An ode to cupcakes

If it came down to cake or pie.....it would be a tough call but I'd probably go with cake. I mean, I love some sweet apple pie but I do really love cake a lot.

And because I can't walk around eating a piece of cake on the street (it would look really nasty), I can eat cupcakes outdoors and in Chicago, cupcakes are queen.

I get spoiled by all the cupcake options in Chicago because Wisconsin doesn't have a formal cupcake shop! I know, trust me, I looked and was shocked at that realization.

But, I have thoroughly sampled several cupcake options in Chicago and here are my feelings on them:

Must visit:

• Sugar Bliss (Loop) - The best red velvet cupcake I've ever had. Period. Frosting sticks to your lips and the chocolate mint cupcake is also great. It's like a Thin Mint, but in a cake form! Also, my parents LOVE this place.

• Molly's (Lincoln Park) - Another great place for a quick stop. With free glasses of water, swing chairs and make-your-own cupcake selections, it's got something for everyone.

• Southport Grocery (Lakeview) - Very affordable ($2/each) but few flavors to pick from. Doesn't bother me though, I love everything I've had there.

• Swirlz (Lincoln Park) - Humongous cupcakes with a ton of varieties to pick from. Also, very blogger-friendly. They supplied cupcakes for the BlogHer Chicago meet up and the owner was SO sweet to us when we visited last summer as a group. Also offers gluten-free cupcakes that are very tasty.

So close:

• More (Loop) - The only place in Chicago I know with savory cupcake (like B.L.T.) but the last few I've bought here have been dry, and expensive. Two things I don't like.

• Sweet Mandy B's (Lincoln Park) - This one is the "doll" of Chicago, very well known, and a group of us bloggers visited it last year. The cupcakes are good, but man that frosting is sweet. Like stomach ache-inducing.

• Bittersweet (Lakeview) - Awesome atmosphere but it only serves the "cupcake of the day" flavor. So if you don't like the selection, there's no other cupcake options available. Fortunately, there are other sweets to pick from :)

• Phoebe's Cupcakes (Lakeview) - I was thrilled when a cupcake shop opened right near my house and the staff is so nice whenever I go in but the last few cupcakes I've had there have been dry and the frosting has tasted a little off. But I won't write it off just yet.

So those are my thoughts on the cupcake shops in Chicago, as you can see, I've done my research. Oh and one cupcake company even delivers? That is dangerous.

Whenever I go to a new cupcake place, the two I always get are: red velvet and chocolate with vanilla frosting. Those are my favorite :)

What's your favorite flavor?

Also, so you don't think I'm just cupcake snob, I'm guest posting over at my friend Maris' blog In Good Taste. My guest post includes a recipe and photos from my cupcake-making adventure.

Trust me, they're really good!

Weekend recap: Girl time and movies

Happy Sunday everyone! Right now, Chicago is feels more like fall than July. Not only was I in jeans all weekend, but also the practice of carrying around a jacket is getting to be more of a tradition. Yes, a jacket during the day...in July. WTH?

Anyhow, let's talk about the weekend.

I'm fortunate that I have good girlfriends in the city. I had a good group before I started blogging and since then, I've been able to meet and make more good friends here. I'm really fortunate.

So before the BlogHer insanity starts this week, I engaged in one of my favorite things: girl bonding time.

That's right, lots of friend time that consisted of hanging out, catching up, gossiping and shopping. You know, the things we all love to do with our girlfriends.

On Saturday, Liz, Sarah and I went to Yolk in River North (new location) to have some brunch and catch up. Things are so crazy right now that I haven't had time to sit and really chat with them about what's new with everyone, how work is going, etc. All while indulging in some of Yolk's lovely strawberry-orange juice. Seriously, I would drink that stuff by the gallon.

Then it was off to Nordstrom for its Anniversary Sale. Seriously, I love Nordstrom so much, it's my happy place. And while basking in the joy of some of my favorite things on sale, I was also happy to not go above my budget. So I stocked up on MAC and Mario Badescu and treated to a pair of Kate Spade aviators (bad a**) and Diorshow mascara. I cannot wait to try it.

Then today, TC and I went to see 500 Days of Summer because I haven't talked to her a lot lately either. Seriously summers are just too busy!

Yes, the anticipation for the movie was so strong I nearly lost my mind, especially all the positive stuff I heard about it this week. I will say this, overall, I did like it, but it was not at all what I expected. I was muttering the word "b*tch" a few times and one part actually broke my heart a little bit but it was definitely good. That said, I am currently obsessed with the soundtrack and my have to start dancing around to Hall & Oates one night. So classic.

So in the end, I got to spend some good time with some of my friends, which always helps keep me sane and in check. Trust me, the know how to put me back into my place. And fortunately, I get to hang out with more awesome bloggers/ladies this week at the conference!

Oh and I also went on a date Saturday night, which was...interesting. Promise I won't keep you waiting too long, I'm working on that post now for tomorrow night!

How was everyone else's weekend? Did you see any movies? Or what are your favorite things to do with your girlfriends?

Note: Wow there are a lot of passionate Harry Potter fans out there! Holy cow. Erin is in the process of recruiting people to force me to start reading the books. I look forward to watching her fulfill this quest :)

Weekend recap: True Blood and No Doubt

Happy Sunday! First, I cannot believe BlogHer is two weeks away, um where did summer go? I'm so excited about it and spending time with some of my awesome bloggy friends.

Well let's get started with the weekend recap!

Red Wine and Vampires

Because I don't have HBO (stupid cable companies), I don't get to watch and enjoy the "cool" shows, like True Blood, so Friday I met up with Sarah and Liz to indulge in this guilty pleasure with pizza and red wine (or beer for me). To be fair, I was pretty beat after a long day at work, so my mood may have been off but the show was...meh okay. Sookie kind of got on my nerves.

I may be tarred and feathered for these comments, but from what I've seen of the show, I give it a C. Maybe it has to just grow on me more.

NO DOUBT!!!!

I don't talk a lot about music here because well, I'm not very "cool" when it comes to music. I like my iPod classic rock mixes and mostly mainstream hits. I don't know a lot of indie/alt rock bands and I would be awful to have on your musical trivia team. Honest.

But like everyone else, I have 2-3 bands that I go ape-sh*t crazy for, and one of them is No Doubt.

No, not Gwen Stefani via Hollaback Girl, I'm talking about No Doubt, her group before she came a solo star.

I have fond high school memories of Tragic Kingdom, dancing along to "Just a Girl" and screaming (privately) "F*CK YES I AM" along with those lyrics. Yes, there is a little punk/ska girl buried behind my preppy/clean cut exterior. I still daydream about dying my hair pink or wearing a crapload of heavy make up for no reason than to show I'm pissed off and rebelling against "the man."

So when I heard No Doubt was going on tour this summer, for the first time in almost seven years, I nearly lost my mind with excitement. But my indecisive nature kept me from doing anything because the venue was in the suburbs...and I have no car. FAIL. But after some very good blog karma, I got a ride thanks to Rachel and her friends and a ticket off of Craigslist for a very good price. I even got to see Molly there too! Hey, hey Chicago bloggers represent.

As you can see, everyone was excited to be there (I'll be wearing that next time)

And with the help of a 22 oz. beer (which I could legally buy, as opposed to last time I saw No Doubt), I was a screaming, dancing, hip-shaking, arms waiving, jumping up and down fool. For real. You would have been SHOCKED by my actions, given that I'm a pretty reserved, laid back person. My hips were shakin' like Shakira on a good day.

I love you Gwen!!

Oh and the girl I bought the ticket from, yeah we got upgraded VIP seats from a drawing we entered at the venue on a whim. I completely had a holy-shit-I-think-I-might-pass-out moment. And I got to see Gwen really close, and scream my love for her. GREAT NIGHT.

Fall into the Gap

Oh and my final piece of good news for this weekend, I found out I was selected to be a Gap brand enthusiast from Brand About Town. My super awesome "Born to Blog" shirt that the other ladies have been posting pictures of isn't here yet :( but my inner event planner is out in full force getting logistics set up for the party. I'll keep everyone posted on the details!

How was everyone else's weekend? Anything fun or exciting happen? Or what performer/band would you LOVE to go see if you had the chance?

I am SO excited that 500 Days of Summer comes out next weekend. I have already texted TC to discuss getting tickets.

Note: Thank you everyone for your sweet comments about my second date with JohnBoy. Really you guys are so sweet and I'll definitely keep you posted about date #3!! We've been texting while he is on vacation so we're staying in touch :)

Scenes from a bar

I'm not a sociologist. In fact, I almost failed that class in college, but I report on what I see and what I saw lately was a classic male mating ritual around women at the bar.

Let me begin by saying that getting a table at a rooftop bar on a nice summer day, even for a group of girls, requires military-like precision. You do the awkward walk around, checking out if people are just chatting or snooping to see if they're signing the bill. You stare at strangers, giving them the "eye" that says "boy it would nice if you left so I could sit down and enjoy my multiple beers in peace."

Then, when someone finally does give up a table, it's a mad dash to secure it. This can happen with one member from the group breaking from the pack to claim the table and screaming "TABLE!" out loud and rushing for it, letting a friend hold their drink. Or depending on your alcohol consumption, throwing yourself on the table while placing a licked finger on it and saying, "dibs, dibs, I called dibs," rather loudly. It happens.

So now that you're enjoying the table, at some point in the evening some guys will try to take it because the real estate value of that table has increased twofold. At this time, more drunk women are up on the roof so men need to have that table in order to increase the change that women will flock to them. Yes, it happens. And as available table and counter space for pitchers declines, men with tables become more attractive. It's easy math.

And while enjoying a rooftop bar table with friends recently, two men approached our table and just sat down. I must have blacked out when I "invited them" to join us. Anyhow, while making little conversation, the alpha male cleaned his glasses, combed down his mustache hair (and no I don't want a mustache ride) and proudly showed off his shirt that said, "Middle School, Class of 2003."

Are you f*cing kidding me. You wear THAT out to a bar. Where there are women. THAT shirt, you had NOTHING else in your closet that wasn't as pedophile creepy? Guess not. When I saw that, one thought enters my head, "To Catch A Predator." He looked like one too.

He proceeded to let his wingman buddy sit there and stare at us, while the alpha finally entered into a friendly dialogue.

"I can tell [said to me] that you're a cool chick."

"F*ck yes I am! I'm the coolest chick you're going to meet, who isn't on pay-for sites online [am referring to adult material, Match.com does NOT apply]."

"I'd like to shake your hand."

And he gave a weak handshake. P*ssy. Not even a cheap offer to kiss it? Weak.

His friend finally entered the conversation, getting up the courage to talk to us and said, "well we have a pitcher of beer coming."

Free beer? I'm listening.

"I like guys who are givers," I said as a joke.

Now the wingman REALLY gets interested in the conversation, obviously misreading what I was saying.

"I like women who are givers."

Grossed out and getting the odd look from my friend, I realized we would have to sacrifice the table because a) I was not in the mood for banter and b) I needed to stop drinking beer and go get some food. So with a snort, I picked up my purse, looked the guy right in the eye and said....

"I bet you do and I'm sure the female givers you know take personal checks too."

Thank you and goodnight!!!

What have you seen guys do at bars that makes you sick? Too much attention to Golden Tee? Or what have you had happen to you at bars that drives you insane, from girls or guys?

Fortunately, I don't think this will be happening on my evening out with JohnBoy tomorrow. Very nervous. But it will be fine :)

Weekend recap: Taste of Chicago, sunburn and bloggers

Hello hello and happy Sunday! Actually, today is more of my Saturday because I'm off tomorrow, but still, I can't believe it's the end of June! Seriously.

And I am totally 100 percent exhausted. It's been one of those great weekends when you're totally busy and don't mind because you're with great company but then BOOM it hits you all at once and you have no energy to physically do one more thing.

But before I give in to that exhaustion, let's take a quick trip around my weekend.

Okay first, there was the 20sb meet up and it was a lot of fun. We had a great mixer Friday at Rebel Bar in Wrigleyville and it was really nice to see some of my favorite bloggers again (along with awesome Chicago ones) in person. Then Saturday was the wine tasting with Farmstead Wines, which supports small farmers worldwide and uses a natural approach to wine making. All the wines we sampled were delicious, especially this puppy:

Oh it was good. Clean, crisp and refreshing. That would definitely get me in trouble because it's perfect for any meal, including breakfast.

But, actually, before the awesome bloggy goodness, I sacrificed my body to the ultimate in Chicago summer festivals: The Taste of Chicago.

Yes, the Taste of Chicago is an annual 10-day festival of mostly deep-fried food from various Chicago restaurants, many of which are served on a stick, on the bone or in a small paper bowl with a crappy plastic fork. And everything can be served on a stick, from popcorn to cheesecake to fruit. And why not, it keeps your hands from getting ridiculously dirty and allows you to still hold a beer.

Whenever you go to the Taste, you can count on one of these things happening:

• It will be ridiculously hot/humid outside. On cue, every year, the temp rises to 90 and sometimes adds humidity as another kick in the nuts

• You eat only hot food in the hot sun on the hot pavement

• You sweat through your clothes (sexy, I know)

• Sunburn will appear on one or several parts of your body

• Your personal self-esteem will be boosted

• You find out how little clothing people can wear with or without crossing the decency line

And for me this year, all these goals were achieved, exhibited in part by my new sunburned sleeve, check this b*tch out:

Yes, I should have known better, no I didn't wear SPF and yes, it's sore but it looks a lot better in this picture than it did Friday.

I sacrificed my arm for my rib sandwich, rainbow ice cream and perogi. That's how much I love you Chicago, you dirty wh*re. You better put out next time.

Oh and just as I was about to leave, some guy got BBQ sauce all over the crotch/leg of my shorts. And then laughed at me. Yes, I wanted to cut him and no, I didn't laugh back.

At the 20sb mixer, my new sunburn was a good topic of conversation because people kept touching my arm and said, "holy cow it's hot." Yes, sunburn is hot. And yes, it did hurt that night. Le sigh.

But even though I complain about the Taste and the heat and the sunburn, it's a Chicago tradition, much like Summerfest was for me growing up. It's the great summer festivals that make me love this city and get my hands dirty.

How was everyone else's weekend? Do you have any local festivals, similar to the Taste that you really enjoy going to every year?

Oh and yes I went on two dates this weekend. More to come on that.

Guest post: Chicago vs. Vegas

The first awesome guest post comes from the lovely Jenn at Free and Flawed. Enjoy! 

What is it about guest posts that turn even the most creative bloggers into a big ball of writer's block? Don't worry, this isn't turning into a blog post all about how guest posting is so hard. I won't make you read a list of reasons why guest blogging is so hard or how many topics I thought of before settling on this one. But just in case you wanted to know...No, no. I promised Jess a real post so here it is!

While Jess is off having a blast in Vegas, I'm here in Chicago nursing my jealousy wounds. I had originally planned to tag along, but due to the lack of piles of dough, I decided to stay. So instead of sulking around the apartment all weekend, I've come up with a list of reasons why it's better to be in Chicago.

• While you're dumping coin after coin into the slot machines, I can just walk over to the closet vending machine. 75 cents in, tasty, refreshing pop out. I'm always a winner. 

• I've seen 21, I know all about those card counters. While you're losing money at the tables, I'll be playing a mean game of Monopoly with my grandma. What began as a game of strategy and balls turns into a fun game of hide & seek. Where's grandma hiding those pink fifties?

• If I'm tired of looking at boobs, I just turn off the porn. I mean...what?

• You know that saying, "what happens in Vegas - stays in vegas"......uh.....if you believe that, yeah, you might want to check out "YouTube"......
  

If none of that means anything to you, I've saved the best for last. Wait for it...

• I have Rachel, you don't. 
  

Mwa ha ha ha! Winner. 

Hope you're having a blast in Vegas!

Weekend recap: day drinking rocks!

I can admit that I'm not great with alcohol. So day drinking, like I did Saturday, is not a good idea for me.

I love that sweet liquor nectar of the gods, but I am not the best when I consume it in mass quantities. After I've had a few drinks, I end up hugging everyone (more than when I'm sober), giving kisses on the cheek and telling anyone and everyone that I love them.

Also, everyone gets a new nickname, "honey." For example, "honey you look hot in that top" or "honey could you get me another beer? Mama J needs her juice."

It's embarrassing. Oh, I also tend to talk/laugh loudly and say very inappropriate things. Oops.

But, as I mentioned, Saturday I day drank with some of my good friends at a party, appropriately titled, "In the Garden of Good and Evil."

And what was one of the evils afflicted on me? Raspberry vodka punch, that was more vodka than raspberry but gave you a solid punch in the face.

After I had glass number four of said punch, there was lots of laughing and giggling from me at sexual innuendo comments. If I had a nickel for every time I said "that's what she said," I could pay off my student loan. How old am I again?

Anyhow, because family and co-workers read this blog, I cannot divulge everything that went on but let's just say this. I made a new friend that's pink and shakes.

And the result of my weekend day drinking adventure, plus dinner at Hot Chocolate on Friday night, I desperately needed to go work out. It burns so good/bad. Nothing says "hot" like sweating vodka.

Finally in closing, I had to post this picture of a burger I enjoyed last week on my day off. Sarah and I met up at Kuma's Corner, which has been voted "Chicago's best burger" several times. Good lord I could have used one of these burgers yesterday. Cheddar, bacon and fried egg, oh boy!

So those were my weekend adventures, how was everyone else's weekend?

And feel free to share if you are also do not handle liquor well. I'm sure I can't be the ONLY one :)

Mating season: Hot time, summer in the city

I don't want to sound too optimistic, but summer could be returning soon to Chicago (finally). And while I'm celebrating the joyful return of warm weather and open-toed shoes, something else is getting started in the city: mating season.

(insert Jaws theme music)

Oh that's right, the weather isn't the only thing heating up this spring.

The warm weather not only throws off how you should dress, but also, how you view members of the opposite sex. Suddenly that winter, wool coat and scarf disappear and guys start wearing just suit or cotton jackets over dress shirts. And yes, I swoon.

Actually, I objectify them with my mind and dream about doing naughty things to them. Oh yes, khaki rips easily, just like buttons.

Sorry, got sidetracked. That's the great thing about the "spring heat" phase we all hit, suddenly you remember how cute guys and ladies look in light, springy clothing, how much happier they are waiting for the bus and the fact that they're not ducking into doorways or putting on as many layers as humanely possible.

And, I know winter boots and Uggs are not the most attractive, but you cannot discount the warmth they offer.

I am a SUCKER for guys in dress shirts (especially blue ones) and khakis with loafers and a messenger bag. I will stare at them on the bus like they are a piece of meat to devour and make them uncomfortable with my glare.

So the question for tonight is, what clothing items do you love seeing your guy/girl wear once spring rolls around? Or what do they wear that you think they look the most attractive in? And yes, "nothing" is an acceptable answer too! Or I'll make it easy and you can share what your favorite spring/summer clothing item is. Lots of questions to choose from!

Note: Thanks everyone for the great comments on yesterday's mani/pedi post. I'm so glad that just about everyone enjoys them. And I do agree with many of you that mani's get messed up easily so pedi's are a "better investment." Oh I'm dreaming of getting a pedi right now.

An epic night at Target...with Chuck Bass

If you follow me on Twitter, you know I had a big night last night, so let's cut the witty intro and get right to it, eh?

This week, Target opened a pop-up store (the Bullseye Bazaar) on Michigan Avenue and it's only open for three days. So, as a city girl with no car or Target nearby, I nearly wet myself with excitement. That is until I was invited to attend its VIP event last night, which is a sneak peek at the store before it opened today. Yes, then I nearly wet myself.

So my joy about attending this event compounded on Wednesday when rumors started spreading on Twitter that Ed Westwick and Jessica Szohr from Gossip Girl would also be attending the event. Well that's when the insanity really started on and off Twitter. The event was supposed to be invite-only, VIP, but suddenly everyone in Chicago was invited. Okayyyyy, not exactly VIP or what I signed up for but alrighhhhht.

Cut to post-work, with pouring rain and lightening in Chicago. Suddenly my perfectly selected outfit was covered with my damp coat and my coiffed hair was a frizzy mess. FAIL.

But I met up with some co-workers and my buddy Jenn to head over to the Bazaar and bask in the goodness of Target.

And check out the awesome interior! Look at this, even the chili peppers love Target!

And of course, after a quick glass of champagne, I dove into the racks of stuff. I'm pretty happy with my new treasures! One note though, the hat, which is adorable, has pink stains on it. So that will definitely be going back. But otherwise, everything fits. That's a miracle.

Oh heck, let's get to the really good stuff. So rumors flew that Ed and Jessica would be at the event, then we heard they weren't going to be there. But this girl (aka me) knew better. And sure enough, not long after we got there, the media section start lighting up and suddenly Kate Walsh from Private Practice is talking to reporters.

So I try to wedge my way back there (tastefully) and when I'm denied, I actually say, "blogs ARE the new media." Wow, bitchy, I know. Didn't mean it like that. But it gets me back there (after I flash my bloggy business card) and after more pushing, I get this picture.

Yes, she's gorgeous in person.

Then the main event happens, we hear Ed is in makeup and suddenly he's THERE. Chuck Bass, the man I would like to take advantage of me after we shop at Brooks Brothers is THERE. So we move into more pushing and shoving and I get this money shot.

SOOOOO dreamy.

And then Jessica shows up. She is so nice and personable and petite in person! Jealous. But I'm obsessed with her necklace, which matches my JCrew bracelet, so it should be mine right? Right? She's also from Wisconsin. We're meant to be best friends.

Anyhow, I grabbed her after all the interviews and got this photo, which her publicist seriously could not have taken any faster. Thank god it turned out.

So after some more loitering around/shopping, Jenn and I see Ed again and basically stand around and wait to see if we can snag a photo with him....WHICH WE DID. OMG and I told him I'm a huge fan. Could I be any more of a dork?

*insert angels chiming*

Oh an our outfits match. We're meant to be :)

Best. Night. Ever. Here is a link to the set of photos on my Flickr page too, where all the photos are posted (there are a lot!)

I'm so thrilled and excited that I got to go and get to shop before the store opened to the public. Once I exchange that hat, I'm ready to rock it outside.

Of course, there are a few things I have to share too. First, this was a great evening and I'm so glad that I got to go. And I know this little blog and I are not that special, especially compared to Metromix or Chicago Magazine, but being invited in to the media area to take some pictures, only to be kicked out for more important people, isn't cool. My parents think I'm special!

Same with the amount of shoving and pushing to get us to move back so the celebs could come in from the street. I'm all for fire safety, but being pushed back to make room for a walkway that's already there, is also not cool, especially when you block my shot and shake your head at me. I'm not cattle. Don't herd me.

So despite a few hiccups. I had a great time. And now I'm ready for a quiet weekend :)

Thoughts? Or any other big Target fans out there? Big weekend plans? Happy Mother's Day!

Key learnings, food and high self-esteem

Happy Sunday! Well it has stopped raining in Chicago for now, after serious thunderstorms and flooding yesterday, but it looks like it might be starting up again. Yay (said sarcastically).

So while I occupy my time with a shoe fashion show, let's hit the key learnings. Oh and someone once asked for pictures of that single-girl ritual. If you're interested, let me know and I'll put some up :)

Key Learnings:

• On nice spring days, forcing yourself to sit outside for lunch is the best decision you'll make

• Female adult toys are not meant to by DIY. I don't want to provide my own "motion in the ocean" or worry about it getting "stuck up there"

• It's okay to reduce the waiter's tip if your brunch meal was, well, forgotten about

• Cupcakes are the perfect dessert for any meal, brunch, breakfast, lunch, dinner, anything

• Finding a great deal on a high-ticket item is a great feeling (my friend Liz found a $148 coat a JCrew for $29.99 on sale, score!)

• Shredded and holey leggings are not a good idea. Actually, any clothing with these embellishments isn't a good idea

• Ice cream and/or beer on a hot day tastes so good!

• Flip flops are not made to withstand walking in a rainstorm

• Watching a thunderstorm can be surprisingly soothing

• Speidi's wedding is the most unholy union ever. And Spencer is still a d-bag

• I will not just wake up one day with six-pack abs. No matter how much I wish I would

Friday was the first real day of summer-like weather in Chicago and after a long winter and cool spring, it was SO nice. I even made sure to get away from my desk and go outside to get some sunshine. The first mild sunburn of the season could happen any day now.

Oh and I visited my local Berry Chill on Friday to get some relief from the heat and sample what everyone in my office has been talking about. Overall, it wasn't bad, and I think I broke even by having fruit and M&Ms together on my fro yo. Yeah, that's how it works.

Chicago food review

I've mentioned here before that I'm not exactly a "foodie," but lately, I'm obsessed with going out and trying new places. I even keep a list of restaurants in Chicago that I want to go to so I don't forget.

Saturday I met up with April at Southport Grocery and had the most amazing omelet with: egg, gruyere cheese, leek and mushrooms. It was amazing and very filling. Plus, its red potato mash (aka hash browns) were great too. And with one of its famous cupcakes, it was a great brunch. Definitely want to go back again.

Then after walking and moving all that food around, I met up with the lovely, well Jamie Lovely for dinner at Feast in Bucktown. Great ambiance and thanks to Open Table, we didn't have to wait for a table. And my herbed goat cheese-stuffed chicken breast with gnocchi, spinach and cherry tomatoes was insanely good. Somehow, I even found room for the dessert special, raspberry creme brulee. Yes, I don't need to eat again for two days.

But this is much better than my usual dinners of cereal or waffles, so I'm making progress!

Pull Your Shirt Down

Finally, I need to put "on notice" something new today. I know, two recent "on notice" entries, it's scary. I'm putting "on notice" today people who wear ill-fitting shirts. This weekend, I saw WAY too many muffin tops, and I wasn't even in a bakery! 

I know it's warm, I know it feels good to wear lighter-weight clothing and I know you want to show that you're hot sh*t, but seriously PULL YOUR SHIRT DOWN. I don't want to see your massive tramp stamp, hairy or pimply skin around your midsection. 

Okay, I'm not at my best "summer weight" right now either, but sweet lord, if that shirt doesn't fit, go to Old Navy and buy a new one for $5 because I can guarantee you that I don't want to see another spare tire, I have my own. Thanks.

How was every one else's weekend? Was the weather nice by you? Do anything fun?

Looking forward to spring

The rumor is that Chicago is going to have summer-like weather this weekend so to get me in the spring frame of mind, I'm putting out my list of spring pros and cons.

Spring pros:

• Cotton jackets

• Sandals, flip flops!

• Regular pedicures

• Skirts/dresses

• Street festivals

• Baseball (except when the Cubs traffic makes my commute home miserable)

• Barbecue

• Fireworks (watching them over the lake is amazing)

• Evening strolls

• Bobtail ice cream

Spring cons:

• Massive heat - I know, you can't win

• Humidity - Fro' hair, here I come!

• Having to shave my legs regularly - Goodbye shaving every two weeks

• Mosquitos

I have also officially transitioned my closet to spring. Goodbye winter sweaters and boots and hello gauzy tops and camis. Yes, I've transitioned my closet but I still don't know what to wear for nice weather!

Lately, I'm obsessed with summer dresses. I love wearing skirts and dresses because I hate wearing shorts/pants when it's warm out. I love the feeling of my legs being liberated, minus watching the wind do I don't let everyone see my underwear (it's happened).

Here are some of my new spring clothes that I'm obsessed with:

• Banana Republic Cap-Sleeve Scoopneck Tees - Very flattering on the bust and midsection, plus the "gauzy" look is dressier than standard cotton

• JCrew jersey dresses - Lightweight for a hot day and let's your body breathe

• Reef flip flops - So comfortable. I would wear them all day, every day

• Light, button down tops (example from the Gap) - Work-appropriate without being stuffy or too formal
  

Does anyone else have trouble dressing for spring weather? What are your spring pros/cons? Or what are you the most excited to wear now that it's getting warm outside? 

Reader note: Thank you everyone for the great comments on your "type" of guy. It was a dead heat between All-American guys/bad boys, with the bad boys just squeaking out as the most popular ;)

Key learnings, Chicago spring and salon sanctuary

Happy Sunday! I'm looking outside my apartment right now to...rain, which is a much different scene from Friday and Saturday when it was gorgeous and sunny in Chicago. But according to the Trib Web site, next weekend will be great too, so while I'm daydreaming of that, let's check out some key learnings.

Key Learnings:

• If wearing a Snuggie for a bar crawl, a belt and pins in the back make it much more figure flattering

• I am not afraid to verbally declare my love for something. For example: at my friend's birthday party, I yelled out loud, "I f*cking love potato salad!" (I do)

• Bad tasting icing can kill the taste of any cupcake

• Once warm weather hits, the desire to eat ice cream all the time returns

• 70 degrees in April is not the same as 70 degrees in June, don't get too overzealous with the spring clothing

• Searching for condos is time consuming

• Developing an online dating profile is surprising challenging, especially if done late at night

• If your salon offers a complimentary glass of wine, it is rude not to accept it, even if your appointment is at 11 a.m.

• I really hate cleaning the bathroom. Almost as much as I hate cleaning the kitchen

• The Kia commercial with hamsters on a wheel really cracks me up. I can SO relate to those hamsters

Salon sanctuary

This weekend I went to the salon and I so needed it. My hair grows like a tree so I'm in for color/cut every other month and I delayed this visit by two weeks so my hair was dying to be cut off. During the height of poverty, I cut my hair every six months, but I can't do that anymore.

I love the salon I go to in Chicago. I've been faithful to my stylist for three years, and that is a huge accomplishment for me. I think the salon is a place of total relaxation. It helps you unwind from everything and you feel so much better when you leave.

And along with a complimentary glass of wine, my favorite part about the salon is the scalp massage. A good scalp massage is almost as good as a bucket of cash. Well, almost. I've fallen asleep multiple times in the chair while my scalp is being massaged and I feel much more comfortable paying for my service afterward. Maybe that's part of the master salon plan ;)

Cupcake goodness

After the salon, I treated myself to a cupcake at Phoebe's grand opening. Actually, the first 3,000 people got a free cupcake (even better!) from its assorted flavors. The cupcake I received was a salted caramel flavor and it wasn't too bad. I'm a cupcake traditionalist though, I love chocolate and red velvet and don't get too crazy with cupcake flavors. But when it opens next week, I'll be there to sample both.

Here's a picture of my cupcake (not a great photo) and the cute card I received with it.

Spring blooms

So I take way too many photos of flowers, but here's a photo I took this weekend to help everyone think spring. When the sun is out, all of my photos turn out 100 percent better.

How was everyone else's weekend? Do anything fun or see any movies? Or was the weather nice by you too?

The long journey to condo

I am about to take another, scary, step toward being an adult and embark on the long journey toward being a home owner.

That's right, this weekend dad and I had an honest talk about me buying a condo and after crunching some numbers, we're going to get started on the process! Now I won't be working with a realtor tomorrow or getting pre-approved for a mortgage next week, but I think it'll be happening (hopefully) in the next six months.

And now I'm super nervous and excited. At nearly 30, I'm ready to have a place that's my own. I abhor moving more than anything and I'm ready to have a space that I can decorate to my own taste and know that...well...I won't have to move ANYTIME soon again.

But it's scary. I've always been a little bit of a transient, moving around a lot, so the thought of settling down scares me a little bit. And there's the pressure of making sure I can keep up on payments and adds to my worries about job stability, etc.

And as a one income household right now and for the forseeable future, it's enough to make any girl feel overwhelmed.

So I'll likely be relying on my dad a lot to help me research, etc., but it's exciting to know that very soon, I could have something that's really mine :)

The questions for tonight: if you own a condo, home, etc. what was your "dealbreaker" feature? For me, I have to have in-unit washer and dryer. Non-negotiable. And for renters, what do you look forward to when you get your own place? 

Or, am I the only person who HATES moving?

Key learnings, thinking spring and movie marathons

I may have spoken too soon at the whole "thinking spring" thing because Chicago is supposed to get 1-3 inches of snow tonight. *Pause for my expletive tirade*

Moving on, while I pull out the snow boots for tomorrow, let's hit the key learnings.

Key Learnings:

• When in doubt, grilled cheese or mac and cheese is always a good lunch or dinner food option

• Before deviating from your grocery list, make sure you can handle carrying the extra indulgence (it can be a long walk if you can't)

• You can never eat just a few Swedish Fish, the bag will magically disappear

• Clive Owen is smoking hot

• Just because it's 50 degrees, doesn't mean you should wear flip flops or shorts. It's not that warm

• When a customer says she "needs a minute" to decide on products to buy, don't snort in disgust and dramatically walk away. It's rude b*tch

• Diets don't count on the weekends

• A beer on a Friday night tastes like sweet heaven (just like Chipotle)

• When your bus driver gets road rage, it's okay to hold on for dear life

• Not everyone wears make up on the weekends, don't stare at them for doing so

• Any meal with cheese on it is going to taste good. Same with bacon

• The weather report is a key indicator as to the "need" to shave your legs for the upcoming week

Movie Marathon: 

Lately, I've been watching a ton of movies. It's my go-to for stress relief, after the gym and eating my weight in ice cream or candy. 

Netflix hasn't been sending me the best selection lately so I've started going to the theater again and hitting up Redbox near my house.

In the last two weekends, I've watched the following movies:

• Twilight
• Australia
• Slumdog Millionaire
• Pineapple Express
• Marley & Me
• X-Files: I Want to Believe
• I Love You Man
• Duplicity

As you can see, I've been busy.

Marley & Me was my big must-see this weekend. I stalked Redbox twice on Friday and finally got it, with tissues ready and everything. I have to say, I'm not a huge pet person, but the tears did flow. Not convulsing sobs but steady tears. And it was nice to see Owen Wilson move away from the man-boy movies.

Oh and thanks to I Love You Man, my new phrase is "totes magoats." So funny. The only movie from this list I don't recommend seeing is X-Files. Bad movie. Disgrace to the TV show.

Speaking of TV, what's up with Gossip Girl going on hiatus until the end of the month? WTF? And the Hills is starting again, which means I can go back to watching Spencer be a d-bag and Stephanie be a doormat. Lucky me.

So I know this post was a little boring, but hey, I had a relaxing weekend so there isn't anything overly juicy to share!

What did everyone else do this weekend? See any good movies or watch some basketball? Or what movies are coming up that you want to see? Discuss!

Key learnings, snow and wedding recap

I woke up this morning to a winter wonderland. Seriously. Blizzard-like conditions in Chicago with several inches by 8 a.m. Here are some pictures: snow, more snow. I was rather perplexed by this (and irritated) so I hibernated (with candy) and caught up on more reading, so let's hit the key learnings.

Key Learnings:

• High heels look sexy but they are the devil

• No matter how full I am, there is always room for candy and/or cake

• I hate asking friends to bum cash when I accidentally leave it at home (which rarely happens)

• When buying a dress, fit is key, but make sure you leave some room to eat (sometimes, you need it)

• Groomsmen always look a little hotter than normal at a wedding, something about the suit

• Sometimes on a bad day, Chipotle can taste like sweet heaven

• Some of the best Friday nights include: comfy pants, magazines and cleaning out the DVR, all while relaxing on the couch

• RedBox may be my new best friend

• The movie Australia isn't great, but Hugh Jackman without a shirt is on fabulous

• Twilight is much better upon second viewing, coupled with low expectations for the film

• When dumpster diving, dress appropriately, if possible

• Cobblestone and high heels do not mix well 

Wedding!

I mentioned last week that I was nervous about going to a wedding sans date, but I have to say, I had a great time going as a single lady.

TKTC and my co-worker Laura were my "dates" to Rebecca's wedding at the Conservatory last night and everything was just beautiful. Despite the rain and cooler temps, everyone had a great time in a gorgeous setting of flowers and plants. Check out this picture of us sexy ladies!

So the JCrew dress was out because of the weather, but I still think my backup outfit works :)

The food was amazing (imagine seasoned chicken breast, chilled pea soup, bacon wafer and full candy bar) and we had a choice of six amazing cakes from Bon Bon to pick from, including margarita, mango and strawberry shortcake. For me, the mango and strawberry shortcake were the best and let's just say, I was STUFFED by the end of dinner service.

 

And although I forgot my plastic baggie for the candy bar, the bride and groom provided some for us (thank goodness!) and I had a nice treat to enjoy today, starting at 9:45 a.m. Thanks to Twitter support, it's apparently never too early to get started.

It was such a nice evening. The ladies and I gossiped, talked, laughed and had a great time. They were great company, and I was able to catch up with my knitting crew, who all looked lovely. The best touch of the night had to be the awesome placecard/drink savers we all received too. Rebecca is so sweet, keeping me from having a roofie put in my beverage :) Awesome idea.

Anyhow, Rebecca looked stunning and as always, hosted a wonderful party. Congrats to the bride and groom! 

So how was everyone else's weekend? See any movies or do anything fun?

Reader notes: Thanks everyone for playing the Desert Island game. Know there was a lot of information to include in that post so feel free to go back and add answers or answer just a few of them. I realized after a few comments that I asked for a lot :)

Common Threads gala & Top Chef superfan

You all know that I'm not the best in the kitchen, but I love a good meal and last night I was very fortunate to attend the Common Threads World Festival 2009 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, which had food and chefs from some of Chicago's best restaurants.

Common Threads was co-founded by chef Art Smith to educate children on the importance of nutrition and teach them to make proper food choices through cooking education. It's a really great cause.

I'm writing this recap and noshing on caramel popcorn from Graham Elliott (in a convenient Chinese take-out box,) thinking of how I can recap this great evening for everyone. So we'll do it in a bulleted form!

Here are some highlights:

• Seeing Gail Simmons, Top Chef judge and Food & Wine editor, within the first two minutes of arriving and saying (loudly,) "OMG it's Gail, I die!" FYI: she is gorgeous in person, skinny and petite while rocking sky-high heels

• Hunting down Stephanie Izard from Top Chef Season 4 and over enthusiastically saying how excited I am to meet her, like several times, oh and how I "hunted her down" to meet her. Probably thinks I'm c-r-a-z-y!

• Getting winked at (twice!) by Michelle Bernstein. So cute and petite (just like me)

• Saying hi to Mr. Graham Elliott Bowles himself and having him offer to shove leftover caramel popcorn in my purse. Really wish I brought a bigger bag

• Best meal: Pork and pasta by Michelle Bernstein. Why was it so good? Perfectly cooked meat that melts in your mouth. Why was it also good? Butter and cream. Num and nummier

• Best meal runners-up: Goat cheese from Les Nomades and Swedish pancake with goat cheese from Blackbird

• Most bittersweet dish: Pork and shrimp by Stephanie Izard. It was good, but a little underseasoned for my taste. Still love her though
  

• Best drink: Trust me, I behaved myself, but the champagne, Gran Marnier and pomegranate juice concoction was very lovely

• Other reality-star sighting: Ken from season two of Make Me A Supermodel (he was smiling with his eyes)

Also, while I am sometimes awkward in social situations, I was a TOTAL ham at the party. I had a list of people I wanted to meet and I hunted them all down to say hi. I went right up to Gail Simmons, Stephanie Izard and Radhika from Top Chef and geeked out about how excited I was to meet them. What can I say, I'm a huge Top Chef fan.

I know not everyone may know who these people are, but I had to share this because it was a great night and a great treat to go. Plus, I got to get semi-dressed up in a cute Banana Republic jersey LBD and shoes, which were torture devices near the end of the night. And, I got to sample great, fancy food I would never be able to make. Well, maybe if I could just move beyond making pasta at home....

So the question for everyone tonight is...what is your favorite restaurant/dish to order when you go out? One of my colleagues admitted tonight she's a huge Olive Garden fan, never would have guessed that!

Key learnings, birthday PIMP and buzzkill

Well, it's Sunday again. Why don't my weekdays fly by this fast? Right now I'm sitting in my apartment with nail polish drying on my toes (which I can't feel because of the toe-separaters) so let's knock out some key learnings before one of my little piggies falls off.

Quick note: I've been doing a lot better at updating my Tumblr blog, which will focus on fun things I find online that I want to own or recently bought. I thought it would be  fun way to showcase some fun shopping/fashion stuff. Check it out and let me know if you have one too so I can add you to my "follow" list.

Key Learnings:

• One of the worst feelings is knowing you're going to throw up and you have to wait for it to happen

• There is no shame in walking into a store and saying quickly, "hey chicky, where is your bathroom?" It's better than taking care of your business outside the front door

• Even if the "club scene" isn't for you, it's still fun to go indulge in it once in a while

• Brunch with friends is a weekend requirement, same with naps on the couch

• When you go shopping to look for one specific item, you rarely find exactly what you're looking for (I have more luck when I'm not looking for something in particular)

• It's okay to put clothes on over your street ones to avoid the dressing rooms. But be discreet

• Champagne in a can tastes...not awful, but stick with it in bottles

• Sleeping past 8 a.m. on a weekend will likely never happen again (stupid weekday sleep schedule!)

• Trading the puffy coat for a spring fleece is a great feeling

• You always get sick at the inopportune times

• If you find an item of clothing you love and that fits well, buy it in at least one other color

Weekend Buzzkill

I've been really lucky this winter with not getting sick. I don't know if it was the flu shot but for once, I've not had any head cold, traditional cold or sinus infections. That is until a stomach bug decided to pay me a visit Thursday night through Saturday mid-day. Yes, it was glorious (I'm being sarcastic).

After about two-and-a-half days of hugging the bowl, eating mostly to toss it back up again and sleeping only a few hours a night, I'm ready for this BS to be over with. I was also hoping the bug would have been gone yesterday when my parents came in town for a visit, but alas no. Dad was forwarned about this and I really tried to rally because I didn't want to ruin their visit, but let's just say...I can't go back to Pottery Barn on North Avenue for a while. 

Here is a list of other things the stomach bug ruined for me this weekend:

• Parent visit (the car ride to North Avenue was rough)

• Brunch at Table Fifty-Two (parents wanted to go but it was rescheduled due to my stomach)

• Brunch at Nordstrom Cafe (had to settle for a few spoonfuls of soup over my favorite salad ever and dessert)

• Joy in shopping for cocktail dresses (swollen stomach = three-months preggers look)

• Saturday morning breakfast (let's just say, I saw it again)

• Excitement about friend's birthday dinner at Vermillion (I was scared my stomach wouldn't handle the food)

So while the stomach flu won the war, I was able to enjoy a cupcake at Molly's with my parents. I'll take what I can get.

And I'm pleased to say that there were no puppy kicking incidents during their visit. My stepmom was actually concerned about how I was doing, offering me water, soup and even breaks to sit and relax. Let's hope this trend continues!

Birthday P-I-M-P

After a full day with my parents, I gathered with friends to celebrate my buddy Liz's birthday. First up, dinner at Vermillion (Latin/Indian fusion) in River North. I'm open to trying new foods and I have to say, my coconut chili mussels did not disappoint. I even had the "fusion-style" ribs for dinner, and while they were good, it was a little too overseasoned/charred-looking for me. Yes, this probably isn't the best food to be feeding an unhappy stomach, but let's just say, we were seated near the bathroom in case I needed to get there.

And when it's your best friend's birthday, not even a stomach flu will keep you down.

Dinner was great and then we headed over to Hub 51, where a friend had a connection on the inside. What was supposed to be a table and drinks turned into a VIP booth at it's Sub 51 room downstairs, coat check, personal waitress and drink samplers. I won't lie, this was cool. And it got even cooler when our connection sent over a bottle of Snow Queen vodka (chilled of course) with Red Bull, tonic, soda water and cranberry juice, plus cans of Sofia's champagne in can and something called "a.m.," which I'm pretty sure could kill me if consumed in mass quantities. 

I am absolutely not a raging party girl or an active clubber, but it was cool to feel VIP for a few hours. And let me tell you, that waitress made a mean vodka cranberry and made hotpants look good again.

And let's just say, the women's bathroom was an interesting scene. I think my tweet of "Grey Goose-soaked cougar den..." says it all.

How was everyone else's weekend? I laid low today to prepare for Art Smith's Common Threads gala tomorrow night at the Museum of Contemporary Art. I'm not totally feeling my outfit for it, but it will do.

Reader shopping note:

Because so many of you asked about the dress and shoes from Thursday's post, I've included a link to each below:

• Dress: JCrew - Pique V-Neck Ruffle Dress

• Shoes: Nine West - Maytime heel (note: this is the style of shoe I'm planning to wear, but it's solid gold and not textured)

My fire safety fail

When I find myself in a scary situation, I now know where my priorities are:

• Gossip Girl
• Twitter
• My own safety

Last night I had my first "fire safety" lesson/encounter and let's just say I get a big FAIL. Big FAIL. It appears as though I have ZERO idea what to do when face-to-face with a serious problem. If I can't strategically think my way out of it, I'm worthless.

Let me set the scene for you: last night I'm watching Gossip Girl in my apartment when I smell smoke. And not cooking-on-the-grill smoke but fire smoke. I ignore it, thinking it's not a big deal when then hear a beeping, like from a smoke detector...which isn't stopping either.

So I open my apartment door (after putting some pants on) and was stunned to see the entire hallway filling with smoke. Thinking I was hallucinating, I went back inside, locked the door and sat back down to watch more Gossip Girl (because I love that show) until I am compelled to get back up and check the hallway again, and to no shock see it filled with even MORE smoke. 

Finally, I had a "holy shit" moment, tweeted about the incident, and ran down the hall to find the source of the smoke and knock on my neighbors doors. Hearing a girl in the apartment across from the smoking source, I banged on her door, hearing her angrily telling her friend on the phone to "hold on" so she can answer the "f*cking door." Sorry, next time I won't try to save your life. B*tch.

When I point out to her what's going on, she says to me, "holy shit, what should we do?" Are you kidding me?

"I'll call 911, I guess?" I said, moreso shocked that the person with the phone has no idea what to do. Maybe she was smoking something else in that apartment.

So I run back into my apartment, call 911, put some slippers on and...well evacuate the building (not using the elevator), where the sidewalk is now filling with my building's tenants, including women in various stages of dress, and all of their cats. Apparently I was in the minority of not owning one. And when I saw the cats, I couldn't help but have a flashback to the Office Superbowl episode when Angela tossed her cat to Oscar to save him from the fire. Hilarious.

But the entire time I was out there, I couldn't help but chastise myself about not grabbing my wallet, or Lulu, or Speedy...or a coat. Oh and the odd girl I alerted to the fire was out smoking, next to the fire truck.

Thanks to my Chicago tax dollars, the fire and police departments showed up quickly and went to break down the door to the apartment on my floor. The culprit? Some a-hole left food in the oven and left the oven on when she left the apartment that evening. Fortunately, the fire department didn't have to use the hose but I did have to air out my apartment all last night and today. So it could have been worse but damn that smell was bad.

So it was quite an exciting evening. And while I get a big fire FAIL, I did get to go back in pretty quickly and enjoy the rest of Gossip Girl and my new love, Yoplait Chocolate Mousse Whips. After that excitement, I needed to enjoy my Chuck Bass time with a tasty treat, especially after the show has been in hiatus for so long!

Feel free to begin teasing me about my silly behavior or let me know what you would save if you had to evacuate your apartment right away. Or if you did watch Gossip Girl, what did you think?

Public transportation pet peeves

The CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) is my main source of transportation in the city. Now that I've been car-less for four years and try to use cabs only when absolutely necessary, there is a certain amount of adjusting that happens when you rely on public transport.

For example, you "plan" your trips so you can maximize your time out and about. If I go out for the ATM, I also swing by the store and grab a paper too or only got to the ATM when I'm leaving for dinner. If I want to go somewhere on public transportation, I plan on it taking about 30 minutes because, well most trips anywhere in the city take at least that.

But along with these more minor changes, there are certain other things you have to allow for, like the unusual things you notice on the bus, which inevitably begin to irritate you, such as:

• Cuddlers - If you really cannot stand to be physically separated, I recommend going back to bed. Then you won't tickle my gag reflex

• Loud talkers - This includes personal conversations and people on cell phones. One woman was speaking so loud on her cell phone that I could hear her over my iPod, which was IN my ears. Indoor voices!

• Mistaking the bus for home - It drives me insane when people feel the need to stretch out the morning newspaper on a packed bus. I also enjoy stretching out with the newspaper...at my home. I don't need half of the Times' Business section stretched over me, thanks

• Excessive PDA - Much like cuddling, I don't need to watch you swap spit and feel each other up. I have Cinemax for that :)

• Space hogs - I am guilty of this too, but it's an unspoken rule that when the bus fills up, you move your bag from the seat next to you so others can sit down. Yes, it's not as much fun, but it's necessary. People who don't do that are rude

• Bumper cars - Eek, another thing I'm guilty of, but I really try to avoid this. This includes having people collide into you with their oversize purses or bags. If I had a nickel for every time I was hit in the shoulder or head by a purse, I could pay off my student loan. And one time, after a chick hit me multiple times in the head with her Puma bag, I pulled out a pen and made a mark on the white leather portion of the bag. Burning in hell, I know

• Personal space issue - I don't really have an issue with this, but after having some guy caress my butt on a packed bus once, I get very nervous when I'm packed in. Especially if the person sandwiched next to or behind me hasn't showered or reeks of cigarettes. That is the worst!

Well those are the top things that irritate me. I may complain, but the CTA still provides me with transportation and provides me with lots of fun stories :)

What are your public transportation pet peeves? Or do you have any great CTA/public transportation stories to share?

Oh and feel free to let me know how glad you are that you don't have to take public transportation because you have a car. I miss my car and I love driving when I go home, but my stories are never quite as interesting as in the city.

Key Learnings, St. Patrick's Day and video games

Holy cow what a great weekend. After some level of productivity (that didn't include liquor,) I am busy laying on the couch like a beached whale, trying to settle my stomach from the green beer and St. Patrick's Day celebrations, while preparing for another week.

So while I continue to whine about having an upset stomach, let's say, "top o'the evening" to some key learnings.

Key Learnings:

• Green Miller Lite actually takes better than regular Miller Lite

• Also, Miller Lite is not the best adhesive for a temporary tattoo. Licking it or ice works better (I prefer licking)

• Watching Chicago dye the river green is one of my favorite touristy things to do each year

• I am always in the mood for a Starbucks blueberry muffin (and none of that low-fat stuff)

• Charging $5.75 for beer on St. Patrick's Day is highway robbery, but getting two beers for free by accident is awesome 

• It's okay to judge a 22 year old woman who is drunk and swerving while standing at McDonald's with her boyfriend. Hey, she could throw up at any moment

• Watching guys/girls and then girls/girls dry hump each other at a bar is a sign that it's time to go home

• You should not apologize for staring at some guy who is simulating oral sex on a large glass. I mean, isn't he asking for attention?

• I need to be better about using the "blogger" card

• It's okay to call a tourist an "a-hole" when he/she runs into a sitting flock of pigeons, sending these scary, vicious animals flying right at you and your friend

• Online shopping is an easy way to curb your spending urge, as long as you don't go too overboard

Go Green!

Saturday was St. Patrick's Day in Chicago and it gave everyone in the city a pass to party all day and for some, act like total d-bags. 

But, I was able to indulge in my favorite tradition: watching Chicago turn the river green. I go every year, regardless of weather, and this year my bestie Sarah joined me. Yes, it was cold, but we had a great spot along the river and then met up with some friends at a local bar, where fortunately the line to go in was quick. One free green beer and tons of memorable photos(all now on my Flickr page) later, I was off to continue my productivity and curb the desire for more booze (more on that below.)

Chicago gets pretty crazy on St. Patrick's Day, but I still go out for it every year. And maybe next year is my time to indulge in some day drinking, a la college.

Girls Guide to Gaming

Yes, I behaved myself on Saturday because that evening I was invited to an event sponsored by Nintendo DS. The lovely Jenn and Jamie were our hostesses and it was a mix of food, drinks, DS games and awesome Chicago bloggers. 

I was never a huge "gamer," mostly because my brother and stepbrothers used to hog all of the video games we had in the house. But, I used to play a mean game of Mario Brothers and, well, my Tetris addiction is something I don't talk about. But, this time it was for ladies-only and we got to play fun games like Mario Kart (which I kick butt at), Crosswords, Guitar Hero and Brain Age, which I need to play again because several glasses of champagne can numb the sense a bit :)

The party was a ton of fun, and it was so nice to catch up with my bloggy buddies and have a nice evening out. I even got a DS and game to take home with me! This will make the train ride home in a few weeks more enjoyable. 

When the party closed down about 10 p.m., my new buddy Shanti and I headed up to a bar in Lincoln Park, to meet up with a friend of hers and ohhhhhhh my it was like being back at a college frat party. It was...interesting people watching, and I really wish I was more drunk when I was there. The bar was full of blasting music, glass breaking and girls/guys and girls/girls dry humping/grinding on one another. Oh memories. All I need now is some "jungle juice" in a lined garbage container and I'm back in college for sure! 

I didn't get to fulfill my desire to dance on a bar, but that is best saved for next year. 

How was everyone else's weekend? Did anyone else celebrate St. Patrick's Day?