Summer

The warmth of sunshine beating down on my bare skin, sometimes leaving a glistening sweat that makes my overall appearance aglow with vibrant youthfulness. Slathering on Coconut Lime Verbena body lotion, only to smell like a margarita....and crave the real thing...with salt! Sipping iced green tea and sangrias with apple and orange slices. Biting into a sweet, dark red strawberry or juicy blueberries.

Watching sunrises with hues of pink and purple every day on my commute to work. Wandering around in flip flops and sunglasses. Exercising and relaxing by the lake. Visitors from out of town and visiting with Chicago friends who have more time on their hands than usual. Taking in the smells, sights and tastes of what the Farmer's Market has to offer....most notably, .50 cent CORN ON THE COB!! Bust out the butter and salt; I just can't get enough! Macaroni salad, potato salad, black bean and corn salad. Salad, salad, salad! These are a few of my Chicago summer favorites.