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. 

Around Town :: Delicious Cafe

I think it's a shame not many people who live in Chicago (or visit Chicago) go up to North Center. I guess because its off the Brown Line Irving Park stop and it may be out of the way for some people. It's super family friendly, though, with plenty of "young people" things to do. One part of North Center that I love is Delicious Cafe. If you walk by it, you already get a sense of how cute it is on the inside. Bright walls, mismatched chairs and vintage tables fill a decent sized cafe area. Local print work, which you can buy, is tastily put up on the walls. A large variety of drinks and a good selection of food (all vegan, by the way) makes it a nice place to stop in for a muffin, or hunker down while you're waiting for a play date to end.

This particular Friday morning is quiet, Bright Eyes plays softly in the background and several people are on their laptops. I settle down at a beautiful vintage table with coffee and a breakfast sandwich. The cheese is vegan yet somehow oh so creamy. The coffee is strong and bold and Counter Culture (a favorite of mine). It's a perfect addition to this already cute neighborhood.  I want to stay here for hours, sipping coffee and people watching from the window seat. The cupcakes from the pastry case look longingly at me and it's taking me everything to not go up and buy one, which I might just do anyways.

Delicious Cafe is located at 3827 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613


Enjoy!! =]

Winter Blues

Blah. The winter blues have settled in. But spring is just around the corner! So excited! Bring on the dresses and TOMS!

Here are some things I can't wait to do once the weather gets nice again:

-Spending more time with the kids I watch

-Free concerts in the park

-Going to the beach

-Free movies in the park

-Drinking coffee outside

-Riding my bike EVERYDAY

- Wearing sundresses

-Going to baseball games. Go Cards!