Autumn, Thrifting, and Coffee: Perfect Weekend

Friday Night my friend Shannon and I were asked to babysit at a local block party. It was a neighbor of the kids that I nanny for, so it was pretty easy to head over there after work. Well, it was everyone from the neighborhood gathered at one persons house with food, desserts, and drinks. It was a lot of fun, even though I was working! Shannon and I were in charge of the different activities for the kids which included a movie, pumpkin carving, making your own candy necklaces, and a lot more. We helped carve over 30 pumpkins that night. I am not sure my fore arms have recovered yet!

Pumpkin Row - Some of the pumpkins we helped carve

The next day we ventured out to a thrift store that was about a 40 min bus ride from where I live. The amazing thing about Chicago is that no matter how long I live here, I feel like I will still find new places to explore. We got off the bus where google maps told us (handy) and ventured off. We were in a part of the city I had never seen! I don't think it would be fair to call it a city, we were surrounded by trees! It reminded me of Maine.

Very Cute German (?) styled house!

Asado Coffee:

We also randomly stumbled upon this fantastic coffee place that was voted best coffee in Chicago. Each coffee was brewed by the cub, and they roasted their own beans. I am craving a cup now. It was such a clean, strong smelling cup. It was just so good. The place was really small, with only about four tables to sit at, and there were a few people ahead of us in line, but I would gladly go back.

Ah finally- Thrifting! This honestly made my weekend. We went thrifting Saturday and with a cart full of clothing and 1 hour into the process someone told us the entire store was half off! Amazing! We went nuts! I bought way too much stuff over our two day thrifting excursion. I am sure you will see it in future posts. I am just amazed at what a good deal we got! Shannon bought the cutest skirt for 45 cents! You can't buy ANYTHING for 45 cents! Our Coffee was the price of two sweaters. It blows my mind every time.

Cute bear sweater Shannon bought

Thrifting Breakdown:

3 Pairs of Boots

2 Purses

1 Jacket

2 Skirts

2 Broaches

1 Ring

7 Sweaters 

For a grand Total of: $38

Last nights treat at Margie's after inhaling 10cent wings.

 

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Jewelry Box: My collection through the years

A woman's jewelry box holds treasures. From childhood to adulthood those things are cherished. I remember looking through my mom's jewelry box as a kid and being fascinated by the treasures that were "off limits" - although I am sure she knows my sister and I played with them all. Through the years I've began collecting my own jewelry, and it wasn't until recently that I realized the exuberant of jewelry I did in fact have. Through gifts, vintage shops, or family, each one holds a special tale and memory.

Moroccan necklaces -- I have yet to find a great place to wear these pieces - I will soon!

A gift given to me by roommate Colleen. It is a golden snitch from Harry Potter. One of my all time favorite necklaces, Colleen hand made this beautiful piece

The necklace that I wear the most, this pocket watch/necklace was found at a vintage shop, it has since stopped working but it is such an elegant piece that I can't find an outfit it doesn't match!

Three sets of watches...two given to me by my mom, and one thrifted. The white rubber one is thrifted and it is wonderful! It is so great to wear at all times because I'm not afraid that it'll get ruined -- while the other two are gold and silver.

Fish Necklace and Owl Necklace - two of my favorite animal themed pieces. The owl necklace was given to me by my good friend Shannon for my 21st birthday. The necklace really means a lot to me because it reminds me that friends and family are the most important thing to have in your life. They are the bones that build you.

Another fantastic animal themed piece from Aldo. The fish actually moves!

My nautical themed jewelry - sail boat and anchor - both a reminder of Maine, where I grew up. The sailboat broach is vintage and the anchor is from Forever21.

Great story for these earrings - My first job was at Friendly's - a family style restaurant on the East Coast. I was a waitress serving this older couple - probably late 50s. After I brought out their drinks, I complimented her earrings, these earrings. She then took them off and INSISTED that I have them. I politely declined, but she refused to take no for an answer. They left me the earrings and a tip with the bill as well as a little note saying "Just don't ask for the shirt off her back" - from her husband. Hah! I love these things so much...even though they are now, six years later, falling apart.

This central ring is one I wear every day - it is a great handmade piece of jewelry that I got from a vintage shop here in Chicago.

It's amazing to have so many pieces of jewelry and remember were each and every piece came from. I have broken pieces of jewelry that I refuse to throw away, maybe because becoming an artist has made me a hoarder, but also because they just mean so much to me. I've always been an accessories girl, but these are more like little treasures that may not have a high cost value, but they have a great emotional value to me.

Halloween Houses

Halloween decoration is up in full swing here in Chicago. Houses are full and festive of decoration from the classic cobwebs to homemade grave stones. Some homes here have gone a bit further then others, but no one can deny that people are in the full spirit of this haunting holiday. 

 

What I find very interesting about these homes is that the parents seem to be the ones who are really getting into it, as oppose to the children. The kids that I nanny for walk past these houses like they just had leaves on their lawn. Are these decorations becoming expected? To the point that kids aren't even impressed by the decorations? Also, how far is too far? 

A neighbor of mine has caution tape around their yard, witches hanging from every corner, as well as ghosts. They have also boarded up their windows with wood. I keep walking by their house trying to get a picture of their house (creepy, I know) but there is always someone sitting on their porch. I will try once again tomorrow. 

Speaking of Halloween, I think Ismael and I have finally figured out what we're going to go as...Superman and Louis Lane! I think it'll be fun! It's his first Halloween in America, so it's a big deal. I really want to do Halloween related things but I am a bit afraid of the haunted houses and tours the city has to offer. Maybe a corn maze? 

Now to figure out what Lena is going to be ....

Just making a call

Lena's recent obsession: A stuffed dalmatian

Chicago Tourist

Due to the new family member in our household, we went on a little tourist binge in Chicago yesterday. Can I just say that Mag Mile on a Sunday is not somewhere I'd normally want to be? The crowds, the tourists, the FANNY PACKS. Uck.

Anyway, despite the slow walkers, it was a present day to be had downtown.  We went up the Hancock Observatory and enjoyed the view of Chicago and four other states! We attempted the audio tour but we got a little too distracted by the view. The voice for the audio tour was ROSS FROM FRIENDS! So that made it a bit more exciting...that and you know, learning a bit more about the city I've lived in for four and a half years.

Some fun facts about the Windy City:

• At 23.5 miles, Chicago's Western Avenue is the world's longest street. It also has more car dealerships than any other street in the city -- 62 total.

• Harold Washington Library (The Chicago Public Library) is the world's largest public library with a collection of more than 2 million books.

• The World's largest cookie and cracker factory as well as the world's largest ice cream cone factory are located in Chicago. Nabisco (cookie and cracker factory) is located at 7300 S. Kedzie Avenue on Chicago's south side and Keebler (ice cream cone factory) is also located on Chicago's south side at 10839 S. Langley Avenue.

•  Chicago River is the only river in the world that flows backwards.

•  The food-loving Chicagoans make for America’s “fattest” city - 2006

•  Roller skates rolled onto the scene in 1884 in Chicago. 

•  The Twinkie was invented in Chicago in 1930. 

I've reported murders, scandals, marriages, premieres and national political conventions. I've been amused, intrigued, outraged, enthralled and exasperated by Chicago. And I've come to love this American giant, viewing it as the most misunderstood, most underrated city in the world. There is none other quite like my City of Big Shoulders.

Irv Kupcinet, who began Kup's Column in 1941

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Ismael's Brother

Ismael's brother flew in from Morocco yesterday on a grueling 10 hour flight. We waited for him for at the airport for about two hours. It was all a very exciting affair waiting for everyone to walk through the double doors and look for their families. Every time the automated doors open everyone peered in in excitement hoping that their special person was next to walk out.

Amine (Ismael's brother) finally made it out of customs two and a half hours after his plane landed. When we got home Amine showered us with gifts from Morocco! We got cookies, jewelry, house decoration, and some other Moroccan delicacies that we will be consuming for the next few months. Honestly he brought more treats than clothes!

Moroccan Necklaces

They've obviously missed each other

Beautiful City!

Before we picked up Amine from the airport, we went to my favorite place in the world--TARGET!-- where I spotted a great denim shirt. I've been eyeing denim shirts for a while, not quite sure how I would wear them, but I bought one two days ago at Target and I am IN LOVE with it. Who knew that a denim shirt would be so versatile? (Okay maybe everyone--but it takes me a while!) I am not yet comfortable with the full jean outfit yet, since it is still engraved in my mind as a Canadian Tuxedo. I went for a different look: paired it with a skirt and cardigan.

Boots, Socks, Shirt: Target 

Skirt: H&M

Giraffe Scarf, Belt, Necklace: Vintage

First Blog Post!

Welcome to my new addition to the blog collection. If you don't know me already, here is a little about myself: I was born in Morocco but raised in Portland, Maine. I am a recent graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I have a small hat line called Zzouzi Hats that is available to buy in Chicago at two local stores and via the internet through Zzouzi.com. I am also an obsessive Harry Potter fan.

© Copyright 2009-2010 Gold Twig Hat

I have more time on my hands these days then I ever have before. I am a part time nanny for three great kids and when I am not watching those rascals I am working on my business. I have also found a lot of time to thrift shop and it has become a recent [crazy] passion of mine. Half of my home is thrift store finds and I love it! I was so excited to move into my very first apartment with out a roommate (unless you count my boyfriend...who I don't..or my cat) and be able to REALLY decorate it.

Ninjas - The Kids

Well since we're on the subject of them, I will introduce them. Ismael, the boyfriend, is a French pastry chef that works at a bakery in Chicago. He makes amazing lemon tarts and wakes up too early. He is wonderful and surprises me by cleaning up the house - its perfect. My cat, Lena (who is actually also a boy...despite the name) has been a part of our lives for the past month. She - er, he, is half bengal and half tiger cat and as hyper as you can be. He is going through his suckling phase. When I bought my cat, I was informed that s/he was a girl...then about three weeks later (he was 12 weeks or so) he grew some balls...and well I just couldn't change the name!

Lena the Kitten

Ismael the Boyfriend

Pastries -- Dangerous

Anyway- that's just a little bit about myself.