Who knows Irazu's mystery?

There is a Costa Rican restaurant called Irazu, on Milwaukee in Chicago that has this Oatmeal shake that I have been trying to figure out for awhile now. Does anyone know how to make this amazing shake?? It seems like it would only be a few simple ingredients like: cooked oatmeal, vanilla, soy milk, sugar (possibly agave nectar), cinnamon and ice. But that's not working, and neither are any of my other guesses. Here's a couple photos of my favorite things there. The garlic Yuca which is so full of flavor and crispy, like a french fried potato.  

(click on "Irazu" for the menu"). 

I just found this!----> "The only hint I got about making one though was through this blog Big Sweet Tooth, who also wrote about the wonders of Irazu's oatmeal shake, and in passing suggested there has to be some horchata in it (sweetened spice-infused rice water)."  

The Gories

An amazing reunion of the eighties "garage-punk" band, The Gories played this past Saturday in Detroit at the Majestic Theatre. I missed the first song and a half because I was photographing a wedding but made it just in time for a very rewarding wait. I didn't have the best seat in the house since I was late, but did catch a few photos from stage-right. 

michael jackson was my hero.

Everyone has been writing and talking about their sadness over such a loss. he was truly the hero to so many people around the world, and now we are all reminiscing. It's unfortunate that he didn't get to witness again, after all the controversial blows, how people idolized and appreciated what he became to us. 

when i was little my two favorite musicians were Michael Jackson and Prince. My mom was an avid Prince fan so of course Little Red Corvette and When Doves Cry were regular sing-alongs, but my brother and I quickly became huge fans of mj. My first record was this ET special edition record with Michael Jackson which came with a poster that I framed and.. I'm not gonna lie, I would kiss goodnight. 

My brother took up break-dancing and learned both Thriller and Billie Jean moves. He had the glove, the socks and even the red zipper jacket. We have many home movies of his moves, while I sat behind observing, eating my english muffin. All i could do was the "scrambler". The moonwalk was too difficult for me. 

an amazing performance of Billie Jean (1983) -----> here

Thank you for being a true inspiration to so many people. may you rest in peace. 

p.s. I found the poster that I actually framed and kissed goodnight:

kukla

I've been wanting a Boston Terrier for ages now. She would be a nice new friend to Coco, but I'll have to wait until I have more time and money for her. My friend has a darling boston terrier named Kukla, which means "doll". I think I may consider adopting that name as well. 

These are a couple photos of Beaker, a dog we met in a wine shop, in Chicago last weekend.

Soul Veg

A group of us went to Chicago for the weekend. Here's one small photo of the drink menu from Soul Vegetarian. If you click on the photo, you may be able to see how delicious these shakes are. I'm going to try and make some myself, at home. They have a cookbook too!

gardens and miss aa

I have a new friend whom I love. She's always smiling and she generously shares everything. You would love her and her amazingly beautiful garden too. I'm also very inspired by her house, where she has redone the floors.. ripping out the tiles making the wooden floor a rough, and rustic new treasure. A's pantry is wonderful too. Can you imagine seeing everything in your cupboard? Here's just a lil' peek into her world. 

Electric bike o my.

While we always talked about buying an Electric/motor bike, I hadn't expected to come back from Laura's shower to find this beautiful new purchase! I believe it's a Ciratti, but I could be wrong as I've little knowledge about them. I do know that this bike was painted and was not originally red and will probably not last this way. Any color recommendations? There are a few things that need to be adjusted, but I'm excited for some summer rides. Wish I could fit on the back.

Also, enjoy some cute photos of our soon-to-be newlyweds (well, ceremonially). 

wildflowers are my favorite.

 (click on photo to view larger)

                                                     

I had to cut the grass this weekend, even though I kinda liked watching coco run through a field of wildflowers and tall weeds. It was kinda pretty and she loved hiding in her forest of grass. I picked a lil bunch of the flowers and put them in my room, and I can't tell you how much they've lifted my mood. I love the wirey collection, and have always preferred them to something you would pick up in the store, like iris' or roses. Sunday z&i went to the park ,and lil Gabriella and I picked ourselves a new bunch of them. I also found chives which makes a really nice addition!