Hey all! I know I mentioned creating my own summer bucket list a while back. Never fear! I did not forget. I just got sidetracked for a bit. I have completed my list and hope it helps me hold myself accountable to make dreams come true. Not all dreams have to be big. And not all pleasures extravagant. Often it's the simpler things that can bring a smile to the biggest curmudgeon's face. It is my hope that putting this wants out into the world I'll be more likely to do them...I also hope I can convince some friends and family to do them with me! What plans do you have for summer?

 Sometimes I get so busy living life to the fullest as Oprah commands that I don't have time or organize a proper post. This is one of those times. But, I'm so excited about what I've been up to I just had to share some bits & pieces.

At this point I'm beginning to realize I feel the same way about Chicago that most people feel about NYC or Paris... I LOVE IT! CANNOT GET ENOUGH! So I went to visit AGAIN this past weekend. I got to see my friends Melanie & Ben.... they were gracious enough to let my stay at their new apartment right in Palmer Square. Per usual I had a place for dinner in mind upon arrival. I tried to go to Big Star the last time I was in the Chi but it didn't pan out. This trip I was able to scratch it off my summer bucket list. [Note to self: write post of what's on summer bucket list].







My Big Star review: Great food, awesome drinks... One draw back is they ONLY take cash which can be problematic if you eat on impulse like me... I don't ever really "plan" how much I'm going to spin. Also, the waitstaff/busers take mad liberty with reaching across you to clear plates/clutter from the table. I didn't like that because sometimes what appears to be an empty plate has a few bits & pieces one might be inclined to munch one while finishing a tecate michelada.

The next day I was up and at it for a bit of a reunion. Back when I was a young and idealistic undergraduate I studied abroad in Spain for a year. While there I befriended a young English maths major. I introduced him to quality American things like Nalgean bottles (does that date me?) and Twizzlers. Until this week I hadn't seen this guy in person in like 10 years. We recently re-connected through social networking sites so I had the opportunity to see him and meet his wife! Super awesome right?! Uhhh... yeah! The happy couple is on holiday for 3 weeks in the US.














After a day walking the pier Tom, Rosie, & I met my friends Melanie & Ben for dinner at Dunlay's on the Square. Have I mentioned this place before? I love it. I go eat there just about EVERY time I go to Chicago. Afterwards we tried to get into Margie's for ice cream but the line was super long and we were super tired. Maybe next time! The next morning I begged & pleaded Melanie to go on another donut adventure with me. She took pity on my sweet tooth since I hadn't had my Margie's fix and indulged with me. Glazed & Infused is a new small batch donut shop in the heart of Bucktown.







We got lemon filled w/ lemon yuzu curd, creme brulee bizmark, raised donut w/ chocolate glaze & cocoa nibs, plain cake w/ chocolate glaze, chocolate cake w/ chocolate glaze & a malt glazed bizmark w/ malt balls filled w/ chocolate pudding.





This week has been filled with reunions! I just got back from Chicago and I was able to meet up with my friend Dhyana whom I also studies in Spain with. We went to Mark's Carts in Ann Arbor for lunch.





So yeah... I've been busy. But I'm also still planning that open house party. I've been collecting the necessary supplies bit by bit. More to come on that next week!