things I learned in Chicago
Nothing and everything changes.
Doors tell stories.
Decor is very, very subjective.
Plants are essential.
I eat a lot of sriracha.
Leave notes wherever you go.
I only wear monotone color schemes.
Food tastes better when you make it.
Shop small / artisan.
The mark of a great city lies in its infrastructure, specifically public transit.
Jewelry completes a look.
Samosas the size of my fists exist.
Natural light is necessary in all spaces.
Buy more art.
Belts upgrade your look.
Makeup is always an option.
Streets talk.
I never want to be a tourist so long as I live.
Journals are appreciated.
Reflections are important (take that however you want).
White can be pretty and ugly at the same time (again, take that however you want).
I am an adult.
Make art in whatever you do.
Identify your muse every day (hint: they change).
Appreciate that which you don’t know.
“The soul has a greater need of the ideal than of the real.”
Old white men have great taste and poor judgement
Recipes are easy.
French toast is a fine platform for flavor.
Accent pieces (and art) make the space.
Learn the names of flowers.
A glass of wine a day…keeps me sane.
When heated, heavy cream thickens on its own.
More salads. Oil + vinegar. Acid.
Record your tea consumption.
Breakfast is the best meal for many, many reasons.
The second mark of a good city is how many free public spaces there are.
Look in dusty crevices. There may be treasure hiding there.
Trees speak if you listen closely enough.
As a woman, covet your intuition. You were blessed with it, don’t waste it.
Big leaves help you breathe.
The sun.
Humans aren’t the only species that freeloads…
Grow your food. As much as you can.
Artificial pink is my least favorite color. Naturally occurring is ok.
If there’s no natural green in your view, it’s hardly a view worth seeing.
Flip your camera sometimes, to whichever side you use least (for me, on myself).
Visit a rainforest. Sit in the rain.
Take care of your roots (another one to take as you see fit).
Ferns grow however they please.You should do the same.
Appreciate history way more than you do.
Make friends with artists. Buy their work.
Do what people say not to, see how it turns out for yourself.
Order what you normally wouldn’t on a menu.
Buy hospitality grade. It’s more expensive for a reason.
Hang your pots and pans.
Have your pantry close at hand.
Square footage means nothing.
Have a knife drawer.
Write down all menus you design.
Care for a pet.
Always have coasters. Make guests use them.
Don’t be afraid to make the standard spicy.
Eat (almost) everything.
Real candles > fake candles.
~
Take family photos.
Be a great customer. Don’t suffer to save face. Speak up.
Have great customer service. Smile always.
Love what you do. Even if no one’s watching.
b.w.
1.17.2019