Chicago gets a fancy new Walgreens

Walgreens has gone upscale! I never considered myself a big Walgreens fan, but I have to give Walgreens some props since they were started right here in Chicago and still have their headquarters in the ‘burbs. The new Flagship store on State Street changed my opinion of them; I’m definitely a fan now.

The new flagship store opened in January and is completely unlike any Walgreens I’ve ever seen. Wine tasting? Manicures? Fro-yo in 6 different flavors? Who knew?! The new location is two stories right across the street from Macy’s at State and Randolph, in the former Loehmann's building. Walgreens had previously operated a store at this intersection from 1926 to 2005, so there are a lot of references to their history in the area throughout the store.

I’m pretty excited to have this store close by while I’m at work. A few highlights that I think anyone who works in the loop or surrounding areas will appreciate:

- A full manicure bar with Essie and OPI – and get this, you can get a manicure for only $10!! That is a serious steal in the loop. Only downside, they don’t do cuticle work, but everything else you would expect with a manicure is included. It’s already pretty busy so make sure you call ahead for an appointment. The beauty area upstairs also does makeovers and brow shaping.

- Fresh sushi bar with a chef who will actually make your sushi order right there, barista serving specialty “Randolph & State” blends, jucie bar and low-fat Frozen Yogurt in a ton of flavors. Plus, everything is reasonably priced. I’m always excited to have more lunch options! I zeroed in on the fro-yo and forgot to snap pics of the other food, oops.

- Wine Tasting at Walgreens? Why not! They carry a huge selection of wines, from cheap to pricey and they periodically have tastings. If I need a lunch time pick-me-up I am going to seriously consider attending a tasting…

- Take Care clinic, I’ve never used one of these, but in a pinch this location has an extra nice version of Walgreen’s standard clinics. They have a nurse practitioner you can see with or without an appointment and it’s open on the weekends so it could be a good option when your doctor’s office isn’t open.

- They’ve got all the regular things you would go to a Walgreens for too, just expanded with bigger and better selection. For instance, they now have papyrus greeting cards in addition to the standard ones you’ll find at other locations. And the travel size section?? So many mini-size options! (Is it just me or is it really fun buying mini toiletry items?)

Definitely a convenient place to shop/eat/get a mani/wine in the loop. Whether you live here or are just visiting, it’s worth checking out! 

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Walgreens Flagship Store

151 N. State

(State and Randolph)

Chicago, 60601

312.863.4249

 

Words for Wednesday

Sleeping Bear Dunes, October 2011

A lot has changed for me since I last blogged. I lost someone who I was very close to in January and it changed everything. Nothing has been the same since and I expect it never will be quite the same. I saw this quote on a sympathy card years ago and have kept it in my quotes book since then. Not much brings comfort these days, but the one thing I rely on is knowing that he is "home". I struggle with why he had to go and what the reason was for all this, but I guess God needed him to carry out a higher purpose from up above. I know I am not alone in my struggle, so many blogs I read have been through hard times like this too. It's been a source of comfort to know that other people have dealt with great loss and found ways to overcome it. If they can do it, then I know I can too. Sometimes I get in a mood where I think how did this happen to me? Why me? I have it harder than other people, etc. etc. It helps to take the focus off of myself and realize that millions of people are suffering in different ways everyday. We ALL go through things and it lessens the pain just a little bit when I remember that. I hope this quote rings as true for some of you as it does for me. This life is a fragile thing, I know that for sure. And I don't want to take any of it for granted. I want to learn and grow and love as much as I possibly can before I return home.

Words for Wednesday

Grateful...

Via Shannanigans and Pinterest.

In the Kitchen: Orzo Dill Pasta w/ olives, feta & sun dried tomatoes

Hi guys! It's been AWHILE since I last really blogged, sorry for the absence. I was starting to miss you guys! I definitely took the Christmas break thing seriously. My office is closed between Christmas and New Year's so I was relaxing in Michigan for a nice, looong break just hanging out with family and friends. I brought my laptop home with me and literally never opened it. Kind of refreshing! Although, I was on my smartphone quite a bit :) Anyway, hope everyone is having a great start to 2012!

I made this pasta the other week and it turned out so delicious! I was inspired by a cold pasta salad sold at Treasure Island, a European style market in the Chicago area and one of my favorite places to grocery shop! I served this warm, but it was equally delicious the next day as a cold pasta salad.

Ingredients:
- Orzo pasta, about half of a 1lb package
- Fresh dill to taste, chopped
- 1/4-1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, cut into small pieces
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, I used domestic cow's milk feta
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, cut in halves or thirds
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- Note: All amounts can be done to your preference, I didn't measure exact amounts of anything, just threw in as many tomatoes, olives, etc. as tasted good and believe me, it does taste good!

I have the WORST kitchen lighting for pictures ever! It doesn't help that it's always pitch dark out when I'm cooking after work...sigh. Please excuse this picture quality.

Preparation:
Begin by bringing water to a boil for the pasta. While you wait for it to boil, cut and chop all the ingredients. Cook pasta until al dente. I just LOVE Orzo pasta! My family has always used it in our traditional Italian chicken soup recipe, but lately I've been using it for all sorts of pasta recipes.

Once the pasta is done things get pretty easy, just throw all the ingredients together and mix! The reason I liked serving this warm was because the feta cheese started melting and added a creaminess to the pasta that was delicious. The feta I used was domestic and made from cow's milk, whereas a lot of the fetas I normally buy are imported and have a slightly stronger taste. This type tasted milder and ended up working perfectly in the recipe.

Words for Wednesday

Via Quotable Cards

Eleanor Roosevelt sure was full of good words! How true this one is.

Been busy, busy over here with work, gym time, birthday celebrations! and life in general, but hope to be back with more updates soon!