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Cat Power

Artist known as Cat Power via Last.fm

I got pretty excited when I heard the bass kick-in right away in this song... and while I definitely am enjoying the original version, I'm definitely thinking this song could be remixed with a variety of unique and great results... thoughts?  Who do you think could work some wonders with this track?  While RAC typically has a bubbly sound, I feel like that  might make for an interesting take on this song.  I also like the idea of a remix by The Twelves (I sincerely apologize for the MySpace link for The Twelves, but apparently their web presence is stuck in the last decade... SERIOUSLY guys, get a real site).

I was unable to find a Youtube or Soundcloud version of the original Cat Power song "Real Life"- so enjoy the original source: NPR: First Listen.

Cat Power - "Real Life"

We Should Go To France

via alixspence

Don't you agree?

I hate to say it folks, but fall is in the air.  While I'm excited for blazers, cozy nights indoors, and dinner parties, the long summer days will be missed.  I plan to go out with a bang this summer season.  With North Coast Music Festival this coming weekend and a number of end of summer gatherings in the works, I plan to use up every last bit of sunshine I can before donning scarves and hats.

If only I was able to hop a quick flight over to France, that would truly be an amazing end to one of the best summers of my life!  That just means there's more fun to save for years to come...

Inspiration

LOVING the celebrity/inspirational collection on iCanvas Art!  Don't you agree?!?

Let Us Stay Young

You Want to Eat This [No.1]

This week I had the privilege of checking out David Burke Primehouse's updated lunch menu.  I've lived close to their location for years, and popped in for the occasional steak, but their new focus is shedding light on their phenomenal Cesar salads.  I was fortunate enough to speak with Executive Chef Rick Gresh and would you believe they did the math and they sell just as many cups of coffee as they do Cesar salads each day!?!  The team of Gresh and Burke decided this is something they would run with- highlight the Cesar salad and take it to the next level, and I'm glad they did!  Not only do they make the dressing from scratch table-side, but the patron gets to pick from an assortment of toppings from the more common white anchovies and grilled chicken breast, to the more lavish smoked rocky mountain oysters and seared foie gras.  You can mix and match the proteins and add as many as you would like- I created a butter poached lobster and crab cake crouton combo that was out of this world!

Making the dressing table-side - it was delicious! 

The final product - the fresh shaved Parmesan was the perfect final touch!

While the salads were the main focus of this lunch, lets not forget the other amazing dishes that led up to this moment of Cesar-seafood delight!

First, we were sent the beef filet skewers.  Chef Gresh informed us that they actually do not season the beef at all, but simply serve it up on a giant, hot salt block that cooks the meat and imposes flavor.  The diner can then cook the skewers to their liking at the table.  Please note the sauce: the bleu cheese cream sauce is a must.  I ended up dipping my popover in the sauce once I was out of beef!

Next, we ordered the lobster bisque.  If lobster bisque is on the menu, you can pretty much guarantee I will be ordering it, and this one did not disappoint.  The bowl is served with bits of lobster and sweet green apple and upon arrival at the table our server poured the bisque into the bowl.  Don't forget to dip your giant lobster crouton in the soup!  I will note that this lobster bisque is sweeter than most, but for me it definitely worked!


All-in-all, this was a fabulous meal that left me wondering if I was going to bust out of my high-waisted skirt.  Chef Gresh and Chef Burke are really paying attention to what restaurant goers want and it shows in their delicious, and whimsical dishes.  Next up for Gresh and Burke?  They are working on putting together an all-day Sunday brunch.  Nowadays people are rolling out of bed and might want eggs at 6pm (Gresh's philosophy, not just my personal lifestyle) and they intend on providing a restaurant to accommodate those individuals.  I applaud this in advance- I can't wait to see the menu they put together!

Left to right: Terrence Chappell, Editor-at-Large of ChicagoPride.com; Chef Rick Gresh; Chef David Burke; Yours truly


Check out what my dining partner, Terrence Chappell, had to say about the meal in his column, Chappell Confidential, on ChicagoPride.com.



Until we eat again,
Headphones and Hemlines

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs TONIGHT!

Let the Lolla Festivities BEGIN!  Chicago + Music + Fashion = My Fantasy Land!  I'm super excited to be heading to the W Lakeshore Hotel tonight for the Spin Magazine Party featuring the Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.  This act has been around for quite some time, and is just now coming into the light, and I couldn't be happier for them!  I love their sound, and cannot wait to see them live tonight!  What are your Lolla plans!?!

Skrillex Cinema vs. Santigold Disparate Youth

Ummmm WHAT!?  People are so freaking talented- I love it!




Can you even imagine being able to do this?  I know I can't...

Obedear

Something about their name made me think they were going to be way too indie/distorted/whiny rock for me, but Purity Ring is definitely working for me.  Sure they still have that indie vibe, but it's surprisingly not too annoying!  No offense indie music...

Lets start you off with their most popular song on Spotify, shall we?




Kind of feel like this should be in a playlist next to Young Wonder- don't you agree?

The Purity Ring album just dropped this week - check out the rest of the album entitled "Shrines" on Spotify!

My Type of Party

Hope you all had a party filled weekend!  I am ashamed to say I didn't make it to see Dillon Francis on Saturday night... seriously no words.  Sometimes you have to listen to the fact that your body refuses to wake up from your nap after a day out on Lake Michigan.

Until this song finally gets on Spotify find it here:

Everything

Everything hurts...  that's all I can muster up from my brain at this time.

Enjoy some tunes:

Money Makin'

We're half way to the weekend, and I'd be lying if I said work hadn't picked up severely in the past week... guess I'm almost past that newbie period.  That fact aside, I'm still totally happy with the switch so that's something to be happy about!

Last night I was chatting with someone special about goals and how important I think they are.  They can be the tiniest things, or a lifelong achievement that tells you "I've made it!"  Whatever the case, just wanted to put out a friendly reminder to make goals, make sure they're measurable, and keep them in mind as you go about your days.

What's one of  my goals, you ask?  To own chairs like these:

I told you the goal didn't have to be crazy!

Those puppies cost well out of my current price range, so for now I'm going to have to keep on that grind at work, but it's still fun and motivating to know I'm working towards something... Even if it's only a pair of chairs!

P.S. Will someone please be this money machine for Halloween!?!

P.P.S. DILLON FRANCIS will bet at Enclave in Chicago this Saturday - RSVP on the Enclave site for FREE entry before 11pm!!!  I'll be the one dancing like a crazy person in the center of the dance floor...per usual.  Hope to see you there!

Brace Yourself

NEW MADEON!

I wish I was this cool when I was 18...  This song makes me want to get epic!

Trio

I really ran the spectrum of outings this weekend- everything from a relaxing night in, to early morning workouts, to a trip to the farmer market, to loooonnggg afternoons with dear friends, and even longer nights with others!  Time to get back into the swing of things...

Say My Name

Seriously, Calvin Harris jams always put me in a great mood!  Sunshine, day dreams, and upbeat dance music are things this weekend will be made of... and I can't wait!  If you want to meet up, I will be at the Bucketfeet pop-up store kick-off party at Apartment Number 9 sometime between 12 and 5pm tomorrow.  Bucketfeet will be giving $15 off if you buy in-store and providing beer and bites.  Sounds like a great little Saturday afternoon in my book!

via Forever Boho

I hope to see you there!

Bad A$$

Ummmmmm what just happened!?!  Model-esque Batgirl AND a beyond crazy mix of one of my all-time favorite Rusko songs "Thunder"...

via Pinterest

Thank you for these amazing finds interweb gods!

Bright Morning!

Nothing brings a smile quite like a giant pop up sparkle- don't you agree!?!

via Pinterest

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Hanging On

Lets just start this post off with a GIANT "I'm sorry!"

I'm sorry I've left your life void of new crazy music, I'm sorry you've had no idea what color to paint your nails, I'm sorry I haven't updated in almost two and a half months.  OK.  So I'm sure it's not that serious, but I know I've missed sharing all of my fun finds with you all!

The good news? I'm baaaacccckkkkk.  Lets kick things off with an Ellie Goulding and Tinie Tempah callabo- how could this NOT be good!?!


via GoodMuiscAllDay

To my continually loyal readers, thanks for hanging on!  I've got plenty of fun things coming up and I have plans to share every minute of it I can with you all.

Be Awesome Instead

I Will Get There

 
I have a raging crush on this guy's gorgeous voice.  Not to mention Madeon throws it down!

Play. Repeat. Play. Repeat.

Silhouettes

MMMMMM- LOVE me that Avicii sound!

Hood Rich

Happy Monday! Here's a jam to wrap up your day with, it gets pretty groovy around 1:40...

New Mau5

...and just in time for the weekend!

"So in love with the way we are!"



Happy Friday my loves!

Young Wonder

Loving this Young Wonder's sound!  Very chill meets groovy.  Perfect for the work day or a relaxing afternoon... although the later is clearly preferred!

via Music for Morons

Have a chill Thursday kids!

Laughter Crescendo 2012

Headed to see ATB on Saturday and Bassnectar on Sunday.

 via devodotcom

I sure hope Bassnectar plays this song:

Chill Bump

Blender

Someone sent along a heads up on this pretty awesome group Sex Ray Vision.  Their EP is up on Soundcloud, and I have to say... I'm kiiiiinda loving it!

Take a peak at the one single from their Relax EP that I could find on Youtube below, and check out the rest of it here.

Happy Tuesday!

California

Trip please!?!

This Head I Hold

This is the thing summer day jams are made of if you ask me!

 

Money in the Bank

Karl Quotes

 

Check out more hilarious Karl Quotes on Fashionista.com

Tonight

I've just been getting hyphy all over this city thanks to this AMAZING weather. Just spent a fantastic weekend with most of my favorite people celebrating St. Pats and the sunshine! This song "Tonight" seems pretty perfect for my mood:

Ladi Dadi

I fully expect this song to be on party repeat for quite some time.. CHICAGO! Why am I not hearing this song out yet???



Do you agree?

Team Spirit

Love. It. Allllll.  I definitely plan to channel my inner sporty spice this spring!

via Shopbop

What about you- plan to get in on the sporty attire this spring/summer?

Cracks

Streetlight

via tumblr

Control Movement

Revolver

Well this week cannot be coming to an end fast enough for me.  This song "Revolver" by Philter was the first song to bring me any sense of peace this entire day!

Concert Audience Evolution

Sooooo true!  I just went through the almost 2,000 pictures and videos on my iPhone today and I'm going to wager that at least a third of them are from concerts.... but I also go to a lot of shows!

Ahhhh the memories...

Get it Granny!

This just put a HUGE smile on my face. Happy Tuesday!

Poor Little Rich Girl

via At the Edge of Fashion

I'm On It

Dreams

Out Loud

Just some latest findings from one of my favorites- Little Plastic Horses: