‘music’ Category

« Older Entries

01 August 2011

Goodbye July, hello August!

By: Jessica B.
Tagged: Chicago, Food, music, travel

Happy Monday and August 1st everyone! Holy cow, it’s August. It is almost the tail end of summer. I know this because it’s almost state fair season, that is the official sign summer is over, at least in the Midwest.

Anyhow, this weekend, I closed out July by doing not a lot, which is good because August is going to be BUSY for me, so I’ll take my rest where I can.

It started off with drinks near Marilyn Monroe from Some Like it Hot (no I’m not making that up) and ended at Wrigley Field for the Paul McCartney concert! Yes, it was hotter than sin in that stadium (like, no air circulation) but it was worth it. Let’s take a look.

View from our seats!

Pre-concert photo montage

Paul McCartney rocking out!

The concert in a word: AWESOME. As a raging Beatles fan, it was heaven, hearing songs I listen to on my iPod and on record live was just amazing. And sitting with the person I went with, both of us singing “Yesterday” is a moment I won’t ever forget. Really, it brings a tear to my eye thinking about it.

I also got a little pre-concert gift from my guest too. Yeah, he gets me.

But as amazing as last night was, it’s on to August! I don’t know about you but this month is cray cray for me and there is lots to look forward to, such as:

  • BlogHer in San Diego! I must brush up on Anchorman lingo
  • Seattle and Vancouver – time to hike, drink wine and stuff my face (sexy!)
  • Birthday – Yeah I’ll work on getting more excited for this
  • Next! Yes, that’s right, I’m going back for Thai cuisine. Very excited

Yeah, that’s all that’s coming up for me, not much at all :)

Do you have any big August plans? How was your weekend?

Share this!

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Kirtsy
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • RSS
  • email
8 Comments

05 June 2011

Weekend recap: Glee and Thai cooking

By: Jessica B.
Tagged: Chicago, Food, Friends, music

That is quite an interesting combination, but that was my weekend!

Let’s start with Glee. On Friday, TC and I embarked on a magical journey to the suburbs to see Glee in concert again. Last year, we had an awesome time dancing, screaming/singing and going bananas in the crowd. How could we say no to a repeat performance?

This time, Glee was at a bigger stadium in the suburbs, allowing for more screaming pre-teen fans and overzealous moms and less dance room. Not a fan, these hips and arms need to move!

But we made it work, kicking off the night by being the oldest non-parent people at the local Steak n’ Shake (first timer!) where you can get a meal for under $6, wow.

Then it was over to the Arena and to our seats with beers in hands to get our dance on. Best pre-show moment: watching a 10 year old boy lip synch along passionately to “Grenade” by Bruno Mars. A…dorable.

The main show was pretty good, a rotating mix from the New Directions and eventually the Warblers with a good mix of songs from this year and some from season one.

Little number from season one

A little blurry photo of the Warblers. Love.

And TC and I may or may not have starts screaming, jumping up and down while holding hands during Teenage Dream. Seriously, we were 14 years old (just like the people behind us). Fortunately, I could log “dancing” as my cardio for the evening.

After the show, we tried again for autographs and while Chord Overstreet (Sam) denied me an autograph in favor of an elbowing mom ahead of me, TC did get some sweet pictures, see one below.

Taken by TC who made magic with her iPhone

Dear Glee, we’ll see you next summer in concert. Moms, watch out.

Saturday, after some post-Glee-gasm rest, I had a Thai cooking class with the lovely Mananya. And this was serious. We started at the Asian markets in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, collecting ingredients for my dishes and talking through tips on what to look for and what can be substituted.

Then it was home and in to the kitchen with my wok and rice maker. The longest part of the session was just prepping the ingredients, such as water spinach, Thai chilis, garlic and Thai eggplant. Making our three dishes in the wok took less than 30 minutes. Amazing. Also, my grocery bill was only $20 for protein and ingredients and I now have enough food to last the week. More amazing.

Here is a picture of my post-cooking class plate:

Left to right: Pad Boong, Pad Prik with beef and Thai Basil Chicken with jasmine rice.

I learned a lot from the class and had a great time. I cannot wait to try next weekend’s planned dish, chicken curry with rice.

If you’re in Chicago and interested in cooking classes with Mananya, give her a shout on Twitter!

How was your weekend?

Share this!

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Kirtsy
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • RSS
  • email
8 Comments

09 January 2011

Weekend recap: Weezer and middle aged mosh pits

By: Jessica B.
Tagged: Chicago, music

Happy Sunday everyone! This weekend was freezing cold in Chicago (the kind of cold that burns your skin) but I had an awesome one anyhow.

There are two bands that really define my high school experience: No Doubt and Weezer. I was a huge fan of both in high school and my fan-dom has stayed with me. I was fortunate enough to see No Doubt in concert two summers ago and Friday night, my high school geekdom was complete by seeing Weezer perform one my favorite albums, the Blue Album, in Chicago.

Yes, I did a little air guitar and drums and even did my 30-something version of head banging but the real “treat” was the crowd. I was expecting an older audience (given that the Blue Album came out in 1994), but nope, it was half teens (dropped off my mom) and full adults. And despite Mega’s warning, it just took one a**hole who drank too much Miller Lite to get a mosh pit going.

A motherf*cking mosh pit.

I don’t mosh, I’m in my 30s. I want to go to a concert, listen to my music, rock out in my seat or designated area, go get some food and go home. And let’s be honest, mosh pits are kind of selfish.

And several other adult concertgoers were not amused by the mostly middle aged mosh pit either. I don’t like it when douchebags of all ages are flying at me because all I want to do is LISTEN TO THE MUSIC. Fortunately, Mega helped me from being pulled in to the mosh pit, thank god.

During a pit break, I had enough of one obnoxious teen and yelled, “Turn around a**hole, are you wearing braces?” The older crowd got a kick out of that.

Moshing aside, it was an awesome show and I loved hearing the songs live. Really, it was like being 16 again and I’m so glad I got to go.

I had to stop “head banging” to take this

Me and my Miller Lite were anxious to get this going

I have a quick crowd photo for you too. Pre-concert, we had to wait outside to be let in and of course it’s freezing cold and SNOWING, but damnit, some people refused to check a coat….or wear a long-sleeved shirt.

I even kept my Weezer love going Saturday night by singing a Blue Album song at Lincoln Karaoke, which has to be the most magical karaoke experience you can have. Yes, I was tone deaf and voice strained by beer and champagne, but I’ll say this, it was an inspired version with more 30-something headbanging.

How was your weekend?

Movie review: I also saw Blue Valentine this weekend. Let’s just say, it’s not an uplifter.

Share this!

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Kirtsy
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • RSS
  • email
16 Comments

10 November 2010

Random non-weekend, pre-trip thoughts

By: Jessica B.
Tagged: apartment, music, Random, sports, television, travel

I love to travel but I get so wound up before I leave that I work myself into a total tizzy, much like I’m doing right now. URGH I hate when I do that!

Anyhow, to help clear my cluttered mind of random stuff I’m thinking about, I put together a lovely bulleted list of things on my mind, some more random than others.

  • How long will it take once I arrive in Mexico to be on the beach with drink in hand? My guess? One hour (at the most)
  • Is it possible to wear leggings as pants all the time and not look silly? I’m willing to try
  • I’m totally obsessed with Boo the dog on Facebook. Seriously, I would steal that dog. I want one just like him (kidding?) The video of his “typical day” makes me scream with cuteness
  • This week’s episode of Glee was so amazing. I’m letting myself download three (or four) songs…or maybe just all of them :)
  • Daylight savings time is bringing me down. I love getting another hour of sleep, but dark at 5 p.m.? Really?
  • Arielle asked me this weekend if everyone in the Midwest is obsessed with football. After seeing the crowds at the bar Sunday, I think she’s right
  • Why is picking paint colors so difficult? I’m so indecisive with what colors to select for my living room/bedroom. I’m thinking off white and light gray but I cannot commit. Blerg
  • I’m pretty much also stalking photos from the Breaking Dawn set in Brazil. I’ve got Twilight fever yet again!
  • I need to get back in for a mani/pedi stat. I did my own last night and it was…well embarrassing
  • I’m dying to try Temptu’s Under Eye Concealer. I have serious under eye circles

Also, THANK YOU everyone for the feedback on the dresses to wear to the wedding. Holy cow, I was truly blown away by the response it got!

The dresses I packed tonight are the Banana Republic purple/black dress, floral dress and pink NY & Co. one. The final pick will be a gametime decision, but I feel good about all of them thanks to you guys! I even laid out jewelry, purses and shoes. I will be glammed up in any of those dresses!

What’s on your mind lately?

Share this!

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Kirtsy
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • RSS
  • email
18 Comments

18 July 2010

Weekend recap: Friend dates, movies, music and food

By: Jessica B.
Tagged: Food, Friends, Movies, music

Happy Sunday everyone! It’s still hot and humid here. I hate it. Moving on.

I had a busy weekend but the best kind, filled with friend dates, aka “freights.” Friend dates are the best because you get to go out, do date-like things, such as dinner or drinks, but it’s with your friends. No pressure, just fun. I love them.

I also paid off my Napa trip so I was ready for a glass of wine and friend dates so I can get back out there and be social.

Here’s a summary of my fun friend dates:

Friday – movie/dinner:

After a long week, I was ready for a movie/dinner date with my friend Robin. We went to see Inception (see full review here) on Friday at a pimped out theater downtown. Seriously, this theater had a bar, VIP seating, where you can bring food and liquor into the theater, extended concession stand with tart yogurt and sandwiches. And the best part? You can reserve your seats before you arrive so you can arrive just before showtime and know you have seats.

And the food you can get there is very good too. We got a prosciutto panini, martini with champagne (which made me buzzed after one drink) and BACON POPCORN. Yes, you heard me right. Check it out.

Hmm, bacon

The mix of bacon, popcorn and butter was delish. I’m a fan.

After the movie, we super sized our friend date by going to Chinatown for dinner. Robin took me to an authentic Chinatown restaurant that makes awesome bubble tea and dishes. Our waiter gave me weird looks when I ordered salted fish and pork in a hot bowl but it was tasty, even if it doesn’t look appetizing. I hope he gave me that look because I didn’t just order fried rice. Maybe.

I know, it looks gross, but mixed up, it’s very good

All in all, I saw a great movie, caught up with a good friend and tried new things. Win, win, win.

Saturday – Brunch/shopping and sushi:

That’s right, despite the downtown Transformers craziness, TC and I hit up Xoco for brunch and indulged in our mutual love of Rick Bayless’ churros and even sampled the new Mexican soft serve. Yeah, I was so hungry, I didn’t take pictures, even of the suckling pig torta. But here is a past picture of the Churros, which I could eat an entire plate of. I have no idea why they’re so good, but I want them all.the.time.

Then, with my shopping list in tact, we hit the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I behaved, but TC learned how bad my enabling ways can be. My bad.

After burning calories shopping, Mega and I met up for a sushi dinner in Bucktown where I had the best soft shell crab roll ever. I also meant to only have one drink and somehow had a total of five by the end of the night. Oops. Does that happen to anyone else?

Sunday – Sweating it out at Pitchfork:

Yes, I hate the current heat wave here, but that didn’t stop me from going to the Pitchfork Music Festival with Nic. I got to girl talk, craft shop, listen to some great music and drink 24 ounces of water, promptly sweating it all out. I was disappointed that my only ice cream option was dairy-free, but the pulled pork tacos were tasty.

How was everyone else’s weekend? Do you go on friend dates?

Share this!

  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Kirtsy
  • StumbleUpon
  • Twitter
  • RSS
  • email
22 Comments
« Older Entries