11.29.2010

He's convinced.

We've always had colored light. But, I asked for one year with white and he's convinced! White lights on the tree shall prevail! Here's our majestic scotch pine ($35 from Hardy's) and my favorite ornament ($15 from Hallmark).

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11.28.2010

One more time.

Our third Thanksgiving dinner in three days. I love having lots of families! Prepping food: Peeling a variety of potatoes, bowl of beets for the arugula salad with goat cheese, two organic ducks, Beef House yeast rolls, gravy, and homemade apple pie.

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You've got to be kidding me.

The ugliest decorations I ever did see. Festive, holiday merman and mermaid; $80 a piece @ Hardy's Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul.

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11.25.2010

@HughHefner, a vintage Playboy 13" ruler.

It's been in my grandma's house since I can remember. What can I say? She's kinda kinky.

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11.23.2010

Pray I finish.

Working on my holiday cards! Printmaking supplies; $35.

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11.22.2010

This is meatless Monday.

Pan seared portobello mushrooms ($6 per lb at Whole Foods) with a fresh, homemade chimichurri sauce ($4 for all ingredients) on top of roasted red peppers, fennel, onions, shallots, and garlic (all from Blue Moon, $2-4 each). And to top it all off — some thin slices of ripe, organic avocados ($1) with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

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11.21.2010

Thank you, Michelle @Bleeding_Heart Bakery.

Bleeding Heart Bakery knows how to do it right. People need to shut up about expensive prices — this place uses organic ingredients and they are just as rich and flavorful as any other dessert in town. The vegan one was tremendous, the gingerbread was dense and rich (wish there was a little more filling), and the German chocolate...more. please. NOW.

1 The tops and side views of: A moist vegan chocolate cherry ($2.75), a gingerbread cupcake with lingonberry filling and frosting ($3.25), and a German chocolate with coconut ganache ($3.25).
2-3 Pastry cases with scones, croissants, muffins, and cupcakes.
4-6 Interior and storefront window.

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11.20.2010

Chicago: Tweet ...let's eat!

Southern style breakfast in the heart of the city at Tweet.

1 Coffee (with my new pink lipstick) and complimentary cakes
2-4 The menu; creamy beige Mary Lou Zelazny's biscuits & gravy, $6.75; crispy, flavorful chilaquiles, $12
5 The outside of Tweet on Sheridan Road

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11.18.2010

What I wore: Thursday.

A few people have asked if I would start posting what I wore, where I bought it, and how much it cost. So, here goes!

Outfit: Handmade whistle necklace, $24 from Etsy; sweater, $17.80 from Forever 21; French Connection skirt, on sale for $60 from Jennifer North; Wet 'N Wild pink lipstick + black nylons, $3 each from Walgreen's; We Who See leather boots, on sale for $30 from UO.

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Did somebody say McDonald's?

Currently, Seth is staying with my grandparents in Chicago. Unfortunately, they do not have the internet. So, Seth decided to work out of McDonald's to use their free Wi-Fi. I learned this from his status update on Facebook:
Seth
is working from a McDonalds, inside of the Playland. It's the only place in the joint where they have outlets. I think some of the parents are concerned.

Since he's carless too, he needed a ride back home. My grandparents lovingly picked him up and when he told me that they decided to eat dinner there, I didn't believe him. I just had to see it for myself. They ordered: Four cheeseburgers (Yes, my grandparents ordered two a piece), one small fry, one 7-Up, one caramel mocha frappe; $10.81 for two. They should have ordered this instead.

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11.17.2010

11.15.2010

Inauthentic Asian.

Tonight we made: Seared Ahi tuna, topped with an egg sunny side up, on a bed of Swiss chard and white rice.

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11.14.2010

11.13.2010

I'm that person now.

My girlfriend, Heather, knit a sweater for the three dogs (mine, Benna's, and her own). To be fully honest, I think she looks pretty damn cute in it.

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11.10.2010

Ready tongues with which to wipe our plates.

An organic, roasted leg of lamb (Whole Foods, $9 a lb.) with market potatoes, apples, carrots, fennel, onions (all $2) soaked and roasted in its juice.

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11.08.2010

Raw in @DTChampaign

I think I am definitely full. Our Sunday dinner at Ko Fusion: Seaweed salad ($5), edamame ($3), combination plate A with nigiri and a spicy salmon roll ($27), a few dollar sushi rolls (big roll, dynamite, and tuna crunch for $6), green tea ice cream ($3), and vanilla bean creme brulee ($5).

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11.07.2010

Ria doesn't mess around.

A killer dinner created by one badass female: Chicken liver bourbon pate + baguette, Brussels sprouts with bacon, lemony kale, blood orange roast pork loin, burnt butter ice cream, and rosemary shortbread. 

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