Monthly Archives: September 2011

September 29, 2011 · 10:01 pm

Dog walker by day, PI by night

I’m currently amidst The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy and I am obsessed. One of the main characters–Lisbeth Salander–has latched onto my love of information and knowing what makes people tick (okay, I admit it, I am at times a gossip fiend), and my immediate desire to be a private investigator. I can see it now: dog walker by day, private investigator by night. And making millions all the while, no?

I have one book left in the trilogy, and then I will be eagerly anticipating the first movie (of the American kind by David Fincher), due out in December. Which got me thinking. What are some of the best movies I’ve seen this year? Crazy, Stupid, Love, which I absolutely loved and Drive. Hands down. Go. See. Them. Now. And my guilty pleasure: No Strings Attached.

What movies are you looking forward to?

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Filed under Uncategorized

September 28, 2011 · 6:21 pm

A step back in time

I came across these photos several weeks ago, and was instantly charmed. I’m always drawn to black and white or old, vintage photos and this was no exception. I’ve wanted to live in Chicago for forever (hello, suburbanite), and will be the first to sing its praises (as well as faults), but there’s something about New York City that just doesn’t compare. I would give anything to go back in time.

photos via

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Filed under Random, Travel

September 27, 2011 · 8:24 pm

Entertaining n00b

In college, I didn’t often host guests for dinner because it was always easier to meet friends out at a new restaurant, an old favorite (Panera), or for coffee or drinks; not to mention my kitchen became crowded with more than one person in it. Since moving home and starting work, however, there is something equally appealing as inviting friends and family over, cooking a meal together and enjoying each other’s company in the comfort of your own home. Last week, our family friend came over and I promptly put myself in charge of dessert. I opted for this recipe, and was pleasantly surprised.

And if you’re looking for your own entertaining ideas, check out this video from one of my favorite blogs, cupcakes and cashmere.

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Filed under Recipe

September 26, 2011 · 8:46 am

Sunday that wasn’t

Yesterday I had a date with my pooch. We were scheduled to head downtown and join hundreds of other pups for the PAWS Chicago Run For Their Lives event. Unfortunately, I have been fighting a cold for the past week, and when Sunday morning rolled around, I just did not have the energy to get out of bed. And that’s saying a lot, since I normally roll out of bed for Frasier much earlier than 730am. I was beyond disappointed that we missed our chance to spend time together (and seriously bummed about not being able to collect my prizes), but I feel somewhat content knowing that together we raised $135 for a good cause. Now that’s something to bark about.

Hoping Frasier was just as disappointed as I was on the “inside”

Nothing gets in the way of a sleeping pooch

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Filed under Dogs

September 22, 2011 · 9:05 pm

Run for their lives

On Sunday morning, Frasier and I will be awake far earlier than anyone should ever have to be awake on a weekend. We will head North into the city toward Montrose Harbor. And we will be participating in the 11th Annual PAWS Chicago’s Run for Their Lives 8K Run/4K Walk (obviously, we’ll be doing the walk).

There are many rescue groups in Chicago and I’ve only just begun acclimating myself to all of them. But in light of recent events earlier this month, I’m more anxious than ever to determine which ones are the best. So far, with their mission to make Chicago a No Kill city, they’ve got my vote. And Frasier’s too. Visit their website here, if you want to learn more about who they are.