Some of my Top Picks Chicago 2014
December 18, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Here is a great DIY holiday idea
December 17, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Beth Nielsen of the Nielsen-Massey Vanillas shared her own DIY Vanilla Body Scrub recipe.
Ingredients:
1 cup Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 or 2 drops of an essential oil such as lavender, eucalyptus, etc.
Decorative, waterproof container
Directions:
Mix ingredients together in a bowl.
Spoon into a decorative, waterproof container
Wrap in decorative paper.
Go beyond the sushi bar at Sunda
August 31, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Chicago is truly becoming on of the best food cities in the country. With so many new places to wine and dine arriving each week you can get very tempted to just keep trying new foods. We like to keep you up to speed, as we taste our way around the town. It was just this past week that I had an opportunity to get back to one of the places where I continue to return to have always enjoyed.
Tender strip steak formed into “lollipops” around lemongrass skewers
Sunda is in the very cool River North area. Always a fun crowd, great drinks, and some good tasting Asian-inspired dishes.
Oxtail Pot Stickers braised oxtail, caramelized onion jus, white wasabi cream
A great place to grab a group and sit around the table tasting an assortment of different types of food from China, Japan, but also dishes from other countries, including Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.
Tiger Shrimp Tempura candied walnuts, creamy honey aioli
A dish to try is Crispy Brussels Sprouts brussels sprouts, red cabbage, carrots, chilies, fried shallots, minced shrimp nuoc cham, vinaigrette.
Go give it a try, eat, drink, and enjoy.
Sunda New Asian River North
110 W. Illinois
It’s what I do – join me!
August 18, 2014 by Leave a Comment
In case you don’t know me – hello and welcome to this site. I love to add content and keep it current, but my spelling is less then steller. If you can see past that, it’s kinda a fun blog.
Getting ready to go live #ChicagonistaLIVE
I’m more of a video person and I am co-founder of ChicagonistaLIVE with MJ Tam. I love working on this social talk show, and have had a blast broadcasting around the world.
Each month we broadcast live from interesting locations. Check us out and let me know your thoughts.. 
A trendy little restaurant to try
August 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment
It’s so fun to discover and uncover little spots in Chicago that serve up a nice atmosphere and food where you enjoy both. With MJ Tam on a media preview night we were able to taste a selection from Executive Chef/Partner Pete Coenen’s The Monarch Restaurant Bar.
Goat cheese, licorice molasses, honey vinaigrette
You will find a selection from what is called “American Fare” at The Monarch,”Gastro-Pub” located in Wicker Park neighborhood. I was please to find parking free and easy in this North Av restaurant. The Monarch is easy to find at 1745 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Excellent flavor with pinot grigio, fine herbs, tomato
Since we were there for a media tasting we were able to share selections from pre-selected items. I found the food to have a nice flavor, not overdone, and clean and simple. The Dessert was outstanding a Butterscotch Pudding with salted scotch caramel, and espresso powder.
Since MJ Tam and I produce content for social media it was fun to see this below sign, we love when our value get’s noticed.
I have a son who lives in Brooklyn New York and the feel of the restaurant was a little like some of the places I like and bring me memories of the food and good times I have had when I go to visit him.
So I will be back, and will bring my NYC son to see if he too likes the vibe and food.
I was invited to sample the pub fare menu at The Monarch Restaurant Bar. I was not financially compensated and all opinions expressed are my own.
The Monarch
@monarchchicago
Boomers on TV? Why not?
August 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Who are the stars of Boomers? Veteran stars line up for new BBC comedy via Daily Mirror UK
I wish the US could be as bold as the UK when it comes to broadcasting shows about “Ghasp” Boomers – Hello #Brands we do have dollars to spend….below is a bit about a new show set to air on the BBC…who could would you like to see if done in America?
“Boomers is a brand new BBC comedy featuring some of the biggest names in British TV.
Russ Abbot, Stephanie Beacham, Alison Steadman and June Whitfield head the stellar cast in the hilarious look at retired life in the fictional seaside town of Thurnemouth – dubbed ‘Norfolk’s only West-facing resort’.
The show focuses on the ups and inevitable downs of three couples from the baby boom generation as they come to terms with age, relationships and themselves.
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/who-stars-boomers-veteran-stars-4054666
Classic Women’s Clothing – seen around the globe
August 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment
It’s fun to update your wardrobe. I spend time looking to find items that are worth the investment, easy to wear, and stay in style. To invest in versatile separates, great dresses, blazers that dress up or down, and jeans that can rock fancy to fun.
Where do you go to find items that stand the test of time? Below are items I found while traveling Europe 2009-2011, and items from Chicago 2009-2013.
I think these are classic, bring a sense of fashion, and can continue to be worn, and updated. 
In 2010 I attended a blogger event from Ann Taylor. I have been a big fan since my early working agency days. Today the styles are still very clean and classic.There stores continue to offer classic styled suits, separates, dresses, shoes and accessories.
College Campus Countdown Top 5
August 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Getting it right – top 5 items to bring to campus – and 5 other
(I told you so) tips to keep in mind
Less is More
We all know
#1. Less is MORE!
You will discover this to be more than true once you start loading, unloading, and schlepping all the items up to the dorm room. Did I mention schlepping
#2. Shop in your garage, basement, parents house before you spend money at the store.
#3. Label your stuff, even if it’s just a dot from a black sharpie or your initials. This will save a few roommate squabbles down the line.
#4. Spend some time on “Pinterest” and see how many ways you can use a storage cube, and multipurpose.
#5 Get to your dorm room first so you can choose your desk, bed, and better side of the room…
Get to your room early – to pick your side
Having spent the last 10 years getting kids to college I have started to realize that I’m so over packing and still “overpacking” them. I tend to pack many items that they don’t need, and then I get to campus and still have to run to the nearest Target, Wal-Mart, or campus bookstore to pick up other items.
Here are 5 more of my tips to keep you on track, save you time, save you money, and save your sanity.
BEDDING
• Sheets. Get the right size sheet set – Twin XL! This is a biggie those dorm beds only work with XL unless your college lets you know different- get the right size– right the first time. I have tried to wrangle other old sheets from around the house, and trust me – they don’t work.
• Foam Topper. I thought it was just my daughter being her best version of princess and the pea, until the twins called from college and they also needed the Foam topper. You can find them everywhere these days and at a reasonable cost.
• Mattress cover. Well they are going to study in bed, perhaps have a cup of coffee (right) it might spill – keep the mattress dry and get your little study bug a protecting mattress cover, with bedbug protection…
Make sure you get the x long
LAUNDRY
• Don’t sign them up for a service – make them learn how to do their own laundry and suffer. So many many life lessons can be learned from doing laundry, trust me.
• Skip the hamper and get them the laundry bag. It’s easy to carry, stuff full and fuller, add detergent, and if needed a full bag can provide extra seating if friends stop over to the dorm for some “study time”.
• Tide Laundry Pods– the best invention – easy to use, carry, they don’t tip, spill…I love em
Best bet for Laundry – better then a basket or hamper
TOILETRIES/BATHROOM ITEMS
• Get a soft fold shower caddy – not the hard plastic kind. Also make sure it has holes so it can drain.
• Shower shoes – your child is going to want these! You want them to wear them.
• A small unbreakable personal mirror – for contacts, make-up, one you can carry with you.
These soft Mesh totes are much better then plastic shower baskets
TECH/DORM
• Chargers – Chargers, did I mention Chargers
• Surge protectors
• Lap Desk
• Bottle opener
• Paper towels
• Flashlight
Protection
More Space
Some items you can get once you get to camput
OTHER STUFF
• Protection – you know from the sun, from unwelcome birth, outdoor safety, heavy rain, power surge,keep laptop safe
• Debit Card – small amount for nights out on the town
• A phone card with grandmas address, phone number
• Great college Apps (Next blog post)
• Over the door rack
• A plate with a usb charger
• Bottle opener
• Paper towels
• Sense of humor
You want them to have some fun
Past it’s Prime? Quick List to tell
July 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment
How much money have you spent on makeup – how about something not looking right once you get it home, but you save it , and think maybe next season. Did you know you should toss out your makeup before it’s all used up if it’s past a do not use time zone? I hate having to do that.
Here are a few tips to look for when making sure your makeup is safe to use. Products that touch your eyes and lips, these outdated products can be dangerous because they contain harmful bacteria.
Toss it if
Mascara is older than 3 months
Liquid eyeliner 3-6 months
Powder eye shadow 1 year
Powder blush 2 years
I was not happy to toss all of this out – but I was also afraid my daughter might use something out of date so I did. Please check out your products with the above time line and get rid of what you don’t want.
Tweet with me @BethRosen
So Simple Steps for Perfect Make Up
July 21, 2014 by Leave a Comment
I found this and just wanted to share it with you – I’m going to try some of these tips – if you do let me know.
