The Little Things

{Sunday morning coffee in my favorite mug}

This past weekend was full of both relaxation and chaos. Amongst the cleaning, laundry, studying, and relaxing quietly, the weekend felt over too quickly, even though we watched the fabulous VMAs. In my family, we call it getting the “Sunday Blues;” that looming Monday feeling when you start to think about everything that must be done early the next morning. To prolong productivity this a.m., here are a few things from this past weekend that reminded me to take a step back and appreciate the little things: 

{Payton sleeping with her head on my leg}

{A game of kings that brought back some college memories}

{Peaceful view of Olive Park from our dining room}

{Enjoying an El Guapo from Salsa 17}

{My Beaver's Donuts...so delicious}

Unsolicited Advice

Today’s post is short and sweet. If you have been working hard…play hard; I am going to start with a Beaver’s Donut this afternoon (found near here). Have a great weekend!!

10 Must-Visit Bars: Gold Coast/Streeterville

In four short weeks, I will be finished with all dental school applications and the waiting game will begin. In an effort to be more social and take advantage of the city (and celebrate), I am putting together a series of posts highlighting the 10 must-visit bars for this fall and winter. I will pick my favorite cocktail at each location and post a celebratory picture on instagram…but not all on the same day J. The first edition highlights my neighborhood, but stay tuned for Lincoln Park, Bucktown/Wicker Park, and River North!

1. 

2.

3.

1.      Zebra Lounge

2.      Pump Room

3.      Streeter’s

4.

5.

6.

7.

4.      Drumbar

5.      The J Parker

6.      TR Napa Valley

7.      La Grande Vie

8.

9.

10.

8.      NoMI Lounge

9.      Quay

10.  Cru

Honorable Mentions: Bistrot Zinc (for mimosas seen here), ENO (for wine of course!)

Asparagus and Arugula Salad

Last time I went to California Pizza Kitchen I had the Asparagus and Arugula Salad. We went for lunch and I didn’t want my traditional order of sesame dumplings and a small pizza. Long story short I made a good choice and tried my best to re-create the salad at home. Here is my take on it:

Salad:

-        1 bushel of fresh asparagus

-        1 package of fresh arugula

-        1 cup of sundried tomatoes

-        ¼ cup pine nuts

-        Shaved parmesan cheese (optional)

Dressing:

-        ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

-        2 tbsp lemon juice

-        Pinch of pepper

-        Pinch of sea salt

Immediately start boiling a pot of water for the asparagus and salt the water. While waiting for the water to boil, thoroughly wash the asparagus and arugula, placing each into separate bowls.

Cut the bottom two inches off of the asparagus and discard. Continue to cut freshly washed asparagus into two inch sections; set aside. Rinse off sundried tomatoes, pat dry, and cut into small pieces and set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the dressing.

Once water is boiling, blanch the asparagus until it is bright green (about 2-5 minutes depending on size) and immediately transfer into a bowl of ice water to arrest cooking. While asparagus cools, mix arugula, pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes into serving bowl. Add the chilled asparagus. Coat with dressing and garnish with parmesan curls. Add salt and pepper to taste. Ready to serve!