Lazy Mondays

I didn't have to work today. It was lovely. I met up with a coworker and we explore the city. Our journey included a trip to the park, a beer at The Palmer House and finding chip dip at Dominick's.

It was a good day.

I will be in MI this weekend. If anyone has a free Sunday evening, let me know, maybe we can catch up!

Sending All My Love

Dear CTA,

I really, really hate you right now. First, I saw two of my buses fly by my stop outside of work while I walked along side the building to the bus stop. Then, I waited 20 minutes for the next bus to come and when it did it was full. So full the bus driver just drove on by not even considering to stop. So, I walked to the "L" just to fight my way down the stairs and end up in a car with a crazy man. Now, when I first got on the car and found an open seat all was nice and calm. But then, somehow, a crazy stinky man decided to sit in the seat in front on me and turn around and stare at me like I was going to steal his stuff. I wanted "What the F**k is your problem? Turn around A**hole you're the one who sat in front of me. I was here first!"

Then to top it all off, I stopped by the Seven Eleven to buy a slurpee, chips and dip, and once again I couldn't find dip. What the hell does Chicago have against dip for chips? I can't find it at Jewel or Dominicks and now at the Seven Eleven. OH and the Seven Eleven had no tops for the slurpee cups.

I think I need a vacation from all this craziness.

Crawling Along

Tonight in my little neighborhood there is the dinner crawl, which is a really cute idea. All the little businesses open their doors for people who've paid for dinner tickets and "free samples". Unfortunately, I agreed to let my landlord show my apartment so I am homeless for a few hours. But on the bright side, I am getting paid $100 for the inconvenience!

Oh, well I guess my leek and potato soup can wait for tomorrow night, I guess I will just have to survive on coffee and chocolate!

What a tragic life I lead...

Oh, he's so handsome... just like his reward posters.

Right now, Dear Friends, I am wearing a very, VERY comfy t-shirt I bought at J. Crew when Moi came to visit. We both bought three t-shirts and they were one of the wisest purchases I made during her visit! I love comfy tees!

The past few days I was a tourist in my own town with Moi. We shopped like crazy people (and spent too much money) ate good food, visited the animals at the zoo, went sightseeing, saw Harry Potter 6, and went to a SOX game. It was fun. I wish Moi could have stayed a bit longer! It's so nice having my college friends in town!

I was a little disappointed in the new Harry Potter film. If you've seen it you will know what I am talking about, and if not, I don't want to spoil it for you! I think I will just stop reading, that way I'm not disappointed in films based on movies.

Here's a few pics from Moi's visit:




Oh, I have decided that I will make an effort to call everyone once a week. I feel like I haven't talked to some of you in FOREVER!!! Expect to hear from me soon!

Just for Thanksgiving?

Recently I have decided that Sweet Potatoes are my new favorite food.

I have discovered the secret to the perfect sweet potato fry.

Cumin.

Preheat your oven to 375ish.
Slice sweet potatoes.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle with Cinnamon, Salt, Pepper, Paprika and Cumin.
Toss until coated.
Spread the fries evenly on a cookie sheet.
Place in oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping every 10.

Let cool slightly and enjoy!

Remember This One?

In honor of my new Netflix account and because Moi has never seen this movie, the title song from For Me and My Gal:

I just love this movie!

The Spirit of 1776

Happy 4th of July!

I realized earlier today that is this the first 4th of July I have spent away from my family. Usually we don't do much, go the the parade, grill, hang around the pool and the past couple of years my mom and I have gone to a Public Library book sale in Hanover. One thing that never seems to change is that we have Strawberry Pretzel Dessert. Well, I maybe away from my family but I refuse to let go of the dessert so I am sharing my recipe with you. It is one of my family's "Pennsylvania Recipes". Our family friend, Faith, is from Pennsylvania so every time she shares a recipe that involves pretzels we call it a PA recipe.

What you will need:
10oz of Pretzels, crushed
1 stick of butter, melted
3 tblspn of sugar
8 oz of cream cheese
1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
2+ cups cool whip
1 cup mini marshmallows
6 oz of strawberry jello
2 cups of boiling water
1 quart crushed strawberries

Pre-heat oven to 375 Degrees Fahrenheit. Mix together the pretzels, butter and sugar in a 9 x 10 dish, spread evenly in the bottom lightly pressing in to the dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.

In a medium bowl mix together cream cheese, powder sugar and 2 cups of cool whip. Once smooth add marshmallows. Spread on cooled crust.

Mix together two cups of boiling water and the 6 oz of jello. Let set until thick, but not solid. Add the crushed berries. Pour on top of the cream cheese mixture. Let set.

Once set frost with remaining cool whip.

Enjoy!