It’s no secret that I’m afraid of kitchens. The knives, open flames, and risk of being forced to prepare an actual meal cause me great anxiety and dread. So when my Grandma Parr offered to teach me how to make her delicious Swedish Puff Pastry, I was partly honored, partly scared out of my mind.
I recently spent a weekend in my hometown, Omaha, with my family. I had planned to shop, wine & dine, relax, and, well… bake. I headed to grandma’s house on Saturday afternoon in my new pastel skinny jeans and Paper Crown blazer and committed my first baking faux pas, arriving sans apron.
My grandma has been having trouble seeing lately, so she prefaced my baking lesson with “If it turns out badly, you can tell everyone I made it and wasn’t able to read the ingredients.” And then I committed my second baking faux pas by actually considering blaming a baking blunder on my sweet, 88-year-old grandmother.
I knew I had a problem when I read the first ingredient on the recipe card: Oleo. Excuse me, what? “Um, grandma, what’s oleo?” I got a pity chuckle from grandma, who replied, “Why sweetheart, that’s butter!” Oh. Duh. I proceed to properly measure each ingredient, mix in a bowl, and create 2 long and narrow pieces of dough for the first layer of the pastry. The second layer was even easier. I was on a roll!
I put my doughy creation into the oven for an hour, set the timer, and retreated to the couch. Baking is EXHAUSTING. I could tell both grandma and I were stressed when she suggested we drink wine as we waited for our pastry to bake… Eventually, the hour was up and it was time for the big reveal. I slowly opened the oven door with the caution and fear only a first-time baker exudes… ALAS, two beautiful, perfect pastries!
Finally, the last step: glaze with icing and sprinkle with almond slices… seems easy enough. Yeah. Right. The first batch of icing looked like horrific, disgusting goop. Grandma and I took a small taste, and it was painful to swallow. After the first failed attempt, I decided to pay extra close attention to the instructions and created a quite nice looking batch of cream cheese frosting that was most importantly, edible.
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… My masterpiece!
My key baking takeaways:
1. There are set measurements for a reason.
2. Don’t put butter in the microwave.
3. Turn the beaters off before raising them out of the bowl.
4. Only bake when you have a grandma nearby for moral support. Grandmas are the absolute BEST. They are nice, cute, smart, and think everything you do is funny!
All in all, it was a successful experience, and I am so glad I got to share it with my grandma!
For my birthday this year, my better half gave me one of the most thoughtful, enlightening, fun gifts that I have ever received – a trip to London, England. This gift is so thoughtful as for as long as I can remember, I have been an avid Beatles fan. Giving credit where credit is due to my amazing parentals, I saw Paul McCartney at the Astrodome in Houston, TX in 1993 at the ripe age of 8. I then saw him almost 20 years later at Wrigley Field this past Summer. After admittedly sending Paul numerous love letters as a child, I got the opportunity to see (and walk across!) famous Abbey Road, walk past Abbey Road Studios and even found Sir Paul’s main house of residence! After 3 strides up and down the quiet, unassuming block, both in daylight and after nightfall (we HAD to see if lights were on to confirm he was home – he was!) we snapped a quick photo in front of the house and were on our way trying to mask our excitement and keeping our incognito demeanor.
The city is so deep with history and beautiful architecture, it took my breath away. With our tube passes in hand, we were hopping around the city making sure to see Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London,Westminster Abbey and The London Eye stopping in to good ole’ English Pubs for properly poured pints of Guinness along the way.
No trip would be complete without some shopping in London’s famous shopping district. London is, after all, the birthplace of Zapwater clients, Ted Baker London and Top Shop/Top Man. There was no shortage of Swarovski boutiques that shined with the same sparkle as the one here in Chicago on Michigan Avenue.
After 5 days of fish and chips, Guinness, bubbles and squeak, Notting Hill, waiting in “queues”, and dodging black cabs driving on the wrong side of the street we were on our way back to sweet home Chicago with a whole new appreciation for the English language, pubs and history. I can’t wait for our next adventure!
In honor of Earth Day, Designer Paul Schulman demonstrates how being “green” doesn’t have to mean using all organic or eco-friendly products. It can also mean being smart about using items that you already have by giving them a new life in your home.
Baconfest is a full day celebration of bacon taking place this year on April 14 at UIC Forum. Baconfest’s roster of bacon-foods, bacon-inspired crafts, and bacon-spirits comprises the greatest single culinary and cultural festival ever dedicated to Bacon and Bacon only.
I was blessed to have the opportunity to do a lot of traveling while growing up. Every airport, airplane, and travel experience is entirely different. Unfortunately, this includes the occasional travel nightmare. Whether it be having to check your bag because you just couldn’t fit everything into a carry-on suitcase, trying to navigate an unfamiliar airport to get to your flight while running late, or sitting next to someone who is clearly in the middle of battling the flu…travel woes happen!
Though it’s impossible to avoid the occasional hick-up here and there, here are a few essential travel-gear items for the ladies that will make their travel experiences easier and more comfortable, while also keeping them looking and feeling like their feminine selves!
3 oz. Rule be Damned
Oooh, the 3 oz rule. You are the blackhole of countless toiletries of mine that did not make the cut (confiscating my 4 oz. perfume bottle is just cruel). It took me, I dunno, only…years…to come up with a more organized system than hoping and praying that nothing else is taken from me at the security checkpoint. Thank goodness that companies saw a need for a solution early and started making sets of empty bottles. I particularly love these ‘Bobbi Brown Empties’ which are only $10 for the set and perfect for a weekend trip. Not only will you get the empty containers, but you will also get a funnel to make it easy to transfer your products with no mess, as well as labels so you can keep everything organized!
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate (your skin)
Being in an airplane is very dehydrating and can do a number on your skin. I’ve been loving and often carrying around with me the mini-size of this Evian Facial Mist Spray since high school. The mini size is only 1.7 oz. (and therefore plane- friendly) and one spray will not only instantly leave your skin more hydrated, but will also keep you refreshed. Also, don’t forget to drink tons of water hours before your flight. This way you’ll stay hydrated but won’t be getting up every half-hour to go use the airplane bathroom!
Stay Comfy When it Counts
Picture this. You’re on your way to…let’s say…Paris for the first time and want to look chic and rested, but know that an 8-hour plane ride might make that impossible. My suggestion is to bring your own pair of uber comfy socks for the plane. Staying comfortable on a plane will help you catch some zzz’s and wake up rested. When you’re mid-travel but not on the actual plane, throw on your favorite pair of heels to walk through the airports and you’ll be looking chic as ever when you hop into a taxi on your way into the city of lights! These Kate Spade socks are my favorite!
Unnecessary (but beautiful) Accessorizing
Okay, this one isn’t quite ‘essential’, but passport holders can be fun, feminine, and will make you stand out (in a good way) at Airport Customs! This Tory Burch passport holder comes in a variety of colors, but I especially love this cobalt holder with the pop or orange inside!
Germs Be Gone
I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks (err…knows) that being stuck in a confined space with strangers for hours on end is not exactly the most germ-free situation. These mini hand sanitizers from Bath & Body Works are the perfect accessory for any and all plane rides. Choose from scents such as Pop of Pink, Royal Purple, and Paint the Town Red, OR get all three for just $3.
Function Over Fashion
Sometimes functionality should be the deciding factor when purchasing travel accessories. I take TONS of pictures when I travel and am currently considering investing in some new camera gear in the hopes of starting to take my photography hobbie more seriously. If I do so, I know that I’m going to be buying this Gura Gear Kiboko 22L+ photo backpack. Not only will it fit and protect all of my gear and accessories, but it’s light and portable, which will make it easy to travel with.
‘Make-Up’ a Solution
As all girls know, it’s hard enough to keep our makeup organized. So it can be especially tough while packing and trying to keep everything as compact as possible. A great solution to this is to invest in a make-up palette. I especially love this Laura Mercier eyeshadow/ cheek palette from Sephora. These colors are perfect for spring and are fun but functional! Another quick tip: throw this in your carry-on or checked bag with your other make-up supplies- except your mascara and lipstick…put these in your handbag. That way, if you’re meeting friends or family at the airport, you can quickly touch up in the airport bathroom and certainly won’t look like you just stepped off a plane!
Since beginning my internship, have been fortunate enough to work with a few of Zapwater’s fashion clients. TheTieBar.com and Haberdash have definitely kept me busy during the past few months. They are both very successful brands that I absolutely love working with. Since working with these amazing brands I have learned so much more about fit, style and variety in menswear than I ever thought I would learn in a three months. Because I love working with these brands so much I decided to compile a list of the 10 things that I love most about menswear (in no particular order).
1. Bow Ties: TheTieBar.com named 2011 “The Year of The Bow Tie” and the trend has continued to flourish in the last few months. To put it lightly bow ties are a cute and quirky accent to a formal or casual outfit.
2. Patterns: Gingham? Madras? Seersucker? These terms used to be foreign to me, but after seeing these amazing patterns plastered on men’s ties and shirts I have definitely become a fan.
3. Tailoring: Nothing makes a suit look better than expert tailoring.
4. Wingtip shoes: Dress them up or down. These shoes have become very popular and it’s easy to see why. These shoes turn any outfit from drab to fab.
5. Trench coats for guys: Do spring in style with a light and fashionable trench coat.
6. Cool accessories: Trendy bags, iPad cases and ink pens worthy of calligraphy are among the several accessories available at Haberdash EDC. One of my favorites is the handmade leather iPad cases from Kenton Sorenson.
7. Tie Bars: Shows like Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire have brought back an era of more sophisticated dressing for men. With that, comes the simple sophistication of the tie bar adding a pop of color or class to a plain outfit or tie.
8. Pocket squares: One more way to add a dash of color to any outfit for spring.
9. Hats: Bowler. Fedora. Newsboy. Learning the differences between these styles has been informative and fun. Each one has its place as a key accessory for the guy daring enough to don a hat.
10. Hot Shaves: This isn’t exactly a part of menswear but it is certainly important. Being well groomed tops off any look with class and sophistication. Haberdash EDC recently introduced hot shaves in their store every Saturday, and at only $15 guys can afford to be stylish and well groomed.
I absolutely love working with the lifestyle clients at Zapwater. I can’t wait to see what other things I have to learn about the industry.
Medical costs for obesity is running the country nearly $150B a year. Francis Wisniewski, founder of Downsize Fitness, is doing his part to bring down not only people’s weight, but their personal expenses.
We’ve all been there. The mounting anxiety, the cold sweats, the endless waiting, and always “pleasant” customer service representatives. Over the course of our lives we are subjected to experiencing the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) first hand. In a city like Chicago where many of us don’t own a vehicle, the experience only becomes more disheartening as possessing a license becomes merely a “technicality”.
Over the past month I’ve been transported back to the magical age of 16. Having moved to the Windy City three years ago I took it upon myself to finally switch over to the IL driver’s license. Not expecting a walk in the park I also was blithely unaware of the complex process I would endure. After leaving the DMV offices covered in red tape I will return tomorrow for my third and hopefully last time.
In the hopes of sparing any of our blog readers the same fate I have taken it upon myself to entreat some wisdom I’ve learned along the way. Read carefully and don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Do Your Homework
Please do your homework if you’d like to best reduce wait time where possible. Identify the location of the closest or most convenient DMV, and double check its website to see the rules on making appointments.
Depending on the issue, you don’t always have to join the Hunger Games-like lottery you’ll find at the DMV. Many services can be completed online or through the mail. When in doubt call ahead!
Timing is Everything
Don’t chance long lines or efficient customer service. Hold your calls, postpone all meetings, and consider the following advice from the Department of Transportation about when to go:
• Try to go mid-week; avoid Monday and Friday
• Aim for between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Avoid the first and last days of the month.
• Avoid any days that come right after holidays.
Thou Shalt Bring All Proper Forms of Identification
Depending on what you have to do at the DMV and which DMV you go to — you’ll be required to bring different materials. Consult your DMV’s website or call to find out what you need in advance. However, most people need to bring items like your license, passport, and other identifying information. I speak from personal experience when I say “TRIPLE CHECK EVERYTHING!” You always need a social security card, and IL doesn’t count a medical claim as proper address identification.
Final Thoughts
The DMV is never an easy journey, so baton down and ride it out. Come prepared with a game plan and may the odds be ever in your favor. Pray for cell phone service as well, nothing says two hour wait quite like having one bar on your phone.
Although I constantly find myself complaining about Chicago’s weather, I can’t deny that I’m a big fan of the four seasons. And while this winter hasn’t been completely dreadful (I’m a sucker for snow and chunky scarves), spring cannot come soon enough. I’m more than excited to store away my furry black parka and embrace some serious color and sunshine.
This spring, I’m looking most forward to…
Bright, Bold Platform Sandals
Although this pair of Brian Atwood’s are a little out of my price range (okay, a lot out of my price range), I’m drawing some serious spring-spiration from these bad boys. I want nothing more than to ditch my leather boots for some fresh, fun platform sandals.
Patio Seating
It’s no secret that I’m pretty addicted to brunch of any kind, but I DIE for brunch while soaking up the sun on an outdoor patio. Delicious food, gorgeous weather, AND the chance to chat (gossip) with friends… count me in!! Chicago comes alive during springtime, and there’s no better place to see it blossom than at your favorite brunch spot, mimosa in hand.
Ole Caliente
Last spring, my polish color of choice was Turquoise and Caicos. This year, I’m willing to bet my go-to manicure shade will be Ole Caliente by essie. Described as “a red-orange with pink undertone,” this color has me smiling already.
The First Day of Iced Coffee
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 is not only the first day of spring; it’s the first day that it’s socially acceptable to walk around Chicago with an iced coffee in hand. Waiting for a steaming hot cup of coffee to cool down drives me insane… what can I say, I’m impatient. The first sip of iced coffee provides that instant feeling of gratification I’ve been longing for all winter long.
Fresh Air
From the moment I turned 16, I loved zipping around Nebraska in my Honda Civic with the music up, windows down. Since moving to Chicago, I’ve upgraded to a personal car service, also known as, Yellow Cab. Springtime means I can roll down the cab’s window and feel the wind in my hair without getting hypothermia.
If typical small talk is a conversation about then weather, then Chicago has been all about the small talk this month, myself included! I close emails with, “enjoy this beautiful weather!” I talk myself into going out for lunch because “I must get out and enjoy this beautiful weather!” I even dusted off my JCrew rain-flats because “they are just so much more appropriate for this beautiful weather!” Luckily, some of Chicago’s bars and restaurants have been quick-to-adapt and set up their patios and the rest will be opening before we know it. In likely the earliest ever patio roundup, here are my recommendations for the best outdoor seating in the city!
Market – West Loop
Since our office re-located to the booming West Loop, it seems every other day we’re hearing about an amazing new place coming to the neighborhood. One of the staples is Market – with a sidewalk café, beer garden AND roof top with skyline views, you can have a new experience each and every visit.
Pops – River North
The drinks are refreshing, the scene is exciting and who doesn’t feel fancy sipping bubbly in downtown Chicago? Insider info: It’s their 30th anniversary and during the month of April, a glass of Pol Roger is available for just $9 – normally $23. But it’s not on the menu, so tell them we sent you!
ROOF on theWit – Loop
If we’re taking outdoor seating to a new level, then why not the 27th floor? The views are amazing, especially on the overhang. Plus, the DJ’s have been known to set the tone for a fun night on the town.
Justin’s – Southport Corridor
There isn’t much worse that heading to a patio and realizing there is a 5 hour wait. Which is exactly why I love Justin’s – I can scope out the scene from the comfort of my living room. The neighborhood spot is easy, low key, and perfect for a week night drink.
The Anthem – Wicker Park
They had me at veggie burger, then they went and added a patio. It’s their first spring season open, so I expect it to be a hot spot. Not to mention that the energy on Division street makes you never want to leave. With all of the open air windows, the patio feels like an extension of the uber-retro sports bar.
These are just a few of my personal favorites and I hope to visit many more this summer. Given the additional time, I should have no problem making my rounds. For a list of spots broken down by hood, check out Chi Bar Project. But hurry, before the April snow!
