I finally saw the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (the Swedish version)!

Tonight, Mr. F was out of town so I FINALLY watched the Swedish version of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". [He's not a fan of the trilogy like I am!] The movie took all of the best parts of the book and limited the boring parts, which made it even more amazing.

WARNING: I told my Mom that this was one of my favorite books and she read it, thinking she might enjoy it too. I should have warned her that this book would not be something she'd like, at all. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is very graphic and disturbing and I initially put it down after the first 100 pages. I continued reading it only after a friend urged me to read more about Lisbeth's story.  Now, I love the trilogy because of her childhood and who Lisbeth becomes.

Source: impawards.com via Denise on Pinterest

Noomi Rapace is fascinating and intensely compelling, as Lisbeth Salander. I can't wait to see her in the new Sherlock Holmes movie, where I'm sure she plays a completely different character. Lisbeth's dragon tattoo is really intense and way bigger than I pictured when I read the book. It's probably also because the British version of the book, (which was the version I read), has a smaller dragon tattoo too.

Source: google.com via Jae on Pinterest

It's amazing to watch Lisbeth's transformation from a gothic, introverted creature to an intelligent, misunderstood and strange beauty. I didn't really understand how beautiful she was when I read the book. She's intriguing and powerful. I do think it's interesting that the movie chose to have Lisbeth given Mikael the Wennerstrom information instead of Henrik Vanger.

I cannot wait to see the American version of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" with Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig. Hopefully, my cousin Katy, will see it with me soon!

Source: Uploaded by user via Amber on Pinterest

Our weekend foodie adventures

We went to brunch at Orange on Saturday!I love getting frushii and the pancake flights at Orange. We also had fresh pressed grapefruit juice! It was super foamy and delicious too. Bananas and Plantains were the special pancake flight this week! My favorite was the banana cupcake, featured in the lower right hand corner of the plate with pecans. 

They were all so delicious.The sunset on Saturday was pretty too. I absolutely love our view.Later Saturday night we went to the Farmhouse for dinner with Mr. F's cousin and Sammy.

Source: chicagobestrestaurants.info via Emily on Pinterest

We had cheese curds, mussels with sopressata, delicious grass-fed burgers, and fig bread pudding. There's a huge local beer selection too. We had an amazing experience and can't wait to go back!

Source: youreallyshouldbeeatingthis.tumblr.com via Emily on Pinterest

After dinner, we had our friends come over to play Rockband! We had a great time singing the night away.  Today, we were lazy and read all day. Mr. F made a delicious scramble with sopressata and green onions for brunch. We also got delicious Thai takeout for dinner! Now we're watching Footloose!

Source: Uploaded by user via Jasmine on Pinterest

It makes me want to dance more!

Source: imdb.com via Emily on Pinterest

We did interrupt the movie when we got a call from the in-laws and another call from a friend. We just heard the most exciting news! I promise to share it in the next few days, but I'm soo happy!!

TGIF and the Four Hour Body

Good morning! There's a beautiful sunrise this morning in Chicago! 

Wow, it was only a four day work week, but Mr. F and I are super tired just the same. The flu is going around, so I hope we don't get it. 


We're trying to be more diligent with the Four Hour Body diet suggestions since the holidays. Well, at least Mr F. is strictly following the diet. 
Five rules for cutting body fat: 1. Avoid "white" carbohydrates 2. Eat the same few meals over and over again [thankfully, Mr. F is an awesome cook and we have great leftovers]3. Don't drink calories 4. Don't eat fruit 5. Take one day off per week [yay for Saturdays!]
I'm a carb monster and eat unhealthy items at work. (When Dunkin Donuts are brought to work, how do you say no? Plus, when I do say I'm not hungry, my boss says I need the calories!) I am proud to say that I've worked out three times in the last four days, with kettlebells swings, turkish getups, lots of abdominal and other back/chest exercises.


We're also following the sleep suggestions in the Four Hour Body:
How to Fall Asleep Faster: * Focus on getting to sleep * 67ºF to 70ºF is the best room temperature to fall asleep [check!]* Eat a large fat-and protein-dominated meal 3 hours before bedtime [check!]* Use low light in the bedroom * Take a cold bath an hour before bed [Mr. F does this, I can't handle it]* Use a humidifier to generate cool mist [check!] I'm not sure if we're utilizing these tips to the fullest, but when we do, we do get a great night's sleep!


P.S. I love Saturdays.

Cute horse and pup video

I had to share this cute video of a French Bulldog and Mounted Police horse. Enjoy!

Rent the Runway vs. J.Crew

My work holiday party is next Friday. Yes, we're celebrating it in the New Year instead of at Christmas time. I think it's time I use Rent the Runway. I've been meaning rent a dress since I signed up in November 2009. I've always come up with an excuse, like wear something I already have, or buy a dress, instead.


Here's what I'm thinking of so far and I need your help. What should I choose?

HALSTON HERITAGE 

Confetti Dot Dress

Rental $85 Retail $595

Source: renttherunway.com via Emily on Pinterest

KATE SPADE NEW YORK

Mademoiselle Dress

• Rental $50
• Retail $395

Source: renttherunway.com via Emily on Pinterest

Or should I wear my J.Crew's Silk chiffon Sophia dress, hanging in the closet? I have this same dress but with tiny white polka dots.

Source: jcrew.com via Emily on Pinterest

New Year's Weekend!

As I walked home in the rain on Friday night, I was enchanted to see two white horse carriages go by me. 

 Saturday night, we had my BFF from high school, Mr. F's cousin and his girlfriend come over for dinner. Chef Mr.F made cilantro shrimp appetizers, veal chops, and baked potato coins for our New Year's Eve dinner. I made the Pioneer Woman's Christmas Rum cake with hibiscus rum as the glaze! We enjoyed it so much, I forgot to get pictures of the final product before we started eating it! After dinner and several champagne toasts, we went to a bar in Lakeview at Sammy's request. Here are some pictures from Friar Tuck's:

On New Year's Day, we had brunch at the place called, Brunch. We stayed up too late the night before, so we decided to watch Arrested Development for most of the afternoon.

Source: stuffwhitepeoplelike.com via Emily on Pinterest

Chef Mr. F made brisket for dinner!It was the perfect comfort food after a weekend of indulgence.

 When we woke up Monday morning, there was snow on the ground!! The kitties wanted us to stay inside with them all day, but Andy Mac and I decided to brave the elements.

It was 26 degrees outside with a significant wind chill. We walked all around the Near North Side and our cheeks were freezing!Most of the snow is gone this morning, but it was 12 degrees out with a wind chill that made it 3 degrees! 

Thanks for visiting, Andy Mac!

Happy New Year, everyone!

Top 11 moments of 2011

11. Guell Park in Barcelona 

10. Tapas at Quimet et Quimet in Barcelona 

9. Grabbing the last Cayuse at Wine Discount Center, also the last God Only Knows at Compass Wines

8. Moving to Chicago for Mr. F's job and having him get a promotion in less than a year

7. Getting 4 interviews in Chicago, in February. 

6. Getting a job before moving to Chicago! 

5. Visiting FIGGINS in Walla Walla, Washington and tasting their inaugural 2008 Red Blend in their vineyard!

4. Swimming in Lake Michigan, this summer, in 70-90 degree weather! 

3. Vacationing with our friends in Cabo. 

2. Visiting Montjuic in Barcelona. 

1. Our three year wedding anniversary!