Brunchin' at The Promontory

The Promontory combines convenience and classy dining to make for a great weekend brunch spot. Located on 53rd and S. Lake Park Avenue in Hyde Park, the restaurant offers a classic spread of the best that brunch has to offer. This hearth-to-table style restaurant has a casual-chic dress code, and is a great place to take a cute new profile picture (a serious concern guys).

The restaurant is open and lit with natural lighting, giving off a warm and welcoming vibe. If you’re looking for a weekend brunch place that’s a step up from your typical diner, this is it. Kick back and relax with a refreshing drink or cocktail that will perk you up.

If you’re feeling more of a savory dish, go for either one of their twists on the classic eggs Benedict. Both have perfectly poached eggs, and though I was unsure about the cheese grits in the eggs Sardou, they complemented the eggs surprisingly well. The Country Benedict also has a little spicy kick that is balanced out well by the crispy homefries.

Images courtesy of Andrea Li

An alternative to the savory dishes is their decadent brioche French toast: a cross between French toast and apple strudel, topped with a toasted homemade marshmallow. The caramelized nuts added a nice crunch to this otherwise fluffy dish.

Images courtesy of Andrea Li

If you’re looking for a nice, reasonably priced brunch that’s still close to campus, the Promontory is the place for you!

$$ // 5311 South Lake Park Ave West, Chicago IL

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Where & Wear: The Izakaya at Momotaro

The Izakaya at Momotaro is easily one of my favorite places to grab dinner and drinks with friends, and it certainly has a distinctive aesthetic. Located directly below Momotaro itself, the Izakaya transports you to an entirely different place. While Momotaro has high ceilings, regular seats, and fairly bright lights, the Izakaya is dimly lit, with low seats arranged in rows, and hanging red lanterns that evoke images of ramen shop alleys in Japan.

The bar takes center stage in the Izakaya, and for good reason. Whenever I'm there, I start the night off with a Monk's Journey - a refreshing cocktail that boasts matcha green tea as one of its key ingredients - and imagine myself on an ascetic journey toward enlightenment. Or, failing that, slight inebriation (drink responsibly, kids). It's not the only cocktail on the menu with a unique name - the Murakami Daiquiri and the Crazy 88 #2, for instance, are nods to pop culture.

Image courtesy of Momotaro

Despite being ostensibly more casual than its sister upstairs, the Izakaya isn't lacking in the culinary department, offering the same menu as Momotaro. As an avid sushi fan, I'd recommend going for the sashimi of the day, along with one of the numerous entrees available. 

Given the Izakaya's relatively casual vibe, I'd recommend going for a look that screams effortless cool. Think leather jacket, casual button down, and some skinny jeans. 

$$ // 820 W Lake St #101, Chicago, IL 60607

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Study Abroad Files: Salzburg

Salzburg is a tiny Austrian town tucked between the beautiful snow-capped mountains, with plenty to see and explore. It's possible to see the most of Salzburg in one and a half to two days, and with longer time it's possible to visit small neighboring towns (or even to visit Munich, under two hours away). 

Dining

Eating in Salzberg was definitely on the expensive side, but looking for local places made the prices seem absolutely worth it. My friends and I ate delicious breakfasts of fresh scrambled eggs and cheese, and had absolutely incredible seafood pasta (right across the lake from the house that was used for filming in The Sound of Music!). Notable: WeiherWirt, 220 GRAD, The Heart of Joy Cafe

220º Cafe in Salzburg. 

Sightseeing

I'm not one for typically tourist activities - I've never been to Disneyland, refuse to go to Madam Tussaud's, and generally avoid anything while abroad that attracts a lot of American visitors - but The Sound of Music bus tour was a must for this trip. At €42, it's a bit pricy but for anyone who has seen and adores the movie, it was completely worth it. The tour guide was entertaining, and the bus took us to places around Salzburg and the surrounding towns that would have been difficult to visit otherwise. 

Notable sights to see the city and mountains from: Hohensalzburg Fortress, Museum der Moderne Salzburg

View from the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Along with having fantastic views of the city, the Museum has a James Turrell exhibit open that you can visit without paying admission. 

Pro tip: walk (or take the €2,60 elevator from the Museum der Moderne Salzburg) up to the Museum for views of the Fortress and city, then walk along the path to the Fortress to hit both in the same day! 

Shopping

Salzburg isn't particularly notable for shopping, with the most exciting stores being a small scale Zara and Mango. To find interesting postcards and souvenirs, peep inside small stores and museum gift shops. 

Nightlife

Salzburg quiets down around 1am, but there are plenty of small bars and restaurants serving snacks and drinks! If the weather is nice, sitting outside and listening to parties pass by on their way to their next destination is an entertaining way to spend the night. 

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Off Campus Study Spots: Metropolis Coffee Company

The Metropolis Coffee Company is a gem – and I don’t just say that because its walls are the color of emeralds. A short walk from the Thorndale station on the Red Line, Metropolis pairs a cheery vibe with amazing coffee, social consciousness, and incredibly friendly baristas.

This is a place that takes coffee and its means of production seriously. There’s a whole page on their website about their coffee philosophy. “Our coffee aesthetic is rooted in the belief that great coffee comes from a line of respect beginning with the farmers and their respect for their land,” the founders write. “We, in turn, respect the farmers by paying fair prices for their harvest, and respect our customers by taking great care in the roasting and brewing our coffees, and in blending our teas. Respect is at the core of our coffee philosophy, and taste is paramount.”

“A coffee house should be a neighborhood center. It should be equally a place to relax as a place to plan a revolution.”

— Metropolis Coffee Company

I can’t speak well enough of their Mexican Cocoa. It’s a warm and sugary chocolate drink splashed with cinnamon and a kick of honey. This cocoa is like sunshine in a cup – warm, sweet, and rich.  I visited Metropolis with a friend before catching a Jackalope show in the neighborhood, so we got an amazing view of the lake while walking with our cups of sunshine. But the coffee shop is just as well-suited for getting work done. With multiple rooms for various noise levels, there’s a spot for everyone.

Where & Wear: Green Street Smoked Meats

If you're looking for the best barbecue in town, look no further than Green Street Smoked Meats. Located in West Loop, Green Street Smoked Meats is a warehouse-style restaurant that serves up Central Texas-inspired BBQ. Here you can find brisket, beef short ribs, chicken legs, and pork belly along with potato salad, broccoli salad, and my favorite, the elote style corn. There's also a bar that serves up beer to pair with all that delicious BBQ.

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Green Street Smoked Meats is the perfect spot to grub with your friends. While it may not be the ideal first date spot, as the food requires the use of hands, it's perfect if you're looking for something casual.

I definitely recommend not wearing anything white or easily stained, as you'll notice that BBQ sauce is not very forgiving when it gets on your clothes. Instead, opt for darker wash tee-shirts like this cropped one from Brandy Melville or dark flannels like this one from Urban Outfitters. Pair with some dark-wash jeans or shorts, and you're good to go!

$ // 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

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Chicago's Best Manicures

With the weather warming up and the sandals coming out, it's time for to treat yourself with a spring ready mani-pedi. Before you spend a little bit too long searching through Yelp reviews or wishing you could go to your favorite salon place back home, try some of our favorite Chicago salons! Each salon ranges in distance from campus and by price, but I promise that I've walked away from each of these feeling fully satisfied with my fresh nails. Here are the rankings: 

5. Spa Nordstrom located on Michigan Avenue

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Manicure: $30 Pedicure: $40 

520 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

4. The Red Door by Elizabeth Arden located in the Gold Coast

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Manicure: $27 Pedicure: $56 

919 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

3. Chamin located in West Loop

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Mani & Pedi: $35 

1359 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

2. Spa O located in South Loop

Mani & Pedi: $47 

1212 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

1. ZaZaZoo Nail Studio located in Wicker Park

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Mani & Pedi: $45

1842 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

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Eating Green at Sweetgreen

Looking for a quick, healthy, refreshing, and satisfying fix? Look no further! Sweetgreen, a salad phenomenon spreading quickly throughout the country, draws queue after queue at each of their New York City branches at every rush hour, because once you've had it, you'll only want to return! Though a chain that originated in New York City, Sweetgreen has since spread to LA, San Francisco, DC, Boston, Chicago, and beyond. Though their only branch in Chicago so far is up at River North, in no time there will also be two additional branches at Millennium Park and by Fulton Market.

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Given their streamlined service and lightning speed at tossing and combining ingredients, it is no surprise that busy health-conscious New Yorkers are often immediately drawn to it and frequent it between or after working hours. Its simultaneous variety and simplicity is matched by no other. Indeed, throughout my 7 day stay in New York City over spring break, I ate at Sweetgreen no less than 12 times - constantly experimenting with the wealth of options they provided or going back to all-time classics and favorites. 

All the stores let in abundant natural sunlight and give off an earthy, natural feel that few other stores even come close to.

Their Rad Thai, my favorite salad incorporating multitudes of Asian flavors, is a perfectly balanced mix of arugula, mesclun, a dash of basil, sprouts, carrots, cucumber, cabbage, and sunflower seeds topped with their signature dressing - the spicy thai dressing. The dressings at Sweetgreen are uniquely theirs and one of their biggest lures for returning customers. I have experimented with adding anything from apple and sweet potato to raisins to the Rad Thai, and I have not once been disappointed.

Sweetgreen prides itself in sourcing its fresh ingredients locally and operating in the most sustainable way possible. Many branches do not accept cash because using cards alone saves substantial transportation emissions that would further do harm to the environment. Every stage of their operations is thoughtfully designed to minimize their environmental impacts. Want to skip the queues? No hassle at all! At each Sweetgreen you'll find a self pick-up section where anyone can can pick up their pre-ordered salads through their Sweetgreen app in just minutes.

Do take a look at their Chicago menu!

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Taking the 55 bus west, then catching the red line heading north to Grand would be the most time and cost efficient way to get to Sweetgreen. Check it out for a salad experience that will truly blow your mind and surpass your wildest expectations.

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iPhone Accessories You Never Knew You Needed

As if your phone didn't already keep your life from falling apart, what would we do without our alarm clock/shopping hub/calendar/source of entertainment/nap-timer/weatherman, take your iPhone do double (and triple) duty with these practical add-ons - you'll wonder how you ever managed before without them. 

Clip On Lenses

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Take your selfie game to the next level with this cute clip-on lens. Compact and easy to attach, this little gadget will have you seeing life through rose colored glasses. 

Shop here

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This iPhone add-on lets you take stunning wide-angle shots your phone alone can't quite capture. Bring it along for your next vacation and save yourself space in your carry-on. While on the pricier side, when compared to the price of a high-end camera it's practically a steal. 

Shop here

USB Keychain

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Always have your cables on hand with this cute clip on bag charm. The leather tassel comes in a variety of colors to mix and match with all of your purses, because dead phone batteries kill a mood like nothing else. 

Shop here

Ring Stand

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Call this the accessory you never know you needed in your life. This rose gold (sold already) ring stand means you don't have to worry about about sending your phone flying when you get slippery fingers and doubles as a little kickstand to prop your phone up.

Shop here 

Swiss Army Knife Case 

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You never know where life is going to take you so it's always better to come prepared (with a nail file, scissors, tweezers, toothpick and screwdrivers). Just in case ya know? 

Shop here

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Study Abroad Files: Belgium

Belgium can be easily conquered in a long weekend with youth train tickets that fetch for €12.60 and travel times in between cities that run from 30 minutes to an hour at the most. Keep reading for a whirlwind tour of Belgium's highlights! 

Brussels

In all honesty there isn't much to see in Brussels–the city is mostly overrun with corporate office towers and shopping strips dominated by chain stores like H&M or Zara. For touristy sites, the Grand Place (pictured below) is quite impressive, but even lovelier at night. The famous Manneken Pis (peeing boy statue) is also a fun photo-op, but pretty underwhelming in person, so I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to see it. 

For fun nightlight, adjacent to the Grand Place is a series of lively bars and clubs. Floris Tequila is a cozy bar with 500 types of tequila and mezcal to choose from. Right next door is the famous Delirium Café, home to countless options of top-notch beer starting at €3 a glass, a lively crowd and great dance music.

The Grand Place at night; image via

Bruges

Bruges is really beautiful and incredibly easy to navigate on foot. The historic Belfry of Bruges is definitely worth the climb for breathtaking views of the city and located right in Place De Bruges, a central square bustling with touristy attractions. If you have the time and the fortune of good weather, definitely opt for a canal tour of the city by boat or a brewery tour at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan. For lovely architecture and a sense of history, there is the Basilica of the Holy Blood or the Church of Our Lady, home to Michelangelo's Madonna and baby Jesus statue.

Food can be pricey, but the 't Brugs Pitahuis has great falafel, pita and dipping sauces for a decent price and for less than €5 you can find waffles, fries, gelato, milkshakes and more. I would skip the crowds at the famous (albeit overpriced and touristy) The Chocolate Line since you can't really go wrong with any one of the countless chocolate shops you're bound to pass as you explore the city.

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Ghent

Ghent is adorable and scenic and almost feels like a set from Beauty and Beast with its winding canals, picturesque vistas and countless Belgian waffle and hot chocolate shops. Definitely make a point of visiting the medieval Gravensteen castle and the Design Museum, which specializes in textiles and fabrics. The historic Water House on the Bierkant offers hundreds of beers and nice views of the canal if you sit outside.

For a hearty meal, grab lunch at Soup'r for the best soup EVER. Also take the time to wander up and down Sint-Baafsplein and Limburg streets to see several beautiful churches and cathedrals and public squares full of locals enjoying a weekend brunch.

Ghent's signature townhouses reflected in the canal; image via

Antwerp

Antwerp is lots of fun and should definitely be a stop along the way for more design and arts-inclined travelers. Museum aan de Stroom documents the city's heritage, for contemporary art head over to Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst, ModeMuseum for fashion and couture or the Royal Museum of Fine Arts for a little bit of everything. If none of these suit your fancy, there are also museums that specialize in photography, medieval art, 16th-century printing and more! Middelheim is a lovely park and sculpture garden worth visiting for a picnic or casual stroll.

The De Koninck brewery is a bit of a production, but lots of fun if you're willing to set aside an hour or two. The Cathedral of Our Lady is quite lovely, but doesn't offer free admission, so I'd recommend admiring the view while dining on delicious pasta at 't Putke, a nice bistro and restaurant with outdoor seating. Gelato is readily available almost anywhere, but you can't go wrong at one of the many Australian Home Made Ice Cream stores scattered about the city.

One of Antwerp's central squares; image via

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Alternative Brunch: The Rookery

Sharing a name with the historic building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, The Rookery gastropub is nestled in Ukrainian Village, and is a great place for Sunday brunch. Cute yet classy, the restaurant is warm and inviting to all brunch-lovers, and filled with avian-themed art and drinks.

The Rookery is low-key and makes you feel at ease with a fun menu and modern art. The bird theme is noticeable and quirky without being overbearing or try-hard. With a mix of old school hits and rock and roll, the music is lively and puts everyone in a good mood. You’ll want to start off your day with something under Good Day Sunshine, the title of the creative cocktail menu. For $4, you can get a “fruity, bubbly, real chirpy” mimosa or peach bellini (both pair well with the dishes, and what would brunch be without them? That is, if you’re legal, of course.)

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The restaurant offers many sweet and savory options, but a must-have is the breakfast poutine. Offered as a standalone entrée, I found that the poutine is an excellent appetizer for the table. The fries are crispy and soft, and covered in flavorful melted cheese that is also topped with two sunny-side up eggs.

If you’re looking for something savory, the fried chicken thigh is delicious. For $10, you get a large, well-seasoned chicken thigh that packs a hint of spice. It comes with a soft biscuit and is topped with a thick gravy that ties together the entire dish.

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If you’re feeling something sweet, the French toast is a great choice as well. The toast, crispy on the outside but slightly gooey and soft on the inside, is topped with a fruit compote and homemade marshmallow fluff. The two toppings go together surprisingly well, as the tartness of the fruit complements the sweetness of the marshmallow, creating wonderfully balanced bites.

The dining is casual, the food and drinks are great, and the prices are reasonable. If you’re looking for an alternative to the cliché brunch destination, The Rookery is the place for you!

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The Rookery, $$

2109 W Chicago Ave

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The Tech Accessory That Changed My Life

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm low-key (ok maybe more like high-key) obsessed with my Fitbit. I received it as a birthday present shortly before the start of Fall Quarter and we've been inseparable ever since. I wear it every day, to bed and in the shower if I'm brain dead and forget to take it off. I've even stopped wearing my favorite watches in favor of my Fitbit. 

Part of a larger trend of wearable technology, Fitbits are a great way to keep an eye on your daily activity levels. At just the tap of a finger, you can see the time, steps taken and calories burned. The device has an associated app which helps track sleep and allows you to track your stats over time. The Fitbit is usually pretty quick to pick up on exercise and on the app you can manually log or label various exercises - from boxing to Zumba.

Depending on your lifestyle, you can also set goals for number of steps, calories burned, miles walked, and active minutes. Nothing gets me huffing up the stairs instead of taking the elevator then seeing that I'm 500 steps away from hitting my goal.   

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On top of tracking your daily movements, Fitbit sends you an email, summarizing your weekly averages and how they compare to the previous week's stats. Seeing that I got less sleep than the week before is a helpful reminder to take care of myself more and try harder to go to bed at a reasonable hour. Another cool feature is the "Friends" aspect to bring out your competitive side as you challenge friends to see who can move the most. 

Compared to an Apple Watch, the Fitbit Alta is a very sleek, minimalist design that is discreet and practically unnoticeable on the wrist. The basic rubber wrist band is practical, sturdy and perfect for everyday wear and sweating it out at the gym. But for the more design inclined, Fitbit has several more ornate designs that look more like jewelry than a fitness tracker. Tory Burch has also designed a line of luxe leather wristbands for a more high-end edgy vibe. 

Wearing my Fitbit has made me much more conscious about how much I move (or don't - Reg days are bad days for my Fitbit) and motivates me to go to the gym or walk around campus more to hit my daily 10K steps. I now try to walk more when I would normally take the shuttle or choose the stairs instead of the elevator. The ability to see how each day compares to previous ones brings out the competitive side in me (to the benefit of my health) and pushes me to take a pause from studying in Mansueto to go for a lap and get my heart pumping. 

Shop Fitbits and accessories here. 

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Feeds to Follow: @helenowen

Though fashion model Helen Owen (@helenowen) is based in LA, she describes herself as constantly "living elsewhere"--and indeed, it is not difficult to tell from her Instagram feed that travel is a staple in her life. With every new destination comes a new look that's always clean, always stylish and always fresh.

Her photoshoots for fashion, lifestyle and travel ads and campaigns take her anywhere from San Francisco to Tokyo in the span of days. As such, Helen's jet-set life calls for versatile and comfortable looks that can fit the bill for long plane rides and exploring new cities in her moments of spare time. And with one million followers and counting, she's also been able to share these journeys with countless people around the world.

When the sun smiles at you it's rude not to smile back

52.6k Likes, 308 Comments - Helen Owen (@helenowen) on Instagram: "When the sun smiles at you it's rude not to smile back"

📸 taken in Tokyo by @zackkalter

56.5k Likes, 394 Comments - Helen Owen (@helenowen) on Instagram: "📸 taken in Tokyo by @zackkalter"

Her outfits range from thoughtfully layered and perfectly bundled up for chillier temperatures, to leaving little to the imagination. Whether she's celebrating Valentine's Day in NYC or working on her tan somewhere in the Caribbean, Helen's optimistic and open-hearted approach to documenting her life, travels and style with her followers remains a constant.

Oops fell in love with another city 🗼💬 thank you @mavlashextensions

55.2k Likes, 357 Comments - Helen Owen (@helenowen) on Instagram: "Oops fell in love with another city 🗼💬 thank you @mavlashextensions"

Oh, sunnier times *happy sigh* ☀️ PS you could go and win this bikini for your own personal sunnier times now on @vitaminaswim... not a drill

56.7k Likes, 450 Comments - Helen Owen (@helenowen) on Instagram: "Oh, sunnier times *happy sigh* ☀️ PS you could go and win this bikini for your own personal sunnier..."

Turned Valentine's Day into a lifestyle ♥️📍🗺 Lucky to have you @zackkalter

41.5k Likes, 288 Comments - Helen Owen (@helenowen) on Instagram: "Turned Valentine's Day into a lifestyle ♥️📍🗺 Lucky to have you @zackkalter"

She also posts plenty of fitspiration sportswear snaps and candid takes from behind-the-scenes of the shoots she works on. She truly showcases life in all its colors and creates a dynamic feed that will certainly inspire. Be sure to check out her feed here or her blog here!

9:31 AM and sweating

41.3k Likes, 284 Comments - Helen Owen (@helenowen) on Instagram: "9:31 AM and sweating"

😜

54k Likes, 357 Comments - Helen Owen (@helenowen) on Instagram: "😜"

All photos via; featured image via

What's In My Bag: Olive

What are the essentials that the MODA bloggers carry from class to class and around downtown? This quarter we will be featuring each blogger's personal bag and their favorite items to stow and use, as well as where to find these products. So what can't the fashionable bloggers of MODA not live without?

Over winter break, my mom showed me a bag she found at a sample sale. I loved it. Fuzzy, patterned, and slightly impractical - it seemed only fitting to brighten the cold Chicago winter days ahead. I've used it most all quarter, and have only opted for my regular sturdy North Face backpack when it's rainy or snowing.

This backpack is definitely smaller than my normal bag, so I've had to be strategic with what I place in it. I'm also quite sure it was not developed to hold a laptop, textbook, and notebooks, and am terrified of breaking the straps with a heavy load. This backpack only has the outside pocket, the main space, and a tiny pocket at the back of the bag. 

• Even though I mainly rely on Google Calendar to organize my classes and weekly schedule, I love using a physical planner (I use Kate Spade's 17 month planner) to take notes and set goals for the week or month.
• I've started using colorful page flags to organize my binder and notebooks - especially when prepping for midterms, it's so handy to go back and review chapter by chapter!
• I also have started carrying a portable charger and USB cord wherever I go, since the weather has been making my phone die quickly lately. The charger is small and lightweight, which is perfect for emergencies! 
• Though I carry all my day-to-day cards (bank card, ID, U-Pass) on the back of my phone, I still make sure to bring a wallet along just in case I end up needing cash at the Div school for coffee or use that odd gift card to cover a purchase. This Kate Spade wallet is the perfect size to hold all my daily necessities!

I don't do well without a sugar boost every few hours, and so I always carry a variety of snacks with me. This week, I've been snacking on Kind bars (Vanilla Blueberry), Trader Joe's Organic Roasted Teriyaki Seaweed Snacks, Haribo gummy bears (Watermelon), and an apple pie Larabar. 

I prepare for all weather conditions - sunglasses for the rare days when the sun does come out, earmuffs and a basic beanie hat for when the cold slaps me the minute I walk out the door. My skin gets really delicate in the winter, so I always carry lip balm (Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter for a little color) and hand lotion to minimize dryness. I also have gotten into the habit of packing a roller ball (this week it's Marc Jacob's Daisy) in my bag to perk up during a long day of classes or a long stint at the Reg. For when it's gonna be a long night, I pick up my hair with a scrunchie to focus and buckle down. 

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Reading List: Novel Edition

Last year, for the first time ever, I accomplished my New Year's resolution of reading fifty-two books in a year. I'll be the first to admit that even though I had the longest summer break ever (thanks, quarter system!), averaging a book a week was sometimes hard to accomplish (cough 8th week cough). However, reading for fun is still one of my favorite ways to start my mornings, pass time at the airport, and give myself a break between p-sets.

If you'd like to hop on the train of reading fifty-two books in a year, or you're just looking for something fun to read on the CTA, let me be the first to welcome you to this new series. To start us off, here are some of my favorite novel picks!

1. Contact, by Carl Sagan: If I only had room for one book in my backpack, this is the book I would pack. UChicago's very own Carl Sagan gives us a story about the lack of gender diversity in science, the interplay between science and faith, the prospect of life on other planets, and the role of love in the universe. I read this the summer before tenth grade and Ellie Arroway is still one of my favorite characters ever.

2. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, by Benjamin Alire Sáenz: I judged this book by its beautiful cover, and it's one of the best impulse decisions I've ever made. I think every person can relate to Ari or Dante in some way–obsessing over the stars, feeling mysterious to your own self, falling in love for the first time, moving to UChicago. This novel is sweet and deep, like having a conversation with your best friend.

3. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz: Diaz's first novel will put you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and you'll be all the better for riding it. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a book that can't be put in a box–it works with more than one genre, more than one language, and more than one kind of character. It has footnotes and history lessons. Some of my favorite lines I've ever read come from this book, such as "she stood like she was her own best thing," (36) and "she laughed, as though she owned the air around her" (74).

4. And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini: This novel is like a quilt. Hosseini stitches together the lives of about fifteen different people to create a beautiful and warm book that you won't want to put down. Just through reading this, you'll travel to Afghanistan, Paris, California, and a bit of Boston. You'll read about people who remind you of yourself, people you wish you were, and people who help you empathize with everyone you can't stand. 20/10 would recommend.

5. The Sonderberg Case, by Elie Wiesel: You know Elie Wiesel from Night and the quote "neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim." In this short novel about an actor-turned-journalist, Wiesel takes on a murder mystery with such eloquence that you'll sometimes forget the dark premise of the story. I bet you’ll get through this book in a weekend, and then want to read everything Elie Wiesel ever wrote.

Spring in Chicago: Concerts

From hit headliners like The Weeknd and Bruno Mars, to indie favorites Hayley Kiyoko and The xx, and up-and-coming talents such as Hippo Campus and Maggie Rogers, spring in Chicago brings a slew of talented acts for you to intersperse amongst P-Set assignments, picnics on the Quad and getting hyped for Summer Breeze. Keep reading for MODA's roundup of the must-see shows of the season and for the perfect excuse to escape Hyde Park for a night. 

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3.31 - Big Sean: I Decided Tour, Aragon Ballroom

3.31 - Aretha Franklin, The Chicago Theatre

3.31 - Foxygen, The Vic

4.1 - Hayley Kiyoko, Park West

Hayley Kiyoko; image via

4.2 - Maggie Rogers, Lincoln Hall

4.3 - Bastille, Aragon Ballroom

4.7 - Hippo Campus, Metro

4.11 - John Mayer, United Center

4.16, 4.18, 4.19 - Bruno Mars: 24K Magic World Tour, United Center

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4.17 - The Flaming Lips, Riviera Theater

4.29 - The Chainsmokers, Allstate Arena

5.1 - The xx, Aragon Ballroom

The xx; image via

5.2 - Desiigner, The Vic

5.4, 5.5 - deadmau5, Aragon Ballroom

5.12 - Real Estate (feat. Frankie Cosmos), The Vic

5.15 - Father John Misty, The Chicago Theatre

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5.23 - The Weeknd: Legend of the Fall Tour, Allstate Arena

6.6 - Future Islands, Riviera Theater

6.8 - Old Crow Medicine Show, The Vic

6.16 - Kaskade, Aragon Ballroom

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