Jasmine Pulley is a Chicago, IL photographer who specializes in family and brand photography in the Chicagoland area.

Locale // Plein Air Cafe in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL

03.19.15

Plein Air Cafe Photos Chicago Hyde Park University of Chicago Cafe by Jasmine Pulley on Wildlyspun.com-10

It’s true, I spend a lot of time on the internet. But that’s how I find these gems of places so who can blame me? I remember hearing of Plein Air Cafe while still in Seattle and couldn’t wait to visit. I’m a sucker for good interior design and joints that serve fresh food + delicious coffee, so really, what I’m trying to say is, I’m planning on moving in here next week.

I kiddddd… but wait, can I?

After visiting, I can attest to the amazing fresh food and yes, delicious coffee, but especially the calming atmosphere. I trekked myself out to Hyde Park, which was about a 35 minute drive (yes that feels far in the city), but as soon as I arrived, I felt like I left Chicago entirely. I mean this in the best way possible.

Stepping inside Plein Air, you feel like you’ve been transported to an authentic French eatery. It doesn’t hurt that Plein Air is nestled amongst the University of Chicago’s gorgeous 100 year old buildings, that are also remnant of a sleepy bygone era. Truly though, I am so glad to have found this spot, because it’s absolutely worth the drive whenever I need to “getaway.”

What did I eat? Oh, I’m glad you asked. I had the Balti Bowl which is a quinoa bowl with sauteed vegetables under a curried tomato sauce, with a decaf americano. I hope they don’t mind but I loved that dish so much I’m going to have to try to recreate it at home!

Plein Air Cafe Photos Chicago Hyde Park University of Chicago Cafe by Jasmine Pulley on Wildlyspun.com-3

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eats // shakshuka

03.18.15

Shakshuka is definitely nothing new, but new to me as recent as two months ago. I started seeing the name pop up in cookbooks, instagram, pinterest, and was intrigued. I mean, come on, say it with me…shaaaaak shooooooo kaaaaa.

I learned that it’s predominantly known for being a Northern African dish, especially in Tunisia, but is also well known in Israel as it was brought there by Tunisian Jews. And I learned that last part on Wikipedia, thankyaverymuch. There are many different varieties of this dish; people often add sausage, other veggies, and chilies, but at it’s core, it is a spiced, baked, egg & tomato dish. I love it for lunch, especially because tomatoes and eggs are two of Jason’s least favorite foods, so by default, it actually can’t be a dinner meal around these parts. It’s also perfect any time of year because you can make it as long as you have a well stocked pantry. However, it does seem especially well suited for a cold day because it just warms you up so well, so maybe give it a try while we have a little more of this cooler weather! This particular recipe was borrowed from here.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Feeds 3-4 people

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 chopped yellow onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper
28 ounce can diced tomatoes
4-5 eggs
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne
salt & pepper to taste
chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 375
Heat oil in a cast iron skillet to medium high. Once warm, add onions and bell pepper. Saute until soft, 7-10 minutes.
Add minced garlic, saute another 2 minutes.
Add spices and canned tomatoes. Mix until slightly thicker, 5-7 more minutes.
With a wooden spoon, create little openings in your mixture and crack an egg into each one, spaced out a couple of inches apart. Garnish with salt and pepper.
Bake pan for 10 minutes, and garnish with chopped cilantro
Traditionally, this dish is served with warm bread to scoop the mixture straight out of the pan with, but I opted for corn tortillas, a gluten free substitute

2 comments

DaveMarch 18, 2015 - 2:46 pm
Love shakshuka! Such a good meal. I make this for Supriya and me all the time, although I’ve used a different recipe (http://iwillnoteatoysters.com/shakshuka/). I recommend using way more garlic! 3 cloves, psshhhh :D (I seriously use like 7-10 for a similar amount of servings)

I’ve also been wanting to try adding Kalamata olives but haven’t had the chance yet.ReplyCancel
- jasminenicolephoto@gmail.comMarch 18, 2015 - 3:32 pm
  hahaha that sounds so good! Yes I’m actually known to go overboard on garlic too so I don’t know why I hesitated here. And I bet the olives would be so good too!!ReplyCancel

Simply Real Health Cookbook Giveaway!!!

03.09.15

If you follow along on instagram at all, then you probably started to see all the hype around #hashtagweremakingacookbook last summer.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, let me catch you up a bit.

Early last spring when I was still living in Seattle, I met blogger, nutritionist, and health coach, Sarah from Simply Real Health.

We exchanged a couple of emails, got coffee, and immediately hit it off. So much so, that in basically one afternoon we each decided to embark on the biggest undertaking of our careers together. Did I mention we hardly knew each other?

Over that cup of coffee, I told Sarah that my dream was to photograph a cookbook. She told me that she was finally ready to put all her years of recipe testing and meal planning knowledge into hardcover form. It was a scary and exciting moment for each of us.

The craziest part of it all to me though is that it actually worked. You put two strangers together for 12 weeks straight, throw in extra long hours and an intense shooting schedule…and a lot could go awry.

Instead, we became friends, shared life, shared food (she shared with me, I ate), and bonded over the craziness of it all.

I feel like I could go on an on about the whole process and everything that I learned from it, but one thing that continually sticks out to me is how much my own healthy lifestyle continued to evolve during the process.

I’m not even kidding though. You go hang out in a nutritionist’s kitchen for 12 weeks straight and tell me what happens to you.

See, one thing you walk away with after spending even just a little bit of time with Sarah is, she really loves her vegetables, and she’ll make you love them too.

I was already slowly on this trajectory starting a year or so before, knowing that I wanted to have a more natural lifestyle when it came to food, such as eating more organic and less processed junk, but knew I had a long way to go. With a small arsenal of healthy recipes, I’d often feel stuck on what to feed myself, and cave on something unhealthy and processed when my blood sugar dropped and I was feeling desperate.

Sarah’s food perspective is just so refreshing and honestly, easy. It revolves around fresh, seasonal ingredients… mostly vegetables. You start to see after a while of eating her food, that you can really make some amazing meals, quickly, with just a few healthy items. There is always a learning curve, unless you grew up with parents who ate like this and taught you everything they know, but eventually, that learning curve smoothes out. Then you find yourself eating and living this new way without having to think too much about it, and it turns out it’s not really difficult at all. It’s actually kind of fun.

I’d remember noticing Sarah using a lot of a particular vegetable and seeing how versatile it was, then making a mental note to add that to my grocery list. This newfound excitement translated to my own creativity and curiosity in the kitchen. I’d buy new vegetables eager to try something completely new with them: should I roast this? eat it raw in a salad? sauté it? throw it in a smoothie? The possibilities felt endless but also so doable.

It’s one of the main reasons I am so excited for people to get their hands on this book. Of course I am proud of it, and it will forever be special to me. But I am also so thankful that it is a product I can sincerely get behind and tell my friends that it will be a tool for them in the kitchen and in life. Trust me, you will love these recipes! And the photos aren’t bad eye candy either! ;)

Which leads me to the cookbook giveaway!!

We are giving away three copies to three different lucky readers of this blog.

To enter, please comment below with why you want the Simply Real Health Cookbook in your life!

Contestants must be in the U.S. and must enter by commenting on this blog post by Monday March 16th at 5pm CTS.

Each contestant may only enter once.

The winners will be announced on Tuesday, and books will ship out after March 20th.

If you’re itching to have your hands on a copy when they arrive March 20th, go to http://simplyrealhealth.com/cookbook/ to buy!

35 comments

Denise RiggsMarch 9, 2015 - 7:03 pm
I would absolutely LOVE a copy of this book for so many reasons! This is going to sound so #firstworldproblems but meal times are so stressful for me!I stink at cooking but I really want to cook. I VERY MUCH desire to make REAL food, I just feel at a loss most days on how to do this. There are so many options out there and most of them are so unhealthy!ReplyCancel
DeniseMarch 9, 2015 - 7:09 pm
Sorry I wasn’t done! I’m wrestling a toddler while typing this out. I have it literally stopped people in the grocery store that were buying interesting looking vegetables and ask them exactly what they do with them! Also it’s much more motivating to make a recipe when the pictures look so awesome! So I’d love my hands on this cookbook so that I can make real food and that it can be a simple process for me one day.ReplyCancel
Lisa MaysMarch 9, 2015 - 7:19 pm
I would “cherish” this cook book for two reasons. 1. Been so motivated by exercise the past 10 months but just recently been cracking down on eating better. I NEED more nutritious & mouth watering recipes in my life! 2. I’m CRAZY in love with any of Jasmine’s photographs. Her talent inspires me! ReplyCancel
Dana UchMarch 9, 2015 - 7:40 pm
I want to win the giveaway because I will be getting married in the summer and what better way to start off a marriage than healthy eating habits!ReplyCancel
Ashley Bree PerezMarch 9, 2015 - 7:52 pm
I want the Simply Real Health Cookbook in my life because I feel like my husband and I are always eating the same meals and we are now to the point where we just do not know what else to make. I need a simple cookbook in my life. I have a few cookbooks but they call for ingredients I have never even heard of before. I am a beginner when it comes to cooking so I need something very simple but tasty to make. Thank you for hosting. Hope to win. :DReplyCancel
Ashley JMarch 9, 2015 - 8:43 pm
Ohhhh my these pictures are making me hungry. I want to have this cookbook! It looks amazing and your photos are stunning! Nice job :)ReplyCancel
PriscillaMarch 9, 2015 - 9:25 pm
Wow, Jasmine! These photos are mouthwatering. I would love to have the Simply Real Health Cookbook in my home. I want to make better eating habits for myself and my family but it is hard for me to find motivation to eat healthy because it often sounds difficult and/or not that enjoyable to eat… But these pictures tell a different story!

I would be excited to try these recipes – looks delish!ReplyCancel
Brittany M.March 9, 2015 - 10:00 pm
I would LOVE to have this cookbook! Especially because I was able to watch all of the awesomeness come together as you two put this together! Finally a cookbook, Jasmine! Oh yeah, and I’m in California and gotta look HOT ;)ReplyCancel
Stephanie G.March 9, 2015 - 10:40 pm
Why me? Simply because I love Sarah’s recipes!! I already have a cookbook on the way but it turns out I could use one more to gift to my niece. She turns 30 and wants to branch out her heathy cooking recipe portfolio! What better way to welcome her to a new decade and encourage her to remain healthy than share this with her!ReplyCancel
Brittany BMarch 10, 2015 - 1:57 am
I love what you said about seeing her use certain vegetables in a variety of ways and in turn yourself being inspired to try it! I could use some of that inspiration with all the random, fresh, cheap veggies that are available in China! (I’m a U.S. resident so I think I still qualify?? ;) )ReplyCancel
Katie DixonMarch 10, 2015 - 2:04 am
I would love this cookbook because this is the first year (of 5 years and 2 kids into marriage) that I actually feel inspired and excited to cook, rather than overwhelmed and exhausted by the thought. I love Sarah’s recipes and philosophy on food and it would be such a great addition to my kitchen!ReplyCancel
Jill DubMarch 10, 2015 - 3:01 am
It looks so amazing! Pretty and delicious.ReplyCancel
Christina MuellerMarch 10, 2015 - 3:14 am
I’d love a copy just to see your lovely fotos:) I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in September & since then I’ve been on a crazy journey of healthy eating & would love finding more recipes to go along with this lifestyle change:)ReplyCancel
Jen EngerMarch 10, 2015 - 5:58 pm
I would LOVE a copy of the cookbook! After a week of TRYING to fight pregnancy cravings of Girl Scout cookies and Doritos (and losing)…I need to get back on the healthy eating track :)ReplyCancel
Kelsey StriefelMarch 12, 2015 - 3:03 am
I have been working with Sarah and She is amazing! I have learned so much on this journey, I have bought a copy, but I would love a second to give to my mom I think it would be a great way to share what I have learned and get others around me eating on the right track of real food (and show them how great one can really feel)!ReplyCancel
Heather LaHoodMarch 13, 2015 - 1:58 pm
I would love a copy of this beautiful book!! Talented creators, and the recipes look delicious!ReplyCancel
Tonhya KaeMarch 13, 2015 - 2:09 pm
This is amazing!! And such beautiful imagery to go along with those yummy looking meals, great job lady! I would LOOOOVE this book because it’s eating clean and healthy is such a big part of my life. I still struggle with coming up new ideas so I end up making the same thing a lot of the times! I’m ready to step up my game in the kitchen and I think this cookbook would definitely help ;) thanks for a chance in a lovely giveaway! xoReplyCancel
Katie LivelyMarch 13, 2015 - 2:46 pm
First of all this book is beautuful!! Congratulations! I would so love to win a copy of this book. Our family just watched the movie “fed up” and immediately emptied our cabinets, went to The store and bought 100.00 of fruits and veggies, the only problem is I had no idea what to do with them!! We are on week two of trying to turn to real food as opposed to processed crap but I’m already repeating meals several times and honestly googling new recipes is a little overwhelming! So yes…this looks like a beautiful fun way to learn about this new life style we are attempting.ReplyCancel
MarielMarch 13, 2015 - 3:27 pm
Wow wow wow! What a cool story and project! So exciting Jasmine!ReplyCancel
Nicole MarieMarch 13, 2015 - 3:27 pm
Congratulations your work is beautiful! I have been on a whole foods journey for a while but find it hard to keep myself inspired. My health has declined over the last 10 years and I am learning quickly that the body heals when you feed it whole nutrient dense foods. From one struggling entrepreneur to another (you) winning this book would continue to inspire me in the kitchen. It’s a gorgeous book!ReplyCancel
Darien RozellMarch 13, 2015 - 3:30 pm
The photos are to die for and the meals seem approachable. Two of the key things I look for when choosing a cookbook!ReplyCancel
CrystalMarch 13, 2015 - 3:50 pm
I would love to get my hands on a copy! Not only was it inspiring to hear about you working on this project, but I need some kitchen inspiration too! I have not been excited about what I’ve been serving up lately. Time to shake things up!ReplyCancel
Jennifer BergMarch 13, 2015 - 4:00 pm
Okay okay… This cookbook is calling my name! It’s beautifully made and I recently have began an adventure into the cooking world. I’m not a cook at all(you can ask my hubby) but I’m learning and needing as much help as I can get to feed my small family healthy, amazing meals!
Pick me pick me- poor helpless me;)ReplyCancel
SamanthaMarch 13, 2015 - 4:53 pm
I think this book is absolutely stunning. The idea, the art, the recipes are excitingly refreshing. I would love to display this gorgeous book in my kitchen and look at it often as I begin to learn how to cook for my husband. We have been married for 6 months now and I’m always looking to make delicious and healthy dinners for us that will last a lifetime. I would be honored to receive this cookbook.ReplyCancel
KerenMarch 13, 2015 - 6:58 pm
I’m super hungry now that I was forced to scroll through all those gorgeous pics to get to the comments!! :) I would LOVE a copy of this book. Everyone knows moms could use a little help with delicious healthy meals.ReplyCancel
karolMarch 13, 2015 - 11:27 pm
Food is my life and I’m ready to start healing my body with it instead of hurting. I need ideas and motivation and there’s nothing like the crackle and smell of an new cookbook. lifeReplyCancel
Anders BergMarch 14, 2015 - 3:29 am
I would like this cookbook so that my wife will cook all this wonderful food!ReplyCancel
Beth WellsMarch 16, 2015 - 1:37 pm
Beautiful food + beautiful photography! I’d love to win this cookbook! I’m learning to love cooking more and creating healthy dishes for my family would be awesome!ReplyCancel
Lacey ElliottMarch 16, 2015 - 4:03 pm
I need some inspiration in my life to cook and what better than gorgeous pictures of healthy food??ReplyCancel
Sarah EllefsonMarch 16, 2015 - 4:29 pm
I would love this cookbook for inspiration! I really like to cook and eat healthy, but I get stuck in the same rut with recepies, which leads to french fries. Oops!ReplyCancel
Andriea vigilMarch 16, 2015 - 7:12 pm
I LOVE FOOD!!!! So much, ask my husband how crazy I am. I love that God is diverse and created so many flavors and textures for eating. Trying new recipes together is something we’re starting to explore and it’s awesome. This book will only spiral me further into foodie heaven which I would really appreciate!!ReplyCancel
KateMarch 16, 2015 - 7:16 pm
I want to get my hands on this beautiful cookbook filled with yummy & healthy recipes and inspiring photos because I need help in the kitchen! I have the hardest time brainstorming what to cook (and how to make meals healthier), so new ideas would be so welcomed. New simple and healthy recipes accompanied by pretty photos is just what I need :) I am ready to start taking care of my body with what I put in it and this cookbook would be a good kick starter.

And lastly, you ladies are so talented! XOReplyCancel
Betsy HMarch 16, 2015 - 7:42 pm
Love you and love your work!!ReplyCancel
LeslieApril 7, 2015 - 6:40 pm
where were the winners announced?ReplyCancel
- jasminenicolephoto@gmail.comApril 7, 2015 - 7:42 pm
  Hi Leslie! Sorry I never actually posted the winners on here, I posted their names on instagram and then emailed the winners directly.ReplyCancel

wander // our West Coast road trip Part 3: Orange County through New Mexico (iphone only)

03.03.15

Here it is folks, the last post on our epically insane road trip that brought up back to Illinois. You know, the one where we took the shortest way possible? ha. ha. ha.

So at some point during our trip, I got deathly ill. I don’t know what deathly ill is in your book, but in mine, it’s shakes, fever, hallucinations. Okay, maybe I didn’t hallucinate. But how will I ever know, really?

I digress though. The height of my sickness arrived just in time for warmth and sunshine in Southern California, which was unfortunate because we we really weren’t able to enjoy our time there. And I was also done making stops and taking pretty pictures. Good thing I had my iphone handy. Best camera ever when you’re feeling lazy but still want to take some great photos!

Seriously guys, don’t underestimate your iphone. She’s got your back.

These photos start somewhere in Southern California, and continue on into the desert and Albuquerque, New Mexico. There are no photos from New Mexico to Illinois. Sorry if you really wanted to see that route. You should drive it yourself. It’s amazing. (???)

Palm spring lemons the size of my head! Or fist.

I will say I miss those desert sunsets.

I thought they only had cacti like that in cartoons, but apparently Arizona does too.

Our cutie patootie little friends Anders + Jenn, aka our bomb diggity hosts in Albuquerque, on their lovely porch. I know, right?

The end!

What would you guys like to see more of on the blog? Comment below and let me know!!

Jasmine

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wander // our West Coast road trip Part 2: Monterrey through Orange County

02.25.15

The second big chunk of our road trip started in Monterry, CA and ended in Orange County. The majority of these photos were taken off of Pacific Highway 101. The drive is an easy 6.5 hours in one day, which is what we did, but I am sure would have been pretty nice to break up in two days with more stops.

Again, the scenery was unbelievable and I can’t believe people get to live here for real!

Fun fact, as we got closer to Orange County, turns out winter is the breeding season for these massive elephant seals, and we got to see literally thousands of the creatures just chillin on the shores for miles.

As we got to Orange County, I actually got massively sick. I guess that’s what happens when you try to drive from Washington to Southern California in 4 days :(

So unfortunately I lacked in picture taking in Southern California, but I have a decent chunk of iphone/ instagrams from that point until New Mexico that I will share soon!

(more…)

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Photographs that help you remember what it felt like

Locale // Plein Air Cafe in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL

eats // shakshuka

Simply Real Health Cookbook Giveaway!!!

wander // our West Coast road trip Part 3: Orange County through New Mexico (iphone only)

wander // our West Coast road trip Part 2: Monterrey through Orange County