Despite the Eggo Waffle shortage (due to excess rain and bacteria sample...yum), we bought a package of Blueberry for a little foodie experiment: to create an alternative ice cream sandwich. To mix fruit flavors, we purchased a single (a.k.a. baby sized) serving of Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream. The combo was deliciously fruity and flavorful. The rough waffle texture complimented the soft, but chunky, ice cream. Mmm. 
Dear Whole Foods, You are my new bestie! After forking over a mere $5 for your event "No Boys Allowed: Countdown to V-Day," you provided me with a mouthwatering assortment of cheese, bread, crackers, champagne and chocolate fondue with pretzels, pound cake, strawberries and cookies for dipping. Yummm!
Oh, there's more! I received a $5 gift certificate to your store, massage, gift bag and makeup tips. I never knew that blush should be applied to the upper eyelid and forehead, the natural sun-tanning spots; and that using the side of the brush, not the tip, is the preferred method of application. Lighter eye shadow, used for highlighting the brow bone should be applied in a sideways seven shape and medium shade right below in another sideways seven.
Before I left, my name was called, as the winner of a raffle prize—complete with beauty products and samples. Though, Whole Foods, I could have done without the re-gifted pre-used samples. (See beautiful Jen, clad in makeup applied by the professional artist, holding the bundle of raffle goodies.)
Three words: hot Asian buns. These are the specialty at Wow Bao, and they're delicious. I journeyed into the Wacker location, in the heart of the theater district, not knowing what to expect. The modern Japanese space features unique elements like convenient utensil dispensers and bathroom doors that blend into the wall.The Coconut Custard Bao (Chinese for steamed bread) was delectable. The doughy outer covering, steamed to perfection, melted in my mouth. After taking a bite, the custard oozed
out with the consistency of pudding. It was surprisingly fresh.
I was skeptical about sipping the Homemade Ginger Ale—not a fan of fresh ginger—but the small twinge of spicy ginger was so refreshing. Way to go Wow Bao. I approve!
Photo courtesy of JOE M500.
Erin and Frank had a beautiful wedding at The Vic Theatre. They live close to the venue and strolled by one day thinking, "Wonder if they do weddings." Flash forward to the day of their lives.
Photos by Joshua and Melissa Mitchell of Continuum Photography (continuumphotography.com).
Copyright: All rights reserved.
The couple bucked traditions, focusing on personal elements for their special day. It started with the rings, previously belonging to Frank's grandmother, seen below rapped around the bride's heels.
The guests' first interaction with the wedding was memorable. Walking through the Theatre doors, all were welcomed to the bar, where they could choose from wine and beer. Thus, most had a buzz while the gorgeous bride walked down the isle to accompany her soon-to-be hubby on stage. That brings us to the moment where they were officially declared husband and wife. One of the couple's fave party sounds, Andrew W.K.'s "Party Hard," busted out of the speakers as Erin and Frank danced off the stage.
Now for the best part: the food! The couple chose all appetizers, in a buffet style. These hors d'oeuvres were made to look like scrumptious desserts. The two styles of "cupcakes" were actually mini meatloaves with potato frosting, and savory tarts filled with sun-dried tomatos and spinach with goat cheese frosting and savory sprinkles. Instead of candy lollipops they offered sweet and savory olive; apricot with habanero and chili; and cherry chipotle and cheddar crackers on sticks. And though not dessert inspired, the mini potpies were icing on the cake!
And for dessert? The traditional wedding cake was swapped for pie, a twist on the classic bride-feeds-groom picture.
And then there were two. Erin and Frank—the only ones left in the audience.
Copyright: All rights reserved.
I was surprised seeing rope in the Forever 21 window. The display was still in the Michigan Ave. location, so I captured another photo. However, when approaching, I noticed that though the rope was still around the mannequin's neck, it no longer hung from above. It was draped around the arm and dangled to the floor. The window display must have been altered. Perhaps due to its raw nature?
I attended a wedding in the summer for couple Erin & Frank. Their engagement photos are very sweet—the first two at Union Station and the third in Lincoln Park. Gorgeous wedding photos to come!
Photos by Joshua and Melissa Mitchell of Continuum Photography (continuumphotography.com).
Copyright: All rights reserved.
