I don’t like to shop for myself.
I know this screws up my whole “girly girl” persona, but it stresses me out. Shopping trips are dreaded almost as much as a trip to the dentist.
Helping friends find something they’re looking for? Ok, I’ll totally go along.
For myself? Blah…
Just like dentist trips, I need to start rewarding myself with ice cream at the end…
Anyway- maybe it was because I used to live in close proximity to the 5th (something like that) largest mall in the United States that came hand in hand with overwhelming anxiety and insane crowds. Or maybe it’s because I never truly have a lot of disposable income burning in the ol’ pocket. Whatever the reason, I just don’t like it.
Online shopping is my friend.
However, I am a girly girl and was actually needing a nice cocktail dress for my friend’s rehearsal dinner and one or two staples in the summer wardrobe for work/casual affairs. Not “want”. “Need”. There’s a difference.
And that’s how I went on a bender…
Mon came down to see my new apartment and have a lil’ Sunday Funday downtown.
And this is how I experienced, for the first time, all that is The Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue.
It’s astounding how much bigger this place looks from the inside- you just keep going up and up and up! And the jellyfish display for Shedd Aquarium was also pretty cool. Ohhhhh pretttttyyyyy…
Wait… what was I talking about?
Oh yeah- 3 hours later, my credit card was exhausted and I was already trying to figure out what returns I’d be making in the next couple of weeks.
Or not. I mean… maybe I’ll just eat ramen for a few months to make ends meet?
However, that would probably lead to malnourishment. And then all the clothes bought on Sunday probably wouldn’t fit.
I just can’t win.
Either way, it’s safe to say, even with returning a few things, I’m set for the rehearsal dinner. And summer. Hooray!
Instead of ice cream for our success (let’s not live in TOO much excess), we decided dinner would be appropriate.
I chose Wishbone- a southern cooking restaurant that I’ve been to once before, but it’s so good, I had no problems going back.
When shopping is your cardio for the day, it’s important to carb load with free cornbread.
All I could do was rave about the blackened catfish salad I had the last time, so when it was nowhere to be found on the menu (the menu changed after 15 months- imagine that), I had to switch it up with the blackened catfish entrée:
Let’s discuss…
Rarely do I ever love coleslaw. If it’s too vinegar-y, I won’t touch it. This shiz was JUST right.
Also, I love sweet potatoes, but I never make them this decadent. They were above and beyond. I know the milk used wasn’t fat-free. And in every bite was a hint of pecans and brown sugar. Beautiful.
The definition of delusionally happy.
After our little exploration of the city, we meandered (or waddled?) back to my place where Mon kindly offered to help me unload some odds and ends.
Even with all the changes going on in my life this month, I know one thing for sure-
The two of us will never grow up.
Anyway, it’s Tuesday. So uh… good luck. 
Stupid Tuesdays…
Filed under: Places to Eat, Things to Do Tagged: | Chicago, Michigan Avenue, shopping, shopping anxiety, Sunday Funday, Water Tower Place, Wishbone
I thought Tuesdays would get better during the summer. Little did I know I would be watching my niece and nephew on Tuesdays for 10 hours this summer. For real!??!?!?!?!?
You and Mon always crack me up!! How did yall become friends?
I’ll mention it tomorrow!
I love Wishbone! I’m a big fan of the Crunchy French Toast (french toast dipped in cornflakes). Those sweet potatoes you had sound delicious!
And yeah, Tuesday….
Nice! I’ll have to check it out next time I’m there… I hear brunch is fab!
I love that pic of Watertower! How fun! I maxed out my card in Dallas this past weekend (for needs, not wants). I too am a fan of on-line shopping.
I ONLY buy things I “need”. Naturally…
I went shopping there when I was visiting in March… it was glorious. It’s safe to say that after my serious shopping adventures at the outlets a few weeks ago that I am done shopping for a whileeeeeeeeee.
I am way overdue for a shopping trip like that…and a meal like that for that matter. Sigh, if only I lived closer, you could take me to this magical place with where jellyfish swim and I too could give my credit cards some lovin. Until then, TJ Maxx it is.
Don’t knock the ‘Maxx! I love it. And Burlington while we’re at it…
That’s the problem with never shopping, when you do go its dangerous. I have the same problem.
Haha, I love the picture of Mon with the lamp. I’ve never shopped at Water Tower. I was actually thinking, “What huge mall is in the city?!” Doh. Hope today doesn’t beat you up too badly
Well wait do we get to see the cocktail dress?
Love shopping at watertower, even if I’m not in the mood to shop — I usually just make it an excuse for eating out somewhere.
You will! I’m still deciding… meh!
I agree, lets see the loot! (is it weird that I care so much what you bought? Blogging is a strange thing…)
I’m the opposite of you – love shopping for myself, ALONE. HATE going with or for other people. I need to be on my own schedule.
We live vicariously through each other. It happens.
I love shopping. I wish I could shop my life away, but my life in DC has proven to be grossly expensive. Blah. I’m glad you had success!
Where’d you end up getting your cocktail dress at???
H&M of all places! It was actually before we got into Water Tower Place. Or at least that’s the one I’m favoring now…
Jellyfish at a mall?!?! That’s my kind of mall. LOVE.
Thank you for your kind words to me! I agree, our lives are frighteningly parallel right now. I too hate shopping! I always buy things an then return them. I hate spending the money and I never seem to know what is right for me. Needless to say, but wardrobe is kind of lame. I hope you have a good day despite it being Tuesday.
Of course! You’re lovely and I’m sad about everything you’re having to deal with. Chin up! We’ve got this!
I have a love hate relationship with shopping… but I seriously love the looks of yoru reward dinner after!
Amy- Wishbone is THE BEST. Also, I am just waiting to run into you in the new hood. You must eat Wishbone brunch and fast- if not, we’ll make a date to do it together. Yummmmm.
Done and done!
You know, I’ve still yet to go to Wishbone. I think it was dating a Mississippian for 2 years who thought that it wasn’t REAL Southern food that has kept me from going- I mean, it’s not like I’d know the difference. I need to make a shopping trip to the North/Sheffield area soon- it’s much better than going downtown crowd-wise. You may come along if you wish.
We are going to change this, my friend. You have Flat Top. I have Wishbone. We will dine happily…
The Water Tower place is SO awesome. One of my favorites on Michigan Ave!
I am JUST like you when it comes to shopping… I try to avoid the mall as much as possible. Then, whe I do go, I tend to think I need to make up for lost time and make purchases like money grows on trees. Ah well. At least we come out with cute things, right?
That’s what I’m telling myself… lol
I’m not good at shopping for myself either. I hate going to stores and malls annoy me. I need shorts though. I tried getting them online and the ones I order can never fit over my sausage thighs. A trip to the store is in order.
The lunch sounds delicious. Sweet potatoes are the best.
dude i am in a fan-freaking-tastic mood this tuesday. don’t jinx me.
haha, I have a love/hate relationship with shopping too. sometimes it just takes way too much energy. but other times I am unstoppable and my credit cards are on fire. hehe, guess that’s not a great thing either. Hey, at least Tuesday is now almost over!
That meal looks amazing, especially since all I’ve been eating is pub food. I know, I know…my life is so rough.
I love that it’s Tuesday and the longest day of the year–score!
I used to love Water Tower growing up. We went there all the time when I was a kid and something about it seemed so magical. I love to shop but definitely have to be in the mood for it. I’m not one of those girls who can go for hours though, I’m all about getting in and getting out (twss)
GAH! I don’t like that you’ve brought that to my attention!
haha dont ever ever grow up =) and free cornbread is the perfect compliment to shopping cardio =) I agree!
Pecans, brown sugar and sweet potatoes= best combination EVER.
I thought the same exact thing…yum!
I’m not sure we can be friends anymore – I’m a shopping queen (online and in stores!).
Corn bread is seriously delicious. I actually crave it. Is that weird?
Ugh shopping. Someone better just shop for me. I hate it last hting I bought was a dress I absolutely can’t stand and wore once it will never leave my closet again. Of course can’t return it either damn it. Glad you found some stuff you loved though.
wow. How could you hate shopping? I LOVE shopping, even with the crowds. I have a problem, seriously. haha
I am an expert shopper, you just let me know the next time you “need” something and i’ll be right over to help.
[...] before I leave you… a few comments from yesterday’s post to [...]