October randoms...

I can't believe October is almost over.  Actually, I can.  It's true...the older I get, the faster the time flies by.

Coffee.

A little comfort-in-a-cup to get me through some morning study time.

 I never thought I'd really become a coffee drinker.  Even though I really, really wanted one of those Keurig machines and my fabulous mother-in-law, Jody, got me one for Christmas last year...I never really wanted it to make coffee.  I was excited about the little hot cocoa and tea cups, but the coffee, not so much.  However, once Tim finally moved up to Chicago with me, coffee slowly made its way into my cup.  I'm loving the Pike Place brew from Starbucks.  They don't have K-cups yet for Starbucks, but they do make a neat, reusable filter basket so you can use any coffee your little heart desires - sans K-cup.  I'm not a caffeine freak by any means, it's not even really a daily thing for me.  I do mine with a splash of half & half, a bit of Stevia and a sprinkle of cinnamon.  Yum!

Chocolate.

Chocolove.

I'm sure I've mentioned this chocolate before.  It is my favorite in the whole-wide-world...but I'm always open to any challengers!  The raspberry used to be my favorite - but the almonds & sea salt is currently in the lead.  Perfect combo of salty and sweet!  The orange peel is okay, but not one of my faves.  I can usually find this delicious treat at Whole Foods or World Market.

Patio weather.

I'm afraid these days are behind us - at least until next June...unless we travel somewhere warm!  Tim and I jumped at the chance one warm, October afternoon at the Duckfat Tavern.  Tim was in the mood for microbrews...I was in the mood for a good ol' PBR.   Damn you, you cold, dark, depressing Chicago winters...

Ice cream.

I don't think this picture needs any explanation.  It was good, but I've definitely had better Ben & Jerry's.  All I have to say is life is too short to take yourself so seriously....One Million Moms.

Friends.

I must say that Molly is one of my most favorite girlfriends.  She flew into Chicago last weekend for the Notre Dame/USC game in Southbend and she was so kind to squeeze an evening with me into her busy schedule!  We had a fun, yummy Italian dinner and then spent the rest of the evening drinking Skinnygirl white cranberry cosmos and watching part one of the Real Housewives of New Jersey reunion.  We used to have a weekly girls night when we both lived in Wichita, which consisted of cooking/eating yummy food, drinking wine and watching whatever season of the Real Housewives was on Bravo.  Can't wait until our next girls night!

Bring on November!