See that brunette up there? That’s my sister Lauren. She blogs here, owns and operates Elisabeth Ashlie Jewelry, and rudely teased me with living in Raleigh for a hot second, and then moved up to Chicago.
Anyway, we enjoyed our time together, and perhaps in the future we’ll live in the same state, but regardless of proximity she’s still my gurl.
And I thought about just guessing her answers to my little 5 things interview because I know her better than she knows herself, but as it turns out the only thing I would have gotten right is the Portillo’s thing. Can I get an amen, midwesterners?
1. If you’re ever in Chicago or fortunate enough to live in one of the few other states that has Portillo’s, you MUST order a chocolate cake shake and enjoy every last drop. It tastes even better if it happens right after you make your New Years resolution to get in shape. Trust me.
2. You NEED to watch the show Parenthood. Although it’s currently in its farewell season (on NBC), it is the best show I have ever seen on television. I’ll be crying one second and laughing the next. I find it highly relatable and a show that just about anyone would enjoy. Also, I want to be a Braverman. #goodbyeweekend #bingewatching
3. If you live in or ever travel to a place that is cold, you should definitely own a pair of SOREL boots. I’ve gone through quite a few winter boots in my day (that’s life in the Midwest) and my SOREL boots are the warmest and most comfortable, for sure. Add them to your Christmas list for this year. You won’t be disappointed.
4. I know people can be picky about mascara, but you must try Covergirl Professional Super Thick Lash Mascara. I’ve been using it for probably 8 years and swear by it. On second thought, keep away. I don’t want it to sell out. (Just kidding – try it!)
5. At some point in your life, you must drive through the Blue Ridge/Smoky/Whatever other Mountains (spanning across North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee) in the fall. I’ve made that road trip a couple times and it is so beautiful to see the rolling mountains with the leaves in every color. You can even make a pit stop into Asheville, which is beautifully surrounded by mountains and millions of trees. Seriously, it’s worth it.
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Totally agree with you about Portillos. There’s simply nothing like it. Thanks for the interview sis!
I do not know about your chocolate cake shake. I can only imagine. As for Parenthood, that is a show that I am going to have find Season 1 and get in on that and go from there. I have not worn Sorel Boots. I am really big into big fluffy soft socks. Especially since I fell this past May and broke my left ankle/foot. It is continuing to heal. Finally I would HAVE to agree with you about taking the drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains during the fall. I can only imagine the colors changing. When I was in college I sang with our University choir. We toured around the U.S. One year after school was out we toured the middle east and north eastern states. We drove through the blue ridge mountains. I remember when we neared Charleston I imagined a young Earl Hammner in his bedroom window writing away while his family bustles around him. What wonderful stories they were.
Netflix has 5 seasons of Parenthood right now! It really is the best show I’ve ever watched. I’ve shed many a tear and even got my husband hooked on it! 🙂
Heck yes, Parenthood. I watched the seasons as they aired, and I was a crying mess of streaked mascara each week in the later seasons. I also want to be a Braverman.
I absolutely agree with you 100% about Parenthood. I seriously cried at just about every episode! I’m sad that it’s over but I guess all good things must come to an end. I will definitely have to check out those boots. I live in Dallas, TX so we don’t get near the winter you’re dealing with, but we do get some ice/snow at least once a year. I would love to take that drive sometime too! My husband’s best friend lives near Asheville so we’ll have to make a trip out to see him and enjoy the drive!
Totally agree with the autumn drive recommendation. If you do plan to stop through Asheville I definitely recommend checking out 2 amazing local bands, The Broadcast (http://thebroadcastmusic.com/) and Underhill Rose (http://www.underhillrose.com/). You’ll be tapping your foot no matter your taste in music. Underhill Rose is a funky bluegrass band of 3 females serenading you with their rich voices, standup bass, guitar, and banjo… and maybe a little surprise harmonica! The Broadcast is an energetic rock n’ roll 4-piece band fronted by a female powerhouse vocalist – think a modern day “Grace Slick meets Led Zeppelin”.
I’m going to Portillos this weekend!! I live about 3.5 hours away from Chicago and frequently head that direction for work. I always make sure I have enough time for a Portillos and IKEA stop on my way home, otherwise it’s not worth the drive 😉
And Parenthood was(is) AMAZING! I’m still sad that it’s over. #braverman4life
I’m originally from Illinois but now live in Wisconsin and Portillo’s is definitely an Illinois staple, nothing like a good beef sandwich! http://www.theeverydaybrunette.com
Oh Parenthood…why did you leeeeeeave meeeeeee!!! Quite possibly my favorite show ever. The finale was the perfect mixture of sad and beautiful. Every show I love has either ended or is on mid-season hiatus right now. Or only airs in the summertime. Except Scandal. My guilty pleasure. It’s completely ridiculous but you can’t…look…away…
Totally agree with the drive through the Great Smokey Mountains!! My sister-in-law used to lie in Ashville, and we went and visited her one fall, just as the leaves were changing. Indescribably beautiful!!
Totally agree with the drive through the Great Smokey Mountains!! My sister-in-law used to lie in Asheville, and we went and visited her one fall, just as the leaves were changing. Indescribably beautiful!!
We lived in the Chicago area most of last year, and OMG the chocolate cake at Portillo’s! I never could get myself to order the shake because I loved the cake too much on its own. Before me moved down to Texas in Dec. we had our “last meal” there.
So funny that Parenthood is mentioned; I tutored a Korean women who watched that to practice dialogue, so I blame her for my now being hooked on it! Didn’t realize the cult following it has. I just this weekend confessed to my husband that I’ve been watching it while doing dishes, folder laundry, etc., and I sort of fear I may be addicted. I sort of think of it as “dialogue porn” if such a thing can exist, because I don’t think I could articulate the challenges of life as well as, ahem, fictional characters with writers can.
Asheville girl, here! If you ever find yourself in Asheville again, you MUST go to the Chocolate Lounge. Yep… a restaurant devoted to chocolate. And you MUST get a Milk
Chocolate Liquid Truffle. There is absolutely nothing like it. 🙂
Another Asheville girl here! I agree with Emma-the Chocolate Lounge is ridiculous! And Juicy Lucy’s burgers are delicious! Moved here from east TX & nothing compares to the beauty here-take a quick hike up to Craggy Gardens & check out the breathtaking 360 degree view.
Your sister is so spot-on about Portillo’s! It’s one of the things I miss about the Midwest. The East Coast just doesn’t know how to do Italian Beef Sandwiches…
I also love Parenthood!! My husband thought that there was too much drama, but that’s part of why I liked it. I like that we got to discuss many parenting related issues before having kids because of the show.
I don’t know the rest, but why are winter boots so bulky? I have found several that are warm but hardly also cute.
My husband doesn’t like it because he says he can’t stand how everyone is always talking at the same time. That’s actually one of the reasons I like it! I have a big family and when we all get together that is EXACTLY how it is! 🙂
My husband grew up outside of Chicago and always talks about Portillos. I need to go there at some point so I can figure out what the big deal is all about!
-Meg http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
You are so right about the mascara! I had never tried it until recently, when I found it at Big Lots for only a few dollars and decided to give it a try. SCORE!
I live in Canada, and the cold and snow has been especially miserable this year. I have a pair of Sorels and my feet have never once been cold, even in the -40 C weather! Definitely a great recommendation.
Yes!! Drive down 81 South in the fall. I went to college at Virginia Tech and making that drive was one of the most blissful memories of my undergrad years. So excited to be moving back there to start my graduate degree this fall! 🙂
comments
What a great post! Thanks for the boot suggestion – this winter has been brutal!
Kim
http:// trendkeeper.me .. Wine and paint?!
I do not know about your chocolate cake shake. I can only imagine. As for Parenthood, that is a show that I am going to have find Season 1 and get in on that and go from there. I have not worn Sorel Boots. I am really big into big fluffy soft socks. Especially since I fell this past May and broke my left ankle/foot. It is continuing to heal. Finally I would HAVE to agree with you about taking the drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains during the fall. I can only imagine the colors changing. When I was in college I sang with our University choir. We toured around the U.S. One year after school was out we toured the middle east and north eastern states. We drove through the blue ridge mountains. I remember when we neared Charleston I imagined a young Earl Hammner in his bedroom window writing away while his family bustles around him. What wonderful stories they were.
Netflix has 5 seasons of Parenthood right now! It really is the best show I’ve ever watched. I’ve shed many a tear and even got my husband hooked on it! 🙂
Heck yes, Parenthood. I watched the seasons as they aired, and I was a crying mess of streaked mascara each week in the later seasons. I also want to be a Braverman.
The Smoky Mountains are on my bucket list!
Now I’m craving Portillo’s and they don’t have it where I live. Boo!
Heard a lot about Parenthood – think it’s time to start watching it 🙂
I absolutely agree with you 100% about Parenthood. I seriously cried at just about every episode! I’m sad that it’s over but I guess all good things must come to an end. I will definitely have to check out those boots. I live in Dallas, TX so we don’t get near the winter you’re dealing with, but we do get some ice/snow at least once a year. I would love to take that drive sometime too! My husband’s best friend lives near Asheville so we’ll have to make a trip out to see him and enjoy the drive!
Loved learning more about your sister! I have three older sisters and it’s a fun thing to have sisters 🙂
Totally agree with the autumn drive recommendation. If you do plan to stop through Asheville I definitely recommend checking out 2 amazing local bands, The Broadcast (http://thebroadcastmusic.com/) and Underhill Rose (http://www.underhillrose.com/). You’ll be tapping your foot no matter your taste in music. Underhill Rose is a funky bluegrass band of 3 females serenading you with their rich voices, standup bass, guitar, and banjo… and maybe a little surprise harmonica! The Broadcast is an energetic rock n’ roll 4-piece band fronted by a female powerhouse vocalist – think a modern day “Grace Slick meets Led Zeppelin”.
I’m going to Portillos this weekend!! I live about 3.5 hours away from Chicago and frequently head that direction for work. I always make sure I have enough time for a Portillos and IKEA stop on my way home, otherwise it’s not worth the drive 😉
And Parenthood was(is) AMAZING! I’m still sad that it’s over. #braverman4life
You’re SO right about Parenthood! The best show EVER!!!!
I’m originally from Illinois but now live in Wisconsin and Portillo’s is definitely an Illinois staple, nothing like a good beef sandwich!
http://www.theeverydaybrunette.com
#teambraverman
Portillo’s is incredible! My husband is from Chicagoland, so whenever we’re up there to see my in-laws, Portillo’s is usually our first stop 🙂
I LOVE Portillos. Every time my boyfriend and I are in Chicago we ALWAYS stop for some Portillos.
Sarah
Midwest Darling
Oh Parenthood…why did you leeeeeeave meeeeeee!!! Quite possibly my favorite show ever. The finale was the perfect mixture of sad and beautiful. Every show I love has either ended or is on mid-season hiatus right now. Or only airs in the summertime. Except Scandal. My guilty pleasure. It’s completely ridiculous but you can’t…look…away…
Totally agree with the drive through the Great Smokey Mountains!! My sister-in-law used to lie in Ashville, and we went and visited her one fall, just as the leaves were changing. Indescribably beautiful!!
Totally agree with the drive through the Great Smokey Mountains!! My sister-in-law used to lie in Asheville, and we went and visited her one fall, just as the leaves were changing. Indescribably beautiful!!
I will probably wait until Parenthood is over and then binge it.
Binge away. 🙂 The series finale aired already.
We lived in the Chicago area most of last year, and OMG the chocolate cake at Portillo’s! I never could get myself to order the shake because I loved the cake too much on its own. Before me moved down to Texas in Dec. we had our “last meal” there.
Right there with you Lauren! Parenthood is the most amazing thing there ever was on TV and I sobbed like a little baby when it ended!
So funny that Parenthood is mentioned; I tutored a Korean women who watched that to practice dialogue, so I blame her for my now being hooked on it! Didn’t realize the cult following it has. I just this weekend confessed to my husband that I’ve been watching it while doing dishes, folder laundry, etc., and I sort of fear I may be addicted. I sort of think of it as “dialogue porn” if such a thing can exist, because I don’t think I could articulate the challenges of life as well as, ahem, fictional characters with writers can.
I bet it would be better with a chocolate shake:)
We finished One Tree Hill about a month ago and started Parenthood last week…Yep, definitely hooked already. 🙂
Asheville girl, here! If you ever find yourself in Asheville again, you MUST go to the Chocolate Lounge. Yep… a restaurant devoted to chocolate. And you MUST get a Milk
Chocolate Liquid Truffle. There is absolutely nothing like it. 🙂
Another Asheville girl here! I agree with Emma-the Chocolate Lounge is ridiculous! And Juicy Lucy’s burgers are delicious! Moved here from east TX & nothing compares to the beauty here-take a quick hike up to Craggy Gardens & check out the breathtaking 360 degree view.
Your sister is so spot-on about Portillo’s! It’s one of the things I miss about the Midwest. The East Coast just doesn’t know how to do Italian Beef Sandwiches…
I’m interested to try the mascara… I’ll be sure to look for it!
I also love Parenthood!! My husband thought that there was too much drama, but that’s part of why I liked it. I like that we got to discuss many parenting related issues before having kids because of the show.
I don’t know the rest, but why are winter boots so bulky? I have found several that are warm but hardly also cute.
My husband doesn’t like it because he says he can’t stand how everyone is always talking at the same time. That’s actually one of the reasons I like it! I have a big family and when we all get together that is EXACTLY how it is! 🙂
My husband grew up outside of Chicago and always talks about Portillos. I need to go there at some point so I can figure out what the big deal is all about!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
You are so right about the mascara! I had never tried it until recently, when I found it at Big Lots for only a few dollars and decided to give it a try. SCORE!
Great post! Love your blog!
Portillo’s cake shake is definitely a winner!
mmmmm now I want to go down the street for a chocolate cake shake!
I live in Canada, and the cold and snow has been especially miserable this year. I have a pair of Sorels and my feet have never once been cold, even in the -40 C weather! Definitely a great recommendation.
Another Asheville follower here! I’m so glad our town made the list. We are pretty amazing! 🙂
love the list
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Tyana
theluxedition.blogspot.com
Great post!!
Yes!! Drive down 81 South in the fall. I went to college at Virginia Tech and making that drive was one of the most blissful memories of my undergrad years. So excited to be moving back there to start my graduate degree this fall! 🙂