Staycation: Part II

I packed toooooo much into the staycation.  Now I need a vacation from my staycation.  Yikes!  Good thing it is a short week!  I thought I would take a minute to share some highlights of the staycation.

1.  Valeo
I previously posted about Valeo here.  I just can't get enough of this place.  Friday afternoon, I checked in early so that I could enjoy their newly opened indoor pool and hot tub.  I was a little disappointed because it is extremely difficult to swim laps in the pool (more of a floating pool) and the hot tub was BROKEN.   Major bummer.  But, the pool area was fabulous and I had it all to myself (until my husband joined me).  The lounge chairs are super comfy and the decor is awesome - a modern take on the ancient bath house.  After the pool, I hit the steam room and the infrared sauna.  WONDERFUL.  After a quick shower, I enjoyed the transition room until it was time for my facial and massage.  Awesome awesome start to the staycation.

2.  Cumin
Never a fan of a lunch buffet - never say never.  This Nepalese/Indian lunch buffet rocks!  In the middle of two major condo projects and there was no way I was cooking in the middle of the madness.  The presentation left a lot to be desired, but the taste was incredible.  At $12, I don't think you will find a better (or tastier) deal in the City.

3.  Lake Shore Bike Path
There is nothing better than a bike ride next to a large body of water.  The combination of the two create this experience that makes you feel like you are a million miles away from the real world.  I personally prefer to start in Hyde Park and ride as far north as you can and back (normally I turn around at Lincoln Park because I can't handle the crowds of inconsiderate people).  If you are hungry, I would recommend finishing your ride with a snack at Medici Cafe.

4.  Time with Good Friends
Time with good friends is always something to treasure.

5.  Grilling Out with New Friends
Well, it was Memorial Day weekend, so grilling is practically a requirement.

6.  Naps
Normally, it is impossible for me to relax enough during the day to nap.  Luckily, I was on my staycation so I got two awesome naps in this weekend.

7.  Boob Tube Time
My DVR has been at 100% for weeks.  It was awesome to come in from the heat (it was a little much this weekend) and just zone out into my favorite shows.

8.  Condo Projects
I know, I know.  Staycation not WORKcation.  BUT, doesn't it feel so good when you get a project completed???

9.  Walks with the Dog
Enough said.

10.  Glazed and Infused.
The new walk-up doughnut operation in my life.  I think I feel the need to do a post in the near future on my favorite doughnut shops . . .

The Staycation: Part I

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!  

The unofficial start to summer here in the USA is finally here.  For months (mainly just the cold, yucky ones), I dreamed about Memorial Day weekend plans.  A biking trip?  Door County?  A weekend in FL with friends?  New England?  Lake Geneva?  Central Illinois?  Southern Illinois wineries?  Ok, I think you get it.  The possibilities are endless.  So after all of that dreaming, reality set in . . . loads of work would really prevent me from having a "real" weekend getaway.  New dream:  Staycation.  The Goal:  Enjoy Chicago and all of its urban wonder.

Crêpes!!!

 

I had the BEST time making crêpes last Saturday at FliP Crêpes classroom location.  FliP Crêpes is located in the French Market (a wonderful place to visit) and you can sample all of their wonderful creations there, but if you have an itch to learn how to make these French beauties yourself, head over to their classroom at 2136 W. Fulton.  The classroom is set up perfectly; organized and not too many spots (I never felt "lost in the crowd").  I signed up for the Brunch Class using a Travelzoo offer.  My only complaint was that I had to book the class 2 months out!  That kind of advance planning is little insane, but I just picked the date for a weekend I knew we would be in town and planned around it (you do what you have to do).

My husband attended the class with me.  I was a little nervous that he wouldn't like it, but I was completely wrong!  He LOVED it.  We had a blast flipping crêpes for nearly two hours.  The best part - eating our creations.  FliP Crêpes had a great buffet set up for the students to enjoy after all our hard work!  I highly recommend one of these classes to anyone who enjoys learning something new.  Our instructor was fun, approachable and very attentive to each person's issues.

I can't wait to try making crêpes at home for friends! Check out FliP Crêpes website here .  There are so many fun classes available, even some for kids! 

Wordless Wednesday: Taco Bus

Bern's Steak House

If you are in the Tampa Bay area (Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg) and you like food, you should definitely make a reservation at Bern's Steak House.  I know, I know, I previously posted HERE about how I am NOT a foodie, but I feel like Bern's is a place foodies and non-foodies can eat in peace and harmony.

For all of you out there who think that dressing up to go out to dinner is fun, Bern's is the place for you.  Do not miss the opportunity to dress to impress as the outside of the restaurant could not be more different from the inside of the restaurant.  Save the tuxedo, but pull out the less formal cocktail dresses.

Reservations are an absolute MUST.  I highly recommend arriving approximately 30 minutes before your reservation and enjoying some time in the lounge area.  Once seated, don't become overwhelmed with the food or wine menu.  Feel free to ask the brilliant wait staff any and all questions because they know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING.  No, really, they DO know everything.  Before you are finished with dinner, request a reservation in the dessert room.  The Harry Waugh Dessert Room is an experience all in its own and should not be missed.  I highly recommend the Cappuccino Bern's Steak House and the Caramel Pecan Chocolate Bread Pudding.

After dinner, request a tour before heading to the dessert room.  Bern's is a well oiled machine and its story is fascinating.  You must see it in action with your own eyes.  Bonus:  The tour will give your stomach some time to "rest" before ordering dessert.

Here is the website for Bern's Steak House:  Bern's Steak House.  Warning:  Don't look at the menu on an empty stomach.  It can be quite painful.

Wordless Wednesday

Book-It! Becomes Book Club!

Do you all remember "Book-It?"  That question clearly dates me!  Yikes!  Pizza + books =  complete happiness for this girl.  Over the Easter holiday, I discussed books A LOT.  Book discussions are a great for conversations with people you don't know well or for people you don't have a lot in common . . . .   It came to my attention during one of these book discussions that there aren't any "happy" programs like "Book-It" any longer.  A reward of a personal pan pizza has been replaced with the punishment of a TEST.  Yes, a TEST.  Accelerated Reader programs (I did have these in middle and high school) require students to take a quiz after reading each book.  So. Not. Fun.  It got me thinking about a "Book-It" program for adults.  Then I realized, that is the role my book club plays in my life.  Good Food + Books = complete happiness for this adult.

My book club consists of a great group of ladies with unique backgrounds and completely different career objectives.  I love that kind of diversity in a book club because I find that everyone brings a completely new perspective to the discussion.  Our book club meets about every 8 weeks.  It is the perfect amount of time - no matter what the schedule is like, you can always get through one book in 8 weeks.

So far in 2012, we have read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Paris Wife by Paula McLain, and Your Voice in My Head by Emma Frost.  I absolutely loved The Night Circus.  For me it was "Harry Potter" meets "Water for Elephants."  Yes, there were some loose ends that should have been taken care of in the editing process, but still definitely worth a read.  The book is being developed into a movie and I am super excited to see the adaptation.  The Paris Wife is based on the life of Ernest Hemingway's first wife.  The book is written almost like a journal and I very much enjoyed the writer's style.  The Paris Wife is also in development!  Your Voice in My Head has been my least favorite book read thus far.  While I appreciate the author sharing her experience with mental illness, I simply did not enjoy reading the book.  It is a very quick read (less than 200 pages).  The reason I would give for reading this book is that the author gives the reader a real look into the author's thought process when struggling with her inner battles.  And, yes, Your Voice in My Head is ALSO being made into a movie.  What can I say?  We know how to pick them!

What I Love: April 2012

1.  Clarisonic Mia 2

I purchased the Clarisonic Mia 2 at Sephora as an early birthday present to myself.  It made complete sense:  I am turning a year older so I need something that will help me stay looking at least one year younger.  I started using it the third week of March.  I absolutely love it.  I personally use the delicate skin brush head, but there are many options.  Side note:  if you do decide to purchase one of your own, keep in mind that the replacement brush heads are much cheaper on Amazon.com.

2.  Lemon water.

I really think I drink more water when I have lemon slices in my water bottle.  Just remember to wash the outside of the lemon before putting it in your water!

3.  Frango Sea Salt Caramels

They are sweet AND salty.  They are DELICIOUS.  Every once in a while, the famous Frango brand releases limited edition sweets. I can only hope that Frango's Sea Salt Caramels will become a permanent product in the Frango line.  I found mine in the basement Frango shop at "Macy's on State" (formerly Marshall Field's).

4.  Body of Proof (ABC)

There were only three episodes in the month of April, but boy were they good ones.  I just love everything, even the completely unrealistic parts, about this show.  There are some episodes ON DEMAND and I believe that you can also watch episodes online here:  There are rumors that the show is up for cancellation and that is just not acceptable because the season finale ended on a cliff-hanger.

5.  The Dremel

This tool is amazing!  Most city residences don't have a lot of room for large tools.  Lack of space shouldn't put a hold on your DIY projects.  The Dremel is so small (even when packed away in its case) and it has so many attachments to help you achieve all of your home improvement goals.

6.  Four Cheese Italian Cheese-Its

Think very carefully about purchasing a box of these addictive bite-sized crackers.  I never thought the people of Cheese-Its would be able to top the white cheddar flavor, but the Four Cheese Italian Cheese-Its are absolute proof of their brilliance.  I. Must. Stop. Eating. Them.

7.  Trish McEvoy Intense Gel Eye Liner

I love the look of eye liner, but I hate applying eye liner because I am terrible at it!  This eye liner is practically mistake proof - it just glides right on the eye line.  The liner comes in two colors:  Arabian Nights (deep blue) and Black.  I have tried both colors and they are amazing.  You can purchase once for yourself HERE.

8.  Schakolad Chocolate Factory Key Lime Truffles

I absolutely adore these truffles and purchase several on each trip to St. Petersburg, FL.  Check out Schakolad's website to see if you have a location near you.

9. Coupons

I have really been getting into coupons.  I don't have a third bedroom stocked full of 367 bottles of ketchup or anything, but I have been really getting into cutting the coupons out of the Sunday morning paper and finding the manufacturers coupons online.  I am roughly saving about $30 - $50 each shopping trip and that is nothing to laugh at (even though I know you still will)!

10.  Birth Announcements

I know a lot of people that feel like birth announcements really just aren't necessary (and even a waste of money), but I have to say that receiving something in the mail that (1) is NOT a bill and (2) contains photographs of little hands and little feet is AWESOME.  Keep them coming - LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Biggest Regret:  Trish McEvoy Eye Brightener Shell

I went with a friend to get "a new look" while visiting St. Petersburg, FL.  The make-up artist lined my friend's waterline with this pencil.  It looked so amazing on her that I purchased the stick.  The make-up didn't even stay on long enough to get out the door of the mall.  Not okay.  I took it back (unopened) to Nordstrom here in Chicago and explained the situation.  Come to find out the Eye Brightener Shell pencil is not meant to line a waterline.  UGH.  Returned!

Wordless Wednesday: Mellow Yellow