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7.25.2011

breakfast smoothie

breakfast smoothie

Lately I've been making smoothies for breakfast. They are so simple! And they are good for you! I like to use strawberries, grapefruit, an orange and a banana most of the time. This smoothie pictured was made with strawberries (frozen, slightly thawed), blueberries, plain yogurt, honey and I think I added the juice of one orange. I use this hand blender (which is awesome). It was the perfect wedding gift J and I received from a dear friend. I highly recommend it! ;)

In other unrelated news, Jed and I are moving to Chicago in September and we are looking for a place to live. He's attending Northwestern University in Evanston, Il. Anyone familiar with the area and could recommend a safe place to live relatively close to the university? I'm excited to move, but also kind of sad to leave the place I've lived my whole life. I know it will be an adventure and I'm sure I will like it, but it will definitely be a change to move to a big city! We're planning to scout around sometime later this week. I'm hoping we can find a place to live without too much hassle!

17 comments:

  1. We live in Evanston at main and elmwood. I love living here, it's close to the city but it's quiet, there are lots of trees and the lake is close by. It's super safe and full of young families and northwestern students. A lot of the apt buildings were built in the 1920s and have lots of character. that is if you want to be close to the university, there are tons of great neighborhoods in Chicago too! I'd be happy to answer any other questions you have about the area and good luck with the move :)

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  2. I LOVE chicago. So much fun and so many things to do. Maybe not the prettiest city but sooo vibrant and alive... And Evanston is very nice, I've heard.

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  3. I just moved to Chicago! I am in Lincoln Square, which is the German neighborhood in the northern part of the city. I recommend this handy map with all of its neighborhoods (be sure to click on the neighborhoods to find out more!) http://www.dreamtown.com/maps/chicago-neighborhood-map.htm. Jed will be able to take the train to school if you find a place near the purple line...

    Also, really frustrating news about finding a home: the turnover is fast enough in a big city that it is near impossible to find a place more than a month before your move. Most places that are available fill almost immediately. Luckily it is surprisingly quick and easy to find a place in that final month prior on craigslist. We had friends visit ours for us and take a video. Be ready to spend some cash, unfortunately...but it's worth it! And it's so bike friendly!
    Good luck! Let me know if you need anything!
    XOXO Brooke (formerly of Brewed!)

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  4. I have a smoothie every morning too. I usually add some protein powder to it too as I always feel like I'm at risk of not getting enough protein!

    How exciting to move! I understand how nerve-wrecking it must be but hope you will love Chicago and discover all kinds of new loves there! Congratulations to you both!

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  5. Wow, smoothie looks delicious.
    Hope you find a great place to live. Life is an adventure, but always sad to leave a place you love!x

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  6. My fiance went to undergrad at Northwestern and his advice was not to go too far west of campus (in terms of safety) and that living close to campus or downtown Evanston is pretty safe. Apparently a lot of grad students live south Evanston near the purple line.

    What a different life it will be to go from living in an old church to being so near to Chicago! I look forward to hearing more about this new chapter, too. :)

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  7. Breakfast smoothies rock - I like to add avocado to mine :)

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  8. Chicago is a great city! Good luck with moving! :)

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  9. I had a similar adventure some time ago. It was quite an adjustment, but a wonderful adventure. I hope you can find an apartment easily. good luck, can't wait to hear about your new life and how you translate that in your designs.

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  10. I bet we can find you a banjo in Chicago....

    ; )

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  11. Andersonville! I just moved from that neighbourhood a couple of months ago after three years loving that area (followed by a two month road-trip still going on, and an upcoming move to Norway later in August!).

    Andersonville is really close to the red line, which would make for an easy ride up to Evanston (20-25 minutes and a transfer), and a really easy ride downtown (30ish minutes,a no transfers). It's quiet, family-friendly, tons of great restaurants, and lovely independent shops. Hmm.. I think I'll email you some more info! ;)

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  12. YUM!! I adore smoothies!! We have the very same hand blender, which also works magically for making baby food purees! Hope your have a splendid new week!

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  13. I love that hand blender. I use it all of the time because of it's easy clean up.

    By the way, congratulations! i loved the pictures of your wedding. they were beautiful.

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  14. Hi Anna, I love your blog and your work. I live in Chicago and work in Evanston. Like another reader commented, I would highly recommend the Lincoln Square/Ravenswood area. This area is laid back but also has a more urban vibe than Evanston. If you live near the Ravenswood Metra stop, the commute to Evanston is a 9 min train ride. Can't beat it :). Best of luck with the move and welcome to Chicago!!

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  15. hey i just saw you around town! hope your move went well...let me know if you want to grab a coffee some time!

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  16. hey kelsea! that's funny you saw me! jed and i were getting lunch and a few groceries. also got a chance to look into vogue fabrics! coffee would be lovely! we are still kinda situating things around here, but am enjoying the area so far!

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