Do you live in Chicago?
Do you like visiting Chicago?
Do you like standing in the middle of a neighborhood street eating food that is really bad for you and washing it down with an overpriced beverage?
Do you like listening to all sorts of local bands?
Do you like to explore different areas of the city and get a sense of what different areas are like?
Do you have trouble remembering what festivals are going on each weekend?
Do you regret not making it to more festivals each summer and wish you remembered to plan better?
Do you have a Google calendar?
If you answered 'yes' to one or more of these questions then this link is for you!
https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=ZXVpZGpyaTdmMDNhb3FpZWkwanU2OWU2bjBAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ&gsessionid=PeYd5aSFztUGvGJihT-5vA
When you click on the link a calendar with all the Chicago summer festivals will pop up. In the bottom right corner, there is a button for 'Google Calendar'. You can click on that and all the events will be added to your personal calendar.
And, now you will never have to miss a festival again!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Random Thursday Thoughts
I have a few thoughts going around in my head today. None of them are really worth their own blog post so I'll just put them all together and give you a quick glimpse into the scary place that is my brain.
1. I got a free chocolate bunny at Trader Joe's today. I know that it's Easter candy that they just can't get rid of but when the cashier asks if you want some complimentary chocolate, the answer is always 'yes'.
B. I got an invitation to a baby shower the other day. This is actually a very regular occurrence in my life these days. However, it was addressed to me 'and guest'. I don't even get 'and guest' added to my name for most weddings that I get invited to. It's a co-ed shower and in celebration of some really awesome people, so I'll be going for sure. I'm just trying to imagine asking someone to be my date to a baby shower.
III. Lately I've been struck by how often I come across people who talk a lot but don't actually say much. Am I the only person who notices this? Or am I just easily irritated? (The answer to that second question is a resounding yes, but we aren't going to talk about that here.) You know what I mean. You're sitting there listening to someone speak and all of a sudden you realize that they've been talking for a very long time and all they've really told you is that they had oatmeal for breakfast.
That's all. I'm going to go eat the ears off my chocolate bunny now.
1. I got a free chocolate bunny at Trader Joe's today. I know that it's Easter candy that they just can't get rid of but when the cashier asks if you want some complimentary chocolate, the answer is always 'yes'.
B. I got an invitation to a baby shower the other day. This is actually a very regular occurrence in my life these days. However, it was addressed to me 'and guest'. I don't even get 'and guest' added to my name for most weddings that I get invited to. It's a co-ed shower and in celebration of some really awesome people, so I'll be going for sure. I'm just trying to imagine asking someone to be my date to a baby shower.
III. Lately I've been struck by how often I come across people who talk a lot but don't actually say much. Am I the only person who notices this? Or am I just easily irritated? (The answer to that second question is a resounding yes, but we aren't going to talk about that here.) You know what I mean. You're sitting there listening to someone speak and all of a sudden you realize that they've been talking for a very long time and all they've really told you is that they had oatmeal for breakfast.
That's all. I'm going to go eat the ears off my chocolate bunny now.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Let's talk about baby showers
I have a question about baby showers: Why do women subject each other to them?
I am thrilled to celebrate my friends and how they have been blessed. I don't mind buying them something that they need in order to prepare for this new life or make them something cute for the baby to wear. I get it that some are very excited about the new adventure and some are freaked out more than they will ever say.
But, I'm going to be frank with you. I do mind going to a party where I am forced to smell mashed up foods placed in diapers to figure out what they are. I don't want to taste different baby foods. I'm not a fan of guessing how big around my friends' bellies are. Long discussions about making your own baby food, cloth diapers versus disposable, strollers, baby carriers, etc. aren't really all that interesting (at least to me).
Who thought of these things to begin with? And, why do we women think that we have to continue this trend? Is there some reason that we can't celebrate the impending arrival of a new little person with a party involving fantastic food and drink that isn't decorated with pastel baby booties? Can we have good music and not feel forced to sit around playing games that even 5 year olds find boring? Can we open gifts without everyone giving their opinion of how their kid did or did not like that product? Let's get together and laugh and celebrate. Let's eat decadent food and enjoy creative drinks. Let's have a raucous good time. Let's change the trend so that we all look forward to baby showers instead of dreading them (either secretly, or not-so-secretly).
Note: I apologize to anyone who has ever thrown a baby shower or anyone who is planning one now. I'm not talking about any one baby shower specifically and don't mean to offend anyone. I'm just a little cranky this weekend.
I am thrilled to celebrate my friends and how they have been blessed. I don't mind buying them something that they need in order to prepare for this new life or make them something cute for the baby to wear. I get it that some are very excited about the new adventure and some are freaked out more than they will ever say.
But, I'm going to be frank with you. I do mind going to a party where I am forced to smell mashed up foods placed in diapers to figure out what they are. I don't want to taste different baby foods. I'm not a fan of guessing how big around my friends' bellies are. Long discussions about making your own baby food, cloth diapers versus disposable, strollers, baby carriers, etc. aren't really all that interesting (at least to me).
Who thought of these things to begin with? And, why do we women think that we have to continue this trend? Is there some reason that we can't celebrate the impending arrival of a new little person with a party involving fantastic food and drink that isn't decorated with pastel baby booties? Can we have good music and not feel forced to sit around playing games that even 5 year olds find boring? Can we open gifts without everyone giving their opinion of how their kid did or did not like that product? Let's get together and laugh and celebrate. Let's eat decadent food and enjoy creative drinks. Let's have a raucous good time. Let's change the trend so that we all look forward to baby showers instead of dreading them (either secretly, or not-so-secretly).
Note: I apologize to anyone who has ever thrown a baby shower or anyone who is planning one now. I'm not talking about any one baby shower specifically and don't mean to offend anyone. I'm just a little cranky this weekend.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
I'm Tired
**Note: This post is whiny and a bit petty. Please don't read if you are just going to think I'm a horrible human being. I am perfectly aware that my problems are very small in the grand scheme of things. But, it's my blog and I'll write what I want.**
Here's the deal. I'm tired. Mentally. I've been getting enough sleep and generally feel pretty good but I'm tired. My life is starting to run away with me and I don't remember what's happened. Mostly, I'm tired of walking through life alone. Single. I have amazing friends and I am grateful beyond words for them. It's because of them that I am not actually alone. But, they aren't at my house at the end of each day. They aren't always there where I just want someone else in the room with me. They can help me make big decisions in life but it's not exactly the same. I feel like I always have to be in charge and I kind of want to make someone else do it for awhile.
I'm in one of those seasons of life where things at work and things personally are both going full speed. We're trying to finish out the last 2 1/2 months of the fiscal year at work by hitting an extreme goal. Deadlines are tight and the chances to make mistakes are around every corner. One day off means I'm three days behind. At the same time, I also agreed to co-chair a capital campaign that my church is doing. We're just getting started and this is the most intense time for all of that work. I'm working with great people but there are a million different details to figure out and keep track of. I'm looked to as one of the people that can provide guidance and structure to the team. It's my job to help keep people on task while not falling behind on my own tasks. It's working towards something that I believe strongly in but it's going to be a challenge to get there. I'm feeling like I'm walking the line between the breaking point and my sanity. So far, I'm keeping my balance.
That's where I'm at. I'm done being petty for now.
Here's the deal. I'm tired. Mentally. I've been getting enough sleep and generally feel pretty good but I'm tired. My life is starting to run away with me and I don't remember what's happened. Mostly, I'm tired of walking through life alone. Single. I have amazing friends and I am grateful beyond words for them. It's because of them that I am not actually alone. But, they aren't at my house at the end of each day. They aren't always there where I just want someone else in the room with me. They can help me make big decisions in life but it's not exactly the same. I feel like I always have to be in charge and I kind of want to make someone else do it for awhile.
I'm in one of those seasons of life where things at work and things personally are both going full speed. We're trying to finish out the last 2 1/2 months of the fiscal year at work by hitting an extreme goal. Deadlines are tight and the chances to make mistakes are around every corner. One day off means I'm three days behind. At the same time, I also agreed to co-chair a capital campaign that my church is doing. We're just getting started and this is the most intense time for all of that work. I'm working with great people but there are a million different details to figure out and keep track of. I'm looked to as one of the people that can provide guidance and structure to the team. It's my job to help keep people on task while not falling behind on my own tasks. It's working towards something that I believe strongly in but it's going to be a challenge to get there. I'm feeling like I'm walking the line between the breaking point and my sanity. So far, I'm keeping my balance.
That's where I'm at. I'm done being petty for now.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Cookies laced with sin and evil and sprinkled with sugar
I had a meeting tonight after work and I made cookies to share with everyone. Meetings are always better when there are cookies. Plus, I love to take advantage of a chance to bake when the goods won't sit around my apartment for days taunting me. Awhile ago, I discovered Pecan Lace Sandwich Cookies with Orange Buttercream and they have quickly become one of my favorite cookies. They are pretty easy to make (although messy), they are super tasty and everyone is always really impressed by them. When I told people what they were called, it was quickly determined that they weren't lace cookies but that they were laced cookies. There had to be something illegal in them. After the meeting a friend of mine asked if they were made with sin. I responded that they were made with sin and a dash of evil and then coated in sugar to make them go down easier. He then decided that there was also magic in them, fairy godmother style.
Needless to say, they were a hit. So, if you want people to praise your amazing skillz and think you are the most beautiful person in the world, make these.
Here's the recipe (stolen from Bon Appetit)
Needless to say, they were a hit. So, if you want people to praise your amazing skillz and think you are the most beautiful person in the world, make these.
Here's the recipe (stolen from Bon Appetit)
Cookies:
1/4 Cup unsalted butter, room temp
1/3 Cup sugar
2 T light corn syrup
1/3 Cup flour
1 Cup coarsely ground pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling:
1 Cup powdered sugar
1/4 Cup unsalted butter, room temp
1 T orange jucie
3/4 tsp orange zest
For Cookies: Preheat oven to 350. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Stir butter, sugar, and corn syrup in heavy saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in flour. Add nuts and vanilla; stir to combine.
Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart (they really will spread). Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until bubbling and lightly browned, about 11 minutes. Cool on sheets 10 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool completely.
For Filling: Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl until smooth. Spread 1 teaspoon of filling onto bottom of 1 cookie. Top with second cookie, pressing lightly to adhere. Repeat with remaining cookies. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store between sheets of waxed paper in airtight container at room temperature.)
1/4 Cup unsalted butter, room temp
1/3 Cup sugar
2 T light corn syrup
1/3 Cup flour
1 Cup coarsely ground pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling:
1 Cup powdered sugar
1/4 Cup unsalted butter, room temp
1 T orange jucie
3/4 tsp orange zest
For Cookies: Preheat oven to 350. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Stir butter, sugar, and corn syrup in heavy saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in flour. Add nuts and vanilla; stir to combine.
Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart (they really will spread). Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time, until bubbling and lightly browned, about 11 minutes. Cool on sheets 10 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool completely.
For Filling: Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl until smooth. Spread 1 teaspoon of filling onto bottom of 1 cookie. Top with second cookie, pressing lightly to adhere. Repeat with remaining cookies. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store between sheets of waxed paper in airtight container at room temperature.)
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