For whatever reason, putting together my winter bucket list is always my favorite. Perhaps it’s because the first one I created got me through one of the toughest seasons of my life, and what I thought was just a silly little list to help take my mind off of reality ended up being a stepping stone to habits and experiences (like yoga and learning to live alone) that helped shape who I am today.Before we dive in, I’m really excited to share my Chicago Holiday Bucket List! It’s a round-up of the most fun, festive holiday things to do in Chicago! (Think the best place for hot chocolate, my favorite Christmas trees, where to grab drinks in an igloo, and more).

This year’s winter bucket list felt a little long when all was said and done, but then I reminded myself winter here is extra long and it’s always my goal to make the most of it (read: not hibernate away all of the days, only some of them 😉 ).

You all know I’m big on experiences/the whole memory-making bit and love trying new things, especially in the name of achieving a more balanced life. You’ll see a good mix of that below, starting with a few things I got a head start on!

Try acupuncture and cupping – I paid a visit to Dr. Hona at Channing’s Salon where I had my first acupuncture treatment and ended up walking away with more knowledge about my body than I ever could have imagined. She didn’t want to overload me with too much during my first session, so I’m heading back the weekend after next to try cupping and get my second round of acupuncture! I got a lot of questions from you all about both treatments after I posted to my Instagram stories, but if you have more, leave them in the comments below! 

Visit Christkindlmarket – My friend Cody and I ventured over to the German outdoor market one Saturday afternoon a few weekends ago and the crowd was absolutely crazy, but ultimately decided the grilled cheese pretzel was worth it. If you’re able to go during the week, I’m sure things are much more calm! Would anyone judge me if I made a solo appearance there over lunch one day for more twisty, cheesy goodness?

Take a hip hop dance class – Even though I’m not the most coordinated person 🙃, I love music and I love dancing when no one is watching and I think it would be a lot of fun to give it a try with no expectations other than to let loose and ultimately get myself out of my comfort zone.

Attend Junior Council Snowball – I am so excited to be attending Junior Council’s annual black tie fundraising affair this year. I love any excuse to get all dressed up and even better when it’s for a good cause! Really looking forward to dress shopping and will be sharing more on that next month.

Switch to a natural deodorant –  This is one of those things I know I need to do in the name of my health, but as someone who works up a sweat nearly everyday, I’ve been making excuse after excuse as to why it’s not a good time. I know there are going to be some adjusting pains, but everyone I’ve talked says if I can stick it out, it’s beyond worth it. I’m torn between trying Kopari and MegaBabe so if you’d tried either, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Visit the Koval Distillery – I’m a big fan of gin and got my first taste of Koval’s at an event earlier this year and have been wanting to take a tour of the distillery ever since. Seems like a good Saturday afternoon activity for when the cabin fever sets in and it’s too cold to do anything that requires being outdoors.

Go on an outdoor excursion (like the one I went on this fall) – I’m not entirely sure what this would look like, but REI offers a ton of different outings and my experience with them at the Indiana Dunes was such a good time. It got me out of the city and into the outdoors for what ended up being one of the most perfect fall days.Have dinner at BAITA with my best friend, Whit – I can’t get enough of Eataly’s newest pop-up restaurant, BAITA. It’s a taste of the Italian Alps right here in the heart of Chicago and serves the best pasta dish I’ve ever had. The restaurant/lounge is set up like a small ski lodge, and it’s so cute and cozy! I told my friend Whitney I can’t wait to take her to try the butternut squash-stuffed pasta, melted raclette cheese (SO much food!), and the vin brulé when she’s up here in January. I’m going be so sad when they change it up and bring in something new, so I’m determined to get myself there as much as possible until then! I’m teaming up with Eataly to give one of you a $100 gift card to try out the restaurant! Make sure you’re following along with me over on Instagram, and check in there first thing Sunday.

See a Blackhawks game – It’s almost comical how many times this has shown up on one of my bucket lists. I joked that I’ll go alone this year if I have to, but my friend Tori came through and said she’d happily sit and drink beer with me at a game. We will probably wait until the new year when things die down at work for her and I’m okay with that as I’ll get my hockey fix this weekend! I’m heading up north to watch my little brother play in a tournament! It’s been so long since I’ve seen him out on the ice.

Staycation in the city for a night – This is another one of those things that landed on another bucket list of mine, but that I never got around to. A little staycation in the city in the dead of winter will be just the thing to get me through until spring.

Take a snowy stroll through downtown – The novelty of walking through the city as snowflakes fall from the sky has yet to wear off. 

Play blackjack at the casino – I have a long list of vices and at the top of that is playing the penny slots and blackjack at the casino. I went with a big group of friends every year for my birthday before moving to Chicago, but aside from a spontaneous (and super quick!) trip across the Indiana state line over the summer, I’ve yet to make a day/night of it here.

Finish one of the spaces in my apartment from my 101 in 1001 list – My apartment is a huge work in progress and there’s still a ton of work to make it look and feel more complete, but if I can get one room finished, I’ll be happy!

Read my first winter bucket list and last year’s here!

What’s on your winter bucket list? I’d love to know!

SHOP MY OUTFITS: