Tuna, rice, and everything nice

After a delicious dinner at Nori last week, Jaclyn and I were inspired to learn how to make sushi. We share a mutual obsession with sushi, and it's safe to say I could have it at least twice a week. Nori has three restaurants in Chicago and at the one closest to us, a good portion of their menu is half off on Mondays! 

So the girls and I decided to sign up for a cooking class at Now We're Cookin' in Evanston to learn how to make one of our favorite things! The space at Now We're Cookin' is amazing and the fabulous hostesses were an absolute pleasure, as always. We Started with some delicious cups of miso soup. Yum!

Natalie & Sophie

Snacks & prep work

mangoooo!

patting down the rice is key for regular rolls and inside out rolls! (warning: inside out rolls are tricky at first, as are regular rolls, just practice and have fun with it! Make sure to keep a bowl of water near by to dip your fingers in before handling the sticky rice)

tuna, cucumber, avocado, and tons of wasabi

adding sesame seeds

time to roll!

finished product!

Jac & I

messy hands from sticky rice, but proud of our creations!

xx

Monday's

The first day of the week tends to be the worst day of the week for most of us since who ever wants their weekend to end? Starting off the week can be stressful, especially after a previously stressful week, but I have some routines that help me maintain some stability for the coming week and not dread Monday's as much as I used to. I try to read as much as I can, from books to newspapers, but in this weeks case, magazines. I had a stack of Spring fashion to soak up! I also like mapping out my week, seeing what I have planned socially (Sushi making class tonight & Cubs game Thursday!) and big deadlines I have to meet. Normally, a large latte accompanies these organizing tasks, but this week was my latest obsession: grapefruit juice. Speaking of fruit, grocery shopping is also normally on my Monday to do list. This week, I stocked up on fresh fruit + produce. What's on your to do list or grocery list?

 

new iPhone case + delicious fresh squeezed grapefruit juice 

Kelsey surprised me with homemade cakepops! 

I've truly never been a huge fan of this trend, but these were irresistible!

S'mores flavored, served frozen: yum!

stocking up on fresh produce for the week

All attempts to be healthy went flying out the window when we decided to make stacks of pancakes for dinner last night. Oops! 

At least we had lots of fresh strawberries?

What's your favorite breakfast to make for dinner?

Off to a sushi making class tonight! Post to come.

xx

Dose

Dose Market is a indoor market that features local Chicago foodies, artists, clothing & jewelry lines, and one of my favorites from the day, a local flower shop. Just $10 to get in, which includes 2 free cocktails for those 21+, Dose is a once a month must! If you love fashion and food, or like to support all things local, check out Dose. Come with an empty stomach & cash because you'll be tempted by all the delicious treats!

Gorgeous arrangements from Pistil & Vine

Absolutely loved the display at Femme du Coupe

And her adorable dress! Pardon my stalker shot.

the cutest caprese slider I've ever tasted from The Slide Ride! Follow them on Twitter or their website to see where they will be each week.

Chatted with Catherine Cooper, the head chef & owner of four month old Bon Macaron

(the pink Margarita was deeeee-lish!)

having fun with Tres Awesome & their gorgeous handmade flower props

Get Dosed next month, on May 12th! Hope your Sunday was just as fabulous as mine! 

xx

q

BBQ in the middle of the Gold Coast? Why not! One of my favorite couples, Vicky & Victor, have been raving about this place for weeks so we finally set a date and rounded up a crew to try q. Needless to say, our expectations were surpassed! Even my best friend, Kelsey, a recent vegan, had an amazing dish! The food was extremely delicious, but I think my favorite part of our q experience was the atmosphere. The interior of the restaurant is unlike any other spot in Chicago; it's the perfect balance of light & dark, not too noisy, and the upstairs is an unexpected surprise! I'm very eager to try q in the summertime, once our weather starts warming up because the endless bowls of pickles & chips that you get throughout dinner are already drawing me back! 

dangerously addicting

enormous thick fried green tomatoes 

house bacon cheddar hush puppies

pulled pork sandwich + a mountain of cornbread, one of my personal favorites

try q! 

xx