Family Adventures in Telluride

My family has visited Telluride many times before, but this was their first visit since I moved here. It made their time here all the more special to me because I could finally show them my favorite parts of Telluride. We hiked, adventured to lakes and swimming holes, and did a whole lot of relaxing. Not only was their presence comforting, but having them here helped me fall in love with Telluride all over again. It was the most heartwarming feeling to walk into a restaurant and be sent a few appetizers and drinks as a welcoming gift to my family. After witnessing these small acts (and more), I felt a sense of reassurance that all I have sacrificed to live here has been totally worth it. That the countless hours I have spent working has allowed me to create a bond with such caring, delightful people. Well, it's either that or I  really enjoyed the fact that my parents thought I was cool enough to get food compliments of the chef ;) 

Memphis, TN

Dear Memphis,

You take good care of me :) You remind me how cheap and delicious food should be. You take me back to my partying roots. You surround me with friends and family I love so dearly. But, mainly, you are and always will be my first home. So Memphis, I will love you forever - even if you sucked the life out of my camera's battery the first day I was there. So even though this post is a compilation of iPhone photos, the pictures are still wonderful since there is some Memphis love in them.

I ended up staying a few days longer than expected and my long weekend trip turned into a week long trip! I spent my time helping my sister move into her new apartment downtown, hanging out with loved ones, and eating all of my favorite Memphis food - including Pho Binh's lunch buffet three times...yes 3/6 days I was there I ate Pho Binh (their lemongrass tofu is addictive). 

This trip made me feel as if I never left Memphis to begin with. It was hard saying goodbye since I don't know the next time I will be back. Safe to say I didn't want to leave my wonderful friends and pretty city :) Yet, as my train pulled away, I was satisfied knowing that the next time I visit I will be greeted by open, loving arms! I can't wait!

^^Annie's new patio with views of the river

^^Best chicken in the world - Gus's

^^Mango lemonade and a nerve racking game of Jenga at lunchbox eats!

 Dog picnic at the river - which included dog selfies and long walks

Taste on Taste on Taste

The Taste of Chicago is always a good time! Even when you have to limp and lag behind everyone else as a result of a stupid orthopedic boot that you have to wear because you sprained your ankle ;) My dad, Luke, and I went together and nommed up a storm, which is why I didn't take too many pictures of the food! My favorite tastes we had were BJ's Market & Bakery Mustard-Fried Catfish (my favorite for the past 6+ years) and the Tamales from Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill. Unfortunately, I don't have photos of those tastes since we ate them so fast! Here are a few shots from our short, gimpy morning at the Taste and here is a post from last years Taste of Chicago!

 Can you see an orange theme here (^^ and below)?! Above: Panades from Garifuna Flava. 

The guy demanded we take a picture with him :)^^ Cafe Vienna's Schnitzel

Kentucky style vinegar based BBQ sauce - Pulled Pork Sandwich from Wishbone

Key Lime Cheesecake!

The 4th & More

Oh hey everyone! It's been a while hasn't it?! Life has been a little nutso lately - my sister and friends came into town, the 4th of July flew by, Chicago Gay Pride Parade took place, and I got a promotion and a raise at work! Woohoo!! So here are a few pictures from the past two weeks.

The fourth of July in my hometown is the most amazing day of the year. The whole town is out celebrating and enjoying the holiday. It's a mixture of a seeing old friends, partying, watching a HUGE parade, and finally fireworks at the pier. This year my sister and a few of our friends came into town for the 4th, which made the day even better! We decided to end the holiday weekend at a Cub's game - and what is super awesome is that the tickets we bought off craigstlist came with free t-shirts! Right now I'm attempting to recover from this crazy, fast paced weekend! What did you all do this holiday weekend?!

twenty two

On the morning of my birthday, I sprang up and began to jump on the bed and prance around to Taylor Swifts song 22. Yes, that's embarrassing but, yes, it was awesome! How often can you dance around to a song thats whistles your age?! My dance-a-thon was followed by a well-deserved brunch, good drinks, and dinner with my mothers fall-off-the-bone ribs :) It was a very low-key, happy day! Thank you to everyone for sending birthday wishes my way!! 

P.S. You know you're getting older when you are excited that your birthday presents consist of a blender, some pans, and a spatula ;)