Merry Christmas/Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas all! Today is the McIntyre's Christmas here in CT. We're celebrating a few days early before we head out to Barbados tomorrow. We are all so excited to spend so much time as a family this Holiday.

I have tons of places to make a huge start when we return in January!! Here is a few that I cannot wait to try.

The Boarding House in River North:

Bub City in River North. For a little Country flare :)

The Local. Reminds me of America restaurant in NYC!

I have so many and hearing more from friends! I just can't wait to celebrate 2013 with all of you! Wishing everyone a very safe and happy holidays!!

Belated Weekend Recap

Happy Hump Day all!

It has been quite a week and it's only Wednesday :)

I'm back East tomorrow morning, if all goes well with the snow and can't wait. We're heading home to celebrate Christmas before jet setting to Barbados on Saturday. My life and body need a rest from work and I cannot wait to spend a whole two weeks with my family. It's long overdue and cannot come at a better time.

Here is a quick recap on the weekend.

Celebrated with lots of friends for some holiday celebrations!

 The old crew reunited with Buddy!!

Love and Honor

Then we went to nail some nails in a big stump!

We did not end up taking pictures at the third party which is probably a blessing in disguise.

Sunday we went to 10pin for some holiday bowling. They have the best deal on Sundays. Just $15 for 3-hr unlimited games and shoe rental. Highly recommend it!

Wrightwood during the Holidays is my favorite!

 My last JETS bombs of 2012 (too bad they didn't help the team for Monday night)

My Favorite showing us his other half (lesbian haircut)

Stay tuned for a quick Wish-List of all I want to try in 2013 before I sign off for the year!

Spreading Christmas Cheer: Recipe for the weekend

Happy Friday Everyone!!

Boy has it been quite the week. My head can't stop pinning but I cannot wait for the festivities this weekend! I wanted to share with you my favorite cookie recipe that I make for all of those near and dear to me over the holidays. It's my way of sharing some love with everyone.

Peanut Butter Balls:
(makes about 100)

They seem quite simple but it does take a lot out of you after you make about 300 or 400 each year :)

1 Stick of Butter or margarine
18oz of chunky peanut butter
1 box of confectioners sugar
3-31/2 cups of rice crispies
1/4 stick of parafin or vegetable shortening
18oz of milk or dark chocolate

Soften the stick of butter and add in the peanut butter, box of sugar and mix well. Add in the rice crispies and have mixed well roll into balls. Refrigerate. Melt 18oz of chocolate and parafin. Dip balls in chocolate, and freeze for 5-10 minutes. Store in an airtight container and enjoy!

My co-workers at work call these "crack balls" because of the amounts of sugar. They are absolutely delicious!

I wish everyone a fabulous weekend! I hope you all get out to celebrate with those you love.

Opening Announcement: Little Goat Bread

Little Goat Bread Opens on Thursday!!!

I'm so excited for Little Goat to open the end of this month but we have some exciting news for those who want to try it out a little early.

Stephanie will open Little Goat Bread on Thursday, December 13th within the Little Goat Space:

Here are some facts about the venue within a venue:

• Little Goat Bread will serve morning pastries, soup and sandwiches for lunch, and freshly roasted Stumptown Coffee throughout the day. 

• The glass-enclosed bakery will also produce all of the breads for Girl & the Goat, Izard's award-winning restaurant located directly across the street.

• The retail shop located inside Little Goat Bread will include some of Izard's favorite finds, like honey from a locally sponsored bee farm, Izard's own maple syrup blend and Goat apparel and merchandise.

• The bar area will feature a selection of handcrafted cocktails and 12 small craft beers on tap at all times, starting with brews from Solemn Oath, Bells and Stillwater artisanal ales.

• The diner portion of Little Goat is slated to open later in December.


Someone please check out and report back!

Cozy up to Little Market Brasserie

All of this chilly weather makes us all want to cozy up on the couch but we have something to look forward to in January. Little Market Brasserie is opening in January and will be the perfect place to stop by for some comfort food.

It will echo the intimacy of a Parisian brasserie while still offering our favorite American comfort food. Brought to us by Mercadito Hospitality and Chef Ryan Poli, who traveled around 12 different cities looking for ideas and inspiration.

The Mac and Cheese already has star-quality, or so they say. The Chicagoist is already eyeing the New York Strip Steak with short rib-cognac poutine and cheese curds. I cannot wait to try it all!

There cocktails are brought to us by the Tippling Brothers and will center on sparkling pops, and wine as well as a large selection of beers. Could this place sound any better?

Be ready Gold Coasters, this might be the warm neighborhood spot that we've been waiting for!

Weekend Recap: Sue Babe in CHI

Hello Everyone! Happy Monday, I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I had a great time with my Mom this past weekend and we were walking fools! Here is a little taste of what we were up to. I hope everyone was able to try some of the new things I suggested around the city.

First Stop: Chicago Science and Industry Museum

Big Train in the entrance

 Trees around the world exhibit

 Charlie Brown Exhibit

It was my first time at the S&I museum and I highly recommend it. I used to think that it was just way too far south for me to get to without a car but the Red line and 6,10 & 2 buses take you right there. There is no excuse not to make it to the museum and the Charlie Brown exhibit before the holidays are over. It was so nice learning about Schulz and the creation of all of the characters. Brought back all of the inner kid in all of us!

We then spent some good time walking around State Street and ventured into Macy's to see their beautiful Tree.

We walked all the way home from Macy's and stopped into a few stores along the way including my favorite, Nordstrom. We stumbled upon the best sweater that everyone should own. I will have to post a picture and the details later this week but it is the perfect travel and snuggling sweater. Great for layering.


Sue Babe and I tried out the Pump Room on Friday night. I love their cocktails, appetizers and ambiance but the rest I could skip. I'll be back there to have a few drinks at the bar for sure!

Saturday we had another big day of walking and exploring the One of a Kind show in the Merch Mart. It was great to sample everything and take a look at all of the fabulous jewelry and inventions.  I'll share some of my favorites this week as well so you can check them out!

Saturday night we tried out Bavette's Bar and Boeuf which was delicious! The food was outstanding and the atmosphere is just divine  You feel as though you're back in the 20's. I highly recommend checking it out, especially if you're a big Boeuf fan :)

Sunday was a typical, gross day filled with lots of rain. That didn't stop Sue Babe and I because we walked the most yesterday! We headed up north to my all-time favorite breakfast spot Toast. We got an early start and were there just before 9am and if we had been any later I don't think we would have been so lucky. Toast is the perfect breakfast spot but because of it's popularity it's almost impossible to get in on the weekends after a certain time. We filled our bellies up with Pepper Eggs, Toast and a taste of their Gingerbread Pancakes and hit the pavement. We were in search of a new sleeper sofa to replace my current one that we purchased almost 4 years ago.

We were lucky enough to stumble upon the one below in Pottery Barn and I think it was meant to be. This beauty if being delivered this week and will be all set for all my upcoming visitors! No more crazy times trying to pullout and put back the old one. This bed is almost better than my actual bed!

If only we had this couch to watch all of our Homeland episodes this weekend! Last night was so intense I could hardly sleep! I can't believe the season finale is this weekend. I might have to keep watching the whole season over and over again until it comes back.

It was such a fun Mom-Daughter weekend and it went by way too fast! I love having my Mom in town. Thank goodness I'll be heading back east in less than two weeks and then heading off to vacation with the whole Family. Hears to two more weeks of work! We can do it! Have a fabulous day everyone.

Weekend Guide

Hey Everyone, just thought I'd send through some fun weekend options! Sue Babe arrives tonight and we'll be going all around the city trying most of the below :)

TONIGHT:

Shop FETE:
The hot new nighttime food and design event celebrates its debut with a holiday gift-giving extravaganza.
Why: Complimentary bubbly, along with Bang Bang Pie Shop, Publican Quality Meats, Martyn George, City Lit, and Mindy Segal — to name a few.
When: Thurs., 6-10 p.m.
Where: Room 1520, 1520 W. Fulton St., at Justine St. (312-952-1520). Tickets ($5) at eventbrite.com

Shop Trunk Show Holiday Shopping Event:

Come out to support my friend Teresa  to buy gifts for everyone on your list! Peruse offerings from Trunk club along with participating vendors including Perchance, Dana Rebecca Designs, Shred451, Belly Dance Maternity, Berco's Popcorn and Vosges Haute-Chocolate while enjoying food from 25 Degrees.

WHEN: Tonight, from 6-9pm and Saturday, December 8th from 10am - 3pm

WHERE: Trunk Club headquaters on 325 W. Ohio Street in the River North Neighborhood of Chicago

The event is free and open to the public. The first 300 guests in attendance will receive gift bags compliments of the Trunk Club team and participating vendors

Shop First Thursday of the Month at Comfort Me

Come out to support another good friend Alyssa at Comfort Me for their Sale tonight and extended hours :)

WHEN: Tonight from 6pm -9pm

WHERE: 701 W. Armitage

Receive a free gift with every purchase.

Three great events to start on those Christmas Shopping list :)

Also this weekend the ONE OF A KIND Show will be here at Merchandise Mart. I went last year and it is truly a fabulous event. You can find a gift for everyone on your list and support local/etsy vendors. Always a win-win.

Hours: Thursday, December 6  11am-8pm 

Friday, December 7        11am-8pm
Saturday, December 8   10am-7pm
Sunday, December 9     10am-5pm

For the rest of the weekend:

Topshop/Topman Pop-Up Shops

Thurs. Dec. 6-Sat. Dec. 8, 1 p.m.-closing
1925 N. Halsted St.

Get in the holiday spirit at the Topshop/Topman pop-up store on Halsted this weekend. Enjoy in-store DJ sets, free nail art, and happy hour starting at 5 p.m.!

Holiday Tea at the Drake

Daily through New Year’s Eve, various times
The Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Place

Grab your best bud or favorite niece and treat her to a ultra-chic tea at The Drake Hotel. Each seating lasts approximately an hour and a half and reservations are recommended.

I'm heading out to see the Charlie Brown Exhibit at the Science and Industry Museum as well as a trip to the Aquarium with Sue Babe!

Wishing Everyone a Fabulous weekend! I'm taking the day off tomorrow to enjoy some time with my Mom and our lovely City!

Daily Method to Open in Lincoln Park

Hello Ladies!!

Get ready because Daily Method is about to invade Lincoln Park in the New Year! I'm beyond thrilled about this and a little sad because their studio is going into Belden Plaza just a hop, skip and a jump from my old place. Oh Well, I still plan to make an appearance as soon as they open on January 15th!

Check out this great article: Lincoln Park gets Hotter

You can visit the their current locations in Wicker Park and Bucktown until the big opening :)

Weekend Playbook

The Weekend Playbook: Places to check out!

1. Check out International flavor in Logan Square at FAT RICE
It's an intimate 30-seater from the folks behind X-Marx underground dining club. It channels Portuguese and Southeast Asian flavors into dishes like shaking chili whitefish with Padron Peppers & preserved lemon or it's namesake fat rice, studded with proteins raging from linquica and pork belly to salted duck and praws.

2. SUITE 25: Sports bar, Peruvian-Style: Second floor sports bar above Milwaukee Ave with snackage like Incan Tater Tots (mashed tater shell that's stuffed with sirlion/olive/'n onion then pan-fried) and wash down with their Beer Sangria!










3. Winter Cocktails from Hot Chocolate: they have new booze-infused warming winter drinks, like a rye-based number mized with espresso, dark hot chocolate & mole bitters called The Siren.

4. Four Courses of beer-aided bliss at Two Brothers Dinner at Browntrout: Warrenville's Two Brothers is teaming up with Browntrout for a four-course beer dinner featuring combos like Heavy Handed IPA paired with mussel & walleye chowder and Cane & Ebel Red Rye alongside lamb papperdelle with ricotta, cauliflower and fried rosemary.

5. Santa 5K Hustle at Soldier Field with booming after party. (That's where you'll find us!)Santa Hustle


Have a fabulous weekend everyone! I'll be sure to share everything that happened this week on Monday.

Pop-Up Book fair on December 9th

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and enjoyed some good relaxation time :) I was spoiled and was home for about a week and a half and it was amazing. I haven' t been home that long in quite some time and I enjoyed some much needed Family time.

I wanted to share some great information about an upcoming Pop-up book fair for next weekend! I'm on the hunt to schedule all of my new December activities and this might have to be one of them. Make sure to check it out!

Pop-Up Book Fair

I'll be back to share tomorrow about my experience from tonight. I'm heading to a "Me So Far" event here in the city for those who live close to the Red and Brown Lines. I'm very excited to be a listener to a few presentations on the brave souls that have chosen to present on their lives and hope to make a connection. Stay Tuned and have a wonderful Hump Day!!

Thanksgiving Holiday Break

Hey Everyone! Happy Friday we made it to the end of the week. I'm off to CT for the long Thanksgiving holiday break that I've given myself. I cannot wait to be home with the family and catch up on some reading and seeing all my high school friends that I haven't seen in ages. It is a much needed break after these past two weeks. I wish you all a very happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday. I will not be blogging next week but I did want to mention two books that I came across and will be reading over the next week.

One Thousand gifts 

MWF seeking BFF

I've just come across both and I've started MWF seeking BFF and it's all based in Chicago which I love. The other is about how to make every single day in your life more memorable. Both sound fantastic and I'll let you know what I think.

I'm off to go cuddle with this little one. Can't. Wait.

2013 Michelin Guide: Chicago

For those of you in the Chicago area you'll have to check out the new Michelin ratings. Unfortunately, we did not receive has many starts as we did in the last few years. I was quite surprised because I feel as though we've opened up a ton of new restaurants and I've loved them all!

It is amazing through for Alinea to still keep three stars while L2O and Graham Elliot restaurants achieved two stars. There was a total of 16 Chicago restaurants that made the one-star list, including Mexique, a mexican-french restaurant in our West Town neighborhood.



We are one of the three American cities that have Michelin guides for their restaurants, which is pretty impressive. Of course New York and the San Francisco Bay Area and Wine Country are the other two.

I encourage you to take a look at all of the restaurants that made the list and support them!

The full list is here: 2013 Michelin Guide Chicago

Three Stars:
Alinea

Two Stars:
Graham Elliot *
L2O*

One Star:
Acadia (N)
Blackbird
Boka
Everest
Goosefoot (N)
Longman & Eagle
Mexique (N)
Moto
NAHA
Schwa
Sepia
Sixteen (N)
Spiaggia
Takashi
Topolobampo
Tru

Also, in case you were sitting at the edge of your seat for the new bar to open down in River North.. it's Official...John Barleycorn opens at 4pm tonight on Kinzie. I hope I never have to make it there!

A Drink with Chicago

I came across the best blog yesterday while taking a break during the long work day. Kelly and Hillary decided to start having a drink with local entrepreneurs, chefs, celebrities, socialites, artists and athletes who all love Chicago as much as they do.

It is a great read to see all of whom they've interviewed so far. The pictures are spectacular and I loved the interview with Robbie Gould. This is the best idea and wish I would have thought to do this but absolutely love these ladies for going through with it. Learn about all of the Chicagoans that we have here in the city.

Go ahead and check out all of their interviews: A Drink with Chicago

  

Da Bears

Well I know it's only been a day but I have to share our experience at the Bears game on Sunday. It was my second Bears game but my brother's first. I know what you're thinking, what are two JETS fans doing at one of the biggest Bears games? Well, I still fully support the Bears and love them dearly and despite the outcome of the game we had a great time.

I have to say that the weather was not too inviting. It was about 60 degrees when we left for the game in the pouring rain and high winds. We left the game and it was around 40 degrees, pouring and still extremely windy. It would not have been a true BEARS experience without the weather that we had.

I was so thankful because the seats that I bought were just under the overhang!! It was the best feeling after walking through the rain from the Red Line to the stadium and realizing that we had some of the best seats in the stadium. We were 15 rows up from the field and just by the end zone. They were great seats and we were both excited to see the Bears take on Houston.

We got to the game with enough time to walk around and so Ted could explore the stadium. We could not believe how many Houston Fans were at the game. We were sitting on the visiting side but still, it was kind of ridiculous even though the stakes were high for the game.

 Noisy Houston Fans were everywhere!

 Happy Veteran's Day! They gave out flags to everyone that walked in the stadium.

 The tributes to the Veterans throughout the game were very touching and everyone was excited to support all that were at the game and being honored.

 Now I do have to apologize for the game, I do believe that some of it has to be because of me. I have this theory, that is crazy, that my Jersey that I received from my Mom for Christmas last year is cursed. I'm not sure if it's because I should only being wearing my JETS jerseys or not but every time I wear it the Bears lose. The last time I wore it was for the Thursday night game against the Packers. I had to wear it to the game on Sunday but I am so sorry if that contributed to the game's outcome. I fully support the Bears but I do feel like I need to give my Cutler jersey a rest for a little bit, especially for big games such as the Packers and Texans.

That said, we still had a great time at the game. I was happy to be able to take my brother who is such an avid football fan. He couldn't believe the seats and we luckily stayed dry and warm for the most part. We still love you BEARS and I know that you'll come back for Monday Night football this week! I promise to not wear my jersey for the rest of the season!