the district.

As I mentioned last week, we took our little show of two on the road at the beginning of the month for a week of vacation.

After two busy and wonderful days in New York, we took the train to DC for two busy and wonderful days with my best friend, Kourtney.  I made a pilgrimage to the nation's capital last year, but Andy had never been before -- isn't that crazy?  We walked miles and miles, saw the monuments, a few of the Smithsonian's, indulged in dozens of $1 oysters, and ate the best pate of my life.  You did us right DC.

 My favorite guy from Illinois in the foreground, America's favorite guy from Illinois in the background

new beginnings.

Have you seen this beautiful video/ad from the New York City Ballet?  

The footage was shot at sunrise on September 12, 2013 -- one day and eleven years after the horrific attack on my home town.  I got goosebumps watching this video, the way I get goosebumps when someone talks about that day, the way I close my eyes when footage plays on TV, the way I know I'll have a pit in my stomach one day a year, every year.  

The ad agency for the NYCB said, "Our hope is that 9/12 can  be rebranded as a day of optimism and new beginnings."  How incredible is that idea?  To celebrate that morning when we all woke up to the sun, as we do everyday, but this time thankful and united and loving our city more than ever.  Let's start to remember 9/12 too, for the memory of the ones we lost, and the memory of the ones still here.

vacation (all i ever wanted).

Hey, remember when I posted A WHOLE MONTH AGO?!  C'mon, Torie!  Anyway, besides taking a hiatus from the blog I've also recently taken a hiatus from work and had a whole week long vacation.  Can you say heaven?

Our week of vacation started off with a blissful weekend at home in New York with my nearest and dearest.  My in-laws had never been to New York City before and as a true and, stubborn New Yorker I set out to fix that, so we all met on Central Park South and it was all very dreamy.

We had two jam-packed days of playing tourist and going to some of my favorite spots and, despite all the walking, everyone survived!  The best part of the trip was that it was incredibly stress-free, I got to spend a few precious hours with one of my best friends Alie, and, most importantly, my mom spent all of Sunday with us.

Here are a few pictures from the trip, if you'd like to see.

Central Park as seen from Top of the Rock :: Can't beat classic Jewish deli

 Housewares mecca Fishes Eddy :: Book mecca The Strand

 Beers at McSorley's :: Pre-dinner seafood tower at Fish

 Hers and His favorite exhibits at the Met

Oh, also...

We met Andy Cohen!  Mazels all around!

Not pictured: three large pizzas from John's, steak for five from Peter Luger, and all the general New York beauty.  Check back this week for an update on the rest of our vacation including a trip to DC and painting our apartment -- oh the glamour!

Follow me on Instagram at @toriehajdu to see more!

september in new york.

Remember in March when I announced with much aplomb that Andy and I would be taking a belated anniversary trip?  Well, in true Abramson fashion, we've cancelled the trip.  I'm somewhere between heartbroken and okay with it.

Truth of the matter is that we're really not in a situation right now where we can just run off for a week and pay for an entire week of hotels and lobsters (no matter how "cheap" they are).  Plus, I've heard that Maine is pretty cold in September, which makes me feel really good about my decision because who wants to eat a lobster roll by the ocean and have to wear layers?  No thank you!

Speaking of layers, we're still going to New York with my in-laws, as planned.  And that means one thing -- New York in the fall!  Well, early September/technically still summer but fall schmall!  It's been exceptionally breezy and fall like this past week in Chicago (summer schmummer?) and I've been online window shopping for new clothes for my favorite season like mad.

New York Times t-shirt, Dolce Vita Booties, J Brand Jeans, Foley + Corinna Purse

Thinking I all of the above for our trip to New York, don't you?

noms.

A few weeks ago I posted that Andy and I were test driving a CSA to do our part locally and be more conscious about what we're putting into our bodies.  I have to admit, it has been incredibly fun so far!  

We got quite the haul from our first box which consisted of four pounds of ground beef, one pound of ground pork, two t-bones, two pork chops, eight bratwurst, two pieces of chicken breast, an entire chicken, and one dozen eggs.  Sorry if the picture of meal freaks anyone out, but for me personally (which is what this blog is all about anyway), it's important to me to share this -- we're being good people here!  

*

We've also been going to the farmers market every Saturday morning to stock up on our produce for the week.  Above we have the makings for gazpacho as well as some squash and fancy pants mushrooms.  Question: Does anyone else hate gazpacho?  Andy loves it and loves making it but there is something about the cold chunks I just cannot get past!

We've always been big planners when it comes to meals, but having $100+ of frozen meat in our freezer has made us become even more stringent about keeping to our plan. This weekend we used our CSA chicken breast and eggplants from my father-in-laws garden to make the most delicious eggplant parmesan stack.  You're looking at a layer of breaded eggplant, a slice of mozzarella, a slice of tomato, a slice of prosciutto, a piece of chicken, topped off with another slice of mozzarella (duh) -- that's seven layers of heaven.



* Bonus points if you can spot Sprocket's photo bomb.

book challenge update (part ii).

Welp, I don't have much to report.  Since my last update I've only successfully completed ONE book.  Oy!  As previously predicted, I quit reading Empire Falls after many weeks and very few pages.  No offense Mr. Pulitzer, but it just didn't do it for me!

What did do it for me though was Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple.  I tend to like to describe things with a single word or phrase, and if I had to do that with book number eight I would say that Where'd You Go, Bernadette was a real gem of a read.  In other words, I loved it.

This review by Janet Maslin of The New York Times sums it up perfectly: "Comedy heaven.... This divinely funny, many-faceted novel...leaves convention behind. Instead, it plays to Ms. Semple's strengths as someone who can practice ventriloquism in many voices, skip over the mundane and utterly refute the notion that mixed-media fiction is bloggy, slack or lazy.... The tightly constructed Where'd You Go, Bernadette is written in many formats-e-mails, letters, F.B.I. documents, correspondence with a psychiatrist and even an emergency-room bill for a run-in between Bernadette and Audrey. Yet these pieces are strung together so wittily that Ms. Semple's storytelling is always front and center, in sharp focus. You could stop and pay attention to how apt each new format is, how rarely she repeats herself and how imaginatively she unveils every bit of information. But you would have to stop laughing first."

So, eight books down, FIVE to go.  Think I can do it?  I sure hope I can.  Next up is The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, which I started way back when Andy and I started dating and I visited Chicago for the first time.  Now that I actually know the layout of the city beyond Mohawk Street, I'm ready to devour this fan (and critic) favorite.  Right along side the bestseller I'll also be reading Waiting to Be Heard, the Amanda Knox memoir -- it's for book club but I'm confident enough to say that I'm not so secretly excited to read it.  And then after that one, I'm planning on picking up Divergent, which is said to be the new Hunger Games (need I say more?).

I've been loving this "challenge" so far and can't wait to successfully complete it -- fingers crossed!

decisions, decisions.

In an effort to feel better about myself and this often complicated world we live in, I've made the decision to make more conscious decisions about what I eat.  I wouldn't be being honest if I didn't admit that a decent amount of it is due to the fact that I've felt like a big ole blob of grossness for the last few months, but now that I've been on this path for a few weeks it's about more than that.

Andy and I have been talking about joining a CSA for the last few months but with his crazy travel schedule we never sat down and really looked into it.  Last week I discovered Meadow Haven Farm, a family run farm out of Sheffield, IL.  After perusing their CSA options (only meat and eggs, we can great vegetables from the farmers market) I took a run down to Green City Market to buy some of their product and find out more information.

On the recommendation of the very nice man I spoke with, I purchased two pork chops and happily kept them in the freezer until Andy's return.  I knew they'd be good -- thick, juicy, bone-in, ain't nothing wrong with that! -- and last night we finally got to fire up the grill.

I wanted to keep the seasoning and preparation really clean and simple (a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley on each side) so that the natural flavor of the chop could stand out.  This was a glorified taste test, really, because we wanted to make sure that if we're dropping a lot of money every month it would be worth it.  And worth it is an understatement, friends.

This was one of the better meals we've cooked at home, no joke.  The chop was tender and delicious -- I'm talking real restaurant quality here.  I followed this recipe for grilled romaine as a side dish and it was a perfect accent.  I mean, look at how beautiful this plate is!

We're going back to the farmers market tomorrow to buy a piece of their red meat to try, but I'm fairly certain we'll happily be giving Meadow Haven Farm our business.

year one.

Saturday was my husband and my first wedding anniversary.  I know it's cliche, but I just cannot believe it's been a year already.  Although (here comes another cliche), sometimes I feel like it has to be more than a year.  How can I only have been married to this man for 365 days?  This man that is my perfect match, my truly better half, the Han to my Leia, the love of my life.  Our lives are so one now, as they really have been since our first kiss, that it's hard to believe that we've only just started this journey together.  Isn't that exciting though?  To know that this feeling is only the beginning and we have so many adventures (and I'm sure some bumpy paths) ahead of us.

Our first year of marriage wasn't hard.  We lived together, we knew each other, we were one long before he put a ring on it -- nothing really changed.  It was a wonderful year.  We bought a home, our first baby boy came into our lives, and besides some endless weeks of travel, it was bliss.

I'm feeling a little melancholy about it being over though.  You never get that first year of marriage back -- we're far from newlyweds, officially, and I can no long just say, "We got married in July."  But if all the rest of my years are as wonderful as our year one I'll count myself as one of the lucky ones.

I love you, husband of mine.  Thank you for being my one and only love.

life lately.

It's the oldest excuse in women's lib, but work has taken over my life.  In an effort to quickly recap the last two-ish weeks, here's a glimpse of my life lately.

Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup parade :: Free cake at a client meeting

Brothers and uncles :: Boys with their sports

I mean, hello face :: Industrial outdoor lights courtesy of my handy husband

 There is nothing cuter than this father and son duo :: Sprocket helping fold laundry

Fourth of July cherries :: Fourth of July attire

Follow me on Instagram @toriehajdu

chicago summer: day 1.

Here's hoping you have more sunshine than we do.  I'm off to my in-laws this weekend for some much needed relaxation time and Sprocket's first experience in the pool (!!!!!).  Have a great weekend!

[Sorry for the glare and my reflection in the photo, I just needed to capture those sad summer drops.]

take me away, tuesday.

Maybe it's because today is a particularly foggy and wet day, or maybe because summer may actually be here for real and I'm getting cabin fever, but this Tuesday I find myself extra anxious to get out of town.

When I think about packing my bags and taking a vacation/weekend/life hiatus (which is a pretty regular thought), my destination is always Yountville, CA.  Why Yountville?  I have only spent five days there: one in the summer of 2011 while Andy and I were driving up the coast of California, and four last July when we spent our honeymoon there.  It's the most beautiful, peaceful, ethereal place I've ever been.  Is that an exaggeration?  No.  Not only does it have THREE Thomas Kellar restaurants, but you can bike to vineyards all day, walk the cozy, flower lined streets, and soak in the California sun.  Also, we ate $.50 oysters before the best meal of my life at Ad Hoc -- can't really beat that.

We've already committed to going back for our five year wedding anniversary, which is a mere 49 months away.  I've also been looking at real estate there, so yeah, I'd like to go back, please.

 Quick detour from our bike ride to pick some grapes (don't worry, he's just pretending)

 We biked six miles and went to ten vineyards in one day on these rented bad boys.

Yountville, I love you.

monday morning question.

This morning while I was paying for my ice coffee at Dunkin' Donuts, the nice gentleman asked me a question.  "Would you like a free donut?" he said.  Why yes, yes I would.

Hope everyone's Monday is off to as good of a start as mine!  And here's to a week just as exciting.

over the weekend.

After having one of those long and eye opening conversations with my significant other, I've committed myself to being productive this weekend.  There have been more than a handful of times where I find myself on the couch all weekend wallowing in Andy's absence instead of doing what I need to do (laundry, dishes, cleaning, scrubbing -- the general joys of house wifery), but this weekend will be different.

And here's why.  Our second bedroom currently looks like this, minus the furniture...

WHY.  I don't know!  I wish I knew why we have a bright Jolly Rancher green bedroom, but this is what the previous owners left us with, so here we are.  This weekend I'll be putting myself to good use by painting the room, or at least starting it.

Here's the tricky thing about this room, which I will share with the two (maybe three?) readers of this blog.  One day, hopefully not too far away, this room will be a nursery.  Right now it's a guest room, but we're not planning on it staying that way for long enough to really make it officially one.  We're not going to buy a queen size bed to put in there, for example.  We're thinking a daybed?  Something that can remain and be functional even after we've added to our brood.  So anyway, I bought home a sample of Behr paint in Natural Grey.  I'm worried it might be a liiiiiiittle too dark, but I think it'll do the trick.  I love the simple lightness of a grey and it's a great canvas to add whatever pops of color we want to.  

So I hope you like grey little future baby Abramson, cause that's what your mama is doing this weekend.

hacking.

I wish beyond wishes that I was a DIY kinda girl.  I've tried to start projects over and over again and even have a Pinterest board devoted to the idea, but I get so frustrated when I realize the finished project won't be what I envisioned and end up just quitting.  This insecurity is a problem with me in general -- something I'm consciously trying to work on -- but it's a roadblock for me every time.

Anyway -- do you ever see those DIY Ikea makeovers that you want to do so badly it sort of hurts?  Andy has a thing against Ikea furniture because he thinks it's cheap, fake, breaks easy, etc.  I on the other hand think it's fun, trendy, and cute.  Plus I love their Swedish meatballs.  I stumbled across this Ikea hack this morning and desperately want to recreate it.  We're looking for a sofa console table to go behind one part of our sectional and I think something like this would be just perfect.

Now I just need to build up the courage to try it.

this face.

This is a face that makes me melt.  I will be the first to admit that I'm completely obsessed with my dog.  But can you blame me??  Look at that face!  That widows peak!  Come on.

With Andy traveling so much and me being generally down in the dumps recently over a plethora of dumb things (work, my weight, etc.), this little face brightens my day.

I complain a lot about having to come home late from work and spend an hour tuckering Sprock out, but it's worth it.  Because when this little mongrel jumps in bed with me and lays on Andy's pillow I know it's most certainly all worth it.

Mama loves you, Sprocket ole boy.

at last.

How dramatic of a title is that for a post about new sandals?  Just wait, it gets more dramatic.

I'll never forget where I was when my last pair of black flat sandals broke.  It was July 19, 2011.  I had just gotten my hair cut (are you riveted yet?) and was walking to Kleinfeld's (now you're riveted) to pick out my wedding dress.  That's nearly TWO years ago.  For two years I have only worn brown or nude color sandals.  Oh the agony!  Woe is me!

But now that I have a new job and can actually afford to buy things, I finally splurged on a new pair -- and by splurged I mean use a gift card I got for my birthday.  Behold, my new beauties!  From what I can tell by walking around my office for 15 seconds in them, we're going to get along just fine this summer.

on growing up.

On Sunday I turned 27. In the rankings of important birthdays, 27 is a pretty low on the list. It's one of those milestones that doesn't really mean much more than the fact that you're a year older.

I happened to have spent my birthday alone this year. Well, I had the company of a certain 62 pound mutt, but I generally celebrated the beginning of this new year of my life on my own. It made me realize a few things: 1) Window shopping is a great way to spend any day, even a birthday 2) Even at 27 you'll still feel like a child when you realize that you just want to feel special on your birthday, but don't 3) You're alone on your birthday? Kraft mac and cheese for dinner!

This isn't to say that I had a bad birthday. I heard from my friends and family, got the random Facebook posts, and generally felt the love. But still, it just didn't really feel like a birthday to me. As I thought this over Sunday night I wondered if this is how birthdays will feel, or at least how the uneventful milestone ones will feel. I know I just missed Andy, there's no denying that I would have been a chipper birthday girl if he was home, but maybe I was down about getting old?

My 26th year alive was incredible. I got married, bought a home, and Sprocket (I mean, Sprocket for crying out loud!). What's in store for this year? I guess anything. Really, anything can happen this year. It's our first summer in the new apartment, we're hoping to host Thanksgiving dinner this year for the first time, and maybe, just maaaaybe welcome a little ginger monster into the world.

So should I be down about my birthday? No. Am I allowed to be down that I spent it alone? Yes.

All this to say that I purchased three pairs of shoes yesterday and I feel a little bit better. Happy birthday, Mrs. Abramson.

book challenge update.

I'm happy to report that so far the 2013 book challenge has been going well!  Considering we're halfway through the year, and I'm seven books in, I'm on track to actually be successful with this!  I've loved all of the books I've read so far, and have a little commentary on each if you're interested in reading.

I Was Told There'd Be Cake: I found Sloane Crosley's tone and honesty to be hilarious and very entertaining.  For someone who hasn't ready many memoirs in this style (think David Sedaris), I was pleasantly surprised.  My mom borrowed the book when I was done with it and loved it.  In fact, she enjoyed it so much she's currently reading Crosley's second book -- and I'm eager to read it next.

The Art of Fielding: I have never read a 500+ page book so fast.  The easiest way to describe how I felt about the book was that I adored it.  Heartwarming and heart wrenching, I was engrossed by the plot and characters.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay: Is it obnoxious for me to have loved every single one of these seven books?  This one especially stuck a chord with me though.  New York before (and after) WWII -- need I say more?  There aren't many books I wish I could read over and over and have it be the first time, every time, but this is one of them.  Plus, it's all about comic books, and I happen to have some insight into that world.

Tenth of December: The New York Times called it the best book you'll read this year.  Of all the "new releases" I've read in the last year or so, I would say they could be close to right on this one.  George Saunders has a very special way about his work.  It's a little (or more than a little) bit twisted, always makes you think, and generally leaves you wanting more.  This was my selection for book club, when I hosted, but I sort of wish it wasn't.  I read all the stories back-to-back instead of taking the time to absorb them, something that you need to do.  Read it and you'll understand.  Also, just read it.  It's good.

The History of Love: If you know me, you know I cry very easily.  The ending of this book?  Pass the tissues, please.

Dark Places: Another book club selection!  I read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn last year, but was very disappointed by the ending, as I think a lot of people were.  I'm happy to report that this ending held up to my expectations.  A gripping murder mystery, I suggest you read it while in a big city -- not in a small farm town.

A Storm of Swords: It's taken me a loooooong time to finishing/re-read the third book of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire.  No spoilers, but let's just say that there's a chapter that made me take a whole year off from reading it because I was so distraught.  But the ending of this?  Hello plot twists!  Bring on book four.


I'm currently reading Empire Falls by Richard Russo, but I'm debating quitting.  I'm only 100 pages in, but it's just not keeping me interested the way I want it to.  Also, I need to stay interested so I can finish this challenge on time!  So I ask you, any great books you recommend?

spring has sprung.

I can still say spring, right?  It hasn't been much of a spring for us here in the good ole windy city (and elsewhere in the country), but with June* fast approaching, these last few weeks have finally felt nice.

Sprocket and I have been having a blast -- when the weather cooperates.  My husband has been busy working, so this little mongrel and I have had a lot of time together to explore the park and chase squirrels (and rabbits and birds).  Oh, and play with sticks, we love sticks.

*Also of importance this weekend: I turn the big two-seven.

happy weekend.

Happy weekend!  I must admit, this was a pretty blissful week for me.  I wrapped up everything at work (which wasn't much) early in the week and spent the rest of it exploring the internet and spending time with my co-workers.  Plus I gave myself a little three day weekend so Sprocket and I are enjoying being lazy today.

One thing I was thrilled to do this week was plan our anniversary trip!  We're going to take a belated vacation to Maine in September and I really couldn't be more excited about it.  Have you ever been?  We'll be there for a week so bring on the recommendations!

(photo courtesy of The West Street Hotel)

Is it too early to start packing?

working nine to five.

As I mentioned earlier this week, I will be starting a new job on Monday.  I'm fairly devastated about the change, honestly, because I really love my co-workers and leaving them is certainly going to result in more than one tear.  Besides losing my friends I am so excited to start a new chapter in my life and be getting back into the PR biz at a small agency in Chicago's Loop.  

With a new gig comes new clothes (amiright ladies?) -- and I need a lot of them.  After wearing pajamas, or a more denim based version of them, for the last four years I really need to step up my business casual game.  The last time I wore a blazer and suit pants I was twenty-two and approximately twenty-two pounds thinner so I need a big closet overhaul.

Here are a few items that I'm daydreaming about wearing as a fancy PR girl.

I've never tried the peplum look but I'm envisioning this J. Crew shirt with skinny pants and heels.

 In my dreams every night.  Every single night. Oh, Madewell. 

I can't imagine a better spring/summer working woman shoe than these sandals by Dolce Vita

. 

 No, I didn't design these, but I would have if I worked for the GAP.

So my new co-workers will remember my initials.

2013 challenge.

I have never been good at keeping New Years resolutions.  I probably set myself up for failure by always making them (1) eat better, (2) exercise more, and (3) stop biting my nails -- the same three resolutions I've had since I can remember making resolutions and have never ever been able to keep.

It seems silly to "start" a resolution this late in the year, so instead I'm giving myself a challenge.  It may not be viewed as a challenge for everyone, but I'm going to read thirteen books in 2013.  I was an English major in school and absolutely love reading.  I devoured books at my first job in publishing and happily take the bus to work for a peaceful thirty minutes of reading time, BUT I also love TV, my husband, my dog, and the internet -- also know as distractions.

Last week when I realized that I was a mere 200 pages away from completing four books so far this year the challenge hit me.  Why not challenge myself to spend more time reading?  Thirteen in twenty-thirteen sounds so nice so let's do it!

I'll be using the blog as way to keep myself honest and share my favorites.  Here are the books I've pinpointed (for now!) as some options:

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon (currently reading and loving)

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell 

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach (finished and loved)

Empire Falls by Richard Russo

Up In The Old Hotel by Joseph Mitchell

How Did You Get This Number by Sloane Crosley

History of Love by Nicole Krauss

I Remember Nothing by Nora Ephron 

The Round House by Louise Erdrich

Tenth of December by George Saunders (currently reading and loving)

The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon

Z by Therese Anne Fowler

A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin

A Feast for Crows by George R. R. Martin

Grace by Grace Coddington

I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley (finished and loved)

Is thirteen books not impressive?  How many books to do read a year?

vegas, baby.

At the beginning of the month the whole Abramson crew took a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate my husband turning thirty.  My mom's entire side of the family moved out to Vegas over a decade ago, so I've been taking trips out west for some time now.  I'm not one to gamble much (it's just amazing how fast you can lose $20 in a slot machine) so I tend to stay away from The Strip and instead opt to watch my money disappear at the outlets.

But this was a special occasion and special occasions call for Vegas to be done right.  We stayed downtown at the Aria, easily the nicest and coolest hotel I've ever stayed in, saw a Cirque du Soleil show, ate at a buffet, walked down Las Vegas Boulevard with a bottle of Jameson and tall boys of PBR's (I got a box of Sangria, because I'm a classy lady), and gambled our little hearts out.  My in-laws sat out for the debauchery but with warm temperatures and family it was a great trip had by all.

Also, let it be known that I love and am awesome at craps.

 After all my years going to Las Vegas I FINALLY got to see the Hoover Dam!  We all needed a little break from losing money and damn it was one fine dam.

While Andy checked into the hotel my grandma and I took a stroll around to see just how amazing the Aria was.  Finding the pool bar for daiquiris was number one on our to-do list.

It wouldn't be Andy's birthday without posing with some Star Wars characters. 

Obligatory photo of the Chihuly glass ceiling at the Bellagio