Near Perfect Meal

Low carb.
Low fat.
Low sodium.
Low sugar.

BLECH.

Yes, I know this is how we're supposed to eat. And, for the most part, I do pretty well.

But every so often, I spit in the face of that stupid triangle by diving face first into my near perfect meal.

Cafe Luigi:

2 please.

Sweet Mandy B's:

Best place in town. Hands down.

When it comes to eating the good stuff, go big or go home. 

In Case You Hadn't Heard, Mad Men Is Back.

And I don't think I care.

Especially not after this:

I know all of the cool, intellectual types will be quick to remind me that shows like "Mad Men" are all about the slow build. After a 17 month hiatus, I get that we need some time to see where the characters have landed and what, exactly, this season will be all about.

SPOILER ALERT: THE SECRET WORD IS, INSECURITIES.

Love me! Need me! Worship me!

Megan is worried she only got promoted because she's married to Don. (Duh)
Pete thinks none of the partners respect him. (They don't)
Don, a shadow of his once confident self, is freaked his real/fake worlds are all crumbling. (They are)
Joan, not feeling particularly maternal, rushes back to work in fear they've replaced her. (Never)
Roger knows his position as partner is shaky with the loss of his one & only account. (It is)

The most insecure one of the bunch, Bitchy Betty, didn't even make an appearance. Maybe she'll pull an about face and go from my least to most favorite character this season.

Will I keep watching? Yes. But with "Game of Thrones", "The Killing", & "Shameless" all vying for my attention on Sunday nights. These whiney drolls better up their game.

This Gives a Whole New Meaning to "Put A Bird On It"

First off, ick.

And also, puke. Literally.

We laugh at the folks on "Portlandia" when they mock the crunchy hipsters who insist upon 'putting a bird' on everything, but never have they suggested actually being a bird. Why?

BECAUSE WE'RE PEOPLE.

Turns out Alicia needs to take a hint from the film that made her famous. Get a clue you weirdo.

p.s. Because this is worth sharing a second time. If you haven't watched, please do:

Watch This Now: Downton Abbey

I grew up on soap operas.

I learned how to talk to myself while looking out a window, argue in full make up, come back to life, and most importantly, age 10 years in one month (just like Shawn Brady).

 Happy holidays.

One of the great tragedies of our generation has been the cancellation of these delicious gems (RIP "All My Children").  This sad reality made the discovery of "Downton Abbey" that much sweeter.

We are British and we rule.

If you haven't heard of this one, it's probably because it's on PBS. This singular fact makes me feel tremendously smart. It's like NPR, but on TV.

Synopsis: Downton Abbey is a huge English manor run by Earl & Countess Grantham. In case you're wondering, "running a house" equates to wearing fabulous ensembles to every meal, walking the grounds, and looking for a husband. The real heroes on this show are the butlers, footman, cooks & maids who do all of the dirty work - literally. 

 We know all your secrets, stupid rich people.

The show really excels when these two worlds collide. The feisty sister who helps her maid secure a better future. The loyal relationship between the Earl & his haunted footman. The beautiful bitchy daughter whose big 'ol whoopsie dasiy is covered up by her loyal minions.

It all plays out like one big classy soap. Only here, the acting is good, the stories aren't predictable, and I think it's safe to say that no one will be possessed by the devil.

Oh, Marlena.

Fringe benefit? You'll actually be supporting public television. The last time you did that Mr. Rogers was taking you to the Land of Make Believe. Besides, who wouldn't want to live in a world where being a Countess is possible, wearing Oscar-worthy gowns on a daily basis is the norm & no one has ever heard the term "gluten free".

Download the first season (7 episodes) here.

Weekend Roundup: Family Time

After a long week spent in LA in rooms that look a lot like this:

Making commercials is a snooooooze.

I was thrilled to come home to a weekend hanging out with this guy:

Tucker!

Any time Joyce & Jeff are in town, good food, shopping & (very) early mornings are on the docket.

Highlight meal had to be dinner at Balena, one of the new hot spots in Lincoln Park.

Way better than Landmark.

J&J will be missed, but it will be a few short weeks before we're heading to South Carolina to celebrate their 40th (FORTY YEARS) anniversary.

No more hiatus. All 6 of my faithful readers were VERY angry I left them SGF-free. Never again.

Embracing Color

I like gray. And camel. And slate gray. And beige.

I can't help it. I'm drawn to it.

I've successfully avoided the color trend until recently when I just couldn't pass up the following:

Buy them here.

Buy them here.

Loving "go overboard" and "play date". 

There will be no pinks,  yellows, or neons for me, but a little brightening can't hurt. 

Weekend Roundup: Summer in the City

All anyone can talk about is the insanely beautiful weather we're having here in Chicago. 80 degrees is a rarity in this city in June, let alone March.

While I'm enjoying the coat-free temps, it's not exactly changing my world so much that I can't talk about anything else.

Friday night I made my way the Rag & Bone Fall preview show. Indulged in a new pair of jeans (I'm embracing color, more on that later this week) & even got to chat with Mr. Rag & Mr. Bone.

Thankfully, those are not their names.

Spent Saturday packing up the first of many boxes in preparation for our upcoming move...

Strange how few boxes I need to pack away my entire life.

Easily the most exciting development of the weekend is the gift of my very own iPad!

Thank you, Jeremy!

Long weekend ahead with a trip to LA in my future. Happy SummerSpring.