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!