morning routine

So I'm happy today to get the pictures of my face away from the forefront of the blog (an image of my profile is much better).  Was starting to feel a little silly about that.... just large pictures of my face. (But I will continue to plug the give-away!)

Today I share with you my morning routine.  Marissa of the boot shared hers this week and I thought it a dashing idea.  It's fun to realize others also stumble around in the morning somehow checking items off their list.  And Marissa's routine is so inspirational and productive, it made me think about my own. (Do you taste what I'm feeding you?  If you haven't already gone over to Marissa's blog, do it.)

::my morning routine::

5:40am Alarm goes off and husband gets up to let the pup out, while I get up, stumble to the closet and put gym clothes on.

5:50am Pup is back inside, and I take time to greet her. We (ok I, the pup can't talk) call this our "cuddle time" ~ because every morning she crawls right into my lap and wants to stay there for as long as she can. I soak her love all in.

6:00am  Hit the gym. This usually entails at least a 5 minute warm up as my body is still waking up.

7:10am Home from the gym. This is probably my favorite part of the day! I put the coffee on, and play with pup until it's ready.  Then I make my breakfast, and sit down to enjoy while catching up on my favorite blogs on Google Reader with the news on TV in the background.

7:30am Get ready for the day!  Even though I work from home, I like to shower and do my hair and make-up.  I find it helps keep me feeling human.  And this way, when someone shows up at the door at noon (delivery guy, neighbor) I'm not still in my robe...(not like that's ever happened)

8:15am Ready to start the work day.  My commute is a grand zero minutes, as I sit down in my office, close the door, and work...

So I'm curious, what do you all do with your morning routine?

Help choose my headshot and WIN your own!

I've narrowed it down to four final options ~ vote for your favorite and help me decide!

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, chances are you've heard my excited chirps around my recent experience with 312 Elements Photography.  I recently went in to Michael Schacht's studio for a photo shoot for my new social media picture.  I wasn't sure what to expect walking in, but Michael did such a fantastic job and I left confident he'd captured me with my best chin forward. ;)  In talking to Michael I found a photographer who is interested in getting to know the person before setting you in front of the camera.  He was down to earth, talented, and professional.  Walking into his Chicago West Loop studio, I was not only put at ease right away, but was happy to chat Michael up about Chicago restaurants and the like.

And since I don't like to yap on about myself all the time, 312 Elements Photography is giving one lucky reader their own headshot photo session!  After going through the process I'm convinced every blogger, author, dater, professional, and social media aficionado should have one!  And now here's your chance.

To enter you must:

1. "Like" the 312 Elements Facebook page
2. Comment on this post (and make sure we know how to contact you!)

For extra entries you may (up to 3 additional entries!):

1. Follow me on Google Friend Connect
2. "Like" City Girl Chicago's Facebook page
3. Tweet this give-away (and copy me ~ @citygirlchicago)

Winner announced Wednesday, November 2nd.  Good luck!

OMG Crock Pot Ribs

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These ribs are so good I've coined them "OMG Ribs".  Because that's what I was proclaiming as I gobbled down this meal.  I broke out my slow cooker recently (as there's now a chill in the Chicago air), and I'm a bit obsessed.  I'm thinking a slow-cook meal once a week is a definite must.  I know I'm stating the obvious to many, but if you haven't gotten on the slow cook bandwagon you absolutely must give it a try!  What is not to love about throwing ingredients in the pot, letting them simmer all day while you enjoy the aromas filling your home, and then sitting down to a tasty meal that tastes like you slaved for hours?

OMG Ribs {aka Korean Ribs}
from Make it Fast, Cook it Slow
Serves 4

ingredients::
4 lbs ribs (I used beef flank ribs, but short ribs work too)
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup gluten-free soy sauce
1/2 cup water
5 whole jalapeno peppers

preparation::
In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, put the ribs in the pot.  Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, water, and whole jalapenos (don't cut them! leave them whole).
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, flipping once.  If you're out of the house all day, flip them when you get home so the other side of the ribs gets saturated while you change your clothes and set the table.  Serve with rice and veggies.

OMG!

Nail Color of the Week

This normally is not a beauty blog, as I don't consider myself an expert in the category.  But after a few Friday Food for Thoughts focused on the inner-self, I figured it's about time I evened things out a bit and allowed myself a post purely on outer beauty.  A girl's gotta maintain herself afterall.

This week I'm sporting Essie's Smokin' Hot.  I. love. it.  It's this beautiful amethyst-gray, and has set me in the perfect mood for the fall weather that's rolling in.  (Side note ~ I found this post about how close this color is to Chanel's Paradoxal really interesting.)

So, I want to know ~ what are your favorite polish colors this season?  I have a few business meetings coming up where I'm looking for some nail colors that are both of the moment but not too wild ~ any thoughts?

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{count blessings, not sheep}

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It was one evening I was feeling particularly stressed out with work, when I went to make my tea and the little tab on the tea bag stared back at me with this delightful saying printed on it:

 ~ Don't count sheep.  Count blessings, then sleep. ~

It resonated with me, particularly that evening. I reveled in the thought.  Why is it that sheep are what was chosen to 'count' anyway? 

I was taught as a child a simple mantra I still say today along the same lines.

~ Thanks for everything. I have no complaints. Whatsoever. ~

Just the thought of feeling thankful for each and every little moment in life makes me feel better.  I repeat the mantra in my mind, then I start thinking about what I'm thankful for that day.  I remember starting out with the big, obvious and tangible as a little kid.  "I'm thankful for my room and toys!"  But the more I repeated the mantra, the more I started to believe it in every sense of the word.  The focus evolved from the material to the immaterial, "I'm thankful for the love of my grandma" to even finding I can be thankful for what could easily be seen as a negative.  "I'm thankful for that stressful situation at work, it made me reflect on how I approach situations and I know I'll take that with me into my next encounter."

Some may call me an eternal optimist, and I won't disagree. But who's to say that's a bad thing?  If you can turn your lowest points in life into positive reflections, then perhaps this give you the strength to conquer anything.  I like to think this is how so many people turn their meager beginnings into a life they're proud of, how illness is beaten, how inspiration is formed.

So count blessings, not sheep.  Even though they're downright cute.

Friday's Food for Thought ~

Eating Vegan at Karyn's

 

 
How can I be writing about a vegan meal, if pictured are creamy soups, crab cakes and gelato you ask?

If you're from Chicago, chances are you've heard of the empire Karyn Calabrese has created in vegan dining.  Karyn's Raw Cafe, Karyn's Cooked, Karyn's on Green.  Each restaurant offers a unique twist on eating vegan (and makes it sexy).  I love that in a city practically built on meat and potatoes, a chic vegan restaurant is not only not out of place, but is thriving. 

The husband and I ventured over to Karyn's on Green one recent Friday evening probably out of curiousity more than anything else.  To be honest, we weren't sure what to expect. Will I like eating an entire vegan meal?  Is the menu honestly 100% vegan? (As you peruse it, you'll notice many menu items cite meat - or rather 'meat'). 

But even the husband, with his fanatical obsession with lean meat protein, was willing to give it a shot.

First things first, we sat down at a table which had a view of the entire Sears tower (no, I will never call it "Willis").  The beautiful floor to ceiling window is perfectly placed to capture one of Chicago's architectural landmarks, and sets a stunning backdrop to your dinner. The restaurant atmosphere itself is not shabby either, with a lofted open second floor of dining so indicative of West Loop living.

And to sit down and dine is an experience. We started with soups ~ the husband with raw broccoli, and me with butternut squash.  I was so envious of the husband's pick, that it prompted me to look up if Karyn's holds any cooking classes (they do!), as I want that recipe!  Karyn, if you're out there, you're welcome over any time; I'm just a short walk from your restaurant, and if we can cook up that broccoli soup I will forever be your friend.

Then the magic started happening. Through our entrees we discovered the creativity behind the concept. Crab cakes which weren't crab at all, but a simple recipe using corn meal. Barbeque 'pork' which when slathered with the smoky homemade BBQ sauce could have had me fooled in a taste test.  The genious of vegan cooking for those who appreciate the flavors found only in meat, fish, dairy.  Or apparently, I stand corrected, as I tasted those flavors at Karyn's.

And how was the gelato so rich and downright creamy?  I loved it more than real gelato! I'm telling you now, I don't think this is the last time I write about Karyn.  I intend to seek out her other restaurants and am now curious to attend a class.  And have her over to share her secrets with me. :)

I'm so curious to know, does the idea of vegan 'meat' appeal to all vegans?  And are there restaurants in your cities which follow a similar formula?

On the Pumpkin bandwagon {pumpkin bread!}

If you read any number of blogs or cooking magazines, you know October is the month of the pumpkin. Pumpkin soup, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin whoopie pies. So I decided to jump on the bandwagon, and tested out a pumpkin bread recipe this weekend.

Not only is the bread a winner, if it doesn't put you in the mood for the season I don't know what will.  It's the perfect way to whet the appetite for Thanksgiving's pumpkin pie, spiced just right with cinnamon and clove.  Going into my bookmarks under "perfect fall hostess gift."

Pumpkin Bread with Pecans
adapted from The Culinary Works

ingredients::
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

¼ cup all purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 cup canned pumpkin (not including pie spice)

½ cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

¼ cup plain applesauce

½ cup mashed ripe banana

1 egg

½ cup milk

¼ cup sugar

½ cup pecans to mix in, and a little extra to sprinkle on top

preparation::

Combine the first six dry ingredients in a bowl.  In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ingredients without incorporating too much air into the mixture. Fold in the dry ingredients just until they are mixed.

Spray a loaf pan and bake the bread at 350 degrees for 45 mins to 1 hour. (Or try as muffins in a lined muffin tin!)

What did you all cook up and eat this weekend?

Dining Area Reveal

If you remember, we moved into our condo in the city in March of this year and then almost immediately got distracted with this little nugget we brought home.  So for a while, our dining area remained looking largely like this:


{via the real estate listing}

Not bad, but not quite my taste.  The walls were too green for my liking, and it lacked any real personality.
I started looking for dining room furniture, and talked about how I loved the contrast of light upholstered chairs paired with a dark wood table top.  I also liked the use of less traditional seating.

{a photo I kept for inspiration}

And so I looked. I found. And I convinced the husband I'd found the perfect "set" for us. Only it wasn't a set at all ~ the chairs were found at a different source from the table and bench.  It was a little scary never seeing the two together until they were in our home ~ it took scouring inspirational photos and creating photoshop collages for me to be certain they would work together.

{an example of my collaging ~ went through many different options before landing here}

We opted for a table which extends to fit ten, sitting six comfortably when closed.  A bench on one side saves a little bit of room, as our living space is completely open concept.  And the chairs?  I mean... I adore them. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, they're also downright comfortable.  And what can I say?  I'm a sucker for their hammered nailhead trim.

And so we had a nice thing going, but it wasn't quite there...But with minimal accesorizing and a pop of fantastic art, I'm sold the room is undoubtedly us now.  Not to mention personal.  My fantastically talented brother painted this piece for us.  I love the urban edge the painting gives the space...

{chairs, table, bench + sheepskin}

We will probably add in a small console table or bar cart, but I'm loving the way this area has come together thus far. And I'm ready to host {my first} Thanksgiving at the table!

{find your inner peace}

Some days, the world seems to whirl circles around us, and it's hard to tell upside down from right side up.  The baby is crying, or the dog is barking, or the pot is boiling, or the TV seems to be yelling, or those unanswered emails in your inbox are just staring you in the face, and life seems to be one chaotic tornado that is closing in on you.  Breathe.

Does it sound all too familiar?  Now think.  What can you change?  Can you stop the dog from barking, or the baby from crying, or the email from getting sent?  No.  So what do you do?

{find your inner peace}

{images}

How?  However you like.  Sound facetious?  But it's not. Who's to tell you how to find your inner peace.  Remember, the route by which you go isn't important, it's all about your destination.  The point is that you try.  We try.  A little bit.  Every day.

Friday's Food for Thought ~

Pardon me {while I tend to my little fleabag}

As in my little pup.  Yes, this adorable little monster has fleas.  The worst part about it is, I feel bad to see her itch.  Apparently the monthly pill she takes only protects against the baby fleas, so when she came in contact with the mommas and poppas, she became a fleabag. 

And now I've been scurrying around scouring the house, back and forth to the vet, etc, etc.  This should all be taken care of within 24 hours... phew.

When she's not itching or scratching, she's still doing adorable quirky little things like this.

Anyone else's dog go through this?  How did you cope?  Anyone else's dog howl with sirens? :)

Artist Spotlight ~ Susan Grossman



'Walking the Dog'

I come from an artistic family.  A very artistic family. Sometimes I feel quite like the "black sheep" because I didn't pursue an artistic career. My mother is an art teacher, and in her former years, did watercolors (which she still dapples in), and jewelry design. My dad works at a custom frame studio in Chicago. We grew up visiting my dad at work to see a client's Picasso or check out the Gerhard Richters which flank the showroom walls. My brother is in art school, and has crazy modern talent. Oh yeah, not to mention my uncle who is also an artist and former art teacher, and my cousin who is a successful artist. You can imagine the conversations we have around the dinner table.

But I like to think the creativity is still in my blood, and what I've learned in my life being surrounded by art has helped shape who I am today. I'm by no means an expert, but I've been surrounded by experts and the works of master artists my whole life ~ that has to have rubbed off somehow right? 

So I thought perhaps I'd share some of the art I've grown up loving and new discoveries of talent in an artist spotlight series. Hopefully you'll also find some inspiration in the artists' work.

So, shall we?

While meandering the aisles of art shows there are many works that catch my eye.  But when a piece keeps calling me to come back, to have another look, take a friend or relative over to see it, I know I've found something special.

'Wet Shoes'

'Pavement Reflections'

'Barrier'
{images courtesy of the Jerald Melberg Gallery}

Susan Grossman's work does this to me.  Her charcoals of city streets and rainy days are moving, and her talent is immediately evident.  She captures the sheen of the slick streets, the wind in the air, and the hustle of the people.  She captures the reflections, the glow of lights, the aura of the day, the moment.  Great photographers need a keen eye; great artists need the same keen eye, and then more.  They capture the moment through the stroke of their hand.  It's genious ~ and takes time, thought, and talent.

(Now tell me ~ I hope you find these artist spotlights as fun to read as they are to write?)

Insanely Easy {and tasty} Shrimp Salad

When looking for a light meal to leave me satisfied and energized, but also easy, I often turn to this recipe.  It's versatility is great ~ I like it as a meal itself, mixed in with pasta for a heartier carb-load, as taco filling, or as a side.  It's also nice because it's almost foolproof for those that are perhaps a bit shy of the kitchen.  And, did I mention it's tasty? 

{image}

Shrimp and Corn with Basil
Serves 2
adapted from Gourmet

ingredients::
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 ears corn, kernels cut off ears
1/2 lb shelled large shrimp
4 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
garlic, red pepper flakes, and lime juice to taste

preparation::
Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until form subsides. Saute corn, shrimp, garlic, red pepper flakes and a splash of lime juice until shrimp are cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.  Stir in scallions and basil, season with salt and pepper. 

Enjoy!

Living Room Paint Update!

So the painters just finished (it's Friday evening as I write this), and I have to say, I looooove it.  Not just "I think it will work", or "it's nice", or even "I really like it"... no, LOVE.  I know it's not always the best idea to talking about loving inanimate objects, but I can't help myself on this one.

{the before, obviously}

I think it opens the room up and gives it such an airy feeling, no?

{this basket will soon be brimming with firewood}

Tipsy likes it too...

{I was so eager to share, the rest of the room is still in disarray}

We still have much to do, but I'm so happy with the first step. We left our living room windows curtainless for the summer as we loved the light streaming in, but as the leaves begin to fall we're going to need curtains for privacy.  Then there's the new rug and living room chair, having the fireplace serviced as it's never been used (can you imagine, the previous owners were here for four years and never touched it!), and of course oodles of finishing touches and accents.

Please, tell me you like it too. :)

{don't let the days slip by}

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Is it just me, or has this week flown by?  I had great plans for this week ~ to get back into my gym routine, to bake up a storm and freeze leftovers to bring to my grandparent's (Saturday), and have out at our "Marathon Viewing Fete" (Sunday).  To get work into a manageable state, and to clean the house after the painters patch.  All of which hasn't happened.  At least not yet ~ though I technically have 2 more days in the week left right?

But such is life.  Sometimes life has other plans for how you spend your day. Things come up, plans change, and life keeps happening.  Before you know it, you're looking around wondering how on Earth is it the end of the day, week, year...

I've been thinking a lot about what to do about this.  Everyone faces the challenge, so how do we embrace it?  How do we plan for when life disarms our plans?  How do we not let the days slip by?

I think it boils down to three things:

::Embrace life::

::No excuses::

::Pick your destination, not your route::

Sounds simple right, but what does it really mean?

Embrace life. If you embrace life truly, you live fully, no matter what you're doing. It's about being aware of yourself and your surroundings. When I'm able to embrace life fully, I'm happiest and healthiest.  By taking nothing for granted, you become more aware of the actions you are taking and the surroundings you are in ~ and all there is to be grateful for.  Apply this to everything, and it can only be beneficial.  Think about it ~ do you pick up a piece of chocolate in a candy bowl, pop it in your mouth and get back to what you were doing?  The chocolate is consumed, but was it enjoyed?  (And would you have eaten it if you were more fully aware? If so, you owe it to yourself to enjoy it!)

No excuses.  I hear a lot of excuses throughout the day, many from my own mouth.  I'm infamous for "I can't work out today because I don't have the time."  But think about it.  You may not have the time, but isn't it because you aren't choosing to make the time?  Life is about choices and prioritizing what's right for you.  Do you want to be a rockstar at work and put in all the extra hours necessary, or do you want to prioritize your health?  Try replacing the excuse with your choice.  Instead say, "I don't want to workout today because I'd rather get ahead at work."  Owning up to your choices puts them into focus, and I'm betting some excuses will disappear as you either learn to accept your choices or you do something to change them.

Pick your end destination, not your route.  This simply means choose where you want to be, and accept there are various routes to get there.  This thinking opens your mind to alternatives while keeping the end goal in mind.  Then start taking action. This also helps eliminate excuses.  For example, if your goal is to get healthy, the route doesn't have to be that you will go to the gym 4x a week.  What if you start traveling a lot, making time at a gym difficult?  Recognize there are other ways to accomplish your goal, by looking up healthy meal options while out of town, and finding a routine you can do outdoors or in your hotel room. Your goal is still intact, and you can be proud.

I'm by no means there yet, and this isn't science, just my most recent thoughts. I just wanted to put it out here, because well, I've found such a supportive and real community here that I'm banking will understand.  And think about it too.  And share their thoughts.  Because that's what you wonderful fantastic people do.

Friday's Food for Thought ~

The painters come today!

It took a little longer than expected (coordinating 2 sets of a contractors with your busy schedule = difficult) ~ but at last, the painters come today!

We're starting with the living room and entryway.  While I basically have plans to paint almost every wall in our place, there are some rooms I think we can tackle ourselves.  The living / dining room however, with all the tiny nooks and crannies around moldings and what not, would be a nightmare.

So I thought I'd share a "before" picture which shows the state of our living room walls to date.  Oomph.  It will make the "after" look that much better right? :)

We tried many different paint colors, in search for a very soft and subtle grey, with not too much blue, not too green, and not too beige ~ but just warm enough to tie in with the kitchen and provide contrast against the elements that will remain in the final room.

We narrowed it down to four Benjamin Moore colors, tested each and compared our notes.  It's interesting to see how others perceive colors ~ there's been a long standing debate in my family over green tones in particular, as we vary on how we perceive them!  The colors as they appear left to right on the wall:

Ultimately we decided on Balboa Mist for the living and dining room, and I'm so excited to see it go up!  The entry way connects to the living / dining combo, but we are going with an entirely different color altogether. I'll leave that one a surprise for now. ;)

 How do you choose paint colors? Do you have go-to favorites or does it depend on the room, lighting, etc?



When Your Clothes Have a Story

Have you heard of the IOU Project?

It is a small little clothing company with big world ambition.

The clothes are all unique, one of a kind pieces.

And best of all (at least to me), each piece is traceable back to the hand that created it.

So your clothes have a story.

Not to mention, they are pretty cool clothes.

Neat right?

{iouproject.com}

Design and Lifestyle Inspiration ~ Stitch

This past weekend was seriously delightful.  I had coffee dates with friends, spontaneous lunch in the city with my parents, a dinner date with the hubs, dog park time with the pup, and plenty of downtime in between to feel prepared and caught up for the week ahead.  Those are the ideal weekends to me, when fun is balanced with productivity and you actually feel refreshed come Monday.

When I can obtain balance like that, I often feel I'm living more completely and fully appreciating what is around me.  Example? Saturday I wandered into a design store I've been in a handful of times but never stopped long enough to appreciate what it's accomplished under one roof.

For those in Chicago in looking for some design and lifestyle inspiration, I recommend perusing Stitch in person (on Damen just north of North Ave). And for others?  Thank goodness for the internet.

They have everything from jewelry, to scarves and handbags, to beautiful furnishings and accessories.

There were more than a few items I could easily imagine fitting into my life.

I mean, hellllooo ~ how cool are these side tables?

 

It would be a dream to incorporate pops of Missoni into a girl's room or bathroom (and by girl, I mean child's or woman's)

Oh, and did I mention they have a Registry?  Where you can register for a wedding, or just because?  Don't tempt me.  I've already filed this post under gift ideas.

{product images}

Risotto for Fall ~ with Butternut Squash, Leeks and Basil

It was one recent fall weekend when I decided to hibernate that risotto sounded like the perfect companion.  Robust, comforting, warm, and indulgent.  I wanted to spend time in my kitchen, savor it, use it as a therapeutic activity.  Peel vegetables, wipe down the cutting board. Chiffonade herbs, wipe down the cutting board.  Stir the pot, season and taste. Stir the post, season and taste.  Play light music, unwind, relax. Risotto fits well into this picture.

And with fall on the horizon, and summer in the sunset, combining the fall's butternut squash with this summer's left over basil sounded all too appetizing. And so I cooked.

Risotto with Butternut Squash, Leeks and Basil
Serves 6 as main course
adapted from Bon Appetit

ingredients::

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 cups 1/2-inch cubes peeled butternut squash (from 21/4 pounds squash)

3 cups 1/2-inch-wide slices leeks (white and pale green parts only)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

2 cups arborio rice

56-ounces (or more) chicken broth

1 cup chopped fresh basil

Salt and pepper to taste

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus additional (for serving)

preparation::
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add squash and sauté until beginning to soften and brown around edges, about 5 minutes. Transfer squash to medium bowl.

Reduce heat to medium; add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, leeks, and thyme to same pot and stir until tender but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add rice and stir 1 minute. Add 1 cup broth and simmer until absorbed, stirring frequently, 3 to 4 minutes. Add remaining broth by 1/2 cupfuls, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding next, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Return squash to pot. Continue to cook until rice is just tender but still very creamy, stirring gently and often, about 10 minutes longer (about 25 minutes total cooking time). Remove from heat. Stir in basil and 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to large bowl and serve with additional Parmesan cheese.