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.