20. Write In a Journal From Start to Finish :: 21 Before 21

I've been putting this one off for a few weeks. I still haven't decided if this really is crossing one off. I did finish a journal that I've had for 2 years, and I started a new one. I got it from this local store in Wicker Park and I love it. It's so beautiful. There are all these different sections of different kinds of paper. It's really neat and only cost $10! I stuck a Polaroid on a page already and plan to do other fun things with it. I usually always have my journal with me, so it's nice to have to jot down ideas whenever I'm on the train or in Wormhole. If you don't already keep a journal, you should start. It's a nice outlet and a good record of whats going on in your life, how your feelings for someone change, and different events in your life. Of course, there are tons of other advantages as well. But those are just the ones I can think of right now.

So I guess, technically, I ended a journal and started another one.

But I love it. I write it in a lot. Even if I don't finish it in a year, I just feel accomplished.

1. See the ocean

2. Bake French bread

3. Get a passport

4. Go skinny dipping

5. Learn to drive a stick shift

6. Do a photo series of bikes

7. Publish something

8. Get my fortune told

9. Climb a mountain

10. Make my blog look nicer

11. Watch the sun rise

12. Sew a dress

13. Minimize

14. Get more comfortable writing in French

15. Get an internship

16. Cycle in another city

17. Travel without my parents

18. Find the perfect red lipstick

19. Shave my head

20. Write in a journal from start to finish

21. Leave the country

Around Town :: Ipsento

When Steph and I first moved to the apartment we live in now, we needed a coffee shop. Yes, Wormhole Coffee was close, but sometimes we didn't want to trek all the way into Wicker Park just to get a cup of coffee. Lucky for us, Ipsento is close by. I walk by it every time I go to the train, so its really hard to not stop in every single morning. Their coffee is fantastic (and roasted in house). It's cozy and inviting. The baristas are nice and knowledgeable about what they are doing. They have a breakfast/lunch menu and everything is named after an author. Love it! My favorite is the Jane Austen. One of the downsides is that they're not open very late, only until 9, but it's a good meeting spot before you venture off into the night. Going in the mornings is my favorite, though. It's quiet and I can enjoy coffee and a bagel. It's really a great way to start my day.

When you go in, try the signature latte, the Ipsento (it's made with coconut milk and cayanne pepper!) and snag a spot by the window. It makes for great people watching! The Nutella latte is also a favorite. It's like you're drinking the tasty chocolate spread. Sooo yummy!

Ipsento's storefront.