picnic worthy.

the past few days in san fran have been wonderfully warm, despite the oodles of rain we had at the start of the week. before it gets too chilly, it would be a wonderful time to set up for a little mid-day picnic in the city by the bay.

all found on etsy.

1. beautiful woven picnic basket with leather hardware and plaid lining.

2. totally adorable little thermos set.

3. a cozy little blanket for snuggling up on a sunny lawn.

4. these little reusable produce bags are a great way to "go green" at the grocery store, and out and about. they come in a bunch of sizes and colors are are super easy to clean.

national trail mix and toasting marshmallows day.

a veteran s'more maker myself, i can tell you that there are some essential tips to the art of the s'more.

down and dirty, old skool:

warm mallow. between two graham crackers. add chocolate as desired.

fancy pants s'more, martha style.

found on martha stewart.

 a little trick of the trade, consider this investment for true s'more efficiency.

found on rei.

the banana boat

(another personal camping favorite)

1. slice a whole banana, peel on, lengthwise. 

2. leave peel on, and carefully separate, making room for fillings.

3. put marshmallows into the opening.

4. put hershey's chocolate pieces into the opening.

5. sprinkle some brown sugar on top.

6. wrap the entire banana in tin foil.

7. stick on campfire coals (or in the over) for about 7 minutes.

8. check to see if goodies are melted.

9. enjoy!

(other topping ideas: peanut butter, reese's, nuts, m&ms, fresh fruit, whipped cream)

hair-raising.

after amazingly irritating technical difficulties the past few days (including thinking that all of my bookmarked sites had been lost), i'm back in action!

we had a mini-dinner party last night with a few friends and the help of beer, wine, margaritas and chili! always a random mish-mosh that assures a good time.

my chili (which is a food i never pursue under any other circumstance) secret weapon is this Carroll Shelby's "kit" if you will. It comes with seasoning, spices, masa and salt, and it's up to you to add a meat of choice, along with beans, tomatoes and whatever you so desire! as someone who does not cook with much (any) frequency, it makes feeding a table full of people not nearly as intimidating as it could be. and jalapeno cornbread is always a must.

i must say, i think it was quite the success.

in cuter news, i managed to find this adorable hair comb on etsy. i love it. and there are a bunch of colors, and headband options too. very cute. most certainly going on the list of things to buy when i have more hair.

found on etsy.

sneak some zucchini onto your neighbor's porch day.

yes, it is a holiday, and yes, it is today.

i'll be leaving this yummy treat that i found on Martha Stewart's website, on my neighbors' porches:

• found on martha stewart.
• Zucchini Fritters
  
• 1 pound (about 2 medium) zucchini
  

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest (1 lemon) plus
• 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges (optional)
• 10 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley, stems removed and leaves finely chopped, plus more sprigs for garnish (optional)
• 1 medium clove garlic, peeled and minced
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil

1. Using the large holes of a box grater, grate zucchini into a medium bowl. Add the salt, lemon zest, chopped parsley, garlic, pepper, and eggs. Mix well to combine. Slowly add flour, stirring so no lumps form.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat until the oil sizzles when you drop a small amount of zucchini mixture into the pan. Carefully drop about 2 tablespoons zucchini mixture into pan; repeat, spacing fritters a few inches apart.
3. Cook fritters until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Lower heat to medium. Turn fritters, and continue cooking until golden, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer fritters to a plate; set aside in a warm place. Cook remaining zucchini mixture, adding more oil to pan if necessary. Garnish with parsley sprigs and lemon wedges, if desired; serve.

i scream you scream.

my next summer adventure?

this cute little ice cream shop called Ici Ice Cream in Berkeley.

i'm sure it won't take much convincing to get some travel companions.

found on ici ice cream.

final verdict.

i love chicago.

i can not wait to go back and i have about a million more things i will love to do.

what was accomplished?

deep dish pizza. architecture river cruise. navy pier. millennium park. el train. wrigley. white sox. humidity. magnificent mile. american girl place. cubs. hot dogs. art institute. grant park. buckingham fountain. field museum. university of chicago. hyde park. more deep dish pizza. john hancock observatory. oak park. frank llyod wright. o'hare.

bistro 110.

chicken pot pie.

chicago, il.