Look for my post on Monday for my tip 5 gift picks from C-Wonder.
“C.” is
for customer!
Before we even opened our doors, we knew “C.” would stand for customer. Everything we create is designed with our customer in mind, and we’re committed to an incredible service experience that leaves her smiling each time she walks through our doors, visits us online or speaks to one of our cheerful associates.” From their web site http://www.cwonder.com/aboutus
So C = Cute
Fogo De Chow!! & Fall Fashion Finds
ChicagonistaLive Fun at the Fashion Outlet Mall Chicago
We spent an afternoon with the ChicagonistaLive gals. First we had a shopping stop at Fashion Outlets of Chicago http://www.fashionoutletsofchicago.com/ We had a chance to visit many of their stores, they have very high end to everyday stores. Take a visit and see the selection and the cost savings
“Talk Nerdy To Me”
For our Food!!
Worth a visit to http://www.fogodechao.com . ”
Yes they have a wonderful salad bar too
Welcome to Fogo de Chão® (fo-go dèe shoun), an authentic Brazilian steakhouse. In 1979, Fogo® began sharing the gaucho way of preparing meat in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Today, our gaucho chefs still expertly grill each of our 16 cuts of meat and offer you continuous tableside service.
We invite you to enjoy the delicious preparations of our gaucho chefs along with our gourmet salad bar, authentic Brazilian side dishes, and award-winning wine list. Welcome to Fogo de Chão.”
Nothing better then great bloggers, wonderful food, and fashion
Boom – Why we love these Italian desserts
If it’s a dessert I’m pretty much in, if it’s an Italian dessert and I’m in Italy then I’m all in. From Tiramisu, Panacotta, Pathettone and more. Even if we can find it back home, it’s worth it to at least have a taste while you’re over here.
Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal,
Just like the cuisine varies from region to region so do the desserts. For this sampling of desserts we are talking about Sicilian favorites.I decided to ditch the diet and try as many desserts during my visit, yes all in the name of trying to provide the best for my blog. So here is part one of my Boom it’s Desserts Italian style.
Cannoli – Pastry rolls filled with ricotta. These Sicilian pastry desserts look like “little tubes” filled with a sweet, creamy filling containing ricotta. You will find these tasty treats on every corner and if fine restaurants.
Traditional Sicilian Cassata – Also from the area of Palermo, Sicily – this treat is also filled with ricotta cheese, with a round sponge cake moistened with fruit juices or liqueur. The cake is covered with marzipan and then topped with a candied fruit. Very Very rich.
Pignolata cake from Messina
Pignolata cake from Messina – “Pignolata is a Sicilian pastry, and is also common in Calabria. It is a soft pastry, covered in chocolate and lemon flavoured syrup/icing.”
A Typical Sicilian “Vacceria” A selection of Fruits, Nuts, and dried
We had stretched out in front of us a wide selection of nuts, dried fruits, seeds, beans, and more. “Vucceria” – below is a a small sample of what we had – part two Desserts tomorrow.
Bread Basket
Get ready for a 10 day in Italy #Foodie Fest – we start our experience in Taormina, high up on the eastern coast of Sicily looking down on the Ionian Sea. The Hotel in Taormina is more than beautiful inside, with it’s well-appointed villas having all the comforts you could want. The grounds are filled with cypresses and magnolias, green and glorious, with views of the Sea and Mt. Etna. With a outdoor pool, wellness center, and a shuttle down to the sister property where you can spend the day on the beach. The Grand Hotel Timeo, is a member of the prestigious Orient-Express Hotel Group. has a stunning location, amazing views, and on the same grounds as the ancient Greek Theatre.
Tomatoes filled with creamed tuna and capers
Marinated anchovies with chilli pepper
Sardines with breadcrumbs and raisins “beccafico”
All the different flavors made the meal, along with local selections of fish a few meat dishes from the grill were served.The meat included selections of lamb cutlets, sausages grilled on charcoal, and small meat balls that came in lemon leaves. Below I included a photo of the prawns the size of these was so large one was enough per person.
From the Grill, Swordfish, squids, tuna
The Pasta before the sauce –
More Fritters
Tomorrow we will look at the Desserts and, delights from “Vucceria” a selection of Sicilian dried fruits
Boston is a strong, proud American city that has a unique European charm running through its history and culture. Nestled around the Charles River you can explore its many winding streets. You will be thrilled by Boston’s interesting, diverse, mixed architecture and do take some time to slip into the hidden niche areas all waiting to be rediscovered.
Boston – Cheer’s to Beantown the city that lays claim to many firsts for our country, at the Park Street Church, “America the Beautiful” was sung for the first time. At Old City Hall the first public school in America was established, and at Ye olde Union Oyster House est. 1826 known as “America’s Oldest Restaurant”, I had my first Freshly Shucked Oyster (yep only had one)
Below is a quick list of 7 reasons to get your butt to Boston – and when you do, try to go when there is no chance of snow, bring an appetite, good walking shoes, and a thirst for history.
1. Once you have landed there, your there. One of the best things about Boston is it’s easy to travel to. The airport is at the doorstep so you can hit the ground running. Boston is an amazing walking town; again it’s best if you can go when weather is not going to be a factor. Driving and parking is not an easy task, so ditch the car and get going.
Cheers to Boston – Enjoy your day
2. Unique sightseeing options that will suite anyone’s taste.
From walking tours to bike, boat, Segway, bus, trolley, costume, gruesome, baseball, chocolate, scary, freedom, foodie, and a few more, Boston has many specialized tours at your beck and call it’s easy to see the city and try something new at the same time. You can find many apps that have Boston walking tours, and if you want to do your own – just start at the Freedom Trail grab a walking map and go. To get the most out of Boston on a short trip I suggest you take one of the sightseeing tours, it’s a great way to get the lay of the land, hear the history, and take photos.
3. Food glorious food.
Who knew that you could get some of the best sushi in Boston, also on the North Side you won’t be disappointed by the Italian bakeries, authentic from the old country they bring the true old world flavors from pasta to cannoli – good thing you can walk it all off. From beer to Boston cream pie the food does not disappoint. I created my own personal Chowder Crawl, some were creamy and filled with flavors from the sea; others were too milky and had more potatoes then any site of seafood. I did have a few cups of chowder in one day, places where I did enjoyed good chowder along with a pleasant atmosphere and wonderful other food selections were The Oyster Bar, and The Hub.
4. Beauty and the beast.
Boston is loaded with beautiful scenery, from its amazing green parks, waterfront, cobblestone streets, and river you can spend hours just walking, sitting, and enjoying the beauty of Boston. The city is also filled with stories of sacrifice and suffering. The story of the Boston Massacre “The Boston Massacre, known as the Incident on King Street by the British, was an incident on March 5, 1770, in which British Army soldiers killed five civilian men and injured six others” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Massacre. The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts, between February 1692 and May 1693
5. Let freedom ring
You can set your own pace, download an app or just use a map as you walk the 2 1/2-mile Freedom Trail. Take in the history and sites as you walk past 16 historic spots, including museums, churches, parks, the water, and even some burial grounds. The Red Line way will keep you on track. Visit www.thefreedomtrail.org, and also get a map of the entire trail, mark you spots and go. In my next post I will tell you a bit more about the sites you can see along the way.
6. Take me out to the Ballgame
You almost hear the crowd when you’re near Fenway Park, even if there is not a baseball game at the time. Via, Wikipedia, “Near Kenmore Square in Boston, Massachusetts. Located at 4 Yawkey Way, it has served as the home ballpark of the Boston Red Sox baseball team since it opened in 1912 and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium in use” The park has had some work done, resulting in unique, quirky features, including “The Triangle”, “Pesky’s Pole”, and most notably the famous Green Monster in left field. Fenway Park has a low seating capacity, the fourth lowest in seating capacity and second lowest in total of all Major League Baseball stadiums; it is one of the seven Major League ballparks that cannot accommodate at least 40,000 spectators
View from the Tour Bus
7. Good old College Fun.
A great college town, with many colleges and universities to chose from, it’s the students that help keep Boston fun, edgy, trendy, and on the cutting edge. You can fill the vibe and discover some of the more interesting little shops, coffee houses, art, and bookstores in and around the areas where the students tend to spend time. Because of the many higher education areas and the high standers of the students, I read on Wikipedia that Boston was dubbed the city “The Athens of America”
A Hit at the Harbor – Party on the Pier
Opening Ceremony is making it hip to be seen at the @SuperPier along the Hudson River.
With a selection of special box car shops, some NYC food trucks and I heard even the world famous #cronut by @DominiqueAnsel along with his new #magicsouffle wowed the crowd as they hit the Hudson side of New York City, for the opening party on the pier.
If you’re in NYC during Fashion Week, you need to get over and see how #OCBTW is showing their swanky sense of style.
OC Twitter:
opening ceremony @openingceremony 4h
We chatted with hosts @zanabayne + @pendunyc about their #OCBTW Sunset Takeover with @TigerBeerUS at @SuperPierNYC
Word had it that last night hosts @zanabayne @pendunyc rocked it by the river. Opening Ceremony By The Water #OCBTW made a splash at the Sunset Takeover with @TigerBeerUS pleasing the crowd – the music, food, and of course fashionable vibe at @SuperPierNYC made it another not to be missed OC happening
I know that Opening Ceremony has had pop-up’s in the past, here they are creating space and exposure for legendary brands we know, and notable new talent. What a wonderful addition to #NYFW with #OCBTH, a marketplace, showcasing celebrated and cutting edge together that’s what makes OC fresh and ultrasmart. For the next few days Sunset Takeovers is set to provide these unique up-and-coming designers, performers a chance to showcase their collections and talent.
A Tweet from @Openingceremony
Talent such as ZANA BAYNE and Todd Pendu who created a crowd-pleasing open at the SuperPier for #NYFW and OC fans alike.
I wished I could of gone for many reasons, but getting a chance to meet the fashionable famed boomers of http://idiosyncraticfashionistas.blogspot.com/ would of been worth the trip to NYC alone. Just in case you don’t know who they are here is a bit from their about me page, ” GROWING OLD WITH VERVE ‘Growing old gracefully’ is an outdated concept. We prefer ‘growing old with verve’. This blog documents our efforts to live up to that motto, in photos and essays. We embrace our gray hair, while sharing the playground nicely with our younger siblings”
I can’t wait to read their post on the party…I want to thank Zacq for letting me know about these amazing women in NYC, and the photos for this post.
My son the artist who is also working at NYC Fashion week, taking photos for me, and giving me the social scoop.
So here I am in Chicago following #NYCFW New York City Fashion week. I hope that next year this boomer can make the time to get trendy and get over to NYC for Fashion Week, or at least a party or two…..and a #cronut of course.
The Ann & Robert H Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago
Radiothon
A special thanks to MJ Tam for inviting me to come help her, I had an amazing and heartwarming opportunity to spend some time creating social media content and interaction for the 2013 annual WTMX Eric & Kathy Radiothon created to help the kids at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
I had no idea what to expect in fact – I thought is was a Dance-a-thon, but that’s another event I will be at for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. This year the Radiothon of course raised money, but it also raised awareness, and spirits. I wanted to say thanks to all the folks who participated, donated, and stay involved, these are amazing people who give from the heart. The stories of the families, staff, and from the children continue to provide hope and inspiration each and every day, and lifted the audience for the full 12 hours during the Radiothon this year.
Please click here to lean more about the event and know that you can still donate, “Eric & Kathy’s Radiothon has raised over 23 million dollars for kids and families treated at Children’s Memorial Hospital over the past thirteen years – money that stays right here in Chicago. The money raised during our Radiothon is directed to the areas of greatest need, such as Patient and Family Services, Charity Care, Education and Advocacy.”
This year raised year’s annual Eric & Kathy Radiothon raised $1,454,327.29 and you can still give anytime
MJ Tam and I wanted people to donate! They did!
Thank you to all
Some facts from the information they shared with us, and why we should all care and continue to give.
Eric & Kathy’s Radiothon has raised over 23 million dollars for kids and families treated at Children’s Memorial Hospital over the past thirteen years
A special surprise – with the tweet so sweet!
Such cool people watching at Brooklyn Flea
Fashion, Food, Fun Finds at the Brooklyn Flea
On a recent visit to NYC I found myself on a Sunday at the Brooklyn Flea market (Williamsburg). Being from Chicago I was not really looking for anything inparticular so it made it easy for me to browse, chat up the vendors and enjoy the people watching.
Being a Boomer I love finding the retro, vintage, antique, and cool handmade goods. The view from Brooklyn to NYC is worth the ride over, as you stroll around the flea your also near the water at a wonderful park and it’s an easy ferry ride over for a change of pace. You will also want to try some of the food at the flea, but save room because in the area are many eclectic restaurants for after your visit to the market.
5 Tips for fun and get a good deal
You will get the vibe of the market. Walk it and discover the selections of the objects different vendors offer. Notice that many folks are selling a lot of the same novelty, trinkets, and whatnots. Many are homemade, unique, and items that you may have not seen before, but I bet you will see a few more similar articles as you walk the grounds.
Friendly vendors, interesting finds
Distinctive jewelry made from typewriter keys
This is good for two reasons #1. It will keep you inline and not easily swayed into an impulse purchase. #2. Many vendors will give you a better price if you pay cash, also some of the smaller artists don’t take anything but cash.
Brooklyn Flea Market – Williamsburg
If your just walking to have fun, discover new knickknacks, or just get a feel of the market you will have your best chance of getting a deal if you arrive late, even as a vendor is getting ready to pack up. Also you can pick up some ½ price food items, chat up the vendors or even offer to help them pack up
OK so you can’t go wrong either way. If you’re on the hunt for something you really want, then go early for the best selection. Also go counter clock wise or start near the back. This way you may get to the vendor first and have better luck. Also they may not want to haggle on the price early, but if they know why you want the item, and you touch their heart you may still get a good deal early.
Shoes you can add miles on are a good idea. Clothes you can strip down or layer up also will keep you comfy. If it rains stick around for great deals, and to meet some cool fun people.
You may also be inspired to unpack your old records and up cycle them like this one vendor did, as a boomer it was fun to see many of the items from our past being put to good use again. Finding old pink phones, old school typewriters, the clothing being give a new lease as a purse or wallet.
Take your time, explore the area around the market, bring a camera for the views of the NYC skyline, and feel like a true hipster for a while.
Old Vinyl given a new use
Diner – South Williamsburg Brooklyn
Having Brunch at Diner Brooklyn
I loved my meal at “Diner” http://dinernyc.com in Brooklyn, as a #Boomfluent boomer I have had my share of diner food. When my son suggested we try it, I was a little hesitant, Being that this is Brooklyn and located in yet another trendy area I knew that it was going to be a bit pricey and may not fill me up.
My son and his girlfriend who live in the area know that breakfast is my favorite meal and I can be a bit particular when it comes to my brunch, good thing they took me because, you kinda have to know where it is. It has just a tiny sign on a side door. I think it used to and old diner car, I loved the vibe, but it can feel a bit tight in the retro bar area.
Diner has been in Brooklyn for a while 1999 and is part of the Marlow & Sons, Daughter, Diner group. Once inside Diner is a cozy place. http://www.marlowgoods.com/about .
Diner part of the Marlow Family – Brooklyn
When we arrived there was a wait but we were lucky it was a nice day, and decided to wait for a table to sit outside, inside it’s a pretty tight squeeze, but certainly the people watching makes up for that.
This area is getting more gentrified and there were enough cute little shops to keep us occupied as we waited.
Diner is known to have a changing menu filled with fresh and seasonal items.
Homemade lemon scone, and also a side dish of tomatoes with sardines The server wrote out the menu on the paper .
We could not wait to try the homemade lemon scone, and also a side dish of tomatoes with sardines. I know a strange combination but we were hungry and she made them each sound so good and special. The scone was served warm with cream and was amazing. The Sardines might have been better if not for the Mimosa I was having.
The real treat was in our main dishes. I had the perfectly Poached eggs atop fresh spinach on a toasted Baguette, yum it was cooked perfect, light fresh one of the best egg sandwiches I have ever had, I could have had two.
Best Poached egg sandwich ever Diner Brooklyn
My Son tired Poached eggs served over crusty toasted bread with sliced onion with veggies in a light sauce.
Poached eggs, with fresh veggies and beans
I loved everything about this restaurant – the food was so fresh and tasted great, the vibe was retro and relaxing, and the drinks amazing. I can’t wait to go back, and I live in Chicago.
Yes the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards – jumped the shark
MTV Once Played Music
Photo Credit and Link Below
There was a time when MTV actually played music videos, in fact the videos were groundbreaking, thought provoking, and yes even titillating, but not push it your face – shove it down – because you can’t think for yourself way, more of a “we are young, edgy, and ready to push the envelope”.
I love the saying “Less is More”. Remember when a tease was in fact a tease, and we didn’t need things totally acted out, we used our own imaginations, and guess what, that worked. Yes even pressing the limits meant something.
What has happened? Didn’t the MTV video awards once reflect a true recognition of young new artists, creating, challenging, and expanding music. A place for up and coming artists to explore this new platform, and the more established artist hung around to mentor, advise, and even learn some new tricks.
Come on Lady GaGa – you can do better
Photo Credit and Link Below MTV
The playground that was MTV would encourage new artists to explore and create. The awards offered a chance for these artist old and young to perform in front of a live TV audience and peers. A chance to perform live was a privilege, a special outing, a bonus for having their videos run on the station, and become popular.
As fortune would have it MTV had to get into other programming because just playing music videos was not enough to keep them viable and the lights on. Yes we know that bills need to be paid, and sometimes other revune streams need to be created. I loved it when the Real World was real.
Now it seems endless programs of pregnant teenage moms, Jersey juiceheads, and online dating scams have changed the vibe too much. FTV (Fake TV) would be more appropriate now for this channel.
It use to be that watching the celebrities watching the awards with us provided entertainment, but this years artist looked locked into the Barclays Center expressions of boredom when the camera did pan around the arena made it evident,. I’m sure they were told they could not text just incase the camera did catch a glimpse, imagine if they were playing words with friends…
Us Boomers remember a time when Howard Stern showed his buttocks, Madonna made love to the floor, and Britney dressed in next to nothing with a snake, but that’s nothing compared to the over exposure of this years show.
Your young and beautiful – please don’t do this yet
Here are my top ten – WTF
10. Taylor Swift – Fire your makeup artist now. You have so much class and style, I understand your wanting to be seen as more mature – but looking like a middle aged women on her way to a PTO fundraiser is not the way to do it–
9. Taylor Swift Also– Please send your mom over to Miley Cyrus house to have a sit down with her parents. I know I know it’s not her parents fault but at least if Milys parents could of guided her a bit – yes she’s a big girl and “she can do what she wants to”…but that doesn’t mean she should
8. It was so meaningful that Jason Collins introduced Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – I also loved seeing Jennifer Hudson – but she was not needed there, I felt it stole a bit of the thunder away from what a simple but important moment in that MTV train wreck of the show
7. Wait – I thought NSync was going to perform – oh that was them – a quick “Hi Hi Hi and then Bye Bye Bye”
6. What – What – Daft Punk was there and did not play and did not win. One Direction may be talented, but they are a template pre fab band – who can carry a tune and look cute, but groundbreaking, original no and their song that won, “Best Song Ever”. was it? Was that a Sally Fields moment!
5. Where are the adults who should be watching the store – the show lacked pace, it was a technical nightmare, with so much thought put into bleeping the offensive language and not making any inappropriate drug references—what about the porn performances live on stage – Hello?
4. Can we get Bruno Mars’s team to produce the whole show please; I loved his understated performance that showed his clear talent and class. Thank you Mr. Mars’s
3. Katy Perry – UM the 1970’s called and they want the look, sound, and choreography back. Although it was probably one of the best parts of the show. It felt real; an audience filled with real folks who actually seemed thrilled to be there, but certainly not what I would call a “ROAR”..
2. Lady Gaga – GRL you have at your disposable the most talented costume people, choreographers, and many other creative sorts. So what’s with the white cardboard square, nun outfit? That’s what you gave us last night – shame on you. Also walking onto canned “Boos” am I really at that “Get off my lawn, stage”. Still GaGa I was happy you’re healed and able to move like before
1.Please bring back the edgy, real, creative, ground breaking, MTV video awards. Oh wait that’s right MTV don’t play music anymore. Never mind
I WANT MY MTV – HOW ABOUT YOU?
