Fun Friday and a Sunny/Stormy Saturday

We had a half day at work on Friday for a summer bowling competition! It was so fun to have the afternoon off for a work bonding activity! 

We had different competitions like a frame of "bowl with our your opposite hand"and a frame of "bowl backwards between your legs".In the end, my blue team won!

This morning, we walked to the Field Museum for the last weekend of the Horse exhibit. We stopped at the Doughnut Vault on the way and got a pistachio glazed doughnut. It was the perfect combination of lightness and sweetness. I'm not sure I've had a better doughnut. 

We continued along the river walk to walk along the Lakefront trail, in between Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan to museums. I loved the Horse exhibit. I've meant to see it all summer and it fortunately lived up to my hype. We were not able take pictures in the exhibit but here are a few pictures from the Field Museum site. 

Diorama of Early Horse Species

Some ten million years ago, up to a dozen species of horses roamed the Great Plains of North America. Here, two large Dinohippus horses can be seen grazing on grass, much like horses today.

But unlike modern horses, a three-toed Hypohippus tiptoes through the forest, nibbling on leaves. The small three-toed Nannippus, shown here eating shrubs, ate both grass and leaves. © AMNH | M. Shanley [source]

Horse Armor

Germany
A.D. 1480-1500
Iron, brass, leather
Deutsches Historisches Museum GOS-Nr. MI010011; Inventarnr. W 5464

Throughout the Middle Ages in Europe, knights and their horses wore steel armor, often weighing more than 23 kilograms (50 pounds) for the horse, and as many for the rider. 

This German horse armor includes the chamfron, which covered the horse’s head and carried the rider’s family crest or coat of arms, and thecrinet, which protected the horse’s neck and was made of overlapping plates so that the horse could move its head. 

© AMNH | D. Finnin [source]

 Isbelle 2001, by Deborah Butterfield 

This sculpture, constructed of Hawaiian ohia wood and then cast in bronze, was inspired by the artist’s longtime dressage mare, Isbelle. After a career-threatening leg injury, Isbelle recovered to help Butterfield earn her U.S. Dressage Federation rider’s gold medal.

© AMNH | D. Finnin [source]

The Deborah Butterfield sculpture was my favorite because my college had one of her sculptures too! 

Today! Baby-faced 2005 

 Before the Horse exhibit, we also saw the Ghosts of Tsavo!

 When we left the museum, the skies were stormy and ready to burst. 

 We fortunately made it to lunch in Printer's Row before it started pouring.

 After lunch, we took a cab to go see Harry Potter!!!

If that wasn't enough of a cool Chicago weekend, we're now watching Ferris Bueller!

[source]

A Work Inspired Mix

Yes, I love making mixed tapes/cds. Here's my latest creation....something to celebrate T.G.I.F at work.

Float On by Modest Mouse Good News For People Who Love Bad News
[Wonderful lyrics to celebrate it being Friday "I ran my mouth off a bit too much, oh what did I say.
Well you just laughed it off, it was all ok. And we'll all float on, ok."]


I've Been Waiting by The Fighting Machinists ["I've been waiting for so long, it seems like forever"]

Porcelain by Moby Play [I have fond memories of this song from high school and the movie, The Beach. This video shows my favorite scenes to the whole song and basically the whole movie.]


Dry The Rain by The Beta Band The Three E.P.'s
[These lyrics say it all "If there's something inside that you wanna say Say it out loud it'll be okay
I will be your light"]
Under Pressure by Queen & David Bowie

Otis (feat. Otis Redding) by JAY Z & Kanye West ["I got my swagger back".]
[These next few songs represent the weekend and conversation topics at work.]

Toxic by Britney Spears  [Okay, I just had to throw a few dance songs on the album, for when I'm stuck in traffic and need a good song to bop by head too.]

P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) by Artie from Glee [I dedicate this to Milenna, for her shared love of Michael Jackson and Glee!]

Feel Good by Demon Days


Be OK by Ingrid Michaelson Be OK [I think the title is explanatory.]

I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) by The Proclaimers [This is dedicated to John and our mutual love of How I Met Your Mother.]

Everywhere by Bran Vann 3000 [Another song I've loved since high school, when I received my first mixed cd.]

Monkey Wrench by Foo Fighters The Colour and the Shape ["I don't wanna be your monkey wrench". How is this not celebrating Friday?]

Bullet With Butterfly Wings by The Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness
[I dedicate this song to Katrien "despite all my rage, I'm still just a rat in a cage."]


Video Killed the Radio Star by The Plastics [You are a radio star.]


Fresh Prince of Bel Air by Will Smith [I dedicate this to John, because he is the Fresh Prince of Addison.]

Summer looks that I'd love to recreate...

It's finally in the 70s again in Chicago! It seems like summer has been stretching on forever here. In Seattle, summer has just started but it's been in the 80s since May in Chicago. Don't get me wrong, I love summer especially while wearing flip flops, summer dresses and sunglasses. I love the golden glow I get, even with SPF 70.

Here are some summer looks that I'd like to emulate in the next few months of summer here!
Rachel Bilson always has a chill and laid-back look.

Source: electric-minx.tumblr.com via hotpants™ on Pinterest

I love Carrie Underwood's toned and summer-y aura.

Source: justjared.buzznet.com via hotpants™ on Pinterest

This is what I hope to look like this weekend, sans the hat!
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Source: honestlywtf.com via Mara on Pinterest

What I'm Listening To....Watch the Throne

I pre-ordered "Watch the Throne" a few weeks ago. I had the pleasure of listening to "Otis" by Kanye West and Jay Z immediately and loved it. I mean who doesn't enjoy "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding? It's a great sample. 

This morning the rest of the Watch the Throne album was available for download. Best commute music ever!I've only had a chance to hear the whole album in full, once. (It does have 15 songs all around 5 minutes, sometimes longer.) So far, I'm enjoying No Church in the Wild and Welcome to the Jungle a lot. There seem to be wonderful messages in Murder to Excellence and Made in America, that do not exactly apply to me, but are hopefully inspirational to today's youth.

Here are some of the reviews:


From L.A. Times, "The album's highlight, and an instant classic, is “Made in America,” a solid, slow-paced Frank Ocean-teamed jam about the American dream that reveals the main difference between West and Jay-Z: humility. Above a weirdly magnetic synthetic beat and dots of pretty piano clusters crafted by producer Sak Pace of the Jugganauts, Ocean begins by gently listing a string of saints — “sweet king Martin, sweet queen Coretta, sweet king Malcolm ... sweet baby Jesus” among them, and West offers a verse that starts off humble, but by the end he's bragging about his power and slamming his critics — while Ocean sings “We made it in America.” In contrast, Jay offers a tender, descriptive recollection of his family life: “I pledge allegiance to my Grandma/For that banana pudding, our piece of Americana” From there he commits to building a family, not to shoving fistfuls of money in doubters' faces. Jay's perspective tethers West throughout the album, even if both constantly describe their good fortune in ways that would furrow Mother Teresa's brow.




The result is a cocksure, fiery, smart, if problematic, collaboration that showcases the pair's distinct lyrical skills, their way around a metaphor and an ability to execute both a grand narrative and the details that turn it into truth. Musically, the production is captivating — especially West and RZA's odd, syrupy beat on “New Day”..."


However, Chicago Tribune writer Greg Kot noted a "sometimes difficult partnership" and criticized Jay-Z's and West's "self-regard" in their lyrics, stating "they urge listeners to 'watch the throne,' and gaze in awe on their good fortune."^[source]

I agree with the Reuters review, "If nothing else, the contest for Year’s Most Quotable Album has just been decided." Also the Reuters review was quite informative, " it took a village to raise this “Throne,” not just the two titans. There’s nary a dull moment on an album that features not just West’s ongoing sense of sonic brilliance but production contributions from Swizz Beats, Q-Tip, and RZA, among others; vocal cameos by Kid Cudi, Seal, and an opera singer or two; and cleverly utilized samples by everyone from Nina Simone to Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera."


I totally dig the wordplay, but this is music for people who enjoy hip-hop. This is not for my mom. If you like 90s underground hip hop, like De La Soul, and current Kanye, you will like this album. 

A Cooking Themed Weekend

Wow, this weekend I have been in a cooking frenzy without actually cooking. As Mr. F will attest, I'm not very adept in the kitchen...I burn pots and dice veggies very slowly. Although, I really appreciate good food and wine (and cupcakes). Source: fox.com via Emily on Pinterest

We started watching Master Chef (Season Two) because a friend suggested it. 

We love that a friend of a friend, Suzy Singh, is on the show. (There are actually four Chicago participants in the top 18 too.) 

FOX Broadcasting Company - MasterChef TV Show - MasterChef TV Series - MasterChef Episode Guide

We're totally rooting for Suzy, the Spicy Chef!! I loved seeing her her French cooking test, the Trumbling Tart Duo and wish I could taste it. 

Source: fox.com via Emily on Pinterest

She also made a yummy looking cauliflower curry that I would love to try. 

Source: fox.com via Emily on Pinterest

Suzy hosts viewing parties of Master Chef in the Near North side. We're super psyched to attend the next one and potentially meet her! 

Also this weekend, I started reading Life, on the line, because npr.com suggested it. 

It's brilliant and intriguing how Chef Grant Achatz's mind works. He is a chef, a scientist, and a visionary. I also enjoy Grant Achatz's writing, which is personal and fast-paced. I love reading about his experiences in the French Laundry kitchen and as an assistant winemaker at La Jota in Napa. After his elBulli experience, Grant experiments with every element of cooking, from texture to presentation, and it's breathtaking.

Source: dailyicon.net via Emily on Pinterest

Source: crucialdetail.com via Emily on Pinterest

 I've read half the book in a day and I can't wait to hear more about his Chicago restaurants, Trio and Alinea.

Source: alinea-restaurant.com via Emily on Pinterest

Reading this book makes me want to go to all of the restaurants he's worked at and try all the food that he cooks. Mr. F and I would love to go to Alinea for our birthdays in February. How amazing does this Sassafras cream (mandarin ice) look?

Source: gastronomie-sf.com via Emily on Pinterest

If these pictures made you drool, if you enjoy cooking and presentation, or you enjoy the science behind cooking, I highly suggest reading this book!

It's so muggy I want it to rain....

Uggh, we walked from River North to the Field Museum today and it was icky hot! We were so sticky that it made us miss the drizzle in Seattle.

Source: ffffound.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

We were worn out from our walk, so decided to stay inside for the afternoon. After throughly cleaning the house, we're watching Master Chef and eating yummy toasted ravioli. 

Gorgeous Glee Gowns

The Glee gals are utilizing their summer break to look fabulous. Check out these amazing photos!

Lea Michele is featured in the September issue of Harper's Bazaar and she looks phenomenal! I love the gowns and scenery in this photo shoot!

Source: tomandlorenzo.com via Emily on Pinterest

Dianna Argon was recently on David Letterman looking rather like, Marilyn Monroe.

Source: tomandlorenzo.com via Emily on Pinterest

A Photo Documentary of Our Michigan Trip

On Thursday, we drove to Frankfort, Michigan to visit the in-laws. We stopped for lunch in Holland, Michigan!

 We were so excited to see Horatio! 

One of our favorite things about visiting the Machek cabin and Lake Michigan is the walk to Point Betsie. 

 Lee Lee enjoyed jumping in the waves along the walk to the lighthouse.  It was in the upper 80s even at 10 am. 

For lunch, we went into Frankfort, Michigan. 

We saw sandy dunes and tall ships! 

We jumped in Lake Michigan  for the second time on Friday. 

Another favorite activity of ours is reading on the deck!

 On Saturday, we swam more and had ice cream in Frankfort. It was more fun to take pictures then deal with sticky, drippy ice cream!  On Sunday, we went for a run around Crystal Lake. We then played tennis and had to jump into Lake Michigan one more time before driving back to Chicago.  It was a wonderful whirlwind trip, that seemed amazingly relaxing and long. The drive back was a little lame, so it may be next summer before we drive to Frankfort again!

It's our 3 year wedding anniversary!