#30before31: 2 Good Ideas in Chicago

Apologies for already falling behind... family time during the holiday sometimes trumps blog posts. ;) 

So for yesterday & today's post are two really simple ideas that solved a problem in Chicago and made me say, "why didn't I think of that?" 

Idea Post 2

Chicago Parking Meter App

2-hour parking in Chicago was always such a joke because it practically takes two hours to get to your destination. But for most Chicago parking meters, that's how long they allow you to pay for at one time, or if you are lucky you might find one for 3 hours. Or if you parked after 10pm (for free) you would have to refill the meter or move your car promptly at 8am. 

But with the parking meter app, long gone are the days of running out in the middle of dinner or drinks to pay the meter or trudging through the snow in your PJ's on Sunday morning to prevent getting a ticket. 

With the ParkChicago app (available at the AppStore or through GooglePlay) you can pay for your spot and/or extend your time through your phone. Just remember to record the zone number on the Pay Box sign and your license plate number so you have that off hand when. 

And there is no transaction charge for renewing or paying for parking for 2 or more hours. And only a 35 cent transaction fee for less than 2 hours, a much cheaper choice than your alternative - the $40+ parking ticket. 

Idea Post 3

Turning Vacant News Stands into Healthy Food Kiosks And Giving Jobs to Less Fortunate

If you are a Chicagoan, I'm sure you've seen the old yellow newsstands nearby the "L" in the loop that have sat vacant over the past several years due to the decline of physical newspaper sales. A few of these vacant spots are now being transformed into healthy, hip food stands thanks to a local entrepreneur, Ken Waagner. 

Waagner's "eat spots" are an extension of his e.a.t. (education, agriculture, technology) non-profit organization. Not only is the food healthy and designed by former Frontera Grill chef, Shaw Lash, but the stands are operated through Streetwise, an organization that enables the homeless of Chicago get jobs. 

I personally haven't stumbled upon one of these "eat spots", but (as soon as the weather gets a bit warmer) I'll definitely have to check them out! 

#30before31 Charity Idea

One of my #30before31 challenges was to "Write 10 things I'm thankful for every day for one month." After a bit of contemplation, I've decided that while that's important for me to be thankful, that could come off as a bit selfish and not as interesting to read (or write about). And honestly over the past year, I've spent a lot of timing realizing the good in my life. 

So instead, I've changed my challenge to "Every day for 30 days, write about an idea. One that 1) I think would make a positive impact or could be successful, 2) one that I think has been successful, 3) someone I know who has turned an idea into a success." This was inspired by Imitation Game, a movie about Alan Turing genius mathematician and scientist who helped crack the Enigma code during World War II. Not I think I can do something as big as cracking a code that would save millions of people and end a war, but that movie really started me to think about how much one person or one idea can make an impact and be a "success". Which got me thinking about how many people I know who are successful and how many things can be impacted with one idea.

There are a lot of things I want to do, or I wish I could do, or I think would be good to do to solve a problem, but somehow I always find an excuse about why I can't. When I was married, all decisions were joint decisions. But now I can make my own decisions. I don't a family holding me back. I have a great education. I have support from my friends and family. So maybe one of these solutions. 

I figure to make this possible, the ideas or problems can be simple or broad. Something impacting my everyday life, something I observe happening or something that I have to do some research on. 

So, for my first post: 

Idea Post 1: 
What if there was an app or resource that would somehow connect charities/auctions with people or companies who were willing to donate auction items or money?  

I've very involved in the American Cancer Society events that raise money through silent auctions. And sometimes the events would be lacking key auction items or we weren't able to get as many as we'd liked. Most of the securing of the auction items would fall on the committee members, who if they didn't have the means or connections, were at a disadvantage. 

So what if there was a tool that 

1) listed all the local charity events, what they supported, what the charity was looking for and 

2) allowed individuals and companies to list what they were willing to donate and (if they'd like) select the charity or organization they would like to donate to. 

There are companies who are offering services to help make this happen, like Like Charity Connect in the UK. But what if your charity can't afford that type of support? What if there was something open source by area? 

This is an idea that I'd like to think about a little more. Does anyone know something like this out there? 

Louisiana Burn #30before31

One of my #30before31 challenges is to eat something I've never eaten before. So naturally, I decided to try Turtle Soup at Heaven on Seven, a restaurant with good old Louisiana fare, for a dinner with my cousin & her husband. 

Yes, that's turtle as in the green, slow-moving animal. No, it wasn't green. Or served in a turtle shell.

So what does turtle taste like, you ask? Chicken. But seriously the taste and texture of the turtle chunks were very similar to the consistency of chicken. The soup itself was very tomatoey and a bit oily. I'm not sure if the oil was from the turtle. But after one heaping spoonful, I was okay with not investigating any further.  

I can imagine to the vegetarian cousin-in-law at the table, this was harder to swallow than it was for me. 

Would it eat turtle again? Probably not. Am I glad I tried it? Not really. Would I do it again? Sure, why not try something that I haven't tried before. I mean, after all, #youneverknow what you might be missing out on. 

I'm Taking A Poll

Wine & peanuts for dinner twice in one week? Acceptable or not? 

#yesIam30

CIMA #30before31

Another one to check off the list: Go to an event where you know no one & leave with a contact.

So Thursday afternoon during my back-to-back meetings I got an email from a media rep that is supposed to come in next week for a lunch meeting asking if I s going to the CIMA party that night.

I had never even heard of the event so I quickly consulted Google. $260 for a ticket? Hell no, I thought but politely answered, no. And was promptly offered the ticket.

Should I go? I debated. I have to change & meet the rep & coworkers out for drinks... without knowing what they look like other than a LinkedIn photo. But why not? Worst case, I could leave early and cab it home.

Turns out, I made the right move. I got to meet the rep, got some potential freelance business, inserted my company into the Chicago advertising conversation, was wined & dined and actually ram into several coworkers, colleagues & friends at the event.

Moral of the story is, step out of your comfort zone because #youneverknow

Chicago 1: Megan 0

So Chicago won today. 

It all started when I was on my way to work (already late) and discovered I had forgotten my laptop bag. 

And ended with a trip to the Western Union because someone had wired me money there (don't ask). And after a 40 minute trek (that should have taken 23 according to Google Maps) I found out that their Western Union service was down. And then found out I could have gone ANYWHERE in the city that has a Western Union - I mean how would I know? 

BUT the lady at the desk directed me to a TravelEx that was still open AND right around the corner. So I rushed over to find out that they actually DON'T have a Western Union and by this time anyone who did Western Union would be closed. 

And then my phone died. 

Surprise, Mom! #30before31

Yikes, it's already been over a month since I turned 30 and I've only checked two things off of my #30before31 list and in progress on one more. I better start planning how the hell I'm going to pull everything off. 

One of my big check marks was the heartfelt surprise. A surprise memory book & birthday party for my mom's 60th to be exact. Something I never could have done living in Kansas City. 

I asked our family, neighbors, family friends (old & new, Mom's bunko friends, co-workers, etc. all to share a memory (photo or write-up) about how great my mom is so I could give it to her for her birthday. Then at the last minute decided to throw a low-key surprise party to give it to her & celebrate her 60th in coordination with her best friend. 

There was so much going on that I actually didn't really stress out that I didn't get a lot of response, but the party size was just right - 20 people - and she was certainly surprised! ;) Although apparently next time I'm supposed to tell my mom so she doesn't get her face stitched up 4 days before the party. [That's why there are no pictures of her. She doesn't want to highlight the bandaid on her nose]. Oh well. 

Lessons Learned in Chicago

Fact: don't wear a fitted skirt if you are walking to work in the winter... unless you want to end up wearing it like a backward-fitting tube top. 

Two Quotes to Start the Week

{Pretty much sums up my life over the past 1-2 years}

#stolenfromPinterest

{And so I am doing this because I have chaos in me.} 

My #sundayscribbles.

Well Hello, Monday...

...whatever I did to piss you off, I'm sorry, please forgive me. 

What happened, you ask? 

Well let's just say if you had seen me on the corner of Huron & State you would have had a good chuckle. That's where I lost an umbrella (after it got caught in my hat), the curl in my hair, [almost] my phone and my dignity. 

The struggle is alive & well. 

Throwback to Day 5: No M&M Challenge #30before31

This is an actual drawer in the kitchen at my work that I discovered on Day 5. Seriously. 

[Please note the 3 giant bags of Peanut M&M's and 2 other bags of Almond M&M's.]

Day 2: NO M&M Challenge #30before31

Do Reece's Pieces count as M&M's? 

If not, I've survived Day 2. 

Day 1: NO M&M Challenge #30before31

Well let's just be thankful that I didn't challenge myself to 1) stop complaining about the weather or, 2) stop drinking wine for a month. Because I would have already failed...  

Anyway, for my first challenge, I've decided to test myself to a month of NO M&M's. That's right, that includes any of the peanut, almond, peanut butter (need I go on?) varietal. 

You may laugh, but I don't think you know how hard of a challenge this will be for me. Especially if you consider my co-workers made about 6 jokes this evening alone regarding my habit of frequenting the candy drawer at work. [I mean who doesn't love the luxurious taste of milk chocolate and the satisfying crunch of almonds - all wrapped into one delightful bite?].

But I'm going to do it. And I've successfully made it through Day 1. Only 29 days to go. 

Unfortunately - much to my chagrin - I don't think this will actually help me lose 5 lbs. as I originally projected. You see, this cold weather here is Chicago is driving me to find refuge at local waterholes on the route home from the office. Where the thought of dropping a pretty penny for a glass of wine & eating fried pickles is ten times more appetizing than going back out into the winter tundra. 

Regardless, stay tuned for the next episode of this epic battle between MEM (these are my initials) and the M&M's. 

#30before31

Now that I'm 30 (and single), I can't think of a better time to challenge myself to do something new. Or 30 new things. All to be completed before I turn 31 (#30before31). 

My stipulation for these 30 things is that they need to 1) challenge me, 2) put me out of comfort zone and 3) are overall positive in nature (ex. taking 30 shots in 24 hours would not be a good example of this).  

And - because of the nature of these challenges - I could really benefit from a successful challenge. Or crash and burn (literally or figuratively) from a not-so-successful one. But regardless, I hope to have fun, learn a lot from these challenges and get some good content to post about from these challenges. NOTE: I'll do my best to use pseudonyms if you are a part of the documentation if it might compromise your reputation. ;) 

I debated whether or not to document the list on this blog (because it could be very obvious what I am doing if people know) but decided to go for it. 

So here's officially the #30before31 list: 
1. Take someone "important" to lunch/happy hour/dinner and listen a lot (this makes me so nervous)
2. Publish a piece of content (book, poem, article)
3. Actually date someone for real - this one's going to be interesting to document & actually do if anyone knows my track record lately 
4. Go skiing or rock climbing - Denver
5. Apply for a job that would be "so cool" but is a "stretch" (shhh keep this one on the DL)
6. Go to an event where I know no one and leave with at least one contact
7. Get out of credit card debt by end of 2014 (if possible or if not by end of 2014, ASAP)
8. Run a 10k
9. Give someone a heart-felt surprise 
10. Start a business, or co-start a business, or help someone else start a business 
11. Travel to a place I haven't been - Seattle
12. Buy someone else's drink or lunch that I don't even know because it looks like they are having a hard day
13. Set someone up with someone else (be a matchmaker)
14. Unplug for 48 hours (note: I'll have to #laterblog for this one)
15. Create something (art or poem) and hang it in my kitchen or living room (main area) 
16. Get a tattoo (OMG I can't believe I'm actually putting this one down because I am so terrified of needles!)
17. Go to a wedding as someone else's guest (I'm a really good date, I promise!)
18. Write about a new idea or solution to a challenge/problem for 30 days. 
19. Write a love letter (and give it to the person) - yikes, I better work on #3
20. Enter a piece of art into an exhibit or a contest 
21. Join a yoga or workout class in Chicago 
22. Go on a brewery tour in Chicago 
23. Change my stock portfolio - either buy or sell
24. Read 5 books
25. Try something I've never eaten before 
26. Smoke a cigar (okay, I know this one isn't super positive, but I got to do it once)
27. Golf 18 holes (could be best ball) 
28. Go one month without eating M&M's - you might laugh now but you try to go that long in the Chicago office. 
29. Lose 5 lbs. (likely this will occur following the month without eating M&M's)
30. Do something impactful in Chicago.

Also I'm open to suggestions if you have better ideas. 

No.

It's just too cold. Seriously, I signed up for zero degrees but not in November.

I am pretty sure the cold is freezing my brain cells. For instance, today I left the office all bundled up and still wanted to cry by the time I got home 20 mins later. Mostly because my hands were so cold. And I arrived home only to find hand warmers in my purse. Well damn.

Chicago, you'd better #getittogether if you want me to stay.

Thanksgiving Potluck [Two Words That Scare the Crap Out of Me]

So if you haven't gotten it quite yet (from the posts or the title of this blog), my cooking skills are one component of my life that has some room for improvement. So I try to avoid events that require me to contribute food (especially in my professional life).

So when my work announced we were doing a Thanksgiving Potluck and everyone had to sign up to bring a side dish (alcohol doesn't count) to share at the potluck, I tried to think of an excuse for me to be "OOO" during that time.

As the potluck approached and it became apparent that I wasn't going to pull that off, I realized I had to sign up for something. And of course, by then, all the easy things were taken (crackers & cheese), salad, etc. So I signed up for a fruit or vegetable dish and figured I could decide it later. 

And suddenly, I found myself idea-less and less than 24 hours before the potluck. As one does in emergency situations such as these, I pulled out my phone and immediately consulted Pinterest. Where I immediately found a slightly hilarious, slightly cute fruit arrangement in the shape of a turkey. 

I could do that, I thought. I'll just get all the materials on the way to work and put it together right before the event. $23 later and loaded down with skewers, fruit and a platter I stumbled into the office, ready to assemble. [Side note, if you had seen me struggling down the street that morning you would have realized that the struggle is alive and well].

But despite my lack of planning, cooking skills and my nay-saying friends, it actually turned out okay. See for yourself. I bet you can't even guess which version is mine & which version is the Pinterest inspiration. 

Royally Proud

It's a little delayed (and cliche), I know, but I had to post about how proud I am of the Royals and the city. I couldn't have asked for a better October. And I am so lucky that I was able to hitch a ride back and experience it. The K, the plaza, P&L, downtown, and being back with all my friends... it was an experience I'll never forget. 

I've gone back and forth quite a bit over the past few months even though I now live in Chicago. And now that the post-season is over, I'm excited to focus on discovering Chicago. Stay tuned for more Chicago shenanigans and restaurants reviews. 

Thank You #Royals

KC Royals - 

I know last night didn't turn out how either of us planned, but don't let it get you down. Just think about all you've done over the past few weeks. You've brought attention to our beloved Kansas City on a national scale, unlike ever before. 

It's been really inspiring how you've banded together as a team for the city and each and everyone of you have represented the city proudly. Yeah, you've had some outstanding hits, awesome plays and amazing games, but the real story is what you've done for KC. 

Even from afar, I can feel and see the energy and excitement that you've brought to the city. The pictures of Power & Light, the sold-out stadium, the businesses that have turned blue to support you. That's not just because they love baseball, it's because they are proud of KC. 

And you've brought so much pride, excitement and fun to the game and the city. With the mohawks, moose antlers, opening a tab at the P&L and more you've won us over. 

No matter what happens over the next few days (although we'd really love a W), in my mind you've already won. Won over the hearts of all of KC and of people across the nation. And you've done something great for the city. 

Thank you. 

-RoyalsForver

Jimmy Fallon LUV

Almost forgot how much I LOVE Jimmy Fallon until last Friday when we started watching some clips at work - like really love back to the SNL weekend update days. I would literally not watch SNL, but flip to the channel when I knew weekend update was coming on. 

I mean this guy is totally on my level of awkwardness, but manages to make it funny. And make a lot of money off of it. Genius. Meanwhile at least I have this blog... 

In lieu of sleeping this evening (it's been a weird week and the Royals have got me riled up), I'll share out some of my latest favorites for your watching / listening pleasure. 

Gwen + Blake Lip Sync Battle 

Word Sneak with Steve Carell - Jimmy is just so bad, it's good. 

Hashtags: #ThatWasStupid 

Staying up until 1:30a when I have a 7am client presentation. #ThatWasStupid

Sleep is #overrated

Good news. Sleeping 5 hours a night is healthier than sleeping 8 hours according to a study by University of California, San Diego. Although it's probably a lot easier to sleep less there when it's warm & sunny outside all the time. 

Regardless, happy to hear about this study because 5-6 hours is about how much I sleep on the average weeknight. 

I mean, come on. There are so many things to do in life, but so little time!! 

Just think, if you only sleep 5 hours a night instead of 8 (on weeknights) that's 15 more hours per week to do things. Which is 780 more hours per year to do things. 

Things like posting on this blog. You're welcome. 

Selfies are so not my jam.

So my friend, George, has a t-shirt business (Brookside Tees) and has given out t-shirts to lady friends to promote his business. While I do rep his company whenever I wear his tee, I struggle with posting pictures to his Twitter & Instagram showcasing me in the tee. 

Why? you ask. Well partially because I'm not exceptionally photogenic, but mostly because I suck at selfies. If you don't believe me, please see the shenanigans that ensued a few days ago while trying to take a selfie. 

 Head cut off. 

 Just the boobs.

 Accidentally hit the record button.

And... for the win... can't keep both eyes open.

 

Turns out I look better as a pirate. 

#TBT

Throwback Thursday to Droid Razr's and flip phones. 

Or if you are my brother, it's not a throwback at all. He actually is almost 25, lives in downtown Chicago and owns a flip phone. Like he literally has no data on his phone. 

Unfortunately I couldn't get a better shot of one of these rare finds - he was annoyed that I was taking any pictures at all. But I had to document one in the wild. 

Get Out of My Sign

Really? I got an email today titled: Western Auto Sign Climbing - Not Allowed. 

This is why we can't have nice things because some idiot is literally IN the sign at the condo I own. 

Question

Is it okay to be almost 30 and have marshmallows, peanuts and Coors Light for dinner? 

... it was after our championship kickball game... 

How Is That Something That Happens?

As you may be aware by now, cooking and meal planning is not my strongest suit. So one Wednesday afternoon, I was rummaging through the work fridge, trying to make some sort of concoction for lunch out of rogue items I had brought in over the past few days. 

After quite a bit of work, I was able to scrounge up edamame, carrots, spinach, cheese, a tomato & some salad dressing (leftover from a client meeting) and things were looking pretty good. 

I put my plate on the edge of the counter as I was cleaning up the knife and other supplies and chatting with Kattie and another coworker, when a third co-worker came by. He reached his hand out - and I am not making this up - grabbed a handful of my dressed salad off my plate!

My jaw dropped in disbelief "What? What are you doing?" I cried, as Kattie and my co-worker burst into laughter.

Did that just happen? 

"What?" Coworker asked between bites, is this not just leftovers from the meeting? 

"No! That's my lunch!" I sighed. 

"Oh, sorry," he mumbled. "I'll bring you a tomato tomorrow." 

That is not even the point. Who eats dressed salad with their bare hands, when it's not even theirs!

And for some reason this is not the first time something like this has happened to me. Last year at the Chiefs game there were 2 different people who took french fries out of my order of fries as I was walking back to my seat. 

2 people I didn't even know. 

How is this something that happens? 

And BTW - the next day my co-worker brought me a tomato. 

Sorry

Just realized how long it's been since my last post. 

One might think that my lack of posts means that I've adjusted well & managed to stay out of random debacles. Unfortunately that's not really the case. I've just been busy. 

Sorry, I will get back on the posting bandwagon this week. Please accept my apologies.  

Earlier This Week...

... I got jazz fingered by my coworker and roommate. At work. Stepping on the elevator with a bunch of my coworkers. 

It was awkward. 

#youneverknow

Edamame Brought to You By the VML Chicago Office

What can you make with edamame? Juan asked after Day 3 of eating edamame for lunch. I gave a few suggestions and then tried to investigate. Well it turns out that you can almost make this recipe using stuff we have in our Chicago office! 

I’ve annotated it to demonstrate. Will check back if it actually comes to fruition. Or perhaps try it out at your office and report back. 

Rainbow Peanut Noodles

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: About 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Rainbow Pasta Ingredients:

• 12 ounces whole-wheat pasta (I used DeLallo whole-wheat linguine) - You could use the Ramen noodles instead
• 1 Tbsp. peanut oil (or olive oil)
• 1 red bell pepper, cored and julienned (thinly sliced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and julienned – you might have to bring your own peppers, can’t help you there. 
• 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned – I saw some carrots in the second drawer
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shelled edamame – well obvi you have this 
• topping: thinly-sliced scallions (green onions), toasted sesame seeds (sesame seeds you can dust off some sesame seeds from the frozen bagels from breakfast a few weeks ago) and chopped peanuts (I think there were a few peanuts left in the cupboard from the Peapod order)

Peanut Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – we should have this if Cloud didn’t eat it all 
• 1/4 cup soy sauce - I think a saw a soy sauce packet mixed in with the taco bell sauces on the counter 
• 3 Tbsp. water – just don’t use the bottle water in the drink fridge 
• 2 Tbsp. honey – I think I saw some of that yesterday 
• 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar 
• 1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
• 2 tsp. sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, peeled - ?? 
• (optional) 1 tsp. sriracha hot chili sauce, or more to taste – got it 

Damn I Hope So...

#NailedIt... or Plugged It In, Rather.

Today marks an epic day in technology history. I finally am able to access wifi internet from my apartment in Chicago (that I have been living in since June 9).

Kattie & I finally ventured out and bought a new router en route to the beach & I used my techie skills to hook it up! 

Technology 0, Megan 1.

However, I've come to find out over the last several hours that just means I am 1) now never really to use the fact that I don't have internet as an excuse, 2) more distracted by Facebook, Gmail & other things (like this blog post) on my computer when I work after-hours. 

Technology fix potentially turned #technologyfail 

I Love Quotes.

I love thinking, analyzing & logic - despite being sometimes impulsive, scatter-brained & illogical. Quotes make you think, you can analyze them, apply them to your life and/or be inspired by them. 

So this post will be dedicated to some really good quotes, from 32 game-changing quotes about love & life that will make you feel better instantly. 

Some of my top fav from the 32 -  

You get a strange feeling when you’re about to leave a place. Like you’ll not only miss the people you love but you’ll miss the person you are now at this time and this place, because you’ll never be this way ever again.

Azar Nafisi

I like people who have a sense of individuality. I love expression and anything awkward and imperfect, because that’s natural and that’s real.

Marc Jacobs

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.

Maya Angelou

Two people who were once very close can without blame or grand betrayal become strangers. Perhaps this is the saddest thing in the world.

Warsan Shire

The thing I’m most afraid of is me. Of not knowing what I’m going to do. Of not knowing what I’m doing right now.

Haruki Murakami

Some people will never ‘get you’. Do not spend eternity asking why. People will see you differently, just cherish those who lift your soul.

Dodinsky’s Garden of Thoughts

Don't Ask...

This is what happens why I try to help out at work. 

 

When our office manager put the own-ness on us to empty the dishwasher, they obviously did not consider the Megan factor. 

Well this will teach them to ask for to help. 

Chicago: Where Dreams Come True

When I envisioned my future when I was a kid, I imagined myself living in the city, single, really successful at my job and enjoying every second of my life.

I never imagined the string of events that would lead me here. But I am so glad I made it.

And I couldn't have done it without all the support from my friends, family and coworkers. So thankful for everything!

So I am excited to be here in Chicago - where it's teaming with opportunities (and unicorns on top - that goes out to Nick).

Cooking in the Kitchen with Megan

Forgot my lunch today. Luckily I scrounged up a few items in the office. A small audience gathered. 

What is this, cooking in the kitchen with Megan? Kattie asked. 

What are you going to make with hummus, chicken sausages, a wheat bagel, a cucumber and peanuts? Juan asked. 

Challenge accepted, I said.

And you might be surprised about how this turned out. 

Playing with Fire

So Chicago is really a great place to meet people. But that doesn't mean it isn't fun to Tinder every once & a while. 

On literally my second time Tindering in Chicago, I came across this guy's profile picture 

The girl in the left is my best friend, Claudia, from high school. I literally almost fell of of my air mattress laughing (I believe this was before my bed arrived). 

She is married. 

Has a son. 

And she has lived abroad for the past 6 years. 

LOL. Oh Tinder. 

Cooking Lesson #1: Uses of Basil

Apparently the notoriety of my cooking skills spans state borders... so my friend, Matt, invited me over for family dinner at his place. 

My first cooking lesson in Chicago was making pesto with fresh basil. 

First we picked basil from their plant on the patio. 

Then we washed it & added it to the blender... with some walnuts

And other things, including pink himalayan sea salt. (Who has this in their house?)

. 

The pesto was delicious. 

Alright, I said. It's my turn to whip up something with basil. :) 

Mastering the Art of Cupcake Delivery

Kattie was a sweetheart and made our co-worker, Nathan, cupcakes for his birthday. I contributed a bottle of wine. 

However, the next morning she didn't feel so hot, so I took them into to work for her. 

Juggling a bottle of wine, a purse, laptop bag & tray of cupcakes was challenging enough - and then it started to rain. 

The good news is somehow I managed to add an umbrella to the mix and made it to the office - cupcakes semi-in-tact and me semi-dry. 

Live Music Gets Us Every Time...

... well specifically, we love live music & beer pong at Mother's Too. 

#baddecisions #thursdaynights #youneverknow

Did Your Phone Die? Just Plug It Into Your Dress

Sounds like something I desperately need - a dress that can also function as a phone charger. Especially after a near disaster this weekend at the Lake, in which my charger did this & stopped working. And everyone else had an iphone (I have an Android): 

But seriously...

Designer Pauline van Dongen wants to make sure you never experience that feeling of helpless desperation again. She's designed a dress and coat that harness the power of the sun's energy to charge your cellphone. All you have to do is pop your phone into a mini-USB cord attached to the inside of the dress, and its battery will recharge 50 percent within an hour of use. http://www.dailydot.com/technology/solar-powered-dress/ I mean the coat is not my typical style... but I'd definitely wear it if someone bought it for me. (Hint, hint, my birthday is in Oct.)

This Happened - #youneverknow

I set my alarm early to go running along the lake & woke up to a notification on my phone - "Tornado Watch". Well I guess I'll skip running on the lake & go back to bed for a few minutes, I said.  

So then woke up way more than a few minutes later... in a rush, I threw on one of my go-to outfits & was zipping up my skirt when it got caught. So naturally I just tugged harder and I zipped it closed. 

Turns out that both technology & zippers are against me. 

Ten minutes into my 18 walk to work, a girl tapped me on the shoulder and told me she thought my skirt might be opening in the back. Okay, thanks I said. Sometimes it does that at the top. 

What I didn't realize was that the "split" wasn't just at the top. It wasn't until a second girl tapped me on the shoulder to say, "Um your skirt is splitting down the back, like the zipper is split open" did I get it. It was in fact, splitting completely down the back. 

I ducked into Starbucks where I was supposed to meet my boss, untucked my shirt around my skirt & cinched my belt tight to keep it up. Meanwhile, I crazily was dialing my roommate to see if she could grab an alternate bottom for me to wear the rest of the day. 

Luckily, she came to the rescue. Morale of the story - bring a second set of clothes to work and/or have awesome roommates. Because #youneverknow

Brunch Series: Episode 1: Milk & Honey

Our first weekend in Chicago wouldn't be complete without an epic brunch. Our goal is to try a new brunch spot in a new neighborhood every week. 

This past Sunday after dragging ourselves out of bed from a late night. "You texted me at 4am" my friend said, "Are you still going to make it?" Yes. I insisted. We're on our way, I stated as I rolled out of bed.  

So we walked up to Milk & Honey in Wicker Park ready to plop down in a bench with a mimosa or greyhound to cure the hangover. However, unbeknownst to us we had to stand in line (practically around the corner) to place our order. 

In that time, I managed to talk myself into a not super great choice - a BLT & a blood orange mimosa - which were mediocre at best. 

And then we strolled down the street and stumbled across Big Star - a must-try place on my list. However, we were so full from brunch that all I could choke down was an ice cold Chilada*. Okay, It's no Mint Julep**, but I'm not complaining because it was delish. 

I just need to find a chance to go back to try their famous tacos. ;) 

*An amazing drink generally made with beer, TEQUILA & salt, but in this case - and better for me - it was made with beer, LIME & salt.  

**A drink associated with the Kentucky Derby - not to be mistaken for the Masters.