I’ve probably said this before, but I’m super curious by nature, and since my goal for this space is always to remain 100% transparent with you I thought it was only right to open up the lines for questions. So, here it goes!
Did Pete stay in Chicago? After Pete and I broke up last December we flew back home for Christmas and spent time with our friends and families before meeting back up to make the trip back to Chicago. He made the decision to move back to Kansas City and left a few days after we got back. Chicago has always been my dream, but we both came to realize that it wasn’t his, and that’s okay.
Are you and Pete still friends? I think when you go through a relatively amicable breakup it’s easy to think, “Okay, we can do this. We can be friends.” I’ll be the first to admit I was naive to think that. It felt like the comfortable thing to do at the time, but simply put, it’s not healthy (for us at least). Moving on from an intimate relationship takes time and there is a hefty amount of healing that needs to happen. I imagine by the time that takes place we will both be moved on in our respective lives and it won’t seem as necessary to force something that is no longer there, if that makes any sense?
What is the best way to meet new people in a new city? (Another gal wrote, “If you wouldn’t mind providing some advice or words of wisdom for this new Chicagoite that would be incredibly helpful and wonderful.”) I think it really depends on what you enjoy doing! For instance, if you like working out, chances are you will find new friends at the studio or gym you frequent. You can start small by taking the same workout classes together and then move onto other activities that interest the both of you! I’ve connected with a few girls here at Studio Three and it’s been great to have people to meet up with on a consistent basis. If working out isn’t your thing, that’s okay! Maybe you’re passionate about volunteering or you really like following your favorite college basketball team – find out where people with those same goals and interests are hanging! My first experience at Off the Street Club here in Chicago proved that there are a ton of people my age who invest a portion of their month hanging with the kids of the club. I’ve also been introduced to several KU bars here in Lincoln Park and the West Town neighborhoods full of people with the same idea in mind (to kick back over good drinks, great convo, and sports…less emphasis on that last one 😉 ). Another great way to meet friends is at work. I realize this isn’t revolutionary by any means, but I met my really good friend Alyssa while working in corporate communications back in Kansas City and I’m so thankful that we were both open to making that sort of connection in a more formal setting! I think it all boils down to saying yes to everything, being present, and being open to meeting people anywhere!
What are your tips for traveling alone? Believe it or not, I’ve never traveled alone! I’ve toyed with the idea, but I’ve always ended up either traveling with or meeting up with groups of friends, a significant other, or family. Not wanting to leave you empty handed here, I remembered that Jess wrote a great post chock-full of advice on traveling solo!
How much time do you spend on Instagram a day? I’m guilty of checking my Instagram first thing when I wake up in the morning and it’s usually the last thing I look at before I doze off at night. I do feel like my time on the app decreased significantly after the latest algorithm changes rolled out though. It’s getting harder and harder to “keep up,” if you will. I tend to use Instagram in spurts. I’ll be really good at liking and commenting for a day or two and then I’ll fall behind and say to hell with it. That doesn’t mean I’m not still posting to my feed or stories though, it’s just more of a log on to post and then get back to whatever it is I need to be doing. I’d really like to invest more time leaving genuine comments like I used to.
What are those balls for? (In reference to these lacrosse balls, which I’ve shared on my Instagram story a handful of times.) I use them to roll out my muscles and release tension after working out! I can’t even begin to tell you how much better my body feels now that I’ve been consistently foam rolling and incorporating lacrosse balls into my routine. It’s cut my recovery time way down!
I guess my biggest question is, I see links to all these amazing clothing items from Nordstrom, J. Crew, Anthropologie, but how do you afford these clothes? I work full time as an Interior Designer and sell Rodan and Fields on the side, and I still think those stores are expensive! It always seems like you (and other Chicago ladies blogs I read) always are getting new things! It’s important to remember that for a lot of the gals you are following, blogging is their business, and with any business you have to spend money to make money. I realize that might sound strange to some, but that’s the mentality I think a lot of bloggers have (they just might not feel comfortable voicing it). Occasionally I will be gifted clothing (or a gift card to purchase clothing), but those items will always be marked c/o and should be on other blogs, too! It also depends on where your budget goes. For instance, I no longer own a car (which means no car payment, insurance, gas, etc.) and that leaves more room in my budget for items that might seem more frivolous to others. 
I’m curious what your job/career is? I’ve been following your blog for a bit so I know you’ve changed jobs and moved and run the blog, but it seems like your schedule is quite flexible, so I was wondering how you make it happen? (Another gal asked, “What do you do for work? Do you blog full time? If so, how did you make that transition?”) Right now I’m working for a university doing editing and writing through the end of June, and I also do freelance writing for a wedding photographer, social media content curation for a national brand, run this blog, and I have this wild and crazy idea for a product I’m hoping to bring to life someday. (Side note: Reading this was a good reminder that what you see on social media isn’t necessarily the full picture and everything is not always as it seems. I’m hoping to gather my thoughts on this subject and work it into a full blog post for you here soon!)
Are you a full-time blogger? I’m not a full-time blogger! Full disclosure: I have a long, long way to go (read: grow) before I would be able to make that happen.
What books would you say someone at 26 should read? Read everything, seriously! I don’t think there’s any harm in reading anything and everything that catches your eye. Grace is an amazing resource and always my go-to when I’m stumped on what book to pick up next! That being said, if you’re looking for a kick in the pants (quarter life crisis, anyone?), I loved You are a Badass and Dream Year.
And there you have it! All your burning questions, answered. If there is anything else you’d like to know, feel free to leave me a comment or shoot me an email!
SHOP THE POST:
Faux Leather Jacket // Topshop Cami // Black Skinny Jeans // Aviator Sunglasses // Suede Heels (sold out, but I love this pair!) // Maya Brenner Initial Necklace // Tortoise Bracelet // Monica Vinader Bracelet c/o // Strappy Bra
Photos by Charmingly Styled
I love this! You eloquently answered all of the hard ones. My favorite question was “what are those balls for?”, but my favorite answer was the one about making friends. So happy to have you as a friend even after your job change/move/etc!
Well, thank you! I was a little worried about some of them, naturally. Haha, I know! Too funny. The feeling is mutual 🙂
It was SO nice seeing you last weekend! And I love your new questions series – even though I’m not a Chicago newbie, i can still appreciate all your advice 🙂 xx
I had so much fun! Can’t wait to do it again soon. I had no idea what to expect, but I loved working my way through everyone’s questions!
Man those were some tough questions! You did a really great job answering them and I love how honest you are about your journey! Now you have me very curious about this product idea…
Thank you so much girlfriend 🙂 I appreciate you saying that! I will have to fill you in next time I see you!
These are really hard questions to answer Jess! My goodness! I’m glad that you moved here and we’ve become such good friends! I’m excited for this summer to see what kind of adventures we get into together! 🙂
xo, Sarah
I’m SO thankful to have you in my life (and so happy to have someone to exchange crazy stories from the past with 😉 ). If last weekend was any indication of how the summer will go we have A LOT of fun shenanigans to look forward to! xx
Love this series! Transparency is the best. Love hearing about all you’re up to in Chicago. Glad you’re doing well!!
xoxo
I hear you there! Thank you so much, Lauren. I hope you and Kyle are having the best time making your farmhouse your own 🙂
Love this post!!!
Thanks Kit! I miss our work dates…boo.
As always, we are so very proud of you and all you’ve accomplished and the amazing woman you’ve grown to become! And, this was a terrific post and great answers to some tough questions. We love you and cannot wait to see you…tomorrow!!!! Yay! Love, Mom
That means a lot. I can’t wait either! Love you and see you soon.
First of all, I love your outfit in those photos! Very big city life 🙂 I am blogging too and I agree that it’s an ebb and flow kinda thing. I’d love to be my own boss and have various income streams as well as my blog but it really is hard. There are bloggers popping up left and right and it seems like they grow a following in no time and go full-time blogging within a year or two and I don’t get it. How on earth do they do it?! Anyways, I love this space and that you are so open and blunt about everything! Whenever I’ll make it to Chicago, I’d love to have drinks with you (on me obviously :)) Have a lovely evening! xo
PS: Your mom is the cutest 🙂
Thank you so much, Martina! Life is all about the ebb and flow, for sure. It’s definitely hard not to get caught up in what everyone else is doing, but just remember that blogging is great because your site is a reflection of YOU, and no one can duplicate that. I really appreciate you saying those things, and I’m thankful that you enjoy reading my posts! Definitely let me know when you’re in Chicago. xx
I loved this post and totes agree w what you see on social media doesn’t always mean that someone isn’t busting ass to make shit happen. ☝🏽 I haven’t been able to consistently blog since March but am looking forward to my next moment of free time to let things free flow. Always love catching up w you via your blog, Jess!
Or having a full-fledged meltdown behind the scenes 😉 Kidding…kind of. That will be a great release for you! Thank you so much. As always, it means more than you know 🙂 xx
I’ve done the “let’s be friends” thing and it just isn’t worth it. If you’re meant to be friends it’ll happen over time.
Hats off to you for answering some difficult questions. I appreciate your honesty and it’s one of the many reasons why I follow this blog.
One last thing, you look smokin’ in all black! 😎😎
Hi Lauren! Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been guilty of forcing things that just weren’t there in the past, but it’s something I’ve been working on. Can’t tell you how much it means to hear you say that! Thank you, thank you. Annnd I’m blushing ☺️ Here’s to a great week!
Hey Jess – sorry I’m so behind. Very brave to put it all out there, your heart, your feelings and everything. It takes time. A LOT of time. If you ever need anyone to talk to vent to, etc. let me know. My ex and I split off our engagement (this was all the way back in 2010) but it’s definitely one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through – even though it was mutual. Thinking of you! Hope Chicago is treating you well!
No need to say sorry! It’s next to impossible to keep up with everyone these days. Thank you so much for this though. It truly does help to know others have been in the same situation. Makes me feel a little more sane, ya know? Chicago has done wonders for my soul. As strange as it sounds, there’s nowhere else I’d rather have gone through such a big life change. Thank you again – for everything! I hope things are great your way 🙂