The Year in Pictures

From top to bottom:
1) Cherry blossoms in North Carolina, April
2) Santorini, June
3) Donkey in Santorini, June
4) Rocky Mountain National Park, September
5) Great Smoky Mountain, November
6) Bodrum, Turkey, June
7) Ephesus, June
8) The Grand Bazaar, Turkey, June
9) Venice Beach, California, May
10) The Blue Mosque, Turkey, June
11) Tulum, March

John G. Shedd Aquarium

I am embarrassed to say that I have lived in Chicago for nearly 25 years, and I have not once visited the Shedd Aquarium until two days ago. It is located practically in my backyard and supposedly the best aquarium in the world. Over this past weekend, we spent a morning there and had such a blast.

Located in Chicago's Museum Campus near the city's beautiful lakefront, this education-oriented attraction holds every conceivable kind of fish and water mammal in approximations of their natural habitat. The highlights for me: the exhibit simulating the banks of the Amazon River during the rainy season and seeing my favorite creatures--penguins, dolphins and seals. What a shame it took me so long to visit this gem.

Greek Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto

Without a doubt, there is nothing as delicious and comforting as a bowl of risotto. This risotto (recipe courtesy of the May 2009 issue of Cooking Light) is no exception. Its ingredients (feta, shrimp, asparagus, dill and sweet onion) result in a flavorful and flawless meal.

While enjoying this Greece-inspired dish, I pretended I was there, a picture-perfect place. Photos from our trip there in June 2009:

New Slippers

I saw the above slippers from Acorn in a catalog, and I immediately knew that I had to have them. Why? Simply because they remind me of the slippers I saw all over Turkey, one of my favorite travel destinations ever.

I ordered them and as soon as I had them on, I knew that they were worth every penny. In addition to their Turkish-inspired, embroidery-embellished appearance, I love how warm and comfortable these slippers keep my feet. They are quite pricey for slippers, but their cushioned insoles, skid-resistant outsole, and boiled wool material make them beyond worthy.