Take me to the movies!

Johanna sitting on a lounger in the CMX cinema movie theater
Johanna's girls standing in front of a Christmas tree

I am pretty sure I’ve discovered family gold when it comes to weekend activities. You can thank me later. I first started sharing about CMX Cinemas on my IG and my DMs blew up so I wanted to share in a full blog post as well. Visiting this luxurious movie theater might just award you Mom of the Year OR Wife of the Year so listen up because “going to the movies” just got a whole lot cooler.

Johanna sitting in a booth at the CMX Cinema

Forgot everything you know about movie theaters because CMX Cinemas takes it to an entirely new level. CMX Market <we visit the Skokie location> is ideal for family, parties and events.

Upon reaching the top of the escalator, one is greeted with a bevy of food options ranging from homemade pizzas to burgers to brisket sandwiches. Every kind of beverage you can dream of and perfectly displayed rows of classic movie candy line the store. A full bar sits adjacent in the far corner where parents can order their standard faves as well as holiday or seasonal favorites.

Don’t even get me started on the seating because their movie loungers are more comfortable than my couch. Legit. Just a swipe of a button and we turned ours into a family couch so the girls could pop in and out during Wreck it Ralph Breaks the Internet…which, I also highly recommend. Cute message; I actually liked it better than the first! You’ve got to take your kiddos here. I can’t wait for The Return of Mary Poppins to arrive. #kidatheart

Johanna sitting at the bar at the CMX Cinema

Next up is something for the adults: Cinebistro. <also owned by CMX in Skokie but they have multiple locations.> My husband visited this past Sunday to finally catch A Star is Born which most definitely did not disappoint. This theater is just as plush but for 21+ and older. Think a larger bar and lounge area with slightly more elevated food.

For instance, I ordered plank salmon on a bed of veggies with a glass of Rosé while my husband ordered his favorite craft beer along side a chicken sandwich and the most insane French fries. Damn those fries. Whereas at CMX Market you order your food and pick it up; at Cinebistro you place your order with an in-theater server and it’s delivered to your seat. See what I mean about luxury?

Honestly, we will be back. Just a mere 13 minutes from my house…it’s the most comfortable movie going experience I’ve ever had and it’s worth it! Like being at home except I am usually the one serving everyone else their food! What a treat to have the reverse!

See below for my special reader offer and enjoy! This is a great destination for winter break!

Special offer: Follow @cmxcinemas and send a DM with your email and #cmxjohanna to receive a special holiday treat! The offer will be good through Dec 31st, 2018. Happy week!

Featured
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition

It’s time to come out of hibernation. While January has been cold and gray, I’ve uncovered an amazing, suburban exhibition that is worth leaving the house for…and it’s only here through the end of March 2024. You must get tickets to the Downton Abbey Exhibition located at Old Orchard Mall in Skokie. It’s open weekly from Wednesday-Sunday.

Living with IBS-C: I am an advocate for my health.
Living with IBS-C: I am an advocate for my health.

*This post has been sponsored by Salix Pharmaceuticals. All opinions are my own.

I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) and I’ve battled it for as long as I can remember. I thought I was the only one living with constipation and abdominal pain. Turns out I was wrong. In fact, I’m one of 3.6 million U.S. adults living with IBS-C.

The best of Ann Taylor
The best of Ann Taylor

Spring is a time for new beginnings. And there are so many in comparison to last year’s Spring. While much of the world continues to be on the mend from such a tumultuous year, I continue to feel optimistic that better times are ahead. Don’t forget to support your local, small businesses so that we can make up for lost times!

Spring dresses.
Spring dresses.

A year later…happier dresses, happier times. We’re seeing more vaccinations, less mask mandates, more in-person get-togethers and overall, a heck of a lot more joy. This Spring is so very different then Spring 2020 and I am grateful for that.

5 holiday tips to enjoy the season
5 holiday tips to enjoy the season

Here we are - well into the magic that is known as December. And while I know 2020 has been a heavy one, I have and continue to seek the light because there is so much goodness if you are open to receiving it. Key word: open!

I am still full of hope and I am genuinely excited for 2021. It can only go up from here. Even though that pesky pandemic hasn’t left the building, I refuse to let it steal the thunder of my December. This is my kiddos’ favorite month of the year and righteously so!

The best workout tanks.
The best workout tanks.

Hi! Today’s post was a spontaneous IG fam request and I thought to myself, “Why not share the love on the blog?” This is something almost all of us are in search of. I used to wear beat up tees to workout and I found myself hating the fit or feeling unstylish as I watched the other chic, svelte women hop on their bikes in class. Let it be known that I refuse to spend on a ton on certain workout gear because they eventually get beat up and tossed. Tanks are one of them!

Puff sleeve dress.
Puff sleeve dress.

I posted this dress on my IG feed last Friday and received so may inquiries about it that I knew I was onto something. My dress was part of the Fashion Jackson Amazon Drop Collection and it sold out immediately. It’s incredibly well made and super easy to wear. I wore it here with a pair of Donald Pliner mules but as you can imagine, it looks just as cute with sneaks or sandals. And, in 90 degree heat, it was the ideal solution amidst muggy weather this entire weekend.

Getting comfortable with uncomfortable.
Getting comfortable with uncomfortable.

Have you given up on 2020 yet? If you’re contemplating it, I am here to tell you that you shouldn’t! This could be our greatest year of change in decades so get comfortable with getting uncomfortable. It’s here to stay and that’s a good thing!

Quarantine plan of attack.
Quarantine plan of attack.

Throughout this entire historical moment, I’ve found the best way to ease anxiety is to make an action plan. Even if that plan only gets you through this week, determining next steps and distracting your focus from the negatives is what has gotten me through the rough patches and kept me optimistically motivated.

3 swimsuits I'm taking to Portugal.
3 swimsuits I'm taking to Portugal.

Spring Break is upon us. I know it’s January but the countdown is on and while our vacations tend to be a bit more urban, we will be hitting warm temps here shortly.

Food + LifestyleJohanna Grangefamily, sponsored post, weekend, events1 Comment