still here, i swear and some tunes...

obviously documenting life and things has gone way down on the priority list, but I swear I am still here! Having just started a new job, life has become a bit hectic and necessary to focus on one thing at a time BUT I hope to start sharing what's going on in my time place again :)

Now I must tell you that while I have been settling into a new routine, I have been really excited to check out a new album from one of my favorite performers, Dessa. She just released "Parts of Speech" and it has more or less been on repeat the past 24ish hours. Intelligent and thoughtful lyrics, great beats, and an evolution into something much more than just your everyday "rapper" are all clear in this album, so I highly recommend checking it out! 

Lucky for you, a local radio station in Minneapolis, the Current, hosted a special session called "Dessa Deconstructed" discussing the creative process of making the new album, as well as a few live performances...enjoy! 

summer is here!

^^lake views from McKinley Park

^^Ry's grandma aka the new spokeswoman for Lakefront Brewery

^^father's day stroll at Lion's Den Gorge

I recently accepted a new job (yay!) and during the transition I had a few days off to let life slow down and reorganize myself. This meant I was able to spend some time strolling around Milwaukee while enjoying some of the most perfect summer weather we have had yet, reading, paying a visit to Lakefront Brewery aka Ryan's "office", and a trip to the cottage for birthday celebrations. 

Last but not least, I spent almost the whole day with my dad on Sunday-chipping paint off the fence and sanding it down (it's true, I used power tools), exploring Lion's Den Gorge with our dog Bailey, and had a great Sunday night dinner (I made this pasta dish for everyone) with the fam. 

frances ha

image via

I came across the trailer for Noah Baumbach's new film, Frances Ha, starring Greta Gerwig and was pretty smitten with it! Gerwig's character, Frances seems to have all the best intentions to really do something with her life, but has become lost in the mix of trying to figure it all out (which we all should know by now is easier said than done!). Despite a lot of things being (hilariously) imperfect, Frances remains continuously optimistic and tells a story of "...a young woman in crisis that turns self-consciousness into an exalted form of authenticity...."

p.s. Check out Landmark Theater's interview with Greta Gerwig here

p.p.s another great looking (and funny!) film that is on my list! 

local spot: love handle

The other day a few of my co-workers and I decided to stroll over to Love Handle for a bite to eat. This Eastside cafe, owned by husband and wife Chris and Ally Benedyk, just opened a few weeks ago and I have had my eye on this place, watching it slowly take shape over the past few months. My curiosity was especially peeked when I had a chance to peruse their (ever-changing) menu: Buffalo duck croquettes, Black Tea Ginger ice cream (homemade!), foie gras cheese cake, black truffle bologna, and churros with spicy chocolate sauce to name a few.

I really love the interior design of Love Handle's space: clean, but charming with the chalkboard menu, paper table cloths, and fun art pieces on the walls. But onto the important things like what we ate! We all decided to go with a sandwich and chose the "Rollie Fingers" - Pulled Pork Shoulder, Pickled Watermelon Rind, Blue Cheese Aioli,  the "Mitch" - Egg Salad Fritters, Pea Shoots, Wine Mustard, and I had the "Love Handle" - Porchetta, Cactus Pickles, Tomato Jam.

Oh, man....were these sandwiches t-a-s-t-y! There was plenty to eat, so we all tried one another's pick, but I personally liked my sandwich (the Love Handle) best. Honestly, it was the tomato jam really pulled everything together and almost was like a sweet BBQ sauce. The porchetta wasn't too shabby either-very rich and savory. 

All in all, I would definitely recommend paying Love Handle a visit. Their menu is constantly changing and it looks like they are in no shortage of creative and eclectic choices. I know I will be heading back to give their homemade ice cream a whirl! 

friends, biking, brunch | weekend in chicago

I snuck off this past Saturday morning for another lovely weekend in Chicago! I am so grateful to be such a quick train ride away from some of my favorite friends-we biked around, I tried a delicious coffee glazed donut at Glazed & Infused, cheered on the Blackhawks, wandered around my old neighborhood and per usual had a lovely brunch on Sunday morning in Bucktown. Most importantly, we caught up on one another's lives, celebrated the beginning of new work & life chapters, and just enjoyed each other's company. 

I'd say I am pretty lucky to have these people in my life, that is for sure :)

happy nat'l donut day!

via

If you're a donut lover, than today is your day! I tend to be pretty boring with my donut choices, with my favorite being the plain donuts, only because they are perfect to dip into my coffee or latte. If you are joining in on the donut festivities, then why not mix it up and GRILL your donut! I'd stay away from choosing the ones with extra icing otherwise you're in for a real mess...

p.s If you have a Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme in the area, then check out their deals for the day here!

p.p.s These cronuts are apparently all the rage in NYC-any of you East Coasters tried it out?

fave finds 6.0

champagne grapefruit mojito \\ stacking rings \\ iPhone swag \\ grilled desserts