Tribute

I found this cartoon..and had to share.  Such a sad year in the city of Chicago.  Many brave men and women-Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, CoastGuardsmen, Policemen, Firemen, Paramedics..they come from this wonderful city, protect this city and this country.  Many have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

No matter what, everyone when they read the Chicago Tribune, or the Chicago Suntimes..turn on the news..  they hear about the brave sacrifices that these men and women make every day.  Sometimes we go about our business, other times we really look at it and go..."That brave officer was my neighbor" or maybe "That young man went to school with me".  Yes, it does hit that close to home for most Chicagoans.  That is why so many band together when tragedy hits.  They stop, say a prayer, and really reflect on what is important, and realize how grateful they are.  We truly are the Greatest City in the world. 

I had to share this with you, so you know that during this holiday season, there are many people standing the watch, patrolling the streets, fighting fires, saving lives, patrolling the desert, so we may enjoy our freedoms day to day. 



via Chicago Tribune



Prayers for the CFD

The Chicago Fire and Police Departments have had a tragic year.  6 police officers have died/been killed in the line of duty, and there was an awful fire today that has claimed the lives of 2 firemen so far.

Please keep Chicago's Finest in your thoughts and prayers.  These men and women keep the city I know and love safe every day.

via Google

Easy Edible Gift!

So each year for the holidays I feel like there are a million people in my building that I have to "give" gifts to.  There is an office staff, maintenance staff, concierge, and the valet.  I love them all, which is why I signed a lease at my building in the first place..the people are great! 

I have been thinking about how busy I have been, and how I haven't been able to bake, assemble fun treats, etc for these folks.

Last night I found a great recipe, and I am going to try it out tonight! 

Easy Pretzel Turtles from http://www.ourbestbites.com/

Ingredients:
small pretzels
Rolo candies
Pecan halves

Yup.  That's it.  3 ingredients. 

First you put the pretzels on a baking sheet covered in wax paper or foil.  Then you put a Rolo on the center of each pretzel.  Put them in a preheated over at 350 degrees for a few minutes, they should still look like a Rolo!  Take them out, and put a pecan in the center.  Yup..its that easy!!

Can't wait to see how these turn out!!

Texas Caviar...damn good salsa!

I first had this salsa at a tailgate in Annapolis last November.  I looked around for some similar recipes, and I tried it twice last week.  Soooo soo good.

Texas Caviar Recipe 1

5 Medium Tomatoes - chopped
2 Green Onions - sliced thin
1 Big Bunch of Cilantro
1 Avocado - chopped
1 Can of Corn - drained & rinsed
1 Can of Blackeyed Peas - drained & rinsed
1 Package Good Seasonings Italian Dressing - Add in Dry as is

Stir together, chill, serve with chips of choice.  I used about 1.5 packages of the dressing for some extra kick!  got this  from http://www.nobiggie.net/

Texas Caviar Recipe 2

2 Cans of black eyed peas-drained and rinsed
1 Can original Rotel
2 Medium sized avocados
1 Large green bell pepper
1/2 Large red onion
1 Lime
3/4 Cup Zesty Italian dressing

Chop onion, pepper, avacados, mix with black eyes peas, tomatoes.  Squeeze one lime in, and mix the dressing.  got this from inthiswonderfullife :)

I haven't tried this recipe yet, but am looking forward to it! Both sounds so amazing..and are great as appetizers for any party. 

Another holiday party...

This Christmas season has been filled with many holiday parties..all a ton of fun. I am super tired, but there is more shopping to be done, baking to be completed, and people to see.  Not to mention travel!

We had a work party Friday night, which is always a great time every year.  Good food, good people, and of course, our crazy gift exchange. 

Andy, Me, Gabe

Love these ladies! Gale, Me, Karina

Chicago Bucket List

Ellen and I were talking the other day, and since we are both leaving Chicago soon, we said we had to come up with a bucket list.  Here is mine!

Go to a Bears Game September 27,2010  Bears vs Greenbay.
Eat a burger at Kuma's corner
Have a hot dog at Hot Doug's
Enjoy a Schlitz at Billy Goat Tavern
Go to the Art Institute on a day off just because I can January 17, 2011
Eat lunch at the Berghoff January 17, 2011
Go to a Fire Game May 27, 2010
Take a photography class January 26, 2011.  Still want to take more!
Go to a Cubs Game too many to list!
Run a 5K in the city I ran the Run To Remember on April 30, 2011.  Running the Soldier Field 10 miler May 28th!
Have dinner at Girl and the Goat
Have a drink at Cork and Kerry around Saint Patrick's day Drinks with Tara!
Go to the Museum of Science and Industry
Go to the John Hancock for drinks or dinner
Have some great burgers at Frankie Scallopines.  December 17,2010
Have brunch at Wilde April 16, 2011
Go to a Bulls Game
Have brunch at Ann Sather
Go on an architecture boat tour
Go to Lincoln Park zoo
Go on a Frank Lloyd Wright Tour
Go to a Hawks Game December 15, 2010
See Blueman Group
See an Opera February 15, 2011

I will probably be adding to this..but if you see something I may have missed, let me know!!

Chicago Christmas!

I had an appointment downtown on Friday, so I took a few pictures on my route.  Not many, but the best ones were at Holy Name Cathedral.

Water Tower

Holy Name Cathedral

Holy Name Cathedral