ASHA Convention Tips

So many of you will be coming to the windy city for the ASHA convention this Thursday.  I know I'm so excited to sit, listen, learn, meet and greet and relish in being apart of this amazing community. While I've only lived in Chicago for a year and a half I wanted to give you all some ideas on things you can do while you're here. 
1. First off it's sort of cold. I lived in Texas so I get the shock of this cold wind, however don't let people scare you.  It's not that bad.  Layer...and bring warm gloves and you'll be good to go!

2. Eat. Definitely a favorite topic of mine.  I have so many favorite places. Here is a list of some of my favorites.  Most are not near McCormick Place, but it's always fun to get into the neighborhoods of Chicago!
Arami -I have definitely made reservations here already for the weekend! I dream daily about several dishes.
Cafe Ba Ba Reeba-Favorite tapas place!
Pasta Pallazzo -Get the jalapeno gnocchi or don't go at all....seriously
Big Star-Great tacos and even better margaritas
Quartinos-Italian tapas-loud, but fun and good for a group
RPM Italian-If you can get a reservation it is sooooo worth it.  Say hi to Giuliana Rancic for me ;)
The Purple Pig-Right off Michigan Ave. and oh so good.
Carnivale-Just a fun place
Bongo Room-Really good brunch
Mindy's Hot Chocolate- So good!
Southport Grocer-Expect to wait, but the bread pudding pancakes are unreal.
Edzo's-Burger city
Green Zebra or Chicago Diner-If you're vegetarian
Trencherman-Pickle tots...sounds weird, but do it!
Caro Mio-Off the beaten path, but best homemade BYOB Italian EVER!

3. Activities:
-Obviously Michigan Ave.
-State Street shopping
-Oak Street shopping (do you see a trend here)
-Millennium Park
-Signature Room at the Hancock Building (grab a drink and see the best view from the ladies bathroom)
-Willis Tower (Just going to say I would rather get a cocktail and see the view from the Hancock Building and not be charged for the view).  Everyone will tell you to go to the Willis Tower though.
-Field Museum
-Shedd Aquarium (I personally love the Shedd)

Alright, I could literally go on for days, but if you have any specific questions or need affirmations about already made plans just comment below and I will do my absolute best to answer!

Most importantly if you see me please say hi! I can't wait to mingle and talk with you all and I'm so excited I stayed up waaaay past my sad 9:30pm bedtime to make this for you all.

Make sure to follow me on Instagram and see where I'm at during the convention!

Holy Hiatus

I’m sure you’re all thinking, “Wait, who is Speech Lady Liz?”  Yes, I sincerely apologize for my leave of absence the past several months/year.  It’s been quite a trying time.  Some great things and some not so great things have happened and I found it very important to limit my obligations and just live my life more.  Also, my personal computer is dying each second I type this so that hasn't helped either.  That being said, I feel as if I've sort of got my "you know what" together and I'm ready to attempt this blog world again.  My hesitation is that this speechie blog world has changed completely since I started Speech Lady Liz.  TPT stores out the wazoo and so many wonderful products that I can't even imagine having the energy to make.  Seriously, how do you people do it????   So while I attempt to regain my readership and post on a consistent basis I am going to need your help.  I'm not going to be able to put together packets of 26 pages worth of materials.  I have some ideas on how I can do this site, but I need you to make sure to let me know when something is awesome and you want more of it and when you're less than thrilled about a post.  I promise I won't be offended (In fact comment on this post with any ideas as I'm afraid you've all left me)!  So I'm going to attempt to navigate this new blog world in a different light.  I'm just not sure I've figured out that exact light yet.  Nothing like flying by the seat of your pants.  That is a requirement in this job though, right?



"Moore" Ways to Support SLPs

I just bought and downloaded bundle #1 and #2 of tons of therapy activities donated to help benefit the SLPs effected by the tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma.

       

This SLP blogging community is pretty sensational.  While I've been rather absent I continue to be amazed at what so many SLPs are creating with their limited time.  Now they've put together amazing bundles of downloadables for the benefit of colleagues effected by such a tragic loss. 

Make sure to click the link below to grab your bundles and help support these SLPs who have lost everything.  All the proceeds go directly to the Moore SLPs.