This is the most important post I think I’ve written. Our lives are about to change.
We have some exciting news!
Last weekend, Eric landed a great job in downtown Chicago for a health care facility. I’m so proud of him and love him so much! The company wants him to start as soon as possible.
Last week, Eric quit his job.
Last week, I quit my job.
We’re moving to Chicago!!
We’re moving to Chicago, soon. Like, this month. I’ve already started packing up the house. Right now we’re researching areas of Chicago and where to live. I really hope we can find a place. If anyone has any advice on Chicago (where to live, where to avoid, apartment/metra/train tips, etc.), I would love to hear it. We’re considering Lakeview, Uptown, Edgewater, Wrigleyville, Ravenswood, and Lincoln Park.
I’m hoping to meet some Chicago readers sometime in the future. Maybe we could meet at Crumbs and have some cupcakes together?
So that’s our big news! I will continue to update the blog as much as possible. The posts may be more about our new journey, less recipes for a while.
Wait, I forgot to tell you one more thing…..
I’m attending The French Pastry School in July! ….and I think I just cried a little bit when typing that.
I am so sad I didn't get to live in Wrigleyville or Lincoln Park when I was in Chicago. Damn apartments getting snatched up so fast! And if we head out to Chicago this summer me and my little curly haired ones will so meet you for cupcakes.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you. I can just imagine all the great food you're going to find in Chicago. And congrats on going to Pastry School like you've always wanted. Sounds like a dream come true.
ReplyDeleteholy cow! this is such great news! congrats to both you and eric! i've never moved before, been living at the same house since i was 3 =.= must be so exciting to move to another city!
ReplyDeleteand you have noooo idea how jealous of the fact that you are going to attend pastry school, im super happy for u!
Huge congrats! Great news about Eric's new job and especially your French pastry school. Good luck to both of you! :)
ReplyDeletecongrats! that is so exciting!! I've been reading your blog for a while now and never commented but I wish you both tons of luck in finding a great place!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. I am so excited for you both. That is just awesome news. I so enjoy hearing about your life and seeing it unfold in such a wonderful way. You are going to set the world on fire, girl. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWow, Emily! I'm so glad you're going to pastry school! I'm glad for Eric, and it's so neat to begin a new chapter of life. I hope your move goes well!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful for you and Eric!!! Your dreams will be coming true at school for sure! Can't wait to see/hear more!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to both you and Eric! what a great new adventure you are embarking upon. Chicago is such an amazing city...so much to do, great food, interesting neighborhoods and very friendly people. I have a friend who lives there and I have often visited. The City looks so beautiful in te spring and summer so you are moving at a perfect time to enjoy all things new. I wish you both the very best.
ReplyDeleteI think I just cried for you!! I've been reaaaaallllly wanting to visit Chicago! My roommate's friend is visiting from Chicago (and staying with us for 2 weeks) and keeps telling me how awesome it is. She's going to let me stay w/ her when I visit, so I'll def meet up with you. One day!! Congrats to you both on the exciting news!
ReplyDeleteI KNEW it was something like that. So glad you're finally going to achieve your dream.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a Chicagoan, but my BIL and his family live in the 'burbs and we go visit them at least once a year for one occasion or another. I'm sure I can make it into the city for a playdate sometime. Maybe you should make a suburban road trip too. You seriously would LOVE the Eggshell Cafe in Deerfield for breakfast!
Oh Emily....Congrats...congrats congrats on all of your exciting news!!!! I'm doing a happy dance for you and Eric!!! It will be so fun to follow you on your new journey!!!! All the best!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh--I'm feeling weepy with happiness for you!! Congratulations to both you and Eric!!!
ReplyDeleteEmily, that is such wonderful news! Congrats to you both!
ReplyDeleteoh em, i'm so excited for you both! and you're going to pastry school--YAY!! i am expecting BIG things from you, so get to it!!
ReplyDeletehugs, joanne
I live in STL, and have only been to Chicago once. So, no advice to give. But, congrats! Sounds like a very exciting change for you both!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Congratulations to you both. I'm especially looking forward to reading about your new venture into French Pastry School!
ReplyDeleteWow!! Congratulations to the both of you! A new move and a new school, how exciting!! :)
ReplyDeleteYIPPEE...to everything!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome news, congrats to both of you! I almost never comment on your blog, but I regularly read and bake from it. I live in Chicago and would be happy to share my thoughts on anything Chicago with you. My first instinct on your neighborhoods are to avoid Uptown and Wrigleyville, and focus more on Lakeview, Ravenswood, Lincoln Park, and also take a look at Lincoln Square (I live here), North Center, and Roscoe Village. Also if you plan on having a car, it will be most expensive to keep it in Lincoln Park. If you'll be relying on the el, I prefer the brown line. I think it's cleanest and safest so I'd definitely try to live near a brown line stop. There are good and bad things about every Chicago neighborhood and if you wanted to email me with some things you guys are thinking about/looking for, I'd be happy to suggest a few neighborhoods I think would work best for you!
ReplyDeleteI live in Chicago too, and I wanted to second Emily Maggi's opinions about the neighborhoods!
DeleteI wish I could attend pastry school! I'm so jealous!!
ReplyDeletecongratulations! so excited for you! i've never been, but chicago seems like a really cool city to live in and explore. so awesome you are going to pastry school. yay!! all my best to you and eric ;)
ReplyDeletei have so happy for you!!!! ah how exciting!!! Lincoln Park is one of my favorite parts of chitown! if you can find a place there i'd definitely say go for it! congrats!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Emily! I'm so happy for you and Eric. I'm sure you will love Chicago and pastry school! That's amazing. I can't wait to hear more about your journey : )
ReplyDeleteCongrats chica! I'm so excited for you. I recently made the big move to NYC so I know what you're going through - best of luck! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, super congrats!! I'm originally from Illinois so I go to Chicago 2 or 3 times a year since I have friends & family there (and since obviously it is just such a fun city!). Most of my friends like Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville the best. If you are willing to live a smidge outside of Chicago, I would suggest Evanston. Can't wait to read more about your move up north!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Emily!! That is so exciting! Sounds like your dreams are finally coming true :) You deserve it!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrat! I liked in Lincoln Park in the DePaul area for a number of years and absolutely loved it. Easy to walk everywhere, great transportation, & I always felt safe. Let me know if you have any questions!!
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible! I'm so excited for you guys! And OMG the french pastry school! That is insane!!!
ReplyDeletexx
OMG Congratulations!!!! So exciting!! Chicago! Eric's new job! PASTRY SCHOOL! So happy for you :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! I'm so happy for you...you will love living in a big city :) Now I just have to talk you into moving over here to NY!
ReplyDeleteI am so very happy for the both of you. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHOORAY FOR YOU & ERIC!!! That is wonderful news! Especially that you will be going to French Pastry School! I am anxious to read your future posts about the move to Chicago. I have been there once, and it was an incredible city. I've said all along, one of these days Emily is going to be FAMOUS!! It may be sooner than you realize!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I have never been this excited for someone I never met in person, I truts that you will have a great time in Chicago! Best wishes from Sweden!
ReplyDeleteWell, that post did not make me "crap my pants" but that is awesome. The pictures are great. I have only been to Chicago once and I believe we stayed near Evanston (although my sister and I made friends and took a long cab ride to some other part of the city...so who knows...). Anyway, it is an awesome city, have fun and good luck! We shall miss you at the Wine Center.
ReplyDeleteWOW, congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I've never commented on your blog and think it is about time. I'm going to be living vicariously through your pastry school adventures!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to both of you! That's very exciting!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you both and best wishes on your new adventure! I look forward to hearing about all of the excitement up in Chicago :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so exciting!! It seems like just yesterday when you told us you guys started dating :) too cute and good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteI have followed your blog for a while so I was so happy for you when I read the last line! :) Congrats on the move and making pastry school a reality!!
ReplyDeletewoo, congratulations to both of you!!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for both of you!! Hooray for new adventures! I wish you all the best in your transition and look forward to updates!
ReplyDeletecongrats to both of you - that's so exciting!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, how exciting! Chicago is the best city in the world, especially in the summer (I might be biased, living here my whole life). I second some of the other comments and would avoid Uptown and Edgewater as they are still "iffy" in some spots. Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Bucktown and Lincoln Park are all great. Close to the train/bus for commuting downtown would probably be best. I think a Crumbs meet up is a great idea. Best of luck and keep us posted on this new adventure!
ReplyDeleteahh YAY!! how exciting! i love life's adventures! my husband would be so jealous... chicago is his all-time favorite city.
ReplyDeletewow, so many great things!!! very happy for you, and good luck with the move :)
ReplyDeleteSo happy for the both of you!! I don't live IN Chicago, but about an hour south of it. So I would definitely be up for getting together. Perhaps we could find a veg-friendly place to meet up. The Chicago Diner is super-amazing!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the move!
This is very exciting! You will LOVE Chicago! I have friends who live in Wrigleyville and really like it, its a fun place to be when you're young. Also, once you get up there make sure to eat at Girl and the Goat. The head chef is Stephanie Izard from Top Chef!
ReplyDeleteOMG, that's wonderful news! Congratulations! You're living the dream.
ReplyDeleteWOOHOO! i wish it were NYC but I'm majorly excited for you guys nonetheleess!
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh, i'm so happy for you!!! that's amazing. if someone deserves it, it's definitely you. chicago is a delicious and fun city, i'm sure you'll enjoy it! :)
ReplyDeleteI could cry I'm so happy for you! I love reading your blog, and it's gonna suck not hearing from you in a while.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteI had chills reading this post - what an exciting time for you! Chicago is my favorite city in the U.S. - it has that big city feel but everyone is so friendly, the food is good, the architecture is stunning...I love it there. Blessings to you on this amazing journey! I can't wait to read about it as you go!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh!!!! This is wonderful news! I am so happy for you! But now there is even less of a chance I will get to see you. :( Boo. But I am still happy for you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You'll love it here (and I just had a Crumbs cupcake like 2 hours ago... :-). We live in Lincoln Square and LOVE it (it's basically right near Ravenswood). We lived in Roscoe Village before and adored it, too. I also lived in Lakeview for about 5 years. Lincoln Park is nice but really pricey and not worth the cost, IMO. Wrigleyville is nice for about 5 minutes and then when baseball season starts, it's not so great. :) Anyway, feel free to email me if you have any questions. Good luck with the move!
ReplyDeleteYay! That is really awesome Eric got a job, too! I am already looking forward to Crumbs Cupcake Gatherings.
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOSH!! Congrats Emily! I was always wondering whether or not you'd be off to culinary school sooner or later, so neat to hear how everything seemed to work out so well.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that struck me the most is that you will be attending cooking school. We know this has been your dream for so long!!!!!Congratulations to the both of you!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You'll love Chicago. It's one of my favorite cities. And so jealous about pastry school.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS EMILY!!!!!
ReplyDeletei have a friend who recently moved to chicago...i could put you in touch if you need some new city advice :)
oooooooooohhhh CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! Chicago - that is oh so exciting!! I've wanted to go there for years (to see all the art and to stuff my face). I hope your big move-out/move-in goes well, best of luck!
ReplyDeleteSuper happy for you! xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteOh Emily, I am so happy for you. We will no longer be "neighbors", as I recently moved from Oklahoma to Texas, and now you are moving farther north, but we will both still have the Oklahoma/Missouri connection. ;) Your post made my day - I can feel the joy in your heart!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Emily! As a newer reader, it's been fun watching your journey in fast forward. I really enjoy all of the recipes you post, the anecdotes about the things you do, the travels you take, and the adventures with family you share with us. The French Pastry School is lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteSo exciting! Hope you guys love it there.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Emily! It's a dream come true for you I know. Good luck in Chicago and enjoy pastry school. Good luck to Eric on his new job too!
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog since the early days and I just wanted to tell you how excited I am for your move and school! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What wonderful news on all fronts! Best of luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Update us on when you get here! There will be plenty of excited people to have you and meet with you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! I lived in Chicago years ago and still miss it to this day. Good luck to you both.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you and Eric! I've been following your blog for two-ish years and I am thrilled that you'll finally be able to live out your dreams of going to pastry school!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I went to Chicago for spring break this year and fell in love with Lakeview! Then again, I don't know much about the other neighborhoods.
Congratulations! Although I don't know you personally, I've been following your blog for a while now, and I just wanted to say that I am so genuinely happy for you. Best of luck with the move and pastry school!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh!!!! Congrats, congrats, congrats!!!! Very exciting :-) I am happy for you both.
ReplyDeleteWow - how exciting and congratulations on your move! Good luck in pastry school, too!
ReplyDeleteI am a Chicago native and I think the Lincoln square is awesome (it's right by Ravenswood but maybe a little more affordable on average) and it has lots of cool restaurants and bars. It's also less crowded and not as loud as the Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville and Lakeview area. Roscoe village is another great area to look in to. Look for 3 flats! They are usually well taken care of and you can usually get a parking spot and access to a little back yard! Careful with Uptown and Edgewater - it has some not so awesome areas mixed in with the nice areas.
ReplyDeleteOMG!! That's super exciting news Emily about Chicago and school!!! It's going to be amazing!!
ReplyDeleteWell on another note I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award!!
Check it out http://www.magnolia75thebakinglounge.com/2012/04/awards-and-nominees.html
And can't wait to hear all about your adventures in Chicago!!
Ahh! Congratulations, I'm so happy for both of you! I've only been to Chicago once so I can't offer any advice, but I can't wait to read all about your pastry school adventures. I've been reading your blog for a loooong time, and I'm so excited that pastry school is finally happening for you!
ReplyDeleteAmy, I would love that! Please do come see me! Yeah, we're worried about finding a place in such a hurry.
ReplyDeleteHi Brielle! Thank you so much for reading!
Christina, that would be fun! I'd love to meet you.
Rachel, that's be great! I'm sure I could take the train into Deerfield.
Hi Emily, I know your comments! I'm hoping we can meet up in Chicago. I need some friends! Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it. I've gotten some other comments/emails to avoid Uptown, Edgewater, and Wrigleyville, so we will do so. We'll also try to find a place close to the Brown Line. Are some areas in Lincoln Square not good? I've heard mostly good things.
I think you'll be pretty safe anywhere around Lincoln Square. Street parking is probably easiest the further you get from the actual "square". If you're unable to find a place walking distance from a brown line stop, you can drive and park on the street near some of the stops. Rockwell in particular has easy and permit-free street parking. It's a fun area! I'd definitely like to meet up when you guys have moved. I'd be happy to introduce you to my favorite things around the city. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions!
DeleteYeah Lincoln Square! There are so many people that read your blog that live in this neighborhood, myself included! We might as well just meet up at Cafe Selmarie or the gelato shop in the square!
DeleteI think Lincoln Square is awesome because you can park your car on the street and not worry about tickets, getting towed, or finding an open parking spot when you come home at 11pm. It's really family friendly, easily walkable to the Brown Line, most places have your heat/gas included, and right down the road on Lincoln is a Trader Joes!
K, Evanston sounds really nice! I wouldn't mind living there at all. I think Eric wants to live more in the city, though.
ReplyDeleteBoogaJ, thanks for your help!
ReplyDeleteJane Carden, you're way too sweet!
Tim, aww it didn't?! I will miss you and everyone at the wine center! Err, sorry about disappearing like that.
Liz, hello! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
Steph, I'm gonna marry that boy someday if he'll have me!
Anon, hooray for future meet-ups at Crumbs! Thank you so much for your advice! I've heard that about Edgewater and Uptown from a few people, so I think we'll avoid those areas. We're hoping to find a place close to the train, but I imagine it'll be difficult.
Lauren, that would be fun! I didn't realize you lived so close. I happen to love vegetarian food.
Haley, oh gosh, yes! What a good idea! I imagine the food is incredible.
Anon, thank you! I'll be around! No worries. Blogging will be my full time job for a while.
Jessie, I've heard that about the architecture. I'm really going to pay attention to that.
Lorie, I know. :( Goodbye, most cooking contests.
Elly! You live in Chicago! I didn't know that! I'm envious of your cupcake. I'm hearing good things about Lincoln Square. We'll have to look in that area. Yeah, Lincoln Park does seem pricey. Maybe we could find a place for an incredible deal? I will definitely email you. Thank you so much for your help!
Erica, yaaay! Thank you for your help a few months ago.
Thank you, Ana! We might take you up on that.
Aww Linda, that's sad. Maybe we'll move to Texas someday. :)
NicoleT, what a nice, thoughtful comment! I really appreciate that! You make me happy.
Lindsey, hi! Thank you so much for reading!
Chris, I'm honored! Umm do you work at Coffeecake Connection? Because I happen to love coffeecake.
Thank you, Anna! What area did you live in?
Emily, thank you so much for reading! I appreciate it greatly! Lakeview does seem nice. We're hoping to find a place there.
Justeen, so sweet! Thank you for reading! That means a lot to me.
Rebecca, I've heard from a few people that Lincoln Square is nice. We will definitely look in that area. Oh, and we'll avoid Edgewater and Uptown. Thanks for the advice! Okay, we will. We are realy concerned about parking. :/
Congrats, how exciting! Can't wait to follow your journey in Chicago:)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! That is amazing news. So many exciting things happening at once! Way to go.
ReplyDeleteOh wow. Congratulations Emily! That is fantastic news!!
ReplyDeletewowowowow!!!!! congrats. Chi-town is the bomb! Sounds like lots of great changes too.
ReplyDeleteFantastic all around! Congrats to both of you, and I look forward to Chicago/moving posts.
ReplyDeleteawesome news, emily--congratulations! i looked at the website for your new school and i'm halfway tempted to enroll myself! i'm looking forward to hearing about your adventures in the windy city. :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Emily! I've read your website for a long time and I'm so happy to hear about your big step! I have a few friends who live in Wrigleyville and really enjoy it - a good night life, affordable housing and a younger population. You might like it there!
ReplyDeleteJill, thank you so much! Thanks for reading! We're in that neighborhood. Maybe a little south, though. I think?
DeleteCongratulations on the move!!! And of course the French Pastry School! That is awesome!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteCongrats on the big changes coming your way! I live in the Chicago 'burbs and go to school in the City. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Wow, that's awesome! We should meet up sometime, I think.
DeleteYay Emily, what amazing news - congrats to you both!!! :) We used to live in Chicago and I really miss it - Boston just isn't the same. I can't wait to hear more about your journey :)
ReplyDeleteYou did?! Where did you live?
DeleteCongrats on the new chapter in your lives!
ReplyDeleteWow huge news! Congrats!! Can't wait to follow your adventures! :)
ReplyDeleteSoooo freaken proud of you!! I went to tour the french pastry school and I knew if I had the funds it would be the most perfect school to attend in that field. YOU will be soooo successful! I see amazing things ahead of you. My hometown is on the border of WI and IL and I Know some great people in Chicago who could help you two out if ever you need. Just let me know and I'd be glad to pass on the info to them. Good luck with your move...really really excited for you two!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you both! Sooo exciting!
ReplyDeleteI have talked to you before about the french pastry school, i love it and my boyfriend and i are moving there also! id love to talk to you about it! were in the same process as you! we looked at about 10 different apartments downtown and picked one! let me know if you would like to chat anytime! You can email me hayxhay11@aol.com.
ReplyDeletehayley
Hi Haley! I remember! When are you going to school?
DeleteOMG EMILY!! IT'S HAPPENING!!! CONGRATULATIONS! I'm soo thrilled for you two and can't wait to hear all about your new adventures in Chi-town and in pastry school! GAHHHH!!!! :D xoxo
ReplyDeleteYaay!
DeleteEmily! I'm so excited :-) I've been hoping for you to be able to go to pastry school since I started reading your blog a few years ago. Although we've never actually met, I am so proud of you and excited for you the way I would be for a friend realizing her dream. I have always thought you were so impressive and such an inspiration to someone my age and I'm so glad that you aren Eric are moving to Chicago and you're starting school. You're going to be FANTASTIC and I'm thrilled. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Lauren! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
DeleteAHHH This is so amazing! I come back into the states to find you are moving to Chicago! I am so happy for you, that is so awesome! You are going to love it there, and i know the French Pastry School is going to be such a wonderful experience! You are one fortunate lady! :D Best wishes for the move and everything. This is great... :)
ReplyDeleteWell, clearly, I am VERY far behind in my reading. I am very excited for you, both for the move and for school. I know it's been a long time coming and I am thrilled for you.
ReplyDelete