Love & Laughter

I love being a part of renewal. When bad things get better and complaints turns into praises. This weekend was amazing, not only was my amazing boyfriend Seth in town but we also had Friendsgiving on Sunday. I am so blessed by my community. In every moment where life is a little bit rough they are there for me always encouraging me and cheering me on. What a beautiful few days spending quality time with Seth and all of the people in Chicago I love most.
Thursday night he got into town, couldn't have arrived at a better time, I needed a hug and to see that smile real bad. Friday we laid low since my week had been stressful. Made coffee and breakfast together the spent the afternoon over in Lakeview going in shops


drinking Intelligentsia coffee


and stopping by the church he used to live at to say hello. That evening he went to dinner with an old friend and I caught up on errands. Later we went on a double date with my lovely roommate Laura and her bf/our dear friend Anthony. So much fun! Then on to a housewarming party to meet up with everyone else.
Saturday morning we woke up and drove down to Peoria, South of Chicago about 3 hrs, to visit Seth's family for the day. That was really nice. His mom and step dad made dinner, completely vegetarian to my surprise, I thought that was so sweet! We had a really nice time relaxing, playing games with his younger brother & sister, as well as having his extended family over for pie (a bit overwhelming since Id never met any of them before, even though I am super social) I loved seeing where Seth spent part of his life as well as seeing a new part of the state. I really enjoy exploring.
Sunday was Friendsgiving in the afternoon so as soon as we woke up and had breakfast it was time to start cooking! Our main priority was to make a homemade pumpkin pie, completely from scratch. A pretty big endeavor and at first Seth didn't believe it was possible. How will that pumpkin turn into a pie? Magic : )
We baked the pumpkin, prepared the crust, and then once at Anthony's mixed the pumpkin with all the ingredients to make the pie filling. Then baked while we ate.
Ready to bake-


Friendsgiving was amazing, everyone showed up with big smiles, home cooked food, and tons of love. So many things to be thankful for.
I am most thankful for the unconditional love that our God in heaven reminds me of daily, we are beauty from ashes. And with community we are constantly reminded of that beauty within us as it radiates outward.
Kristina & I @ Friendsgiving


We all have so much to be thankful for this year, and every day. Remember that you are loved and also remind others of that. It could change someones life.

Hectic City Life- finding Peace in the small things

Its very normal that things don't go as planned.
My car has been broken into twice, cell died, and computer crashed.
The good news is I have an amazing community, friends, and family so things are slowly piecing back together.
I am so happy to announce that from next Wed-Sunday I have off! No school or work. Just cooking, relaxing, and enjoying to company of people I love. I will probably s till be taking photographs though, that's always the norm.
This past weekend I actually went to Texas to visit my older sister, Courtney, who just moved there in September. We were in San Antonio and my mom and her ran the half marathon! So proud of them. My little sister, Aubrey, & I just were there to cheer, really fun actually. As always I was glad to come back to Chicago even though so much awaited me to be taken care of. School is coming down to the wire, only a few weeks left in the semester and yesterday I registered for my last semester of college. Weird.
Also- applied for a photo archives internship @ the MCA here in Chicago. Really hoping they call me for an interview.

The best thing about my day so far was going to the Lincoln Park Conservatory- the orchid room there is so incredibly beautiful. Such a lovely escape from the cold city.

John & Gwen ♥ September 25th 2010

Wedding photographs are finished and the book has been made!
Congratulations John & Gwen
September 25th, 2010

http://johnandgwenswedding.shutterfly.com/











Also, here is the link to the book- check it out!

http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/projectdetail.sfly?fid=d07832a758a76034&sid=0KauHLhk2ZuKg&key=0KauHLhk2ZuKg&shareProjectTitle=John+and+Gwen%27s+Wedding&pid=SFLY&cid=SHARE3PSJXX

Life in the garden (apt)

This fall has been beautifully amazing.
Not only has the garden been growing, but today I harvested the radishes!! The are small but taste great. Before today I had actually never tried a radish. I'm very proud that I grew something in the little front yard garden. Also, the lettuces, spinach, broccoli, and beets have not been picked yet because they need a little bit more time.







As I mentioned this fall has been amazing, and as most people know not only is it my favorite time of year, but I also LOVE to cook/bake in the fall.
I tried my hand at making homemade bread last week since its been something I wanted to do for so long. It turned out amazing! Successfully accomplished another first! Lots of new recipes are being tested out in this little garden apt kitchen and they seem to be going well. Come on over and try somethin'

Whole wheat bread (w/ a slight sweetness from agave)


One last really exciting thing: Yesterday LA & I also got our first CSA (community sustained agriculture) share from Genesis Growers.

Carrots & everything else (tons of greens)


Apples, bok choy, and lettuce