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!

San Jacinto

Before I get started on this post, I wanted to say a huge "thank you" to all of you who welcomed me back to blogland last week.  Your comments were so encouraging and just what I needed to be reminded why I love blogging.  Thank you for your kind words and for being the most wonderful readers around!

When we were home in Texas over the holidays, we took advantage of our downtime and scheduled in some good old fashioned Texas sightseeing.  As a native Texan, I've seen all the big stops (i.e. the Alamo, the Capital, the JFK memorial, the major universities, etc.) but my dad thought it would be fun to hit the road for some of the less traveled sights.  We had so much fun scooting around Texas, taking a few daytrips from Houston.  For one of our trips, we headed to San Jacinto, home of the most decisive battle in the Texas Revolution.  And since I rarely paid attention in history class, it was quite the educational day trip :)

The monument itself is quite breathtaking.  It's the world's tallest memorial column, located in La Porte, Texas, about 25 miles southwest of Houston.  My favorite part was without a doubt the enormous Texas star that sits atop, recognizable from any angle.  Have I ever told you how much I love being a Texan? :)

The day itself was pretty cold and windy for Texas, though I can't help but chuckle as I type that weather report sitting in Chicago now.  Oh what I would give to be back in the "chilly" Houston weather.  Ha!

It was an all boys + Allison day, which ended up being a ton of fun!  My uncle flew in from Atlanta for a quick overnight visit, and he always manages to liven up the party.  Any time we get to see him, we know we'll be entertained.

Even though Matt isn't a native Texan, I think he is surely an adopted one by now.  Marrying a Texan gets you some street cred, but spending 5 years there for graduate school, well, that definitely shows a level of dedication.  I was also glad my boots could go for a spin.  With all the Chicago snow, they haven't seen the light of day for several months now.

And of course, a few Instagram snaps from the day...

The view from the ground and proof that yes, everything's bigger in Texas.
A few (very) good men.

I was in LOVE with this door.
The view from the top.

Does anyone else enjoy being a tourist in your own city or state?  I must say, I was surprised how fun it was!  I'm ready for Chicago's weather to warm up so we can resume our Chicago sightseeing.  PS: looking at these pictures makes me a little homesick for Texas.  I'll have to fix that later this week with a little bbq and Dr. Pepper :)  

Hope your week is off to a fabulous start!