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As someone who lived in Milwaukee all of my adult life until this past summer, I had nearly forgotten the suburban charm of having to drive 10 minutes to get an iced chai. Admittedly I do still miss the walkability of the city more than anything else, but today I decided to take that drive and try somewhere new. I’ve heard of Mama D’s and have passed the Waukesha location about a million and three times, but I was out and about today (actually I was more than 'out and about', I was in Sullivan picking up my eggs for the week), so I decided to swing by and hang out to get some homework + blog work done. I was greeted cheerfully and some very kind gals were working behind the counter. The menu was large and in charge, the ambience was beautiful and cozy (quite feminine, but still a really good atmosphere), and the cakes and goodies in the bakery displays looked amazing! I had planned on simply grabbing my drink and heading out, because inside was crowded – Every single seat was full. But I noticed there was more seating further behind the bar. I asked one of the girls working if I could sit back there, and she took a peak to confirm that there, too, was entirely full, but then she offered up the ✨Pink Room✨ Open to the public but more so by reservation (via baristas), the Pink Room was a pleasant surprise, and honestly what won me over about the location. Down the stairs and all the way down the hallway, you’ll find a cozy, sunlit room. It feels organic and very pleasant. There’s even an electric fireplace for added coziness (and admittedly warmth, as the Pink Room is in the basement of the building). After counting up the chairs, turns out there’s room for 15 in the room! It was such an awesome find and it is so wonderful to know that it is so easy to reserve and use. It’s like your own private coffee shop seating! I didn’t even reserve it, but neither did anyone else – So once the baristas knew I’d be down there, I was free to have the space to myself. I struggle a lot with focusing on one task at a time, but having a space with some ambience where I know I’m there for a specific purpose helps tremendously. The Pink Room offered me exactly that! It was such a surprise to find a space like this, and the uses for it as a meeting or gathering space are amazing: Girls get together, a book club meeting, a crafting or hobby group, whatever! Plus you have affordable food + drinks right at your fingertips – Just run upstairs and grab whatever you’re craving! Small, intimate events could be hosted so well here! The photo below doesn't do it justice -- But maybe I'm just a sucker for natural lighting. Going back to the coffee shop itself, the menu for both coffee and food was great. I had heard they have good food at Mama D’s, I had heard the coffee was pretty good, but I was still pleasantly surprised! I wasn’t sure how long I would stay, so I just got a chicken salad sandwich. Honestly the bread being warm wasn’t doing any favors for the chicken salad (which could have used some tweaking – chicken was a little dry, flavor was good but a little bland), but it was still delish over all. The menu was amazing and I wish I could have tried everything – Spinach + feta salad (or wrap!), spinach + goat cheese salad, gluten free bakery options, steel-cut oats + quinoas, the menu goes on and on! The prices are totally reasonable, too, which is a perk. The beverage menu goes above and beyond, too: Italian sodas, chaider, they even asked me if I wanted my iced chai spiced or sweet! They forgot (or didn’t hear) my added shots of espresso in my chai, but honestly the spiced chai on its own was fabulous – And definitely not too sweet, which is why I usually add the double! The amount of spice and flavor was perfect. They also offer a variety of milks, and they have a number of dairy-free drink options. They also properly advertise the terms breve and cortado on their menu which I didn’t expect at a shop like this one! The menu feels very high end considering the cozy, small town vibes of the shop itself. I wonder if the Waukesha menu is the same – That would be wildly classy for the location and brick and mortar of the shop, but I’m excited to see! WIth extensive hours that go into the evening (rather than closing after brunch), a variety of options on both the food + drink menus, and a cozy environment, Mama D’s fits right in where it has found its home in Wales. I will definitely be swinging by the Waukesha location soon! ☼ Mama D’s was started by Diana Markus, who began the venture with the original Waukesha location over a decade ago. There were once three Mama locations, but Diana decided to step back down to two, ultimately deciding to close the Genesee Depot location to focus on the Waukesha + Wales locations. Now in her mid-60’s, the coffee shop owner doesn’t seem to be slowing down (too abruptly): She has also been known to visit schools and events with her vintage camper-turned-coffee-shack, and she enjoys taking her time on the two existing locations. Her focus is on creating a quaint and comfortable atmosphere with good coffee + baked goods to create a sense of togetherness when you visit. She accomplishes exactly that with Mama D’s coffee, and I truly can’t believe it took me so many years to give it a shot!

International Women’s Day has been observed for over 100 years, but women have been kicking ass and taking names since the dawn of time. Across the globe, women have made strides in every industry imaginable and the same is true right here in Milwaukee. In honor of March 8, I’ve put together a list of a number of women-owned businesses here in Milwaukee. This list is by no means exhaustive or complete, and how amazing is it that this list is constantly growing!? Every day, women continue to make strides both in business and in our communities. International Women’s Day gives us all an opportunity to shine a light on those women who truly make a world of a difference and in turn, empower others to be their best selves. Because that’s what today is all about: Recognizing the strides women have made in the past and the ones we continue to make. Speaking of which, can we take a second to talk about how good Ford’s IWD commercial was!? Appreciating the big leaps women have made is something that should be appreciated in more than just history books, from figures like Harriet Tubman to Rosa Parks to Amelia Earhart to Gloria Steinem. The world would not be the same without the women of history – I mean, literally half of the world’s history is thanks to women. A day honoring women isn’t just about the big things, it’s a chance to appreciate the women whose names may not go down in history; the ones who shape us and make us who we are. Moms, teachers, bar tenders, drag queens – The women who raise us and the ones who are out on the streets making a difference in one person’s life or a community full of people. We wouldn’t be here without women and the women before us, and this list wouldn’t be here without them, either! While there are plenty more women-owned businesses out there, this list touches on a handful of some of my favorite local ones (and some I’ve never tried, but really enjoyed deep diving into the history of!). For clarity's sake, many of these women are technically co-owners, but they still deserve the credit of ownership. Their husbands or wives or siblings or business partners deserve the credit, too, of course, but this list is for the ladies. These come in no particular order and I’ve got a clear bias towards the world of hospitality, so please feel free to comment or send in your favorite women-owned businesses so that all of the wonderful ladies in local business can get the recognition and appreciation they deserve for being fundamental parts of our community. 1. Boone & Crockett (et al) Everybody’s favorite – “Pretentious cocktails with the pretentiousness.” Truthfully, I should have known this place was owned by women (co-owned, but like ⅔ women ownership counts in my book) when they recently hosted a doggy date night for Valentine’s Day. It was super stinkin cute and there were soooo many dogs. The bar also has received rave reviews for its perfect ice, which simply feels like a feminine-accredited detail in my humble opinion. Owners Dell (Emily Dell Revord) & Nugget (Jenni Nugget) make so much of the magic happen at Boone & Crockett. The bar of course also has a number of other fabulous females on their staff, too, and they all contribute to the cozy atmosphere and gorgeous menu. Dell is notably a multi-entrepreneurial spirit and has numerous ventures like rentals and event spaces, where she and Nugget have continued as a team. Notably the Cooperage, a 21+ event venue and music hall. Honorable mentions: Maddie of Cooperage, Gabby of Boone & Crockett (and Mothership, etc etc – she’s the world’s favorite bartender, let’s be real here, everyone wants a slice), and Jenneca (Mothership plus here, there, and everywhere). 2. Remington’s Flowers & Co. Inspired by the name of her first golden retriever, Joey-Lynn “Joey” Curry named her modern floral arrangement company Remington’s Flowers. She now has four goldens, but even though they keep her hands full, that doesn’t stop her from making the most unique and stunning arrangements known to (wo)man! For the past decade, Joey has been creating arrangements for every day deliveries, parties, and weddings alike. Her abilities are expansive and she incorporates unusual florals and techniques in her arrangements that make her unlike any other florist in the area. 3. The Waxwing What started as one artist’s personal studio has become a collective where over 350 nationwide artists have their work displayed and for sale. Their physical space has gone through a number of changes, but owner Steph Davies continues the artist collective online and the Waxwing continues to showcase many different artists and mediums. The focus of the store is generally jewelry, accessories, and other handmade goods, but there is something for everyone and no lack of personality in their products! Steph places a focus on supporting other small businesses, and the art and gift shop even sells prints of her illustrations of local businesses – The profits of these sales partially go back to supporting the community! Steph is also the owner of MilwaukeeHome, the iconic stacked-letter brand started by Melissa Thornton Kuykendall in 2012, and this joining of the MilwaukeeHome x Waxwing means they now sell all of the MH products in their store! More than just the sweetest human alive, Steph has created a name for herself as an artist and business woman in the city. Video of Jessica Seidel discussing the impact women are having on the cocktail scene in Milwaukee, courtesy of ‘rhuby rhubarbliqueur’ via YouTube. 4. Burnhearts Australian Jessica Seidel founded Burnhearts 16 years ago and she continues to run it to this day. The cocktail bar is cozy but has also been described as having ‘naughty’ vibes, as its close-quartered and dim lit atmosphere give a prohibition-era feel. Jess hires some of the best, and the ladies here are all deserving of an IWD shout out. The edgy yet classy feeling bar encompasses Jess’s vision and personality. Jessica also co-owns Goodkind Bay View with a small collective of owners. 5. Sparrow Collective Gifts, apparel, and jewelry workshops all under one roof! Winning multiple categories for the Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee for over 5 years, the Sparrow Collective (yes, sister shop of Sparrow Boutique) took over the space where the Fasten Collective previously was. Sparrow owner Jessica Franzen clarified the difference between the two Sparrow locations for OnMilwaukee: “Keeping the two Sparrows straight is a challenge for some customers, but basically Sparrow Collective is primarily a DIY, local gift shop and Sparrow Boutique is a cute and trendy women's clothing store with designers from Milwaukee and beyond.” Fun fact, Jessica is also a registered reiki master and teacher! 6. Honeypie/Palomino/Smallpie Known nationwide for their sweet pies, a string of restaurants of various appeals and sizes are owned and operated by Valeri Lucks. Val also holds part ownership of (the return of) Comet Cafe again as she did in previous years – Truly a serial restaurateur and such a genuinely community-driven woman. Along with longtime Smallpie employee Molly Mundt, Val is soon planning on opening Buttercup, a landscaping store and plant nursery! 7. Lazy Susan While owner AJ Dixon will soon be closing her doors, Lazy Susan has been a staple in cozy Bay View for years. While other cafes come and go, Lazy Susan has always stuck around (for nearly a full decade now!). With an extensive background in culinary, AJ has poured so much of herself into her restaurant over the years. She accommodates all diets and dietary needs, with a changing schedule to always offer something new. It will be wonderful to see what fills the Lazy Susan space next. ♡ 8. Mojofuco Restaurant Group Big names like Belair Cantina, Comet Cafe, Hi Hat Lounge, Balzac, and previously Fuel on 5th, Comet Cafe, and Finks. Along with partner Scott Johnson, Leslie Montemurro has opened a number of restaurants in the area and become somewhat of a serial restaurateur since the 90’s. With an understanding of the neighborhoods of Milwaukee and how to successfully open restaurants in a number of different areas. They also give back to those communities and areas, as the group’s BelAir Cantina Powered by Tacos program has awarded $153,000 to local organizations and community efforts! 9. Indulgence Chocolatiers Now with at least three locations, Julie Waterman started Indulgence Chocolatiers in 2007. The stores offer classes, wholesale, and individual purchases of delectable and unique chocolate creations. Sophisticated artisan chocolates are the name of the game, and she is known to be the person who can find something for everyone, even people who claim to not like chocolate! Beautifully blending true Swiss chocolate with peak local ingredients for out of this world flavor and quality is the speciality at Indulgence, and no other local chocolatier has come close to what Julie has accomplished here with her team. 10. On the Bus Plant-based and made from scratch, the menu at On the Bus is only the beginning of its appeal. Everyone knows the iconic bus that sits inside the Milwaukee Public Market, but what even I didn’t know is that On the Bus owner Emily Ware is also the woman behind the all vegan-restaurant collective group Playing in the Plants – An inclusive and expansive lineup of plant-based restaurants. You’ll recognize the name Sugar Cube, the pop-up donut shop that features square shaped donuts. Her latest venture has been Make Waves, a fresh approach brought to the 3rd Street Market Hall. Her latest upcoming project is an ice cream shoppe called Treat (no soft launch date released yet, but we know it will be downtown). Playing in the Plants general manager and head of marketing & growth Paige Hammond has also become a face of the brand – Keeping the business female! So excited to see what this collective does next. 11. Flour Girl & Flame (et al) Award after award! Most recently, both Best Woman-Owned Business AND Best Wood-Fired Pizza in the city (Shepherd Express, 2022). Proudly LGBTQ+ supporting and led by diversity and inclusion, Flour Girl & Flame was started by owner and founder Dana Spandet (now operating as a joint venture under Brazen Standard Hospitality, which is also largely operated by women -- Love!). Recently, she has also had a major part in ventures such as Everybody’s Ice Cream. Throughout everything in her professional practices, she focuses on eco-conscious practices and supporting local. 12. The Pint For more than 20 years now, Elizabeth “Bet-z” Boenning has owned The Pint (or “Walker’s Pint” if you’re into the play on words, which for the record, I absolutely am). She considers the bar more as a family than a bar, and she also prioritizes giving back to those in need and her community. Bet-z was also voted Milwaukee All Star of the Year in 2015! The bar is largely LGBTQ oriented (actually, it’s the oldest lesbian bar in Milwaukee) and is a comfortable and friendly spot in the neighborhood. Her slogan which is proudly displayed in the bar is “Be nice or leave”, which is fitting because it has long been considered a gathering place and a place for people, specifically women (both gay and straight, or anything in between) to hang out and feel safe and welcome. 13. Soul Brew Kombucha With a focus on wellness and healthful consumption, Alesia Miller founded Soul Brew Kombucha in early 2019. She operates out of the lower level of the Tandem, previously owned by another amazing Milwaukee woman, Caitlin Cullen. Alesia has made a wildly popular kombucha base and loves experimenting with flavors and colors – Given enough notice, she will even help you formulate your own to match a color theme! She prioritizes local ingredients and even labels her bottles locally. 14. Meat on the Street Alexa Alfaro started Meat on the Street with her brother Matt over 8 years ago. The business even offers catering and Kamayan style (or wedding!) events, and Alexa brings a Filipino flair to her food. She has greatly expanded the business to include a brick and mortar location located in Eleven25 at the Pabst. You can book the OG food truck, but Alexa’s continued ventures (and background in engineering) have also led her to helping others pursue their food truck dreams, too! Alexa has also notably received the Emily Phillips’ Jacken Award for ‘Risk Taker’, starred in an episode of Guy’s Grocery Games on Food Network, and achieved Milwaukee’s 2021 40 Under 40 list. 15. Fat Daddy’s Stefani Jaksic Of Wunderjak Enterprises is the owner of the well-known bar and hot spot for volleyball. With leagues and tournaments throughout the summer as well as craft beer on tap, it’s no wonder Fat Daddy’s has remained a staple in Milwaukee. Stefani’s ownership and operation of the bar makes her part of a trio of bars in the Walker’s Point area that are proudly either LGBTQ+ bars, or heavily LGBTQ+ supporting. Fat Daddy’s even hosts drag queen bingo, and has simply always been a welcoming environment for all. Stefani has also substantially given back to her community and those in need, just one way she has stepped up as a cornerstone of her neighborhood. She has raised over $16,000 for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk! You go, girl. 16. D.I.X. Wrapping up our list is D.I.X., the notorious gay bar nestled on the edge of Bay View and Milwaukee. With a focus on hot DJ’s and an inclusive environment that’s a party for anyone and everyone, the bar has only gone through a few hands since the building was turned into a bar quite early on in its life. Current owner Elizabeth Kujawa bought the building in 2007. Her bar may be for the boys, but Elizabeth is proudly out herself and an open member of the LGBTQ+ community. She and her bar fit right in in their ‘Gayborhood’ where numerous other (fabulous, amazing, all welcoming) LGBTQ bars have made the area their home. Elizabeth (D.I.X.) has raised over $100,000 for local charities such as Hope House, Pride Parade, and specifically Aids Walk in just 7 years… So to say they have an impact on the community would be an understatement. Honorable mentions (not necessarily business owners, but still amazing women): Emily Phillips Local rockstar and bad ass, Emily created the Jackens Awards to acknowledge the efforts of local women involved in their communities and “those who are making a difference in Milwaukee”. She is a member of numerous boards for nonprofits and local organizations, but most notably is her role as the president of the board of directors for Professional Dimensions, a women’s professional organization, where she advocates for women and aims to expand what is possible for the modern woman. She strives to genuinely make the world a better place for women but also all people alike (has even had male nominees for Jacken Awards in the spirit of inclusion), and this comes from her passion of what she calls World Domination 4 Good. While she may not be a business owner, she is absolutely owning her role in the community and in the city. Trixie Mattel Now co-owner of the LGBTQ+ icon of a bar This is It! (lovingly also known as Tits!), Trixie's presence in the city has been symbiotic to say the least, as without the confidence that the city (and even the bar) gave her before she became the star she is today. Proudly self-acclaimed as tacky and the “Cher of gay bars”, Tits has been a cornerstone in Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ community since 1968 – Making it the oldest gay bar in Wisconsin! Although Trixie is our modern day hero who re-established the open gay party scene in the city in many ways, the bar was opened by another woman entrepreneur, June Brehm. Since her passing in 2010, the bar has continued to thrive and function in her honor and has won numerous awards including #1 Gay and Lesbian Bar in Wisconsin multiple times! The bar is an absolute staple in the LGBTQ+ community and helps foster an inviting and forward environment that has always been and continues to be a safe space for so many. More than just slinging drinks, there are weekly movie nights, game nights, trivia, bingo, you name it – they do it! Trixie carried the operation through the Covid-19 pandemic and socially revived the bar, making it what it is today. Carole Nicksin Also not a business owner, but rightfully needs to make it on this list of incredible women somewhere! Carole is publisher and editor in chief of Milwaukee Magazine, where she has developed a focus on the business FACES of Milwaukee, which highlights ‘the best of the best’ in multiple respective fields. She recently spoke on the upcoming 2023 FACES edition: “This is such a special section of the magazine. It's inspiring to see so many local business leaders in one place.” Aw, Carole! From her first welcome article with Milwaukee Magazine, she’s become an influence in Milwaukee and has kept up with this gorgeous collaboration of a city. Redefining boss babe. You & Every Other Woman Alive Because you probably don’t get the recognition you deserve, and nobody else really does, either. We deserve to celebrate ourselves sometimes! Whether you’re in a tough spot or just need a pick me up, I want to end this post by reminding everyone that there are a number of public resources for women. Sometimes asking for help can be hard AF when you’re supposed to be the strong one – Whether yo just feel like you don’t have time to check in with yourself, maybe you want to continue your education, maybe you just need more girl time and want to find like minded gals: There are a number of resources for women, no matter what you’re looking for. Resources for women: WWBIC (Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation) Milwaukee Women’s Center Diverse & Resilient Wisconsin LGBT Chamber Libraries also often offer free or very low cost classes, hold virtual seminars with various speakers, or host book clubs. Finally, Planned Parenthood has always and continues to provide services for women (and everyone else, but this post is for IWD). Hopefully this list showed you some businesses to try out, or maybe even showed you a few businesses that you frequent but didn’t know were owned by women! I definitely enjoyed putting this list together and learning so much more about some of the lady brains behind the businesses that make Milwaukee such an awesome community.

**Originally published on the OG Rise & Chai blog, since deleted a la GoDaddy. Thanks guys for throwing out my entire blog! What the internet regards as a staple depression meal, I consider a poor man’s luxury: the bagel. Nope, not bah-gel. Bay-gel. Sweet or savory, loaded up or classically minimal, bagels are such an easy and fun way to mix up my breakfasts now and again! My siblings and I grew up in what I’d consider a bagel era in human history — Mini bagels thrived in the mid 2000’s, and Bagel Bites have had a place in my heart (and my stomach) since the 90’s. Nowadays, bagels seem to have grown up with us: loaded with eggs and bacon as a breakfast sammy, or shmeared with cream cheese, smoked salmon, mmm pickled red onion and capers… Bagels must follow L’Hôpital’s Rule because the limit does not exist when it comes to the endless opportunities that these bad boys deliver. I’m a big fan of carbs, alright? Pasta, starchy veggies, all of it. I’ll take one of everything, please. But for today, I’ve decided to focus on this one absolute icon in the breakfast world. Err, maybe the snack world. Either way, whatever world bagels are dominating in is where I want to live, and today I’ve got some of my favourite ways I’ve recently added my own flair on this New York fave! 1. The Classic Bagels with 👏 cream 👏 cheese 👏 SLAP !! I don’t care what Tik Tok says, it’s not just a once-in-a-while phase with this iconic duo. Bagels with cream cheese have so many more options nowadays, too! There are so many flavors of cream cheese that can transform your breakfast —from fruity to garlic-y! Please not together though. When I’m keeping my bagels simple, I like to add chia seeds, chives, or golden flaxseed for a little extra elevation! 2. Keepin’ it Light Cream cheese and butter are probably the two most common toppings for bagels (at least in my experience with breakfast foods). When I was little, I would load it UP with a good shmear, but there are days when I know my grown up tummy just can’t handle it like I used to — So I like to lean into a super refreshing and savory option: Tomato! This definitely isn’t for everyone, I know, but I could eat a tomato like an apple, so this is right up my alley. Slices of ripe cherry tomatoes add such a light but filling element to your bagel! 3. Gettin’ Fruity Strawberries are my all time favourite fruit, regardless of the occasion or meal, and using them as topping for a bagel breakfast is no exception! This is an especially yummy topping with something like a cinnamon or raisin bagel, but plain does the job too! Like with the tomato, I like to top the bagel however I like that day — cream cheese, butter, whatever — then add the slices of berries, simple as that! I’ve seen tons of people add things like peanut butter with fruit, adding honey, or just mixing up which fruits they use — bananas and blueberries are also super popular bagel toppers! I like to sprinkle, again, a little chia seed or flaxseed for a little bit of texture and nutrition. 4. Go Nuts! A protein-packed game changer, nuts are always incorporated in my daily diet! Bagels are no exception to that — think slivered almonds, pieces of pecan, or even bits of walnut that add a subtle nuttiness and a perfect marriage between sweet and savory. Nuts make an awesome topping on top of anything from cream cheese and fruit to whipped feta with honey — ooh, some pepitas or sunflower kernels would be incredible with that. Mmm… 5. Load it Up My personal go-to and what seems to be trending lately is the concept of bagel sandwiches. Definitely not a new idea, but this handheld breakfast fave is super in right now! Turning bagels into sandwiches couldn’t be easier — just load it with whatever sandwich toppings you have lying around! Avocado is a must for me, and I usually add a leafy green, a fried egg, and some hot sauce. The idea of bagel sandwiches definitely isn’t reserved just for breakfast, though! Adding your choice of protein, veggies, and other elements that you’d add to any salad or sandwich just makes sense when you put it all between two halves of a big, beautiful bagel. Another perk is that these are great for breakfast, brunch, or lunch -- Even dinner? One of my favorite sandwiches is a Monte Cristo, so I love a good fruity bagel with turkey! Bagel sandwiches can be done aaaaany time of day. Playing with different flavors and elements of sweet and savory can be so fun with meals like this! Like, I built one savory breakfast sandwich using a French toast “flavored” bagel with bits of maple and cinnamon in it. Adding some hot sauce and playing off the sweet of the bagel with the salty of the bacon was such a win! These are just a few of my recent bagel creations, and the possibilities are endless!! Load up your bagel and tag me in your pictures showing off that dang thang so my mouth can water, too! One last thing — Why does a seagull fly over over the sea? Because if it flew over the bay, it would be a bagel! Ok, ok. That was bad. Lol Until next time, my dear hobbits and hooligans. Drink your water today! Byyyyye! x

Originally posted to Half Past Elevenses - Wix on February 1, 2021. Happy Monday and rabbit, rabbit, rabbit! Half the fun of making a delicious breakfast is having it look pretty, too! These gorgeous croque madame style breakfast boats combine a few savory staples for a simple morning dish. The wide, open faced yolk reminds us of the Eye of Sauron, too, so we’ve named these boats to honor his big, creepy eye in the sky… Not only were these boats super simple and quick to make, but they also cost us almost nothing! We scored this baguette at Aldi for less than $2, and we already had all the other ingredients lying around. We were even able to get rid of some leftover turkey by making these. Score! The best part about these breakfast boats is that the way we made them is definitely not the only way to do it. You can add whatever protein or veggies you want! Traditionally, croque madame is made with ham, or you can opt for chicken, bacon, or any other protein you like best! Likewise, some roasted peppers, garlic cloves, or even thin broccoli would all be delicious toppings if spinach ain't your thing. You can choose to follow our recipe or you can totally make these all your own! Start by preheating your oven to 360º F, then slicing portions and halving your baguette lengthwise -- or if it’s a little on the smaller side, just cut off that tough bottom part. Alternatively, you could keep the baguette whole and just carve out a hole to crack the egg into, but we chose to flip them upside down and trim off the bottom because it gave us a flatter surface to spread all the toppings over instead of the bumpy top of the bread. For our baguette, it was definitely on the thinner side. We cut our baguette into thirds, then cut the bottoms off of those pieces. We made little flatbreads out of the bottoms of the bread by just putting cheese and some giardenara on them and taking them out at the halfway point of baking. Next, we carved out a well in the middle of the bread for the egg to sit in. We dressed the exposed bread with miscellaneous toppings -- we used aged white cheddar, shredded turkey, and spinach. Finally, we cracked an egg into each piece’s well. Depending on how big your eggs are and how big your bread is, you may have some spillage, which we definitely did. Totally okay! It’ll all cook and be toasty and delicious. The bottom loaf in the picture to the left definitely had some -- and it was yummy! At this point, we seasoned the eggs with salt and pepper, some paprika for a little color, and the tiniest bit of garlic powder. It adds just a little bit of flavor that really makes these sing! Then, we cooked those bad boys for about 16 minutes. Only one of the three had a partially runny yolk, so I’d only go for about 12 minutes if you want it more runny, and stick with the 16 minutes if you want your yolk cooked all the way through. Top them with whatever you’d like once they’re cooked! I added a little parsley to each one for presentation, and I topped mine with some avocado. Jesse used hot sauce on his. Whatever floats your (breakfast) boat! ;) And for my visual people who prefer a recipe as a whole… Here you go! These are super fun and easy to spruce up however you’d like, so go crazy! Last of all, remember to value your food and cheer and song today and every day. x Eye of Sauron Breakfast Boats Serves: 2 Time: 20 mins INGREDIENTS • 1 baguette (or similar thick loaf of bread) • 3 eggs • 1/4 cup spinach • 1/4 cup aged white cheddar cheese (or ~4 slices) • 1/4 cup shredded turkey • pinch of garlic salt • salt + pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 360º F and line baking sheet (for egg spillage) Slice baguette into desired portions, either thirds or quarters Slice baguette in half lengthwise, or for smaller loaves, trim just bottom off Carve out small hole in the middle of each halved roll Arrange desired toppings on the exposed breads Crack egg into each hole of each portion of bread Bake for 12-16 minutes at 360º (for runnier yolks, stick to 12-13 minutes; for firm yolks, bake for 14-16 minutes) Serve immediately. Top with avocado, hot sauce, or whatever speaks to you!

Originally posted to the OG Rise & Chai WordPress on July 4, 2021. Y’AAAAAALL. This is somewhere I’ve been looking forward to trying for a loooooong time and it did not disappoint. I know you’ve already read the title, but in case you missed it: I’m talking about Dairyland, quite possibly my new favourite Milwaukee take out. I’ve followed them on their social media since I started food blogging, and I’ve seen others rave about them. I’ve been so excited to try them -- from their yummy looking food to their down to earth honesty across their online presence, Dairyland ain’t like the rest of ‘em. Here’s a peek into their vibe and their mission statement: “...We promise to serve you the very best we can, as pure and good as you deserve… We care about the animals that we use, how they are raised, and the families who raise them… Our goals are simple: To take good care of everything and everyone, every time.” Something so beautiful and integral about the honesty packed in there. As a side note, they’re also a local business supporting other small businesses -- the credits at the bottom of their website name Crafty Caravan as their site builder. Very cool. Their menu boasts everything that makes you think of a classic burger joint, taken up a notch. Hand breaded cheese curds, feel-good burgers and sandwiches, even weekend brunch! With two locations right in the city, they’re accessible and delicious. Dairyland is currently operating out of Common Cookhouse in Oak Creek and Zócalo Food Park right downtown on 6th Street. I ordered from their Oak Creek location on a whim when I map searched “food near me” and realized how close they were! I was basically passing them and had no idea. I was a little confused by the layout because the only downside is that there’s no sign outside -- if you don’t know that they’re operating out of Common Cookhouse, you’d miss them entirely. That being said, it’s all explained right on the front page of their mobile site. Had I looked there first, I would have known! In no time, my car was filled with the most mouth watering smells -- fried food. Not like fair food or your typical fast food smell, either, but the smell of genuine and delicious yumminess, battered and cooked to perfection. I couldn’t help myself… I snuck a fry. Then another, and another, because holy COW were they good! Once I was home and the camera ate, I was finally able to dig in. The cheese curds… *chef’s kiss* absolute perfection. The Wisconsin Cheese Queen has always had good things to say about this place, and their cheese curds absolutely lived up to the hype! The breading was soft and perfectly golden. That being said… I only ordered fries and curds so I could really get a feel for Dairyland food by trying them both. I thought the curds were pricey until I saw it was a meal sized carton of curds! You’re definitely going to want to share (or just have leftovers, like me) if you order both. I went against everything I’ve been told and I didn’t order a burger (gasp!) but the deluxe chicken sandwich was absolutely incredible. Move aside, Chick-Fil-A. It’s Pride Month now, but if you’re looking for a kick ass chicky sammy, hit up Dairyland instead of chain restaurants any time of year! The chicken was thick and cooked to juicy, crispy perfection, and the flavors were big and bold. The bun never got soggy, even when I couldn’t finish it all and heated up half the sandwich again later! Lastly and arguably most importantly… The sauce. Or maybe it qualifies as a dip? I felt like every supporting cast member in Goodburger asking myself “Ed, what do you put in that sauce!?” They served it in a dish, bagged up right with everything else. From their site, I can’t tell if it’s supposed to be the ranch or the flyover sauce. It was almost like sour cream + onion dip, and it was so. freaking. good! I dipped everything in that sauce -- sandwich, curds, and fries alike. I’ve always seen how stunning and carefully crafted Dairyland’s food looks, but now I can finally say I’ve devoured it myself. Everyone I communicated with was friendly and helpful, the food was fantastic, and overall it’s a kitchen with a mission that I can get behind. If you haven’t had it yet, make sure Dairyland is on your list of foodie faves to hit up before the end of summer! PS: I know today's Sunday. Happy 4th, everyone! I wrote this on June 26th, in case anyone cares that today isn't technically a Saturday. Lol.

Originally posted to the OG Rise & Chai blog (RIP) on April 26, 2021. Good Monday morning! How’s everyone doing? I was definitely sluggish this morning -- the sun has been shining, but it’s still been so chilly here in Wisconsin. Lots of overcast, some drizzles, lots of wind… Just been feeling a bit under the ‘weather’ lately, and today was no exception. So I decided to make a little bowl of sunshine: something sugar-y to jump start my day (it worked -- I got a good amount of stuff done and even made it to the gym). Bonus, these bowls are chock full of nutrients and feel-good fuel. I whipped together this smoothie bowl pretty quickly. They’re one of my go-to breakfast faves for that exact reason, as well as the variety and customization options, which are truly endless. The concept is something that I almost feel silly putting together a ‘recipe’ for, but there’s a first time for everything for everyone, and I’m happy to share my tips and tricks for making a yummy smoothie bowl. If I am taking your smoothie bowl virginity, welcome. Once you stir it altogether and take a spoonful of it, it’s essentially cold yogurt with toppings -- very similar feeling, but tastes more like a smoothie than just yogurt, obviously. Today, I used frozen blueberries, banana, strawberry, and spinach. If I’m making a traditional smoothie I’ll add loads more veggies, but for a bowl, I tend to lean towards the sweet side of things. I also added vanilla nutrient powder (here’s the link, if you’re interested), vanilla Greek yogurt, oat milk, and one raw egg. It’s as simple as blending everything together and adding what you need as you go -- for example, I needed a little moisture, so I added the raw egg, and I wasn’t initially crazy about the texture of my smoothie -- it was very much like a smoothie, not as creamy and thick as I like the mix for a bowl -- so I added the Greek yogurt. Once you’ve found your texture and consistency, it’s as easy as pouring it into a bowl and choosing your toppings. Now, at this point, some people choose to freeze their bowls for about half an hour either before or after pouring it. I usually skip that bit because without it, the bowls can literally take as little as a few minutes. The most fun is what you choose to put on top! Today’s bowl in my house had chia seeds, granola, golden flaxseed, whole almonds, and crushed walnuts. The smoothie itself is fruity enough that even the walnuts don’t overpower the flavors at all -- I was worried about that, but it adds more texture than flavor -- still, so so good. Add anything you want! If I had fresh fruit on hand, I’d be adding that too. Finally, I drizzled just a little honey (more for the aesthetic than the flavor) over the top. All I’ve got left for you is a recipe card and an over edited picture to try and capture just how good this bowl was. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone with a couple minutes on their hands -- this is totally doable in the morning before work or as a weekend treat.

Originally posted to Half Past Elevenses Wix on February 12, 2021. Hulloooooooooo hobbits and hooligans! Today I’m sharing the most winter appropriate feel-good meal: a gorgeously thick lentil soup. This soup (or as Jesse describes it, ‘veggie chilli’) can easily be made as a vegetarian meal instead and is super easy to throw together. It only costs a couple bucks, too, so it’s a win-win! Because the recipe for this soup is largely veggie-based, feel free to mix in whatever your heart desires. The recipe we based ours off of (find the original at Platings + Pairings -- I found it through @hellobrownfamily on Insta) has just a little bit of a heavier feel than ours, as we swapped shredded chicken for the recommended sausage, and spinach for the recommended kale -- just happened to be what we had on hand. We also added carrots and skipped the red wine vinegar at the end because of a certain acidic-sensitive tummy in our house, but I promise you this recipe does not disappoint, even without it. Easy on the tummy, this recipe makes such a yummy, classic soup that is seriously becoming a go-to on weeknights in our house because here’s the best part: it’s FAST! This is a dutch oven recipe that (I believe) has been revamped by Hannah of, again, @hellobrownfamily into an instant pot recipe that takes maybe 20 whole minutes from start to finish. Chopping the veggies takes the bulk of the time, just to show you how quick this actually all comes together - hah! Most recently, we used the 12 minute cook time to slice up a loaf of French bread and sauté some pressed garlic with loads of butter to make super simple homemade garlic bread! It’s perfect for dipping and pairing with the soup to offer it a contrasting crunch. Next time, though… Definitely going to pair it with a nice, crisp garden salad. Ooh! Soup + salad, I’m makin’ myself hungry all over again. For funsies, I’m titling this one ‘Dragon Scale’ Lentil Soup because of how pretty the lentils look when they’re dry! This is such a gorgeous plating once it’s finished, with the kale (or spinach) contrasting with the warmth of the red soup -- any mix ins you add will only make it even better looking! Try adding chopped bacon, swapping potatoes for the meat, or even testing out red lentils! This recipe calls for green lentils originally, because as pointed out by Erin of P&P, red lentils will break down more during the cooking process -- ultimately resulting in a more creamy soup, closer to the consistency of a classic split pea. I cannot express how happy it made me to taste this for the first time and just instantly be brought back to my mother’s cooking after a chilly snow day. The temps here are hovering right around 0º F this week… So I’m definitely looking forward to finishing off these leftovers tonight after I shovel. Side note: if you can’t finish it on your own (but I promise, you’ll find a way to), it freezes well for up to three months in an airtight container! As always, remember to value your food and cheer and song today and every day. x Dragon Scale Lentil Soup Serves: 6-8 Time: 20 mins INGREDIENTS 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz size) 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups dried green lentils 3 cups spinach, lightly chopped 3 celery stalks with leafy tops, chopped 4 large carrots, chopped 4 cups bone broth or stock, any variety 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar Salt + pepper to taste ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, rosemary, and thyme to taste INSTRUCTIONS Chop carrot and onion; dice onion and mince garlic Set Instant Pot to “sauté” setting and add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Stir for about 5 minutes (until softened) Add crushed tomatoes, stock, and finally lentils (ahem, dragon scales) and stir well. Add any seasoning you prefer: crushed red pepper flakes, rosemary, thyme, basil, etc all go well with this soup! Set Instant Pot to the most basic “pressure cook” setting and set the timer for 12 minutes, sealing pressure lid when you close it Once timer goes off, be sure to release ALL pressure before opening the lid -- At this point, stir in spinach (and red wine vinegar, if you choose) Leave Instant Pot on “keep warm” for 2-3 minutes to incorporate greens, stirring occasionally Season with salt and pepper to taste, serve immediately with fresh parsley Here's just the recipe, too. Let us know how yours goes by leaving a comment or tagging us on social media @halfpastelevenses as always!

This easy peasy garlic bread takes just a few steps and pairs perfectly as a side or simply served with marinara! Steps 1. Slice your bread first, of course, if it doesn't come pre-sliced. The thicker the slice, the more butter you'll need to use -- so my personal preference is a slice only about 1/2" thick. 2. Melt a small amount of butter in a pan and saute garlic until golden 3. Mix remaining butter and onion powder together in a seperate bowl until evenly combined 4. Add the sauteed garlic and spread it onto bread in all its garlic-y glory 5. Bake the bread slices at 350º F for 5-10 minutes... Obviously that's a pretty wide window, but this really just depends on how thick you've made them as well as personal preference. Just check them at the 5 minute mark, and depending on how crisp you prefer your garlic bread, they're either done or you can leave them in for a couple more minutes. There's no wrong way to do garlic bread! Additionally... You can totally mix in some parmesan, bacon bits, etc as well as the sauteed garlic and onion powder! There are definitely fancier ways to make garlic bread, but this is the easiest, quickest way that works in our house every time :)

Originally posted to The ACE | MKE - Wix on October 13, 2019. If you’re looking for something new to jam to on your way to work, look no further. Think Arctic Monkeys meets soft rock Strokes, then makes a baby with the Black Keys. This stunning four-piece band considers themselves bar-rock and aims to make their hometown proud with their sound. From the outskirts of Milwaukee comes The Keystones, born in “the very same place as the electric guitar itself,” (thanks, Spotify) and quickly gaining popularity not only locally but across the country. Harnessing thousands of monthly listeners from New York to LA, the garage-meets-grunge quartet has been blessing our ears since 2016. They continue to thrive this year, steadily booking local weekend gigs and even taking the Rebel Stage for the past three years at Summerfest in Milwaukee, nicknamed “the World’s Largest Music Festival”. The alternative-sounding rock band has given us hit after hit, each one unique. Their sound varies, but one thing remains consistent: they rock hard. And, apparently, they rock floral Hawaiian shirts. Like, a lot. Brothers Jack and Matt Sherman from small-town Waukesha, Wisconsin, grew up with long-time childhood friend Eddie Curran, and the trio took nightly jam sessions and turned them into bar gigs. Joined by Jake Lutzke, the group found their way into a proper recording studio and have been making music ever since. With friends and family alike, the group was able to soar to new heights. Enterprise Films, fueled by bassist Eddie and his twin sister Kelley Curran, has been able to create incredible music videos for the group, and thanks to YouTube publicity from music channel Spaceuntravel, their name has gotten out. The group recently surpassed 100,000 streams on Spotify, and continue to gain staggering increases in monthly listeners every single day. Along with Wisconsin-livin’ band White Knuckles, the Keystones took on Carroll University as recently as Saturday night and are performing a private house show this evening with group Mo Lowda & The Humble. The Keystones have taken on venues as large as The Rave in downtown Milwaukee, and are known for getting everyone up on their feet. At this time, the band is unsigned but their debut EP (we’ve been blessed by annual single releases thus far), “I Like The Keystones”, is said to be in the works for release later this year. This clip is from the White Knuckles' Instagram story from Saturday evening. Their songs vary from Young the Giant-esque to Volbeat undertones. From chorus to album art, each single has been absolutely spot on. Initially I had listed two songs as my favourites, but truly I love all four I’ve listed below… But if I had to choose one top choice, it’d be “Everything I Hate to Lose”. You can find these guys on YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, and Apple Music… Basically anywhere. They’re about to be huge. Links are embedded below for your listening pleasure so you can, *ahem*, kNoW tHeM bEfOrE tHeY’rE fAmOuS. Their recent releases: Everything I Hate to Lose (2019) Listen on Spotify • Apple Music • YouTube (This is their brand new single -- it was released just two weeks ago; also happens to have a kick ass music video, too) 2010 (2019) Listen on Spotify • Apple Music • YouTube Miss Connection (2019) Listen on Spotify • Apple Music • YouTube Different (2018) Listen on Spotify • Apple Music • YouTube

Originally posted on The ACE | MKE - Wix on April 17, 2019. As always, please keep in mind that all of the below research is my own, and I am definitely not a medical professional. Anyone see the Ace’s Instagram post earlier this week for Milwaukee Day? No? Okay, that’s cool. For those who missed it, it was a picture of my two-toned Milwaukee city flag mug (my fave, and one of many, many mugs - it’s a problem) filled to brim with a custom blend: Earl grey & avocado seed tea. There’s more to brewing tea than just soaking a tea bag in water - did you know you can brew our own tea with anything from flowers to seeds? Bare with me, I know this is a topic that can to put people to sleep quicker than Chamomile. “Tea” is technically a term for the leaves and buds derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant, but what many fail to realize is that many other plants can be ground or diluted into tea and have plentiful benefits, kind of like (well, exactly like) the avocado seed tea I displayed on my Instagram earlier this week. I’m not kidding when I say that avocado pits can change your life. Start saving these bad boys - avocados are expensive enough, and yeah, avocado toast is great, but if you’re throwing out the seeds I promise you are missing out on the true value of the fruit. Investing in a self-brewing tea maker, or likewise, a reusable tea bag for loose teas, will absolutely change the way you brew tea. Whether you buy bags of loose tea or mix your own, there are plentiful benefits to utilizing natural remedies in addition to (please note, not in replacement of) Western medicine. A big one for me is the aforementioned avocado pits. Not only do they brew an incredibly sweet natural tea on their own (to a disciplined tongue), but they make a melodic accompaniment to a steamy Earl grey. This will be elementary to some, but I’d like to start by explaining how I make my avocado tea: First and foremost, the pits need to be ground to use. This is how you steep the tea (soaking the ground up bits), but also how you can utilize the seed as a salad topper or protein shake additive. Chock full of 70% of the antioxidants in the entire fruit, these seeds have incredible numerous health benefits when eaten, but you can still get some of them from steeping it to make this drink. Following the grinding process, you’ll fill just your tea bag or your tea maker with about half a tablespoon of the “tea” (the ground avocado seed, dried flowers, dried fruit, etc) and fill either a mug or, again, your tea maker full of hot water. The tea maker is fun because you actually place it on top of the mug you’ll use for your tea, and a trigger raises the bottom and the tea drains into your mug! I’ve found that avocado pit tea is ready to strain once all of the grounds have been at the bottom of the tea maker for at least a couple of minutes. The greatest benefit of consuming avocado seed tea is relieving stomach pain and uncomfortable bowels. Without getting into the gross stuff, this is an awesome tea if you have an upset tummy, are having issues passing or running constantly to the bathroom, or having general digestive issues. When consumed whole, these nutrient-packed pits can also have miracle properties i.e. lowering blood pressure and high cholesterol, aiding in weight loss (as it is high in the soluble fibers which help keep you full), even fighting cancer: basically the lipids (“healthy fats”) found within the pits of avocados (a combination of two avocado-derived oils nicknamed Avocatin B by Canadian cancer researchers who proved all this junk) actively attack the mitochondria of leukemia cells while leaving healthy cells absolutely unharmed! There are tons and TONS of various other benefits of drinking naturally derived teas. Places like Fava Tea Company offer in-person advantages because their loose leaf teas can be purchased in bulk amounts, or at the very least in resealable bags; their employees are educated and their blends are well labeled/described right there for you to read, and their safety is guaranteed. That’s the biggest obstacle when it comes to formulating your own tea blends: you have to do copious amounts of research to ensure that what you’re consuming is safe for YOU. The following list is compiled to showcase other plants that provide benefits when seeped into a tea, but factors like age, pregnancy, or sensitivities/allergies could be a factor for you, reader. Utilize this list with the discretion that your health & safety are in your own hands when creating teas! Please keep in mind that not all plants can be steeped and may be toxic to you. Calendula (Pronounced more like cull-in-joola, not callen-doola) A member of the marigold family, this bright flower has been used in infant and childrens’ natural products to the gentle nature of the herb. It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits that aid in soothing skin issues or wounds, especially as a soak or rub in addition to a tea. Sage Good for more than just cleansing your home! Like avocado pit, this herb will create a totally yum tea that aids in digestive issues. This is another one that acts as a miracle worker, as it aids in mental performance and may actually weaken menopause and even Alzheimer’s symptoms and conditions. Saffron A blend of saffron is said to help soothe child birthing labor and to actually increase the readiness of a woman’s cervix when delivering a full term pregnancy. Brewing a few threads of saffron results in a gorgeously toned tea that can act as a natural antidepressant for low level depression or just as a pick-me-up on bad days; drinking saffron tea can release serotonin and boost someone’s mood. Among its other benefits are its anti-carcinogenic properties and soothing uncomfortable symptoms of PMS (that serotonin business probably comes into play again here). Chai While I’m trying to showcase some natural remedy teas that people may not know about, clearly everyone knows Chai tea. Actually, that’s redundant - “Chai” itself means tea in multiple languages, so in America when we order a Chai tea, we’re essentially ordering tea tea. But the best part of all of that is that you don’t have to order tea tea the next time you crave Chai: just make it yourself! I snagged a quick recipe from Joybilee Farm but there are tons of similar recipes out there if you want to find your own, and just like the varying spices found in store bought Chai blends, some of those recipes might not be the exact same spices as this recipe. Joybilee’s recipe is a fairly simple one: 2 tbs powdered ginger 4 tsp cinamon 1 tbs ground cardamom 2 tsp grated nutmeg 1 tsp ground pepper (I prefer white pepper for a chai blend) Shake, stir, grind, or mix the spices together. Boil in milk or water (milk for a latte, water for tea) and strain the grainy spices out (cheesecloth or a true sealable tea bag work best). Sweeten it if you'd like, but that's it! At home Chai in a snap. Chai can be fun because there are different types and sources of Chai blends, so whether you’re citing a Russian or Chinese recipe may make the difference of what spices are blended to create that brew! Indian Masala Chai recipes offer a completely different experience, with a strong ginger punch and a similarity to Indian milk tea or golden milk tea, which has a turmeric emphasis. The benefits of a good Chai blend are numerous, from supporting a strong immune system and healthy digestion to improving heart health and protecting cell health! With a little time on your hands, researching and experimenting with different teas and blends of herbs can be incredibly rewarding but although healthfully beneficial. Many, many tea enthusiasts make a hobby out of trying and collecting teas. Try starting or ending your day with a warm mug of tea - or try something iced instead! You’ll thank yourself for the little things that contribute to a better day, even something like a mug of warm plant water! Ha. Until next time.

Originally posted to The ACE | MKE on April 24, 2019. So I recently became a friend of the Domes, and you probably should, too. For just a couple bucks per visit you can see the infamous Domes, but a one time investment for an annual pass saves you $$ and still goes straight to supporting these historic structures. For those of you from Milwaukee or even the area, you clearly know what the Domes are. In case anyone from out of town is reading this, the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory Domes are three architectural “bubbles” constructed over 50 years ago. Together along with a greenhouse and other installments, the Domes act as a major landmark for the city, cornerstone for the community, and as a resource for students - annually, in fact, nearly 10,000 students in school-related programs and another 10,000 student visitors who visit on their own time. Why? Because they’re cool. A national treasure, in fact. They offer students and visitors alike a look into different biomes that we don’t get to see here in the Midwest. Two of the three staggered domes are designated for full-time desert and tropical atmospheres. The desert dome is home to an extremely unique and rare collection of Madagascar-native species in addition to numerous other plants. Likewise, the tropical dome displays other worldly shrubbery that generally can’t be found here. The third dome rotates its displays, as it’s known as the Show Dome. Unfortunately on my most recent visit it was closed; however, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting it during peak flower seasons and at Christmastime. Plants and flowers are selected far in advance and specifically grown in the onsite greenhouse, then transferred over a two week span of putting the Show Dome’s latest theme together.These shows last anywhere from six to fourteen weeks before another rotation starts up again. The Domes have been a big deal lately and until I (“officially”) became a Milwaukee resident, I didn’t understand how important they were. They’ve been in the news because people in the community but also officials like county supervisors and even national conservationists have become separated over whether the Domes should be demolished or maintained: either way, something needs to be done. They’re old buildings. They initially made the news because of their safety related concerns and structural issues (probably because they were designed in 1959 and unveiled in 1965, making them, oh, only 54 years old or so). The “big plan” that stirred everyone up was to essentially demolish the domes, which of course historians and Dome fans weren’t in favor of, but the Domes Task Force has recently released a happy medium type of plan going forward. Demolishing the domes would be in favor of incorporating an extension of campuses for the public museum. No matter if you think the Domes are dumb and should be demolished or if you think they should stay, money is the problem. Donating to the Domes or becoming a friend of the Domes are both awesome ways to support the Domes Task Force and the cause behind it all: a communal learning center for everyone to enjoy. Sigh. Until next time.