A piece of homaha

Happiness is waking up to your best friend being in the same city as you! I was beyond thrilled that my dearest friend Sara and her boyfriend, Andrew, were able to visit me this past weekend. I seriously adore both of them and I soaked up every second I was able to spend with them.

I honestly can't say that we did anything extraordinary, but I think that's very indicative of how genuine our relationship is. We don't need 1001 things on our to-do list to feel like the experience was well worth it; We just need 1:1 quality time to catch up and through our conversations, Sara always has a way to empower me to be a better person. I think it's safe to say that is the definition of a true friend!

Thank you, Sara and Andrew, for making the trek from Omaha to come and visit me. Is it fair for me to report that despite all the cool places that one can visit in the city, we can all agree that our favorite experience was Game Day at Kirkwood and the Nebraska house party following it? Don't get me wrong-- I am all about Big City Natu living and wouldn't have it any other way at this point in my life, but it's always nice to have a piece of Homaha in Chicago!

Right outside my apartment, celebrating the first day of Fall.

Can't believe I've known these girls since grade school- talk about roots!

Oh hey, Sar!

Omaha love!

Young love

Had to take the classic photo by Lil' Red

Chicagoans for Nebraska t-shirt

Great party at Colin, Colleen's and Fez's place

While others were celebrating Nebraska's big win, SM was more concerned about Clemson football!

Overall successful weekend

Nails done, hair done, everything done

Ever since I got my new hair style, I have become obsessed with getting my nails done because I find the process very therapeutic. I guess I took Drake's lyrics, "You fancy huh? Hair done, nails done, everything done...done..." too literally.

Went with Chelsea and Sara after work on Friday

Love this new color

Loving all of our colors!

I am going to be the first to admit that this new way to relieve stress is adding up QUICKLY and I need to get over this habit...yesterday. But in the meantime, I am going to enjoy my new polish color courtesy of Nail Palette in Andersonville!

Japonais

Apparently sushi is my new obsession considering that my last post was about sushi with the girls. To all of those who knew me back in the days, you'd be excited to know that I have expanded from the traditional California roll. Therefore, you better believe I accepted Sarah Margaret's invite to go to Japonais with her, Brooke, Kelly, and Christina (Kelly's friend who was in town from Germany). This outing was especially special because not only was it Christina's last night in Chicago, I have also been meaning to try out Japonias. I must say that I'd give it two thumbs up, mainly due to the atmosphere. However, it's a bit pricy so you may want to plan according.

"The Rock" * thinly sliced marinated new york strip steak cooked on a hot rock presentation 

Salmon Japonais* nori encrusted atlantic salmon, sweet shrimp and and oysters in a horseradish cream sauce

Tuna Tuna Salmon* salmon tartare topped with sliced tuna, avocado sauce and wasabi tobiko sauce &
Crispy Shrimp & Salmon* panko breaded shrimp roll topped with sashimi marinated salmon and wasabi tobiko sauce

Post dinner hang at SM and Kelly's

Special gift from SM

Sushi with the girls

I love my work schedule this semester because I get to leave work every Friday at 3:30P. Although I should head straight home and chill, I had a huge urge to go shopping this week. It was perfect timing because I had plans to meet up with my some of my girlfrans for a sushi night. Therefore, I obviously had to rock a new outfit. I think SM was impressed. She is my one friend who never repeats an outfit. I am so freaking jealous.

Sushi Para II- BYOB and girlfrans? Yes please.

Follow my girl Bridget's blog

El, SM, and Kara

Roomies transitioning into fall

At our neighborhood bar, Wrightwood Tap

My favorite (almost) hipsters

My life, your entertainment

So long sweet summer

This past weekend was such a success! Some of my highlights include: hanging out with my friend Jeremy before he moved back to Iowa, spending quality time with some of my girls, co-hosting a "so long sweet summer bbq at SM's," and making it a priority to go to church with L on Sunday.

Celebrating Jerm's going-away at Gaslight

Cute

At Old Town Social- loved this place

Neighbors and friends

Preparing for SM, B, and my BBQ 

Love the colors

Pure happiness

Hands down one of my favs

Love this fam

Dancing the night away

Future PA's

My favorite American tradition

It's officially my favorite time of the year...football season! Incase you haven't heard yet, I am a HUGE Alabama fan. Please note that it's not because we are #1 in the nation; It's because I developed a strong love when I moved to the U.S. and lived in Alabama. Although it took me some time to learn how to speak English fluently, I quickly learned how to say ROLL TIDE ROLL! Thankfully, I was able to yell this with pride this weekend because Bama took the W against Michigan. 41 to 14- not a bad way to start the season!

When I am not watching Tidenation, I am at Kirkwood watching the Nebraska game. I have a special place in my heart for game day at Kirkwood because that's how I formed great relationships with some of my closest girlfrans in the city. I'd be like to say that we all are there to cheer on the Skers but that would be a lie. I am there for the atmosphere. It's always good to have a piece of Homaha in Chicago.

You'd think that two football games in one day would be enough for one person. However, my roomies are hard core Iowa fans. They were scheduled to play UNI at Solider Field on Saturday so I went down to tailgate with them and their family. I must say, the Hawkeyes sure know how to have a good time.

Decided to play it safe and wear black

Contrary to popular belief and the title of this post, I do have a life outside of football. My good friend from high school, Casey, came to visit me this weekend. Therefore, my social calendar was pretty packed!

First beer flight at Goose Island Brewery

Celebrating Joe's birthday at Cody's Public House

Bags champions

Casey waiting to eat at Grand Lux 

Bday party at Sheffields

I am so happy that it's Labor Day weekend because this girl is exhausted! I am looking forward to enjoying my well-deserved day off tomorrow.