{glasses}

Ahh, the qualms of growing older.

I got glasses.

I was in denial for over two years. My near-perfect eyesight was something I bragged about. That sign a mile away? I could totally read it. My iPhone? I kept it at the normal, respectable distance from my eyes.

But then road signs started becoming blurrier & I moved my phone a dreaded few inches closer to my eyes. So I made an appointment at the eye doctor & what do you know! I needed glasses. Two pairs, to be exact. One for driving & one for when I use the computer. After trying on many different styles, I chose two frames...but bought exactly one. {aka sticker. shock.} I don't really drive a lot in the city, so the computer glasses are good enough for now. 

I settled on a brand that is all the rage these days: Oliver Peoples - "Ashton". I don't remember what I paid for them, but I'm sure the frames are cheaper elsewhere. {They're not on the OP website.} I did the amateur thing of buying them at the eye doctor, which you shouldn't really do since they bump up the price tag. {My mom compared it to the high cost of movie theater popcorn & candy...it's how the doctor makes a chunk of the money.} But in the end, I have pretty good insurance, they're cute, comfortable, & help me see. All worth it. 

So allow me to introduce you to Ashton...

^^you know they're good when they're hand-crafted in Italy

I've had them for about a month now & the difference is crazy. I can see again! The prescription still feels pretty strong, so I try to only wear them towards the end of the day, but I'm very happy I bit the bullet & got them. I also totally recommend this brand, so if you're in need of glasses...try Oliver Peoples!

**not a sponsored post

{inspired by...}

the decor of my chicago hotel room.

so simple, chic, & comfortable.

**I stayed at The Public Chicago. They are not affiliated with this post.

{roasted parmesan brussel sprouts}

I have a quick, delicious recipe for you today. It only takes 3 ingredients! So simple.

1. brussel sprouts
2. parmesan
3. Garlic Expressions vinaigrette

#3 is key for this recipe, so don't skip it! Garlic Expressions is technically a salad dressing, but I (& my parents) really just use it as a marinade. Shrimp, grilled chicken, vegetables...it's the best.

Set the oven to 400°F.

^^what you need

 ^^after rinsing, just cut of the ends & split the sprouts in half

^^pour some of the dressing into the bag, add the brussels, & shake

^^spread out on a tin-lined pan

^^cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping them half-way through so both sides get some heat action

^^grate some fresh parm immediately & enjoy!

I don't have any other photos of the finished product because that bowl was empty almost immediately.

This is such an easy side dish or appetizer. I made it twice last week as an after-work snack. Healthy & delish. Try it!

{chicago, part II}

Saturday was filled with work & shopping. No photos.

Sunday was filled with food, food, & more food.

Greta & I woke up early, met up with her sister, & raced downtown. At my request we stopped at Dunkin Donuts, because I miss that place like crazy. {SF needs to get on board.} I ordered my usual drink & then we made our way to Do-Rite Donuts. I restrained myself from ordering a dozen & just got a measly two. Chocolate glazed & cinnamon sugar.

I wish I could fully explain how amazing they were? Maybe this picture will help.

Or this one.

I was pretty darn happy. So happy that you can't even tell how annoyed I was over the fact that Dunkin Donuts got my coffee order totally wrong.

So worth the trip though.

After dessert breakfast we headed back to Greta's apartment & worked out, mainly because I'd been eating so indulgently all weekend. But it was sort of pointless, because then we met up with another friend for pizza at Stella Barra.  I couldn't go to Chicago & not eat pizza. Even if it wasn't deep dish.

The back patio was gorge. Best kept secret in Chicago.

^^margherita & the special: arugula pesto with shaved artichoke hearts...so good!

^^greta & I

Right before I headed to the airport we made one last stop: Lickity Split. They make the best concretes & chocolates in the city.

I pretty much rolled myself on the plane, but all was okay. It was the best weekend. I feel like I packed a lot in & am so glad I stayed the extra day. Hopefully I'll be back soon with Dylan!

{chicago, part I}

A Chicago recap...

Friday.

Like I mentioned last week, I worked for a few hours after I arrived. But since the rest of the weekend was going to be filled with rain, I signed off & made my way towards the action. I almost went to Navy Pier---because it's a favorite of mine---but the John Hancock building was calling my name. In all of the times I've visited this city, I've never been to the top! That had to change.

There was no line, so I raced right up & was greeted by this view:

$18.00 well spent. There isn't a time limit on how long you can stay up there, so I ordered some gelato & just chilled for about an hour. I couldn't get over the view.

Once I came back down I ventured over to my sister's old neck of the woods & window-shopped for a bit. Love this area of town.

I couldn't decide on what to do for dinner...but then I ran into Rosebud's! We had dinner there last year after Dylan's graduation & it was one of the best nights of my life.  For many reasons. But the food is pretty divine. So while I watched the crowd gather outside of Giordano's across the street, I enjoyed the world's best chicken parmesan & gf spaghetti from the most perfect outside table.

The fog began to drift back out & the temps started to drop, but I wasn't ready to call it a night yet. I mean, this city is just amazing.

So I people-watched.

It was one of the best nights in a while. There's something so fun about traveling by yourself & exploring a city solo. I came back to SF determined to do this here.

That's enough photos for one post. Donuts to come in the next. Get excited.