Halloween is over and November is here, bringing with it the wonderful “No Shave-November.” Yeah, let’s not do that. And guys, feel free not to partake in this “tradition” either. The scary costumes are over and the Christmas trees still have another month before we cut them down and cover them in tinsel, so it’s time to live it up and celebrate the month that has a holiday dedicated to eating delicious and (sometimes) nutritious food.
WEAR
Bust out those chunky knit scarves and hats. Rock those cozy, funky socks.
• Just because the weather is getting colder outside does not mean you have to sacrifice your style. Play up your outfits with patterned or knitted infinity scarves. Protect your ears or create a new hairstyle with a slouchy beanie. Add a pop of color or a playful twist with high socks that peek out just above your boots. Mix and match your outfits with my personal favorite style of LAYERS! Use the cold weather as a time to experiment with different lengths and materials of clothing. Start with a long tank top, covered with a shorter long sleeve shirt, and finish with a cardigan that ends just between those two lengths. Not only will you have plenty of layers to keep you warm in the cold, but you will also be able to take them off in the hot classrooms • Now, whenever you get hit with that strong wind on Sheridan Road (seriously, it comes out of nowhere!), you can keep warm while looking oh-so stylish.
• Take a walk down Michigan Ave and check out the Forever 21 (with three levels!) on State Street or the H&M for some inexpensive but stylish scarves, hats, and socks.
EAT
Pumpkin. Pumpkin. Pumpkin. Did I mention pumpkin? Halloween is over, so no need to worry about what scary face you will carve into your pumpkin. Christmas tends to highlight other seasonal desserts such as gingerbread or figgy pudding (ok, maybe not figgy pudding but it’s in that song!), so take advantage of the wonderful fruit or vegetable or fruitable that is pumpkin. Use the filling to create pumpkin pie, bread, oatmeal, cheesecake- the possibilities are endless! Roast the seeds for a healthy, on-the-go snack. Take advantage of all the pumpkin treats being sold almost everywhere these days. Lickity Split has brought back its delicious pumpkin custard, while Uncommon Ground on Devon offers pumpkin ravioli, possibly one of the best dishes I have ever tasted. Take advantage of the seasonal baked goods Loyola now offers at Engrained Café and Damen Food Court. Invite friends over to bake a pumpkin delicacy. Or invite them over so that you can all walk to Lickity Split together. Whatever. Just eat some pumpkin.
DO
• Walk along the lake and take in the last of the falling leaves and the green grass before the famous Chicago winter hits. It will be awhile before you see plant life again. Check out Dose Market at 2033 W North Ave every Sunday for unique clothes, jewelry, food, and so many more items that will spice up your November and will help with some of the activities mentioned above.
• Be a part of Chicago’s preparation for the holidays by attending the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on November 23 and the Christmas Tree Lighting on November 26. Be sure to deck out in your awesome holiday sweaters that you can buy cheaply at Ragstock off the Belmont stop.
• Too cold to venture outside? Stop by Damen Center on Wednesday or Friday nights to relax in Loyola’s very own cinema. (“Hey, what are you up to tonight?” – “Oh, just going to the movies. AT MY SCHOOL. FOR FREE!”) Some movies coming up this November are Silver Linings Playbook and Elf (“Buddy the elf, what’s your favorite color?”).
Make this November amazing with cute clothes, fun activities and lots of pumpkin (if it is in fact a “fruitable”, then technically you’re eating a fruit and a vegetable. So you’re actually just being healthy. Good job.) Weather may be getting colder, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying everything the beautiful city of Chicago has to offer in November. And it will help distract you from those that unfortunately decide to take part in No Shave-November.