The burbs are feeling good guys! But I’ll be honest. It didn’t come easy.
Since it’s been 3 months since we made the move, I wanted to share the deets. Let’s start with the awkward and end with the good? Mmmm k? Great.
But before I dive in, let’s chat about a dress that embraces all lifestyles, no matter what stage of life you’re in. The DVF Wrap. A one piece that takes you from your 20’s to your 100’s in a straight up class mobile. I’ll be honest – it’s a pretty penny upfront. But factor in the times per wear – it’s golden. And I swear shaves off ten LBS thanks to the synched waist.
Luckily for Ideel (Groupon’s designer labels for less), you can now find amazing pieces for a fraction of the cost – up to 70% off. The designers change regularly too. Hello YSL, Rebecca Minkoff and Prada. So be sure to sign up and check it out!
Now let’s try on these life changes for size…
BIGGEST CHANGES
1. People keep asking why we moved to Elmhurst since we don’t have kids. Well we hope to change that someday. We grew up in the suburbs and want to raise our family the same way. But in the meantime, we are giving this suburb lifestyle a test run first.
2. I am an outsider. As mentioned above, I feel like I am the only woman without kids in these parts. Not a big deal at all but I can tell I don’t have that connection or thing in common in group conversations.
The most fascinating tidbit (and I’m obsessed!) are Mom Facebook Groups. Every suburb has their very own and abide by very strict rules. Mom’s share things going on in realtime (I swear it’s faster than the news!), sell gently used clothes/furniture/toys and remind each other of openings and events. Elmhurst’s is called Elmhurst Mom’s and Hinsdale’s is The Real Housewives of Hinsdale. Crazy right?!
3. I miss my city friends! I still have several besties in Chi-town and I made some amazing friendships in the blogger-sphere too. I just don’t get to see them as much anymore. I miss you guys!
4. I feel out of touch: I feel like I don’t know what’s going on and everyone is doing these amazing things except for me. After 30 days there were all these new places and things I have never heard of. I didn’t realize how quickly the city changes! Instagram also gives me major FOMO (fear of missing out).
Overview: Overall these challenges are seriously NOTHING! But knowing what it’s like may be helpful if you ever make the change from the city to a suburb. Okay, let’s talk about the amazingness now!
THE BEST
1. New Friends: Thanks to The Windy City Blogger Co, I recently connected with Kelly. Another blogger in Elmhurst. Wahoo! She is the sweetest and the gem who took these photos. I also know of a few other ladies who are around these parts too. Fingers crossed I get to meet them too!
2. Goodbye FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out): So yes, I feel like I am missing out sometimes. But 90% of the time I am so happy I no longer bounce around the city 24/7. As a result, I have my sh*t together. I also prioritize my time when I visit the city and find myself putting time in where it counts.
3. New Fun Things: Sean surprised me with a new bike last month (like 10 year old birthday style!) and it’s so much fun. We will take the Prairie Path and grab a Fist City IPA at a local beer garden. We also have a new Designated Driver named the Metra! We take a train to neighboring towns. Just went to A Toda Madre this past Friday – amazeballs.
4. Family Time! This ties into the above, but I get to see Sean and Larry a million times more. We love taking Larry to the park everyday, seeing our suburb friends (even though it’s been crazy this summer!) and making an outing of the trip to the grocery store. Our new favorite thing is enjoying an IPA at Whole Foods while we tackle our grocery list.
5. Stress Level Decreased. This sounds silly, but not having every second planned of every day was my biggest struggle. I had to be…still. Can you imagine the horror?! 😉 Basically you’re away from all the hooplah (which I miss so much!), I was forced to relax. Completely self induced, I know. City life – it’s a double edged sword. What I love the most, I also hate the most.
6. A full refrigerator: Goodbye cheese and ketchup only fridge! We’ve got lettuce, stoneground mustard, grapes and fresh salmon baby!
7. Round of drinks on me! $14 cocktails, say whaaaat was I thinking?! I’m talking about $5 martini night and $2 you call its. This round’s on me folks.
Shop The Look: DVF New Julian Two Mini Wrap Dress c/o || Steven Rykie Sandals || 3.1 Phillip Lim Medium Satchel || Kate Spade Sunnies (old) || Pretty bouquet by Carousel Flowers – the most darling floral boutique in Elmhurst.
Have you ever had to make a big lifestyle change? How’d it go? Would you ever do it again?
Moving the ‘burbs took awhile for me to get used to, but three years later I am so happy I made the move! I love that when I visit the city it’s more purposeful like you said, and we visit WAY more neighborhoods instead of just sticking to our neighborhood bubble. The FOMO goes away once you realize how much it’s impossible to keep up- there will always be a new restaurant, store, event, etc to check out!
Katie, that is so great to hear! We are seriously loving it, but sometimes I do miss the city. However as soon as I am heading home after a visit, I just can’t wait to get back to Elmhurst. Glad I am not the only one feeling that way!
First off — preach about those DVF dresses!! I got my first one a few months ago and I absolutely love it and I’m saving for my next, they are so flattering!! Second, it was great talking with you last night! And lastly, I’m happy to hear that you adapting well to the suburbs! It sounds like a whole new world out there and so much to learn/ navigate in the burbs! (Btw- I visit Alison from Sassy Mom’s out in Elmhurst once and a while, next time we should all get together!! 🙂
xo, Sarah
http://www.thekissingboothblog.com
I am obsessed! I have worn it way too much than I care to admit, in a short amount of time. But they seriously go with anything and everything. Secondly, I would LOVE to get together with you two! I have been meaning to reach out to her, now that she is settled back in. Keep me posted and great chatting with you too last night 🙂
Ahaha how cute is this post and you Nicole?!?! We miss you here in the city but reading your post proves what a great decision it was for you to move out to the burbs. You seem so happy and radiant — and yes, while we all deal with FOMO, the reality is time with our loved ones is so much more important. Our time on this earth is limited — we must make the best of it with the ones we love the most!
Sed Bona
Ashley, you are so thoughtful! I appreciate the drop by. And yes, I miss you guys so much! Your work keeps getting better and better – which I didn’t think was possible. Keep going girlfriend!
Ahhh thank you for the shout out! I can’t imagine the change you’re going through. Here to help with anything suburban related….lol!
You know it Kelly! You have been so sweet and welcoming. Thanks again for taking these photos and being a new friend! Hope the kids had a good first week of school.
Love your blog and didn’t realize you live in Elmhurst. I was nodding my head in agreement to all of your points especially the not having kids yet and my husband got me a bike too! We have lived here for 2.5 years and I have met so many ladies but definitely feel a missing connection with not having kids. I am now pregnant with my first so we shall see how that changes. I joined Elmhurst Junior Womens Club and it’s a great way to meet people and volunteer in the community. We are having our kick off party at Cuvee this week, 8/26, you are welcome! http://elmhurst-juniors.org
Lauren
So happy to hear you’re enjoying the ‘butbs and I totally understand all the emotions. I experienced some similar feels on the flip side, moving into the city. It’s a whole lot of change to get used to!
All those feelings totally make sense! I’ve lived in so many cities, and they all have their blessings and woes. I went from living in Scottsdale to living in a town of 9,000 on a 14-mile-long island in Alaska. Talk about culture shock! I went from being the only girl on the block without Botox, to being about the only girl on the island in make-up! And now we’ve circled back to the happy-medium of Tucson. Where you live makes such a difference!