Rose

So, my birthday was on Tuesday (July 5th). The big two-six! The actual day was spent busy busy and stressed out at clinic, and now I'm closer to 30 than to 20, which kind of sucks. But, the week's gotten better as it's progressed, and I'm feeling good about this year overall.

For my birthday, my parents got me a new macro/portrait lens, and it finally came in the mail today :) I took it on an inaugural photo shoot walk around the block with Charlie and Lucy tonight. Check out one of my shots above, without editing; a ton more should be posted on flickr soon.

Updates and web finds and music and things to come, probably this weekend. I miss you, little blogosphere...

Catching Up

Oh, hi! Did you forget that I was here? I kind of did; I'm sorry. Since last chatting, I've been super busy...

Charlie and I spent a long weekend out in New Hampshire at Rockywold-Deephaven Camps, celebrating the marriage of Charlie and Courtney Cave. They are two of the most charismatic, smiley, and welcoming people that I have ever met, and they really do make a perfect match!

Though we got our fair share of rain, the heavens opened up for the beautiful ceremony outdoors. We got in lots of dancing, delicious food, nature watching, and drinking (open stocked bar at all hours, yeesh!). I have very few photos of the wedding events and guests, but here are a couple that I shot of peaceful Squam Lake:

Squam Lake

Squam Lake

Since then, I've also started my full-year fourth year externship at Children's Memorial. I'm super excited and can already tell that I will love it and not want to leave. Testing and working with kids can be hilarious, challenging, heart-breaking, and inspiring, and it makes the days go by quickly.

Other than that, today Lucy and I are waiting for delicious almond croissants from Alliance Bakery and then getting ready for an afternoon of music (including Blane Fonda!) at Green Music Fest in Wicker Park. It's the first time that Lucy will get to hear Charlie's band!

Patio Poppies

Lovely Poppies on my back porch :)

One of my very favorite types of flowers!

Love You

"You could search the world and never find anyone more deserving your love than yourself."

- Buddha (via)

Semicolons

"Here is a lesson in creative writing. First rule: do not use semicolons. They are transvestite hermaphrodites representing absolutely nothing. All they do is show you've been to college. And I realize some of you may be having trouble deciding whether I am kidding or not. So from now on I will tell you when I'm kidding. For instance, join the National Guard or the Marines and teach democracy. I'm kidding."

- Kurt Vonnegut

(Err, uh, I use semicolons a LOT.)


(Also, I don't know why the font is showing up small here. Blogger's not really letting me change it...)

Feelin hot, hot, hot

By the way, it's a scorcher out there. Don't forget to give your plants (and yourself) an extra large drink today!!

What am I doing this morning?

I'm drinking coffee at the kitchen table, listening to the most amazing iTunes Genius playlist (created off of "Absolutely Cuckoo" by The Magnetic Fields), and exploring the endless internet.

via thxthxthx

You may remember that I have two weeks off until I begin a full-time, year long internship. So, I'm trying to pack in a lot of relaxation and me-time.

This is my to-do list for today, and also basically always:

- Yoga

- 40 loads of laundry*

- Take clothes to dry cleaners*

- Clean 

- Read

- Carve print-making block

- Plan trip to Paris

- Paint

- Learn sign language via Comcast OnDemand (in Kids -> Activity, if interested)

- Make no-knead bread

- Go to Target**

* These are the things I really should do, but probably won't.

** This is what I should not do, but almost absolutely will.

What is on your always to-do list?

Tuesday

"In increments both measurable and not, our childhood is stolen from us - not always in one momentous event, but often in a series of small robberies, which add up to the same loss."

- John Irving (Until I Find You)


Also, I'm a little obsessed with this isn't happiness.

Seasons

Found via i love charts

I love this! This chart could just as easily read "Chicago Seasons." We've absolutely skipped spring over here and jumped right into sweaty summertime. Temperatures have been in the high 80s-low 90s the past couple of days, and while I love it and won't complain, my body (and closet) just have not acclimated yet.

Oh, also... did I mention yet that I'm basically done with my 3rd year of school/clinic?! Presented my research, submitted my final manuscript, said goodbye to all of the wonderful people over at UIC... now two weeks of reading and vegging and cleaning and organizing and weddings and getting outdoors before I start my full-time 4th year externship :)

That's No Way to Say Goodbye

Phosphorescent covers Leonard Cohen. Yes yes yes!

(found via bferry.wordpress.com)

Trader Joe's Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese

On the left!!! (photo via lemons and lavender)

I am OBSESSED. I just finished the tub and really need more (anyone?). TJ's is the best.

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope you are all grilling out and enjoying the already fabulous weather today. It will be a very exciting and much needed 89 degrees and sunny here in Chicago!

One quick grumble - do any of you watch Happy Endings? It's an ABC show that came out in April. The first few episodes are pretty weak, but it gets a lot better as it goes on. Buuut, it's supposed to take place in Chicago, and it just really.. doesn't. The backdrops/scenery don't look anything like the city, and they just randomly throw in references to the Bulls, the Bears, or Millennium Park. Finally - last part of the rant - there was an entire episode about a food truck competition, and one of the character owns a food truck. Food trucks aren't legal in Chicago (well, see here)! Annoying. But I might keep watching.

Anyhow, some things to enjoy while at your computer today:

- Spex Club - a website where you can virtually try on frames and order up prescription glasses for only $88 (cheaper for readers). I'm thinking about ordering the Apprentice...

- Very cool cube project.

- "Furever" - a to-be-funded via Kickstarter documentary about pets, well, uh, just watch.

- I want this and this.

- Can't stop reading Ann Helen Peterson's academic celebrity blog. And I agree, see Bridesmaids! It was GREAT, even if the projector at Regal Cinemas stopped 5 times throughout our viewing.

- Just in case you haven't seen it yet (or in case you've forgotten), Carl.

Dancing Spider

See also this article on NPR. Excellent.

Safe House

whoa. (via the hairpin)

Essence

"Is it possible, in the final analysis, for one human being to achieve perfect understanding of another? We can invest enormous time and energy in serious efforts to know another person, but in the end, how close can we come to that person's essence? We convince ourselves that we know the other person well, but do we really know anything important about anyone?" 


- Haruki Murakami (again, from The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle)

A Few Things

I love it! Check it out larger here. (via pinterest)

Also:

The Wire in Victorian times?

Weird (via the Hairpin).

A sneak peak of Arcade Fire's extended version of The Suburbs.

Lovely Advice. Could have sworn I re-posted this earlier, but it appears not. Words to live by!

Beautiful new Bon Iver song here for free.

Finally, I just bought Gwyneth Paltrow's new-ish cookbook, My Father's Daughter, after reading such rave reviews. Regardless of what you may be thinking, check it out! Her recipes are fresh and use simple ingredients, and I really agree with her outlook on food. I made the Milanese Chicken with Endive and Gorganzola topping for dinner tonight, and it was to die for (if I may say so myself!).

Family Portraits

Wow. So interesting/cool/creepy/I kind of want one of my family.

Snoring

Happy Wednesday! 

I'm trying to finish up the first draft of my research manuscript while Sex and the City reruns and Lucy's snoring fill the room. What are you up to? Making your way over the mid-week hump with a smile?

Life in the Fast Lane

So, I'm riding the Damen bus to clinic this morning, and as we're stopped, I notice this guy zooming past us in the next lane using his electronic wheelchair.....

Oh.

By the way, I'm sick. It sucks, though my generic Claritin-D and non-stop Advil popping is helping (and keeping me super wide awake). I heard that allergy counts hit a 3-year high yesterday in Chicago.. interesting, eh?

Considering this week's presentation is the culmination of the past 5 months of research work, I'd really like  to get back to tip top shape asap. In the meantime, you can find me on the couch, power pointing and catching up on my dvr with Lucy and piles of kleenex (actually Puffs - better box decorations!).

What are YOU up to this weekend?

Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi

Listen to this. I like it... good for eating breakfast on the balcony in nice weather.

Monday

Busy couple of weeks I've got here... clinic and running subjects and crunching data and power pointing and appointments and car troubles oh my. Can't wait til May 20th.

p.s. I feel like there are way too many natural disasters these days. I heard somewhere that it's actually normal, if you look back over history.. but it seems like that can't be possible. I'm in awe and sadness looking at the Mississippi River flood devastation and trying to keep my stress in perspective.

Happy Mother's Day

I hope you are all enjoying your mothers this lovely Sunday :) I'm spending the morning relaxing with mine at her suburban kitchen table, working on power points, and thinking about a walk in the woods.

Happy Mother's Day to my silly/supportive/caring/overall wonderful mom, and to all those that came before her!

Concrete Block Towers

Inspired!

Hamster Friday

Little Lupin

Breakfasts

First of all, happy MAY! I can't believe/am thankful that it's May already/finally. This month is going to be a busy one. At least I've been able to ride my bike to clinic the past couple of days...

So, breakfasts. On Sunday, my parents came into town and took Charlie and I out to the most delicious brunch in Chicago (seriously) at Longman and Eagle. Check it out! But be prepared to wait, um, an hour to sit down, as reservations are not accepted.

This Roasted Asparagus with Crispy Prosciutto and Poached Egg recipe looks amazing. Hoping to try it this weekend; report back if you do it first, please.

Finally, right now before clinic... running late... I'm eating an individual Chobani yogurt with Milk and Honey granola. Another neighborhood favorite! The granola is like crack. You can buy bags of it at Cipollina.

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Happy Easter!

yum yum

Regardless of your faith/religion/beliefs, I hope today is filled with loved ones and chocolates and baby lambs (or, um, baby sheep aka lambs).

In Chicago, it should be a day of decent temps and clouds - which I'll take given that there are only 3 potentially non-rainy days on the 10-day forecast. It was beautiful yesterday, and I took my inaugural bike ride of the season over to the paper machete (which was GREAT all around, btw). 10 miles there and back, and now I can barely sit down. Whoops.

Wednesday

Oh but it did! So clever.

I hope you are joyfully skipping your way over the hump of this cold week today :)

Meanwhile,

- Schizophrenia at the molecular level: interesting and quite pretty.

- Take a time-lapsed spring break with Gawker in the Canary Islands. And then, please buy me these.

- The invisible man (originally sighted via Cup of Jo).

- Tickled Penguin.

- OK Go's really enjoyable anthem-ish Greatest Song I Ever Heard.

- Holy wow.

- Now I'm wondering what Lucy's diary says.

Twin Peaks...

... is streaming in full on Netflix. Woo hoooo!

Snow

This is the view from my front window this morning. April snow showers bring May flowers?

Ugh.

Insights

“And when the event, the big change in your life, is simply an insight – isn’t that a strange thing? That absolutely nothing changes except that you see things differently and you’re less fearful and less anxious and generally stronger as a result: isn’t it amazing that a completely invisible thing in your head can feel realer than anything you’ve experienced before? You see things more clearly and you know that you’re seeing them more clearly. And it comes to you that this is what it means to love life, this is all anybody who talks seriously about God is ever talking about. Moments like this.” – Sylvia, on p. 302 of Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections

p.s. Only an average of three stars on Amazon? I loved this book; don't be put off.

Also, this:

Thanks, Hairpin!

Happy Weekend

Dreaming of nice weather...

It's Saturday! What are you up to today? If you're in Chicago, I hope you have a relaxing day planned indoors. My very exciting day will be spent running two research subjects and then looking after a small gaggle of kids. 

(Have I mentioned that, btw? I'm working on a study looking at semantics and sarcasm in children with hearing loss.... Do YOU know a 6-9 year old? Would he/she like to participate??)

Some things to check out:

- I can't get enough of Jim Sullivan's UFO and am in fact listening right now. More info on the album and the eerie backstory here.

- I love these photos.

- Cute graphic of how men and women see color. What if you're colorblind, like me?

- Jane Feltes produces NPR's The American Life. Perhaps more importantly, she also writes a very enjoyable beauty column here on the hairpin. She is like the patient older sister you never had in her video tutorials and Q&As, and I promise you will read all her posts and want to be her friend.

- I want this (the deer one). Weird or cute?

Finally, RIP to the World's Oldest Man, Walter Breuning, who passed away today after 114 years. Read this interview on his survival skills (including wearing a hearing aid, because "when you can't hear, you can't do nothin'.")

The Ides of April

It's mid-April, and Chicago is back to being cold. It's grey and gross out and just started raining a few minutes ago. I'm over it.

But, regardless... We got a grill! And flowers! I'm borderline obsessed with our little urban deck sanctuary. It won't be in use today (and maybe not even soon), but I have a bird feeder and citronella candles all set for the next sunny day/balmy night. Check it out:

In other news, Blane Fonda has been recording a new album for a little while now, and the tracks I've heard sound great so far. To help with the costs, they've created a kickstarter page, where you can pledge some moolah in exchange for their goods/talents/services. Please check it out, if only to watch this video. It's worth it!

p.s. I know that my April posts so far have been pretty weak/sparse. I've honestly been really busy, but more than anything, I've felt like I hit a creative roadblock and was convinced that nobody read this anyway. But you know, I got a (very appreciated) message today from an old friend complimenting 1048, and I looked over all my posts, and, well, I really like this little ol' blog. So, I'm trying to keep writing. Keep reading :)

The Cold Hard City

I think this post's title is probably a little dramatic, but you know, I'm on the bus, and these are just the things I come up with on the bus.

Anyhow. This morning, I got on this same bus on my way to clinic and sat down next to someone about half-way down. I spent the next, say, 20 minutes on my phone reading Google reader and playing sudoku, and then I got up to stand by the back door and wait for my stop.

And then! The girl I had been sitting next to stood up, and I realized that it was one of my fellow audiology interns! We both had been too zoned into our little morning worlds to even look at each other or notice. Crazy, right? But also kind of typical... I don't know what I'm saying. On the bus, remember?

Did you know....?

Blogspot has added 5 different ways to view my blog (and everyone else's, probably, too)! As someone who likes info presented in various attractive and graphical ways, this is kind of exciting.

Clicky-click here (http://tenforty-eight.blogspot.com/view/mosaic). Flip through the views using the little button at the top... I think my favorite is the mosaic.

You can also just add "/view" to any blogspot blog address.

FUN, right? A little?

Some pups

A handful of Cute Overload for you this sunny Tuesday:

Hair Emergency

Boo and also Boo (Facebook)

What's that sound? I like that sound. I love that sound.

It's the sound of my shoes.

I've visited this video over and over (and over) for the past two years, and I figured it needed to be shared in case you missed it. I genuinely love this and really have no idea why. Enjoy!

Wednesday Morning

"Beware the barrenness of a busy life." - Socrates. (Just thinking.)

What are you up to today? 

This morning, I'm reading a book of short stories (No One Belongs Here More Than You), drinking coffee, and craving some music from St. Vincent. (My dad might call all of these things "hipster" (except for the coffee maybe, he drinks that too).) Then I'm off to appointments and errands. 

I hope your Wednesday is deliiiiightful and not busy and not bare.

Btw, construction began on my upstairs neighbor's rooftop deck at 6:55am, right outside my back porch and bedroom; very nice wakeup on my day off, no? I want to do something about this, as I really don't think that's legal in Chicago, but... ugh. Advice?

Oh hi!

I'm still here. I just started a new quarter, new clinic. Been busy, have things on the mind, you know...?

Don't worry, I've been keeping up with my google reader on the bus and will update you on something interesting soon. For now, this.

The Morning Benders - Japan Echo EP

Another music post, but I think this one is important:

The Morning Benders is one of my very favorite bands. Besides having excellent music, they've seemed to be downright friendly and genuine guys, happily chatting away with listeners after their Lincoln Hall show last year.

Anywho, they've created a "very special EP" to support the Japan Society's Earthquake Relief Fund - a cause close to their heart, as their own Chris Chu is originally from Japan. Check out the deets, donate, and download here.

Also, a cow.

I'm still on break with some time to do whatever I'd like, so this afternoon I painted a Kentucky cow.

On the road just a few days ago, I spotted this guy and a bunch of his friends/family. The painting is acrylic on canvas, 4 ft long x 3 ft tall. I was a little unsure about it at first, but I'm warming up to him as the night goes on.....

p.s. This photo was taken on my cell phone, so it's not the best quality, but you get the picture.

Wye Oak

I love Wye Oak. Do you?

I'm a little late in the game here, but I just found out that they have a new album out.... thinking a little trip to Reckless is in store now. Check out the lovely/epic first track here.

The Fun Theory

How cool is this?

Road Trip Eats and Drinks

Cortadito and Sugar Cane at Havana Rumba, Louisville

YUM. Cuban espresso + cream. Much needed for the final leg of the drive.

Jack's BBQ, Nashville

MMM. Turkey, mac&cheese, apples, cornbread. Line out the door here.

Mike's Ice Cream Fountain, Nashville

YUM. Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream in a cone, plus a crazy person yelling about something beeping. (Except the person was only part crazy, because my cell phone was in fact beeping and I was just oblivious....)

Pulled Chicken, Hog Heaven, Nashville

DELISH. Pulled chicken w/white BBQ sauce, cole slaw, and pickles on cornbread bun. Side of potato salad. One of my personal favorites!

55 South, Franklin, TN

Sluuurp. Phenomenal seafood gumbo and bottomless mimosas. Great decor. Another definite favorite.

Milk climbing wall at Fair Oaks Farm, Indiana

Aww. Baby cows, born just today (we didn't eat these). Ate a ton of cheese samples and took 3 bricks of cheese and a half gallon of nonfat milk to go.

PHEW! (We did eat at some other places, as well. Of special note, Suzy Wong's House of Yum, a sort of Asian tapas spot, was interesting and delicious.)

Chicago Rain

We're back! Had a wonderful trip: took hundreds of photos, feasted on many bbq meals, walked and hiked until our feet were crying, saw the sites (the Parthenon, Music Row, Franklin TN, a dairy farm?, and more), heard amazing and free country music, and had some not-so-wonderful car trouble.

Thank you for patience; I'll update more once I get through my email inbox and have a chance to unpack and upload photos.

Weekend Weather

weather.com

And a high of 74 deg on Monday. I'll take it!!!

Some Things

A Lone Ranger

Lately, and not so lately:

- Photography is Easy, Photography is Hard

- YUM. Was going to say that summer evenings can't come soon enough, but these delicious looking snacks were made in the toaster oven!!

- The Ten Most Memorable Guest Stars of The Adventures of Pete and Pete. I can't wait until Nickelodeon begins to air episodes again in the fall! (Also hoping there's more news coming that Salute Your Shorts will be a part of the group...)

- Wanted: Flowering Oregano

- A Lie of the Mind... "Brain tumors are funny, but they're not hilarious." (Thanks, The Hairpin!)

- I made this Meyer Lemon Shaker Pie. Thought it was pretty delicious, minus the rinds. If you don't have a mandolin, I suggest peeling the lemons first (and then you don't have to worry about slicing your finger like I did).

- Yes, yes, and yes

- Runway Shows by Print. I'm really feeling most of these! (via)

- Brass cow head necklace. 

I'll leave you with that!

Louis Siciliano, 88

To me, you will always be Santa on Christmas Eve. Rest in Peace, Uncle Lou, and please say hi to Grandma Mary for us...

Chicago Hot Pot?

So, last night, Charlie, my parents, and I ate at Pl8, an asian fusion restaurant out in the suburbs that my dad affectionately kept describing as "so city." Well, it was absolutely delicious. YUM, go now.

But really, I'm writing because the Chong Ching Noodle Soup was out of this world, and I'm craving more. The interweb tells me that it may have been a version of chongqin hotpot .... does anyone know where to find amazing hotpot in Chicago? Obviously Chinatown, but wheeerrrreeee?

SB11

Friday flowers from Dominicks :), mine

Hi all, sorry for the posting delay - it's been a busy, social, and gluttonous weekend for lil ol' me.

Meanwhile, I've been keeping Japan in my thoughts and hope you have too. The destruction is jaw-dropping, devastating, and terrifying. If you have the means, there are a number of sites set up accepting help and donations.

Considering what's going on abroad, I feel awkward mentioning anything else, but alas - life goes on.

Today begins Spring Break 2011 - my last sb of graduate school, and possibly, of life (hm, erase, I do not like this thought). I have a couple of meetings and things, but otherwise will spend the next few glorious days in pajamas, on the couch, reading, painting, organizing, staring at my giant new jade plant, watching bad daytime tv....

And, Charlie and I leave on Friday morning for Nashville. The internet tells me that temps will be in the high 70s... I am very, very excited, and still waiting on recommendations!!

Safe Wishes

Google's homepage just alerted me that there was an 8.9 earthquake in Japan, causing a tsunami alert for New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, and others. I know NZ has been hit hard recently. Just a post to say that I'm thinking of everyone - far away friends, friends' families, and strangers alike. Stay safe!

p.s. Photos of the aftermath in Japan here.

As Promised...

Sven Lucy

Here is what I call "Sven Lucy." Don't you think this would be a great portrait if Lucy was a Swiss expedition guide named Sven, and she was looking for a shot to post to her website and entice customers? So serious, windblown, and rustic.

And here, just another one you might enjoy...

Lu Smiling

I would say that she's not usually this creepy, but, well, she is.

EDIT: There's more where those came from.

Rice Pudding Gratin

"It’s like when you put instant rice pudding mix in a bowl in the microwave and push the button, and you take the cover off when it rings, and there you’ve got ricing pudding. I mean, what happens in between the time when you push the switch and when the microwave rings? You can’t tell what’s going on under the cover. Maybe the instant rice pudding first turns into macaroni gratin in the darkness when nobody’s looking and only then turns back into rice pudding. We think it’s only natural to get rice pudding after we put rice pudding mix in the microwave and the bell rings, but to me, that is just a presumption. I would be kind of relieved if, every once in a while, after you put rice pudding mix in the microwave and it rang and you opened the top, you got macaroni gratin. I suppose I’d be shocked, of course, but I don’t know, I think I’d be kind of relieved too. Or at least I think I wouldn’t be so upset, because that would feel, in some ways, a whole lot more real." 


(From Haruki Murakami's The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle - one of my very favorite books of all time)

Free Printable Compliments Poster

Head over to Kind Over Matter, print out this poster, and make some peoples' days!

via Cheryl Hayton's pinterest

Rain rain...

windowpane photo via spablab/Sean Benham

Hi everyone. Happy Wednesday - you're half way through the week!

Here in Chicago, it's dark and rainy and gloomy. Perfect kind of day for listening to Junip, wearing pajamas, and snuggling with a dog... though I'm in the suburbs, in clinic, with spotty internet. One more day (tomorrow), and I'm done for the quarter, with two weeks of break lying ahead of me!

Things I am excited about: the ton of photos I have to upload to my computer and play with, the pile of magazines I have to read, the 36" x 48" canvas I have to paint, my new running shoes, dinner with friends and family....

Charlie and I are also planning a little long weekend road trip to Nashville. Any suggestions for places to stop along the way or things to see in the T-N (is that a thing?)?

Finally - guess what? You can leave comments on here. You can also subscribe or follow me. Don't those things sound like fun? I may be updating later with a rustic mountain-climber-esque portrait of Lucy, so you should probably keep yourself in the 1048 loop.

Dog + Conga = Donga?

You're welcome.

(via Huffington Post)

Happy Friday!

Super adorable video above via The Hairpin (via Buzzfeed).

I'm really ready for the weekend, even if it does involve a numbing (hehe) visit to the dentist and running a research subject. It's dreary around here, but I kind of love it. I hope the weekend holds lots of fun/relaxation/loved ones for you!

Some more notes and things from the web lately...

- The Internet

- Tickets to Pitchfork Music Festival go on sale today. With Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes, Ariel Pink... looks like it will be a great time. Sadly, I won't see you there as I'll be here, in France, for my brother's wedding (or not so sadly, look at the place!).

- Craig Ferguson's very interesting reason for not making Charlie Sheen jokes

- National Geographic looks at the Most Typical Person in the World (via The Hairpin, what else)

- If you haven't heard yet, some crazy things went down during John Michael Bailey's Human Sexuality class at Northwestern. Here's Bailey's response.... oh, did I mention that I took this class as an undergraduate at NU? No motorized toys that I can remember, though.

Lastly, I hate Safari. It keeps freezing and shutting down on me. I've had it with you, Safari! I know I keep way too many tabs open at once, but still. No more. Anyone else have a Mac and enjoy a lot of tabs at the same time? Suggestions for which browser really is the best? (I've used Safari, Firefox, and Chrome and just can't decide.)

Bertrum Thumbcat

Thank you, The Awl!

The Fish Agility Training Set

Hammacher Schlemmer has a vast array of amazing pet products, but I think that the Fish Agility Training Set might just have to be my favorite. I wish with my whole heart that I could embed the video, but you'll have to hop on over to their website to watch (but please do, it's pretty remarkable).

March

Balboa Island lemons

Happy March to you all! I hope you remembered to say Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit this morning... (was I the only one who grumbled every month after forgetting to say that as a child?)

Some things:

- From a while ago... but thank you Liz Colville for pointing this out.

- Framed's recipe for Five Minute Hummus looks easy, cheap, and delicious. Can't wait to try.

- I really like photographer Irina Werning's Back to the Future collection of childhood photos, reenacted.

- The Low Anthem is SO good, and their new album is streaming in full here on npr.

Also, I know such talented/witty/bright people (!):

- What to do when a crazy middle school acquaintance contacts you on LinkedIn? Charlie denies a request to connect, on Gizmodo.

- My professor, Valeriy Shafiro, was featured on Chicago Public Radio's Clever Apes recently, talking about his cochlear implant research. I'm a little biased, but this is really fascinating stuff.

i in sin sing sting string staring starting startling

By Bay-area artist Tauba Auerbach, via Daily Serving

Startling: the only 9-letter word in the English language where you can remove a letter at a time and still spell a word.

Cooking

 

Delicious Greek Baked Fish (recipe from Rachael Ray)

"If you are careful,' Garp wrote, 'if you use good ingredients, and you don't take any shortcuts, then you can usually cook something very good. Sometimes it is the only worthwhile product you can salvage from a day; what you make to eat. With writing, I find, you can have all the right ingredients, give plenty of time and care, and still get nothing. Also true of love. Cooking, therefore, can keep a person who tries hard sane."

- John Irving (The World According to Garp)

BF's New Site

Hey, internet! Charlie plays guitar in a talented and fun "dance rock" band named Blane Fonda, and they've got themselves a brand new website! Please do yourselves a favor and check it out here. 

Blane's currently in the studio recording their first full-length album.... in fact, Charlie is plucking the strings over at Gravity Studios as we speak. Go ahead and listen to their ep, Master of Stars and Broken Arms (through their website, Amazon or iTunes or, um, me), and get excited for their new stuff.

Sorry for the shameless plug, but REALLY, they're great.

Farewell, Earwax

via

I'm so sorry and disappointed to read today that Earwax Cafe is closing on Feb. 28th. Charlie and I have had a number of long byob date nights at this eclectic vegetarian spot, and their goat cheese quesadillas will be sincerely missed. Best wishes!

p.s. While flickr searching for an Earwax photo, I stumbled upon a pretty authentic mini (12 x 12 inch) diorama that MarthaLand made for a wedding present - apparently the bride and groom met there. Cute! Check it out for some interior shots.

UPDATE: March 11, 2011, Chicagoist has alerted us that Earwax has decided not to close after all. Apparently the menu is being revamped, and the restaurant will be reopened tomorrow at 11am. Yay!

Note to the Weather

Oh hi, Wintry Mix, I thought you had left already. As much as I enjoy not knowing whether to expect snow or hail or rain, I'm ready for sunshine and short sleeves. Please go away for real and tell your friends Freezing Cold and Blustery Wind to join you.

xo,
Lauren

Half-wit

via A Journey Round My Skull via Erik K. at Falling and Laughing

Top Chef (spoiler)

We finally got around to watching this week's Top Chef All Stars, and all I have to say is.... ANGELO?!? NOOOOOoooo. No.

Lotus Flower

In case you haven't seen this yet... new Radiohead.

DIY Doll Drawer Pulls

Uhhm.

Are you interested in a new look for your dresser or cabinets? This morning, Apartment Therapy posted a link about making your own doll drawer pulls. What a delightful addition to a bathroom renovation for a "somewhat atypical daughter!"

Wednesday

Ahhh hump day. How is everyone's week going? Making it through?

For me, it's one of those days - gloomy, busy, meh. Here's a little cute overload to cheer me/you up:

Feist on Sesame Street

:)

via meiko's blog

p.s. In case you haven't heard her music, meiko is also pretty amazing! Listen here.

Valentine's Message from Lucy

Happy Valentine's Day!

Charlie and I are starting off our day appropriately with some Intelligentsia Eros coffee. We're thinking of celebrating tonight by making dinner together. Any good recipe ideas?

Also, check out photographer Lauren Fleishman's sweet love ever after project, a collection of photographs of and quotes from long-lasting loving couples.

Finally, Lucy had a couple of messages for you:

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love Stinks!

Saturday

Charlie, Lucy, and I are starting off our weekend lazily with coffee, the couch, reading, writing, and The Wedding Singer (how amazing is that movie?). We're thinking of the Chicago Auto Show this afternoon, even though it will only make me want to buy a new car when I know I can't...

Last night, we watched It's Kind of a Funny Story. Anyone else see it? I'd wanted to go when it was in theatres, but somehow missed it... anyhow, it was great! Strong recommend. Zach Galifianakis proves himself ever more likeable as a person and capable as both a serious and comedic actor, and I really liked Keir Gilchrist as the main character, Craig (he actually looks like a high school kid!).

Some things from around the interweb lately:

- Adele's new album "21" is streaming in its entirely here on npr. Listen; it's lovely.

- These Nanaimo Bars look aaaamazing.

- Nice new Threadless ad, taped in my hood!

- Every guy should probably read this. Cough cough.

- I want this bag!

- Shout out to Tom Thunder, a professor of mine, for consulting on this wsj article.

P.S. I took the photo above last year on Hilton Head Island, SC. Just reminding all of us midwesterners what warmth and green look like...

Valentine's Dessert, anyone?

Melanie over at You Are My Fave just posted directions for these adorable "choco-bowls of love." They appear so easy that I might have to hunt down some heart-shaped baking dishes (or star shaped? or farm animal shaped? The options are endless!) and try it myself...

Check them out here.

Souls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Brenda Gonzalez's lovely and well-done graphic design portfolio

Just something to think about this Wednesday morning...