The Silver Palm and Boys Win

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Hey friends. Happy friggin Friday, once again. T.G.I.Freakin.F. I've got some fun plans for the weekend... hope you do too! We're super pumped over here...

One of my friends from college is in town this weekend for a law school competition, so last night, my fiance and I met him for dinner and drinks. Since he's staying downtown, we thought it might be fun to have dinner in River West, where it's a bit more eclectic than the Loop. We hit up The Silver Palm, which is an awesome little restaurant right by the Chicago blue line stop. The key to the appeal? The dining area actually exists inside an old train car.

It was pretty empty when we arrived, but filled up while we consumed our dinner and drinks. I had their grilled fish tacos, which were okay but not particularly impressive. I didn't finish them. The boys both had burgers with gruyere and crispy bacon. Boys: 1; Carly: 0.

Their drink menu is pretty stellar - they are connected to a tiny bar next door called The Matchbox, so you can order any of the specialty cocktails off of their menu. I had The Gin Blossom, my fiance ordered The Maple Leaf, and my friend got a Gin Gimlet.

Perhaps my favorite fixture in the place, however, was this guy. He'd brought in his DLSR and was taking pictures of his food. Way to go, man. I always feel too dorky to bust mine out and shoot food at restaurants. Men: 2; Carly: 0

Overall? The boys won. Humph. But I'll be announcing the NuNaturals giveaway winners this afternoon, and based on the entries so far, I'm willing to bet girls will finally be victorious :)

How Halloween Can (Not) Ruin Your Nutrition Plan

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Notice I didn't say diet. I said nutrition plan. Why? Because diet is an bad word, my friends! . People who are on "diets" tend to fail. Diets are temporary (diamonds nutrition plans are forever).

I digressed. Here comes Halloween. Halloween. HALLOWEEN! Everyone hail to the pumpkin song.

FitSugar recently put together a poster of how much of each candy you can have for 100 calories. Check it out...

Image Source

Looking for some healthier alternatives? Check these out...

Eyeball Appetizers

Halloween Web Cookies

Here's hoping you have a wonderful Halloween! Stuck in the spirit and want some more Halloween goodness? Check out my Halloween Costume and tips for Effie Trinket and Seneca Crane, or this Halloween round up!

P.S. Here's a Halloween video for you!

Recipe | Raspberry Cupcake Tarts (OO fancy!)

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Teacher: Happy Valentine's Day, boys and girls! Time to get your fancy on.

Students: But what does that mean, Miss. Taylor?


Teacher: Why, class, it simply means that Valentine's Day is a day to treat your loved ones with extra special love.

Student: So that's what my dad means when he tells my mom they're going to get fancy?!


Teacher: Err -- yes, Johnny. It means he is going to be extra nice and give her extra love.

Students: Gross!

But really. Happy Valentines Day. What are you doing to get fancy for your boy or girl (or, gosh darn it, for yourself?!)? If you're flat out of ideas or just have extra love to give, here's a quick and easy recipe for a dessert that looks and tastes like love!