lifestyle // October

The desire to write on a multitude of topics is overwhelming as I've seemed to have stumble into some great topics to lay out in writing form. However, I have a massive amount of pictures that are worthy of uploading and giving a bit of back story about. This might be fun for you and it's definitely chocked full of random. I didn't realize there was so much that had gone on and sometimes it feels damn good to compile these pictures, go back, and remember the good times. I'm grateful when I capture the smallest things because they piece together the whole so much better. Splitting up my time between the city and the burbs is also pretty reflective in this series of shots. It's definitely a great mix up and I love becoming more and more familiar with it each time I go. This is as up to date as it gets. The last few pictures I took up until a few hours ago and the start...I can't remember when I thrifted this jacket, so I'd say about a month or so ago. Buckle in, you might get something out of this one;

And what a marvelous thrift it was. I actually went to Buffalo to try to snag this jacket
and pair of shoes I had seen in the previous week, however, both were gone and I walked
out with this bad boy. I can never pass up a funky blazer or jacket because it's just the perfect
thing to add over something boring. That and I never fail to scope out something Fresh Prince-y...

[ ]

OBVIOUSLY!

These were taken in the park/forest preserve by my house // Knock Knolls Park

autumn outfit. I LOVE AUTUMN FASHION, OKAY? and layering tights.
Don't let anyone tell you different.

 I was shopping on Target and got a little "TRY ON!" happy with glasses and a hat.

And it's Autumn. If you don't have a few of these lollipops lingering in your purse

or pockets, then I suggest you make some linger in there real fast.

 

CHERRY PIE CUPCAKES! MY FAVORITE!
I took this picture for the pure humor of it. This was me at
5:45 am heading to the bakery. Early mornings don't mean you
neglect the cat-eye.

 What a day overall. Hung out with a group where during the daytime we were all just kind of kicked-back

and hangin' out, and then we all parted ways, did what we needed to do, got ready, and came back together

for an evening party. I was introduced to THIS vodka that tastes remarkably like Swedish Fish candy.

When I checked out the site, I found that they had a slew of other amazing flavors. Things like Cookie Dough

Cake, Chocolate Whip, Cotton Candy that sort of make you wonder if the testing for this was them pouring

Vodka over these food items and going "...YEAH! TASTES GREAT! BOTTLE IT!"

 Me + Brooke and Me + Erin at a shindig over at Erin's place.

I love these girls, where a hangout is never a bad time. 

So, this coat. That first blazer picture, I said I went back to get a coat instead,
well, the coat I had gone back for was a leopard print one. A basic trench, but rad in print.
It was gone when I went for it, however, I came back to the burbs and THE NEXT DAY
I was walking Downtown Naperville, going past Serendipity, and this leopard coat was in
the window SCREAMING MY NAME. I SNAGGED THIS BAD BOY FOR A HOT HOT HOT DEAL
and I did it in a very loud and excited manner. I am over the moon that I scored something like this.
It still had the tags on it too, making it that much more of a solid steal. It was
almost too funny that I was able to find an even better coat the next day and
STILL acquire a bad ass blazer. That my friends, was a good day.

 

 The outfit pairing [LAYERED TIGHTS, KIDS!] and my smokes of choice. Love the colour of this box, love American Spirits.

me and Dan exhibiting awesome, MAJ

So let's define rad here for a hot second; Our friend (meaning Dan and I) have
a friend named Danny who's a chef that happens to also be in a billion social
different circles. Her friend proposed the idea of whipping up an Aphrodisiac
Menu that would consist of 7 courses, each one using an element of turn on.
We dined together in a group of six; three couples. We also did a write up on
our experiences that might get published somewhere down the line later, so I
don't want to reveal too much here, except that I got to experience it and loved it.

First paired up was the Carrot + Cinnamon + Saffron soup. Which I could roll in
before I consume it, it's just that good. 

2. here we had the Avacado bowl + Mango + Tomato+ Basil +Arugula, and balsamic truffle vinaigrette salad with

3. Crispy crimini mushrooms + Sage + Brown butter sauce, which can also be described as OVER THE MOON.

4. Lambchop with Kabocha squash + Cayenne + Fenugreek. Let's talk about how I wolfed down

this squash with the greatest ease, it was spicy and made you feel WARM. Outstanding.

5. Oysters + crispy apple ginger relish - first time oysting, and they were exquisite! The apple

relish was exactly what it needed to make it burst with flavor and ease down the oyster.

6. this groovy drink wasn't the last thing to be served, but it was the last thing

I snapped of this meal. It's Watermelon + Ginseng + Maca Root + Tequila.

It was a drink/shot, but it had the most unusual flavor that we all ended up

really enjoying. It was the mix of all the healthy components that made you

feel like you were getting an extra little boost.

Overall, the aphrodisiac experience was pretty stellar. As I said, there will be a write up

later on being published. I'll be sure to post an update when it is of where to find it.

 

Ah, two divine pleasures, yet very different ones. We featured a Candy Bar Cupcake a few weeks ago

that consists of a vanilla base with M&M's, topped with a PB Ganache, and coated in;

Twix + Butterfingers + Reese's + Rolo's +M&M's. The glory is all behind the Portillo's

meal featured there so perfectly; my beloved Beef + Cheese Croissant with Cheese Fries.

Three of my favourite things; layered + colored tights, a fabulous long coat, and a piping hot bowl of liver dumpling soup. Dan came into town one day and we went to Bohemian Crystal which is a staple in our family.

Numerous family events have been held there, along with handfuls of Sunday meals with extended relatives. It was extremely odd going there on a lunchy date because my family had been the only people I had gone there with and likewise with him. We were both familiar with it-as you should be. Anyone who knows anyone around this area, about anything, knows that the Crystal is going to be loading you up with the best bohemian food. It was a nice variation to add this place to the list of options.

DAN'S BIRTHDAY! 

We kept it pretty low key with a dinner at Old Oak Tap, drinks, and a little

hangout afterwards. I crocheted him this hat and scarf combo. First ones

of the season! We ended the night with a little gelato from Black Dog. It

was absolutely delicious and OF COURSE I find myself craving it weeks later.

I got a righteous little combo that consisted of Pumpkin & Espresso. WINNER.

The look that night:

Layered Tights! Mini skirt! Fur! Boots! SCORE!

 Then Steve had an Arrested Development party! Oh, you've never seen that show? I'm sorry,

I almost feel bad for you. Oh, you have? YOU'RE AWESOME!

 Such a prime show and I'm so glad people are still getting into it all the time.

I decided to go as Lucille, because, she's fucking awesome. The party didn't have a huge turnout,

but those who came, rocked it out. Here's some snapshots

of me with some of the guests rocking out the Lucille look.

Brooke and I after we took the hair down and undid the costumes a bit.
It's almost like we went to a whole different party.

Dan and I sometimes bop in here if we're looking for a quick coffee fix and we're
out and about in the neighborhood; Star Lounge. They also have a pretty nifty tea assortment.
 I absolutely love their menu, as well as the way it's displayed.
I'm a fan of Cortez the Thriller, because...well, OBVIOUSLY
(No, but really, I DO love 'Cortez The Killer' though, too)

Sunbeams + crisp air.

 life in s n i p s.

 suburbia.

 I came back from the city earlier than usual a few Monday's ago, allowing me the chance to skate.

I had neglected skating for so long and I was sort of sick of that happening because it's such a specific movement that releases so much. So after 6 months I took back to the ice and found my edge. I found I hadn't really faltered too much;

my spins were decent, I landed my jumps, my edges and turns were sharp, endurance was there, and artistry was a go.

I always get nervous to go back after such long breaks, but this one was good for me.

Now I try to make it happen every Monday, that's the only day my schedule allocates skating with my work schedule.

Obviously Erin and I had our 2012 couch mixer to celebrate finding her awesome couches
that are the perfect addition to her apartment. She just got her own place and had to basically
fill it from scratch. We found these suckers at a garage sale, with no real reason of sale except
they wanted new ones. We won and now I have an awesome place to sit when I hit up her place.

and then I dyed my hair a little bit more red...

AH! This was quite the night. Got ready in a hot hurry [hence me using my rollers for a hot plate], scampered

down to the city, and attended Dan's company party at the Tribune Tower. It turned out to be a real solid time,

I met a lot of his co-workers, a few invited guests that weren't part of the company, as well as some other cool cats.

Definitely glad I made it down there to celebrate with them. What a groovy kick-off to the weekend.

I took this from the train and loved that it oozed many eerie vibes.

 OBVIOUSLY! NUMERO UNO AT THE 'TILL!

Sometimes when you leave the house, you just have to step out in something fabulous, whether the day warrants it
or not.  So last Saturday I decided to rock this gown I thrifted some time last year. So far it had only been worn to
my fourth Florence show in Milwaukee, so wearing it 6 months later just felt right. Whilst wearing this on Saturday,
I found myself among different groups of friends throughout the night, both in the burbs and the city.
I just love everything about this dress and hope to keep rocking it for awhile now.

Brookie + I at a little shindig that went down at her house this weekend.
I love little get-togethers like this, wish I could have stayed longer, but the city beckoned.

dreamy/arsty shots taken of me in the dress...or something.

my rad Zed Head zebra ring looking at magazine zebras.
He loved it, but mostly, I loved it.

 city adventuring captured in three snaps.

 OH, BUT THE ICE SKATING! Seriously, it feels so good to be

back out there. I went with my lil sis Julie the other day, which is

great to skate along side someone that has a sharper skill set than you.

It was a good motivator and produced good pictures. I love the artistry

in skating. I'm not so much into the technical aspect anymore, but I love

choreography and the dance-y flow that skating allows. Really delicate,

but extremely powerful.

I snagged this shot on the drive home the other day after the rink. I really dig how it turned out.

Dan and I killed the dessert game over at The Palm last night.

Located in the Swissotel, this is a pretty decent little dessert destination.

Key Lime Pie, Cheesecake, Flourless Chocolate Cake, 7 layer cake, Carrot cake...

It's right on the river which is really nice and it's located in a central area to

dozens of restaurants making it an easy walk-to. Featured above is the 

Cheesecake & the 7 layer chocolate beast of a cake.

Chicago is ROCKIN' out the pink right now for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

It was pretty fabulous, and gives a cute little effect for the city. How about purple for

the other 11 month

 YES, YES, AND YES.  These are on my legs AS I TYPE.

You know how I love funky prints right?! Oh...so...you don't...?

THESE WERE A FIND! I found 3 pairs of OFF THE CHAIN leggings in Japan from UniQlo.

I'm talking, like, thick, funky, and top notch rad kind of leggings. So in the states, I see awesome pairs,

but they have some outrageous price tag attached them, unless you get crafty about

where you're digging for leg adornment. I found these at Ragstock. Most of these locations

are urban, aka finding them in an upscale suburban mall was pretty...sttrrannngeee to say the least.

I walked in, looked at the guy behind the counter and said "So...this is pretty weird for you too, right?"

I've only been to city locations, but it's cool/unusual to see that style hit that particular mall.

Anywho, that worked out nicely for me where I scooped these suckers up for $10.

They're perfect for right now because they are thick enough where you don't need to double them up,

but you can just throw them under a pair of shorts or a micro mini skirt. Today I rocked them with the former.

I also feel like promoting this small tidbit of information because I really feel like it'd help some of you ladies out. So, as a skater, former and present, I've learned to LOVE Mondor products. Mostly just the leggings that I grew up wearing to prevent the freeze and still find myself running to them when I'm rink bound. However, about two years ago, I started throwing them under my jeans and my thinner pair of leggings. They are flesh colored and extremely thick; made of bamboo and other bullshit that locks in the heat. This way, you don't have to worry about your leggings getting that see-through effect and you can have that extra layer of warmth buzzing about under your pants. They save me in the winter time, fit skin tight, yet comfortably, 

and I thought that you might dig that idea too. ORDER THEM HERE. 3303 are your friends!

AH! IT IS 

HALLOWEEN WEEKEND!

I AM STOKED!

 ENJOY YOURS.

you're rad as ever.

-T

Delta Rae, this one's for you!

Delta Rae, man. Let me tell you, let me tell you all of it;

from that night / 10.4.12

So a few months ago XRT was playing at work, which is a pretty common occurrence. I am very thankful for this because XRT is CHOCKED FULL of my kind of jams. So needless to say, I was the least bit surprised to be introduced to this fantastic band via my favorite radio station, but the first time they played 'Down By The River', I'm sure that I stopped whatever the hell I was doing in that bakery, ran over to the speakers, turned it up, and soaked up the pure greatness that was pouring from the sound dock.

I. LOVED. IT. IT HAD SO MUCH SOUL! I went home, bought it, danced + sang along to it endlessly, and waited for them to come to town again because I had missed them at Schuba's the first time they rolled through. Of course, I was over the moon when I found out they would be doing a FREE XRT SHOW over at Bottom Lounge! I saw and met Lissie in the same kind of setting awhile back over at Reggie's and I knew this wouldn't be something to miss. Every time they talked about it in the upcoming week on the air, I got SO excited. When I heard Lin talking about it himself, I had this growing anticipation that he may be present himself. I BECAME WAY PSYCHED. I gathered up a groovy little group, which consisted of Dan and Brooke, to accompany me to the show. We headed for drinks at Haymarket and dinner at g.e.b. and then we sauntered on down to Bottom Lounge for the amazing tunes that would flood us from the stage and as always, a hopeful encounter. Since our meal was so delightful, I truly feel that it needs to be included at least in some sort of way. So here's what went down at g.e.b;

Brookie and I at Haymarket

hi! this is a pointless caption because you know what this is!

 heirloom tomato salad + venison tartare. BOTH = AMAZING.

Calamari + Atlantic Skate 

 risotto rouge + flatbread

now this was the meal to have and split among great friends before one hell of a show, let me tell you.

It really it is a really delicious throw down of food when I go there. I'm glad I got to check it out for the dinner menu, because the last time I had dined there it was for brunch. These pictures do not really do it any justice, but that risotto is something that my mouth and stomach long for even weeks after consumption. The whole melt-in-your-mouth quality was also present for these courses. GET SOME!

Once we had arrived to our destination, we ended up meeting a pretty cool chick at the bar that was hangin' solo and we made her a part of our group, which is always a fun time AND THEN IT HAPPENED! When we were outside smoking a cigarette, I spotted one of my favorite people strolling in my direction. "IS THAT LIN BREHMER?!" I said much louder than I had actually anticipated. When he bellowed "Why, YES IT IS!" I ran in his direction to introduce myself and throw my arms around him, he stopped me and proceeded to tell me he knew just who I was. Oh, Twitter, I love you. What a moment; he was so approachable and so full of energy. It was such an honor to meet a man that I had grown up listening to. I truly love XRT and am so glad that I've been able to meet two awesome DJs from that station- really rad people, feelin' very lucky.

me and Lin Brehmer outside of Bottom Lounge. HOW RAD!

So the doors for the event started at 7, concert started at 8. We made our way in and nuzzled up close to the stage, where I feel most comfortable. Lin Brehmer made his way up to it as well to introduce the band to all the rad folks waiting to hear the stellar tunes. The band took the stage with great command, the three siblings stood out right away; Brittany, Eric, and Ian and let's just say that their talent is astounding. They're kind of like a pop-soul-rock version of the Von Trapp family...? (well, maybe just in terms of these siblings being so talented vocally/musically...). When you add the other three members into the mix, it really just blows you away. This band came out with such ease and rocked the house. Their voices were so strong and loaded with soul. They really have a variety in their layout in terms of their setlist and song order, which is always pretty vital. There were definitely some slower songs mixed into the groove which complimented the songs that made you lose your inhibitions. They played a lot of songs off their album, new tunes, and a cover; Fleetwood Mac's 'The Chain'. -awesome. There's a big sense of group collaboration; everyone gets in on the fun in this band.

I wore shoes that allocated serious grooves. I knew that I would not be able to stand still during this show. They really brought it and they seemed genuinely happy to be there. Not to mention that at the end of their set, they came out into the crowd and just did a little jam circle, the crowd gathered around, and they did their thing.. This is kind of the part where you want everyone to drop their phones for a hot minute and just groove + move, because you need to soak up the essence of sharing the floor with Delta Rae instead of trying to capture it for later. I loved that they did this, they literally just walked into the crowd. Unplugged say WHATTT?! That was all sorts of rad! Overall, phenomenal experience, totally worth every ounce of my energy to scamper from the burbs to the city on that cold, rainy night. Every. Ounce.

So afterwards, a merchandise table was set up and of course the band was crankin' out the signatures and conversation with the fans. I have a tendency to tweet them every time XRT plays their stuff. No, seriously, I do. Well, they take note of that stuff, dudes- just like Lin Brehmer takes note of my twitter musings. Social networking, man...okay, anywho, I was able to get my CD signed by Eric, Ian, Brittany, + Mike. I missed the other two cool cats, but next time!

me with Brittany Holljes of Delta Rae

Very glad I was able to chat a bit with Eric and Brittany. I really wish I would have asked them more questions, but who had time for that? I was too busy asking Eric to doodle up extra stars and smiley faces on the album sleeve. It was pretty awesome to have Brittany tell me that she liked my dance moves and my energy. That's all you want to hear from some of your favourite musicians. Delta Rae is composed of people who are extremely down to earth, have a great ease about them, and can really bring a great show. Each member has a such big role, Brittany would seem like the standout singer, but when you listen to the album, you see that four of them; Eric, Ian, Brittany, + Liz all really have songs that are their own. It's great to see each member be so loaded with ability. I am so glad that XRT is behind them and promoting them, along with VH1 picking them up for Artists You Oughta Know for this month. I am stoked for their success and I love telling people about them, because they deserve the recognition. I think a really good way of determining this is by bringing someone who is completely unfamiliar with that work and having them really dig it by the time the show is over. That's exactly what happened with Dan. I wasn't even familiar with all of their jams, I was in-the-know with maybe 5 songs, the rest I wanted to leave for live. I recommend you listen to all of them anyway, and then still see them live. A really awesome bunch of people, I'm very lucky I got to share a few words with these cool cats!

I was't kidding, you see that star at the top and that smiley face?
YAY! How awesome. How extremely awesome.

This was a righteous night and I seriously suggest that you sample this album for sure. I also recommend that you dine at g.e.b. because you will very likely DIG IT. Here's to that night, and hopefully many more like them.

hey, don't forget that you're pretty awesome.

-T