The weekend, succinctly

It looks like everyone had the same idea as me to grocery shop early on July 4th weekend. I got to Stanleys fresh produce market at 9am Saturday and it was already packed! Most things were stocked pretty well, but for the lone six red onions and 10 wrinkly plum tomatoes that were picked through. I am relieved I managed to snag the remaining fresh mint, or else the summer beverages that I had planned for tomorrow's BBQ would be a bit less summery. And thank god I had the foresight to get to Jewel on Friday for my bulk shopping!

On the upside, our new Hyundai Sonata has a pretty good-sized trunk. Perfect for holding all our groceries since we really like to eat! Lugging the shopping bags up two flights of stairs, on the other hand, is another story. It takes this preggo woman more trips than usual these days.

We also met my friend who is visiting for the weekend for a late brunch at Orange in Lincoln Park. Best new (to me) brunch place EVER. Vanessa and I used to be a project management team at an interactive agency in Chicago, before she moved back to Texas.

Did I mention Orange has Fruity Pebble Pancakes and Orange Coffee??? (So what if the pancakes are on the kids' menu!!) The cereal is baked right into the pancakes––hello, how clever is that?! I'm going to try this at home with all kinds of kids' cereals...Lucky Charms, anyone?

And just in case you didn't get a good view of the Fruity Pebbles scoop of butter on top...

But just so you know, I also ordered a big person's entree, Baked Chai Tea-Infused French Toast stuffed with Ricotta. It's served in a chai tea latte reduction sauce, topped with honey and caramelized apples.

Baby happy.