Oak Park

Transformers 3 was (still is?) filming in Chicago this weekend, so we decided to trade the noisy city and annoying street closures for Oak Park... just 8 miles away. I have been wanting to see this suburb for myself, so this was a highly anticipated day trip! First, we stopped by Freddy's in Cicero for some pizza and basil gelato. Such perfect gelato! It was abundant with chopped basil leaves and robust with flavour. I could not recommend the gelato more.

A trip to Oak Park would not be complete without a stroll by Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural works. We only made it to the homes on Forest Avenue, but what remarkable homes they were! My favourite was the Arthur Heurtley home (pictured directly above), beautiful brickwork in earthy tones.

At the end of Forest Avenue, we stumbled across Austin Gardens where actors were rehearsing Shakespeare's Love's Labour Lost for next week. After a leisurely walk in the quaint downtown area (so many cafes and restaurants!), it started drizzling on us so we had to head back home. I loved this weekend. Chicago is nice, but sometimes you just need a change of scenery!

A change of scenery is definitely what I will be getting this week. I leave for Asia on Wednesday. December 2008 was the last time I was home, so this has been a long anticipated trip. I will miss my Second City though... my comfortable apartment, my little blue Betta fish named Staccato, and the people I love here.

Such is the life of a student far away from home.

Things That Matter

Aren't these so lovely? The gold heart was a gift from my mother... I never take it off. The tiny bow (A Box For My Treasure) is from Paul, and the ivory rose earrings (Liz Hutnick) are just a little something I wanted for myself! I have always loved Etsy, you can find such darling pieces.

A few days ago, my boyfriend decided to fire up the grill and make me Greek souvlaki! It was divine! We had it with tzatziki, rice pilaf, roasted peppers, corn, and onions halved and placed face down on the grill. One of my FAVOURITE ways to have onions because they end up so perfectly sweet.

Summer is going swimmingly so far. I've been enjoying my summer class so much. Have you any idea how captivating the art and architecture of India is? There's so much to absorb and I highly doubt I'm even making a decent dent in it in this 3 week summer class, but I am so glad I decided to take it! And honestly? It's not bad having to go to class every day of the week when you're actually interested in the subject matter. Oh, school. I'm not sure how much I am looking forward to the long and gruelling hours in the fashion department this fall, but I know one thing: summer is lovely so far and I am not going to waste it.

I am going back home to Southeast Asia in about two weeks. Very excited, and counting the days. :)