Mar 02
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St. Patrick's Day in Chicago dyeing the river

5 Fun Spots to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

Posted by | Chicago, Holiday, Travel | No Comments
Have you ever seen the Chicago River turn green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day? Now’s your chance! Get in to the Irish spirit with so many fun activities this upcoming St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. River dyeing, festive food and beverage offerings, the Trinity Irish Dancers, high energy parades plus special hotel packages all to welcome you to the city. Read on to find a selection of 5 spots to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago.  
 

St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

 
HOTEL ZACHARY
hotel zachary
Hotel Zachary at Gallagher Way is Chicago’s most distinctive boutique hotel. Nestled just across the street from historic Wrigley Field, the property combines a vibrant, modern aesthetic and rich, classic elements with a unique neighborhood character that can’t be found anywhere else in Chicago.
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Feb 19
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the landscape of Tuscany

Nonnas Teach Cooking Classes in Italy at Tuscan Women Cook

Posted by | Cooking, Culinary Event, Travel | No Comments
What could be better than learning to cook authentic Italian food from the grandmothers (nonnas) of Tuscany? One of my favorite ways to experience the lifestyle in different cities and countries is to explore their culinary world. From restaurants to home cooking to cooking classes to food markets and beyond, there are so many ways to immerse yourself in the culture. 
women cooking Tuscany
Located in the heart of Tuscany, Tuscan Women Cook celebrates the food and culture of the Italian region with their popular culinary vacation. Ensconced in the beautiful village of Montefollonico, Tuscan Women Cook offers an immersive cooking program to their guests.
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Feb 05
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xcaret arte aeriel

Art Filled All Inclusive Hotel Xcaret Arte Resort in Riviera Maya

Posted by | Travel | 4 Comments

A luxury, all-inclusive resort where you are surrounded by Mexican art designed by local and national artisans, award winning chefs creating menus at more than 9 diverse restaurants, scenery that envelopes you in its tropical beauty, cenotes, infinity and rooftop pools and a spa that is built in to the natural rock caves. This is Hotel Xcaret Arte.

heart sculpture

Opened in 2021, Xcaret Arte is the second of three properties in the Grupo Xcaret family. Located just 45 minutes from Cancun in Riviera Maya, each of the hotels are designed to welcome guests looking for a family (Xcaret Mexico), adults only (Xcaret Arte) or boutique (La Casa de la Playa) vacation experience.… Read more

Jan 11
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14 Products to Keep You Warm and Cozy this Winter

Posted by | New Finds | 8 Comments

When you live in a winter climate, hibernating indoors may seem like a tempting idea. But why not make the most of it by enjoying the beauty that nature brings? Even with the sun shining, you will need to protect yourself from the cold from your head to your toes. This selection of 14 products will keep you warm and cozy this winter and even includes a surprise offering.  

Enjoying the Outdoors in Comfort

Keep your feet warm with Reimot boots

Cold weather shouldn’t stop you from enjoying nature and exploring the landscape around you. But it’s only fun to adventure if you have footwear to keep your feet warm and dry, and with good traction to bite into slippery terrain.… Read more

Jan 02
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First Bites Bash to kick off Chicago Restaurant Week

First Bites Bash Returns to Kick Off Chicago Restaurant Week

Posted by | Chicago, Restaurants | 8 Comments

Get ready for all the Chicago restaurant exploration you will be doing in 2023!

First Bites Bash, the celebratory kick-off event for the 16th annual Chicago Restaurant Week is returning. Making an exciting return for the first time since 2020, the event will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Chicago’s Field Museum from 6 to 9 p.m.

First Bites Bash Returns to Kick Off Chicago Restaurant Week

“First Bites Bash is one of the events Chicagoans love the most about our city,” said Lynn Osmond, Choose Chicago President and CEO. “It is a signature celebration championing Chicago’s leading role as a culinary destination.… Read more

Oct 19
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dutch baby pancake

Dutch Baby Pancake with Blueberries, Cranberries and Apples

Posted by | Entertaining, Housewares, Recipes | No Comments

Want to impress your family and friends with an easy brunch dish? Try this Dutch Baby Pancake with Blueberries, Cranberries and Apples. 

dutch baby pancake top down

This recipe is not only beautiful when topped with colorful fruit, but is made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. I have made it as the main course or a side dish for breakfast, brunch, holidays and even dinner. 

pancake in oven

I make it in a Le Creuset Braiser which can go from stove top to oven to buffet or table top. It has so many uses from making sauce to stir fries to browning meats and everything in between.… Read more

Oct 06
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Dry ice cocktail

A Lesson in Royal Brackla Scotch Whisky

Posted by | Cocktails, Restaurants, Spirits | No Comments

If you are a Scotch drinker or want to learn more about it, then this article is for you. A night at The Aviary with Royal Brackla Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky turned in to an evening of incredible food, inventive scotch cocktails, an education on Scotch and lots of laughter among friends both new and old.12 18 and 21 year old scotch

Our evening was comprised of those with varying levels of expertise when it comes to single malt Scotch. We talked about the spirit’s history, how it is produced, brands, recipes and of course, flavor. As I continue to improve my knowledge about Scotch Whisky, I thought I would share some of my takeaways.… Read more

Oct 01
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Sofitel Chicago Hotel

Celebrate Wine Days at the Sofitel Chicago Hotel

Posted by | Chicago, Cocktails, Foods, Tourism, Travel, Wine | No Comments

Looking for a Fall getaway that includes delicious food and wine and a location that can’t be beat? Book a stay at the Sofitel Chicago located just off Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile for Sofitel Wine Days.

Sofitel Chicago Hotel Room with Wine

Sofitel Wine Days

If you are a wine lover, French wine in particular, then Sofitel’s Wine Days are for you. I attended the opening of their Faire la Fête wine tasting celebration which was hosted on La Terrace. From whites to rose to deep reds, these wines were delicious and oh so fragrant. Sofitel Wine Days from Terrace

violin girl at sofitel

sofitel la terrace

Sofitel Chicago Wine Days will continue through October 31 with seasonal fall wine dinners, which are part of the larger wine dinner series, and weekly complimentary wine tastings.… Read more

Aug 02
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Ford F-150 truck Lightning

The Design Features of the 2022 Ford F-150 EV Truck

Posted by | Chicago, Travel, Vehicles | No Comments

On the day I was invited to check out the new 2022 Ford F-150 EV Lightning™ trucks, I immediately thought of my truck-loving friend who always challenged me to consider buying a truck for my next vehicle.

Ford F150 Lightening

Well, Bob, I understand why after learning about the new F-150 Lightning all electric truck. Pickup trucks and electric vehicles were new to me so I have many takeaways to share. Take a look at this video to see the vehicle’s design and features. 

2022 Ford F-150 EV Truck

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning series has a number of different models. Some features are constant across the board.… Read more

Jul 26
0
Ice Cream Month Cones

The Scoop on National Ice Cream Month

Posted by | Foods, Ice Cream | 8 Comments

July is National Ice Cream Month, otherwise known as the sweetest month of the year. This means 31 days of creamy goodness offered up in endless flavors of decadently, delicious ice cream.  

With the goal of doing the “hard research” for this article, I dug deep to get the scoop on the latest flavors and brands in the market. After much investigation, I have compiled a list of classic and unique ice creams for you to sample, brand stories to tell, and organizations to support. Oh, and I found a couple surprises to share with you too. 

National Ice Cream Month

 

Adirondack Creamery

Adirondack Ice Cream

When the CFO of a NYC corporation takes his business knowledge and combines it with his passion for ice cream, Adirondack Creamery is born.… Read more