5 Summer Sips not to miss

Pendrinks2unnamedSummer wine, or beer or cocktail wind down – don’t miss these 7 Outdoor Summer Sips in Chicago.

Don’t let the summer slip by without spending some time at one of Chicago’s freshest outdoor bars and / or an aAl Fresco dining spots.

Here are 5 not to miss; they are all very different, so I promise there is one here that will wet your whistle. You will find a variety of lively, engaged and interesting bartenders, selection of cocktails, cool atmospheres, and friendly faces.

Some of these places are just off the street others you have to take an elevator up to the spot.

The Whistler located at 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave, this spot is ever changing. Parking is easy to find.  When you walk in you might wonder, is it a gallery, record label, live music or DJ venue?  Yes, all of the above and more. The menu is always changing  the cocktails cleaver, creative it’s a never miss with a constantly changing selection of food and drinks. Small, cool and intimate a great spot to spend a few hours getting to know a new friend, or reminiscing with old friends. To the patio and enjoy the night

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Cindy’s – This is a take the elevator up spot.  Located inside the Chicago Athletic Association at 12 S. Michigan 13 floor. You will wait, you will pay, you will enjoy. This is a very popular spot because of its location, selection of drinks, boozy popsicles, and solid good food, and that will help you to forget the wait, the cost, and maybe sitting close to or on top of someone you don’t know.

Atmosphere that’s open, relaxed, comfy, and loud and go for the view, bring a big wallet, and don’t worry if there is a lull in the conversation because the panoramic views of the lake and the park will be more than enough. They have a nice selection or drinks and lots of specials to keep you happy and coming back for more. Step outside enjoy the view, the firepit, the people and drink.

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Shanghai Terrace– This is a take the elevator up and be taken away to a quite elegant outdoor terrace. It’s furnished classy, and the food is some of the best in town. The summer drinks are special, light, tasty, classic, and flavorful. It’s located on the fourth-floor right outside of Michigan Ave, so you look around and you will see buildings surrounding you but not on top of you. This is a must stop spot over the summer, but they also have activities year round that will keep you looking forward to the next visit and menu at Shanghai Terrace – sit outside and listen to the traffic below it’s a low hum that add’s to the vibe.

Queen Mary 2125 W. Division St This off the street on west Division might be missed until you look up and see the crown. The name is not the story you think, and once there you can learn more. You may feel like you have walked into a British maritime throwback, it’s cozy, dark, friendly, and inviting. Outside on the sidewalk is the patio with table and standing rails. It’s a great place to grab a beer, or go with a rum, scotch, gin, I had the bartender whip me up something that warmed my insides and tasted great.

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The WALKIN – 2727 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL This is very cool, it’s connected to the liquor store – Red Star liquor and it’s kind of like walking from the store into their “Walk In”  cooler. The staff is half the fun; they are knowledgeable, friendly, creative, and low key. Their creative flow when they create the drinks served on the menu. They will customize your drink, and offer off the beaten path recommendations. The atmosphere is classy, low-key, and inviting. They don’t cook the food there, but you can get food from two nearby taverns Cafe Con Leche and The Harding Tavern. and have it delivered over to you. It’s dog friendly. Has a great vibe the night we sat there it was as cool outside and inside – sit near the street for great people watching.

College send off….7 tips from me

It’s that time, it’s never easy. If you’re sending your first one off to their first year, or your last one off to their last year, it’s stressful, expensive, anxiety-inducing and more. Emotions will run the gamut, yes, they are finally off, and oh where did the time go, wait, I’m not ready. To counter this stress and anxiety, a legal product can be consumed.

When I sent 3 kids to college and a quick stop at Bed Bath & Beyond $$$$

When I sent 3 kids to college and a quick stop at Bed Bath & Beyond

I’m going to let you in on a little secret that we other moms don’t share with you. It’s never easy. As of today I have four grown children who have long been out of college. I still get choked up and cry a little when I’m walking through Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, and TJ Maxx. Why because I miss doing that dreaded mundane shopping, moving, setting up the dorm and or first apartment. I didn’t enjoy it while I was in the mist of doing it, but looking back it’s the time spent together with my kids I miss. Kids are the most precious, and every child, regardless of any disability, deserves to enjoy playing. For valuable resources and support, visit https://specialeducationalneedsanddisabilities.co.uk to ensure all children can experience the joy of play.

The memories of arguments on how to set up the room, where to grab a quick meal, and how much money will they need for food, laundry, and other nonacademic related items. It’s the meeting the other kids and parents in the hallways, at the coffee shop, and in the book store.

 

I’m going to share with you a few tips that I learned along the way, to save you a bit of time, money, and stress.

Don’t buy any spirit wear at the school book store. DON’T! Go to the local Walmart, TJ Maxx, Walgreens and pick it up there.

 

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Don’t pay for a laundry plan, let the kids figure it out once they start school. You have no idea how much they may be doing their laundry, and they will find the best, easy for them, time and place to do it.

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Don’t over pay for a food plan, pick the lowest one and stick with it. There will always be enough food, pizza, subs, cookies late at night and other food to keep your kid feed. Also they will wind up buying for all the others if you add too much on their card.

Do have their Uber or Lyft linked into your account. You will know where and when they are coming and going but will not need to be invasive.

Do let them mess up, don’t clean up their messes. A missed class, test, project, they need to figure it out. A late payment, lost items, roomate issues, teacher issues, boyfriend – girlfriend issues. GOOD let them work it out on their own, and meanwhile you can visit asiansexbang.com to have some fun.

Don’t judge them, let them pick their own major, plan their own schedules, work where they want when they want. They know what you want, they need to figure out what they want.

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It’s ok to miss the crap out of them. I have 3 of my four living here in Chicago and I miss the heck out of them each day. This time of year I miss our college mom’s weekends, the football games, the late night chat’s about life, the move in and move out days.

Don’t fear the good, bad, and the ugly it’s what creates the fun memoirs and touchstones of life.

Back in 2007 – I started a Midlife Blog

Wow – 10 years ago I started a blog, when I started midlife. I wanted to find a group of women who I could relate to. I loved all the young mom bloggers who I met on the media trips and events, but I needed to find mom’s who had kids going to college, driving, dating, and more.

I just found the intro to my old site, I think it’s still up but with broken links, and other items like an old house it need a bit or repair.  Some of the old content was fun to read, below is the intro…when I was searching for other midlife gals….

NOT YOUR MAMAS MIDLIFE!! The Fun Starts Now, Life is about new beginnings. Yes, raising a family is one of life’s greatest joys and challenges, but once the kids are older, a huge shift occurs. Our connections with our neighborhood, our community, friendships are changing. We’re no longer in the PTO. Our kids aren’t in a playgroup. We don’t have to drive them everywhere. We’re not the “young mommy blogger,” newly discovering all the blessings of young parenthood. We’re on to the next stage. This is our time now!

and boys is it….

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Below is when I was a younger mommy who hosted a parenting radio talk show…
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It’s that time again – Reinvention 2017

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I went a bit “Rogue” Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

I slayed the Red Carpet – and no one noticed me..

They say that women after a certain age become a bit invisible. I’m usually a pretty big personality ask anyone who knows me, but at the Star Wars World Premier – I was happy to be that older women, and invisible.

You might think, a short women carrying a very large RED LightSaber is hard to miss, I must say most just ignored me. Here are my three reasons why

  1. Most people may have thought I was an older talent agent and they were not going to ask who I was, or tell me where and what I could do.
  2. Maybe people thought I was an executives wife, and we have seen how that works out – (“Sources told Page Six another woman who was rudely splashed was Lisa ­Pevaroff-Cohn, the wife of Goldman bigwig Gary Cohn.” via “SiriusXM canned Bethenny Frankel’s show after meltdown” Page Six
  3. I’m invisible – women after a certain age are invisible, we go unnoticed, and people don’t pay much attention to us – even on the Red Carpet.

Seville Spain – Top 5 in 2 Days 2 See

Top 5 things to see and do in Seville

I had a quick 2 days to visit Seville, it was going to be such a quick trip I almost decided to just skip Seville and go straight to Barcelona…I’m so happy I took a stop in Seville Spain, and I suggest you do to.

Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville

Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville

Seville is one of the most exciting and beautiful areas of Spain.

Located on River Guadalquivir named after ‘Hispalis’ (Roman origin). Seville has so much to offer and the history an iconic representation of architectural relics by Moorish Almohad dynasty.  You can explore most of the city just walking around, and two days will allow you to get the vibe of the city, the taste of the cuisine, of the history and art.

This is the view from the Jewish Quarter looking at the Cathedral of Seville

This is the view from the Jewish Quarter looking at the Cathedral of Seville

Within a 5 minute walk of our hotel.

So easy to experience the taste of tapas from many of its outstanding restaurants. There are so many scattered around the city, flamenco is everywhere and you can catch some of the best flamenco shows to be seen in Spain. Horse drawn buggies crowd the streets hop in one to view the architecture everywhere you look will take your breath away landmarks, fountains, squares, gardens, and sculptures. We had 2 days and we really felt we were able to capture the feel and history of the city.

The Alcazar of Seville is a great spot to see and learn about the history of the kings, and royal families

The Alcazar of Seville is a great spot to see and learn about the history of the kings, and royal families

While planning to visit Seville, try to stay at the Hotel Alfonso.

Save up some extra money for one of the best & most interesting hotels in Europe. We booked the perfect room in Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Moorish style royal palace dating back to 1929. This exquisite hotel provides delicious and visually beautify traditional breakfast. From the lush garden view, private terraces and elegant Juliet balconies these hotel staples make your trip priceless.

Hotel Alfonso XIII is a historic hotel in Seville, Spain, located on Calle San Fernando.

Hotel Alfonso XIII is a historic hotel in Seville, Spain, located on Calle San Fernando.

Take the Hotel Tour.

My girlfriend Pam had stayed the year before and mentioned I should take the hotel tour, it’s free and there is so much to see just in the hotel. As you will see from the below photo our tour guide was the same one my friend had almost 2 years before us. Even if you are not able to stay at the hotel, do spare some time to enjoy a cocktail, grab breakfast in the garden or have a late lunch there, because they offer free hotel tour after 3 o’clock.

The Hotel Alfonso tour guide 3:00

The Hotel Alfonso tour guide 3:00

Start at the Real Alcazar.

Once in Seville, start your visit at Real Alcazar. It is a world heritage site, a royal palace originally constructed during Moorish Muslim reign. This place is an amazing depiction of Mudejar architecture, which beautifully blends Islamic architectural elements with local materials. Rising arches, decorative courtyards and amazing intricate details on the wall simply takes your breath away. Alcazar of Seville combines influences from Renaissance period, late Middle Ages, Baroque and Gothic culture.

Walking toward on of the gardens - Reales Alcázares de Sevilla" or "Royal Alcazars

Walking toward on of the gardens – Reales Alcázares de Sevilla” or “Royal Alcazars

There are ten major zones of in the Alcazar of Seville, each of which signifies art forms from different cultures. There are hidden courtyards, baths, tropical gardens, walkways and patios which simply have to be seen.

The Cathedral of Saint Mary -Built on the site of a grand Almohad Mosque, Seville's cathedral was built to demonstrate the city's power and wealth

The Cathedral of Saint Mary -Built on the site of a grand Almohad Mosque, Seville’s cathedral was built to demonstrate the city’s power and wealth

 Seville's Cathedral at night

Seville’s Cathedral at night

The Cathedral is beautiful night and day.

Once done with Alcazar of Seville (which will take a bit of time), walk across the street and visit the Seville Cathedral. Also known as Cathedral of Saint Mary with majestic appeal and bell tower. It is the third-largest church in the world, which depicts city’s wealth during Reconquista years in 1248. You won’t be able to explore this cathedral in one day as it has eighty chapels and five hundred masses. Since we were short on time we just did some of the highlights and then spent time reading more about it online. The inside of this cathedral is a never-ending chronicle, of gothic arches, sculptures of archangels, stain glass artwork on windows, cross vaults on ceilings and so much more.

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Food, shopping, tapas, and more in the Jewish Quarter.

Just around the bend back towards the Alcazar is an area known as the Jewish Quarter. Here you will find many interesting gift shops, restaurants, and some other hidden off the beaten path sights. Enjoy the area and you can find great little places that serve tapas, so grab a bite and enjoy.

Little shops around the town

Little shops around the town

Great Shopping.

The main shopping area of Seville is also filled with history, restaurants, shops, and more tapas. At night you can find lots of spots to sit and take in the view of the Cathedral while enjoying some of the best sangria you may ever have.

The heart of Seville's shopping district is Calle Sierpes

The heart of Seville’s shopping district is Calle Sierpes

You can also catch many Flamenco shows; many change each night so even if you go back to the same place you may see different dancers.A short carriage ride away from Seville cathedral is Casa de Pilatos, an Andalusian style palace which is now a permanent residence of Medinaceli Dukes.

La Casa de Pilatos is an Andalusian palace in Seville, Spain

La Casa de Pilatos is an Andalusian palace in Seville, Spain

"Metropol Parasol is a wooden structure located at La Encarnación square, in the old quarter of Seville, Spain. ... The structure consists of six parasols in the form of giant mushrooms"

“Metropol Parasol is a wooden structure located at La Encarnación square, in the old quarter of Seville, Spain. … The structure consists of six parasols in the form of giant mushrooms”

"The Plaza de España is a plaza in the Parque de María Luisa, in Seville, Spain, built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929"

“The Plaza de España is a plaza in the Parque de María Luisa, in Seville, Spain, built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929″Seville is also known for serene towns located on its outskirts. Do not forget to visit Triana, a small town located across the bridge. The sight of sunset on stone pavements and a wonderful food market nearby will fulfill your travel appetite.

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Food’s from Barcelona – 3 to try and enjoy

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I will be posting more about my food adventures in Spain, but until then here is a quick look at some of them…

Found at a restaurant on the Beach of Barcelona

Found at a restaurant on the Beach of Barcelona

Love them

A very nice way to get started

Barcelona – in 4 Hours you can do it

Casa Mila - La Pedrea entrence to parking garage design

Casa Mila – La Pedrea entrence to parking garage design

4 Hours to see the top sights in Barcelona.

With only 4 hours to show my partner Barcelona I had to choose wisely because, there is no doubt it is the most culturally rich city in Spain. Our goal was to get a grand overview, and create the excitement of “I want to see and experience more” so we could plan to come back again and again to this city.

Grab a free map and set your day

Map our your day, pick the sites you want to see.

Map our your day, pick the sites you want to see.

Circle the top spots you want to see

It has vivid landscape, one that is reminiscent of both, Catalan Art and Islamic Architecture that have resulted in a beautiful and diverse culture, filled with tradition and architecture.  While visiting Barcelona, chart out a route which to include certain spots, sights, landmarks. These spots are no doubt an iconic representation of Barcelona. Just a sample and a quick look at the landmarks will show you why this city is so beautiful, unique, and deserves more than four hours.  I knew we had a lot of ground to cover, and would have to miss some of my favorite spots, but I made the decision to go, see, and do as much as we could. Knowing there would be much more ahead for us.

Get your first glimpse of Gaudi with your first stop La Sagrada Familia

It’s a good idea to start at La Segrada Familia

Simply put, active travel is for individuals who want to grow themselves at every opportunity and have a passion for adventure and knowledge, according to https://active-travel.uk/blog/exploring-different-types-of-active-travel. I enjoy traveling to different locations and learning about various cultures. I decided to start our quick city tour at La  Sagrada Familia. We jumped in a cab and went early to see this amazing work by Antoni Gaudi. Although we couldn’t spend time inside, I do suggest if you have more than four hours you don’t want to miss inside. A travel hint, try to book tours before you travel to Barcelona to save time and money. Once we saw the wonder of La Sagrada familia, I knew my partner would have a strong desire to see more of Gaudi. So we did jump in a quick cab ride up the road and took a stop at even went inside to see, La Pedrea – Casa Mila.  Commissioned in 1906 by a businessman you will be amazed by the way the light moves through the balconies and windows. You must go to the top and walk around, each detail is design with function in mind, but it’s the attention to style just looking at the chimneys, and skylights give you a look into the genius of Gaudi. There is information and more on the floor below and it’s worth a look at. I was in love with the massive iron gate that is on the main level and provides access to the garage and basement. To me it’s a living work of art, like a watercolor seen here.

Don’t miss some more of Gaudi’s work

From top of the roof to the parking garage - this is worth walking into and seeing..

From top of the roof to the parking garage – this is worth walking into and seeing..

All this can be seen in under an hour, we jumped in a cab – but you could walk up to Casa Batllo.  This is known as the house of bones, one you see it you will understand why. On our quick tour we did not have time to visit inside, but outside you will see 3 amazing properties all in a row. Each one beautiful and magnificent.  This street is the Passeig de Gracia you will find many of the top retails in the world along this street. From here you can walk up to Plaza Catalunya, along the way you have passed Diagonal Avenue.

Three main area’s are in the center of town

You might miss this if you walk too fast down the streets

You might miss this if you walk too fast down the streets

If you are mind mapping the city on foot, you are bound to come across the all famous Gothic Quarter. It stretches from Via Laietana to La Rambla and represents pure Catalan art movement. Seeing the imposing facade of Palace of Catalan called Seau Cathedral of Santa Eulalia will make you want to just stand there for few minutes because of its intricate, gripping details and beautiful stone magnetism.

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, also known as Barcelona Cathedral, is the Gothic cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Spain

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, also known as Barcelona Cathedral, is the Gothic cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Spain

Many sites to see while your around the Cathedral

While walking around the cathedral, you will also come across street musicians playing pure Catalan music within Gothic Quarter, just outside Catalan Palace.  You have some time to spend here and waling run into Paseo del born. Walking around you will see City Hall Square, Plaza del Ayuntmiento, there are the 3 neighborhoods the Raval, Gothic and Born.

Picasso thought of Barcelona as his home -

Picasso thought of Barcelona as his home –

Picasso’s first art show

In this quick tour you will not have time to stop inside and visit the Picasso Museum. but you can swing past where Picasso had his first art show,  Els Quatre Gats, literally meaning The Four Cats, derived from a Catalan proverb that suggests ‘only a few people.

It’s a bit or walking back and forth but you can make your way up to Las Ramlas and immerse yourself in diverse marketplace of La Bqueria. If you are hungry, you can grab a coffee a few steps ahead at Placa Reial, a famous square worldwide renowned for Gaudi’s famous lampposts.

The market place - amazing pick up a fresh snack..

The market place – amazing pick up a fresh snack..

We ate a quick snack and walked up to finish the day at a beautiful view of sunset at La Barceloneta, a magnificent beach the sight of which will own the day for you. Have a perfect dinner with your loved one beside a waterfront view. There are opportunities to enjoy nightlife as well. If you love clubbing, do not miss to try out bars near Hotel De Arts.

Take a walk out on the waterfront of Barcelona

Take a walk out on the waterfront of Barcelona

It can be done, and knowing you have just skimmed the service of what makes Barcelona one of the most interesting and amazing cities to visit in the world… What did I miss, could you do this in four hours?

Women making an “IMPACT”

“As a bullet whizzed past my cheek, the heat caused me to fall face first into the concrete” Isaiah Brooms spoke to the crowd – and we listened to each word, each breath of his story, this was his experience growing up in Chicago. This same man Isaiah was now in front of the crowd of over 400 women, and he is now a Chicago Public School teacher, a mentor, a youth minister, and role model Mr. Brooms  is telling us this, and thanking Tutoring Chicago and his first tutor Sarah.

Tutoring Chicago

From Tutoring Chicago Facebook page

Isaiah is pitching to the crowd, almost Shark Tank style as he and six other finalist are presenting for the 2016 grant award from Impact 100 Chicago. A group of women in Chicago who each donate $1,000 each to empower change. This is an all women, all volunteer group of women, who put their own money, time, effort, and resources to seek out nonprofits that are making a difference, empowering, and changing the lives of so many.

These grants are not taking lightly, each application and applicant is looked over and vetted with a rigorous review, four-step process, and close look at how the funds will be used.

From RefugeeOne Facebook page -

From RefugeeOne Facebook page –

Each of the presentations were so moving, I wanted to get up and volunteer  my own time and money to help each one. The crowd heard from Refugee One, a very poised young lady who survived the worst situation over in her birth country of Sudan was welcomed with open arms when she finally arrived to Chicago. A heart moving story of how she now has hope for a future because of this group was eye opening.

Another presentation was for a program which supports low-income students so they can continue their education, One Million Degrees and they walked away with on of the four awarded with $100,000 grant’s so they can continue to support their efforts.

Screen Shot 2016-06-04 at 3.41.47 PMHere are the links to all of the organizations that were selected to present – in my heart all of these are amazing and sharing your support will continue to impact change for the better here in Chicago, and around the world. Next year you can bet that I will be supporting Impact 100 Chicago, and maybe you should also.

Chicago Women in Trades

One Million Degrees

The Chicago Debate Commission

Refugee One

Family Rescue Inc

 

Action Chicago

 

 

BAM! Getting Better – Bolder – With Age

You made it happen.  THANK YOU to 150 of the most creative, friendly, and fun women who spent 2 days in Las Vegas at BAM.

What is BAM? Watch this

Together we were able to learn, laugh, mix and mingle with new friends and old, but the greatest accomplishment was we were able to open the minds of major consumer brands, who brought sponsorship dollars to our conference. We also got to spend a few days in the sun!

Our midlife attendees had the confidence to prove that using the connectivity of social media, combined with real in-person relationship building, is beneficial to brands – even if they have spent their marketing dollars elsewhere in the past.

Our results were more than we could have promised, (we trended on Twitter nationally  both days) the connections between attendees was life changing, and the engagement for the brands proved that midlife women are powerful voices for brands to work with.

Marketing to midlife women is priceless. We respect, appreciate, and are willing to build relationships with brands that in return understand us, and we are truly ready to engage, listen and adapt.

Below are blog snippets from just a few of the wonderful women who attended. Each blog post is worth a read if you truly want to understand the heart, soul, and power of this amazing group. BAM!

Sponsors we thank – BAM Recap