This week Chicago and I shared a birthday — but only one of us turned 38. 😛

I decided to fully treat myself with a day shopping at the Michigan Ave Nordstrom, lunch at Ema, and finally checked AIRE Ancient Baths off my list — and it completely delivered. It allowed me to fully unplug and was seriously one of the most relaxing spa experiences I’ve ever had. AIRE is now on ResortPass, so I was able to use a credit I’d been saving, and it was the perfect way to splurge on a special day. Here’s $20 off your next ResortPass booking if you want to try Aire or another local spa or pool day which is a great spring break activity.

With school breaks just around the corner, this issue includes my packing list for warm-weather getaways, along with the best of the best for what to do, eat, play, and stay in Chicago if you’re spending the week in the city — all rounded up in my Bougie Kid’s Guide.

I know the groundhog already popped out of his cozy little burrow, but in my mind St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is the unofficial kickoff of spring — the ultimate game of Midwest weather roulette. It could be freezing rain (or snow) or a gorgeous 80 and sunny, we truly never know. While my days battling Michigan Ave crowds are behind me, it’s still such a fun weekend with plenty to do in the city and burbs— all recapped below. If you need festive outfits for the family, Alice & Wonder has great last-minute options available for in-store pickup or local shipping.

I’m also excited to introduce my March small business spotlight: The Weekly Mac, a mom-owned local bakery specializing in unique macaron flavors — including Lucky Charms 🌈🍀❤ which goes live tomorrow just in time for a holiday weekend pickup! Below is the code to get an extra free half dozen macarons as a thank-you for being a subscriber.