Date Night Idea: Champagne Tastings Coming to Vin Chicago in December

**Disclosure: I have been invited to attend one of the Vin Chicago Champagne Tastings and will be reviewing the event. No other compensation has been received. All opinions are 100% my own.

As the holidays approach, many of us are thinking about what type of wines we should serve during holiday festivities. Celebrating certainly means popping a bit of bubbly! If you are unsure about how to choose champagne or are just curious about trying different champagnes and sparking wines, Vin Chicago's December Champagne Tastings are for you! Plus, what a fun date night! Selections will include some of the usual suspects like Dom Perignon and Bollinger but I am pretty excited to try a selection from Oregon! Here is a run down on the info for Champagne Tastings at each Vin Chicago location. Be sure to reserve a spot!

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FREE Essential Oils Class at JAI Yoga Studio Oct. 11 & Upcoming Grounding Workshop Oct. 18

Anyone looking for a little rest? JAI Yoga Studio in Palatine has some upcoming events that will help you rebalance and recharge in a natural, healthy way! This weekends FREE Essential Oils Intro may come in particularly handy when combating holiday stress in a couple of months!

**Disclosure: I do help JAI Yoga Studio with social media. However, I love JAI's yoga classes, too!

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Essential Oils Introduction and Restorative Yoga with Essential Oils: Two Opportunities for a Mom's Afternoon Out

Looking for some time to yourself? JAI Yoga Studio has two great upcoming workshops that will help you relax and even take some of new principles home with you. Both involve essential oils and I must say that lavender essential oil in particular has been a life saver for me! It really helps me relax and even helps me fall asleep when I have too many to-dos buzzing in my head! Here are some details about Introduction to Essential Oils on September 13 which is FREE and Restorative Yoga with Essential Oils on September 20. The restorative yoga session is $25 if you register in advance, $30 day of. You can register under the workshops tab at JAI Yoga Studio. JAI Yoga Studio is located at 37 E Northwest Highway in Palatine. Both are perfect for a little pampering! Plus, don't we all need to learn some relaxation techniques before the holidays?

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Parents' Night Out: Elements Massage Client Appreciation Night June 27, 2015

Looking for an EXCUSE to GET OUT and be PAMPERED! Next weekend, Elements Massage in Palatine will be holding its annual Client Appreciation Night at Lamplighter Inn in Palatine. The event will be held on Saturday, June 27 from 5pm-9:00pm! While at the event, you will be able to shop local vendors and learn about special deals and packages. Enjoy complimentary mini services including mini facials, mini manis, massages and more! The fun also includes complimentary food, prizes, raffles, samples and more! Tasty beverages for be available for purchase. A great way to spend the evening and support local businesses--while pampering yourself!

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Why We Love Visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden {in the Evening}

One of my summer pleasures is taking advantage of visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden in the evening. In the summer, the garden stays open until 9PM, slightly after sunset, which gives you plenty of time to amble around and explore. A stroll through the gardens can be the perfect way to start off a date night or just a tranquil way to end a busy summer day. Here are the reasons that we LOVE summer evenings at the Chicago Botanic Garden:

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Enlightened Balance Feeds the Spirit and Supports Local Artists in Crystal Lake

Sometimes a conversation can lead to finding a true treasure! Several months ago, a friend and I discussed a shared passion for local businesses and artisans. She clued me into one of her favorite small businesses that truly nourishes heart and soul, Enlightened Balance in Crystal Lake. Crystal Lake is quite a bit of a drive from me, so winter did slow down my ability to make a visit. Fortunately, last week afforded me the opportunity to drop in. Right away, I felt at home and marveled at how much there was to look at!

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Caffe Bene for Desserts in Glenview

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

One rainy and totally dreary day, we decided to do some exploring and settled on finally visiting Caffe Bene in Glenview. I say finally because we must pass it at least once or twice a week and often remark we should stop. A damp and dreary day seemed to be the perfect excuse to take an adventure to a coffee shop. I knew that Caffe Bene was noteworthy for its coffee creations. However, I did not expect it to be a haven for dessert! Gelato, honey breads, waffles, cheesecakes, macaroons and more! We were actually a bit take aback by the choices and took awhile to decide.

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An Afternoon of Yoga and Massage Supporting Local Families 12/13/14

JAI Yoga Studio, Elements Massage and Palatine Assisting Through Hope are coming together this season to collect donations for local families in need. Donate either an unopened package of children's underwear, an unopened package of children's socks or $10 and enjoy a complimentary afternoon of yoga practice and chair massages. Sounds like a relaxing afternoon out without the kids and for a good cause! What a way to help this holiday season! Win, win, win! Check out additional information below and register with JAI Yoga Studio.

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Add Whimsy to your Labor Day Drinks with Candy Cocktails {Review}

Photo Credit Katherine Good

**Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Candy Cocktails: Fun and Flirty Drinks with a Sugar-Kissed Twist in order to conduct an accurate review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Summer always brings back memories of enjoying cotton candy on the boardwalk, chasing the ice cream truck and licking vibrant pinwheel lollipops at the fair. Labor Day is around the corner and many of us are busy planning some end of summer festivities. Wouldn't it be fun to add a whimsical and sweet candy-inspired cocktail to your line up? Summer is all about indulging in childhood favorites--so adult beverages made from your favorite candy that even taste just like your childhood favorite with a little something extra would be a perfect addition to a summer party!

Pictured: Bubble Gum Mojito; Credit: Steve Legato

Authors Katherine and Flannery Good wanted to put the FUN into cocktails, hence they embarked on a journey to create cocktails that let imaginations run wild. They began with the blog Fashionably Bombed  featuring many of their zany concoctions. The blog is really worth a stop--especially with summer's last hurrah rapidly approaching! I am sure that you will find some candy-cocktail delight to tickle your fancy! Now, Katherine and Flannery have created a bound volume of their creations.

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Plenty of Tastes with Share Menu at Barbakoa!

Image via Barbakoa

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

The hubs and I went on a date night last week and we wanted to try somewhere new. From time to time, we are in the Downers Grove-Lombard-Oak Brook area. We have passed the newish Latin restaurant Barbakoa a few times, so we thought our free evening would be a great time to give it a try. Barbakoa blends various Latin flavors from Peruvian to Argentine to Mexican and Spanish for a bit of a fresh take on some of our favorite dishes. Sounds worth exploring!

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Journeyman Distillery: Handcrafting Spirits in Small Town Michigan

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan has been on our list for some time. A whiskey distillery, Journeyman is located inside the historic Featherbone Factory which once served as a factory for corsets and buggy whips. Already, you can tell a trip to Journeyman is fascinating.

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Wickets Bar and Grill in Schaumburg for a Mom's Lunch Out (CLOSED)

**Disclosure: We received a complimentary meal for the purpose of conducting an accurate review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% our own.

Tucked away next to the Loews Theater in the Streets of Woodfield is a joint worth straying a bit from the main drag to visit--Wickets Bar and Grill. Recently, we were able to stop by Wickets for a bite and to learn about the offerings at this local eatery. Our visit came at the perfect time because in addition to trying Wickets' food and experiencing its atmosphere, we were able to learn about some menu changes starting this month.

When we arrived, we were pleasantly greeted by Manager Dennis Antoniello. Dennis has had a lengthy career in the food industry and his passion for creating great food and a wonderful atmosphere for patrons shows. We learned that Dennis opened Wickets with the concept of creating good food that he enjoyed while catering towards the tastes of customers. While we were there, Dennis circulated through the restaurant and conversed with his patrons-truly showing his care for the customers. He explained to us that by learning about his customers, he can make a restaurant that is inviting for them.

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Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Park Ridge: A Girls' Day Out Adventure

**Disclosure: We received a complimentary chocolate tasting in order to facility an accurate review. All opinions are 100% our own.

If you have not tried treats from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory before, you have been missing out. Rocky Mountain can certainly serve up every fresh treat you are looking for whether it be something just pleasantly sweet or something all out decadent and rich.

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Dinner at the Glenview House {New Twists and Old Favorites}

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

A couple of nights ago, we found ourselves kid-free for the evening. We had tried the Glenview House some time ago and wanted to come back again to explore some other menu options. We thought that our date night was the perfect night to try Glenview House again. We visited pretty early on a Saturday evening and we were relieved to find the restaurant to be not too busy. There was a liveliness to it, but not crowded.

The Glenview House inhabits a lovely old brick building that has long served as a tavern. There are several floors to the building. On our first visit, we were able to sit upstairs. We found the upstairs to be elegant and nice and quiet. On  this occasion, we sat downstairs because the upstairs floor had been reserved. The downstairs is the bar area, so if you are there for the tavern feel, this is where you would want to eat.

We were seated quickly but were a little disappointed to be sitting downstairs. Since the restaurant was not crowded, though, the area did not get as noisy as it could have. Phew! In the future, if we ware looking for somewhere for a drink with a more boisterous yet comfortable atmosphere, the Glenview House would be on our list.

For our meal, we ordered a Caesar salad to share as well as our own meals. The Caesar salad was large with a healthy sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese. To me, shredded Parmesan has been the mark of a better than average Caesar salad. The powdered stuff just isn't good! I would definitely order this salad again!

 

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Helping the Body Heal Itself

I recently had a wonderful opportunity to experience an energy healing session, provided by Samana Jasper of Kidz N Moms.  I was unfamiliar with what this would entail, but I was looking forward to meeting Samana and seeing if she could help my health and well being.

I was not disappointed.  Since her Northfield-based practice is devoted to helping parents and kids optimize their health, I brought along my 8-year-old daughter.  During my conversation with Samana, I mentioned some problematical issues and concerns I was having, the main one being stress.  She also had a separate conversation with my daughter, who identified her own biggest area of concern (several fears).

From there, Samana walked us through techniques she believed would most help us, including visualization and alternate-nostril breathing (it takes some getting used to, but has proved quite effective at calming my body down!).   By the way, Samana is a holistic physical therapist, registered yoga instructor and certified in energy healing; with her 25 years practicing the healing arts, I knew we were in capable hands.

In the next part of the session, Samana focused on what parts of my body needed energy shifts.  It is a process called BodyTalk and, as a practitioner, Samana softly asks questions of a client's body to determine what area is a priority to address.  A light tapping technique (on both the head and heart regions) is used to help the brain balance and restore communication within the body.  Once the body has been reminded of the issue, it can initiate the healing process.  During the process, I was comfortable laying down, with a blanket over me and a scented eye pillow to soothe me.  It was deeply relaxing; my sense of peace at the end of the session continued throughout the day.  My daughter also experienced her own BodyTalk session...and it was marvelous to be able to see her body visibly still and relax (something I rarely see unless she is asleep).

Now, several weeks later, I am trying to implement Samana's strategies for calming down whenever I am aware that I'm frazzled by stress.  What is nice is that my daughter and I can practice the breathing and visualization we learned together.  I'd love to book future sessions at Kidz N Moms, and I also want to attend some of the yoga events and seminars Samana holds (mostly around the North Shore).  If you are interested in what Samana can offer, please contact her by phone: 312 256 5662 or visit her family health blog at www.kidznmoms.com.

**Disclosure: I received a complimentary session at Kidz N Moms in order to conduct an accurate review.  No compensation was received.  Opinions are 100% my own.

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Healing from the inside out {rediscover your center with Samana from Kidz N Moms}

Calm

Wake up. Take a shower. Get the kids up. Get breakfast. Take the dogs out. Feed the dogs. Make lunches. Get the kids to school. Go to work. Answer phone calls. Go to meetings. Squeeze in lunch. Work some more. Leave work. Get the kids. Go home. Let the dogs out. Shuttle kids to activities. Collect kids. Go home. Make dinner. Work on homework. Clean. Sneak in some work. Get the kids ready for bed. Maybe have 5 minutes to yourself or to spend with hubby. Pass out.

This is a simplified version of what an average day looks like for many of us. We leave very little time for ourselves. {I can hear my husband moaning as I stop to clean on my way to actually sitting and watching a show with him at about 10:00PM on any given night. I just do not know how to turn myself off.} Often, we take care of ourselves last and wait to do something about our health until we have a major situation.

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Samana Jasper of Kidz N Moms. Samana believes in healing ourselves from the inside out. She strives to help parents and their children attain their best health through balance. Often we get into a rut and we just want to fix problems instead of fostering our health before those problems arise. However, Samana takes a different approach and helps us work with our own energy to heal and bring out the best health possible. Samana uses her background as a physical therapist as well as her certifications in yoga and energy healing to help you heal.

Samana's office is a calm, nurturing space. I found it to be free of clutter with plenty of space--the perfect place to expand oneself. For the session, we focused on my health. Since my daughter is on summer break, she tagged along. Samana has a wonderful kids' activity area for little ones to relax while mom and dad are focusing on themselves! Complete with a chalkboard, drawing pages and more, kids are entertained using their minds while you have your session.

Samana has a positive yet calm demeanor and exudes confidence in being able to help you make energy shifts to improve your health. Samana and I began our journey by having a conversation about the stressors in my life. During the conversation, Samana provided me with some strategies for handling some of the communication issues that I have been having. She also began teaching me how to center myself and keep myself in the present instead of dwelling on the past or fretting about the future.

Next, Samana worked on determining more specifically where my body needed shifts. During the process, you are very calm and in a state of meditation. Samana taught me how to breathe effectively to balance my body. I was very at peace at the end of the session.

An inviting space for your healing.

The key to keeping balance and bringing out your best health is to listen to your body. I have been focusing on my breathing since meeting Samana and have found it effective in keeping me balanced. I focus on my breathing every morning and evening and am happier and more in the now. At the onset of a bout of stress, I can successfully use my breathing to bring myself back.

Healing is a process and Samana is there for you. After your session, she will set up a time to connect with you and check on your progress. She will also let you know at what intervals you should return for your best health. Everyone is different, so your healing strategy will be unique to you! Samana can also work with you during remote sessions via Skype or over the phone. She makes healing such a pleasant, convenient experience.

Kidz N Moms provides a tranquil space

Concerned with the whole family, Samana also helps children with energy shifts. She is very active in the community and holds yoga classes and workshops to help empower families. Samana keeps a calendar on the Kidz N Moms website that you can follow to learn about her sessions.



My experience with Samana has definitely improved my well-being. If you would like to learn more about Samana and Kidz N Moms, Samana can easily be reached by telephone at 312 256 5662 or email at samana@kidznmoms.com. Update: Kidz N Moms has moved to these two locations since the publishing of this post: 13557 Southwest Highway,  Orland Park, IL 60462 Or 910 Waukegan Road, Glenview, IL 60025
**Disclosure: I received a complimentary session at Kidz N Moms in order to conduct an accurate review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

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Sneaking away to Seasons 52 {a lunch out}

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

During the school year, my husband and I sometimes have the ability to sneak in a lunch out while our daughter is in school. On one occasion, we visited Seasons 52 to try their flights and flatbreads deal. We had heard about it awhile ago and decided to indulge on my daughter's last day of school since it would be awhile before we could go out to lunch together sans mini me again.

The flights and flatbreads deal is actually pretty good. For $15, you receive your choice of flatbread, three tastes of wine and a glass of wine chosen from the three you tasted. The choice of flatbreads even includes their specialty flatbread for the season. The wines are chosen from a selection determined by the Master Sommelier.

I love flights because they allow you to sample a few wines. With this particular flight, you actually get to choose your favorite wine for a full glass. In a way, it is the best of both worlds--you get to try something new and stick with what you like at the same time.

The flatbreads at Seasons 52 are definitely substantial. However, since all menu items are 475 calories or less, you know you are not doing too much damage by enjoying one!

We had a pork flatbread that was special for the spring menu:

We also had the Ripe Plum Tomato Flatbread:

Not too bad for a little lunch out! The deal runs everyday until 6PM. So, you if you have a bit of time to sneak away with your significant other or even a friend, this is an affordable option!

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Barrington Country Bistro {sophisticated meal perfect for an anniversary}

Last weekend, my husband and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. (Not sure how 13 years have gone by. However, we are chasing my grandparents' 63 years of marriage record, so I think that we have a good start.) When we go out for our anniversary, we like to go somewhere a little more refined. This year, we opted to try a new restaurant--the Barrington Country Bistro. I have been wanting to try the Barrington Country Bistro for awhile, so our anniversary seemed to be the perfect time!

The bistro is very contemporary. The food has a decidedly French flare with a dash of Italian thrown in. The bistro has an appealing prix-fixe option. At $32 for a full three course meal, the prix-fixe is a very reasonable choice for dinner. The Barrington Country Bistro has a substantial wine menu with a healthy number of wines by the glass. I like this because if my husband is not in the mood for wine, I have a wider selection of wines by the glass to choose from. Often, selection is diminished by the glass and larger by the bottle.

If you veer from the prix-fixe, however, you will not be disappointed! To begin our meal, we had a  Caesar Salad. We split a salad, so below you will see a half-sized portion:

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D.O.C. Wine Bar {an elegant evening out}

Last week, we were able to sneak away for an evening. One of our favorite places to go when we are sans the little miss is D.O.C. Wine Bar in Lombard. D.O.C. has a refined atmosphere, definitely worthy of a night out. Being a wine bar, D.O.C. does have a nice wine menu. You can order by the glass or bottle. If you are feeling like a little adventure or would like to learn a little more about wine, one of D.O.C.'s wine flights is always fun. Of course, if wine is not your thing, you can also choose a tasty beverage from many alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Now, you can get wine flights at other restaurants. In fact, it seems all of the rage. The real thing that keeps us coming back is the butcher's plate. Who can resist an elegant meat and cheese platter? The butcher's plate is perfect for getting together with friends to nosh or even as a dinner. For each butcher's plate, you are able to choose 4 or 8 cheeses, cured meats or bruschettas. My absolute favorite on the butcher's plate--the white bean bruschetta with balsamic reduction and reggiano.

As a bistro, D.O.C. does have many food options. However, the butcher's plate is our favorite treat when visiting D.O.C. We have fun perusing the selections and picking out a unique platter each time.  Plus, it is ideal if you just want something light.

D.O.C. is a fun place to relax, sip some wine, have a bite and enjoy a little conversation. The bar is perfect for unwinding when life gets crazy.

D.O.C. Wine Bar is located at Yorktown Mall.

Disclosure: I received not compensation for this review. All opinions are 100% my own.

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Island inspired rice bowls from Bahama Breeze {tasty}

**Disclosure: We received complimentary food items in order to perform an accurate review. All opinions are 100% our own.

Last week, we had the opportunity to sample the new rice bowls from Bahama Breeze. So many different bowls, so many different tastes! We are going to present you with a little journey through our experience.

First, I want to say that the staff at the Schaumburg Bahama Breeze is very welcoming and attentive. The manager, Juan, is extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. He actively works with the kitchen trying the dishes and really understands how all of the flavors come together. He is approachable and welcomes customer questions.

To begin our journey, we were treated a cocktail. Being early in the day, I ended up just ordering a Rum Swizzle to sip. The Rum Swizzle was truly tropical and an enjoyable drink for relaxing.

After a little relaxing and chatting, our first rice bowls came out--the Asian Chicken & Vegetable and the Vegetarian Asian Tofu. Neither one of us is a tofu fan, so the tofu dish was a little blah. I have had similar dishes where the tofu is fried, so that may have made a difference. The Asian Chicken & Vegetable was one of our favorite bowls. The sauce was nice and sweet. Everything seemed to blend well. The dish may have been a tad over sauced, but that can easily be remedied. You will notice beautiful veggies in the photos. What a breath of fresh air for veggies to be represented on the plate!

Vegetarian Asian Tofu

Asian Chicken & Vegetable

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