Into the Night: A Magical Children's Book by Local Author Carrie Steinweg

**Disclosure: I did receive an electronic copy of Into the Night for the purpose of this review. No compensation was received and all opinions are 100% my own.

I have been very fortunate throughout my years as a blogger and social media connector to meet many truly talented people. I have been following Carrie Steinweg's blog Chicago Foodie Sisters for quite some time. I have always enjoyed her culinary adventures and the enthusiasm with which she exposes local restaurants. Carrie is certainly multitalented and is a published author. Awhile back, I reviewed Old 104 Rides Again which is lovingly written children's book using Old 104's unexpectedly valiant ride to teach lessons about fire safety, the important work of firemen and how we all can contribute to safety. The book was truly charming and I am so happy that Carrie has written a new children's book called Into the Night!

Wednesday Weekend Windup {What to Do This Weekend}

I can't believe that it is already Wednesday! Where does the time go! If you are scrambling for some weekend plans, here are some ideas for this weekend!

ROAD TRIP IDEA: Dino Digs at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum in Kenosha, kids can excavate their own fossil on February 28, admission is free!

Saturday, February 28

• February 14-March 15 The Orchid Show, Chicago Botanic Garden, The Orchid Show will provide extra bursts of color throughout Chicago Botanic Garden's greenhouses. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and kids with those under 2 free ($8 and $6 respectively for members). Parking can be paid for online for $20 per car. **Plus, check out the Chinese New Year Event on February 21** See our review of The Orchid Show

Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe

Over the past couple of years, Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup has become one of our staple recipes. The soup is pretty easy to make and is quite flavorful. Ideal for a winter warm up!  My soup is adapted from Giada's Lemon Chicken Soup with Spaghetti. Simple and yummy:

In the Forbidden City Giveaway Winner!!!!

Congratulations to Amy, our In the Forbidden City book winner! I will email Amy and she will have 48-hours to respond or her prize will be forfeited. Thank you to everyone that entered this fun Chinese New Year giveaway!

Maple Sugaring Events in the Chicago Suburbs

Maple tapping image via LollyKnit on Flickr.

With the bitter, bitter cold, it is hard to believe that it is time for maple sugaring but it sure is! Freezing temperatures at night and *hopefully* warm temperatures during the day cause the sap to rise from a maple's roots making it ready for tapping! There really is no better topping for pancakes---or biscuits---or ice cream than sweet and natural maple syrup! So, let's take some time to celebrate maple syrup's sugary goodness!

While we traveled through New England and Quebec last year, we learned that Ben Franklin was a big advocate of expanding maple sugar production in the U.S. to decrease dependency on foreign sugar sources. I had no idea that this was even thought of but it totally makes sense! Maple sugaring events are such a great piece of Americana and fortunately for us there are plenty in the area! Here is a look at some we found:

February 28-March 1

Sap's Rising at River Trail Nature Center in Northbrook: Take a walk in the maple forest as winter is coming to an end and learn about the maple sugaring process. The event runs 1:30PM-2:30PM both days and is free.