okay. It means fighting for what you want and who you want to be and that it shouldn't matter whether you are a man or a woman. Honestly being a woman these days means working towards there being a day when there is no difference between being a man and a woman in society”

A new question I thought of was “How can someone (or how do YOU) show compassion with other women?” I was excited to see these answers because it shows how we can be nice and support each other!

Emily: “I think something women can do to show compassion to other women is simply be supportive of your friends and any other women you encounter. Believe women, give them support, show them they're important and that what they think and do matters.”

Robyn: “I show compassion by being supportive. One of the biggest issues with women finding their voice is that they feel that no one will listen or that what they say doesn't matter but by just being there or listening or giving words of encouragement, you can lift someone to a place where they think they can make a difference and once they think that, they are much likely to actually be able to.”

On Instagram, I put this question on my Insta Story: “What do you love about being a woman?”

Mel: “I love that, as a woman, I can experience and express every emotion. I love that I can dress

feminine or masculine and no one would question my sexuality.”

My go-to question is always: “What does being a strong woman mean to you?”

Jen: “It means being independent on my own, financially and emotionally.”

Mel: “I think the most remarkable thing about women is that we do so many things—work, school, manage families, hold relationships together, take care of people, etc—and the amount of stuff we deal with would cripple most. But we do whatever we need to stay afloat and keep going. We are fighters. Every single woman I have ever met has had a million things going on, and they push through every challenge and keep going to better themselves and/or their family.”

Katie: "Standing up for yourself. Taking no crap but also being empathetic and caring at times."

Helene: "Getting back up, time after time!"

I decided to ask a fun question, too: What’s your favorite girl power songs(s)?

Emily: “Honestly, Defying Gravity from Wicked is a song that I feel very empowered by. And Girl Almighty by One Direction of course”

Now for our “special guest” on this post, I decided to ask artist and coolest babe ever, Sophie Brampton. I was so giddy when she responded to my questions because I’m just a stranger with a lil’ old blog who loves her art. I went right in and asked her two questions, (1) who do you look up to and (2) what do you love about being a strong

woman?

(1) Sophie: “I'm inspired by women who stand up against the norm and aren't afraid to make their beliefs known! Some strong woman that I'm inspired by include Florence Given, Munroe Bergdorf, Deborah White (the guilty feminist), Chidera (@theslumflower) and my mum and grans !!”

(2) Sophie: “I love that I have become someone that is open to learning about different views and experiences and that I stand up for my views on”

 (YOU CAN FOLLOW THIS WONDERFUL LADY NAMED SOPHIE ON INSTAGRAM, JUST CLICK here ! YOU CAN ALSO VISIT HER WEBSITE  here )

I'd like to thank every woman who took time to answer these questions. I appreciate you all to no end. 

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