Tweet!

Usually I'm pretty guarded about hidden gems, but seeing how I gush about this place regularly (and you will find it on most of the best brunch in Chicago lists) I feel it deserves a little blog shout out. Maybe it is the free Intelligentsia coffee while you wait, or the breakfast cakes on your table...though it could also be the cute vintage dishware and awesome art hanging from the walls... The owner, Michelle Fire, and her adorable staff couldn't be nicer...but I must say the reason I wake up on Sunday mornings salivating for Tweet is because the food is to die for. I've had a good amount of the things on the menu, Crabcakes Hollandaise, Sunrise Granola, French Toast, Uncaged Eggs, Corn Arepas... the list goes on and on but all of them have rocked my world. Right now I'm obsessed with the Cobb Salad and the Chilaquiles. My dad, a southern country boy born and raised, also claims the Biscuits and Gravy are the best he has ever eaten. The best advice I can give: order something with bacon. You won't be sorry. Mmmmmm bacon...

Bakin' Bread

Mmmmm I just made bread a couple days ago and it is wicked awesome! If you have never baked before, never fear! You can follow a recipe can't you? It's really that simple! People really shouldn't be scared to cook. This is my fourth time making this recipe, and it is the only bread I have ever baked from scratch, obviously I say go big or go home. Why would I make something simple when I can chow on a sun-dried tomato and onion spiral loaf? Cooking is so wonderful, especially making something from scratch with your two hands. I think taking this:
and turning it into this: is pretty amazing. And when it turns into this:
you better watch out! Sandwiches are my favorite food, and I'm not messing around

Momentum

Yesterday I updated my voter registration. Nothing like waiting until the last day to finally bust a move and do something that I needed to do since I changed my address... four years ago. It was great being in a room with like minded people in the County Clerk's office. Voters? No, procrastinators! It has been reported that a record number of people have registered in Illinois in the past few days, and it is nice to see people appreciating and embracing the privilege of voting. I'm not a very political person, as I generally find politics polarizing, upsetting, and insincere; however, I am quite invested in the outcome of this election. This is not the right venue for me to be on my soapbox (albeit a tiny soapbox), and I hope everyone in the nation feels comfortable voting for WHOEVER THEY MAY CHOOSE REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, OR PARTY, but I'm proud to support Hillary and hope that New Hampshire is the first of many victories for her. I think Obama is a great man with a great future, but I just don't feel comfortable voting for him when his opposition is a strong, savvy, experienced, and talented woman. I'm voting for Hillary because she is a girl and she is great, plain and simple. In my dream world all females would rally behind our best shot at getting into the White House. If it's not her, then who; and if it's not now, then when? In 2008 I'm ready to stop pondering.

Holiday Slacking

Seems I'm not the only blogger out there who has slacked in their holiday posts. Never fear loyal readers, now that 2008 is here I will be blogging my booty off! I've got some new projects in the works, a new camera to play with, and travels to discuss, but until then, enjoy a glimpse into my past few weeks.
I loved my cards this year, though they were more tedious to make than originally anticipated. Did anyone actually use the gift tags?

Loading up on tackiness for the holiday party circuit.

I'm obsessed with my wrapping paper! I think it is a result of finally watching March of the Penguins....awwww they are so cute!!!

Speaking of paper, Christmas was spent folding it...lots of it. My mom is really into Origami so my sister and I made her this cheese burger. Directions are in this month's ReadyMade Magazine but it is a lot harder than it looks...just a warning!

Another fun holiday project...until your bag of icing explodes. Actually, it was my sister's bag, and it was pretty entertaining. Heh.


More paper folding! I made my mom these rad ornaments. 64 folded pieces of 1.25 x 2 inch paper. Another "fun" craft that seemed more fun before I started it. I think I'm going to try and make a large version for my apartment after my callused fingers go away. Stay tuned for that...

Happy New Year!!!!