tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44114123759045820792024-03-13T04:28:59.150-07:00Mad City Girlkristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.comBlogger582125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-63892029026549976452009-01-04T15:32:00.000-08:002009-01-04T15:35:16.373-08:00Madcity Girl<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SWFHMDd3IWI/AAAAAAAAEqI/xTkkz9Op6UY/s1600-h/new-years-eve-1907-times-square1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287585709924229474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SWFHMDd3IWI/AAAAAAAAEqI/xTkkz9Op6UY/s400/new-years-eve-1907-times-square1.jpg" border="0" /></a> A new year, a new look. Updates are in the works at <a href="http://www.madcitygirl.com/">www.madcitygirl.com</a><br /><br /></div>kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-1636080700503029462008-12-29T18:37:00.000-08:002008-12-29T18:43:34.164-08:00Christmas With Grandma D<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVmJ_2_K_bI/AAAAAAAAEqA/-_9T_IYCpRo/s1600-h/grandchildren.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVmJ_2_K_bI/AAAAAAAAEqA/-_9T_IYCpRo/s400/grandchildren.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285407367881227698" border="0" /></a>Christmas picture of my cousins and me with Grandma D<br /></div>kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-19863608932772248992008-12-29T13:55:00.000-08:002008-12-29T18:47:52.358-08:00Keeping Tradition Alive<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVlHg0786cI/AAAAAAAAEpw/erDPnadyWb4/s1600-h/f2f04d2d1abcc8f0558f0542d29f5fb9.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285334266987473346" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVlHg0786cI/AAAAAAAAEpw/erDPnadyWb4/s320/f2f04d2d1abcc8f0558f0542d29f5fb9.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVlHbHbfMbI/AAAAAAAAEpo/rxn5UrJZ0Vo/s1600-h/232323232%257Ffp53677%29nu%3D3264%29+9%3B%29+45%29WSNRCG%3D3239%284+%289%3B+%3Bnu0mrj.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285334168872366514" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVlHbHbfMbI/AAAAAAAAEpo/rxn5UrJZ0Vo/s320/232323232%257Ffp53677%29nu%3D3264%29+9%3B%29+45%29WSNRCG%3D3239%284+%289%3B+%3Bnu0mrj.jpg" border="0" /></a>While certainly not my most flattering photo op (my friend Brodie already strongly advised I lose the chin cinched hat ASAP), these are pictures from my annual Christmas Day run with my brother, Kelly. For the last several years, my dad, brother, and I have made it a tradition to run from my parents' house in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Brookfield</span> to the Milwaukee lakefront (approximately 10 miles) on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, my dad is currently sidelined with a knee injury, so this year's run wasn't quite the same, but Kelly and I felt like we had to keep the tradition alive and brave the 8-foot snow mounds, uncleared sidewalks, and icy patches, to literally earn our Christmas day feast.<br /><br />Running to the lakefront has become similar to a rite of passage in our family. I like to do the run each time I visit my parents. My mom made the journey for the first time a few months ago, and has been rewarded accordingly with a coveted spot in our secret sect. I love the run because I get to spend quality time with my family and enjoy memorable conversations (sometimes my dad will ask if there are any new guys in my life, which is always classic). I also love the variety of the route and terrain. During the course of the 10 mile journey, we experience the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">suburbs</span>, parks and trails, the campus of Marquette University, the ghetto, the city, lakefront, and Milwaukee Art Museum (aka, Mecca).<br /><br />I definitely love good family and holiday traditions (what could be more memorable?), and our annual Christmas run to the Lakefront is one of my favorites. Although we missed my dad this time, I'm glad my brother and I kept the tradition alive for yet another year.kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-63118934928018202202008-12-26T11:40:00.000-08:002008-12-29T18:32:43.368-08:00Christmas Bliss<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVUzKR22S8I/AAAAAAAAEpg/NtlXpNFyubw/s1600-h/12.22.08+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284185989474307010" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVUzKR22S8I/AAAAAAAAEpg/NtlXpNFyubw/s320/12.22.08+017.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-75929980662763661172008-12-23T13:27:00.000-08:002008-12-23T13:35:57.434-08:00Homemade Holiday Gifts<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVFYGHpvd-I/AAAAAAAAEpY/J40T4YP78jY/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283100700038887394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVFYGHpvd-I/AAAAAAAAEpY/J40T4YP78jY/s320/holiday+dinner+052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVFYCPZES_I/AAAAAAAAEpQ/TF65e0AcjNY/s1600-h/12.22.08+008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283100633396956146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVFYCPZES_I/AAAAAAAAEpQ/TF65e0AcjNY/s320/12.22.08+008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVFX-6-C7lI/AAAAAAAAEpI/NUodClgdf9A/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283100576375303762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVFX-6-C7lI/AAAAAAAAEpI/NUodClgdf9A/s320/holiday+dinner+046.jpg" border="0" /></a> My favorite holiday gifts for friends are simple and homemade. This year, using an idea I found in a Martha Stewart holiday magazine, I made several batches of my famous homemade granola :), bagged them into 1lb window coffee bags, and decorated with festive <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ribbons</span>. I bought the coffee bags from an online coffee wholesaler, and used a modified recipe for granola that I found in the <em>Joy of Cooking</em>. </div></div>kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-4481810516563296922008-12-23T12:28:00.000-08:002008-12-23T12:39:49.650-08:00Dinner & Nutcracker<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVFKPhHO38I/AAAAAAAAEo4/7Drpw-eBdEM/s1600-h/12.22.08+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283085468329500610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVFKPhHO38I/AAAAAAAAEo4/7Drpw-eBdEM/s400/12.22.08+010.jpg" border="0" /></a>This past Friday night, a few friends and I went out to dinner at the <a href="http://www.theoldfashioned.com/">Old Fashioned</a>, followed by a performance of the Nutcracker at the Overture Center. I love the Old Fashioned, and hadn't been there in a while. It's a relatively recent entrant to the Madison dining scene and is essentially a trendy take on a Wisconsin supper club. It's good stuff. I enjoyed a burger, and we all split a $4.50 pitcher of Shlitz. It doesn't get much more Wisconsin than that. Afterwards, we headed to the nearby Overture Center, where we barely arrived in time for the show. The performance was good, but nothing extraordinary. I feel like I've seen the Nutcracker a bazillion times, and this performance wasn't particularly noteworthy, except for when two of the professional dancers fell on their butts during two seperate sequences. When does that ever happen?kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-21237153207669023642008-12-23T06:43:00.001-08:002008-12-23T07:30:51.286-08:00Two Chicago Favorites<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVD9z3aob5I/AAAAAAAAEoo/rBq_BPxpJ6o/s1600-h/1050567761_c7e0ec5c18.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283001430396399506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVD9z3aob5I/AAAAAAAAEoo/rBq_BPxpJ6o/s320/1050567761_c7e0ec5c18.jpg" border="0" /></a> P.O.S.H. (613 N. State Street)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVD9sQe9beI/AAAAAAAAEog/KAt283i3nic/s1600-h/Reception2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283001299686485474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVD9sQe9beI/AAAAAAAAEog/KAt283i3nic/s320/Reception2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVD9QrJfPeI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/HubJdYfBXhc/s1600-h/2098071365_66d595347e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283000825807846882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVD9QrJfPeI/AAAAAAAAEoQ/HubJdYfBXhc/s320/2098071365_66d595347e.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chriskindlmarket</span> (Daley Plaza)<br /><br /><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283000711580620786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 211px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SVD9KBnmF_I/AAAAAAAAEoI/5YAkZQX4s4k/s320/248113_christmascityofchicagopeterjschultz.jpg" border="0" /><strong><a href="http://www.poshchicago.com/">P.O.S.H.</a> </strong>(613 N. State Street) is one of my favorite stores in Chicago. Unlike the nearby homogenous big box stores, this cozy storefront, tucked just off Michigan Avenue, features an eclectic assortment of antique and vintage china, dinnerware, glassware, and flea market finds. It’s the perfect place to find very unique gifts and trinkets. I found a great Christmas present for my parents there during my most recent visit, the details of which I obviously can't yet divulge. I always make an effort to stop at POSH each time I'm in Chicago. The store also offers online sales. Not quite the same experience, but a nice option <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nonetheless</span>.<br /><br />More of a seasonal favorite, <strong><a href="http://www.christkindlmarket.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Christkindlmarket</span></a></strong> is the largest German holiday market outside of Germany. For the last 12 years, the event has been held daily on Daley Plaza from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve. The market features a very large Christmas tree, nativity scene, daily dance and music entertainment, and vendors from Germany, Ukraine, Austria, and Chicago, selling beer, spiced wine, baked goods, toys, and handmade holiday ornaments.<br /><br />I've made the trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Chistindlmarket</span> in December for the last <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">several</span> years. Last week, I met up with my friend and college roommate, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">KJ (Kristen)</span>, to enjoy the outdoor market. It was the coldest day in Chicago I've experienced, so shopping outside wasn't terribly pleasant, but we still had a good time. We enjoyed a lunch of traditional German potato pancakes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">with</span> apple sauce, brats, and hot apple cider in the warming hut. Afterwards, we stocked up with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">traditional</span> German candy and roasted nuts at the "Sweet Castle" and perused the beautiful handmade ornaments. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Chriskindlmarket</span> is definitely a beloved Chicago tradition, and a must-see during the holiday season.</div></div>kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-57974204763613853322008-12-19T14:27:00.000-08:002008-12-19T14:37:45.685-08:00Feeding My Inner Foodie<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUwfzxH_8nI/AAAAAAAAEnY/Hh0KZs4l5Pk/s1600-h/c5peoe3bar24m9aby-Gaa8640x480.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281631437219426930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUwfzxH_8nI/AAAAAAAAEnY/Hh0KZs4l5Pk/s320/c5peoe3bar24m9aby-Gaa8640x480.JPG" border="0" /></a> My dining adventures in Chicago were superb. I visited some classic favorites, and explored new territory as well. My inner foodie was very pleased.<br /><br />Starting with a classic favorite, I enjoyed a record-breaking six meals at <strong>Fox and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Obel</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Café</span></strong> (401 E. Illinois Street), which covered the span of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My favorites are still the breakfast offerings, specifically the French Toast, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Applewood</span>-Smoked Bacon, and Healthy Start Parfait (layers of milk an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">honey</span> granola, vanilla yogurt, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">seasonal</span> berries). I also love any and all of the baked goods.<br /><br />Also along the lines of breakfast, my friend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Seif</span> (Katie) introduced me to a new restaurant, <strong>The Bongo Room</strong> (1152 S Wabash Ave.), which specializes in creative French toast and pancakes. The strategy, as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Seif</span> explained it to me, is to order multiple items on the menu, but as half orders. That way you can sample as many different pancakes as possible. So <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Seif</span> and I essentially created a pancake/french toast flight, and enjoyed four <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">varieties</span>, including the Chocolate Tower French Toast (bittersweet chocolate chunk bread stuffed with maple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">mascarpone</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">banana</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">crème</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">brulee</span> sauce, bananas and shaved chocolate). It was quite hilarious to see all of the decadent <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">varieties</span> of pancakes spread across the table for just the two of us. It was sheer gluttony, and I loved every moment.<br /><br />Next up was another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Seif</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">recommendation</span>, <strong>Tango <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Sur</span></strong> (3763 N. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Southport</span>), which is where I enjoyed dinner on Monday with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Seif</span>, Karen, my friend Mel from college, and my colleague <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Cydney</span>, and her boyfriend Ben. I loved this place, definitely now among my Chicago favorites. It’s essentially an Argentinian BYOB steak house with a very intimate atmosphere and great prices. We started out with appetizers, sampling the four <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">varieties</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Empanadas, as well as the Provoleta (Argentina provolone cheese cooked on the grill with olive oil and roasted red pepper). </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Seif</span> and I then split the El <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Filet</span> as an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">entrée</span> (range grown <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">filet</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">mignon</span> cooked on the grill then topped with a red onion wine sauce and accompanied with spinach mashed potatoes.) We also took advantage of the BYOB, with two bottles of red wine with dinner. I'm embarassed to admit I was a tiny bit hung over on Tuesday!<br /><br />My next restaurant adventure was to <strong>The Publican</strong> (837 W. Fulton Market), which recently opened in October to much hype (it’s the latest venture from the team who opened <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Avec</span> and Blackbird). The menu is unique and eclectic, and primarily highlights seafood and heirloom pork, as well as an incredible beer list and communal dining. Karen, her sister Sue, and I shared three dishes—the mussels, the heirloom apple salad, and a dish with chicken, sausage, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">frites</span>. The heirloom salad stood out most for me. It was very good. The rest was good, but not great. The service was very good, and the bathrooms are also cool. But I’d still pick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Avec</span> over The Publican any day.<br /><br />And my final culinary adventure in Chicago was to <strong>Sweet Mandy B’s</strong> (1208 W. Webster Ave.), which features “old fashioned” <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">homemade</span> cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and more. I ordered two cookies and the "Magic" bar. I’m such a sucker for good bakeries. They just draw me in with their creamy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">frostings</span>, cheery pleasantries, and sugar.kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-38408090827656987282008-12-19T14:21:00.000-08:002008-12-19T14:27:04.917-08:00Chicago Dining Adventure Pics<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUwfecu8aeI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/uM53Zr9yUGI/s1600-h/cr0hwgPKer25XKabBlKsEs640x480.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281631070968375778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUwfecu8aeI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/uM53Zr9yUGI/s320/cr0hwgPKer25XKabBlKsEs640x480.JPG" border="0" /></a> The Bongo Room</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUwfVxc-FoI/AAAAAAAAEnI/Pxqbi0VfXZo/s1600-h/empan.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281630921911309954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUwfVxc-FoI/AAAAAAAAEnI/Pxqbi0VfXZo/s320/empan.bmp" border="0" /></a> Empanadas at Tango Sur<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUwfLqZdcTI/AAAAAAAAEm4/hMNlIS4tdSI/s1600-h/811772_height370_width560.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281630748218847538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUwfLqZdcTI/AAAAAAAAEm4/hMNlIS4tdSI/s320/811772_height370_width560.jpg" border="0" /></a> Mussels at The Publican<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUwfGF5H71I/AAAAAAAAEmw/QiYnRhOcO3k/s1600-h/2460862892_32129f2a92.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281630652520197970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUwfGF5H71I/AAAAAAAAEmw/QiYnRhOcO3k/s320/2460862892_32129f2a92.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sweet Mandy B's</div></div></div><br /></div>kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-91276130209871437512008-12-19T10:10:00.001-08:002008-12-19T10:19:13.500-08:00Wish List Addendum<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUvlNN14fsI/AAAAAAAAEmo/PvN0MPaeMl0/s1600-h/44205-23.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281567003238760130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUvlNN14fsI/AAAAAAAAEmo/PvN0MPaeMl0/s320/44205-23.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUvlKfRjrAI/AAAAAAAAEmg/DbD_qTbv6z4/s1600-h/hero-48a7854d01d90.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281566956378631170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUvlKfRjrAI/AAAAAAAAEmg/DbD_qTbv6z4/s320/hero-48a7854d01d90.jpg" border="0" /></a>I've never been so excited for a cook book. I found this one in Chicago over the weekend and can't wait to pick up a copy of my own. This is my kind of baking, and Matt and Renato pretty much live my dream life. Here's a synopsis of the book:<br /><br /><div></div><div><em>Hip. Cool. Fashion-forward. These <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">aren</span>’t adjectives you’d ordinarily think of applying to baked goods. </em></div><div><br /><em>Think again. Not every baker wants to re-create Grandma’s pound cake or cherry pie. Matt Lewis and Renato <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Poliafito</span> certainly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">didn</span>’t, when they left their advertising careers behind, pooled their life savings, and opened their dream bakery, Baked, in Brooklyn, New York, a few years back. The visions that danced in their heads were of other, brand-new kinds of confections…</em></div><div><br /><em>Things like a Malt Ball Cake with Milk Chocolate Frosting, which captures the flavor of their favorite Whoppers candies (and ups the ante with a malted milk ball garnish). Things like spicy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Chipotle</span> Cheddar Biscuits that really wake up your taste buds at breakfast time. Things like a Sweet and Salty Cake created expressly for adults who are as salt-craving as they are sweet-toothed. </em></div><div><br /><em>Which is not to say that Lewis and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Poliafito</span> sidestep tradition absolutely. Their Chocolate Pie (whose filling uses <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ovaltine</span>) pays loving homage to the classic roadside-diner dessert. Their Baked Brownies will wow even the most discriminating brownie connoisseur. And their Chocolate Chip Cookies? Words cannot describe. Whether trendsetting or tried-and-true, every idea in this book is freshly Baked.</em></div></div>kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-80238352305009830392008-12-19T07:14:00.000-08:002008-12-19T07:35:35.726-08:00Amassing A New Collection<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu6giFWbnI/AAAAAAAAEmI/brL-jakbrgw/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281520056089865842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu6giFWbnI/AAAAAAAAEmI/brL-jakbrgw/s320/holiday+dinner+042.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu6doDTHVI/AAAAAAAAEmA/vUNH0mObGZ0/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281520006152265042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu6doDTHVI/AAAAAAAAEmA/vUNH0mObGZ0/s320/holiday+dinner+045.jpg" border="0" /></a> Now you probably think I went crazy and spent all kinds of money on Michigan Avenue, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">au</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">contraire</span>, my friend. Besides <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">extravagant</span> dining expenses, I kept my pocket book relatively tight lipped. I'm saving for skate skies.<br /><br />My biggest purchases were the two ornaments pictured above. I'm on a mission to amass a fantastic collection of personalized Christmas ornaments. I found the top ornament at <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/">Crate&Barrel</a>. It's the "<a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1920&f=25952&q=Ornament+christmas&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1">Cook's Tools in Crock <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ornament</span></a>." I purchased it for close to $10, and of course when I checked online this morning, it's down to $6.97. But even at full price, I think it's an excellent ornament and truly fitting for my me and my love of cooking.<br /><br />Obviously I found the second ornament at Starbucks. But luckily this time, I scored a deal. The ornament was 30% off, so I think I paid somewhere between $3 and $4. I fell in love with the ornament because it reminded me of all the Carmel Apple Spice drinks I had during my time in Chicago. Only on vacation do I indulge in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">extravagance</span> of daily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">grande</span> Carmel Apple Spice drinks. </div>kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-67964112819258736002008-12-19T07:06:00.000-08:002008-12-19T07:14:01.257-08:00Snow Day in Chicago<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu49f8u3oI/AAAAAAAAEl4/yCX1RSQWf2g/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281518354709798530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu49f8u3oI/AAAAAAAAEl4/yCX1RSQWf2g/s320/holiday+dinner+006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu47BEFhCI/AAAAAAAAElw/6YFy2Zugg4I/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281518312059405346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu47BEFhCI/AAAAAAAAElw/6YFy2Zugg4I/s320/holiday+dinner+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu436-DGkI/AAAAAAAAElo/cVofR8ssAaQ/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281518258883861058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu436-DGkI/AAAAAAAAElo/cVofR8ssAaQ/s320/holiday+dinner+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu4yoFYk5I/AAAAAAAAElg/f-x2VLE7lpI/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281518167915008914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu4yoFYk5I/AAAAAAAAElg/f-x2VLE7lpI/s320/holiday+dinner+020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu4wEPq1fI/AAAAAAAAElY/0vbhr7ZTtgg/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281518123934733810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu4wEPq1fI/AAAAAAAAElY/0vbhr7ZTtgg/s320/holiday+dinner+018.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div><br />These are a few pictures I took on Tuesday night in Chicago. As you can probably tell, we were in the midst of a bit of a snow storm. Tuesday is also the night we had tickets to see <em>Dirty Dancing</em> at the Cadillac Theatre and were planning to drive back to Madison afterwards. Instead, we declared a snow day and booked our hotel room for another night and called into work to extend our vacation yet another day. The evening was made much more enjoyable knowing we weren't going to have to plow through the snow back to Madison at midnight. The next day, Karen and I enjoyed a final run through the city, breakfast at Fox and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Obel</span>, and a shopping excursion to Lincoln Park.kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-53865403820705248722008-12-19T06:56:00.000-08:002008-12-19T07:03:31.061-08:00My Chicago View<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu2b1aRwCI/AAAAAAAAElI/WhHtpH4r0Z0/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281515577332056098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUu2b1aRwCI/AAAAAAAAElI/WhHtpH4r0Z0/s400/holiday+dinner+004.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is a picture of the view from our hotel room in Chicago. Our room was on the top floor, and the woman who checked us in said we had the best view in the house. I'm sure they say that to everyone, but this time I believed it. It was most beautiful when everything was lit up at night. I love Chicago. Definitely my second favorite city.kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-47355875104603268832008-12-18T14:02:00.000-08:002008-12-18T14:35:16.156-08:00Daily Mile Launch<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUrInjkW5pI/AAAAAAAAElA/EzfP5v_KKaQ/s1600-h/209837270-L.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281254094933517970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUrInjkW5pI/AAAAAAAAElA/EzfP5v_KKaQ/s400/209837270-L.jpg" border="0" /></a>I watched with awe the very exciting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ironman</span> World Championships coverage on NBC over the weekend. It was different this time, as I tried to imagine myself during each stage of the race. I was also struck by all of the things that went wrong for some of the race leaders—flat tires, snapped break cables, upset stomachs, cramping and dizziness, etc. It’s amazing to see the world’s greatest athletes truly humbled and brought to their knees by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ironman</span>. Most impressive, of course, was the race performance and sheer determination of women’s champion, Chrissie Wellington. She blazed past the other competitors, always with a smile on her face, and quickly jumped back into the race after a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">disappointing</span> flat tire and CO2 cartridge mishap half-way into the bike leg.<br /><br />The coverage certainly bumped up my excitement for next year’s race to a new level, as did an online article my friend Jen sent me this morning. It's an article titled “<a href="http://ironman.com/events/ironman/worldchampionship/gaylia-osterlund-profiles-some-of-the-qualifiers-for-kona">Wisconsin’s <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kona</span> Bound Women</a>" on Ironman.com, in which both of our names are quickly mentioned. The article is written by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Gaylia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Osterlund</span>, an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ironman</span> staffer who writes a series on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kona</span> Bound age group women. It was definitely more rewarding than my debut in the Regent Neighborhood Association Newsletter, in which I was featured as "Kim" in an article about neighborhood Ironman Finishers. Sigh.<br /><br />And in the most exciting news of all, my brother and his friend, Ben, officially <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">launched</span> their Web site, <span style="color:#ffff00;"><a href="http://www.dailymile.com/">Dailymile</a></span>, this afternoon. It’s been in private beta for several months now, and has increasingly gained momentum with over 100,000 miles logged to date. You can sign up for the site and invite your friends to join at <a href="http://www.dailymile.com/">http://www.dailymile.com/</a>. Of course I’m a proud sister doing everything I can to support Kelly and Ben, but I also think it’s an incredible social network that I look forward to logging into each and every day. Please take just a few moments to check it out (and don’t forget to tell your friends!). The only thing more rewarding than putting in good miles, is doing it with friends.kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-4176420612321375562008-12-11T18:15:00.001-08:002008-12-19T07:05:15.575-08:00December in the City<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUHJhy9Y28I/AAAAAAAAEk4/SSBasFnAjJU/s1600-h/chicago_michigan_ave.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278721820707052482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUHJhy9Y28I/AAAAAAAAEk4/SSBasFnAjJU/s400/chicago_michigan_ave.jpg" border="0" /></a>The time has come for my annual 5-day December trip to Chicago. I look forward to the trip all year long. There's nothing better than December in Chicago...the lights, festivities, cheer, glamour, and action.<br /><br />As is the case every year, my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">roommate</span> Karen is on the planning committee for an annual professional conference that takes place in Chicago each December. I come along, keep her company, and reap the benefits of free <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">accommodations</span> just off Michigan Avenue and plenty of opportunities for bumming around the city, breakfast every morning at <a href="http://www.fox-obel.com/cafe/cafe.asp">Fox and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Obel</span></a>, great shopping, coffee, running on the lake shore path, exploring, unique dining, and meeting up with old friends from high school and college. It's like five days of completely selfish, uninterrupted Kristin time.<br /><br />Karen also scored tickets for us to see the <a href="http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/shows_dyn.php?cmd=display_current&display_showtag=DirtyDancing08"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pre</span>-Broadway US Premiere of Dirty Dancing</a> at the Cadillac Palace Theatre on Tuesday evening. I can't wait to see it on stage...Nobody puts Baby in a corner.kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-5673820094778879562008-12-11T16:10:00.001-08:002008-12-11T16:14:55.772-08:00K & K's Holiday Dinner Party<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUGsCrzj4dI/AAAAAAAAEkY/CzI501AeO1E/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+061.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278689400373633490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUGsCrzj4dI/AAAAAAAAEkY/CzI501AeO1E/s320/holiday+dinner+061.jpg" border="0" /></a> Cydney, Ben, Karen, Kate, Karla, Max, Tony, Emily, and Chloe</div>kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-56370568462416730342008-12-11T15:25:00.000-08:002008-12-19T07:06:27.648-08:00The Making of a Dinner Party<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUGjPUM-qHI/AAAAAAAAEkI/99N0-ApdTkI/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278679721771444338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUGjPUM-qHI/AAAAAAAAEkI/99N0-ApdTkI/s320/holiday+dinner+020.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUGjGcdvR8I/AAAAAAAAEj4/abTXEDlFbw4/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278679569370400706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUGjGcdvR8I/AAAAAAAAEj4/abTXEDlFbw4/s320/holiday+dinner+025.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278679281070069650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUGi1qdlV5I/AAAAAAAAEjg/q3LNUTT-sG4/s320/holiday+dinner+027.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUGiUsmopyI/AAAAAAAAEjY/RilhRefYUWY/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278678714709223202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUGiUsmopyI/AAAAAAAAEjY/RilhRefYUWY/s320/holiday+dinner+050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUGiLAfAm-I/AAAAAAAAEjQ/KGIdOgJ06bE/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278678548247256034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUGiLAfAm-I/AAAAAAAAEjQ/KGIdOgJ06bE/s320/holiday+dinner+018.jpg" border="0" /></a> Last night, Karen and I held a joint holiday dinner for our colleagues and their loved ones. My staff includes Emily and Chloe, and Karen's consists of Tony and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cydney</span>. Since I love a good dinner party and obviously enjoy cooking very much, we thought it would be the perfect way to honor our colleagues and show them how much we appreciate them and their work.<br /><br />Several weeks ago, we started party preparations and sent out hand-made invites a and decided on a menu of spinach artichoke dip, lasagna, salad, bread, and a few varieties of holiday cookies. Karen began setting the table earlier in the week with her grandma's china and silver (agonizing over fork placement and centerpiece selection) and I started cooking up a storm in the kitchen, baking three <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">varieties</span> of holiday cookie recipes from the latest issue of <em>Rachel Ray</em> and simmering homemade sauce for lasagna.<br /><br />Things came together perfectly for the party. With lasagna cooking in the oven, mounds of snow covering the yard, Christmas tunes on the radio, a beautiful Christmas tree decorated with lights and colorful ornaments, garland on the mantel, and a fire burning, the house felt so cozy, warm, and welcoming. Everyone had a great time, the food was delicious, and I felt so lucky to work with such wonderful people. The dinner party was definitely a great success. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-72984745771695978192008-12-11T12:34:00.001-08:002008-12-11T16:12:17.619-08:00Trial and Error<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUF5dqOuAZI/AAAAAAAAEjI/w1TDsFT9tHM/s1600-h/holiday+dinner+062.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278633788714123666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUF5dqOuAZI/AAAAAAAAEjI/w1TDsFT9tHM/s320/holiday+dinner+062.jpg" border="0" /></a>For several months, I had been having issues with my turntable, seemingly as a result of my attempt to replace the needle. After I installed the new needle, the sound quality was suddenly off, and I could only get the music to play from the right speaker. After much trial and error, I decided to take it to a specialty shop for a diagnosis. Through another vinyl-collecting colleague, my friend Karen learned of a great recommendation for Madison’s resident <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">turntable</span> expert. In just a few days, he evaluated my turntable, gave it a tune and a new needle, and now it’s playing better than ever.<br /><br />Apparently I had purchased and installed the wrong needle for my turntable, which is why I was having sound issues. He also reported that my turntable is in great working condition, and that it’s a classic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Technics</span>, likely from the 70’s. I had always been convinced that I needed to splurge on a better turntable (in my mind, the dream was the $1,200 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rega</span> P3), but he assured me that my turntable is perfect.<br /><br />Which is actually funny, since I found my current turntable in the dungeon-like basement of Karen’s former appartment. I had found it sitting on a table, next to the laundry room, with a simple sign stating, “Free. Take me if you wish.” Thinking that it looked better than my turntable at the time, and knowing that my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">conscience</span> would not allow me to leave this beautiful turntable stranded in a dingy basement, I took it home and made it my own. Unsure of its origins, however, I was always apprehensive about its quality and performance. Now I can rest assure that I have a solid turntable.<br /><br />So although it was a process to get to this point, and I was forced to go months without my beloved turntable, I guess I’m always learning. And now she's truly ready to spin, and I’m more excited than ever to break out my favorite records.kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-26738788135050933392008-12-10T12:21:00.000-08:002008-12-11T16:12:29.832-08:00Atomic Records to Close in February<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUAlTBO5IFI/AAAAAAAAEjA/-h3T0KjXyQI/s1600-h/1485767723_deafe9e910.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278259771956863058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/SUAlTBO5IFI/AAAAAAAAEjA/-h3T0KjXyQI/s320/1485767723_deafe9e910.jpg" border="0" /></a>Milwaukee’s well-known vinyl shop, Atomic Records, announced plans last week to close its doors in February. Owner Rich <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Menning</span> explained that after 24 years, the “decline of the music industry combined with the recent economic downturn” have made it impossible to remain open for business.<br /><br />It’s sad to see such a beloved, indie-stocked, locally-owned vinyl shop close its doors. As I'm sure you can imagine, good vinyl shops are tough to come by these days, and Atomic was definitely the best in Milwaukee.kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-14867867654374180492008-12-09T11:32:00.000-08:002008-12-11T16:12:44.261-08:00NBC Airs 2008 Ironman World Championships, Saturday<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST7IHLpbFII/AAAAAAAAEi4/akH9sB4PyMs/s1600-h/konacrawl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277875839035970690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST7IHLpbFII/AAAAAAAAEi4/akH9sB4PyMs/s320/konacrawl.jpg" border="0" /></a>This Saturday (Dec. 13) from 2–4pm (Eastern), NBC will air <a href="http://www.active.com/triathlon/Articles/Ford_Ironman_World_Championship_to_Air_on_NBC.htm?act=EMC-Active&Vehicle=Triathlon&Date=12_07_08&Edition=1&Sections=Articles&Creative=Ford_Ironman_World_Championship_to_Air_on_NBC&TextName=Read_The_Full_Article_On_Active&ArtText=Txt&Placement=1&Dy=Mon">coverage of the 2008 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ironman</span> Triathlon World Championships</a>, which recently took place in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kailua</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kona</span>, Hawaii on October 11<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span>. I’m pretty excited to check out the coverage and get a glimpse of the race I’ll be competing in next October.<br /><br />Speaking of which, plans are coming together nicely for the big trip. My parents have committed to making the trip with me, and we’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ve</span> already secured <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">accommodations</span> for the duration of our stay on the big island. Afterwards, we plan to travel to a few of the other islands. I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ve</span> never been to Hawaii, so I’m excited to check it out. Of course I’m excited for the race, and the perhaps once in a lifetime chance to compete in the World Championships, but I’m most excited to swim in the ocean, lay on the beach and explore after the race.kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-32794069885457506252008-12-05T14:08:00.001-08:002008-12-11T16:12:54.178-08:00My Christmas List<div align="left">Following is my much-anticipated :) Christmas list. I put together my list last week, and then everything changed over the weekend. I went skate skiing for the first time, and pretty much fell in love with the sport. It was fast-paced, technique-driven, incredibly challenging, and a phenomenal cross-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">training</span> workout. So now, all I really want is skate skies. I can just picture myself cruising around the groomed trails all winter long, taking occasional breaks in the warming hut to fuel up with hot chocolate and cookies. It's all about the hot chocolate with marshmallows. </div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST1A1yt_xkI/AAAAAAAAEiw/-R1G0KWGIss/s1600-h/1266388.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277445631240029762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST1A1yt_xkI/AAAAAAAAEiw/-R1G0KWGIss/s320/1266388.jpg" border="0" /></a> Skate Skies </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST1Aj8X2xiI/AAAAAAAAEio/RsRCIejF30o/s1600-h/1591_1210084782885_350_347.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277445324593874466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST1Aj8X2xiI/AAAAAAAAEio/RsRCIejF30o/s320/1591_1210084782885_350_347.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Depeche</span> Mode, <em>Music for the Masses</em> (vinyl)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST0_5lx-T8I/AAAAAAAAEig/7RdH90grgaE/s1600-h/EB06IS_0210048_500C1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277444596974899138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST0_5lx-T8I/AAAAAAAAEig/7RdH90grgaE/s320/EB06IS_0210048_500C1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Eddie Bauer down comforter<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST0_joO4GlI/AAAAAAAAEiY/9dYHlNHN-EQ/s1600-h/193541_2999.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277444219675875922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST0_joO4GlI/AAAAAAAAEiY/9dYHlNHN-EQ/s320/193541_2999.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Craft Thermal Split Finger Glove<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST0-W44RmaI/AAAAAAAAEiQ/HGiBA9gwMHU/s1600-h/7769-514276-d.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277442901294553506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST0-W44RmaI/AAAAAAAAEiQ/HGiBA9gwMHU/s320/7769-514276-d.jpg" border="0" /></a> North Face Ultra 104 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">GTX</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">XCR</span> trail running shoes<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST0-NtzAiZI/AAAAAAAAEiI/6iEsZPTWrrI/s1600-h/shock_doctrine_US_hardcover_preview.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277442743700851090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST0-NtzAiZI/AAAAAAAAEiI/6iEsZPTWrrI/s320/shock_doctrine_US_hardcover_preview.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> The Shock Doctrine</em>, by Naomi Klein<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST07qPyNKnI/AAAAAAAAEiA/yOWfr0yX1BE/s1600-h/f4681fd3-6117-48a9-b40a-174cee1a1415.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277439935325743730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/ST07qPyNKnI/AAAAAAAAEiA/yOWfr0yX1BE/s320/f4681fd3-6117-48a9-b40a-174cee1a1415.jpg" border="0" /></a> North face booties<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STmmz1c4BqI/AAAAAAAAEh4/h3GBQexediw/s1600-h/452001_2_v15.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276431847892977314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STmmz1c4BqI/AAAAAAAAEh4/h3GBQexediw/s320/452001_2_v15.jpg" border="0" /></a> Title Nine Metro Sweater</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STmmpy8iuwI/AAAAAAAAEhw/GfZqA9EMax4/s1600-h/1716597509.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276431675421801218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STmmpy8iuwI/AAAAAAAAEhw/GfZqA9EMax4/s320/1716597509.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Nick Drake, <em>Pink Moon</em> (vinyl)<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276431526668277410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STmmhIy8FqI/AAAAAAAAEho/09scjXcL0J0/s320/middle.bmp" border="0" /><br /><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Middlesex</span></em>, by Jeffrey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Eugenides</span></div></div></div></div><br /></div>kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-53209320246753121462008-12-05T13:18:00.000-08:002008-12-11T16:13:03.642-08:00Frivolous, Furry, and Faux: Meet My New Throw<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STmcdJNLafI/AAAAAAAAEhY/jol_W_5mg3c/s1600-h/img1m.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276420462942579186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STmcdJNLafI/AAAAAAAAEhY/jol_W_5mg3c/s200/img1m.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is, perhaps, the most frivolous item I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> ever purchased. Last weekend, during one of the many after-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Thanksgiving</span> sales, I bought an Espresso “<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Faux</span>-Fur Throw” from Pottery Barn. Just had to have it. Here are the details:<br /><br /><em>Soft and plush, our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">faux</span>-fur throws are irresistible. The espresso, ivory and gray fog throws have a channel cut reminiscent of vintage mink coats; the frosted taupe has variegated coloring and a uniform plush hand. Dry-clean. 50 x 60". Imported.<br /></em><br />It might be frivolous, but you can’t tell me it’s not practical. This thing is keeping me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">snuggly</span> and warm in these quickly-approaching-below-zero temperatures. Plus it just feels so furry and luxurious, but in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">faux</span>, animal-friendly sort of way.<br /><br />Plus I got an awesome <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">discount</span> on it. I couldn't resist. And I figure it will last a lifetime.kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-35024608980127805132008-12-05T07:39:00.000-08:002008-12-11T16:13:14.390-08:00Vetting of the "First" Puppy<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STlLt4eW5jI/AAAAAAAAEhI/4kdtIsL6WMk/s1600-h/x10scz.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276331690067158578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STlLt4eW5jI/AAAAAAAAEhI/4kdtIsL6WMk/s320/x10scz.png" border="0" /></a>I love the cover of this week's <em><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine">New Yorker</a></em>, entitled "Vetting," by Barry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Blitt</span>. Interestingly, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Blitt</span> is also the infamous cartoonist behind the previous controversial terrorist fist-jabbing cover ("The Politics of Fear" from the July 21 issue).<br /><br />For this week's piece, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Blitt</span> drew Barack Obama "vetting" various dogs as he attempts to select the "first" puppy. Interesting, vetting also means to "submit an animal to examination by a veterinarian." Quite clever.kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-84684199216799891142008-12-04T10:55:00.000-08:002008-12-11T16:13:27.471-08:00Legend of the Pickle<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STgn7DcFtCI/AAAAAAAAEg4/_axAIjZ_1ds/s1600-h/29831.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276010858953421858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STgn7DcFtCI/AAAAAAAAEg4/_axAIjZ_1ds/s320/29831.jpg" border="0" /></a>A few years ago, a friend introduced me to the tradition of hanging a glass pickle ornament from the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Christmas</span> Tree. Apparently, my friend's grandmother had always insisted on the custom. Although the origins of this supposedly German custom remain a bit <a href="http://german.about.com/library/blgermyth11.htm">sketchy</a>, the widely practiced custom is as follows:<br /><br /><em>In old-world Germany, the last decoration placed on the tree was always a pickle, carefully hidden deep in the boughs. Legend has it that the observant child who found it on Christmas Day was blessed with a year of good fortune and a special gift.<br /></em><br />When I explained the custom to my family last year, my mom and grandma just shook their heads and told me they had never heard of such a thing. This seems to only further imply <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sketchiness</span> since my mom’s side of the family is very German, and there’s a huge contingency of German <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">descendants</span> in the Milwaukee area, which is where my ancestors immigrated. It seems that with all of that German <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ancestory</span> around, my grandma would have picked up on something.<br /><br />Sketchy origins aside, I like the idea behind the custom and must say I enjoy admiring a glass pickle hanging from the tree. It may not be an old-world German custom, but it’s mine now.kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4411412375904582079.post-37726998097869490662008-12-03T06:20:00.001-08:002008-12-11T16:13:38.471-08:00Oh, Christmas Tree<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STaV1FKVP1I/AAAAAAAAEgw/zAkNP52TtKM/s1600-h/232323232%257Ffp89%3B)nu%3D3239)+58)885)WSNRCG%3D323992%3B8%3B545(nu0mrj.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275568752662232914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STaV1FKVP1I/AAAAAAAAEgw/zAkNP52TtKM/s320/232323232%257Ffp89%3B)nu%3D3239)+58)885)WSNRCG%3D323992%3B8%3B545(nu0mrj.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STaVwJLJQaI/AAAAAAAAEgg/FxO6UeibwlI/s1600-h/232323232%257Ffp893)nu%3D3239)+58)885)WSNRCG%3D323992%3B8+79+6nu0mrj.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275568667840037282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0nBFGTyGrGs/STaVwJLJQaI/AAAAAAAAEgg/FxO6UeibwlI/s320/232323232%257Ffp893)nu%3D3239)+58)885)WSNRCG%3D323992%3B8+79+6nu0mrj.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div>kristinleighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03422319374795381795noreply@blogger.com0