Remember Me?

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Well hello there, blog friends.  Its been three months since I've blogged, which if officially the longest I have been away from my special little place on the internet.  I've gotten messages from several readers asking if I'm alive, and I'm happy to report that yes, I am alive.  And even better, I'm doing well!  Things have been crazy busy these past three months, and free time (aka time to write on Smart and Sassy with Sprinkles) became a thing of the past.  But I'm officially back, hooray!  And to kick things off,  here is a quick run down on what's been happening with me lately.

I studied my ass off for my licensing exam.  Because you know, six years of grad school, a Ph.D, and a postdoc aren't enough to prove I'm competent in what I do.  This exam is notoriously hellish, having nearly everyone in our field in a tizzy.  I started studying in February, lost focus during all the house-buying craziness, then hit the books again hard for two months starting in July.  Every spare minute was devoted to study binders, flashcards, practice tests, and audio guides.  Studying for this text was literally life consuming for these two months.  It was hell.  Thankfully...

I passed my licensing exam!  Hell yes, woo hoo, praise the Lord!  I felt awful after taking the exam, certain I had failed.  I cried the whole drive home from the testing center and then proceeded to flail around at home for thirty minutes, whining about how awful I did and how I couldn't bear to take the test again, etc.  Matt tried to calm me down, reassuring me I had done fine.  Two anxiety filled weeks later, I got the call that I passed.  Relief, tears, pride, gratitude, and joy ensued.  Followed by lots of champagne (and some teasing from Matt about my post-test freak out).  So grateful to have finally hopped that last hurdle!

We've continued to work on the house like mad people.  Over this past month especially, it has truly started to feel like home.  We love our little house.  It's not perfect and there is still so much to do, but it is ours, and that feels oh so good.

My little brother has come and gone after living with us this summer as he completed an intership in Chicago.  Having him here was so fun, and both Matt and I agreed that our house felt oddly empty after he left.  I miss that little guy like crazy, but am so thankful for the memories we got to make this summer.  I also love that even after he has come and gone, we continue to call our second guest room "Ryan's room." :)

I ended my postdoc and started a new job.  The transition has truly been bittersweet.  After years of working in a university setting, I decided to take a risk and try something different.  My new job is going well so far, but it was certainly hard to say goodbye to my coworkers and the incredible students I was privileged to work with.  I think of them often and feel so grateful for such an incredible year.

And because life isn't all serious, I feel the need to include a few frivolous updates as well...

I got a new gold + glittery iPhone case.  It brings me more happiness than is probably normal for a $12 piece of plastic.

We bought an Xbox + Kinect, and sometimes I stay up till midnight playing Dance Central by myself.  Completely normal, right?

I booked two trips to Texas within the next three weeks.  Dallas next weekend and San Antonio two weeks after that.  It's been too long since I've breathed Texas air.

I have discovered Trader Joe's pumpkin Greek yogurt.  My life is forever changed.

I have clearly guzzled the Instagram koolaid.  Come find me there.

One of my coworkers and friends sent me a gorgeous plant the first day of my new job (thanks Marisa!), and I have managed to keep it alive for two months now.  New record in our house.

We joined a gym, and I discovered Zumba.  What took me so long?  I'm smitten.

So there you have it.  The semi-short story of what's new (and not so new) with me.  I'm excited to be back in my little corner of the internet, connecting and sharing more everyday moments with each of you.

Have a fabulous Monday!

Weekend Trip to Ohio

Several weeks ago, my brother and I took a little road trip to Ohio to see our grandparents.  It just so happened that our parents were visiting from Texas at the same time, so it was perfect timing.  And to top it off, our extended family ended up having a big get-together the same weekend, so it was a weekend full of much needed family time!

It's not possible to make a five hour roadtrip without stopping at Cracker Barrel.  It's just roadtrip etiquette, right?

Our extended family has a farm just outside of Columbus, and I can remember every visit I made there as a child.  I'm always amazed at how different it feels than where I grew up and where I live now, and yet, it's oddly comforting and peaceful.

Pretty blue skies and my hipster grandma rocking Ryan's RayBans :)

Outside of laughing and telling fun stories with family, the hit of my cousin's crawfish boil was certainly the "grown up gummy bears."  Yes please!

Love this kid.

Nothing says summer like a crisp, white dress and a plate full of desserts!

After a fabulous weekend together, all we have to show for it is an elevator selfie :)  Better than nothing though, right?

Family time is such a treat, and I am continually grateful for the awesome people in my life.  We are looking forward to several visits from family and friends over the next few weeks, and hopefully, we can get better pictures than an elevator selfie :)  Hope you're having a fabulous week!

4th of July and My "Summer is Here" Realization

Wait a minute; is it seriously mid-July already?  Where the heck has summer gone?  I have a sneaking suspicion that because most of May and June were completely taken over by all things "new house," I kind of lost track of time.  But now that the calendar has jolted me back to reality, we are working to infuse as much summer fun into our weeks as possible.  And that was certainly true on the Fourth of July, as I was determined to make the most of the patriotic holiday!  Here are a few snaps from our holiday...

Our day started off bright and early at a nearby hot air balloon festival.  The 4:30 am wake up call was a bit rough, but it was totally worth it to see all the balloons in their early morning glory.

Matt and I have been wanting to go this festival ever since we moved to Chicago three years ago, but something has always come up.  But this year, with the help of the previously mentioned calendar jolt, we made it happen.  And I'm so glad we did!

Even Ryan managed to get up for the occasion!  PS: have I mentioned how much I love my little brother living with us this summer?

Later that afternoon, after serious naps and a some light work around the house, we hosted friends for a cookout.  It was our first time to invite friends to our new home, and it was so incredibly fun.  There was a moment Matt and I were buzzing in and out of the kitchen and laughing with our friends on the patio when I thought, "This is what we've always dreamed of."  Having a home of our own, hosting dear friends, and celebrating life's special moments.  It was pretty surreal and a major moment of gratitude.

After a big meal on the grill and more than a few bottles of Prosecco (thanks Max and Christie!), we headed to the backyard for smores.  One of our favorite discoveries after moving in and getting situated in our house, was that we have a pretty awesome firepit/chiminea set up.  We use it at least a few times a week, and July 4th was a no-brainer.

So there you have it; our official "oh my gosh, summer is here" moment!  Is time flying by for anyone else, and if so, what are you doing to celebrate summer to its fullest?  

PS: I know I've promised "official" house pictures by the end of the month, but for those that are interested, you can definitely see some sneak peaks on Instagram.

Birthday Celebrations for Ryan

Last week we celebrated my little brother's 21st birthday.  It's absolutely crazy to me that my baby brother is all grown up, as it seems like yesterday that I was peering into his hospitable incubator in my pink puff paint, "I'm a big sister" shirt.  He'll probably never be a "real" grown-up in my eyes, but given that it was his 21st, we definitely had to celebrate.  And since he is living in Chicago this summer, it only felt right to spend the day patio hopping, enjoying the beautiful weather, and sipping some yummy grown-up beverages.

1. Rocking his chambray and looking like a little grownup.  Where did time go?
2. Our first stop of the afternoon was Big Star.  Big Star has been a Chicago favorite for a long time, but I've never had the patience to face the wait.  But on a Monday afternoon, we gave it a go, and I am so glad we did.  Patio perfection!

3. Happy birthday, little Ryan!

4. For dinner, we continued the patio trend at Parson's Chicken and Fish, a new spot in Logan Square by the team behind Chicago's popular Longman & Eagle.
5. I heard about this spot from a coworker, and I'm so grateful.  Their chicken is out of this world delicious, along with their oysters and hush puppies.  And don't even get me started on their Texas Toast!

6. Like any good Chicago patio, Parson's has an extensive cocktail list.  The shining star?  Definitely their Negroni slushies!
7. Ryan topped off the night with a whiskey + pickle shot, on the house.  Cheers to the birthday boy! 

Having Ryan in Chicago this summer has been so fun, and being able to share his big day with him was such a treat.  And for all my Chicago readers, if you haven't been to Parson's, definitely give it a try.  Between the chicken and slushies, you won't be disappointed!

Sweet Toby

Yesterday, my family said goodbye to our sweet and precious Toby.  He was in the hospital for most of last week, before his little body became too tired and gave out.  Thankfully, he was able to spend his last few days at home, lounging on his favorite pillows and getting plenty of snuggles from my parents.  I feel so grateful for the joy and love that Toby brought into our family and for the way he loved us unconditionally.  Its been incredibly painful to say goodbye, particularly from so far away, but I'm so grateful for my sweet parents who have wrapped him in love and done every thing possible for him in his last days.  Toby was such an important part of our family, and he is already missed beyond belief.

Sweet Toby, you were such a delightful and loving companion, and from the moment I first held you in the palm of my hand (you were so tiny!), I knew we would take good care of each other.  Thank you for loving me unconditionally and for being the best couch snuggler a girl could ask for.  I know you're in a better place, chasing critters, barking to no end, and eating all the "people food" you can handle. You are missed, loved, and forever treasured.  Goodbye, little guy.

Insta-Sprinkles

*Lunch at one of our favorite lunch spots.
*Green tunic + natural curls = a typical weekend outfit. 

*I walk through Union Station each and every morning, and I truly think the Great Hall is one of the most magnificent spaces in Chicago.
*Whole wheat waffles, bananas, and walnuts...my favorite Saturday breakfast. 

*Korean barbeque with my one of my dearest friends, Christie.
*Hard to believe that twenty years after our first year at summer camp together, we are still loving girls night sleepovers! 

*A Friday office lunch at Butterfly.
*Thrifted denim Gap dress + a thrifted necklace from my mom.

*An awesome quote from this incredible book.
*A fun Saturday braid at the salon to avoid having to blow dry my hair.

I hope you're having a fabulous week.  This week is a lighter one for me, and I'm grateful to enjoy a few days off with friends and family!

Find me on Bloglovin

Being the lifelong procrastinator that I am, it makes sense that I waited six hours before Google Readers retires to switch over to Bloglovin.  Nonetheless, you can find me here!

And in case you missed my previous post, I'm also now on Instagram.  Find me @allisonsprinkles.

Two technology updates in one week...sheesh, this might be a record for me :)

I'm on Instagram!

After years of having a private Instagram account (as in I didn't tell a soul my username and only used the app for the filters), I have finally gotten my Instagram act together!  You can find me @allisonsprinkles.  I would love it if you would pop over and say hello!  Also, if you have any favorite Instagram accounts for me to follow (think: stylish peeps, pretty food, cute animals, insane celebs) please leave them in the comments below :)

Happy weekend yall!

Home Sweet Home

This post could more accurately be titled home "what were we thinking, this is so stressful, house renovations have taken over our lives, but we are thrilled" sweet home.  But then again, that just doesn't have the same ring to it :)

We closed on our house less than two months ago, moving in just under a month ago.  Since the day we closed, it has been a mad dash to get the house ready.  We have done a ton of renovations, and when I stop to think about it, it's really quite impressive.  Matt has certainly carried the weight of the reno, and though there have been some bumps along the way, I'm pretty impressed with all he has been able to do.

When Matt and I started dreaming about buying a house, we never really wanted a brand new, move in ready house.  We really wanted something that we could put our stamp on and make our own.  And while there have been times during the past two months when I've cursed that philosophy, I think this path will allow Matt and me to create something really special together.  And to give you a peek into just how much we've done in the past two months, here's a list of some of the things we've done...

*Painted every single room in the house.  We went with various shades of grey; it's really light and airy!
*Had the hardwoods professionally refinished.  They are beautiful, and were definitely the hidden gem of this house!
*Completed gutted the kitchen.
*Installed new honey, shaker-style cabinets that we got for a steal at our local ReStore.
*Had the plumbing completely replaced all throughout the house.  Who knew copper could be so beautiful?
*Had quartz countertops installed.  Sometimes I just stand in the kitchen and stare at them.  I love them.
*Replaced the kitchen subfloor and laid porcelain tile.  It looks like cararra marble!
*Replaced the bathroom subfloor and laid porcelain tile.
*Replaced the bathroom vanity.
*Replaced the toilet.  Just what I wanted to spent my money on lol.
*Replaced the front door and painted it a pretty bright blue.
*Took down some awful wall to wall green curtains and put up light and airy floor length curtains.
*Got all new stainless steel appliances.
*Cleaned out the garage and created a cool workspace for Matt.
*Took down an awful 70s wallpaper mural in the hallway.  We're going to replace it with a gallery wall!
*Scrubbed all the tobacco and tar off of the sunporch, as the previous homeowners clearly loved to chain smoke and barbeque on their patio.  Matt claimed that this was the worst project of them all!
*Installed an oversized copper pendant light fixture in the dining room.
*Painted the pantry door with chalkboard paint.  I can't wait to start scribbling!
*Majorly renovated the old (and falling down) DIY sunporch that the previous owners thought was a good idea.  Matt's dad came in town to help with this one, and boy did the two of them do a good job!
*Cleaned up the forest that was the backyard.  Overgrown does not even begin to describe its previous state.

 

As I reread this list, I have to admit, I'm pretty impressed with our work!  Renovating a home, while working full time, studying for my licensure exam, and applying for jobs probably wasn't the best idea, but nonetheless, we've survived.  There is certainly a ton more to do, but it feels so good to go to bed and wake up every morning in our very own house.  It's not perfect, but its ours, and for that, I'm so grateful.

Insta-Sprinkles

Life has been busy and fun lately, and I feel like I have a ton of photos just sitting in my phone.  Here are a few snaps of what I've been up to lately.  Disclaimer: "lately" is a generous term in this case; I'm a bit behind with my blogging :)

Geek chic: a striped tee, blazer, chunky scarf, and black glasses that seem to make my ponytail days instantly better :)
Starbucks and flashcards, my two best friends as I study for my licensure exam. 

Cheese, bread, and jam make everything better.
Girls night at Paola's Vinum with my dear friend Christa. 

My new Texas "home" tee, an awesome birthday gift from my mom!
Lately, I have been really into layering longsleeved tees under chic dresses for a fun "jumper" effect.

Edamame isn't just for sushi restaurants; I've been loving it in salads and even plain.
Hot chocolate and Harry Potter, the only way to get through Chicago's never ending winter. 

A quirky, original print scored at a recent estate sale.  We've got some fun plans for this little dude.
Greektown double date with Brady and Kevin; so fun! 

Gold sequins and a black blazer, totally appropriate for a Friday at work, right? :)
Whole wheat English muffin pizzas, my new, easy peasy, go-to dinner. 

A fabulous gift from my old boss and dear friend Jenny.  Texas is always close to my heart.
Pair it with my beloved fur vest, and I'm a happy camper! 

My brother was in town a few weeks ago for a summer internship interview.  Gosh, I love that little dude.
Celebrating Ryan's interview (and National Sibling Day) with chocolates and macaroons.  So many choices! 

I can't believe how fast he is growing up.  Such a cutie.
Need a quick and easy birthday treat for a friend or coworker?  Add sprinkles to Rice Krispy treats, and voila, festive and fun!

At home dinner date with my man.
A glass of red wine might be one of my favorite ways to unwind on Fridays.

Loved seeing an old high school drill team friend in Chicago.  Come back soon Vy and Alex!
Seeing The City and the City at Lifeline.  Chicago has a great and affordable live theater scene.

Hot chocolate and churros at Xoco.  I last raved about them here.  I am literally obsessed.
 Proof I don't believe in ever wearing too much leopard :)

A BIG thanks for all the sweet comments and well wishes on my last post.  Homeownership has been a dream for Matt and me for so long, it's kind of hard to believe we finally did it!  Hope your week is fabulous!  

Big News!

Monday was an important day for Matt and me.  After years of dreaming, eons of saving, and months of looking, we bought a house.  Eeeek!  I can't believe it.  We bought a house.  I'm still pinching myself and squealing every ten seconds.  The whole house buying process was 110% crazier and more stressful than we ever imagined.  But those are stories for another time.  For this week, we're wrapped in joy, savoring our success, and celebrating this exciting step in our lives together!

PS: To all our family and friends, hotel Davis will be open mid-June, so start packing!

Birthday Celebrations

This past Friday, I celebrated my 29th birthday, woo hoo!  28 was a pretty awesome year, as I finally earned those much coveted three initials, but I have a feeling this year is going to have some pretty special things in store as well.  My birthday was filled with fun surprises all throughout, which in my mind, is the best way to spend a birthday.  Here are a few snaps of my special day!

The only thing I asked for for my birthday was this awesome Texas "home" tee, and of course, my mom totally delivered.  I have been missing Texas like crazy lately, and wearing this tee on my birthday just seemed right.  But given that it wasn't quite work approrpirate, I paired it with a blazer and a sparkly necklace, hoping no one would comment.  And thankfully, my t-shirt wearing ways went fairly undetected.  Birthday outfit success!

My BFF Steven sent me the most gorgeous birthday bouquet from Fleur.  I literally gasped when I saw it, and then proceeded to cry profusely about how wonderful my friends are.  Seriously, I am so blessed.  And of course, no birthday is complete without a morning latte, thanks to a gift card from my sister-in-law, Julie.

One of my coworkers surprised me with a pretty pink cupcake, proof that my coworkers know my personality better than I realize.  This ended up being my breakfast the following morning :)

Our office does the "birthday buddy" system, meaning we each have a surprise person responsible for providing office treats on our birthday.  Thankfully my birthday buddy shares my "birthdays are a huge freaking deal" sentiment, as he went all out with a chocolate raspberry cake.  #dontjudgeifihadtwopieces

For my birthday dinner, we tried out a new-to-us spot, Isla Pilipino, in Lincoln Square.  And oh my gosh yall, I don't think I can even begin to do this place justice.  Authentic, fun, and crazy delicious Filipino food at pretty reasonable prices.  The restaurant only has eight to ten tables, so I'd definitely recommend having a reservation.  And don't let the outside fool you, this place is incredible!

And if this place isn't fabulous enough, it's BYOB.  Score!  We started off with a bottle of champagne (thanks Matt!) toasting to great friends and fun celebrations!

I totally lucked out with this guy in my life.

My amazing friend and fellow postdoc, Ben.  So glad we have each other during this busy and somewhat crazy year!  PS: My dish was so incredible.  I won't even try to describe it, as I won't do it justice.  But if you go, order the Bicol Express.  I promise you won't be disappointed!

After dinner, we headed to Fork for drinks and a surprise dessert.

You know how some people get all embarrassed when they bring out the candle+dessert, complete with singing from friends?  Well, I am not one of those people lol.  I adore birthdays, and I won't apologize for it.  PS: Did you notice the hot pink candle?  Birthday perfection, yall.

The day was a really wonderful combination of so many things I love.  We had small celebrations sprinkled throughout the week, and I capped off the week of fun with a Saturday spent in my sweatpants, drifting in and out of naps.  It was sheer perfection, after a delightful, yet busy week.  As always on my birthday, I can't help but reflect on how many wonderful blessings I have, most notably the incredible, loving, and fabulous people in my life.  They are truly the best gift of all.  So cheers to another year; I'm gonna do everything I can to make it a good one!