I heart Weekends!

I had the weekend off, and Friday I spent the day at the spa after work.

Saturday was amazing.  I cleaned the house, did laundry from the week at sea, and then got a haircut.  I have needed one for a while, and I was glad I went.  I did it, I donated my hair again.  I got 12 inches cut off, and I think it looks great!  After the hair cut, I wandered around the mall, and then watched a free concert.  Who knew Macklemore and Ryan Lewis were performing in the parking lot outside my balcony?!?  Awesome.  I hung out with my neighbors and Bella, and we enjoyed the 45 minute set. After the concert, I took Bella to a day at the Dog Park put on by Chase Bank, Petco, and my apartment building.  She played with the pups and got tuckered out!  I then relaxed at home, made some great dinner, and read some magazines.

Sunday, I watched the Breakfast Club, got ready for the week, and then got a visit from one of my BFFs from Chicago!  We walked around the neighborhood, and had dinner at Seasons 52, where it was nice to catch up!

I truly miss Chicago, and am trying to embrace Jax as much as possible. 

Concert!

Bella listening to the music!

Meghan and Megan



Me! New haircut.

Brunch!!

I hosted some friends over for Brunch this past Monday.  It was amazing.  I don't know what it is, but having people over for a home cooked meal, coffee, mimosas, and bloody Mary's just makes me happy!

Here is the menu:
Breakfast Casserole
Blueberry muffins
Apple Monkey Bread (used a similar recipe, to be recapped later!)
Fresh Fruit
Mimosas (I prefer Chandon champagne)
Bloody Mary's (I prefer Mrs. T's mix)
Coffee (assortment of Keurig coffees)

Some pics of the day..

I love using King Arthur Flour mixes.  They are incredible.

I think the photography class finally paid off. 

The kid at the grocery store asked me if I was going to cook with the wheat.  Nope.  It is sitting pretty on my buffet table!

I love coffee.  All kinds of coffee.

Had to buy the vodka.  Just looked cool. 

Muffins!

Monkey bread.  Recipe to come!

Weekend Recap

I had a wonderful, low key weekend in Newport, RI.

• Laundry
• Baked tilapia and steamed veggies
• Watched an episode of Blue Bloods
• Made baked blueberry and banana oatmeal for breakfast
• Cleaned the house
• Revamped my closet.  Making sure I only take what I need to Florida.
• Washed Bella
• Took Bella for a billion walks (ok, maybe 5)
• Snuggled with Bella (she moves away soon )
• Had birthday drinks with a dear friend
• Sushi take out.  Love me some 007 rolls:)
• Baked oatmeal and vanilla biscotti coffee for breakfast
• Cleaned the car  (upcoming roadtrips)
• Walked around Newport enjoying the weather
• Watched Midnight in Paris
• Reminisced about my summer in Paris
• Made pot roast, garlic mashed potatoes and roasted veggies
• Read my book.  I need to finish so I can start the next book.  

Just a low key, must needed, recharge the batteries, weekend.  I am traveling a lot and moving soon.  Just trying to take one day at a time!

Favorite Things Friday

Favorite Coffee shops..for whatever reason:)

I have been on a hunt for the perfect place since I moved to Chicago.  Each of the places I talk about have their ups, downs, and stories behind each of them.

Starbucks.  The one near my house is open 24-7.  Score for me for those days I have to get up at 0400 to get to work on time for whatever reason I have to be there that early.  Have had many run ins with crazy people here, like pimps, etc.  Not sure my story is PG-13 enough for the blog!  Click the link to see the yelp stories, I am sure they tell part of my story.  +1 for cake pops and low fat vanilla lattes

Argo Tea.  I know, not necessarily coffee, but amazing.  I love their Pom Tea, and the fact you can buy tea at local grocery stores.  You can recycle the glass container, and get money off your next purchase!

Intelligenstia.  Good coffee.  Strong.  Little bit of yuppie hell.  Always packed with people who just stare out the window and people watch.  Definitely compares to cruise-a-boo coffee.

Overflow Coffee Bar.  Gem in the South Loop.  Love it.  Reminds me of college:)  I would study at all the no-name coffee houses between classes.

from Overflow Coffee Bar.
picture from my Android:)