Spring is in the Air

Spring, you had us worried there for a second. This Wednesday, March 20, marks the first official day of spring! The spring, a.k.a. vernal, equinox is the only time of year (besides fall equinox) when the sun rises due east and sets due west. The days will be noticeably longer with sunlight lasting well into the evening hours.

Photo Credit: freefotouk

We can’t wait for beautiful blossoms to peak through the ground (like the daffodils above!), trees to grow lush with new life and the excited buzz that intoxicates the city this time of year. Spring is a time for cleaning, not only your home, but yourself. Do you have any goals for spring? Are you as excited to shed your winter coats, hats, mittens and boots as we are?

Travel Smart This Spring

A new season brings a new set of travel plans. Here are a few tips to follow while traveling this spring and beyond.

When traveling it is always beneficial to pack underwear, an outfit and toiletries in a carry-on bag. By preparing for the worst (your luggage is lost) you will be able to have a fresh pair of clothing and toiletries at hand. Remember, most airlines only allow economy passengers $50 dollars to purchase essentials if their luggage is lost.

It is always a challenge to stay healthy while traveling. Close quarters on flights, lack of sleep, stress inducers; here are a few ways to avoid catching a cold or a virus.

• Rinse, Lather, Repeat. Be sure to always thoroughly wash your hands! Always carry hand sanitizer if a washroom is not readily available and you have come in contact with public surfaces.
• Be sure to get up and move. Long flights can take a toll on your body so be sure to do a few laps (walking of course) up and down the aisle to avoid muscle cramps and soreness. Also be sure to stretch out your muscles. Seated twist is great for stretching out your back.
• Get Rest. To boost your immune system or recover your mood you must rest. Try packing your own travel pillow and blanket to avoid using the airlines. Noise canceling headphones are great for light sleepers.
• Stay Hydrated! Drinking water will improve your health but will also help in avoiding jet lag so be sure to drink up.

Travel safe and smart but above all enjoy your time!

Happy First Day of Spring!

With temperatures climbing to the 80′s and brilliant blue skies, today is a beautiful day to welcome the spring season! Today, spring equinox, marks the first official start of spring and the start of more daylight then night for the next six months. Spring equinox is one of the few days of the year where the length of the day is almost exactly equal to the length of the night.

The balmy temperatures feel more like summer in Chicago then spring but we’re certainly not complaining! We encourage you to try a bike ride, or perhaps a walk or jog, on your commute to soak up this sensational weather. How will you be celebrating the first day of spring? Share with us on our Facebook page or tweet us your plans.

Time to Play Ball Chicago!

In Chicago, spring is synonymous with baseball, and although it doesn’t feel like spring just yet (we can thank 40-degree weather and a chance of snow for that), today is devoted to the baseball fans around the city who eagerly anticipate opening day all year long!

Image Credit: Ravinia Blog

The Cubs take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at 1:20 p.m. CST today at Chicago’s beloved Wrigley Field. In case you weren’t able to nab a ticket, the game will be televised on WGN and broadcast on WGN 720 AM.

The Go-Go White Sox kick off their season in Cleveland at 2:05 p.m. CST against the Indians at Progressive Field. Chicagoans can catch the game on Comcast or on WSCR 670 AM. The Sox home opener is next Thursday, April 7 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Are you a Cubs or Sox fan?  What are your favorite ballpark memories?

Spring Blooms at Navy Pier

Image credit: Chicago Flower & Garden Show

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show (Navy Pier, March 5-13, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) kicks off tomorrow and serves as a welcome reminder that spring is indeed on it’s way. Splashes of color and beauty will abound as the top landscape designers in the Midwest interpret their variations of this year’s theme, “The Sport of Gardening”.

Image credit: Chicago Flower & Garden Show

Although flowers are certainly the main focus, the show will also include cooking demonstrations, free daily educational seminars (including one on organic gardening), and activities geared towards kids like bug exhibits and a lesson on the science of worm composting. There will even be a Marketplace on site where guests can peruse and purchase everything from organic furniture and solar technology to organic wine and natural herbs.

Image credit: Chicago Flower & Garden Show

Tickets for adult weekday are $17, weekend $15, children $5 (age 4-12) for weekday/weekend and can be purchased here. If you’re as ready for spring as we are, we’ll see you there. Don’t forget to share your beautiful photos on our Facebook page!