My Mother’s Day Wish List

Posted in Lifestyle by thechicagogoodlife

Mother’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. Even before being a mom, I always felt like it was the kick off to summer and another excuse to get the family together (with lots of wine and food of course). Now it’s extra fun and I love it even more as a mom. Not sure about anyone else, but I get asked every year, “what do you want for Mother’s Day?”. I’ve learned I need to give a few ‘hints’ ahead of time. So if you are stuck and need some ideas either for yourself or some hints for the hubby, here are some of my favorites this year. Read more on my favorites Motherhood & Family

A Gift Guide for the Wine Lover

Posted in Holiday by thechicagogoodlife

1. These socks are not only perfect for the wine lover, but they make a great hostess or friends grab bag gift. They are under $15 and you can find them here.

2. Do you have that one friend who loves to bring their wine in the tub or shower? It sounds crazy, but these people exist and I know several. Find it here.

3. Wine labels make the perfect hostess gift. I bought some for Thanksgiving and the host loved it. Buy the wine, stick a label on it and your gift is done!

option 1

option 2

3. These durable, shatterproof wine glasses are cute, but a practical gift for those wine lovers that bring their drinks to go. Great for movies in the park or those long stroller walks around the neighborhood. It also comes with a bag to easily transport your wine and glasses. Click here.

4. Who doesn’t love a good pun and wine? These wine glasses are great for those on your list with a little sense of humor. Dishwasher safe with a chip resistant edge, they make a great gift. Click here.

5. I am being a little selfish here because I just ordered this for myself. It makes the perfect housewarming gift for any wine lover. It holds the wine bottles, glasses AND the corks. It is available in “WINE” or “HOME”. Click here.

27Nov2017

The Gift Guide for every CHICAGO FAMILY on Your List

Posted in Holiday by thechicagogoodlife

Sometimes the best gifts I have ever gotten are the experiences you have together. Personally, I would rather have a gift that creates memories as family over anything else. That is priceless. So this holiday season, whether you are a friend, grandparent, or mom, I have rounded out a list of experiences families can have together throughout the holidays and into the new year. Give the gift of experience to the Chicago Family on your list.

The Berghoff– If you have never been to The Berghoff, it is a family owned restaurant with old German favorites like the bavarian pretzel, bratwurst and much more. They are a family operated restaurant, so why not bring in the ones on your list for the holidays and enjoy the iconic restaurant! They have several festive activities throughout the season and have beautiful holiday decor throughout the restaurant. If you would like to read more about some of their menu upgrades and my latest experience, you can find it here. They have gift cards available for purchase to give those families on your list an experience to dine and enjoy any of the activities below.

Die Weihnachtsgurke (The Christmas Pickle Ornament)– The Berghoff managers choose a post on their famed Christmas tree to hide a pickle. Children under 12 years of age will be invited to find the pickle. If a child finds it, they’ll receive a complimentary root beer. The special will run all day from now until December 23rd in the Main Dining Room. Valid with purchase only.

Spot the Brat (for the adults)– Similar to the pickle challenge, The Berghoff managers will hide their stuffed toy Brat dressed in Christmas clothing somewhere around the bar. Adults will be invited to find it and the winner receives one complimentary mini brat. Valid Monday-Thursday from now until December 23rd in the bar. Valid with purchase only.

Santa– Santa Claus will be visiting The Berghoff from 1pm-5pm every Saturday until Christmas.

Goldfish Swim School– We have been taking swim lessons at Goldfish for almost a month now and we LOVE it! We look forward to it every weekend. If you would like to read more about our experience, you can find it here.

Many families and kids want to take classes, but either can’t commit to the time, can’t afford it or are wary of trying something new. Giving the gift of a children’s class is a really unique way for family members to gift an experience and skill set that a family might not otherwise try! Goldfish Swim School this season is offering a great value holiday package this season. With 12 locations across the Chicagoland area, Goldfish features year-round swim lessons for children ages four months to age 12 with the benefit of state-of-the-art facilities and a confidence-building curriculum that promotes a love of swimming and water safety. This year, the holiday package includes:

2 months of swim lessons
the annual registration fee
a gift basket of Goldfish retail items

for $189 (regular price $220). Such a great value that will keep giving in the new year!

Pearachute Kids– There are some hot new kid memberships that will make for a great gift for you and your family to experience. Just think of a gift card or membership that keeps on giving!!

With Pearachute, kids can enjoy choices of different classes around Chicagoland that give parents flexibility and options to try new activities! It’s a monthly membership that lets you drop into the best kids’ classes near you. Memberships start at $39 a month and with Pearachute you can buy your kids, nieces or nephews, or grandkids a gift card to put towards a monthly pass. This holiday season, Pearachute is offering a FREE $25 Pearachute gift card with every gift card purchase of $100 or more. There will be a ton of Pearachute-only holiday experiences on the site this season like Polar Express tickets, visits with Santa, Christmas plays and shows, seasonal live theater and Santa breakfasts! You can find more information here.

Blo, Blow Dry Bar– Treat yourself and your little lady this holiday to a fun hair and makeup experience at the newest dry bar to hit the Chicago scene. I have had a blow out here a few times and it’s one of the best I have had in the city.

Blo, Blow Dry Bar, with its first Chicagoland location in the Southport Corridor, offers hair and makeup (blow and style, no cuts or color) and full makeup application with Glo Minerals products. Blow outs start at $35 on Mon-Wed and $45 after that. You can also book by appointment Blo for your holiday party, kids’ party and more! You can check out the holiday hair menu here. Gift cards are available for purchase.

Chicago Trolley & Double Decker- Holiday Lights Tour- Experience the magic of the holidays with Chicago’s most spectacular light displays at the city’s most popular destinations.

This tour is great for even Chicagoans that want to enjoy the holiday lights as a family out of the cold. As a bonus, A FREE holiday cupcake from Sprinkles is given to all riders. Tours are running now until December 23rd, 2017. Adult tickets are $29 dollars and Kid’s tickets are $18 dollars (ages 5-15). Reservations are highly recommended due to the popularity of the tour. You can make reservations here.

Enjoy this season with your family and friends because that’s what it’s truly about.

Until next time…

Christine

25Nov2017

The Gift Guide for Every CHICAGO FOODIE on Your List

Posted in Holiday by thechicagogoodlife

1. Social Sparking Wine– This sparkling sake is a local Chicago company and makes the perfect gift for all your holiday parties. Especially for any foodie hostess. Buy a case, stick a bow on it, and your gift is done! You can get 15% off using the code socialchristine when you purchase them online here. If you stock up for the season and spend $49 dollars, shipping is free!

2. State of Illinois cutting board makes a cute gift to either use in the kitchen or for display. They are usually really expensive, but I found this one on Amazon Prime for $15.99. You can find it here.

3. Chicago Pizza Tours– If your foodie friend likes to get out and explore, Chicago Pizza Tours is great way to experience the city and the best pizza around town. They offer different types of tours great even for your out of town guests. Use the code holiday2017 and you get 15% off any ticket or even gift certificates (the gift certificate still has the same full value) Book here.

4. This Chicago flag apron makes a great gift for men and women that love two things: Chicago and food. Available on Amazon Prime for $28.99. You can find it here.

5. Bumble and Bustle- Who doesn’t love a cute coffee mug right? These mugs make the perfect gift (I own two!) and there are a lots of options to choose from. Best part is the owner is right here in Chicago. You can get 10% off using the discount code GOODLIFE10.

6. Old Town Olive Oil – Did you know most olive oils in stores are actually filled with canola oil? I learned that a few months ago after a visit to Old Town Oil. You can sample lots of different kinds (my favorite is Tuscan Herb) and they bottle it right in front of you. They have sampler boxes with 2-4 bottles that make the perfect gift for every foodie and chef in your life.

7. Chicago Food Planet– Offering various tours around the city, taste the diverse food and drink of Chicago as a neighborhood food expert offers a local’s perspective of the city. It’s really quite an experience to eat and drink at the best places around the city. From now until the end of the year, you can book a private group tour for 15% discount. A great options for family and friends outings of 8+ people looking for a private food & beverage experience. Private tours can be booked directly at 312-932-932 ext. 5.

8. For any Chicago pizza lover, this shirt is perfect. And who doesn’t love pizza? Available on Amazon Prime for $11.50. You can find it here.

9. Chicago Wine Candle– This local candle company has been working up with local bars and cafes around the Chicago land area to receive used wine bottles. They have unique scents like champagne, bourbon (personal favorite), sangria and wine. They also started candle making classes. You can find more information here.

10. Saving the best for last. Every true Chicagoan knows how we eat our hot dogs. You can find it
here.

21Nov2017

Our Little Goldfish

Posted in toddler by thechicagogoodlife

swimming lessons at Goldfish swim school. They are offering a great holiday package this year.

Growing up, I was always around water and was taught how to swim at a very young age. In fact, I remember taking swimming lessons with my mom when I was 8 years old. Manny, on the other hand, learned how to swim in his adulthood. He has a slight fear of water and we did not want to pass that same feeling along to Noah. I view swimming as a life skill and it is extremely important to teach him at a very young age, plus it’s a fun experience for all of us!

Through some research and word of mouth, we found Goldfish Swim School and we LOVE IT! It’s our new favorite activity to do as a family. We each take a turn in the water with him during the 30 minute class (because of his age, we are in the water with him). We have the same teacher each lesson in a very small class and they work with you and the level your child is at.

swimming lessons at Goldfish swim school. They are offering a great holiday package this year.

At first, Noah cried and kept trying to get out of the pool. I never felt embarrassed or worried what the teacher would think. She worked with Noah and did not force him to do anything, just made modifications along the way. During lesson 2, he went completely under water. I was shocked! It actually took my breath away, but he loved it and does it in the bath now 🙂

By lesson 4, he was finally using the barbell, kicking his feet and using his arms to paddle. We couldn’t believe how much progress he was making. Not only is he learning how to swim, he is more confident in the water compared to the first lesson. This is priceless.

But one of the best features is there are showers, soap, lotion, diapers, wipes, hair dryers, and changing tables. Everything is there for you! Even when it’s super cold, Noah just plays with the various toys and activities until we are all dry and ready to go. He is learning such an important skill he will use his entire life and we are all having the best time while doing it.

They are also offering a great holiday package this season. With 12 locations across the Chicago-land area, they offer swim lessons for children ages four months to age 12. This year, the holiday gift package includes: