An Update

Well, it's been about 2 months since I've updated my blog. Whoops.

Since that time I've biked about 3500 miles across the good old USA. I will be finishing up in Vancouver in six days. It has been quite the journey.

It is hard to believe that we are almost done with our ride. I think part of why I didn't post much this summer was because it was such a struggle for me, mentally, physically and emotionally.

But I'm so glad I stuck it out because I'm pretty proud of what I've accomplished! Lots more to share when I arrive in my new home, at the end of the month..

Bicycle Love

So as much as I love to talk about Birchbox and my constant need to be eating sugar... these next few months of posting are going to be bicycle heavy.

You see, a few years ago I was creeping around on facebook when I saw that an old high school friend of mine was planning on biking across the country with this organization called Bike & Build.  I believe it was my senior year of college.  At the time I was too preoccupied with graduating, finding a job and all that stuff that seems so great.  I bookmarked the site and moved along with my life.  For the most part.

Oh my gosh I would give anything to go back in time and tell myself to relax.  Working is overrated.  At least what I was doing at the time.  But I digress.  Fast forward about 5 years and I am about to meet the age limitations of leading a trip (yikes)!!!!  I had no choice but to apply and hope that they would let me lead some college students across the US on bicycles.  

I wouldn't describe myself as the world's most enthusiastic bicycle rider.  I ride my bike mostly because driving is the worst and I'm terrible at it.  And I can't say I knew too much about their Affordable Housing mission when I applied.  I've never been on a build (I did build fences in high school!) or really worked with Habitat for Humanity. But I want to see my country.  And not just the highlights like New York City, or DisneyWorld, but the whole fucking thing.  And that's what makes this trip so special.

Despite all my shortcoming as a leader, those dummies hired me. Next week I will dip the wheel of my bike in the Atlantic Ocean and ride it to the Pacific.   Eleven states and one provence (Hi Canada!  I love you!)!  I'm going to see it all, urban, suburban... podunk.  Poor, rich, and in between.  I'm going to learn so much.  I can't wait.

Tourist at Home

If you didn't know better, and you saw me on the street you might think I'm a tourist based on all the stuff I've been doing lately.

My Mom came to visit, so we spent Memorial Day Weekend dying in the heat.  Kidding, we had a great time.

Eating all over town, and having some hits (breadpudding pancakes at Southport Grocery, truffle pasta at Gilt Bar) and misses (will remain nameless).  We also had the opportunity to take part in Bike The Drive where they close Lakeshore Drive to let a bunch of nut jobs get up at 5 am and ride their bikes on it.  

(our view from the Southside)

We also went to the top of Willis Tower and stood on the Sky Deck.  This "glass box" is all that stands between you and plummeting to your death.  Unsettling is the word I would use to describe standing on it.

(look out below)

In about 4 days I am leaving Chicago (maybe forever, but more on that another day) to take the trip of a life time, riding my bike across the country.  I was not able to complete my bucket list but I have been doing my best to take in everything my new city has to offer.  Like Bobtail ice cream cakes.  I could "take in" a few of those, haha.  The o.a.o. had a birthday a few days ago.  I couldn't resist.

(go Illinois!)

We ate cake, we drank champagne, and I got to ride on the ferris wheel at Navy Pier.  We road back to Lakeview and saw the most beautiful sunset.

Whether or not I get to come back to Chicago is totally up in the air, but the two months I've been here have been more than amazing... I wouldn't change a thing.

Doughnuts

So, I'm a baker.  I think I mentioned that.  I am really lucky to have a career that I love, but sometimes when I bake all day long the last thing I want to do is come home and bake some more.  Maybe I'm not dedicated enough, but mostly I don't want to clean up after I've made a mess in my dollhouse sized kitchen.  Chocolate chip cookie dough is probably the only thing I churn out on a regular basis.

But, I've been on a work hiatus a little while and my creative juices are flowing again.  I have time to read blogs, magazines and the giant pile of cookbooks that need a home in my home (I'm looking for the perfect bookcase).   

The other day after eating a really gross, stale doughnut from Dunkin, I decided I wanted to make fresh, warm, homemade doughnuts.  Not trying to reinvent the wheel or anything, just a classic yeast doughnut.  Enter the Pioneer Woman's Doughnuts.  Oh goodness, these are so delicious!  They are light in texture and someone could easily eat about six (while I was well behaved, I saw it happen). 

The trick to great doughnuts is working quickly and giving them your undivided attention. If you let them over proof or walk away why frying you risk ruining the texture or burning them.

I can't sing the praises of these enough.  And if eating twelve doughnuts yourself isn't your thing, they are great for special occasions.  Maybe you have some house guests, or a have just had a slumber party with a cute boy.  These are great because you make the dough the night before, then just roll and cut in the AM.  Let them proof while you make a fresh pot of coffee and read the paper.  You will impress everyone you make these for.