Fat Kid Friday: French Vanilla Cappuccino

I consider myself a French Vanilla Cappuccino connoisseur. No, not the fancy cappuccino that comes from Starbucks or Caribou, the fresh brewed one you get from a machine. A tasty, smooth, and delicious treat, all at the touch of a button. But, not all French Vanilla Cappuccino's are created equal. In fact, there I some I won't even drink. The fat free version is disgusting, and BP's cappuccino is watered down. 7-Eleven puts out a quality cuppa joe and Phillips 66 is pretty decent as well. But, the best you ask? The best is from a Target. Yep, you can purchase this delightful pick-me-up at your neighborhood store. The sweet, creamy taste, and jolt of energy you get, is well worth the $1.15 you'll spend.

Boots with Da Fur

Tory Burch, you're killing me! I am lusting over these boots with da fur. They make me want to grab my apple bottom jeans and get low low low low low low low low. Maybe T-Pain will throw me the $395 to buy them.

Apres Ski Fur Boot

Weekend Lovin'

What a great weekend! 60s in Chicago all weekend? In November? Un. Heard. Of. As you know, my weekend started with a delicious dinner at The Bedford. After much deliberation, I chose the surf and turf special ...cod cheeks and pork cheeks made these cheeks happy and full. We then found our way to Easy Bar in Bucktown. Rocking out to 80s music while watching Better Off Dead was a great way to end the night.

I had originally dedicated my Saturday to the Iowa vs. Michigan State game, but since my Hawkeyes didn't show up to play, I went shopping instead. Chicago ladies, I recommend hitting up H&M and Zara on State Street early in the morning. You will find an organized store, few tourists, and no wait at the checkout line. You might also find yourself short on cash when you leave. I snagged a cute dress that will keep me warm and fashionable during the blustery Chicago winter.

H&M Lace Tunic

The highlight of the weekend was the Sunday night Blackhawks game. Not only did the Hawks win, but we danced to Chelsea Dagger six times. Yup, six goals against the Oilers. All awesome. If only my sign would have landed me on TV...

Fat Kid Friday: The Bedford

This Fat Kid Friday is a challenging one. I am torn between starving myself in preparation for dinner tonight, and fulfilling my Fat Kid desires early in the day. So far, I have held off for the amazing dinner that awaits [although it was very hard to drive past 7-Eleven when I'm craving a french vanilla cappuccino]...

Restaurant: The Bedford

Location: Wicker Park

Why it warrants FKF Status: The menu, obvi...but the location is pretty sweet too. The Bedford is located in the historic Landmark bank. They converted the vault in a dining room, and then hired an amazing chef as well as a drink 'mixologist.' Ooooo la la.

I've been pursuing the menu all week. I can't decide between these 3 entrees:

1. CHICKEN: cornbread stuffing, glazed root vegetables, maple and cider chicken jus

2. PARISIAN GNOCCHI: house ricotta cheese, chantrelle mushroom ragout, charred sweet onions, shaved truffle and pecorino

3. ROASTED SQUASH RISOTTO: arborio rice, pecorino, toasted walnut, cider gastrique

But then...there is always oysters or wild sturgeon. Decisions, decisions! I'm just glad we'll be in a big group so I can sample a little bit of everything (I didn't even mention the appetizers...artisan cheeses, frits and crostinis! oh my!).

The one thing I do know for sure, you ask? My drink of choice: Jessica's St. Germain Cocktail. A lovely mixture St. Germain elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, and soda water. I'll take 3 please. And, with that, I'll see you tomorrow.

Country Music

As I watched the CMAs last night, I reflected on my new found love for country music. And, I feel it's only appropriate that I personally thank those country stars that have deepened my love and impacted on my life this year...

Thank you Zac Brown, I'd forgotten how much I like a chicken fry...and a cold beer on a Friday night.

Thank you Little Big Town, for reminding me that I might be cheap, but I ain't free.

Taylor Swift, you posed an important question: "Why you gotta be so mean?" I'll thank you when you give me an answer.

Toby Keith, you shed light on what I should do with the red solo cup. Obviously, I fill you up. I have a party.

Thank you, Kenny Chesney, for being honest...tequila makes me crazy...just don't remind Joe Nichols that tequila makes my clothes fall off.

And, most of all, thank you Brad Paisley for making it clear that this real, this my life, and its in your song.

There once was...

There once was a blogger named Lauren
Her life was anything but boren
So she started a blah-og
But got lost in a fog
And left all of her readers a'snoren

But now this blogger is back
So get ready for a blog attack
Cause I'm back in my groove
And set out to prove
That this blog is the newest 'new black'

Deep Fried South

In honor of Fat Kid Friday, and my upcoming 10 day trip to North Carolina, I thought I would share with you one of my favorite goodies from the southeast: Hush Puppies. Basically, fried dough balls. While I usually try to eat healthy when traveling for work, I cannot pass up the opportunity to pop one of these deep fried pieces of heaven into my mouth. They can be spicy or sweet and are usually served with a delicious dipping mayonnaise. Gross right? I know. But sooooo good. Not going to NC anytime soon? No worries, you can try these little yummies right here in Chicago. The best ones I've had were at Chicago Q, a new BBQ joint in Gold Coast. And, while you're there, you should probably try the pulled pork sandwich with a side of honey-butter cornbread. Order a beer too. You deserve it. Plus, it's Fat Kid Friday (meaning you'll also need dessert). It's BBQ, oink oink, EAT UP!

Excuses

So lately, I've been lax on posting. It's not my fault. I have excuses. Here are my Top Ten: 10. My dog ate my blog. 9. It's Girl Scout Cookie season, and my box of Thin Mints requires all of my attention. 8. I've gone Vegan, and last time I checked, my keyboard had turkey sandwich crumbs stuck in it. 7. Wine gone. Need sleep. 6. Chris Brown threatened to beat me up if I kept blogging like I'm the only girl in the world...like I'm the only one he'll ever love... 5. I'm consumed by an intense game of Words with Friends. My letters consist of all vowels. Coming up with real words takes all of my creativity and brain power. 4. My boyfriend doesn't think I'm funny anymore. 3. I've been spending all my free time trying to figure out the difference between Justin Bieber's new hair cut and his old one. 2. Consistency is a concept I've never understood. 1. Distance makes the heart grow fonder...my absence was to show you how much I love you.

Guest Star

Check out This City Girl's Style File Series. I am the Guest Blogger today.

Holler.

Lusting After L.A.M.B.

There is No Doubt, I've always been a fan of Gwen Stefani. Not only is she the lead singer in a band that defined my junior high years, she is also the proud owner fashion line, L.A.M.B. And, while her clothing line is as out there as she is, Gwen has come out with some classics. These shoes are a must buy this season. Khaki in color and right on trend. I can't take my eyes off them!

L.A.M.B. Charon These shoes make me go "BAAAAA!"

Fat Kid Friday

Those of you who know me well, know that I celebrate Fat Kid Friday every Friday. Here's how it works: I eat healthy Monday - Thursday, and on Friday, I indulge. It's only fair. Today, I started with a French Vanilla Cappuccino from 711. Not only is deliciously sugary, but it also resembles liquid speed. I swear I get my work done in half the time.

I'm also deeply involved in a love affair with cupcakes, and Fat Kid Friday wouldn't be complete without one. I even brought a cupcake for lunch. It's from Southport Grocery, and it's by the best cupcake in the city. For those who want to participate in Fat Kid Friday, and eat cupcakes, here are some great places to try. They promise to make your Friday more delightful:

Southport Grocery and Cafe

On the corner of Southport and Addison

This vanilla cupcake is the Mona Lisa of cupcakes. The cake is moist and dense. The butter cream frosting will melt in your mouth. Made with Italian butter and Nielsen Massey pure vanilla extract, these cupcakes may just blow your mind.

Molly's Cupcakes

On Clark between Wrightwood and Fullerton

These cupcakes are genius. Injected with a center filling, they always offer a delightful surprise. I recommend the Cookee Monster Cupcake. It features vanilla chocolate chip cake, a raw cookie dough center, vanilla butter cream frosting with chocolate chips and a small cookie on top. It's almost enough to put me over the edge. Almost.

Sweet Mandy B's

On Webster between Magnolia and Racine

Sweet Mandy B's is known for it's old fashioned desserts, and their cupcakes are classics. I can't recommend a flavor, because you can't go wrong. The cake and frosting combination is delectable. They also offer mini cupcakes, a great solution for those who lack decision making skills.

Luxury Garage Sale

When I was younger, I loved garage sales. I lived by the motto "one person's junk is another person's treasure." My mom disagreed, junk is junk (her house is spotless and clutter free). As I grew up, I grew out of used and into new. The older I got, the more expensive my new purchases became. I moved from Sally Hansen to OPI, Silvers to Sevens, Columbia to Patagonia, Keds to Cole Haan...you get the picture. These new habits are not cheap, but I've fully developed into a brand whore and I'm not afraid to admit it.

This past weekend, my dear friend Katie invited me to a Luxury Garage Sale. At first, I had back flashes from my garage sale days, walking down West 56th Street, parading my purchases of used stuffed animals that needed a new home (mine). I'd come so far...did I really want to return to my roots? But, Katie sold me on the idea by listing the brands that promised to be there - Chanel, Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Jimmy Choo to name a few.

Turns out, the Luxury Garage Sale was amazing, and I scored some major deals. A pair of black pumps and a gorgeous sweater were among my purchases. But the best deal I found was a vintage Movado watch. This purchase was priceless. Yes, I know it wasn't technically priceless when I bought it, and I wont tell you how much I paid, but it's a classic and I promise to have forever. I fully intend to strut down West 56th Street sporting my used watch on it's new home (my wrist).

L-O-V-E

I need these pillows. And, at $98.00/pc, I also need to borrow $400.00. Please? Anyone? Pretty Please? With a cherry? (Pillows and more can be purchased on Jonathan Adler's website: http://www.jonathanadler.com/)

Love at First Bite

I like Valentine's Day. Actually, I love Valentine's Day. I've never been one of those girls to dress in all black and boycott the holiday. I even painted my nails red in preparation for the big day. My affection for February 14th stems from my love flowers and chocolate hearts. On any given Valentine's Day, I would expect to be wined and dined. But this year has already gotten expensive, and with Valentine's Day falling on a Monday, Aaron and I decided to play it cool and just go out for pizza. Best. Decision. Ever. We went Lou Malnati's, Chicago's infamous pizza parlor. I indulged in cesar salad, pizza, and cabernet. And guess what! The pizza was HEART shaped. It was love at first bite.

I Had A Dream

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, I thought I would share with you a dream I recently had. It was very strange, and left me confused. Chris Elliot was interviewing my boyfriend for a sales job. It took place in a basement office. I can still picture it perfectly. The walls were stained yellow from smoke, the linoleum floor was peeling, and Chris Elliot was sitting, smoking a pipe at a large brown desk. Aaron was sitting in the corner by the door. All I can remember about the conversation is this: Chris Elliot: I think you would be a great fit for this company, after all, you've grown up with it. Your dad has done well here, you should do well here. Aaron: I completely agree. I know I would succeed. Especially working in an office like this. I would always know the sun is still shining outside. Chris Elliot: Well thank you for your time. We will get back to you shortly. (Aaron turns to leave) Chris Elliot: Do me a favor Aaron, clench your butt cheeks on the way out. Can someone PLEASE tell me what this means?

Grow Up

While I just turned 27, I often find myself reverting to the age of 21 on the weekends. But, this past weekend was supposed to be different. With a fancy dinner at planned at Graham Elliot for Friday, a dinner party scheduled on Saturday, and a baptism to attend on Sunday, it appeared I was finally going to spend the weekend acting my age. Dinner at Graham Elliot was amazing, and left me thinking I could stay 27 forever...if I was treated to a 5 star dinner every weekend. Hint. Hint. The dinner party Saturday was fantastic as well. Eating Shrimp Scampi and consuming endless glasses of good wine was a great way to continue my weekend of maturity. I lasted almost 36 hours in my new found adulthood, and I was feeling good. After the dinner party, we met up with a group of friends in Lincoln Park. We started at O'Mallys, made our way to Haligan, and ended up at Irish Eyes. The further north we went, the younger I got. Before I knew it, I found myself swaying in a circle of 10 friends, arm and arm, belting John Cougar Mellencamp's Jack and Diane. I am not sure which is worse, the passion we all felt while belting "hold on to 16 as long as you can, changes come around real soon make us women and men. Oh yeah, life goes on, long after the thrill of livin is gone..." or the fact that I had the uncontrollable hiccups. I woke up early Sunday morning, ready to look defeat in the face, and try again. As I showered before the baptism, ensuring I wouldn't reek of booze, I thought to myself, grow up Lauren, grow up. But I didn't. Instead I enjoyed some Sunday Funday festivities. Oh well, life goes on.

Finally Friday

It's finally Friday and I couldn't be happier. This week feels like it's lasted two, and I am pretty sure it was on a mission to teach me a few lessons. Let's recap what I've learned, shall we?

1: Not paying the parking meter while you quick run in to grab a Starbucks, results in a very pricey Grande Soy Misto. $53.76 to be exact.

2: Playing trivia is always fun, even if you lose to a group a friends who named their team "Lauren is a cougar."

3: If your boyfriend wakes you up in the middle of the night demanding (in his sleep) that you "move over and make room for the others," don't question him, just do it. Or you'll spend the rest of the night shivering in the cold because he got mad when you wouldn't move and stole all of the covers.

Bring on the weekend!

My New Year's Resolution

Every year I make a resolution, and every year I break it. Last year, I vowed to only purchase one article of clothing each month. I made it through February, but by March I couldn't take it anymore. I splurged at Anthropologie, ending up with a $500 bill and some adorable new additions to my closet. The year before that, I gave up sweets. If an addict can give up alcohol, I can give up sugar, right? I made it until January 12th, when I relapsed on birthday cake. But this year is going to be different. My resolution is Zen. While I have yet to find a definition of Zen that I completely understand, I do know that it is the perfect excuse for me to join The Chicago School of Hot Yoga. I also bought Zen tea. This resolution is flawless. I'm feeling Zen already.