Sunday, December 27, 2009

Exploring the YumUniverse


Raw Apple Cake

Starting in the beginning of October this year, I had a pretty significant realization about the next chapter of, well, my life. I had just come back from an incredible roadtrip (my heart still aches for it really) and it simply was powerful how free and joyful I felt. While I have been lucky enough to structure my life so I get to collaborate on a contract-basis with seriously talented people creating relevant work in the graphic design industry—inhale—it isn't all that I want to do.

I have found such healing and happiness in learning about and experimenting with the raw and vegan lifestyle. It really is a creative outlet with infinite possibilities and those include valuable connections. I have noticed how much easier it is to stay on track with a supportive network of folks who are on the same page. A community. Hmm....


Raw Spinach Ravioli with Walnut Filling

So, in a few months, I will officially launch YumUniverse.com. It is my home of the recipes I adapt, discover and create, the restaurants I enjoy, the tips and tricks that I find invaluable, the people who help me and that is just the beginning. YumUniverse is going to be a place chock full of infinite possibilities for a yummy, healthy life. I'd like to share what I've found and what I will continue to discover on my journey. The continuation of which, as I mentioned above, will take me all over the country sharing through workshops, exploration and more.


Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Cacao Cardamom Muffins

Have ideas for anything you’d like to see in the YumUniverse? Don’t be shy, let me know. In the meantime, get a sneak peek of some of the photos from recipes you’ll find at YumUniverse.

So for those of you who have been sweet enough to ask me where I’ve been, see the title of this post and receive a playful wink from me.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Sketchbook: Shark



My friend Mike introduced me to an iPhone app yesterday called Sketchbook Mobile. He is currently teaching a class about iPhone art and will be showing the student work in February at his gallery, The Chicago Art Department. I am having a ball with this app and my skepticism about its capabilities is out the window now that I officially have 24hrs of exploration and play behind me. I absolutely prefer the intimacy of drawing and painting with actual tools, but I am pretty happy with tonight’s electronic exploration created entirely with my fingers interacting with my iPhone screen. Neat.

Friday, December 4, 2009

The Atlantic Ocean



It felt as cold that day in June as it did today.

Chicago: Halsted Street



I have only lived on Halsted Street my entire 11 years in Chicago. As north as 3000 and as south as 1800.

Isn't she lovely.

Giving Thanks 2009

Thanksgiving this year was, well, “Legendary”. I put the most into my hosting.

We ate, drank, ate some more...



Then we jammed...



Photos from the Feast. Photos from the after-party.

The Unobvious

Next time you are watching an indoor soccer game, remember to look up...



and down.



Regular things can look really lovely.