Miss Productive

I was planning on doing something Chicago-y today, such as visit a free museum or the Lincoln Park Zoo. That didn't happen, but that's ok. I was super productive! First, I went to the bank to deposit some moolah, then I went to the Crafty Beaver to get the accordion things (finally) for the sides of my window unit. The whole idea of having to put an air conditioner in my window for the summer is still bizarre to me. I've never lived anywhere that didn't have an a/c built in. Anyway, then I went to the UPS store and mailed a package for my nephew (whom I have yet to meet) and a birthday present for my former roommate. After the boring errands, I got to run the fun errands! I went to Michaels Crafts and JoAnn Fabric and Crafts (I love craft and hobby stores) to get supplies for this project. It's supposed to be a jewelry box, but since I couldn't find a crate in the right size it's really just a little shelf unit, but still super cute for holding knick knacks and whatnot. Oh, I also did a load of laundry, applied for two jobs and started an article for the next issue of College News.

For dinner, I made a delicious arugula salad. I used half an avocado, half an apple, a bit of finely chopped red onion, some shredded goat gouda and honey mustard dressing.

Then, in honor of Dobby's birthday I made a banana split for a late dessert! Now I'm not a fan of a traditional banana split. I hate pineapple and I don't like strawberry topping on ice cream, even though I love strawberries. Back home, I used to go to Caliche's and order a banana split with hot fudge and caramel and salted pecans. Tonight, I made do with what we had on hand and made my split with a banana (of course), chocolate sauce, coconut and chocolate covered walnuts. 

Happy Birthday Dobby!!!

Day off

I thought I would have more free time once I finished my internship, but it sure hasn't felt that way. I'm usually off on Mondays but it seems like every time Monday rolls around I have a bunch of errands and whatnot that I've been putting off. Today, for instance, I was planning on taking my car to the shop for a much needed oil change and a brake job. I decided, however, to put that off (again).

Shortly after waking up I was happy to get a phone call from one of my favorite people and I got to chat with three of my my friends from home, which was a great way to start my day. Afterwards, I  walked to the grocery store to pick up ingredients to make a goat cheese, spinach and avocado grilled sandwich. Delicious.

After lunch I googled free things to do in Chicago and came across the Osaka Garden in Hyde Park. It's a Japanese style garden that's open year-round to the public. I thought it might be worth checking out so I loaded my cousins in the car and ventured to the South side to find these gardens. It wasn't all that exciting, honestly. It was nice and serene, but a bit small. The girls and I walked around the area a bit but I think they were bored. It was very peaceful, however, and might be a good place to go back to by myself when I'm feeling stressed out and frazzled. I forgot to take pictures - these are from Yelp users.

After we left the park we were hot and thirsty, so I took the girls for frozen yogurt. (Logical, right?) I couldn't decide what I wanted so I got half pomegranate raspberry yogurt with blackberries and coconut and half cake batter yogurt with rainbow sprinkles. SO yummy!