Leon's Lounge​ was one of my favorite bars in Houston until it sadly closed down. C'est La Vie. However, good news- I recently heard through the grapevine that Leon's reopened it's doors! This is Houston's oldest bar and they have an amazing mood + music scene. It's the perfect place for a romantic rendezvous or a glamorous stop after fine dining or a girl's night out. They have great cocktails and I have to say The Green On Red at Leon's Lounge is to die for!

I was skeptical at first to try the Green On Red when someone recommended it to me because I've never loved red peppers or any cocktail that tastes too strong/spicy. I'm so glad I did because now it is hands down my favorite drink! It's a tasty drink that is refreshing and much sweeter than you would expect. Unfortunately I live quite far from my favorite H-Town bar but luckily I found the [almost] perfect Green on Red recipe. It's not drinking alone if someone's reading this post, right?! 😉 

- 5 Slices of Red Pepper 
-1 Red Pepper Slice + 1 Basil Leaf For Garnish
-2oz Lime Juice
-1oz Grapefruit Juice
-1oz Vanilla Rum
-1oz Light Rum
​-2-3 Ice Cubes

1. Take the first 5 slices of red pepper & put them into a muddler and muddle. (If you do not have a muddler, smashing them into a tall cup or a bowl will do just fine!)

2. Add your muddled red peppers, lime juice, grapefruit juice, vanilla rum, & light rum into a shaker with 2-3 ice cubes. Shake & blend for 45 seconds to one minute until all of your ingredients are smoothly blended.

3. Voila! Pour your mixture into a cocktail glass of your choice and garnish with your extra red pepper slice and one basil leaf. Cheers!!!!! 

If you're looking to stay at a hotel that includes the rich history of Chicago, a relaxing atmosphere, and that's in the heart of the city- The Palmer House should be at the top of your list. This historic hotel was built in 1875 but sadly burned down in the Chicago Fire. In 1925 it reopened it's doors as the "World's Only Fire Proof Hotel". This hotel has a beautiful grand lobby / bar area and a relaxing pool + hot tub for lounging after a day of walking around the Chicago Loop. Winter rates can get as low as $90 a night- meaning you should definitely plan a weekend getaway ;)

While many beautiful and impressive hotels top the long list of Chicago's boarding options, the locals know that there's more to Chitown than downtown. Hotel Lincoln is the perfect place to rest your head just minutes from the hustle and bustle of River North. Located on the edge of Lincoln Park & Old Town, this historic hotel offers beautiful views of the Lake. Wander the Lincoln Park Zoo (it's free!) or take in city views and enjoy a cocktail at the hotel's rooftop bar: The J. Parker. 

You can't come to The Windy City without experiencing deep dish pizza! Get your Chicago style pizza fix at Giordano's on Rush Street- while you wait for your pizza we suggest people watching and enjoying a Bloody Mary. Next stop? Dessert! (That is if you have room!) The Sprinkles ATM cupcake machine is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. Chicago has more to offer than just pizza. The fine dining options are plentiful, two of which are located right off Mag Mile: The Purple Pig and Ralph Lauren Restaurant.  If grabbing a quick bite is more your style then you can't go wrong with tacos from Velvet Taco or enjoying brunch (we recommend outside seating if the weather permits) at Tavern On Rush. 

While Chicago is known for it's deep dish pizza, there are plenty of other pizza spots worth going to. D'Agostino's thin crust cheese pizza is an amazing choice with a sweet tomato sauce. Lincoln & Wicker Park are filled with so many great places to eat including Mindy's Hot Chocolate, Furious Spoon, The Pasta Bowl, & Gemini Cafe. If you're looking for a romantic spot for two- Geja's Cafe was rated one of the most romantic restaurants. Q BBQ is a great choice for anyone looking to get the BBQ fix!

Take in high views (and get an even higher blood alcohol level) at The Signature Lounge At The 96th of The Hancock. Continue enjoying classy cocktails just across the street at The Deca Bar of The Ritz Carlton. Once you're ready to let loose, Hubbard Street is waiting for you with poppin' spots like Social Twenty-Five and The Underground. Other impressive drinking spots include The Vertigo Lounge, The Violet Hour, and Three Dots and a Dash.

Drinking in Chicago can get pretty expensive. That's why many of us locals prefer to stay closer to where we reside- especially in the long months of winter. For drinks and music you can't go wrong with The Whistler, Davenport's Piano Bar, or Exit. While some of us prefer playing over drinking- The Emporium Arcade bar is a fun spot for hanging with the entire squad. A list of other bars all around Chicago's neighborhood areas include Ravens, Danny's, Galway Bay, & The Reservoir. 

Taking in the views of Chicago is something every tourist MUST do! The Skydeck at The Willis Tower is a fun and incredible way to view Chicago. Going shopping along The Mag Mile is fun- especially during the Holidays! If you (or someone you love!) loves pretty dresses and clothing then we recommend stopping in at Akira for some new looks. The Chicago Cultural Center is near The Bean + Millennium Park and features beautiful architecture. Of course you can't go wrong with listening to music at the legendary Green Mill, going for a boat tour ride at Navy Pier, or seeing a performance at The Chicago Theater. 

Many of us try to avoid the tourist spots at all cost due to the crowds and high prices. However, there are plenty of things to do away from the mobs! Taking a cooking class at Eataly is a fun way to spend an afternoon and learn something new. If you're looking for an artistic outing, Glazed Expressions in Lincoln Park offers ceramic painting. We recommend visiting a records store like Dave's Records or attending one of the many thrift shops (The Brown Elephant) or markets in/around Chicago. Taking a dance class at Flirty Girl Fitness ​is a fun way to stay in shape & get flirty! 

Last year I created a list called "216 Things to Do in 2016" and it was quite popular to say the least. I decided to make a new list of resolutions and things to do in 2017- completely different from last year's list! It's amazing how much can change in a year. For me, 2016 was filled with some really great memories but also plenty of hardships. All of these things have really changed my perspective on life. 

I hope this list can inspire you to embrace each new year as a new chapter in your life. I think the most beautiful thing about life is that every day is a new opportunity to recreate ourselves. Don't ever stay stagnant and don't ever think you've reached your peak. There's always something else to learn, try, create, or experience! This is my list of 217 Things To Do in 2017 and if you have any thoughts or ideas for things to add to this list- feel free to leave your comments below!

​1. How to grow vegetables
​2. Some form of self-defense 
​3. The master skill of blending & highlighting your make up
​4. Basic coding / website building
5. All about a foreign country that you've always been interested in
​6. A new signature cocktail for 2017
​7. The basics of meditation
​8. To listen more instead of giving your opinion
9. Defensive driving 
10. How to cook an egg (there are MANY ways, all of them delish)
​11. The proper way to perform the heimlich maneuver
12. Something random off of a Youtube video
13. A new impressive, random thing (magic trick, juggling, etc)
14. All the new 2017 terms/slang used by the youngsters ;)
15. To memorize your favorite poem by heart
​16. The lyrics to "Bust A Move" - to be super impressive on Karaoke!
17. How to read body language
18. The best way for YOU to relax after a long day
​19. The differences between cheap wine & fine wine
20. Knitting
​21. How to keep an organized closet
22. Stock Market 101
23. The difference between an IRA / 401K (& if you should start one!)
​24. Sign Language
​25. The meaning behind a phrase you hear/say often (For example- the term "Sleep Tight" originated from the 1700s to remind people to tighten the ropes of their bed)
26. How to do the splits 
27. To know how to respectfully say "No" to things you shouldn't or don't want to do 
28. Flip Cup (Because alcohol games don't have to just be for frat parties)
​29. How to care for a fish / fish tank
30. A new instrument
​31. Not to go to bed mad
32. The best way to store/save/back up your pictures/data/important documents
33. All about the US presidents (all 45 of them!)
34. Photography!
​35. All about dreams & what they mean!
36. The way to write a perfect "Thank You" note
37. To compliment those around you more often
38. An easy hair style that looks good but takes hardly any time
​39. How to golf (& how to have a good swing!)
40. Good posture
​41. To stop picking your nails, biting your lip, or any other bad nervous habits
42. How to type an E-Mail that will get clients (or your co-workers) attention
​43. A card game you're unfamiliar with
44. To cut ties with anyone who is against you or not a good influence in your life
​45. To say "Yes!" more to new experiences, opportunities, events, etc
46. How to stop always pressing the snooze button
​47. To be respectful when disagreeing with someone on a topic
​48. Good vibes only
49. To replace "That will never happen" with "Let's give it a try"
​50. All about a religion that you're extremely unfamiliar with 
51. That fear comes from the unknown- which is why it's important to stay educated
52. To laugh more
​53. Not to get into debates on social media platforms
​54. To NOT flip off that guy who just cut you off in traffic
55. To fact check those blog posts you see everyone post on Facebook and online regarding politics/religion/etc- because most of them are actually false

56. Different types of teas
57. Reading the entire book of your (or your family/friends) religion
58. A month without soda or caffeine 
​59. Drinking more water
60. A new form of exercise
61. Spending a little more quality / interactive time with your pets!
​62. Picking Apples
​63. Making your own pasta
​64. Starting a new collection of some type 
65. Sleeping without your phone in your bedroom (remember that thing called an alarm clock?!)
66. Reading a book you normally wouldn't be interested in
​67. Crying if you're feeling low! Just let it out :)
​68. To reach out + visit your family members just a little more often
69. Winning a costume contest
​70. To not record that video of your favorite band playing live and just enjoy the moment!
​71. Deleting all your social media apps off your phone for at least one week
72. Reading the newspaper more often
73. & on the topic of newspapers, completing a crossword puzzle
​74. Taking an archery course
75. Writing your own poetry book
76. Going one week without watching Netflix/TV/Movies
​77. Taking a free online course over something you've always been interested in
​78. Brewing your own beer
79. Watching an iconic TV show you never saw
80. Going out of your comfort zone
81. Bungee Jumping
​82. Waking up at sunrise more often / on occasion
83. Getting 8+ hours of sleep a night
​84. Not going to bed super late even on your day off
85. Saying "Hello" to new people 
86. Making a new friend in an unlikely place
​87. Going sober for at least one month
​88. Asking your grandparents for a little more life advice
​89. Understanding why someone with a different political opinion than you holds those views
90. Watching comedies & light-hearted films- you'll be surprised what it can do to your attitude!
​91. To embrace or hug your close friends and family 
​92. Being more open minded to things 
​93. Going vegan for a week
​94. Hopping on the bandwagon of your city's fav sports team
​95. Reading the inspiring posts on 1924us Instagram page
96. NOT re-downloading Tinder if you're single and feeling lonely
97. BumbleBFF- because who doesn't want more friends?!
​98. Sugar Bear Hair (aka the best hair vitamins on the web apparently)
99. Bird Watching Or Falconry
100. Art Collecting
​101. Not spending any money on anything you don't need for at least one month
102. Wearing super red/black/crazy lipstick
​103. Lip scrubbing- because dry lips are a thing of the past
​104. Taking up people when they offer you something
105. Walking around your neighborhood 
​106. Eating your lunch/dinner outside
​107. Going shopping for treats/toys and donating to a local animal shelter
108. Doing something you would "never" do
​109. Leaving water or food outside your home/apartment for animals in need
​110. Being more empathetic 
111. Not giving in to something or someone if you don't want to
112. Being less bitter towards people or things you can't change
113. Conquering something you didn't think you would in 2017
​114. More crock pot recipes- because no effort & your house smells amazing!
115. Even if you love having the mouth-of-a-sailor: cutting back from "bad" words in regular conversations
​116. Not judging that random person you normally couldn't help but judge
117. Meals from Hello Fresh
118. Saving your coins for a rainy day
119. Not comparing your life to anyone else's
120. Not looking up your EX/past lovers/enemies/girl-you-hated-in-high-school on social media ever again
121. Being more curious about things that interest you or that you don't know
122. No Facebook stalking anyone for the entire year (even your BFFs new boyfriend that you've never met)
​123. A food / snack you used to love as a child that you haven't eaten in years

124. A photo album of 2016
​125. A smash journal/book
126. The last Pinterest project you pinned
​127. A playlist that will always put you in a good mood
128. The perfect vacation to take sometime this year
​129. A list of things you want to do in 2017/2018
130. A Mannequin Challenge video!
​131. A dream diary (Where you write about the dreams you had when you wake up)
132. The perfect resume... even if you already have your dream job!
​133. A better morning routine
​134. Some place in your home where you can focus and get work/tasks done well
​135. A family reunion
​136. A blog where you can organize your thoughts
​137. The birthday party you've always wanted to throw yourself
​138. Cards for our troops, children in the hospital, cancer patients, etc.
​139. Desserts to give your neighbors, co-workers, friends "just because"
140. A private, personal Instagram page for your eyes only where you save photos from the year, videos, etc
​141. An organized closet (because even if you purged last year, it's time to re-do!)
​142. A clean slate for your future by letting go & accepting your past
143. Crowd funding page for a cause you believe in
144. A baby/wedding shower for a friend or acquaintance
​145. A memory quilt using old t-shirts, loved fabrics, blankets, etc 
​146. The go-to perfect outfit 
​147. A little indoor garden to care for 
148. A clean pantry by donating all your old cans/unopened food
​149. Your own hashtag to use on social media for your trips, memories, fun times, etc.
​150. A classical music playlist to listen to when you need to work/study/clean
​151. Time management
​152. A clean bathroom that's perfect for relaxing (think bubble bath, candles, dreamy lights, etc)
​153. A book of your favorite quotes
154. A real life Pinterest board by printing out your top favorite pins & displaying them in your home or office
​155. A memory list where you write down every memory you have from past vacations, family members, friends, high school, camp, work etc.
​156. The 52-Week or 365 Day Photo Project
​157. A beautiful bird house (complete with bird food!) to put outside during spring
158. A vision board for 2018
​159. A video summing up what you did, learned, and experienced in 2017 to watch or share years down the road

160. Standing up for a cause you believe in
​161. A concert with a band/singer/performer you have always loved but never seen 
​162. The (sometimes) forgotten joy of just staying in on a weekend
163. A weekend getaway with some of your oldest/closest friends
​164. A blissful massage
​165. Laughing so hard your "abs" hurt
​166. Someone else's surprise party
167. A play or show you've always wanted to attend
168. A new bar in town you've always eyed but never stepped foot in
​169. Sensory Deprivation Spa Tank
170. A helicopter ride- Groupon has some AMAZING deals
171. Indoor (or outdoor if you're brave!) skydiving
172. Attending a Holiday Market
173. Giving blood to help someone in need
174. Flyboarding- this new water sport looks super fun!
175. A yoga/meditation retreat
176. Going to an amusement park & letting the child in you loose!
177. A riveting church service (even if you're not religious)
178. Couch Surfing or AirBNB in a city you've always wanted to visit
​179. Trying out a restaurant or product that was featured on Shark Tank
180. The feeling of being loved unconditionally- even if it's just by your pet!
​181. Putting a love lock on a bridge
​182. Leaving advice or happy thoughts in random places
​183. Throwing kindness around like confetti
184. A movie that makes you genuinely happy/grateful/in-awe
185. Your creativity booming
​186. Feeding the ducks in your local park with leftover bread in your kitchen
​187. Getting up early & going to bed early for an entire week just to see if it impacts your mood or life 
188. Treating yourself to something you've been wanting
​189. A TED talk that leaves you feeling motivated
190. Going to a book signing for an author you love
​191. Learning one new thing a day
​192. Playing a video game you loved from your childhood
​193. Doing or saying one kind thing a day for an entire year
194. Making a super smart investment
195. Doing something that would make your parents proud
196. Being proud of something your parents have done
​197. Attending a local event in your city that's always sparked your interest
​198. Dressing up all green for St. Patrick's Day & hitting the town
199. A Valentine's day filled with more love than usual- either from your SO, family, friends, or your cat!
​200. Being more vulnerable
201. Letting your walls down more often (especially when with friends or someone important)
​202. Voicing your opinion on something you've been holding in
203. Getting a new piercing (it'll grow back!)
204. Attend + Play in a drum circle
205. Rock Climbing
206. Giving back to your community
207. Laughing more often
208. Being lost for words (in a good way!)
209. Test driving a luxury car (or a car you've always wanted to own)
210. A summer day lounging on a boat
​211. Local wine / beer tasting 
212. Cupping therapy- it's what all the 2016 Olympic athletes did!
213. Going to an open mic night (either for poetry, singing, etc) and letting your voice be heard
214. Getting to know a random person's life story on the plane, a long bus ride, at the bar, down the hall from you, etc.
215. Texting your friends/family more uplifting messages
216. A night that you will always remember with people you'll always cherish
217. The peace with knowing 2017 is only one year & you have many years to come- this is just one chapter in your book and if you haven't done something yet, it doesn't mean you won't