What I Love: June 2012

First, can I just say:  WHERE THE HECK DID JUNE GO????  The entire month was here and gone before I could even adjust to dating my forms June.  Well, even though it feels like it didn't happen, I have many things that I enjoyed throughout the month to prove that, in fact, it DID happen.

1.  Pret's Spicy Shrimp and Cilantro Wrap
290 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 3 grams of fiber.  It keeps me full and I love the sweet chilli dressing.  YUM.  $6.  You can find Pret at Washington and LaSalle or on Madison between Clark and Dearborn.

2.  My NEW new Bike
The tale of my NEW new bike is told HERE.  I am happy to report it is amazing and I had two weekends in a row (in June) of amazing rides.

3.  Pretty Little Liars
Netflix recently added Pretty Little Liars to its instant queue.  I cannot stop watching this program.  The clothes, the hair, the plot . . . it is all so addictive.  I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed/enjoys Veronica Mars (I am NOT saying that it is better or as good as VM, but lends itself well to the same audience).

4.  Summer Cocktails on Rooftops/Patios
Chicago's best patios have brought out their new summer cocktail lists.  They are pricey and delicious.  My favorite remains to be the French 27 at ROOF (the Wit).  First and second runner up are Rasberry Caipirinha at ZED451 and Sangria at Smoke Daddy's.

5.  Trish McEvoy "High Volume" Mascara
This mascara is AMAZING.  It stays on ALL DAY LONG and slides off (YES, SLIDES OFF) with warm water.  Trish, you are an exceptional woman.

6.  C9 Racerback Compression Sports Bra
I am definitely an activewear snob and this one makes the cut.  At $14.99 (regular price), you can't go wrong.

7.  My Sister
She is obviously always on my "What I love" list.  In June she graduated from college and I could not be more proud of her.

8.  Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee
I could not get enough of the coverage of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.  So wish I could have attended any one of the splendid festivities.

9.  Brunch at Francesca's Forno
On Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 3PM, you can enjoy delicious dishes like Arancini Benedict or  Tomato Braised Pork Hash.  BONUS:  You can order Glazed and Infused donuts from your table.

10.  Recipes on the Jello Pudding Boxes
Lately I have been pressed for time in a very serious way.  After getting some days confused (in terms of after work commitments), I found myself in a pickle - dessert expected and not a thing in the cupboard EXCEPT for some chocolate pudding mixes.  On the side of the box was a great and, more importantly, simple recipe for double chocolate mousse.  EXCELLENT.  Because that recipe turned out so well, I have tried a few more of those jello pudding box recipes and each one was pretty darn good (for a pudding mix recipe that takes less than 10 minutes and fewer than 3 ingredients).