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2.07.2018

{long} weekend in chicago.


skyline views.

art institute lunching.

little goat brunching.

ramen at slurping turtle.

sitting on top of the world.

On Thursday the 25th, I hopped on a plane with my mom and sister headed for Chicago. My sister had a work trip so my mom and I decided to join (my mom had never been before, and I was excited to show her my favorite places). We were a bit delayed on our flight out and by the time we got to the city we just dropped our stuff off at the James and went to Shake Shack for a late dinner (so good).

My sister was in meetings all day on Friday so my mom and I headed to the Willis Tower first thing--we still had a bit of a wait, but it was well worth it for the city views and the super scary ledge. We made our way to the Art Institute for a delish cheese and wine lunch, and meandered around the museum for a bit. When my sister wrapped up her day we went to Pops for pre-dinner drinks and truffle fries. Then we headed to Slurping Turtle for dinner--I hadn't realized that Restaurant Week coincided with our trip, but it ended up working out great: I enjoyed a four course dinner for a fraction of the usual price.

On Saturday we went to the West Loop for breakfast at Little Goat and it was amazing. It had always been on my list of places to go and I was super happy with my "Bull's Eye French Toast": eggs in a french toast hole with fried chicken and bacon maple syrup. We then walked around a bit and later had a bite to eat at Eataly and drinks at The Purple Pig.

That night we went to Boka for dinner--I was rather annoyed to be seated a 1/2 hour after our reservation time, but it ended up being one of the best meals I've ever had. We did the four course menu with wine pairings and each course ended up being more delicious than the previous--if you're in Lincoln Park I highly recommend.

And on Sunday we headed home--it was a quick but perfect trip (and we totally lucked out with the weather being in the high 30's/40s). I can't wait to go back. 

2.05.2018

alison roman's chocolate chunk shortbread cookies.




Another Monday, another weekend that flew by. Mine wasn't too exciting: I went to barre a couple of times, took care of a number of dogs and watched some of the Superbowl (but mostly scrolled through Pinterest while eating a plethora of snacks).

The highlight, however, was finally making Alison Roman's Salted Butter and Chocolate Chunk Shortbread. I had been meaning to make these cookies for a while (they're everywhere) and they did not disappoint. These cookies are the perfect combo of salty and sweet, and even substituting gluten free flour for regular didn't take away from their tastiness. Definitely add these to your cookie list.

2.01.2018

what I've been up to...




I didn't mean to stay away for so long, but I have a good excuse: I sold my house!

Between packing everything up and celebrating the holidays, the past couple of months have been a total blur, but I'm so excited this finally happened. I put it on the market in the end of June and thought that it would sell quickly--there wasn't a ton of inventory in my tiny town and houses were selling at a fast pace, but mine just didn't. I definitely got frustrated in the fall (hence my vague references to being anxious for things to happen) and I thought multiple times of pulling it and trying again in the spring, but everything clicked in December. While bittersweet, I know the people who bought it will love it as much as I did.

The reasons for me selling are twofold: first, I really didn't need to be living in a four bedroom house by myself--it was just too much. I thoroughly enjoyed decorating it, but I had two rooms that went essentially unused. Second, I need to get out of the sticks. While I love the area and I love being close to my family, there is nothing going on here which makes things very tough for a single lady.

I have zero regrets about buying it--I spent a really great three years there and it allowed me to build equity and have a good foundation for my next move...which is yet to be announced. I plan on staying with my parents for the next couple of months while I figure out job stuff and I hope to move at the end of the spring. I will say my destination is in another state and one of my favorite places...so stay tuned.

Here's to 2018 being the year of new adventures. I'm so ready and so excited.