Tonight a few of us ventured over to Wicker Park's Handlebar restaurant on North Avenue. It's vegan friendly and serves fish and cheese for the vegetarian friendly food goers as well! It's a cute, tiny, and unassuming little restaurant with a lot of personality. It's "dive" feeling, and clearly makes the point that the food is the focus (much like The Chicago Diner). And as it should be, because the food is fantastic! But, it must be warned, it is SPICY!
I had the Sambal Tofu entree, and wowza! My tongue was on fire! Whatever spices were in that puppy turned the spicy nob WAY way up! The Po' Boy sandwich was also spicy and the sauce for the fried avocado tacos echoed the same tune. Delicious food, but not for the so-so tongue.
The prices are great, the portions are fantastic, and the food is amazing. Overall, a definite "must". (Especially for Breakfast!)
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Yes, Father
Before we get started, it must be said: I love a good laugh. I'm not a fan of malice or the overly crude, but honest, good, prodding humor is great. And, seriously, who doesn't love a good laugh? It burns calories, it makes you feel good, and it's usually the source of later stories down the road in life.
So, it wouldn't be surprise to note, then, that I appreciate humor, no matter when it was popular. My parents used to watch the Three Stooges with my brother and me when we were little, and I particularly remember being 12 and watching Bill Cosby's Bill Cosby, Himself with my mom. I was sick and she was trying to make me feel better. Instead, I laughed so hard during the dentist skit that I seriously thought I was going to suffocate myself. I laughed so hard I could not breathe. No joke. Couldn't breathe. It, to me and especially my 12-year-old self, was the funniest thing I'd seen.
We also, now and again, would watch clips (never the full video) of Father Guido Sarducci. He was a 1970's character created by a comedian. Very stereotypical Italian. Very funny. We always watched The Five Minute University because my dad a special sweet spot for it (especially the Spanish part because he was so bad at language!) Nonetheless, Father Sarducci grew to find a sweet-spot in my heart. Call it sentimental if you will, but I call it good humor.
A few days ago, a friend of mine facebook posted Vitum Est Lavorum. I hadn't seen that one before, but I wish I had. I lost my mom 5 years ago to cancer, and I would have appreciated the light, comical air something like this would have brought to my otherwise turbulent life. Even if you're not dealing with a loss, it's still extremely enjoyable, but I think it's something that, post-dealing-with-loss, is even more comical because you completely understand the implications of what he's saying. It holds a little more water when you can reflect the immediacy of your situation, or reflect on a loss of any kind. Either way, he certainly made me laugh.
So, when you need a laugh you turn to lots of people. Sometimes you turn to a friend. Sometimes you turn to music or a tv show. Sometimes, though, you turn to Father S.
So, it wouldn't be surprise to note, then, that I appreciate humor, no matter when it was popular. My parents used to watch the Three Stooges with my brother and me when we were little, and I particularly remember being 12 and watching Bill Cosby's Bill Cosby, Himself with my mom. I was sick and she was trying to make me feel better. Instead, I laughed so hard during the dentist skit that I seriously thought I was going to suffocate myself. I laughed so hard I could not breathe. No joke. Couldn't breathe. It, to me and especially my 12-year-old self, was the funniest thing I'd seen.
We also, now and again, would watch clips (never the full video) of Father Guido Sarducci. He was a 1970's character created by a comedian. Very stereotypical Italian. Very funny. We always watched The Five Minute University because my dad a special sweet spot for it (especially the Spanish part because he was so bad at language!) Nonetheless, Father Sarducci grew to find a sweet-spot in my heart. Call it sentimental if you will, but I call it good humor.
A few days ago, a friend of mine facebook posted Vitum Est Lavorum. I hadn't seen that one before, but I wish I had. I lost my mom 5 years ago to cancer, and I would have appreciated the light, comical air something like this would have brought to my otherwise turbulent life. Even if you're not dealing with a loss, it's still extremely enjoyable, but I think it's something that, post-dealing-with-loss, is even more comical because you completely understand the implications of what he's saying. It holds a little more water when you can reflect the immediacy of your situation, or reflect on a loss of any kind. Either way, he certainly made me laugh.
So, when you need a laugh you turn to lots of people. Sometimes you turn to a friend. Sometimes you turn to music or a tv show. Sometimes, though, you turn to Father S.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Re-Establishing Momentum
The school year is upon us! Like many of us either currently are experiencing or just remember from childhood, August is associate with back to school sales, stuffed backpacks, tired kids, and a change in focus. Life goes from being a series of whimsical, fly-by-your pants, led-by-desire, do-what-your-heart-feels-like days to regimented, scheduled, and non-stop. School beckons, and we go (or went!) willingly or not.
And it's the first few days that are the toughest. As Newton's First Law of motion so precisely states, "An object in motion tends to stay in motion, and an object at rest tends to stay at rest," we find we are just more evidence of that statement. (And before you go correcting me, I do know that is not the original verbiage of the law! It's just the way we learned it back in high school to make it stick).
Remember that most of us, come summer time, do (or did!) much less regimented activity than we did during the school year. We may be equally busy, but the "business" tends to be driven more by desire than by need. Therefore, it seems to take a different type of energy, for by the 2nd and 3rd days back at school we are wiped! We are exhausted, and we are tired. We want to sleep in all over again, even if it has only been 2 days!
But, like the law suggests, by the end of the first week or so we are back in business. Our energy level has acquired more stamina, we can accomplish more during the day, and we are backed to being used to living on a schedule. And although the initial change of pace was a challenge, the momentum built in that week period changes the nature of our state. We are now in motion. We are now expecting to stay in that state until June.
And it's the first few days that are the toughest. As Newton's First Law of motion so precisely states, "An object in motion tends to stay in motion, and an object at rest tends to stay at rest," we find we are just more evidence of that statement. (And before you go correcting me, I do know that is not the original verbiage of the law! It's just the way we learned it back in high school to make it stick).
Remember that most of us, come summer time, do (or did!) much less regimented activity than we did during the school year. We may be equally busy, but the "business" tends to be driven more by desire than by need. Therefore, it seems to take a different type of energy, for by the 2nd and 3rd days back at school we are wiped! We are exhausted, and we are tired. We want to sleep in all over again, even if it has only been 2 days!
But, like the law suggests, by the end of the first week or so we are back in business. Our energy level has acquired more stamina, we can accomplish more during the day, and we are backed to being used to living on a schedule. And although the initial change of pace was a challenge, the momentum built in that week period changes the nature of our state. We are now in motion. We are now expecting to stay in that state until June.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Today's Truths
In no particular order, and *disclaimer* not necessarily "fact," here are my truths for today:
* Genuinely smiling can help to instantly lift your mood
* Driving with the air on your face and the windows down to put wind in your hair is extremely refreshing!
* Busy people get more done.
* The best feeling is realizing you have no regrets for those things you "didn't" do.
* A good book can make reality seem distant
* A good song can make the reality of the moment 1000% better than it was before the song started
* Coffee at a coffee house always tastes better, just like a salad you didn't make always tastes better.
* Being in the presence of an animal in need or at a shelter can make the problems you face seem instantly unimportant.
* Random phone calls from people you love, even if you couldn't answer, make the "genuinely smiling" part happen much faster.
* Genuinely smiling can help to instantly lift your mood
* Driving with the air on your face and the windows down to put wind in your hair is extremely refreshing!
* Busy people get more done.
* The best feeling is realizing you have no regrets for those things you "didn't" do.
* A good book can make reality seem distant
* A good song can make the reality of the moment 1000% better than it was before the song started
* Coffee at a coffee house always tastes better, just like a salad you didn't make always tastes better.
* Being in the presence of an animal in need or at a shelter can make the problems you face seem instantly unimportant.
* Random phone calls from people you love, even if you couldn't answer, make the "genuinely smiling" part happen much faster.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Shows that Entice
Fact: I love movies.
Fact: I love puzzles and things that make me think.
Fact: I often find my brain is in "go" mode far often than it wants to "rest".
Lie: I don't watch tv.
Fact: I don't watch tv often
This summer, however, I have found myself cemented in front of many XFinity TV and Netflix shows this summer in an attempt to shut off my brain from it's normal "go" mode and just enjoy the day and my "time off". Some of the usual suspects that peak my TV interest are easy going shows that are often upbeat or promote people trying to accomplish something in their lives. I enjoy "Burn Notice," "Say Yes to the Dress," "Project Runway," "Master Chef," "Drop Dead Diva," and "White Collar," to name a few. Those are shows to which I normally default when and if I find time to actually hit the Power button for my TV or computer.
This summer, however, I have found a few new favorites on Netflix that have truly satiated some of my top endulgers. I love things that make me think and keep my brain in "go" mode. Two of the shows I've favored this summer, as a result, are "Life," and "Lie to Me." A-MAZING! And the best part? They play out like ongoing movie sagas because they are 2 and 3 seasons long, respectively. That means you can enjoy marathoning the shows as though they were movie sagas and not just 40 minute episodes.
So what makes them so special? I'll fill you in on the little secrets about why I fell in love with them.
LIFE
No, it's not the game, first of all. :-)
Premise: A cop is acquitted of a crime he did not commit after spending 12 years in jail. He returns to become a detective and brings with him the years of Zen Buddhism study he did while imprisoned.
The enjoyment factor: Realizing how the Zen he acquired helps him solve cases and see things about reality and what people say that others either cannot see or simply overlook. Watch it all in a relatively short time frame and I'd be surprised if a little of the main character's approach to life and problems doesn't rub off a little on the viewer!
LIE to ME
Premise: A man has spent 20 years studying human micro-expressions that give away when they are lying and telling the truth. He is hired by companies, the government, and individuals to help them assess crime, uncover truths, and solve problems.
The enjoyment factor: WATCHING HIM CATCH PEOPLE IN LIES!!! HOW COOL! And they often will focus in on a micro-expression and flash photos of real people displaying those same expressions. It creates a tie into the real world and helps keep the apparent reality of the show flirting with the line between fictional stories and non-fictional situations. It can also make you start to think about what you show on your face when you say things or wonder if you, too, couldn't pick out lies that other people tell.
....just in case you needed a few more shows to start loving. :-)
Fact: I love puzzles and things that make me think.
Fact: I often find my brain is in "go" mode far often than it wants to "rest".
Lie: I don't watch tv.
Fact: I don't watch tv often
This summer, however, I have found myself cemented in front of many XFinity TV and Netflix shows this summer in an attempt to shut off my brain from it's normal "go" mode and just enjoy the day and my "time off". Some of the usual suspects that peak my TV interest are easy going shows that are often upbeat or promote people trying to accomplish something in their lives. I enjoy "Burn Notice," "Say Yes to the Dress," "Project Runway," "Master Chef," "Drop Dead Diva," and "White Collar," to name a few. Those are shows to which I normally default when and if I find time to actually hit the Power button for my TV or computer.
This summer, however, I have found a few new favorites on Netflix that have truly satiated some of my top endulgers. I love things that make me think and keep my brain in "go" mode. Two of the shows I've favored this summer, as a result, are "Life," and "Lie to Me." A-MAZING! And the best part? They play out like ongoing movie sagas because they are 2 and 3 seasons long, respectively. That means you can enjoy marathoning the shows as though they were movie sagas and not just 40 minute episodes.
So what makes them so special? I'll fill you in on the little secrets about why I fell in love with them.
LIFE
No, it's not the game, first of all. :-)
Premise: A cop is acquitted of a crime he did not commit after spending 12 years in jail. He returns to become a detective and brings with him the years of Zen Buddhism study he did while imprisoned.
The enjoyment factor: Realizing how the Zen he acquired helps him solve cases and see things about reality and what people say that others either cannot see or simply overlook. Watch it all in a relatively short time frame and I'd be surprised if a little of the main character's approach to life and problems doesn't rub off a little on the viewer!
LIE to ME
Premise: A man has spent 20 years studying human micro-expressions that give away when they are lying and telling the truth. He is hired by companies, the government, and individuals to help them assess crime, uncover truths, and solve problems.
The enjoyment factor: WATCHING HIM CATCH PEOPLE IN LIES!!! HOW COOL! And they often will focus in on a micro-expression and flash photos of real people displaying those same expressions. It creates a tie into the real world and helps keep the apparent reality of the show flirting with the line between fictional stories and non-fictional situations. It can also make you start to think about what you show on your face when you say things or wonder if you, too, couldn't pick out lies that other people tell.
....just in case you needed a few more shows to start loving. :-)
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Just "DO"
Today I awoke to find that my morning included a rainstorm. Yup. Rain. In most scenarios, I'd simply wrinkle my nose, grab my umbrella, and run out to my car to carry on with my day as planned. You can still get a lot done in the rain! (Hello, London & Seattle!)
However, this morning, the nose wrinkle included an internal growl. I had planned to go for a really long walk / jog. Well, I'm no hard-core outdoor's woman or devout runner, so the rain put an instant stopper on those plans. The problem was that I still really wanted to work out. I had propped myself up and gotten out of bed at 7:30 this morning to do just that! And now, here I was, rained-in.
Now, many of you are probably saying "well, just go to the gym." Point. Counterpoint: I just moved and haven't signed up with a local gym. Hmmmm, that left me in quite a dilemna. WHAT TO DO!?
Then, I remembered! I had seen a place called "The Dailey Method" and knew it was only a few blocks away. So, I hopped on my computer, looked up the center, discovered I could register and pay for a single class online (COOL!!) and walked myself there @ 7:45 am, umbrella and all.
Let me tell you, too, fantastic work out. It kicked my butt! I left there feeling muscles tingle that I hadn't felt in a very long time. I also felt supremely under athletic, as normal workouts and training do not prepare you for that type of a workout! However, it was (post-workout minded) extremely refreshing!
But what was the point of all that? To remind you that even when something looks like it has destroyed your plans, evolve! Enjoy! Explore! Find something else that falls into the same vein or experiment in something totally outside what you had planned, but JUST "DO!"
However, this morning, the nose wrinkle included an internal growl. I had planned to go for a really long walk / jog. Well, I'm no hard-core outdoor's woman or devout runner, so the rain put an instant stopper on those plans. The problem was that I still really wanted to work out. I had propped myself up and gotten out of bed at 7:30 this morning to do just that! And now, here I was, rained-in.
Now, many of you are probably saying "well, just go to the gym." Point. Counterpoint: I just moved and haven't signed up with a local gym. Hmmmm, that left me in quite a dilemna. WHAT TO DO!?
Then, I remembered! I had seen a place called "The Dailey Method" and knew it was only a few blocks away. So, I hopped on my computer, looked up the center, discovered I could register and pay for a single class online (COOL!!) and walked myself there @ 7:45 am, umbrella and all.
Let me tell you, too, fantastic work out. It kicked my butt! I left there feeling muscles tingle that I hadn't felt in a very long time. I also felt supremely under athletic, as normal workouts and training do not prepare you for that type of a workout! However, it was (post-workout minded) extremely refreshing!
But what was the point of all that? To remind you that even when something looks like it has destroyed your plans, evolve! Enjoy! Explore! Find something else that falls into the same vein or experiment in something totally outside what you had planned, but JUST "DO!"
Monday, July 23, 2012
100%
Shopping has become a game. It's superfluous and yet a necessity. We spend hours and hours of our time sifting through catalogs, browsing the shelves, asking for recommendations, and "deciding." We base our decisions on things like price, attractiveness, smell, color, size, shipping, name. All the food we eat, the objects that adorn our houses, the glasses we use to either see or help us shield the sun is bought.
And in order for something to be purchased, it has to be sold. What does that mean for us, the consumer? It means that we have no right to talk about not liking people who "sell," because 100% of everything we buy is sold to us.
Don't know what I mean? Have you ever heard someone say, "I hate pushy sales people," or "I could never sell anything," or "They're only trying to sell you something," etc? Ever heard that? Well guess what, it's null and void because EVERYTHING you own, EVERYTHING you wear or put on your body, EVERYTHING you buy was, in fact, SOLD TO YOU.
Breathe. I know, it might take a while to sink in and sting less. Let yourself go through the mourning stages of your autonomy and pride. When you hit stage 5, acceptance, we can talk. :-) But, truly, 100% of everything you buy is sold to you. It's advertized, commercialized, recommended, suggested, placed on a shelf or in a show room so you'll see it above all the other products. Yes, the job of all those products is to SELL YOU on why they're the best.
So, next time you wish to criticize someone for "selling," or feel like you couldn't possible "sell" anything, just remember the last time you recommended a movie or restaurant, or your favorite body lotion. Your recommendation was you selling something to someone.
Aaaah, the art of commerce.
And in order for something to be purchased, it has to be sold. What does that mean for us, the consumer? It means that we have no right to talk about not liking people who "sell," because 100% of everything we buy is sold to us.
Don't know what I mean? Have you ever heard someone say, "I hate pushy sales people," or "I could never sell anything," or "They're only trying to sell you something," etc? Ever heard that? Well guess what, it's null and void because EVERYTHING you own, EVERYTHING you wear or put on your body, EVERYTHING you buy was, in fact, SOLD TO YOU.
Breathe. I know, it might take a while to sink in and sting less. Let yourself go through the mourning stages of your autonomy and pride. When you hit stage 5, acceptance, we can talk. :-) But, truly, 100% of everything you buy is sold to you. It's advertized, commercialized, recommended, suggested, placed on a shelf or in a show room so you'll see it above all the other products. Yes, the job of all those products is to SELL YOU on why they're the best.
So, next time you wish to criticize someone for "selling," or feel like you couldn't possible "sell" anything, just remember the last time you recommended a movie or restaurant, or your favorite body lotion. Your recommendation was you selling something to someone.
Aaaah, the art of commerce.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
The Dilemma
For quite some time now, I've been faced with the same dilemma as many other savvy, healthy shoppers: Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. It may sound petty, but it's quite the conundrum.
For starters, they're both great locations. They have healthy and unique food, produce, and very different atmospheres. So how do you compare? Let's look at a few categories, shall we?
Price Point: Hands down, Trader Joe's is cheaper. It has a bounty of cheaper wine, cheaper vegan and gluten free options, cheaper regular options like PB and pasta. It also has cheaper produce, even the organic produce.
Variety: Whole Foods. Is it any wonder that Whole Foods would be leaps and bounds better in this category? It's far more expansive. It pulls from greater wholesalers. It has heavier food traffic, and therefore has greater options. Trader Joe's might have cheaper options, but if there is something specific that you need, Whole Foods always wins.
Friendliness: I'd almost vote TJ's. Everyone there seems to really love their job.
"To Go" options: Whole Foods. Duh. 'Nuff said. Have you seen their buffet area and food bars???
Availability: It's almost a toss up. It depends on where you are. Suburbs have greater access to Whole Foods, but in the Chi, it seems to be rather evenly split.
Wine: Price? TJ's. Selection? Whole Foods.
Vegan: Definitely Whole Foods.
Gluten Free: Again, Whole Foods.
So, there you have it. Which one's better? No idea, but I'd love to know. I'm still torn. Maybe after a bunch more shopping, I'll have an answer for you.
For starters, they're both great locations. They have healthy and unique food, produce, and very different atmospheres. So how do you compare? Let's look at a few categories, shall we?
Price Point: Hands down, Trader Joe's is cheaper. It has a bounty of cheaper wine, cheaper vegan and gluten free options, cheaper regular options like PB and pasta. It also has cheaper produce, even the organic produce.
Variety: Whole Foods. Is it any wonder that Whole Foods would be leaps and bounds better in this category? It's far more expansive. It pulls from greater wholesalers. It has heavier food traffic, and therefore has greater options. Trader Joe's might have cheaper options, but if there is something specific that you need, Whole Foods always wins.
Friendliness: I'd almost vote TJ's. Everyone there seems to really love their job.
"To Go" options: Whole Foods. Duh. 'Nuff said. Have you seen their buffet area and food bars???
Availability: It's almost a toss up. It depends on where you are. Suburbs have greater access to Whole Foods, but in the Chi, it seems to be rather evenly split.
Wine: Price? TJ's. Selection? Whole Foods.
Vegan: Definitely Whole Foods.
Gluten Free: Again, Whole Foods.
So, there you have it. Which one's better? No idea, but I'd love to know. I'm still torn. Maybe after a bunch more shopping, I'll have an answer for you.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Sexy Vegan Food
AAAAAH! LOVE! One of my new, official, all-time favs! This Vegan restaurant, located on Green Street near Greektown in Chicago, is an absolute must for vegans and non-vegans alike. Called Karyn's on Green, this cute little unassuming restaurant opens up to a classy, clean, inviting restaurant once entered.
The decor is crisp, warm, and, well, green. It's not mistake why this restaurant picked it's location. The "green" has many uses: the street name, the concept, the color scheme, and the environmental friendliness of the food.
While there, my boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary and my birthday. He mentioned it to the restaurant when he made reservations (and yes, he made all the reservations!). They treated us to a dessert on the house (might I recommend the chocolate peanut butter cake. WOW) and complimentary glasses of good champagne. Now, I'm not saying it was $100 a bottle, but it was also not your average Mum's.
We had sushi, hush puppies, zucchini spaghetti, risotto, chilled broccoli soup, and sliders. All vegan. All absolutely amazing. The hush puppies were THE BEST I've had to date, and that's quite an accomplishment! And, in case you need, they have Gluten Free, Nut Free, Soy Free, and Raw options as well. Everything's vegan, but the restaurant denotes what other categories the food falls under. For example, I ensured that everything I ate that night was gluten free, too (well, save a few bites of my boyfriend's hush puppies!)
Overall, a 15/10. Amazing. We will ABSOLUTELY be returning!
The decor is crisp, warm, and, well, green. It's not mistake why this restaurant picked it's location. The "green" has many uses: the street name, the concept, the color scheme, and the environmental friendliness of the food.
While there, my boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary and my birthday. He mentioned it to the restaurant when he made reservations (and yes, he made all the reservations!). They treated us to a dessert on the house (might I recommend the chocolate peanut butter cake. WOW) and complimentary glasses of good champagne. Now, I'm not saying it was $100 a bottle, but it was also not your average Mum's.
We had sushi, hush puppies, zucchini spaghetti, risotto, chilled broccoli soup, and sliders. All vegan. All absolutely amazing. The hush puppies were THE BEST I've had to date, and that's quite an accomplishment! And, in case you need, they have Gluten Free, Nut Free, Soy Free, and Raw options as well. Everything's vegan, but the restaurant denotes what other categories the food falls under. For example, I ensured that everything I ate that night was gluten free, too (well, save a few bites of my boyfriend's hush puppies!)
Overall, a 15/10. Amazing. We will ABSOLUTELY be returning!
Fun Forgotten Words
Sometimes Facebook connects you with old friends. Sometimes it helps you connect with new ones. Other times it helps you promote a business, open up your prospect base, or even just share fun information/pictures/facts.
Other times, still, it's good for finding random fun information. A girl I used to know also writes a blog. This, her latest post, was recently re-posted by her to Facebook. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you, Marielle. :-)
Other times, still, it's good for finding random fun information. A girl I used to know also writes a blog. This, her latest post, was recently re-posted by her to Facebook. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you, Marielle. :-)
Thursday, June 21, 2012
City by Bike
Last night a friend and I went on a Bobby's Bike Hike tour of Chicago. SO FUN!!! I had to be coerced a bit to go at first, but now that I went, I 100% recommend them! Family fun? Yes, but only if the family does not include small children. There is some street biking, and I don't know how well small children would do in that situation.
However, we saw so much of the city! We started near Navy Pier and headed north, our tour starting at 7pm. The night ride was perfect, just cool enough to not feel like you sweat through your clothes but still light enough to enjoy the views of the city and the lake. In case you're worried, 90% of the path is smooth and even, no hills. The other 10% is just minor inclines, although they are good jolts of a workout!
Our first stops? Oak street beach and just south of North beach. The stops along the way included historical information and fun sights to see. Like, for example, did you know that Streeterville is called Streeterville because the man who owned that land, just east of the John Hancock, was Mr. Streeter, and he had declared himself mayor of the little island? When he died he left it to his 3rd wife, but since he forgot to divorce his first 2 wives, the city of Chicago annexed the land. Therefore, today, we have Streeterville!
We went through the Gold Coast afterwards and rode down Wabash! How fun! We saw the original Playboy mansion, the "Viagra Triangle", the river near Trump Tower and we heard that Derrick Rose and Jay Cutler live there! After that we went to Millenium Park where we happened to see a band and a charity chef cook-off! I was waiting to see the Top Chef cameras come around the corner, but alas I did not. The band was good, though!
If that wasn't good enough yet, we still have more to go! Later was a Buckingham Fountain and Museum Campus. Then it was the fireworks of Navy Pier. What an awesome 3-hour tour! Nex time, we're off to Gilligan's Island!
However, we saw so much of the city! We started near Navy Pier and headed north, our tour starting at 7pm. The night ride was perfect, just cool enough to not feel like you sweat through your clothes but still light enough to enjoy the views of the city and the lake. In case you're worried, 90% of the path is smooth and even, no hills. The other 10% is just minor inclines, although they are good jolts of a workout!
Our first stops? Oak street beach and just south of North beach. The stops along the way included historical information and fun sights to see. Like, for example, did you know that Streeterville is called Streeterville because the man who owned that land, just east of the John Hancock, was Mr. Streeter, and he had declared himself mayor of the little island? When he died he left it to his 3rd wife, but since he forgot to divorce his first 2 wives, the city of Chicago annexed the land. Therefore, today, we have Streeterville!
We went through the Gold Coast afterwards and rode down Wabash! How fun! We saw the original Playboy mansion, the "Viagra Triangle", the river near Trump Tower and we heard that Derrick Rose and Jay Cutler live there! After that we went to Millenium Park where we happened to see a band and a charity chef cook-off! I was waiting to see the Top Chef cameras come around the corner, but alas I did not. The band was good, though!
If that wasn't good enough yet, we still have more to go! Later was a Buckingham Fountain and Museum Campus. Then it was the fireworks of Navy Pier. What an awesome 3-hour tour! Nex time, we're off to Gilligan's Island!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
A Little Thing Called "Parabens"
That being said. What's a paraben and why should you care? Parabens, as mentioned above, are chemicals believed to be linked to breast and other cancers. Scary! And what's even scarier? You have 100% control on if you allow them to be part of your body or not. They are in lotions, food, things you ingest and topically apply. They are endocrine interruptors, (see the breast cancer fund organization) They mimic estrogen, and estrogen causes cells to grow (hence why we girls experience puberty with body changes the way we do). You don't want cells to grow indefinitely, and things that create more estrogen in our body is just not a good thing.
Do yourself a favor. CHECK YOUR PRODUCTS. Methylparaben. Ethylparaben. ANY paraben needs to go! Find a company that does not use them. Arbonne is a great place to start. Otherwise, just take care of yourself. You have 1 body. Don't knowingly harm it.
Ah, freedom
How wonderful it is to be in summer. After a sadly forced hiatus, I am happy to announce that I am back! And what better time to reconnect and share all the wonderful "doings" of the year than summertime!
It's official. School's out. The sun is warm (well, on most days), and the smell of barbeque fills the air. Here are a few things that I've discovered grill beautifully:
Portebello Mushrooms
Eggplant
Tofu (be sure to season thoroughly!)
Corn (if you haven't tried it in the husk, that's a must!)
Pizza!
Yes, that's right. I said pizza! If you have dough, you will want to cook the dough first. However, if you have pre made dough, and it's sturdy enough, place it directly on the grill. If you're not sure it'll be sturdy enough to not fall apart or stick to the grill, place it on reynolds wrap first!
Might I also recommend a great evening hike or bike ride with friends? Stop over at a bar or take the dog with you. It'll make for a nice evening out and an easy workout too.
So enjoy the sun. Enjoy the fresh air. Drive with the windows down and hang out with those you love most!
It's official. School's out. The sun is warm (well, on most days), and the smell of barbeque fills the air. Here are a few things that I've discovered grill beautifully:
Portebello Mushrooms
Eggplant
Tofu (be sure to season thoroughly!)
Corn (if you haven't tried it in the husk, that's a must!)
Pizza!
Yes, that's right. I said pizza! If you have dough, you will want to cook the dough first. However, if you have pre made dough, and it's sturdy enough, place it directly on the grill. If you're not sure it'll be sturdy enough to not fall apart or stick to the grill, place it on reynolds wrap first!
Might I also recommend a great evening hike or bike ride with friends? Stop over at a bar or take the dog with you. It'll make for a nice evening out and an easy workout too.
So enjoy the sun. Enjoy the fresh air. Drive with the windows down and hang out with those you love most!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
The Oreo
I found myself at a buffet the other day. I don't frequent buffets, but dinner happened to be at this one, so it was what it was. Let me tell you, buffets are not a vegan or gluten-free friendly zone. It's more like a flambéd / char-grilled haven.
Still, I found myself a nice salad, some Asian seaweed salad, curried rice noodles, and freshly cut fruit. Yum. I wasn't sated but I was at least comfortable enough until I could eat a few hours later.
And that was when I saw them: The Oreo Cookies. They sat in the dessert line alongside the ice cream dispenser. They were crumbled in a white bowl behind glass, a large white spoon resting eagerly against the bowl just waiting to dive into the cup of chocolate. Aaah. Heaven. A chocolate lover's dream.
It's official. The Oreo is my favorite cookie. I might be decidedly vegan and dietarily gluten-free, but when an Oreo makes a cameo, you better believe all bets are off. That Oreo is mine. Step aside veganism, I'm sorry stomach now full of gluten, but the Oreo wins. Simple as that. It might be milk's favorite cookie, but it's my favorite indulgence.
Still, I found myself a nice salad, some Asian seaweed salad, curried rice noodles, and freshly cut fruit. Yum. I wasn't sated but I was at least comfortable enough until I could eat a few hours later.
And that was when I saw them: The Oreo Cookies. They sat in the dessert line alongside the ice cream dispenser. They were crumbled in a white bowl behind glass, a large white spoon resting eagerly against the bowl just waiting to dive into the cup of chocolate. Aaah. Heaven. A chocolate lover's dream.
It's official. The Oreo is my favorite cookie. I might be decidedly vegan and dietarily gluten-free, but when an Oreo makes a cameo, you better believe all bets are off. That Oreo is mine. Step aside veganism, I'm sorry stomach now full of gluten, but the Oreo wins. Simple as that. It might be milk's favorite cookie, but it's my favorite indulgence.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
What Men Think
I had an extremely interesting 30 second conversation yesterday with my trainer. ...okay, so it wasn't JUST a 30 second conversation, but this particular part was. I don't remember how we got on the topic originally, which could be because I was in pain doing lunges, and he was talking to keep my mind off the ouch-factor. Pretty standard. Ergo, however, why it's not surprising I don't remember the conversation.
Somehow, though, we got on the topic of engagements. He goes, "there are 4 things a guy thinks about when they're with a girl, whether it's a month or a year +. They wonder: How will she look when she gets older, what will she look like pregnant, what will she look like in a wedding dress, and how long before she expects that last one to happen."
HA! Love it. I love understanding the male psyche sometimes, because it is hysterical. I literally almost fell over mid-lunge I laughed so hard. It wasn't even that the comment was funny. It was actually rather enlightening. It was that I wasn't expecting the last part of the statement. That was the funny part, because you could just hear the stereotypical pain of "oh boy, when is that coming..." whenever wedding conversations come up before the guy's ready. Love it. This, is actually probably why those Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus books are so popular.
Anyways, fun moment of yesterday, and commentary to make you smile. Now, when will the next funny moment happen?
Somehow, though, we got on the topic of engagements. He goes, "there are 4 things a guy thinks about when they're with a girl, whether it's a month or a year +. They wonder: How will she look when she gets older, what will she look like pregnant, what will she look like in a wedding dress, and how long before she expects that last one to happen."
HA! Love it. I love understanding the male psyche sometimes, because it is hysterical. I literally almost fell over mid-lunge I laughed so hard. It wasn't even that the comment was funny. It was actually rather enlightening. It was that I wasn't expecting the last part of the statement. That was the funny part, because you could just hear the stereotypical pain of "oh boy, when is that coming..." whenever wedding conversations come up before the guy's ready. Love it. This, is actually probably why those Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus books are so popular.
Anyways, fun moment of yesterday, and commentary to make you smile. Now, when will the next funny moment happen?
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