Let me Learn from Where I Have Been

Every time I leave Chicago for a long period of time, I almost forget how much I'm in love with it. Then why I get back, it really hits me in the feels..a lot.. Like insert the cheesy movie music a lot. I spent an entire day on Michigan and in Millennium Park to enjoy the nice weather the other day. My friends almost killed me - apparently this part of town isn't "real Chicago", it's "tourist Chicago." And one of them was seriously concerned that spending 9 months outside of Chicago changed my perception of it and where to go. Whether or not that's true, I enjoyed playing tourist and running around carrying a huge Nikon, a backpack, and a sloppy smile as I awkwardly laid on the ground taking pictures of tulips and landscapes. Please don't judge. It really helped me connect with my hometown okay?! 

Currently Listening to: Below my Feet - Mumford and Sons

Molten Lava Cakes

It's been getting pretty hot recently - I'm talking 85F hot - which would be nice if there was a beach or pool to jump into, but unfortunately, I've been spending most of my days indoors, hiding in my basement, and killing time by wasting time. I've had very little contact with the outside world meaning my social skills have probably gone down the drain. If you thought I was awkward before...you're in for a big surprise now, har har har. The other day I spent a bit of the afternoon enjoying some of my favorite fruits - strawberries and chocolate. And yes, I consider chocolate to be a fruit as it comes from the fruits of the cocoa tree. Ahhhhhh, how I adore the food of the Gods. 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used nestle toll house)
• 3/4 stick butter (6 tbsp) + more for greasing
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar ( + more for dusting)
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• Strawberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 425F

Grease 4 custard cups with butter. Place a bowl over simmering water and melt the chocolates and butter. Sift the flour and sugar into a bowl, then add the melted chocolate. Stir in the eggs and yolk. Divide the batter into the custard cups and bake for 15-16 minutes. (They should have risen a bit the sides should be firm and the center should still be runny.) Run a knife around the edges and flip onto plates. Dust with powdered sugar and add the strawberries.

ooey gooey goodness ~

You Keep Passing Me By

{Captured by Lauren - wearing; Modcloth top, XXI shorts, Modcloth heels}

If there's one thing my cat's taught me, its that sitting beside the windowpane, staring at the people walking by, kills a lot of time. There's something seriously satisfying about watching them go about their busy, busy days and knowing that I have absolutely nothing important to do. I'm positive I'm doing something wrong though, because they most definitely do not give him the weirded-out looks they give me.  Erm...does this sound a bit creepy by any chance? Didn't think so...purrrrr...

Currently listening to: Ships in the Night - Mat Kearny

Behind the Scenes with Kris Gee Portraits

{My favorite shot by Kris Gee}

I spent the other day accompanying Kris Gee as she shot the beautiful Meriam (aka my awesome sister) in a downtown (Millenium Park) photo shoot  It was pretty fun watching them do their work, and even more fun taking a few shots of my own! Above is my favorite shot by Kris, check out her facebook and photography page here. Doesn't Meriam just look so wild? Rawr.

Hope you enjoy some of the "behind the scenes" shots I took. Have a good day :) xx.

{Captured by me}

I'll Find Strength in Pain

{Captured by Lauren - wearing; Modcloth dress, Fioni heels}

It's always strange how quickly life moves - how quickly people and places roll by through your life...but it's nice to know that there's always going to be a few that stick around. I always feel a bit strange/uncomfortable opening up too much or too quickly as it's just potentially setting yourself up for heartbreak, but my sister sat me down the other day and told me - "Mouna, if you don't put yourself out there, if you pretend you don't care to avoid pain, if you don't let people in, how will you experience all the great in life? Because you don't really know happiness until you know pain." Man, I love her. She's definitely the smart one in the family. 

I've been spending this week in beautiful Chicago with my sister. It's so nice to relax and enjoy the beautiful architecture and cute little coffee shops without the stress of an exam. When else do you get to stroll through the city and observe everyone who rushes to class or work thinking "wow, once I looked like that. huh." I've also caught up on a lot of music, as that is really what brings me the most joy in life. A little bit of (attempted) ukulele  a lot of flute practice, and Mumford and Sons really helps with killing time and worries. Have a great Wednesday xx!

Currently listening to: The Cave - Mumford and Sons