Things That I'm Into: RIP Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010)

I love her, and even though she was old old old, it's still sad to see such an art world legend pass away.

I got to see an awesome retrospective of her work at the Tate Modern in Fall 2008, and it sealed the deal for me that she was my favorite living female artist. Now she has a lot more people to compete with since she has moved into the deceased female artist category.  She's definitely my favorite deceased female French-American artist who is known for large-scale spider sculptures.

If you aren't familiar with her work, GOOGLE. Seriously, it's all pretty amazing. RIP Louise!

first image via the centre pompidou.
second image is mine.

Things That I'm Into: Late June Meal

Summer Gazpacho + Kale & Garlic Scape Pesto (it might sound gross, but surprise! it isn't) + Quinoa + Tomato & Fresh Mozzarella Salad + Spiced Rum Mojitos.

The Cooking:

The Eating:

Things That I'm Into: Late Night Dining

Golden Nugget, 3:20 AM, napping before grilled cheese and blueberry pancakes arrive. Partied out.

(photo credit goes to Matt, who was amused)

Things That I'm Into: Balcony Garden, Week Five

I feel like we've got to the jungle stage with our garden. It's growing fast, and all these storms we've been having are sweet because it means we don't even have to water the plants!

Check out that Thai Basil. HUGE!

A small green tomato, along with our makeshift stake (a hanger.) (Again, only classiness around here).

Ate our first pepper- delicious. Now hopefully the garden with survive weeks six and seven without us, since we'll be WEST COAST BABY.

Things That I'm Into: Nettlehorst School Decorates for PRIDE

The elementary school (public!) next to my house always has amazing art installations. They recently decorated their playground for the pride festival/parade that is happening in Chicago this weekend.

From a sign near the installation: "In 2009 -- as a visible sign of our continued support for the neighborhood we are part of and the families that we serve -- Nettlehorst became the first elementary school to walk in Chicago's Gay Pride Parade.  This new tradition underscores the commitment of respect for all Nettlehorst families and symbolizes our collective intention -- that each of us becomes kinder, gentler, and more accepting." Tugs at the heart, right? I love that elementary students are learning early. They asked members of the community to tie a piece of fabric to symbolize their commitment to education and equality.

I tied one of the green pieces.

I love walking by the playground everyday, especially if it is windy out.

The Pride parade is weekend, so our neighborhood will be a little crazy. I've actually only been to the parade once (for some reason I always go out of town in June), so I'm excited to see it all go down.

Things That I'm Into: FIREFLIES

Saw my first firefly of the season on Tuesday night. I missed them when I lived in LA, they are one of my favorite things about summer in Chicago.  I always look like a crazy person standing there staring, but they are SO COOL.  Matt thinks it is crazy that they have survived evolution. I tried to catch this little guy below when he was lit up, but I'm not fast enough. He's cute even not lit up though. 

(first image via here)

Things That I'm Into: Stanley's

When we went to dinner and my aunt's and uncle's house on Sunday night,* I commented on how delish the corn was. My uncle replied that it was from Stanley's.  I was confused, because the Stanley's I know is a bar that has Sunday night Karaoke and I sometimes accidentally end up there (which, incidentally, is about three blocks from their house so it isn't much of a stretch that it came to mind).

Turns out he was talking about Stanley's Fruit Market, which I went to on Monday and is now officially one of my favorite places in Chicago. SRSLY, this place is amazing.

The prices and the quality of the fruit and veggies is pretty unreal. I got green beans, a ton of apples, two quarts of strawberries, a pint of blueberries, cilantro, mint, yellow squash, and four ears of corn for $9.

I can't believe I just heard about this place now, but believe me, I will make up for lost time.

*Aunt and Uncle's? Aunt's and Uncle's? According to Matt it is the latter, but it sounds SO WRONG.