La Ciudad Chicago Style

Sometimes you just need a quick getaway amidst the craziness of life, so luckily for me I have friends I can go visit. This visit took me to the beautiful city of Chicago. It was fun getting to see all the sights and catching up...which we of course had to do over food. The thing about Texans is that no matter where they go, they seem to gravitate to some kind of Tex-Mex. Of course, that was one of the first stops, dinner at La Ciudad. (The first one was an AMAZING two-story Target!) I was feeling adventurous and decided to try something brand new. I opted for chile rellenos because anything with cheese is usually pretty delicious. However, I was totally surprised when I tasted it and was literally overwhelmed with spiciness. It made it really difficult to enjoy, which was kind of disappointing. After topping it with a healthy dollop of sour cream, I was finally able to really taste the flavor and found it to be really yummy. I am not sure if it is usually that super duper spicy, but maybe I will give it another try in the future. At least now I can say I have tried it.

As my friends are pretty big fans of their Tex-Mex, they have been to La Ciudad a few times and are almost on the verge of being regulars, which does have its perks. As a bonus, we got to try the mocha tres leches. It was heavenly. The cake has a silk texture, but wasn't overly sweet or soggy. The hint of chocolately coffee flavor added depth to the dessert and was a nice twist on the a classic. One of the interesting things about Chicago is that in addition to the random soda tax they have, most restaurants are "bring your own alcohol". Plus, they don't usually charge a corkage fee and you can take the leftovers home with you. It's kind of a pretty sweet deal. Overall, La Ciudad was a great first meal in Chicago!

Bubbly Champagne

A name can say it all whether it is for a food, nail polish, or a candle. For me, the perfect name for a nail polish makes me fall in love with the color even more, but that's not what today's post is about. This is about a candle that is perfect for celebrating the arrival of 2013...bubbly champagne. Not only is it a fun name, it also smells beyond delicious and like the real thing! It is light, fresh, and airy, but fills the room with pleasant aroma. (Plus the cream candle in a clear glass jar with gold "bubbles" on it is fun to watch burn) I hope that this scent is available year round because it just has this freshness to it that puts extra pep in your step.

Macaron: Part 2

I came to find that there are other people in the world that choose wine by the look of the label. I'm glad I'm not the only one that does it and it proves that wine makers should never underestimate the power of creative label. I was already drawn in with the playfulness of the Macaron wine label and decided to try one of the other varietals. The Moscato Italia is a fun dessert wine that is light and sweet. However, I did notice that this Moscato didn't have that syrupy sweetness to it that most Moscatos have. This is a great girls night wine or just something nice to sip on. I know that because of the sweetness Moscatos aren't for everyone, but if you want to mix it up this is definitely a great wine. Plus, it's a great wine for the price and is a perfect way to celebrate the start of a wonderful new year! Cheers!

Bravo Brio

For me there is something comforting about Italian food, but due to the somewhat unhealthy nature of pasta I try not to eat it too often. Brio is an authentic Italian restaurant and this was a special occasion, so I made an exception and went for broke. It started with a sampling of bruschetta that included steak, roasted red pepper, caprese, and antipasta options. The crunch of the toasted bread added a necessary textural element, but each one was yummy.

For my entree, I went for a Mediterranean pasta dish. It had sun dried tomato, mushrooms, spinach, Feta cheese, caramelized onions and pine nuts in a light sauce. The onions added a touch of sweetness, the pine nuts added a bit of crunch, and the other ingredients made the dish multidimensional. The dish wasn't heavy which made it easier to not feel super guilty after eating it.

Of course, I had to end this special dish with dessert. Since tiramisu is one of my favorites, I try to order it in order to compare. I am still on the hunt for the most delicious tiramisu, but I have a few that top the list. This one wasn't my favorite because it was a bit on the heavy side and super rich, but it was fairly decent. Brio is a great place for a special dinner and great food. If you haven't stopped by, be sure to do so soon. 

Metallic Shine

Just because the holidays are over and you've rung in the New Year doesn't mean that you have to go back to the same old nail color. Bring a little shine back into your life with this fantastic color..."Because you're worth it" (I am pretty partial to the name). This light catching color will give you the subtle sparkle and shine you want without being too crazy. Don't let the chilly weather and end of the holidays get you down. This color from L'oreal is sure to make you smile. Happy New Year!

Lifesaver for Your Lips

So the always shifting weather here can be pretty rough on your skin and for my it kills my lips. I seem to always be putting on chap stick and it's somewhat annoying because no matter what I try it never seems to work. Luckily my sister is a chapstick fiend, so I can usually get some suggestions from her. During her last visit she pulled out this egg and said it was the best chapstick she used. I was intrigued by the shape and decided I would give it a try. The flavor was light and fruity (probably not the best option for guys) and it makes your lips feel silky smooth. The best part is that my lips are staying moisturized longer and feeling softer than ever before. Seriously, this is a chapstick that you need to try. Not only does it have a really unique container, but it is like a spa treatment for your lips. If you are looking for some way to save your lips from the brutal weather changes, this should become your "go to" product.