The Girl and Her Dog

Do you ever find yourself reaching for a certain piece of jewelry simply out of sheer comfort, and the fact that you expect it to always be there? If I forget to wear my watch one day, I’m constantly looking down at my wrist to check the time, only to find it bare. The same thing happens when I wear a certain necklace for weeks on end. But a few months back when my treasured black onyx bracelet unraveled and had to be repaired, I couldn’t wait to have it back. Now that I do, it’s a little piece of comfort.

I don’t mean to beat this topic over the head, but I couldn’t help sharing this last round of photos from Latino Fashion Week, which ended yesterday. These shots are from Friday’s shows, and despite some technical difficulties, the designer’s pieces, and the models, shined.

Jewelry showcase

Macy’s Wedding Venue

All designs: Alicia Estrada, founder of Stop Staring Clothing

Last night I was able to attend the opening night of Latino Fashion Week at the Zhou B. Art Center on 35th Street. This year marks the fifth year anniversary of the event, and I was privileged to be a part of it. The people were kind, the art center was awesome and the fashions were unique. Check out LFW’s website to see more from the designers and the rest of the events happening this week.

I know almost nothing about the city of Evanston, but after first hearing about all it has to offer from a web consultant at work and then visiting my friend Monica there who recently bought a condo, I think it’s safe to say this town has a lot to offer, besides high taxes. It’s near the lake, it’s walkable and the homes are gorgeous.

Monica and Luke’s new place!

En route to brunch…

Aside from sneaking treats out of the candy bowl at work, I don’t exactly have plans to celebrate Halloween. I opted to not dress up this weekend, and instead I only mocked others’ costumes from afar, but I still think this holiday is kind of magical (anyone remember Hocus Pocus and costume parades in elementary school?). So while I know I won’t have any trick-or-treaters tonight, I think I’ll try to surprise Frasier with these fun treats:

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Pooch Treats

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup fresh or canned pumpkin (not seasoned pie filling)
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup water as needed
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, pumpkin, peanut butter and cinnamon in a bowl.
Add water as needed, but the dough should be stiff and dry.
Roll to 1/2 inch thick and cut with holiday cookie cutters.
Bake for about 40 minutes, or until hard.

Recipe courtesy of the ASPCA.

And because I couldn’t resist. Scary is riding the Haunted Mansion ride at Magic Kingdom while your dad shouts quotes from Edgar Allen Poe. In public. Sometimes Picnik really takes you back.