Let’s Catch Up – 10 Things I Did During My Blog Break

Hi friends! It’s been almost 70 days since my last post. My mom asked me the other day if I’m losing interest in Bumble and Bustle. I’m not. At all. In full transparency, and because I always want to keep this space real, a big part of my absence has to do with depression and low energy I’ve been dealing with lately. But I also recognize that, especially now, I need to focus on things I get enjoyment out of. So here I am. Back.

The last time I took a long break like this was after surgery. To catch up, I shared some things I did and learned while I was busy living life. Figured it would be fun to do that again. And there have been so many highlights. Here we go …

1. Went to a crawfish boil! It’s been years since I went to a crawfish boil – and to be honest, I don’t really LOVE crawfish. But I do love a good excuse for a fun event and I could eat corn-on-the-cob all day. It was in Atlanta at one of my fav spots – The Optimist – and they had lovely rosé, live music, and lots of seafood.

2. Went to a NASCAR Race – specifically, Talladega. Some friends and I rented an RV for the weekend, made a couple hundred Jell-o shots, and headed for Alabama. I knew I would have fun, but y’all. I had THE BEST time of my life. I really leaned into the NASCAR lifestyle – sitting on top of an RV in a swimsuit while watching fast cars by day, and cheering on BBQ wrestlers while taking shots of moonshine by night.

3. Tried Ladies Night at Hubbard Inn. Y’all, if you’re in Chicago, head over on Wednesday evenings – it’s a blast! The food is great, the music is better, and they have really nice raffle prizes that you get tickets for by ordering drinks. Win win.

4. Went to a Jimmy Buffet concert. One weekend in Atlanta I went to my FIRST Jimmy Buffet concert. We sat on the lawn in a rainstorm and it was everything I hoped it would be.

5. Maybe of more significance, I went to Portugal and freaking MOROCCO. Portugal was amazing – all the ceviche and gorgeous scenery, but Marrakech has my heart forever. I can’t stop looking at pictures of our riad (which is a sort of bed and breakfast) and wishing and hoping it were closer for a weekend getaway. I’ll go way more in depth on both in future travel guides.

6. Ate barnacles! While I was in Portugal, mom and I went to an awesome seafood restaurant and ordered barnacles. Yes, the things that grow on boats. I actually thought they were super good. Plus, how cool is it to try something totally new??

7. Worked on my patio. Chicago is having the world’s coldest summer – I’m not sure we’ve broken 80 degrees all month, but I’m also not complaining. On days I’m working from home, I’ve been dragging my computer to my patio table and enjoying the temperate weather.

8. Tried Drawl’s Rib Night. Chicago friends, on Tuesday nights, Drawl (in Lincoln Park) has Rib Night and it is SO good. A few weeks ago, I went there and ate all the ribs and mac and cheese. I’m not a collards fan, but I heard they were good. Definitely a fun weeknight activity.

9. Watched Hannah B win all the hearts and roses. I was always a Hannah B fan – even during her time on Colton’s season of the Bachelor. But on her own. She. Absolutely. Kills. It. Minus last week’s random episode, this season has been one of my favs, and I’ve been faithfully watching from Ranalli’s and even ordered this shirt for Monday nights.

10. Explored Forest Park. Last weekend, I went out to visit my friend Paperly Press in the suburbs and we spent the entire day bopping around her hood! Uncorked Illinois was there, and while I’m not a huge fan of wine from the prestigious Illinois wine country, I still had a blast living that suburb life for a day.