Spring Showers

I need to get out of the house more. Spring is in the air and it's time to get out of and breathe in some fresh air. Unfortunately, Spring in this state means rain for two weeks straight. Luckily for us, we had a little sunshine peak through.

There's a new cafe in town, Caffe Bene. Considering that I had never heard of the chain, I was very excited. Food looked good, cafe drinks are always welcome, and dessert is an occasional treat that I can justify. 

Caffe Bene, is a Korean chain of coffee shops. Apparently they have a bunch of stores in Asia and a couple in California and New York, and now in Champiagn Urbana. It has an interesting mix of East meets West flavors, a very appropriate venue in this town. 

Misugaru, that's a new one for me

Asian shrimp sandwich

Korean chicken sandwich

Lemon and much macaroons

Sweetness

Since I had the rest of the day off, bryan and I decided to visit one of our favorite spots on campus. The Japan House is a little garden and tea house that gets more beautiful with every season. This time, we ran into some Spring foliage and a few new additions. 

As big as your face

Our newest discovery was a little gazebo with a gorgeous wooden bench. It gracefully overlooks a pond just in front of the Japan House. Eventually we found out that the gazebo and bench were donations from a former Univeristy of Illinois student. Nick Offerman, you might've heard of him from such shows as Parks and Recreation. Evidently, we donated this beautiful piece to the Japan House in honor of his former professor. 

One day I'll be able to sit at this bench and look over the water, maybe read a book or just have a quick bite to eat. Whether it's this Fall or next Spring, it'll be a nice spot to come back to. 

Happy [end of] Spring everyone!

-Akemi-chan

Wedding Planing: The Venue Part Two

Summer is creeping up on us. Next thing you know it'll be Fall and the wedding will be right at our doorstep. I fell in love with the Morton Arboretum the first time I saw pictures of it online. It's lush landscapes present all the beauty of Mother Nature and all she's capable of. Once we heard that they had an opening for the day we wanted, we booked them. It was the middle of Winter, and we still loved it.

Fast forward a couple months and we still never really explored the grounds of our venue. Since the sun was out, the weather was warm and the foliage was in full bloom, I drove up to Chicago to visit Bryan and we had a day together. Between searching for rehearsal dinner locations and picking floral arrangements, we had a long day of driving and talking. Whether it was premeditated or spontaneous, we found ourselves at the gates of the arboretum for a little peace and quiet.

Getting lost in the hedge maze

Overlooking the maze

In a garden of lilacs

Where ever your path may lead

We could have gotten married here, but we fell in love with a library

Just siting on a bench

Over the river and through the woods

Where we will wed

Springtime

Fragrance Garden

I've learned to appreciate nice weather

Playing with reflections

Whispering willow

Walking path

I'm so happy we found such a beautiful place to get married. On some level, I always wanted to get married in a garden or in the woods as opposed to the beach or a church. Sometimes you don't know what you want util you see it. I'm just lucky that Bryan fell in love with it too. Just another reason to love him.

-Akemi-chan

May Randoms

May could not be over fast enough. So much drama with the weather, which means drama at the airport. I am freshly back from my "weekend" in Chicago and I need some rest and relaxation. May is almost over and I cannot wait for Summer. 

Here are some random pictures from May. 

Lusting over my apple slices

Breakfast time

Trying out CU's newest craze, Pandamonium Doughnuts

Apple fritter, double coconut and lemon poppyseed

Visiting Sleepy Creek Vineyards

Wino crossing :-P

Local wildlife at Sleepy Creek

Bottle of wine at the lake

Two weeks of daffodils

Smothers pork chops with Brussel sprout apple salad

Why we feel alive

Flora

That time of year

Attempt at a "healthy" chicken Florentine

Cycling to club music at the gym's poolside event

 Love the smell of lilacs

Lasgana rollups

Getting our peanut sauce on at Basil Thai

Baby bird

Afternoon snack at Mirabelle

Who said you can't tan your legs outside while treating your hair?

Sunshine means backyard reading

Hail at the airport, my car did not appreciate this

First movie theater/ restaurant experience. Confused and scared.

Wedding is less than 4 months away and all I can do is go out and eat stuff. This will end well for me. But maybe some sunshine will help my mood. Couldn't hurt right?

-Akemi-chan