Real Housewife of Chicago

Christmas Break Re-cap

2012-01-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

It has been a wonderful 12 Days of Christmas. We were able to take enough days off of work to give us this 12-day break, and it's been chock full of adventures worth recording here for posterity's sake!

Although the first day off was a little rocky (I ended up having to work, even though I was out of office on PTO), but once we got on the road and made it to Indiana things cleared up. There's not much that being welcomed with a glass of champagne and a big hug can't fix. We enjoyed dinner and a pre-Christmas gift exchange with the in-laws -- good food, good times and lots of great presents! Including but not limited to:

And that was just the beginning! I love giving gifts as much as I enjoy receiving them, so I must say this year was an incredible success where both sides of the equation are concerned!

We got on the road to Georgia on Friday morning and arrived to a warm welcome at 6:30 in the evening. Dinner around the table at which we gathered every evening throughout my childhood is always a heartwarming experience. Nothing can mar that memory, despite the sibling spats and awkward silences those dinner table conversations may have included at one point or another -- my mind will always remember the love given, learning offered and relationships built around that table. It's something I hope to provide for my family some day as well. I believe the dinner table is a necessary pillar of strength to the family structure.... but that's a post for another day.

Saturday (Christmas eve) was spent in food preparation and catching up with family. It doesn't get much better....

Gingerbread Cake a la Young Pastry Chef

Classic Christmas Eve table-setting...

Bruder-in-law

My youngest sister and her BF

Me and DH!

My older sister and her husband (aka bruder-in-law)

Saturday evening was the Christmas Eve service at All Saints Episcopal Church in downtown Atlanta. Although my eldest sister sang in both services, I attended the first alone. It was reverent and memorable. I don't need to be at the front of the church to know that my voice lifted in worship is heard by the most important Audience. I much prefer being amidst the congregation, whether we are in harmony or not -- it makes me think that's what heaven must be like.

Sunday was Sabbath. We spent the morning together as a family in worship. My sisters and I sang for the service and, again, there's just no better feeling than being in harmony (mentally, spiritually and vocally) with those you love. I won't deny that we were all a little anxious for the Christmas festivities to being, but I can't deny the message of which we were reminded on Sunday morning: the only holiday which God has given us to celebrate continually is the Sabbath. On that day we celebrate not only the advent but also the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and anticipate His coming again. And we get to do it every week! No arbitrary day established by the Church to convert a pagan holiday can be more important than that. Nonetheless (and this is yet another conversation for another post), we are to live as a Christian culture and I think that the Christmas celebration can be a very important redeeming factor of a culture that might otherwise be sinking low under the weight of modern customs.

After church, gifts were exchanged, fun was had, more food eaten... and more gifts exchanged! Love this part!

And then the forced Family Photos.... always worth it, in my humble opinion. :)

P.S. Dear family, if you're reading this -- don't worry, I'm sending prints of all the photos. :)

2012, here we come!

2012-01-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

Is it bad that my resolutions haven't changed from last year's? Everything I was thinking and feeling at this time last year still applies... with 365 days worth of experience tacked on for proof.

So, along with yet another new blog design, I'm posting my resolutions for 2012, as well as last year's Proviso for a New Year's Revolution. Although the general concepts are the same, I've added updates that apply since I first made these resolutions for 2011!

Paint more regularly (it's been rather sporadic since 2008)--and complete the paintings I start.
2012 update: I took a few classes at the Palette & Chisel studio in 2011, and plan on doing a few more this year -- being in the right environment has a lot to do with keeping the creative juices flowing!
Exercise more often and attain a healthy weight (what this will be I'm not quite sure... I think I'll know it when I see it).
2012 update: Our gym membership expired in June 2011.... we just renewed it in November. That means a full 18 months to get back into the swing of things! I'm hoping to do more group classes for Pilates, aerobics, dance, etc.
*Keep House... better and with a joyful spirit (*This covers a variety of concepts, including but not limited to cooking, cleaning, organizing, decorating and maintaining a general environment of comfort and joy.)
2012 update: This has become increasingly difficult since the start of my new job in March 2011. I couldn't have guessed how much that would change my schedule back in January 2011, but it does add a new level of challenge to keep up with a housekeeping regimen. I think I'm up to the challenge..... Looks like I won't be going to bed before 11pm this year!
Cook meals that are both healthy and delicious (this includes weekly meal planning to avoid last-minute restaurant meals and as well as consideration of nutritional value)!
2012 update: This is also a more difficult task with my job hours, but I know there's plenty of women out there who can do it -- so can I!
Pursue contentment, peace and gratitude in any given predicament: job, location and general life situation.
2012 update: This is an ongoing pursuit in my life... one with its good days and its bad days. 2011 was a pretty 50/50 split as far as feeling contentment. I'm hoping that one day (soon) everything will just snap into place but, in the meantime, I'm willing to keep working at maintaining that balance.
Be more proactive in all of my relationships -- near and far.
2012 update: I've always known that I was something of a loner. I don't always need company to be happy, but sometimes I really do need someone who gets me and is willing to listen. I realize that's pretty selfish and one-sided -- wanting a relationship that works only when it suits me. So, the update to this goal is to be more giving of myself and willing to make a relationship/friendship work even when I feel like I'm not getting everything I want out of it. A friendship (just like a marriage) takes two people working at it, which can be quite difficult, so my goal for 2012 is to work harder and pursue the relationships that count the most.

So, there you have it. It's somewhat intimidating to see these in print, but I figure if they're written down somewhere that makes them more real and binding. Which means I have to try and complete them. For at least another 12 months! Here we go....

Life without revision will silence our souls....

2011-12-31T16:36:00.000-08:00

This is a song called "Snow" by my favorite band, Sleeping at Last. It is from their "December" EP which was part of a year-long collection of EPs (one for each month of the year, containing 3 songs each) called "Yearbook". The video below is a compilation of shots sent in by fans...

Here are the beautiful lyrics... My favorites lines are in bold and these words are floating through my thoughts tonight, on this last day of 2011:

The branches have traded
Their leaves for white sleeves
All warm blooded creatures make ghosts as they breathe
Scarves are wrapped tightly like gifts under trees

Christmas lights tangle in knots annually
All families huddle closely
Betting warmth against the cold
All the bruises seem to surface
Like mud beneath the snow

So we sing carols softly
As sweet as we know
A prayer that our burdens will lift as we go
Like young love still waiting under mistletoe
We'll welcome December with tireless hope

Let our bells keep on ringing
Making angels in the snow
And may the melody disarm us
When the cracks begin to show

Like the petals in our pockets
May we remember who we are
Unconditionally cared for
By those who share our broken hearts

The table is set
And all glasses are full
The pieces go missing
May we still feel whole
We'll build new traditions in place of the old
Cause life without revision will silence our souls

Let the bells keep on ringing
Making angels in the snow
And may the melody surround us
When the cracks begin to show

Like the petals in our pockets
May we remember who we are
Unconditionally cared for
By those who share our broken hearts

As gentle as feathers
The snow piles high
Our world gets rewritten and retraced every time
Like fresh plates and clean slates
Our future is white
New Years resolutions are reset tonight

Daylight Spending Time?

2011-11-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

I wrote this post earlier this month (as you might guess from the title, right around the Daylight Savings Time change) but, for whatever reason, didn't post it. The feelings still apply, though, so I'm posting it now! Just some thoughts on the passage of time....

I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by. 2011 is waning fast and there's so much I have yet to accomplish! I've given myself plenty of excuses for not being as productive as I would like.... starting a new job with crazy hours being the most prominent on the list. Nonetheless, I feel like someone's been winding the clock forward since March, like Daylight Savings Time decided to skip ahead several months rather than just an hour. And here we are, falling back an hour again, Thanksgiving is around the corner, then Christmas, then 2012... but I get ahead of myself. Perhaps that is the problem. I feel as though I am always thinking in the future. What's on the docket for tomorrow's work day, or next week or next month? What are our plans for this weekend?? When's our next vacation???

There's certainly nothing wrong with planning ahead. In fact, it's really a very important skill (it can be monumentally important in preventing tardiness, for example). But, it can really mess with your head. We "modern" women tend to think in schedules of "5-year plans" and career paths and biological clocks. When did it all get so complicated? For the past 3 years (or perhaps longer), I have felt like something is always just ahead, something better than what's going on in the present. When, in reality, what's right in front of my nose is really what's most important. Matthew 6:34 comes to mind: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

We live in a world that seems to be turning faster by the day. Technology spurs an excelerated pace of life and, despite the preponderance of "social media" and persistent digital connection, we communicate and live our lives less genuinely because we are so concerned with the next big thing. It's not the technology that's bad (obviously it enables us to do some pretty incredible things), it's the mindset that goes along with it. The "I'm so worried about where I'm going to be in 6 months or 5 years that I forget how blessed I am to be living in today" mentality. It's a mindset of forgetting the blessings God has given us in this life, the relationships He puts us in and the everyday lessons He gives us the strength to experience. This is the important stuff. The world could end tomorrow, and where does our 5-year plan end up?

So, for today, it's about striking a balance. Planning with enough wisdom to be prepared for what may come, and enough faith that God will always provide and simultaneously living with the knowledge that He already has provided everything we need for this very second down to the last iota.

Design Board: Rustic French Guest Bedroom

2011-09-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

Objects can be so inspiring. A perusal of the Pier1 website gave me some fodder for a quick inspiration board: "Rustic French Guest Bedroom"

This isn't altogether rustic, nor altogether French.... really just a few different accents from each, and I couldn't think of a better title. Most of these items are sourced from Pier1; the duvet set and head board from Target. LOVE that lamp in a pale lime.... and it's on sale! Might just have to get that one right away.

I'd hang an atmospheric landscape over the bed (a la William McCarthy) and voila! the perfect haven for out-of-town guests. Maybe someday this will be a reality.... Guess you'll have to be our guests to find out ;)

Autumnal Thoughts

2011-09-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

Fall seems to have fallen upon us. Very quickly. From the dog days of summer with blistering temperatures in the 90s, the weather has turned decidedly cooler (mid-high 60s) and that fall feeling is in the air. Fall is one of my favorite seasons and I am savouring all of the wonderful things it brings:

Pumpkin, apple and all things spice-flavored (looking forward to trying this recipe for homemade Pumpkin Spice syrup)
Football (although not a die-hard fan, I enjoy the idea of it... and the tailgating)
Fall wardrobe switch -- there's a reason all the fashion mags release their big issue in September... everyone is ready for a fresh look not dictated by hot weather!
That "new school year" feeling: I've never been able to rid my self of the sense of excitement and expectation experienced with the beginning of each new school year. An 18-year habit is hard to break.... and I love the feeling anyway! It's like the sense of inspiration that accompanies the New Year -- an emotion spontaneous and fleeting, I enjoy it while I can!

What are you favorite Fall things? Here's a shot of a Chicago Fall scene. Though we're not seeing this quite yet, I'm looking forward to the leaves changing and some crisp Autumn morning walks in the Park! So, I leave you with this image and a favorite poem befitting the multi-hued resplendence of fall.

Photo credit: TravelSmart Blog

Pied Beauty

Glory be to God for dappled things--
   For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
       For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches' wings;
   Landscape plotted and pieced--fold, fallow, and plough;
       And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim.

All things counter, original, spare, strange;
   Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
      With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
                                     Praise Him.

Gerard Manley Hopkins

Blog updates

2011-07-16T17:02:00.001-07:00

Check here for more recent posts....
http://eachdayanew.blogspot.com/

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, It's Off To Work I Go....

2011-01-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

My job is changing. I've been working as long as I've been a housewife (excepting the nearly 2 months it took me to find said work) as a designer/art director for a small restaurant magazine based in the suburbs of Chicago. And for the past 2+ years, I've been working from home. Now, that is all going to change. My company is expanding, and this means investing in professional office space. For a company that has worked the remote/digital route for the past couple years, this is going to be a big shift. But it's a positive move and one I'm excited to be a part of. I only have to be in this new office 3 days a week, but all I can think about is...... What Not To Wear.

No, not the TV show (well, sort of).... more like: How do I make the shift from my normal routine of wearing PJs and lounge clothes for working from home TO dressing in a moderately professional and appropriate manner for working from an office 3 days a week? My wardrobe sports a fair selection of business casual attire (thanks to previous jobs and some fruitful shopping trips with my fashion-conscious mother), but most of it is at least 2 years old and I'm looking to invest in a few good pieces that will bring it up to speed. So, a la the wardrobe stylings of one of my favorite bloggers, here's my "palette"...

From Top, left to right:

Roll-Cuff Blazer (Kohl's) The one I originally found seems to have disappeared from their website, but you get the idea. A classic black blazer will never go out of style and can be dressed up or down: pair it with jeans and a cute top for casual; or pumps and a button down for work.

Annalise Ruffle Cami (J.Crew*) I really do like the style of J. Crew. Alas, it is a tad beyond the price range in which I typically shop. Believe me, if I could afford to pay $80-$200+ for every piece in my closet, I probably would. But then, that would take all the fun out of bargain shopping (I'm pretty much a pro bargain-hunter)! Also, if you check the link, this top in the mustard-y color did actually exist on the J. Crew website at one point.... though sadly now it seems to be sold out. It's more the color I love than the actual style. See note below.

Gray Open Front Cardigan (Kohl's) A cardigan will never fail you. An open-front cardigan seems to lend itself more to casual than business attire but, like the blazer, it can be dressed up with a nicer top and a belt cinched at the waist; or dressed down with a cute cami and skinny jeans.

Roll-Up Boyfriend Cardigan (Old Navy) Yes, another cardigan. You really can never have too many (in my honest opinion). One in every color! Speaking of color, you will notice some bright pops of it in this collection. The grayness of winter does not have to mean a gray-centric wardrobe, and I picked this palette to add some highlights to my darker pieces and also in anticipation of a lighter, brighter spring wardrobe. These fun-hued pieces will add flare to my cold-weather garments while transitioning smoothly into the next season. How, you ask? Pair this pretty cardigan with some white wide-leg trousers and a pair of cute espadrilles and POW! You're ready for spring!

Ikat Floral Bungalow Skirt (J. Crew) I love this skirt! Ikat + flora pattern = fabulous. And replete with options for mixing and matching! This a-line skirt is really the most pivotal item in this palette, as I tried to base several outfits around its color scheme. Although it is pricier (thanks, J. Crew) it will probably be my first purchase from this collection.

Ruffle Button-Down Shirt (Kohl's) This top speaks for itself. Pretty ruffles, fun color (one will little presence in my wardrobe), easy to wear for work or play. And it evens comes with a coordinating belt... Pretty and easy and fun, oh my!

Black Ankle Boot (DSW) I have avoided the "bootie" trend for a while because I wasn't too sure I could pull it off (thick, short legs are not flattered by such things). But it occurred to me that these work just as well under pants as with dresses or skinny jeans (at least until the trend wears off). And sometimes you just want the look of a boot without wearing a full boot -- really, what's a girl to do? Well, buy an ankle boot.

Embellished Satin Tank (Kohl's) I really like this color (I'm partial to blue), and the length of this top means it could be worn tunic-style over pants or tucked into a skirt for a different look. Top it with a blazer, a cardigan or go bare -- whatever the look, I think this top is going to be a great piece for mixing and matching!

Straight-Leg Black Pants Last but not least, a classically cut pair of pants. I don't have a link for this one because I really haven't found a pair that I think will work for me. There are a lot out there, but they seem to be either too flared, too wide or too skinny. I foresee a lot of trying on in efforts to find the perfect pair, but I find that process all part of the fun (for the most part). And a flattering pair of black pants is really a necessity in any wardrobe -- so I'll let you know when I find mine!

*Nota Bene: Because I shop mostly Sale items, some of these are no longer available in my size/color. So, these are really just visual standards for the types/styles of pieces I want to add to my wardrobe.

So, what are you picking out to make your wardrobe more fashion-forward and flexible for coming seasons and/or events???

Interior Designs

2011-01-24T12:10:00.000-08:00

I love decorating. Even when I was younger, a favorite game was to re-arrange furniture in my bedroom or our playroom/study. I still get a kick out of making small changes in our apartment that pack a punch without spending a lot of $$$. Recently, Patrick has even gotten into helping out and his suggestion for a furniture rearrangement in our living room (also my office space), has made a huge difference in the space!

I am constantly perusing home stores (ZGallerie, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Ballard Designs, just to name a few of my favs!), but I also like to play a little game--call it the grown-up version of my childhood rearrangements--where I pick out a specific item and design a room around it (digitally, of course). The pièce de résistance is usually a piece that's on sale or something I wouldn't normally choose for myself -- this makes it more fun and challenging to work with!

This week's piece was a warm, earthy/floral-patterned duvet set on sale at Target:

I liked the warm colors and the pattern (I have a hard time saying no to florals!), and the price made it a worthwhile pick ($99 for the Queen). Also, because our bedroom is currently in a palette cool blues, I wanted to play around with a color set of an entirely different focus.

And here's what I came up with:

The linen nail-trim headboard is something I've been dreaming of for a while. A DIY project available several places online (most notably: http://isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com/2010/06/progress-on-headboard-meets-upholstered.html), I'm looking forward to actually accomplishing this one someday as the in-store equivalents range from $800 to $3000!

The side tables, leather storage bench, rug and purple throw pillows are all Target finds (I've been eyeing the plum pillows for a while as well as you'll see from my Wishlist to the right!). I love the shape and color of the orange bedside lamps -- a pop of color that I wouldn't normally be drawn to, but it seems to fit with this scheme. The other accessories (wood-carved owl set, framed botanical prints, random stack of books) were all Google Images finds. I love vintage botanical prints and hope I can find a place for some in my future home.....You know, the one I'm always daydreaming about? :)

And that's my happy thought for Monday!

In the Kitchen

2011-01-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

My New Year's resolution to be on-the-ball about meal planning and healthful cooking has been working out so far! Here was last week's "Meatless Monday" recipe...

This (90%) meatless soup was delicious, and made enough for dinner and 2 full lunches!

Cheese Tortellini & Tuscan Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:
- 1 (14.5 oz) Can of Diced Tomatoes with Garlic & Onion (undrained)
- 1 (11.5 oz) Can Condensed Bean with Bacon Soup* (undiluted)
- 4 Cups Water
- 1 (16 ounce) Bag of Frozen Italian Style Veggies *

- 3/4 Teaspoon Dried Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 (9 ounce) Package of Fresh Cheese Tortellini
- 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

I also tossed in a bunch of fresh spinach just before serving for some added greenery, and served the soup with spinach salad.

Directions:
1. Combine the first 6 ingredients in a 4 quart saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the tortellini, reduce heat to medium Continue cooking for around 7 minutes or until pasta and veggies are tender.
3. Stir in the grated cheese.

*Okay, so this makes the recipe not totally meatless.... but it's such a teeny amount, I'm pretending it doesn't count.

Epiphany

2011-01-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a new year (and a new blog design)!

2010 flew by, but I was more ready for 2011 than I expected. Ready for a clean slate, fresh start.... even though it's all really just a mental thing. We see January 1st as the start of something new because the calendar says so. Because that is the arbitrary date set for the beginning of a new calendar year. In truth, every day is a new day, a chance to be better than the last. Every Sunday the start to a new week, inspired and encouraged by Sabbath worship. That is my number one resolution for this new year: to live in each day with full awareness of the present, complete attention to giving my best effort, and acknowledgment of God's grace that has given me the chance to enjoy life in His creation for yet another day. If you're really interested, you can read my Proviso for a New Year's Revolution.

If not, here are my less-revolutionary New Year's resolutions:

1. Paint more regularly (it's been rather sporadic since 2008)--and complete the paintings I start.

2. Exercise more often and attain a healthy weight (what this will be I'm not quite sure... I think I'll know it when I see it)

3. *Keep House... better and with a joyful spirit
*This covers a variety of concepts, including but not limited to cooking, cleaning, organizing, decorating and maintaining a general environment of comfort and joy.

4. Cook meals that are both healthy and delicious (this includes weekly meal planning to avoid last-minute restaurant meals and as well as consideration of nutritional value)!

5. Pursue contentment, peace and gratitude in any given predicament: job, location and general life situation.

6. Be more proactive in all of my relationships -- near and far.

What are your goals for this new year?

Currently Listening:
Sleeping at Last, January EP

Advent Calendar!

2010-12-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to brush up on some of my crafty project skills, break out the scissors, markers and colored paper and create something. I wanted to put together an Advent Calendar like this last year, but somehow ran of out time or creativity or both. With a little bit of determination (and 3 days into December), I finally finished my little craft. And here's the gist of it....

I wanted this to be something I could use for future Christmases, and I also wanted it to be more involved than just the little candy calendars you can pick up in CVS. So, after a little research online, I was able to track down some great Scripture verses to include on each card as well as a daily activity. These can vary based on your preference and child age (although most of mine are family friendly), and the cards can be switched out yearly.

Supplies
(I picked up most of these at Paper Source, my number one favorite paper store. But they can be a little pricey, so just about any variation on these supplies will suffice. Try Michael's, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn, etc.).

#1 Size Envelopes, any color
(or any tiny envelope)
Business Card-size Paper (Paper Source)
(Cardstock trimmed to 2"x3.5")
Fun, Decorative Paper
(I used old stationary and wrapping paper.... anything with a pattern you like with work!)
Number Stencils
(I drew mine by hand, which adds a little more of a crafty look, but a stencil would work great. OR, you could use number stickers or stamps!)
Ribbon (to hang the finished envelopes)
Clothes Pins {25} (I picked mine up at Walmart for about $5)
Glue Stick, scissors, markers/pens, other generic crafting stuff

Now for the fun part! Create a number for each envelope (1 through 25....or all the way through New Year's Eve if you like!) and glue them right on. It's pretty simple. Be creative, have fun with the numbers, use different patterns and colors. They don't really have to match -- that's really what makes it look so cool.

Then, for each inner card, I wrote a Scripture lesson on one side (the readings follow the promise and fulfillment of Christ throughout the Bible); and a daily activity on the other. When each little card is tucked neatly into its envelope, string them up with the clothes pins and hang wherever you have space! I used 3M removable hooks on either side of my mantle, and just looped a knot on each end of the ribbon to hang the strand (plus a little tack in the middle to keep it from sagging too much). It can get a little heavy with the clothes pins so three hanging points is ideal.

And voila! There is my first homemade Advent Calendar. Open up a card per day (I put them back on after reading to avoid an empty string hanging over my fireplace), enjoy the corresponding activity and read the Scripture aloud to anyone who will listen :)

Nota Bene: I thought it might be useful to add the site where I found the great Scripture readings for each day of Advent: http://www.jesse-trees.com/calendar.html (I started with Dec 1, rather than Nov 27)

Tidings of Comfort & Joy

2010-12-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

I have really been trying to get into the Christmas spirit this year, and remind myself of all the blessings that God has given us. All too often, I allow myself to be bogged down in the tedium of daily burdens -- forgetting that I have a roof over my head, clean clothes on my back (and sometimes even NEW clothes), plenty of food to eat, a loving and supportive family, a strong group of friends.... the list goes on. Most of all, however, I want to remind myself daily (not just during Christmas time) that I am able to enjoy these things--these blessings of comfort and joy--because of the loving mediation of my Savior Jesus Christ. Were it not for his birth, life, death and resurrection, there would be only tidings of pain, loss and sorrow. And so as we celebrate the advent of the Son of God to earth, let us remember not just in this month (or the 25th day of this month), but every day of the year that His perfect life is that by which we are justified, His death is that by which we are forgiven and His resurrection is that by which we are regenerated and able to live our lives filled with His tidings of comfort and joy.

Dinner Party

2010-10-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite activities as a 'real housewife' is throwing dinner parties for family and friends. Big family/holiday dinners are few and far between right now (considering home space and distance are not exactly ideal...yet), but I've enjoyed having friends over occasionally throughout the last couple years to test my hostess skills and just enjoy the company. Evening meals truly are a special combination of physical and social satiation. It is a time to feed not only the body but also the soul in the company of good friends or family. My memories of family meals around the dinner table--whether on a week night or the Sunday noon dinner--are precious and will continue to edify as I apply the principles I learned at those meals within my own family.

Last Friday was a particularly special dinner as we sat down with a couple we have not seen in several months. Although they are from Spokane, WA, we met through mutual family friends and have been close since their previous stay in Chicago last summer. They are back in the city now for a brief 3 months before moving back to Portland for the new year! I am very excited to have these friends back in town, and was so happy to have them over for dinner last Friday evening. I spent most of the days leading up to the meal attempting to plan the menu, and here's what we ended up with...

Appetizer:
Herbed Chevre Goat Cheese topped with Apricot Preserves
{served with pita chips & water crackers} // Sweet Pickled Okra

Entree:
Grilled New York Strip Steak
(a la DH the grillmaster)

Sweet-Roasted Rosemary Acorn Squash (squash from the local Farmer's Market!)

Sauteed Garlic Kale (a new favorite!)

Four-Cheese Risotto (last-minute add on since I forgot rolls.... so it was from a box)

Dessert:
Semi-Homemade Rum Bundt Cake with Glaze
This was a quick & easy recipe for a dessert I have never tried. The result was good enough to try completely made-from-scratch next time!

Overall, I'd say the dinner was a great success. Good food, good wine and good conversation was had by all (including some very good laughs!)

What is your favorite recipe (appetizer? entree? dessert?) to serve guests?

What's for Dinner?

2010-10-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

I love cooking with fresh fruits and vegetables from the Farmer's Market. I feel especially cool when I pick up something new or unusual and manage to use it in a tasty dish. It has been a while since I've used kale in my cooking (if ever), and when I saw a bunch of its bright green curly leaves at the market last weekend, I couldn't resist picking up a big bunch. It served me well! Along with a perfect little spaghetti squash, I prepared what I'd call a perfect fall recipe....

Spaghetti Squash with Sausage & Kale
(I found the original recipe here, but adapted it to my ingredients)

Serves 2. Prep time + cooking time ~ 40 min.

Ingredients:

1 smallish spaghetti squash (about 1 1/2 pounds), halved lengthwise
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper
1 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup chicken stock
2 links Italian sausage (the kind we had in the freezer had cheese in it, too!)
1 bunch fresh kale, stems discarded and leaves coarsely chopped

Directions:

Place the squash halves, cut side down, in a large, microwavable dish. Add 1/3 cup water and microwave until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Scoop out the seeds. Using a fork, comb the squash into strands into a bowl. Toss with the parmesan and season with black pepper.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until no longer pink, about 6 minutes (I cooked ours on a George Foreman grill). Remove the sausage and toss in the garlic, cooking until tender but not browned. Add kale and chicken stock and cover. Cook for 5 minutes, checking occasionally so it doesn't burn! Remove cover and cook until liquid is evaporated. Season with salt and black pepper (if necessary, the stock kept ours pretty salty). Serve sausage and kale on top of the squash.

YUM!

Apples and Pumpkins and Squash.... oh my!

2010-09-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

My trip to the open-air Farmers' Market this morning was quite fruitful (pardon the pun)! I picked up a bunch of fresh apples in heirloom varieties (I can't remember all the names, but I'm looking forward to tasting each one!) Spaghetti and Acorn squash are some of my favorites, and I'm looking forward to cooking with the two I picked up this morning. I'll be sure to post the recipes!

Back from my outdoor shopping trip, I enjoyed a ciabatta roll topped with raw milk cheese spread and fresh Bartlett pears. YUM. I would have taken a photo but it was gone before I could say "cheese". I just love Fall and all the wonderful changes it brings!

What are you favorite memories of the Autumn season?

Things I like, #2

2010-09-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Dunkin' Donuts

No, they can't spell, but they do make good coffee. I've been a fan of the French Vanilla flavored ground coffee from DD for a while, and I am just now beginning to make a foray into their prepared drinks. Having a coupon* always helps, so I stopped in this morning (after dropping off DH at work... not a normal occurence, mind you) for a "Dunkaccino". Now, I don't want to know how many calories were in this sucker, but it sure did taste good. Plus, you really can't be good coffee for 99 cents.

*[Speaking of shopping with coupons.... that's another thing on my "Like List" these days]

Amazon.com

You may or may not realize that I have a slight problem with online shopping... or rather e-window shopping. I don't always buy... but at almost any given point during the day, you might find me perusing products from the myriad online stores available to me through the interwebs. I make wishlists, fill shopping carts, and imagine how chic I will look in those fab suede Steve Madden pumps. Yes, it's true. And it's a problem. :\ But, when I actually need to buy something (say, a book for our couple book club), Amazon.com always comes in handy for buying used copies on the cheap! Offering everything from DVDs and MP3 albums to designers shoes and clothing, Amazon offers just about anything you could want in new or used condition (for those discontinued items you never thought you'd find again!) It's also my personal favorite for creating birthday/holiday wishlists for myself.... or perusing those of others to buy from. So, if you expect a gift from me any time soon, it wouldn't hurt to set up a handy-dandy little list at (you guessed it) Amazon!

Things I LIKE Right Now...

2010-09-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Flats
The time for flip flops is quickly drawing to a close, and I am enjoying breaking out the cute and comfortable shoes I haven't really worn all summer! I love the pop of color these
red loafers add to just about any outfit.

Scarves and other cool-weather accessories
As the temperatures gradually drop, I enjoy finding ways to layer clothing into outfits that are both stylish and warm! This multi-colored scarf (a recent New York & Co. purchase) goes with a lot of different pieces in my fall wardrobe and just throwing it on over a plain tee spruces up my look.

More to come....

Evolution of a Dining Room

2010-09-18T12:56:00.001-07:00

Well, last weekend's closet "makeover" was a quickie. We were in and out of that one in a matter of hours. This next project has been a long time coming. I spend at least a couple of hours each week envisioning how I could improve the appearance of our living space... whether it be new linens for the master bedroom, a clean rug for the bathroom, or just a re-arrangement of furniture to freshen things up.

The dining room table we used since we got married was one DH has had since college, a great Kmart pick-up by my wonderful MiL (aka mother-in-law; and "DH" is for dear husband, for those who don't know). It's worked pretty well for the past several years, but I've been yearning to fill the dining space we acquired ever since moving into a new apartment in 2009. Here is what it looked like for pretty much the first 1 1/2 years of living here...

Around the beginning of this summer, I decided it was time to spruce things up a bit, even if we could make major changes (like painting). I did put some paint samples on the wall for a couple weeks, but DH was adamantly against it (even though he wouldn't be the one painting). But there were certainly other things I could do.... shifting the furniture and a few great purchases made all the difference.

The rug, from World Market, was a steal coming in at $35! The other new purchases include the two throw pillow on the chairs ($7 apiece), some fake apples (in the bowl on the green hutch), and a few other knick knacks. The mirror and candle-holders (un-hung in this photo) were pieces we already owned that were sitting around elsewhere. So the room sat like this for a little while... until today! We are regular World Market shoppers and during our closet-makeover shopping trip last weekend, we happened to stop in for a little look-see. There we saw a dining set that fit our various specifications (style, size, color, wood-grain, etc.) and was 50% off! Well, we didn't buy it that day (you can never be too hasty about an investment like this), but we had been considering a new dining set for a while so it wasn't a discussion we hadn't had before. That being said, after a week of consideration.... we decided to go for it! And here are the lovely results:

DH was not so happy about getting this thing home from the store and assembled from the six very heavy boxes it came in, but it only took about 4 hours start to finish (with a lunch break in between) and I think the results are pretty perfect. It's a set that will last us a lifetime, and I really think it fits our dining space well. It seats 6 (or even up to 8) in this setting, but it also came with extensions for each end that would seat up to 10! And did you notice that the hideous old hanging lighting is gone? I just wasn't feeling the stained glass lanterns, so the building engineer was kind enough to replace those with a less obtrusive fixture.

So, all I have to say now is... dinner party at our house, anyone?

Everything in its place...

2010-09-13T15:20:00.001-07:00

I don't consider myself a "type A" person (although I can't vouch for the opinions of anyone else who knows me) and I can certainly be messy in my own right..... but I do occasionally feel the urge to organize and deep clean. This weekend happened to be one of those magical times. I'm sure it had something to do with the changing seasons and the need to start switching out my Summer shorts for Fall cardigans (yes, I switch out my clothes every 6 months; a habit probably acquired from owning two sets of clothing separated by my time in college going between Georgia and Michigan climates...you really don't need too many heavy coats during a GA winter). So, this weekend, I undertook the task of cleaning/organizing the closet I share with DH and making the wardrobe switch-a-roo.

Here's some before shots (it's bad, I know....but necessary for the sake of the post):

I knew this project would require more organizational helpers (boxes, etc.) than I had hanging around the house, so I gave myself a $100 budget to work with. With that and some measurements of my available space and a prepared wishlist from their online store, I headed to our local Container Store. [I pre-shopped online because I wanted to know the exact measurements of the products beforehand.... measuring in the store doesn't always work so well]. I came out armed with plastic and canvas containers to rein in my clothing nightmare:
If you're looking for a cheap solution, I would not recommend Container Store, they can be a tad pricey. I usually prefer to keep my costs low, but in the interest of a quick fix I was OK with the price-tag for these items.... this time. I did manage to stay within my budget, though, topping out at $99.09!

The entire process of shopping, organizing, etc., took me an entire afternoon.... so about 5 hours. But it was a fun time! I put some music on and enjoyed the process of going through my clothes, sorting into three piles: "Keep", "Give Away", "Throw Away". DH even joined in to help! We ended up with three full bags of clothing/shoes, etc. to donate. I know that economizing my wardrobe will make putting together outfits a little easier (not so many options!), and it keeps me aware of what I own so I don't buy something similar to what I already have. Here are some more great tips from one of my favorite blogs if you're interested in culling your clothing: Young House Love.

So, after all that, here's the end result!

It may be a tad difficult to see the difference since framing the shots in such a tiny space was a project in and of itself! But I'm enamored with the end results. Everything feels much more contained and organized. I especially love the canvas bins. They are labeled according to the contents and (currently) everything in them is nice, neat and folded. But, if I end up throwing things in a little messy at least they'll be hidden from view! I even managed to give DH some more space for his shoes (although my collection is clearly larger), after freeing up some shelf space. The upper shelf on the left contains bins of out-of-season clothing and extra bedding. There's even a little room left for future accumulations on the other upper shelf! Imagine that.

So, there it is. One-day closet makeover! Let's hope it stays nice and neat from now on. :)

Indian Food: Fast & Cheap!

2010-09-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a friend over for dinner and I was in the mood for Indian.... Ordering out can be fun (and delicious), but also more expensive than we want to pay sometimes. So, last night I prepared a full Indian meal with some helpers from Trader Joes and Whole Foods. Not quite from scratch, as you'll see, but still delicious and even somewhat healthy (I'm not saying very, just somewhat)!

I was in a hurry to get this meal ready last night, since I worked a little late and didn't start prepping until 6:30 for a 7:15 meal--which doesn't seem bad, but it definitely would have taken at least an hour without my shortcuts!

First of all, I did use fresh chicken (boneless, skinless breasts), green onions and cauliflower. I broke up the cauliflower, spritzed with a little oil, sprinkled with cumin and popped it in the oven at about 400 degrees to start roasting. Then, I diced up the chicken into about 1" cubes and sauteed with some chopped green onion and a little olive oil.

Next I covered it with about half a jar of Tiger Tiger Bombay Simmer Sauce + 1 cup of water as the jar suggests (I think this cuts down on the heat). Then, I just let this baby simmer. Once it had thickened up a bit, I threw in the cauliflower that had been roasting. Let it simmer for another few minutes and it was ready to serve!

Next on the list were sides. Using a few pre-made dishes from Trader Joe's, these were a cinch! The frozen rice mix (Trader Joe's Fat Free, Vegetarian Biryani) includes red peppers and peas so while it's mainly a carb dish, at least there's a little color in there. It is a very quick fix: just melt a little butter in a saucepan, then heat the rice for 6-8 minutes till tender. The lentils (Trader Joe's 'Indian Fare' Madras Lentils) were easy too: just dump them in a dish and microwave for about 3 minutes!

Our final side was the classic Indian naan bread that is used to sop up all the sauces that cover nearly every dish. Again, I used a pre-made frozen version from Trader Joe's -- pop it in the oven for 2 minutes at 400 degrees and done!

Now, don't get me wrong, I know this meal is fairly starchy and sauce-heavy... but it's definitely not the sort of thing we eat every night and I'm of the mind that it's still a little better for us simply because we didn't spend the money on take-out! And, if you don't know about Trader Joe's, most of the stuff there is either organic or doesn't use preservatives and/or chemical stuff so I feel a little better about eating it and feeding it to my husband and guest(s). All in all, it was a delicious meal! Paired with a light Reisling wine and a little Port for dessert. YUM.

I'd say, overall, this meal cost us about $18 and it fed 4 (3 last night and I'm finishing it for lunch!) So that's $4.50 per serving....Not a bad deal!

What's your favorite "semi-homemade" dish(es) to fix for a group?

Recent Paintings

2010-08-26T15:55:00.001-07:00

I have been keeping up my painting off and on since graduating with a degree in Fine Art in 2008, but it's been hard to maintain a regular studio schedule what with work and the other extracurriculars of a young housewife. But recently I've been able to finish a few new paintings thanks, in part, to a studio class I took at Palette & Chisel academy with incredible artist Michael Van Zeyl (more on his work later -- beautiful & inspiration stuff). The class was a short 5-week session, but the culminating "Small Show" coming up this weekend (Aug 28) has been my inspiration to finish the still life I started in the class and complete a second one. All the paintings in this show must be 12"x16" or smaller, and must be priced under $250. So, here's the finished works (signed and in frames, no less!)

"Three Nectarines" 11x14. Oil on Canvas.

"Bittersweet" 11x14. Oil on Canvas.
(If you're curious, the title of this one is a tad obscure but there is an explanation: The book in the still life is actually The Secret Garden (didn't have time to finish the details/title), which is one of my favorites of childhood reading material, and therefore a sweet memory to me. The lemons are, of course, bitter -- and with that explanation, I hope the oxymoronic title seems more apt.)

The paintings will exhibited and for sale at the Palette & Chisel Small Show this Saturday for $125 and $150 respectively. If they don't sell there, I'll be offering them to anyone with the best offer. :)

P.S. Bonus Question: Care to take a guess which one was painted in the artist-supervised class?

Music for All

2010-08-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

I'm not always a fan of the mainstream Christian music that is played on the radio -- I'd rather listen to something more indie, good ol' classical music or hymns (I can make some recommendations if you're interested). But sometimes, a band will really hit the right note (no pun intended). The other day while driving out to the suburbs for work, I happened to have on The Message station on XM. Their playlist is really hit or miss, but all of the sudden a song caught my attention.... by the end of it, I was tearing up. It's a must listen: Tears of The Saints by Leeland

It may not be your style--I'm not as moved by most of the band's other music--but it's worth hearing what is being produced nowadays. I'm not the type of person to think that a single song will revive the world (solid, Bible-based preaching is a much better remedy), but it can certainly go a long way towards awakening. I'll try to post more updates every once in a while about emerging Christian musicians. What you listen to can have a lot to do with what goes on in your head.... and subsequently your actions.

What's for Dinner?

2010-08-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

It's really one of my least favorite questions. And I remember it being one of my mother's least favorites as well.... Now I understand her reasoning on a whole new level. My favorite answer to this untimely question? "Food." Or, a squinty glare (the so-called "hairy eyeball) that speaks volumes.

Yep, it'll be food. Probably edible. And you will eat it. That's my policy (ages 0 to 110+)

It's hard enough to spend an entire day working (albeit from home, but it's not like I sit around eating bonbons), but by 6:30 at night I have to know what I'm cooking for dinner, how I'm cooking it and whether or not I have the ingredients I need to cook it properly (not necessarily in that order). AND make sure the kitchen is clean enough to cook in!

My planning skills in this department are mediocre at best; about once a month I sit down and try to plan meals for the week, but something always gets in the way: Tuesday night oil painting class, Wednesday night Bible study, Thursday night work social.... Let alone carving out an hour to shop for groceries! By the time the weekend arrives, just about all I can do is dial up a delivery from the Chinese place down the street.

But that's the behavior of a young wife living in the bustling city of Chicago, right? I get a pass for now, I hope. It's still a goal of mine to integrate weekly trips to the grocery, a 7-day meal plan, and plenty of fruits and vegetables into our dining regimen. But... it's a process.

Until then, I will settle for the 2-3 nights a week I get things right. So, What's For Dinner?

Thai Red Curry Pork

There is no set recipe for this little winner, but I have a penchant for curries and they are fairly easy and healthy to whip up.

This was a red curry base (you can pick up all types of curry pastes at your local grocery: golden, green, red, etc.) that includes curry paste, coconut milk, chicken stock, fish sauce and a bit of brown sugar to tone down the heat. There are so many varieties on this sauce, it's worth testing out the recipe several times to find your own preference of heat and flavor.

I sauteed my veggies first (red pepper, carrots, red onion, garlic), then added in the pork for a nice sear, then put that whole bunch in a separate bowl to the side. Next [using the same pan to save time on dishes later] I set up my curry sauce and gave it a good simmer before adding back in the veggies/meat. I let that simmer on low for about 15 minutes (to finish cooking the meat, and let everything absorb the flavors of the curry sauce). With about 5 minutes to go, I added some frozen cut green beans for extra color and nutritional value (somewhat). A few minutes more of simmering and the curry is ready to go!

While the curry was cooking, I also soaked and boiled some rice noodles on the side. I love rice noodles for their texture (like angel hair pasta) and low caloric value! They don't have a ton of nutritional value (I have yet to find *brown* rice noodles), but they are a great "carrier" for curries and other sauces.

All in all, this meal took me about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. I won't evaluate the economic value... but I'm thinking it was nowhere near as expensive as ordering out from the Thai place! So, for ease of preparation and nutritional value, Thai curries are the way to go for dinner....if not once a week, at least twice a month. :)

Fall Fashions

2010-08-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

I am loving the new looks from Ann Taylor Loft for the upcoming season. Fall is one of my favorites and the absolute best time to invest in new pieces that will last through the winter, and possibly into spring. These color combos seem just right. A classic neutral-toned piece plus a pop of color and a fun accessory (and great shoes) = great outfit!

And thanks to Pantone's Fashion Palettes for 2010, it's so much easier to expand or re-mix your wardrobe based on a set of fresh & fashionable colors. You can see from my addition to the images above how well these new Pantone colors fit into the Ann Taylor line up! Somebody did their homework...

Any one of these colors in a fun new piece (blouse, jacket, skirt) would be enough to spruce up any old outfit!

My favorites right now are the Golden Glow and the Lagoon: bright stand-out colors that can be toned warm or cool depending on the outfit. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to start shopping for Fall!

In the Kitchen...

2010-04-24T16:11:00.000-07:00

One of my goals this year is to be more creative and economic in the kitchen.

I am still learning how to balance what I have in my pantry/refrigerator and the gourmet recipes I find online or in magazines, but the process is slowly making a dent in my cooking styles. In a recent mail batch, Bon Appetit sent me a package (encouraging me to subscribe... sorry not this time) with a set of mini recipe cards, including a yummy-looking zucchini white pizza. This week was a perfect time to attempt this recipe even though our fridge has become perilously empty and our schedules are running tight.

The final product?

I tweaked the recipe quite a bit, using a homemade crust recipe (rather than store-bought refrigerated dough -- no purchased items!); leftover ground buffalo meat; and a bottled Garlic Alfredo sauce rather than the called-for soft cheese spread. Granted, the recipe could have been even more made-from-scratch, but remember: I was working with what I had!

It turned out well and definitely worth trying again. My only qualm was the flavor of the crust... it left something to be desired. I'm still seeking the perfect pizza crust recipe -- cheaper than delivery, and so much more fun!

Any suggestions for recipes?

Books

2010-02-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

CURRENTLY READING:

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart
Beth Pattilo

Mindless pleasure reading for those few moments between work and more work (e.g. from paid job to housewifely duties). I generally really dislike "fan fiction" in the vein of Jane Austen, but this one caught my attention (I always judge a book by its cover), and while the writing is still sub-par, the storyline is still fairly enjoyable. And, like I said, it's mindless pleasure reading.

Villette
Charlotte Bronte

I am an undying fan of turn-of-the-century novels by female authors with a predilection for governess stories and unlikely romances in tragedy-turned-idyllic settings. I suppose everyone has a weakness. Well, this is one of the few Bronte books that I have never read and so far... extremely enjoyable. My only disappointing is my own lack of ability to translate the French conversation intermittent throughout the storyline.

Freelance Design in Practice
Cathy Fishel

Intensely interesting and infinitely useful for the freelancer in question (yours truly).

And even more to come as we (DH and I) have recently joined a Book Club (gasp!). What is on your current reading list?

Recipe FAIL

2010-01-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't call myself a gourmet chef, and I don't really make up recipes off the top of my head... so I generally spend a little time each week perusing my small collection of cookbooks, or cooking websites for recipes that I can use for dinner. My most recent exciting discovery is The Nest website (sequel to "The Knot" for brides-to-be, prequel to "The Bump" for moms-to-be and so on... they seriously have you set up for life) filled with articles and information for newly-weds from decorating to cooking for two or buying a new home. I've had some fun searching through their recipes database and decided to try this one out last night for dinner:

Meatballs and Snowpeas

Unfortunately, it didn't work out as expected. It could have been that I'm recovering from a cold and my sense of smell (therefore, taste) is still a little off... or it could just be the recipe, but DH and I were both a little put off. I didn't even finish mine! His first comment was "Tastes like ketchup...." (and I had left the ketchup out of the recipe). I was really hoping it would be as delectable as it looks in the photo, but it was definitely a recipe FAIL. Perhaps it needs some tweaking? I'd be willing to try again with suggestions.... any takers?

Cook in the Kitchen

2010-01-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

Our freezer is more than stocked with plenty of meat and fish from the holidays -- thank goodness for Omaha Steak and generous family members! But here's the dilemma: I don't want to cook plain ol' steak for the next two months, and I really don't have a ton of fish recipes to make use of. So...any special recipes or suggestions?

One of my New Year's resolutions is to be proactive about weekly meal-planning... didn't quite start on cue this week, but I am sitting down this morning to set out a plan for the next four evenings (weekends are freebies, except Sunday dinner). I'll keep you posted as to how things go!

The Bourgeois Pig

2009-11-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

Met a friend here for coffee today: The Bourgeois Pig
(I always have trouble spelling that word--"bourgeois" not pig)

It's a quaint little coffee cafe off Fullerton in the heart of Lincoln Park, and right next door to the DePaul campus. This may have been the reason it was a tad crowded in the main room. We did not venture upstairs to the "additional seating" area, although from the pictures online
it appears to be pretty cozy.

The extensive menu includes a variety of salads, soups, hot & cold sandwiches, and a host of coffees concoctions and teas. I ordered a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I have no previous experience with this drink for comparison (no, I have not had the Starbucks version although I hear it is great), but I was a little disappointed by the Bourgeois Pig's offering. I was expecting more pumpkin+spice flavor (?).....and it fell a tad short. Although, it could have been the abundance of whipped cream topping off the coffee.

I will gladly try the place again, though -- any cafe with a menu that large must have something good.

Listening to Iron&Wine Around the Well -- and wondering if I will ever be warm again.

Marge's Still

2009-11-02T15:45:00.001-08:00

This has been a favorite place of mine to eat lately, whether it be a late lunch (and my lunches usually are), or a Sunday brunch. Marge's offers a concise menu of fresh salads (including my favorite: Grilled Salmon Salad), traditional hot sandwiches, great big burgers and some delish entrees (or so I'm told). My only dilemma in visiting Marge's Still is that we usually go on a Sunday, when they offer their weekend brunch buffet -- and it is enticingly hard to resist. Offered with or without a selection of breakfast plates (Eggs Benedict is the fav), the buffet includes fresh fruit, waffles, sausage links/bacon, bagels & lox, a selection of cold salads, and a variety of yummy desserts. Like I said: hard to resist. For this reason, I have yet to try most of the dinner entrees, although it is my firm intention to do so within the next year (at least).

One of the most enjoyable aspects of living in a city like Chicago is having quaint little restaurants, bars and boutiques like this in close proximity -- you'd be hard-pressed not to fall in love with any one of the little neighborhoods surrounding the downtown area!

Future of Forestry

2009-10-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

I know I like a song when it gives me goosebumps.... or when, after I've listened to it once, it keeps re-playing over and over in my head and I can't wait to hear it again. Every single one of Future of Forestry's songs is exactly like that. Somehow, I stumbled across this amazing band while searching for another album that I really enjoy (Fires of Life by Cool Hand Luke), and was so pleased to discover that the "Alt Christian" music niche is much wider and deeper than I expected.

Eric Owyoung's voice (lead singer) reminds me of Matt Hales (Aqualung); the melodies are distinctly original, though hint of something like Switchfoot...but better; some of the riffs even echo faintly of a band like Mae, but FoF has a distinctly beautiful feel with meaningful lyrics; the creative percussion (Sufjan Stevens, anyone?) and extended choruses are awe-inspiring. I'm not name-dropping just for the sake of it, I'm simply thrilled to have found a band that combines the sounds of some of my favorite bands.

So, go ahead: give it a listen (Travel & Travel II EPs)

(The album covers are pretty nifty too -- painted by the lead singer's wife.)
Also, as a side note, the name of the band is inspired by this beautiful poem by C.S. Lewis.

Fashion Forward...

2009-09-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

My husband has been pretty driven lately to emphasize his disgust for the current fashion trend of wearing leggings with over-sized tops. His vocabulary for this look includes words like "lazy" and "tramp". He points out legging-clad females walking the streets (no pun intended) of Chicago and generally makes a derogatory comment or two (under his breath...most of the time). I have been hard-pressed to defend the current trend although it is nowhere near new and, in some cases, more than appropriate. Let's start with the history of the legging.

According to Wikipedia: "Leggings in various forms and under various names have been worn for warmth and protection by both men and women throughout the centuries."

In more recent fashion history, Wikipedia adds: "Leggings in the form of skin-tight trousers, a tighter version of the capris ending at mid-calf or near ankle length, made its way into fashion in the 1960s and were worn with a large belt and slip-on high heels or ballet flat-styled shoes."

A la Audrey Hepburn, anyone?

"By the early-1990s, leggings were actually outselling jeans in many parts of the United States. Very common to see leggings worn with long oversized t-shirts, oversized sweatshirts or oversized sweaters, slouch socks and Keds. "

And most recently:

"Shiny leggings—leggings that have a shiny, metallic (Lamé), or wet-like appearance—emerged as a popular fashion trend in the late-2000s, particularily in 2008...Shiny leggings were featured on fashion runways by many leading designers and were further popularized by celebrities such the Lauren Conrad, Olsen Twins, Rihanna, Lindsay Lohan and Frida Sanden. Popular makers of shiny leggings include Members Only, Kova & T and American Apparel."

What many forgot to mention, however, is this look from the more classic perspective. Fashion trends will come and go, but there is always a way to make a look classic and enduring. Polo by Ralph Lauren, for example, has popularized the "equestrienne" look in fashion, including items suchs riding pants, blazers and riding boots. Riding pants look eerily similar to those skin-tight leggings, no? Especially with boots.

The Polo look is, to me, a more classic take on the trend than, say, Lauren Conrad in her shiny leggings and flowy top....

And my favorite look is something like this:
(Available at Neiman Marcus)

But here are the most important things to remember if you choose to sport the ever-changing leggings fashion:

1) If you're going tight, NEVER go too tight. No one wants to see the outline of your undies or the dimpling of cellulite on your thighs (sorry ladies, sad but true).

2) Leggings can look great with a pair of boots--very fashionable this season, and especially practical for cold-weather regions--pumps, or even ballet flats...but steer clear of tennis shoes and socks unless you're headed to the gym (or attending a 90s-inspired costume party).

3) Make your look polished. I do agree with my husband in that leggings can look very lazy and messy when an outfit is not properly put together. Especially if the crotch region is highlighted, rather than downplayed, by the outfit.

4) This look is not for everyone. Body type does (and should) have a lot to do with the sorts of clothing people choose to wear. Some skinny-minnies out there might look great in the (re)newly-fashionable harem pants, but I would not be caught dead in that look. Something about a pair of pants that shortens the leg and emphasizes the hip/thigh is SO far from my sense of flattering. If you're not quite sure that leggings will work for you...you're probably right.

5) I have to re-emphasize this point: don't go too tight!

In closing, if you like the look and you can pull it off with style and class-- go for it!

Otherwise, you might be walking down the street someday only to find yourself quietly criticized by a bearded red-head passing you by.

Summer Reading

2009-08-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

Free moments for reading have become more available to me in recent months as I've learned to juggle my work schedule with other hobbies. It was my goal for this summer to resurrect the elementary school habit of fulfilling a summer reading list (complete with "book reports"!) and I am just about halfway to completing this self-assigned task. Today I am going to list a couple of the books that I've completed thus far, with reviews soon to come!

In putting this post together, I noticed a pattern in the style of books I've tended toward recently. I have to note, as well, that I always judge a book by it's cover. I think cover design is an art in itself (remember, I am a graphic designer), and it is the first impression of any given book for the potential reader. I love the stamped linen covers of classics, but I also appreciate anything with a thoughtful image and an interesting font. Back to the books below: they are all a form of historical fiction with female figures as the protagonists. Two of the four are in first person narrative--a writing style to which I have not always been drawn (prefer omniscient third person). I think it must say something about my current state of mind that I am currently drawn to books where the plot aligns with the life stories of young women coming of age in a given historical period. I will write more about this in each book review, but for now here is the run-down:

The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham
I'll admit, this purchase was spurred on purely by placement and the cover. It was sitting out on one of the front tables when I walked into the book store--how can you resist stopping for a quick look? The cover intrigued me, as did the title, which I recognized from the recently produced movie based upon the novel.

The Aviary Gate by Katie Hickman
I purchased this one in the Chicago Midway Airport as reading for my trip Georgia for an annual family reunion. It certainly kept me occupied and was strangely appropriate--the heat of a Georgia summer somehow complimented a story set in the climes of ancient Constantinople.

Gatsby's Girl by Caroline Preston
This book was one of three purchased at a used book store--the Children's Memorial Hospital White Elephant, to be exact--for $1! It is a hardcover in excellent condition, and I was so excited to have been so frugal and erudite in my purchase. I enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby in high school (which seems like a long time ago -- I should probably re-read) and this title caught my attention for that reason; and for the lovely cover image.

The Birth of Venus
This is the book I have most recently completed reading. It was one of the $1 used books purchased as mentioned above. The image on the cover particularly struck a note with me and I was not disappointed by the ensuing story... The portrait turns out to be from a painting by Raphael: Detail of Saint Barbara from The Sistine Madonna (which happens to be the last Madonna that Raphael painted). Click here to see the full painting

Full reviews of each book coming soon!

Save the Whales, Kill the Babies?!

2009-07-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

I was stopped in the street today by a GreenPeace worker. You know the type: mostly liberal, whale-saving tree-huggers with an agenda for your money. Or maybe that's a little harsh... Anyway, I let myself be stopped. Probably because I was having a lovely Friday afternoon (just picked up my slide film from being developed, looking forward to a nice dinner with hubby and a relaxing weekend) and didn't mind having to refuse him at least once, if not more. I give him credit for being friendly and charistmatic. He even caught my attention when he stated that GreenPeace operates completely free of federal funding (at least we could agree on that). He even walked with me, spouting his wisdoms, for a much greater distance than necessary (at least two blocks). Finally, I asked him what he wanted from me. It was, of course, money. $30, in fact. Monthly. Did you know that's more than I pay to sponsor a little girl in Brazil through the Christian Children's Fun ($24 monthly)? I didn't say this to him, but I am not going to shell out more for the whales and the seals than I do for a living human being.

But once I had let him down gently and began to walk homewards, it got me thinking about what exactly my duty to the environment is. We (humans, of course) are certainly responsible for the domain that God has given us, but we are also granted (commanded, even; see Gen. 1:28) the privilege of using natural resources as we wish. From a Christian worldview, it does not seem even possible to abuse that privilege. In the belief that God will provide--not "Nature"--and that we are to be responsible and Christ-centered with our resources rather than selfish and man-centered, how can a Christian feel panic that global warming is going to suck us all into an oblivion of volcanic ash or, perhaps, ice? The answer is: they don't. And that is exactly my response (belatedly) to the friendly young man who stopped me on the street.

On the other hand, I am a PRINT designer and artist. That means I work with papers and other non-biodegradable or "non-evironmentally-friendly" materials (oil paints, solvent). I recycle when I can (and I think it would be a good thing if more paper companies did the same to cycle products), but that still doesn't erase the fact that I probably throw away gobs of paper each year that just pile into a trash heap somewhere. And yet, I cannot help but appreciate the sheer tangiability of paper and all things paper-made. Books, magazines, letterheads, stationary...even postcards can be delightful. So does that make me a bad person? I refuse to submit to a world where all things become digital. I hate the idea of the Kindle (the digi-book). I prefer something I can touch and feel and connect with emotionally. Or put away without having to turn off and unplug.

I wish I could tell the little GreenPeace boy something about how the world is worse off from the advance of the Wii than it is from the Japanese "research" on whales in the Arctic.

From the Kitchen...

2009-07-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Being the *real* housewife that I am (despite the loads of unwashed laundry and un-ironed linens lying around the house), I decided it's time to share some of my day-to-day activities...today's is cooking! I have had ups and downs with cooking over the past several months, especially considering my picky eater (aka husband) and attempts to eat healthfully and economically. It is truly a task! So, here is one of my recent favorite recipes that may become a stand-by for lunch or dinner.

STUFFED ZUCCHINI
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 60 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

* 4 long zucchini (as opposed to the round variety)
* 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey sausage (I used fresh ground lamb bought at the local farmers' market!)
* ¼ cup Bread Crumbs (homemade or store bought)
* ¼ cup grated mozzarella or mild cheese
* 1 egg
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Minced fresh parsley (a small bunch)
* 1 T Herbs Provencal (or your preferred combo of basil, oregano and thyme)
* Black pepper and salt to taste

PREPARATION: Wash the zucchini, split them lengthwise, and scoop out the pulp with a spoon. Reserve the pulp for filling.

Mix the remaining ingredients (except cheese) in a bowl, and use it to fill the zucchini shells. I used the zucchini pulp to cut down the amount of bread crumbs needed in the recipe--this also reduces overall calories in the recipe!

Place the stuffed zucchini on a baking sheet lined with foil, sprinkle with cheee, and bake @ 375 F for 40 minutes.

Yield: 2-3 (3-4 zucchini per person)
Approx. 400 calories per person

Voila! Enjoy!

Photo credit: Because I forgot to take photos of my own after first experimenting with this recipe,
I've included some photos borrowed from another blog, found HERE. My recipe differs from the one posted on Gina's blog.

Summer in the City...

2009-07-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

It is summer in Chicago--and that means it is only slightly warmer than it was 4 months ago! I am still getting used to these northern climes. I never spent a full summer in Michigan while in school there (only beginning of June last year...it was still cold then, too) and I have to consider this my first real summer north of the Mason-Dixon line. To be honest, I'm not sure it's that great. I miss the hot, lazy afternoons of a Georgia summer that most always ended in a warm thundershower before clearing up into a hazy, pink evening sunset. My favorite memories of summers past often involved sitting on our back porch (well, my parent's back porch), watching the rain blow in...it was exhilarating and beautiful and calming, all at the same time.

Alas, we have no porch in our current apartment (or at least not one with a view better than the rear parking lot)--and a sad lack of hot, lazy summer afternoons. Most of my days are spent so holed up in my closet of a home-office (basement floor of the building--often cold) that I sometimes I go a whole day without seeing the sun! It is a shame. But I am trying to amend this.

I schedule little outings for myself--a trip to the grocery store for tomatoes and basil; a jaunt to the used book store for a fresh read; an impromptu coffee date with a friend; and, of course, trips to the gym. On nice days, these little adventures are quite lovely, making me wish the summer would last just a bit longer here in the city. I have yet to make a trip to the so-called "beach" for fear of the crowds that may be lingering there, but it is one of my goals before the summer is out to read a book on the shores of Lake Michigan. I will have to choose a particularly hot day, or else I might freeze from the breezes blowing off the lake.

Until then, I'll just be doing laundry in my little basement of a home. :)

Yours,
RHoC

Petty Behaviors

2009-06-15T08:17:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I'm not really sure if we ever grow out of middle school (or high school, for that matter) mentalities. I'm speaking of myself, too, when I say this (not trying to throw jabs). Some situations in life just make it ever more clear that the human mind/spirit is prone to drama....and even prone to enjoying the pain it causes. I'm not sure I want to discuss the situation I'm referring to in specifics, but the gist of it is that people always want to claim being victim. It's like a game of blame-shifting (but then, it's been that way since Adam & Eve!) that is all about playing innocent, avoiding guilt and garnering pity. Take a step back, and it all looks pretty selfish from the audience's perspective--but you can never see that when you're stuck in the acting.

As difficult as it is to drag yourself away from the pull of drama (what I mean is letting petty human behavior really get to you), I think that may be the true task of "growing up". It will never completely go away (we live in a fallen world), but the hope is that perhaps someday we will watch it subside from the sidelines with little to no involvement--or perhaps the type of involvement that resolves the issue altogether (without making it worse first).

Personal Trainer Trauma

2009-06-09T11:41:00.001-07:00

Today was my first personal training session at the gym.

I literally broke a sweat before I even set foot in the door. Was this a bad decision? Is it worth it? Will I hate my trainer? All legitimate questions that were racing through my brain. The amount of caffeine I had practically injected into my body this morning couldn't have helped my nerves. The last time I had to endure the physical demands of an instructor was in high school with my swim coach and, occasionally, the trainers in the school weight room. For some reason, that never seemed as much of an issue. Perhaps it's because I was surrounded by other equally un-athletic team mates or gym-class associates. There were always at least a few with whom I could relate.

But here, in the "real world" gym, everything seems much more serious...mostly. I saw a girl on a treadmill the other day who was literally running her pants off. With each step, the tight Lycra leggings were inching lower and lower down her back to her butt. I'm sure she was quite proud of her sculpted rear, but it really was not a pretty sight for the rows of treadmills behind her. I nearly laughed out loud. Or perhaps I did and couldn't hear myself beyond the double blare of my iPod and the radio tunes piped into the gym area.

Back to the training session today, I suppose I really had nothing to fear but fear itself (although I'm sure FDR never had a personal trainer). My old mantra that God didn't mean us to bust our butts on the stair-master to keep in shape will never stop creeping up into the back of my head, but at least for the next ten weeks I will have an excuse to crawl out of my hole of an office...and perhaps wind up in a better body!