Ooh La La – Enjoy Bastille Day all Month

Ooh la la did you miss Bastille Day?

I’m a horrible mom – not because I missed Bastille Day, it’s because I made my youngest child stick in his French classes for 8 years. Well, I needed to insure that if he ever had an opportunity to go study abroad, that the deck would be stacked in his favor and that he might wind up in France.

Have you been to France? If you know me, you know I love love love Paris, and almost anything French. This past semester my son did get to study in France, (because he did speak French) he studied in Paris and lived in the Bastille District. Since today is Bastille Day – we can all celebrate a bit…

"The July Column (Colonne de Juillet) which commemorates the events of the July Revolution (1830) stands at the center of the square -  Bastille prison stood until the 'Storming of the Bastille' and its subsequent physical destruction between 14 July 1789 and 14 July 1790 during the French Revolution"

“The July Column (Colonne de Juillet) which commemorates the events of the July Revolution (1830) stands at the center of the square – Bastille prison stood until the ‘Storming of the Bastille’ and its subsequent physical destruction between 14 July 1789 and 14 July 1790 during the French Revolution”

Why celebrate Bastille Day? The colors are easy, red, white, and blue. July 14th is often thought of as France’s Independence Day. I want to encourage you to at least if even just for today, do something, try something French inspired. Maybe grab a croissant, a macaroon, a sip of champagne for lunch, wear red, white, and blue, say a French word or even just think of the Eiffel Tower there you did it! It’s great to feel connected.

Want to feel even more connected, how about a taste of some delectable French fare? Near Chicago? Lucky you!. Take a step inside the Pierrot Gourmet at The Peninsula Chicago. The French inspired decor warmed the atmosphere and simple elegant Red, White, and Blue touches set the mood. For me, it did bring my mind and senses back to my most resent visit to Paris. In the front is a display case deliciously looking pastry classics.

mac

I spotted Macaroons, Tri Color Éclairs and other tasty looking deliclies.

Go try “All Things French” When I heard that The Peninsula Chicago was hosting a celebration to celebrate the hotel opening in Paris this year I was excited to check it out, my blogging pal @mjtam invited me to join her. Below are some of the items you can have this month. It’s so worth it and Ooh La La..enjoy

Salad Lyonnaise from Pierrot Gourmet, The Peninsula Chicago’s street-level European-style café

Salad Lyonnaise from Pierrot Gourmet, The Peninsula Chicago’s street-level European-style café

Short Rib “Bourgignon”

Short Rib “Bourgignon” as a part of this month’s menu

Tarte Tatin - such a treat

Tarte Tatin

Flan Parisien

Flan Parisien

Bouchot Mussels Bastille Day menu will be available through August 14.

Bouchot Mussels
Bastille Day menu will be available through August 14.

We were treated to mouthwatering tastes from the selection this month. You should try to stop over and taste some of what is being offered in Pierrot Gourmet, I’m going to be there next week with my “French” speaking son, I can’t wait to get back and have some more items. Let me know what you try at The Peninsula Chicago’s street-level European-style café and bistro

Exceptional service, luxury beyond your expectations, and toss in some French Flavor…ohh laa laa. Having just recently stayed at the Beverly Hills Peninsula along with a past visit to the Hong Kong property I can tell you the attention to detail and service will dazzle and delight you.

Screen Shot 2014-07-14 at 7.45.52 PM

“To celebrate the opening of The Peninsula Paris in August 2014, The Peninsula Hotels invite you to enjoy a worldwide celebration of “All Things French” at each the hotel locations. To revel in “All Things French” at The Peninsula Chicago, experience French-centric Wine Dinners, French Afternoon Tea, a brasserie-inspired menu, specialty Spa treatments and more.”

http://chicago.peninsula.com/en/special-offers/celebrate-all-things-french

I was invited to sample the Bastille Day menu at The Peninsula Chicago. I was not financially compensated and all opinions expressed are my own.

 

Ooh La La – Enjoy Bastille Day all Month

Ooh la la did you miss Bastille Day?

I’m a horrible mom – not because I missed Bastille Day, it’s because I made my youngest child stick in his French classes for 8 years. Well, I needed to insure that if he ever had an opportunity to go study abroad, that the deck would be stacked in his favor and that he might wind up in France.

 Have you been to France? If you know me, you know I love love love Paris, and almost anything French. This past semester my son did get to study in France, (because he did speak French) he studied in Paris and lived in the Bastille District. Since today is Bastille Day – we can all celebrate a bit…

"The July Column (Colonne de Juillet) which commemorates the events of the July Revolution (1830) stands at the center of the square -  Bastille prison stood until the 'Storming of the Bastille' and its subsequent physical destruction between 14 July 1789 and 14 July 1790 during the French Revolution"

“The July Column (Colonne de Juillet) which commemorates the events of the July Revolution (1830) stands at the center of the square – Bastille prison stood until the ‘Storming of the Bastille’ and its subsequent physical destruction between 14 July 1789 and 14 July 1790 during the French Revolution”

Why celebrate Bastille Day? The colors are easy, red, white, and blue. July 14th is often thought of as France’s Independence Day. I want to encourage you to at least if even just for today, do something, try something French inspired. Maybe grab a croissant, a macaroon, a sip of champagne for lunch, wear red, white, and blue, say a French word or even just think of the Eiffel Tower there you did it! It’s great to feel connected.

Want to feel even more connected, how about a taste of some delectable French fare? Near Chicago?  Lucky you!. Take a step inside the Pierrot Gourmet at The Peninsula Chicago. The French inspired decor warmed the atmosphere and simple elegant Red, White, and Blue touches set the mood. For me, it did bring my mind and senses back to my most resent visit to Paris. In the front is a display case deliciously looking pastry classics.

mac

I spotted Macaroons, Tri Color Éclairs and other tasty looking deliclies.

Go try “All Things French” When I heard that The Peninsula Chicago was hosting a celebration to celebrate the hotel opening in Paris this year I was excited to check it out, my blogging pal @mjtam invited me to join her. Below are some of the items you can have this month. It’s so worth it and Ooh La La..enjoy

Salad Lyonnaise from Pierrot Gourmet, The Peninsula Chicago’s street-level European-style café

Salad Lyonnaise from Pierrot Gourmet, The Peninsula Chicago’s street-level European-style café

Short Rib “Bourgignon”

Short Rib “Bourgignon” as a part of this month’s menu

Tarte Tatin - such a treat

Tarte Tatin

Flan Parisien

Flan Parisien

Bouchot Mussels Bastille Day menu will be available through August 14.

Bouchot Mussels
Bastille Day menu will be available through August 14.

We were treated to mouthwatering tastes from the selection this month. You should try to stop over and taste some of what is being offered in Pierrot Gourmet, I’m going to be there next week with my “French” speaking son, I can’t wait to get back and have some more items. Let me know what you try at  The Peninsula Chicago’s street-level European-style café and bistro

Exceptional service, luxury beyond your expectations, and toss in some French Flavor…ohh laa laa. Having just recently stayed at the Beverly Hills Peninsula along with a past visit to the Hong Kong property I can tell you the attention to detail and service will dazzle and delight you.

Screen Shot 2014-07-14 at 7.45.52 PM

“To celebrate the opening of The Peninsula Paris in August 2014, The Peninsula Hotels invite you to enjoy a worldwide celebration of “All Things French” at each the hotel locations. To revel in “All Things French” at The Peninsula Chicago, experience French-centric Wine Dinners, French Afternoon Tea, a brasserie-inspired menu, specialty Spa treatments and more.”

http://chicago.peninsula.com/en/special-offers/celebrate-all-things-french

I was invited to sample the Bastille Day menu at The Peninsula Chicago. I was not financially compensated and all opinions expressed are my own.

 

Join Erin-Palinski-Wade of “Belly Fat For Dummies” As We Chat About The Top Ways To Fight Belly Fat For Bathingsuit Season #DiabetesChat

bookcover

 

Now that summer is finally here, our winter coats can be tucked away until next winter. While we have waited for this weather forecast for what seems like forever, our bodies may not be so ready for bathingsuit season.  That is why I will be co-hosting a twitter party with the author of “Belly Fat Diet for Dummies” with Erin-Palinksi Wade this Thursday at 12pmEST. You will not want to miss this 1 hour online discussion as we discuss “Top Ways to Fight Belly Fat for Bathingsuit Season”. We will also be giving away 3 copies of “Belly Fat Diet for Dummies” during the chat. Please make sure you are following me, @bethrosen, @CDiabetsmag, and Erin @DietExpertNJ and don’t forget to use the #DiabetesChat in your tweets!

headshot-erinpalinski-1

This very important discussion is co-sponsored by CDiabetes.com Costco Healthy Living with Diabetes Magazine. Have you checked out the Spring Issue? You will find great recipes, expert advice and healthy living tips. Even though I personally don’t have diabetes, I know plenty of people that do!

Whether you know somebody trying to get rid of belly fat or maybe even trying to find new ways to fight diabetes, please join this very important discussion. Don’t worry, you can join in from wherever you are because this discussion will be on twitter. If you plan to join us, please send out this tweet so we can start following you too!

Join me on 5/15 at 12pm EST for #DiabetesChat w/@DietExpertNJ: “Top Ways to Fight Belly Fat for Bathingsuit Season #DiabetesChat#DiabetesChat

 

 

The #ChicagonistaLIVE show kicking off the year with style at Bryson Milan!

Screen Shot 2014-01-17 at 5.37.25 AMThe #ChicagonistaLIVE show will be broadcasting live at Bryson Milan | DLUX this coming Tuesday, January 21st and the new upscale boutique owner and NBA Player Bobby Simmons will be joining the show. Simmons is a Chicagoan that last played with the LA Clippers and will not be only touring us in Bryson Milan but he will be talking about his journey in to a successful entrepreneur in the fashion industry. Bryson Milan  | DLUX #ChicagonistaLIVE Show   Also joining us talking about trends and more are some of Chicago’s style makers and trailblazers, D.C. Crenshaw and Afrobella.

DC Crenshaw | #ChicagonistaLIVE ShowD.C. Crenshaw is a food and lifestyle personality and a two-time Emmy nominated TV Host/Executive Producer. He created Game Time Dine, a TV show that featured athletes and celebrities talking food, sports and fun. He played in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, a Ford Model, and busy dad of 2 boys.

Afrobella | #ChicagonistaLIVE ShowTrinidadian writer Patrice Grell Yursik created Afrobella.com, the first blog to celebrate natural hair and beauty in all skin tones and sizes. She is nicknamed the Godmother of Brown Beauty Blogging.Afrobella has been featured in the New York Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Essence, Glamour and Fast Company. In 2011, she partnered with MAC Cosmetics to create a limited edition lipglass — it sold out in a week! She has covered New York Fashion Week, BET Awards, and the Oscars, and was listed in Ebony Magazine’s Power 100.

Screen Shot 2014-01-17 at 6.10.42 AMGPS To Your True Wealth is back again on our monthly money management segment. From fashion and now to finance, Dan Wachs Atrium Wealth Advisors will be talking about Unexpected Detours and will be mapping you the routes in to more comfortable living and that could more shopping. That’s more money on the side to splurge in Bryson Milan!

Watch and join the conversation.

Tweet along with #ChicagonistaLIVE during the show for a chance to win some prizes.

There are many ways to watch and join the conversation:
1. Thru our Chicagonista Facebook Page: Click WATCH tab
2. Thru the #ChicagonistaLIVE page –http://ChicagonistaLIVE.com/
3. Thru Ustream App – Chicagonista_Live Channel You can now join our #ChicagonistaLIVE Twubs page during our show:http://twubs.com/ChicagonistaLIVE

Do you see what I see NYC

Next time you visit the Big Apple – New York City – as you hurry off to see the sights, a show, grab a meal, why not take a look at some of the things around you. This city is filled with wonderful opportunities to do just that. I also just had so much fun asking people on the street to snap a few of these photos. Have some fun snap, share and post your photos – and keep looking around.

A bite of the big apple

A bite of the big apple

Where can I buy those

Where can I buy those

Where should I start?

Where should I start?

Struck by a good idea

Struck by a good idea

Don't love these shoes - so you?
Don’t love these shoes – so you?

 

NYC Back & White Cookie Style – love it too

NYC is known for black and white cookies – so I decided to grab a cookie and scout around for some fashion inspired by these little sweets. Also in my search I was not allowed to find anything that would cost more than a few cookies. Look, I found these little dresses all under $25.00. Cute, and will not break the bank, can hide it if you had  a few cookies, and easy to wash and wear.

Black and WhiteBlack on BlackBlack & WhiteBlack N White Cookie

” The Great Gatsby” – or Should I say “Gasp-ee”

This just happened, my 19 year old son, home from college asked me  and I quote “Mom, want to go see a movie?”  You could only imagine my shock, as I struggled not to faint, not to question.  I wondered, had I heard him right, or was I just imaging those words that came out of his mouth.  Maybe he was asking me for money so he could go to a movie.

Even before I questioned myself any longer; I said “Of Course”, grabbed him, my purse and ran out the door. I did not even sneak a look over at the pile of work I had on my desk and the laundry still sitting on the floor. I knew I had to jump in the car with him and speed off quickly–because I didn’t want him to realize that he had actually asked me to go see a movie with him or that maybe he might get a text from a friend and he would change his mind.  In a flash, we went out of the house and on our way — to a movie!

 

Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan

Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan

As we got into the car, I had no idea what time any movie was playing or where.  It didn’t matter.  He was now held captive in my car driving.  I did pinch myself just to be sure I was not dreaming. Very laid back, my son mentioned he wanted to see “The Great Gatsby”.  All I knew from my motherly instincts was that I was to drive to a movie theater not in our neighborhood, out of the sight of potential humans who might notice he was with “Gasp”, his mom.  I knew that I should drive a community of two over.

As we drove into the theater, I knew that there had to be at least one showing in the next hour or so.  We walked in to see that there was a 4:20 movie, perfect. It was 4:26.  I asked for 2 tickets and the counter girl said that will be $30. Now, I know I have not been to a theater for a long time but $15 a ticket!  She then proceeded to hand me two 3D glasses and told me to enjoy the show.  CRAP I hate 3 D, but heck I was with my son, in the middle of the day, at a movie.  I was in heaven!

3D Glasses

I enjoyed “The Great Gatsby”.  It was a lot different then what I was expecting. The cinematography was beautiful and as a boomer, I kept thinking how all those young people had so much money to live in those homes. I know it’s a movie. Then I notice that there were very few people over the age of 30 in the movie, but it didn’t matter, I loved looking at the clothing, scenery, design and food.

Oh and my movie review, well, It had a lot of style – much of which we will be seeing on the store racks all summer, little that any boomer would wear. The characters seemed a bit flat Tobby Macquire was too wide eyed and simple in his portrayal of Nick Carraway and the narrator of the story.  Wispy Carey Mulligan was wonderful as Daisy Buchannan.  I felt her emotions as the movie played out and she did a brilliant job with her unspoken dialog using facial expressions, moods and movements. Jay Gatsby, Leonardo DiCaprio, seems to hover between characters.  At times, I felt as if I was watching  “The Aviator” where he was Howard Hughes  or as Frank Abagnale Jr in “Catch Me If You Can” .  Even that similarity was ok to play the part of Gatsby.  Those are big shoes to fill. Leonardo pulled it off.

Many of the other characters seemed a bit forgettable, but they all filled their shoes well as the movie moved along. I give it a B -. for it’s attention to detail, amazing styles, wondrous party scenes and use of soundtrack.