Tips to Making Sure You Don't Pick the WRONG Suburb

We were city people. City people who agreed the suburbs were for people who‘ve decided to trade a social life for t-ball meetings, Friday night bingo, and worst of all... subpar restaurants.

We toted a toddler around the city for almost 3 years before learning we were expecting our second little boy. Almost instantaneously, the walls felt like they were closing in. Our condo shrunk as my belly grew, and we started dreaming about our very own yard.

But where would we go? What would life look like? Would anyone like us? And for goodness sake, will we be able to get a decent meal?

These questions were all very real to us. As we started our search, it became very real what the wrong suburb would look like.

I’d encourage you to make a “wrong suburb” list for yourselves. An example of ours would have been:

We said NO to any suburb that:

-was far from the city.
15 or more miles from downtown Chicago was too far for us. We still enjoy hitting up the city to meet friends and to visit our favorite parks restaurants.

-doesn’t have many NON-chain restaurants.
There had to be *plenty* of restaurants nearby that we could enjoy. We actually had breakfast, lunch, and dinner at 3 different local places before agreeing that the dining experience was impressive in Oak Park.

-doesn’t have like-minded people.
Do your research.
What’s the social climate like? For example, what do people do for fun? Is there a bowling alley nearby? A movie theatre? Is anyone out past 9pm on Saturday night? And if politics are important to you, find out what the political climate is like. A simple drive through the neighborhood can tell you what (and who) people support. If it’s overwhelmingly different to your thoughts, it might not be the best place to plant your roots.

-isn’t walkable.
An active lifestyle is very important to us. Walking the kids to school was a mandatory requirement, but so was walking to get a cup of coffee, or a bite to eat, and even walking to catch a movie.

If you’re searching for the best place to plant your roots, make sure you don’t settle on a suburb that lacks the things you crave. If the suburb isn’t a good fit for your lifestyle, chances are you’re not going to have the best possible experience living there. Make a list. Check that thing often. And whatever you do, never settle for a place you don’t fall in love with- if you can control it.

Suburban Jungle is an award-winning firm that specializes in moving families from urban to suburban. The company’s innovative “town first” approach helps buyers find the right suburb for their family based on personality and lifestyle, not just the house. Services are FREE and fully customized to each family and their unique journey. To learn more and to connect with a Suburbs Strategist, and find the place your family truly fits in visit http://bit.ly/ChicagoMomGoesSuburban and click GET STARTED

A first-timer's guide to Cubs games

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Yes, I’ve been sprayed with champagne in World Series locker rooms as the broadcast coordinator for Major League Baseball in New York City. I sat 11 rows behind the plate and watched the ball soar to Aisle 4, Row 8, Seat 113 at “the Bartman game.” But most notably, my family drove back and forth from Wrigley Field to Progressive Field, following each game played in the 2016 World Series. We were at Game seven, when the Cubs won it all for the first time in 108 years.

Hopefully now you feel comfortable moving on with the article, knowing you are in good hands preparing for your very first game. Heck, even if it’s your 100th game, there are still ways to make your next trip to Wrigley your best one yet. 

Here are five things you must do for your very first Cubs game and beyond.

Take the L

Take the red line to Addison, you won’t regret it. As you wind through the city on your way to Wrigleyville, you’ll experience the culture of the city, the people, and most likely, hundreds of other Cubs fans gearing up to cheer on their team. If you’re bringing your little ones, watch as their pride for the city grows deep roots from point A to Addison Street. 

Make a sign, and hold it high

There are sign spotters in cahoots with cameramen. I know this because I lived out of a production truck each post-season. Get as creative as possible because they want to find you, and they want to put you on TV. Want even better chances of being a 10-second celebrity on WGN? Read my next point.

Dress accordingly

The only two colors you will need in your wardrobe on this day are red and blue, and the only two words allowed to be printed on those colors are Chicago and Cubs. It’s definitely more fun to buy your gear from the vendors in Wrigleyville like Wrigleyville Sports or Chicago Sports & Novelty, or even inside the stadium. However, it is much cheaper to buy in advance. So If you want to save cash on your threads, hit up eBay or sift through your local thrift shop for some pre-loved steals on Cubs gear.

Eat

Taste the culture of the ballpark, drink the culture of the ball park, and you will be a part of the culture of the ballpark. Wrigley is packed with local treasures like Giordano’s Pizza, Chicago Dogs, Pork & Mindy’s and Buona Beef. The smell of peanuts and local foods is intoxicating, so soak it in. 

Go to a rooftop bar afterwards

This works better if it’s an early game. If it’s a later game, head to Wrigleyville early and pre-game. There’s a buzz about Wrigleyville on a game days. A feeling that I haven’t experienced at any other ballpark in all of my travels while working for MLB.

Wrigley Field can fill you up with pride for Chicago that will have you questioning what you were feeling before, so see it from all angles. After you've approached it from the L, walked the exterior, and have had seats in its interior, you must experience it from above. Old Crow, Casey Moran’s, Moe’s Cantina (new rooftop), Brickhouse Tavern (elevated terrace), and Murphy’s Bleachers (tickets needed) are a few of my favorite places to enjoy the sights below. 

Did I miss any of your favorites? Find me at @ChicagoMomGoesSuburban and let me know!

10 reasons Lollapalooza is more fun with the whole family

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Every year we journey out of the suburbs into downtown Chicago for music, food and all that is Lollapalooza. To the surprise of many who walk with us through the gates into Grant Park, we always bring our kids. It’s true, and what many people don’t realize is that its fest within a fest is an even cooler experience for children.

Kidzapalooza is a gem tucked away inside the Lollapalooza festival gates. It’s just beyond Buckingham Fountain, past the bubble blowers, and through brightly colored gates. It’s an oasis of wonder, and far more than music and food. It’s an interactive rock-and-roll experience that makes every kid feel like a VIP rockstar.

Here are 10 reasons you should take the kids to Kidzapalooza this year, and every year.

It’s free for kids.

Kids 10 and under get into the festival free with each paying adult. Not only is admission free, so is most of the gear, services, food samples and activities inside. Kidzapalooza is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Aug. 2-5.

The music.

While adult headliners Bruno Mars and The Weeknd are heating up Lolla, kindie rock stars are grabbing the attention on the kid front. Justin Roberts, the Not Ready for Naptime Players, Mister G, the Jazz Cats and more are making little booties move and shake.

It’s one big happy circus.

The Strolling Summer Circus’ stilters, magicians, jugglers and bubblers stroll among the little people, providing epic visuals.

Mohawk, anyone?

They can wear their hair like a rockstar. Snippets mini-cuts hosts a portable salon where they’re braiding hair, spiking mohawks and spraying washable hair colors.

Get inked.

Tattooz is airbrushing temporary tattoos, perfectly fitting with their new rockstar ‘do!

Stuff of dreams.

What’s better than catching a good dream? Easel Art Studio is teaching kids to make their very own mini dream catcher key chains, a perfect keepsake to remember the day.

Gear up.

Kids can get their names printed on Psychobaby drawstring tote, grab a cute T-shirt, water bottle, a CD, earmuffs or ear plugs to protect their ears.

Make a music video.

Kids can play instruments, just like their favorite rockstar. They can have a say in the colored lighting on the LED stage, and star in their very own music video with The Berklee Popular Music Institute.

It’s extremely baby-friendly.

Babyganics is hosting a space for new, expectant and nursing mamas and their babies. Parents can use Babyganics products to change diapers, apply sunscreen, insect repellant and hand sanitizer.

Kidza Lounge

When the adults get tired and overstimulated we sit on dirt. Kidz kick up their feet in The Kidzapalooza lounge. Kids can get away from the noise, color and get energy for the next musical performance.

This is much more than a festival. It’s one of the most unique experiences your kids will ever have. Kids and adults alike will find themselves in center of the city, under skyscrapers, with larger than life artwork, people, and moments.

* Ticket prices will vary, but might run you anywhere from $150-300 for a single day pass, and $400-$600 for a 4-day pass. VIP/premium tickets available also at Lollapalooza.com

If you go, tag us at @ChicagoMomGoesSuburban and @ChicagoParent!

5 DIY projects to get your kids through a rainy summer day

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When it’s sunny, 80 degrees and feels like the perfect day for a dip in Lake Michigan, we Chicagoans know exactly what that means: the rain is coming, and lots of it. We are conditioned to take the good with the bad, and we know exactly how it feels to enjoy the weather cautiously and bunker down on a moment’s notice. 

On days like this, we catch up on endless loads of laundry, binge watch “The Lion King” and mix it up with crafts worthy of keeping kids’ attention for more than a few minutes at a time. 

Here are five crafts you can create (mostly) with things around the house for rainy day fun:

Make glow-in-the-dark mason jars

Most of us have dozens of mason jars around the house. I have them in all sizes and colors, and mostly use them as vases and pen holders. Recently, I’ve seen them decorated in glow-in-the-dark glue and set outside as party decorations or used inside as homemade nightlights. My kids decorated theirs with Elmer’s Glow-in-the Dark glue, and kept them in the sun during the day so they light up their rooms at night. 

Paint old toy dinosaurs, superheroes or plastic figurines

Much like our grandparents bronzed their children’s shoes to keep them immortalized forever, kids can take their previously loved plastic toys and immortalize them by painting them in bright colors or metallics to use as shelf decorations and keepsakes. I’ve even seen people cut holes in plastic turtles and dinosaurs with an exacto-knife and plant succulents in them. 

Create a chest for small treasures

Reusing anything gets two environmentally friendly thumbs up. Amazon boxes, Kleenex boxes and shoe boxes can be transformed into treasure boxes in the matter of hours (hopefully!). Pass the time while encouraging kids to use their imaginations, and then store their cars, dolls, and crayons and markers in them. You’ll need some construction paper or paint for a base. Glitter and markers will help them personalize their treasure box. 

Craft edible necklaces 

Candy necklaces provide dose of nostalgia, with a side of DIY fun. Have Fruit Loops or Cheerios in the cupboard? This one is for you. Kids can make patterns of colors, and mix in twisted pretzels and other snacks they have on hand. Make it educational by discussing the different patterns of color, foods and shapes.

Brown bag puppets

First, have kids develop a story to write a script. If your kids can’t write yet, simply brainstorm a theme based on some of their favorite things: World Cup soccer, Peppa Pig, pizza, movies, etc. This will give them a direction as to how to decorate their puppets. Still have the glow-in-the dark glue or stickers? The puppet show can go from day to night with the right props. If not, get out the construction paper, crayons, rhinestones, buttons, glitter and string, because half the fun of putting on the puppet show is creating the characters.

5 reasons to do Milwaukee for Spring Break

A lot has changed since the last time you visited Milwaukee. In the past few years, Milwaukee has had a culture and development boom, making it the fifth fastest growing city in the U.S. 2017. We went back with our kids a couple of weeks ago, after almost a decade-long hiatus, and we almost couldn’t believe it was the same Milwaukee.

The city remains beautifully artistic, with a uniquely charming historical character. We strolled through the Milwaukee Public Market on our way to The Children’s Museum, while passing dozens of bars, shops and restaurants, all so inviting that it was difficult to pass up each new place. It has all the character and buzz that we love about Chicago, but it was so much easier to maneuver with three little ones in tow.

Milwaukee is refreshingly manageable and accessible, which it makes it a wonderful place for Chicagoans to go to unwind. Our entire experience blew us away. Driving less than an hour and a half from Chicago is enough to make you feel like you’re on Spring Break, but it eliminates the hassle and expense of boarding a plane.

Leave the car seats buckled in, and your bags right where you can see them, because your family is road tripping to Milwaukee for Spring Break 2018.

Here’s your cheat sheet on how to get the most from your trip:

Where to sleep: The Kimpton Journeyman. This award-winning hotel makes you feel like you’re on vacation, with all the comfort and coziness of your home. A complimentary happy hour is served with gourmet pizza and board games in the lobby. You are going to want to walk everywhere, but to see more attractions, take them up on the complimentary bicycles.

Where to learn: The Milwaukee Art Museum for older kids, Discovery World for elementary-aged kids, and the Betty Brinn Children's Museum for the little ones are within a mile of your hotel, the Milwaukee Public Market, and the RiverWalk. Our kids love learning through play, and depending on the age of your littles, one of these places is sure to be perfect for your entire family.

Where to eat: Sabrosa Cafe and Gallery stole our hearts for breakfast, while Tre Rivaligave us an afternoon coffee fix and insanely delicious pizzas. The Outsider has an outstanding rooftop dinner experience, and there were even games for the kids to play. For snacks, the best lobster hoagie sandwich around, wine and chocolate, the Milwaukee Public Market is an experience not to pass up.

Where to play (or watch someone else play): Miller Park is the home of the Brewers Major League Baseball team, and they play the Cubs on April 5-8! The Northwestern Mutual Children’s Theater & Playzone and Festival Park are located on the lakefront, and are the home of Milwaukee's famous Summerfest.

Where to explore: The Milwaukee RiverWalk is a two-mile path right along the water, tying together three riverfront neighborhoods. It's strewn with art, waterfront bars and restaurants, and rich historic architecture. The RiverWalk is a great place to start and finish your Milwaukee adventure!

10 reasons to take the Green Line stop to Harlem

In my opinion, there are a hundred reasons to take the Green line to Harlem. From rich cultural experiences to shopping and dining that rivals any city hub, Oak Park will meet and exceed your expectations from a quick solo trip to an extended family staycation. Located just 10 miles west of the Chicago loop, downtown Oak Park is a refreshingly quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Here are 10 reasons to jump on the Green Line and take it to the final stop: Harlem. 

Cultural escape 

Frank Lloyd Wright homes - Tour the homes designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Oak Park has the largest collection of Wright-designed structures in the world, including his private residence and living quarters which have just recently been open to the public. 

Hemingway birthplace and museum - Oak Park was home to one of the most important authors to ever live. Built in 1890, it was the first home in Oak Park to have electricity. His home still stands, and down the street is a museum filled with childhood photos and early writings. 

Dining culture and breweries

Citrine - Mediterranean and American Cuisine to rival any top city hot spot

Little Gem Restaurant - Intimate and cozy European eatery

Lake Street Kitchen - Casual restaurant with good food and a large bar area

Hemmingway’s Bistro - Serves French dishes with fresh Midwestern ingredients

Lea French Street Food - French-inspired fast and casual restaurant

Maya Del Sol - Mexican meals and drinks in a stylish setting

Beer Shop - Combination bar and craft beer shop serving donuts on the weekend

Two Brothers Brewing - Craft beers and high-end pub fare

Oak Park Brewing & Hamburger Mary’s - What’s better than burgers and beer? 

Munch Vegetarian - Vegan and vegetarian comfort foods

Cooper’s Hawk - Just opened! Winery and restaurant

*I feel obligated here to note that I can’t possibly list all of the incredible dining experiences in Oak Park. This is by all means, a short list. I encourage you to stop in any of these places, and countless more you’ll pass that should be on this list. Please note any favorites I may have missed in the comments below.

Divvy bikes

As you will find out, Oak Park has a lot to offer. In order to cover more ground, you may want to consider hopping on a Divvy bicycle. Conveniently located on several major streets, consider renting one for the day. You’ll be happy you did!

Cafes and bakeries

Spilt Milk - Homemade pies and pastries

Sugar Fixe - Gourmet French pastry shop

Live Cafe and work space - Coffee, salads, sandwiches and a community work space

Live Fresko - Green drinks, smoothies and an array of Greek yogurt concoctions 

Coming Soon: Courageous Bakery (Cupcakes for Courage) is opening on Oak Park Ave. and Lake St.

Parks

Scoville Square Park is located just outside the public library, and is perfect for a picnic, people watching, or taking the kids steps away to a playground. 

Libraries

With free events happening every day, the Oak Park Public Library is a beautiful retreat for yourself or the whole family. 

Shopping

Careful Peach - Gifting and specialty home decor with a European focus

Lively Athletics - Fashionable athletic and lifestyle apparel 

Nora’s Shoes & Manouche- Effortless style in both footwear and fashion

Sanem’s - A trendy and classical-chic women’s fashion boutique

16 Suitcases - Fun juniors and women’s clothing, accessories and gifts

Sugarcup Trading - An über stylish baby and kids fashion boutique

Trends Consignment - Women’s pre-owned fashions and accessories

Two Story Farmhouse - A uniquely curated home, gifts and fashion “farmhouse”

Farmers' Market

Every Saturday enjoy locally grown produce, baked goods and live music. I would also be doing you an injustice if I failed to mention the freshly made donuts. Hours are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., so come early to get first pick! 

Thursday Night Out 

Through Aug. 31 from 5-9 p.m. every Thursday night, you can enjoy a taste of Oak Park. If dining al fresco, entertainment for the kids, and live music sounds like a fun night out, jump on the Green Line with the whole family for a friendly and tasty night out. 

Signature events

From cultural celebrations of the arts, wine festivals, the MicroBrew Review and Oaktoberfest, there is a special event for everyone. Check the calendar and plan your next trip to Oak Park! 

If you’re thinking about visiting Oak Park? Plan your trip here. Want to stay the night? Visit here for accommodations. 

3 healthy recipes to keep you on your game this spring

If you’re anything like me, your resolutions for the new year started to get a bit fuzzy by the second week of January. You are currently eating a cookie from your hidden freezer stash, your produce drawer is a ghost town and there hasn’t been a green in sight since you packed away the last of the Christmas decorations (last week).

Spring is just an extension of the holiday's, one more reason it’s near impossible to stay on your game, and why you’ve benched your best skinny jeans. 

This spring, I’m calling in the replacements. I’m tossing the cookies and making the kids part of my assembly line -- which I will warmly refer to as quality time. We’ll scale back on the meat, go light on the cheese, and everyone will applaud our willpower when we go in for seconds on the veggie tray.

Whether you’re hosting a party, or attending one, here is your X and O game plan on bringing home the win this spring. 

Vegetarian Charcuterie board

I’m a picky eater. I don’t mean there are a ton of foods I don’t like, I mean I literally pick. I will circle the buffet like a hawk, picking off my prey one by one until I have eaten my weight in six different kinds of chips. A beautiful vegetarian charcuterie will take your focus off the greasy, processed foods, at least for a little while.  

Ingredients and Directions:

There’s no right or wrong way to do this. Load up on the veggies and nuts you’ll eat and you can’t go wrong. I made my Charcuterie with hard-boiled eggs, apples filled with yogurt, apple crisps instead of crackers, pistachios and plenty of fruits and veggies.

Avocado dip

(via togetherasfamily.com)

Dips are going to be plenty at the Super Bowl buffet. Queso and seven-layer dips are NOT your friend. Friends would never make your butt look big … ever. This vegan and gluten-free avocado dip is tasty and filling, and you certainly won’t miss the added calories.  

Ingredients and Directions:

6 avocados

1 can black beans

1 can corn

1/3 cup red onion

1 cup salsa verde

Mash the avocados, finely chop the onions, dice the tomatoes, and mix the corn, black beans and salsa verde together in a mixing bowl. Either eat right away or let it refrigerate for 1-3 hours before serving.

Turkey Chili

(via snixykitchen.com)

It’s still winter, and I tend to not feel satisfied until consuming something warm, like this gluten-free chili that serves six. While there will probably be burgers, sausages, meatballs and hotdogs around, choosing a meat that’s low in fat is the perfect substitute to less lean meat. 

Ingredients and Directions:

1 lb ground turkey, lean

1 15-ounce can black beans

5 garlic cloves

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 15-ounce can Kidney beans

3/4 tsp oregano, dried

1 15-ounce can pinto beans

1 red bell pepper, small

1 cup sweet corn, frozen

1 28-ounce can tomatoes

1 yellow onion, small

2 tsp soy sauce or gluten-free tamari, reduced sodium

Spices

1/2 tsp black pepper, ground

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, ground

1 1/2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cocoa powder, unsweetened

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp olive oil

1 1/2 tsp cumin

2 cups water

Heat the oil in a large heavy bottom pot over medium heat. Add the turkey and cook until browned, stirring to break it up as it cooks. Add the onion, red bell pepper and garlic, and cook for a few minutes, stirring until tender. Mix in canned tomatoes, beans, corn, spices, and soy sauce. Add the water and stir to combine. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered for about 30 minutes until the chili thickens. (If you're finding that your chili isn't thickening to your desire, try removing the lid completely.) Serve with freshly baked corn bread.

Plan a winter escape to Grand Geneva

Traveling is something we always hoped to do with kids. We said we were going to be those parents that brought their babies everywhere so they got used to being on the road, and in turn, they would become easy breezy travel companions. It’s that simple, right? 

Maybe for some, but we have three little boys. Each time we leave the house, we are equipped with exactly one WWE wrestler, a disappearing Ninja Turtle and an agile spider monkey who happens to be three years old, and an Olympic-caliber climber. 

But each year we try and try again. Because every year is “our year” to be out of the woods and closer to freedom! Despite giving it our best shot, this year we needed a vacation from our vacation. We needed time to unwind, ditching the airport drama and cramped hotel rooms for a quick local getaway.

Here are 10 reasons why a winter weekend getaway to The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is exactly what you need to unwind after the holidays:

Brand new villas

Because sometimes two queen beds (in a room the size of two queen beds) won’t cut it. There’s nothing better than putting the kids down in another room so you and your spouse can enjoy a glass of wine and a movie at the end of a full day. The villas are modern, spacious and cozy. You may never go back to a traditional hotel room ever. 

Activities

The facility has tennis courts, basketball courts, indoor pools, an outdoor playground and a rock-climbing wall to keep kids busy for entire afternoons at a time. There is even horseback riding and carriage rides in the snow if you’re craving some added adventure. 

Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

We took the kids to a waterpark and we ALL had a good time. This is rare, because there are two of us, and three of them. However, the entire room was surprisingly manageable in size. We could see the “big kid” waterslides from the “little kids” waterslides and play area. And the bar is steps away from the kiddie pool. Parents were ankle deep in the pool with beers in their hands. I know, you’re already sold, but I have to also mention the lazy river, the dining area with pizza, burgers and hot dogs, and a separate arcade room.

The spa

Conveniently located next to the daycare center, the spa was at the top of our list after a full day of chasing ninjas down waterslides. The massages were everything a busy parent could dream of. We left the kids to play video games next door so we could enjoy the sauna, jacuzzi tub, and a little R&R before heading off to dinner.  

“Kids are Grand” Kids Club

There is nothing better than a family vacation to spend time with your kids and make memories, but there is something to be said for a couple hours to reconnect with your spouse. Dinner, spa treatments or happy hour at the Lodge while the kids are being supervised is an option you don’t get on many family trips. 

Skiing, sledding & ice skating

We enrolled the boys in ski school on our first full day, and we could not believe how friendly and helpful the staff was with everything from boot fittings to the ski lessons themselves. The boys, including my 3-year-old spider monkey, were zooming around The Mountain Top almost immediately, and were so excited to be able to ski, sled and ice skate in one place. Click here for “stay and ski free” package info. 

Convenience

Everything was convenient and incredibly family-friendly in the villas. The kitchen was huge and unlike staying in a traditional hotel room, we didn’t have to leave every time one of the boys was hungry. Are you ready for this? They delivered groceries! If you need anything else, Target is only a five-minute drive away. 

Restaurants

Not only are there six restaurants to choose from, they are all delicious and offer enough choices for even the pickiest eaters in your family. The Chophouse and The Grand Cafe hit the spots for us, but check out the other eateries and their menus for yourself.

Proximity to downtown Lake Geneva

It took us six minutes to drive to the downtown area from our villa. While we did most of our dining at the resort, downtown Lake Geneva is filled with bars, restaurants and shopping, and they are all right on the lake. We were able to take the kids out on the ice to watch the fishermen ice fishing. People were ice skating and zooming by us on snowmobiles, and we were all in awe of how beautiful Lake Geneva is.

Upcoming winter events

Lake Geneva might be known for summer fun on the water, but it has definitely become our new favorite winter escape. Here are a couple events we are looking forward to:

Winterfest: A 9-day festival (Jan. 27-Feb. 4) complete with snow sculptures, art, dog sled racing, helicopter rides, and more. 

Winter Carnival: Starting at 9 a.m. on Feb. 3, there is a parade, fireworks and live music. (Check out the full list of events here.)

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You don’t have to be a parent to book this trip! If you’re ready to book your visit Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, use code ChicagoParent20 for 20 percent off your stay. *Must book by April 15 with a 2-night stay minimum. 

Revamp your wardrobe with these Pantone Color of the Year 2018 picks

When Prince first sang Purple Rain, it was hard for many to understand why he chose that particular color in the first place. However, we can all agree that the energy it omits is as mysterious and magnetic as the universe itself. Pantone must have felt the same pull to the shade when they officially named Ultra Violet their 2018 Color of the Year. 

Pantone's website introduces the color as "a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future." 

Purple symbolizes something greater, counterculture, unconventionality and artistic brilliance that we are all going to need to contribute more of to move us forward in 2018. Here are uber chic ways to radiate Ultra Violet from local bloggers who have fully embraced the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year.

 OPI Purpetual Emotion

 Packed Party confetti tote

 Fashaholic's purple trench

Sanem's tassel earrings