I thought that I would once again share a few things that I am really enjoying at the moment.  I like to see what other bloggers are doing and enjoying with their daily lives, so if you’re like me enjoy this post!

 

Hazelnuts

To be more specific, roasted hazelnuts.  I know that this isn’t anything revolutionary or groundbreaking, I mean just look at the hullabaloo around Nutella.  But I have really been liking the taste of dry roasted hazelnuts lately.  I buy them raw in bulk at Whole Foods and then roast them when I get home.  It’s really simple too.  Just set your oven to 400, then line a baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silpat.  Place the hazelnuts on the baking sheet in a single layer and put in the oven for about 10 minutes, watching to make sure they don’t burn.  Then remove from the oven and let cool, once they are cool place them in a dish towel and rub to remove the skins.  Store the nuts in an airtight container in the fridge so they don’t turn rancid.  I’ve been putting them on my breakfast bowls, salads, and just eating a few as a snack.  Not only are they tasty, they are loaded with good for you vitamins and minerals like magnesium and vitamin E.  Eat up!

 

Coconut Milk and Coffee

This is amazing!  I had a little bit of coconut milk leftover from dinner the night before and so I decided to add it to my coffee the next morning.  Holy creamy goodness Batman!  I usually only drink coffee on the weekends and I drink it black.  The coconut milk just added a nice rich flavor to my coffee and I will definitely be doing it again!  I use full fat coconut milk because you don’t need to fear fat!  Plus the light coconut milk is just glorified water anyway.  So if you want to treat yourself to a delicious, creamy, and healthy drink, try adding a little coconut milk to your coffee!

 

Walks Along the Lake

I am super lucky to be able to live so close to the lake.  As my sister pointed out this weekend, it’s pretty much my backyard.  I have been running along Lake Shore Drive each morning and end my run right on the lake.  I also have been walking around my neighborhood everyday and some of my favorite walks are those that go right along the lakefront.  It’s just so beautiful and peaceful along the water and it makes me happy.  Plus how can you beat views like this?

 

Farmer’s Markets

This has been the summer of farmer’s markets for me.  Chicago has a ton of markets all over the place and I have been thoroughly enjoying visiting as many of them as possible.  I have to say though that my favorite market so far is the Green City Market.  It is right across from the Lincoln Park Zoo and it is always big and full of people and delicious things.  Not only does it have the normal fruits and vegetables but you can also find tamales, crepes, cheese, homemade pickles and jams, smoothies, pizza, paninis, and so much more.  There is live music and a doughnut van.  Kids running around with their dogs, and a balloon guy making balloons for anyone and everyone.  The other neat thing that this market does is on each stand they tell you how many miles each vendor traveled to come to the market.  This way you can choose where you would like to buy your products, whether you prefer more local or don’t mind those who come from afar.  This market has great vendors, great crowds and it is a great time!  Go explore your own city’s markets and see what they have to offer.

 

These are the things that have been holding my attention for the past few weeks.  This summer has been one of discovery and learning.  Living in a new city and seeing everything that it has to offer has been really fun.  I am loving my neighborhood more and more and I can’t wait to see what else it has in store for us!  I hope you have a great Wednesday and I’ll see you on Friday!