Link Love: 5 Favorite Topics

kneadkneadknead Pavel kitty on his fav fleecy pillow. #caturday #catsofinstagram #tw
Be a good human and fetch me my tea, would you?

Well this was supposed to go up on Friday, and I was thinking about not putting it up at all because it was late. But I decided to forgive myself the lateness and just do it.

This one is about five subjects I like, crafty or not.

Topic #1: Knitting (Ya Think?!)
More and more I like quirky, fun knitted and crocheted items.
Like monsters, and toys, and yarn bombs.

I really love reading about massive yarn bombs.

Topic #2: Scrapbooking, rubber stamping, and all things paper.

I’m not a “scrapbooker” but I can’t resist looking at all the lovely layout designs the scrapbookers come up with. I’d like to think my “style,” if I had one would be like Ali Edwards, so clean, and fun, yet managing to still have her wonderful photos shine. Her blog is great to get lost in and whenever she does a tutorial, you can bet you’ll learn something very useful.

Topic #3: Books

Not a big surprise, I love to read books and about books. Lately, I’m loving the people behind Forever Young Adult. They have a book club with local chapters that meet up. If I ever find myself with more hours in the day, I’ll join the local group that meets at one of my favorite local cafés. In August they’re reading Eleanor & Park: a book that’s been getting great buzz.

Topic #4: Art Journaling

Even though I love the elegant and clean lines of Ali Edward’s style, I find myself drawn to the chaotic art journals of Teesha More and Juli Fei-Fan Balzer. I just devour their images, looking at every corner and thinking about how they made so many shapes and colors merge in harmony.

Walking the Brookyln Bridge
Topic #5: Travel
I love to get out and wander, discover, and explore. And reading other people’s adventures can be satisfying when I can’t get out there myself. Kristin Luna over at Camels and Chocolate is a self proclaimed “travel addict” I’d follow anywhere.

Realizing I could go on with other topics, I’m glad it was limited to five. You can play along too, just head over to Crafty Pod. She’s got the goods.

Travel Photo Friday – Chicago

Chicago at dusk

Chicago weather has been gorgeous, and my research into great places to eat has paid off. The highlight so far has been the pizza from Gino’s East. Tip: If you can manage it, get there right before 5 p.m. or soon after. We got there and waited only about 5 minutes. By the time we left the line was literally around the building.

This is the view from the Sheraton Towers room I have overlooking the river.

Delicious Baby hosts “Travel Photo Fridays” go there for more travel inspiration.

Chicago Eats: Pizza, Hot Dogs, and Italian Beef

Chicago

As always, for me travel plans mean eating plans. Being my third trip to Chicago, I know I want those special items not available elsewhere.

 

Portillos Dessert and Beer menu Noming on an Italian Beef Sando

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portillos is the go to place for Chicago Hot Dogs and Italian Beef Sandwiches. I have to remember to go hungry, After eating here, I can’t eat the rest of the day.

 

Giordano's Thin Crust Pizza

 

Preparing for pizza is mandatory as well. The guys at the train station (last time we arrived in Chicago by train) sent us to Giordano’s and we didn’t regret it one bit.

 

I’ve been gathering other ideas, but BlogHer usually feeds us so well that I don’t get out much during the conference. But who knows, maybe I’ll have some more finds.