Things That I'm Into: Snowboarding in Chicago

How cool/terrifying is this?


SNOW-SHREDA-MAGEDDON from RUBBISH on Vimeo.

Amazing.

(via TOC)

Things That I'm Into: After the Blizzard

The next morning, after receiving word that it was a SNOW DAY at work (hallelujah!), Deets and I set out doing some post-storm exploration. Unfortunately, Blisstal did not bring us any cinnamon rolls before we set out. Totally unfair.

Our street.

Our car.

More street.

Some brave souls had shoveled narrow walk ways out to the main streets. 

Reporters were on the scene!

The lake looked otherworldly.

Some poor - but lucky- folks crashed right before heading into the lake.

Lake Shore Drive was closed, so Matt got to pose in the middle. 

Kids got to ride on sleds. 

And we finished out the day with some card games and beers at a bar with a fireplace.

Definitely into blizzards.  

Things That I'm Into: During the Blizzard

After a harrowing commute home where I had to dart from restaurant vestibule to restaurant vestibule, we settled and watched the crazy blizzard/thundersnow occur. Right before bed, about 11:30pm, we decide to go out to see how things were shaping up in Blizzard Land.

Completely silent, save for the screeching wind. Made us very thankful to have a cozy apartment to be safe and sound in for the remainder of the night. 

Things That I'm Into: Lemon!

I have two adorable and perfect cats, and I love them equally. That being said, one is cuter than the other. I know, that makes me a horrible cat mom. But it's true.

While Liz Lemon may have an edge in cuteness, Katniss has the edge in cuddle. But cuddle doesn't photograph as well. As such, here is some Lemon for your viewing pleasure:

Look at those little paws under there! Gah.

Also, in case you didn't get enough cat in this post, I have an awesome cat makeout video to share once I get the patience to upload it. Get ready for some awesome cat makeout action. 

Things That I'm Into: Awaiting a Blizzard

We are hunkering down and preparing for almost TWO FEET of snow with a) cinnamon tea, b) furry slippers, and c) multiple episodes of the first season of "The Wire." Could be worse.

(the wire image from here)

Things That I'm Into: Sports Mascot-Shaped Cookies

The Bears lost anyway. Oh well. Viva los Packers!

Things That I'm Into: Raclette

Okay, so imagine a deliciously creamy and salty cheese with the perfect amount of flavor. Then imagine that it was slow cooked over a camp fire so it got all deliciously melty and some of the bits got wonderfully crispy. Then imagine this cooked cheese was put on a sandwich with fresh baked bread and served with a stone ground mustard and pickles.

Pastoral Cheese shop in Chicago makes this sandwich, which they dub the "Raclette N Roll." This is how their blog describes the cheese making process:

Raclette has its origins in the southern part of Switzerland, but the name is based on the French word racleur which means “to scrape.” The first people to discover the deliciousness of this cheese in melty form were the cow herders who worked high on the mountains. For dinner they would take some Raclette and warm it by the fire until it turned soft and gooey. Then they would scrape the cheese on to foods like potatoes, pickles, or charcuterie. See http://pastoralartisanblog.com/2011/01/19/raclette-week-is-here/.

Here are some pics of the sandwich before it was devoured:

You probably can't even imagine how delicious it is, so I'll just tell you. AMAZING. This is definitely the best new sandwich I've been introduced to since 2004 when I was introduced to the Bay Cities Caprese in Santa Monica, CA. Best sandwich in SEVEN YEARS, people!

You can get it at Pastoral, on Broadway and in the Loop and at Union Station through March 31st. (If I was a better blogger, I would link, but you guys all know how to use google.)

Viva la Fromage!