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DRINKS WITH A VIEW || Our Favorite Rooftop Bars in Chicago

If there’s one thing Chicago knows how to do, it’s taking advantage of great weather by heading outside. With the unofficial start to Summer behind us, the upcoming months will be spent outdoors as much as possible. Upgrade your night out by enjoying drinks and a meal with amazing views of the city. Here are a few of our favorite rooftop bars in Chicago to check out this season.

The Gwen Chicago

Located on Magnificent Mile, The Gwen rooftop is open year-round but we particularly love it during the summer. Their Prosecco Popsicle Poptail is a must try and a favorite of our very own Sara Nili.

Tanta Rooftop Terrace

Open seasonally (May – October), you’ll find live music every Wednesday, delicious Pisco Sours among many other cocktail options, and a Peruvian inspired menu at Tanta Rooftop Terrace.

I|O at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago

You’ll want to grab a drink (or two) at Chicago’s largest indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge. Chef crafted cocktails make it a go-to for a night on the town. Keep this one on your list year-round as the retractable roof keeps us toasty in the winter months without losing the great views of our city.

London House Rooftop

This tri-level rooftop venue is one of a kind in Chicago. Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating options as you eat American fare and sip on tasty cocktails and take in sweeping views of Magnificent Mile, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago River.

Cindy’s Rooftop

This rooftop location is a favorite of TSG Chicago Editor Katie Covalle. It’s easy to see why. Found in The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan, the Art Institute, and Millennium Park. The menu boasts seasonal creations that will keep you coming back for more.

If you head out to any of these places or have another favorite spot we should check out, be sure to share your photos and tag us on Instagram @tsgchicago.

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#tsgchicago #chicago #rooftop #rooftop bars #scoutandabout #thescoutguide #city guide #city guides #windy city #things to do #bars #lounges #summer drinks #get outside #summer weather

Valentine’s Day Date Night Ideas in Chicago

Whether you’re planning a date with a special someone or a group of your closest friends, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite date night ideas for Valentine’s Day. While a few have great specials going on for the holiday, all of them are always a good option for any night of the week. Dining for one this year? Treat yourself to any of these spots!

Cite Chicago: Cite may have one of the best lake views in the city, making it a very romantic date spot. It’s also perfect for your brunch crew. In addition to their Valentine’s Day 5 Course Prix-Fixe Menu, they are having Valentine’s Brunch on February 12th. 2-courses + bottomless mimosas for $49 per person.

Maple & Ash: Executive Chef Danny Grant and Director of Wine & Service Belinda Chang set out to reinvent the Chicago steakhouse – and they are doing just that. This is one of our favorite Gold Coast restaurants. The wine & spirits list is amazing and the food to die for. If the upstairs is booked or you have a long wait, you can grab a drink and small bite downstairs at the Eight Bar and Patio.

Terzo Piano Chicago: Celebrate your love with a special four-course dinner, live music, and a walk through the galleries of modern art. This is truly a wonderful and romantic experience. $95 per person.

Carmen at the Civic Opera House: Get dressed up for a night at the opera. Hear iconic music and enjoy this never before seen in Chicago production of French composer Georges Bizet's classic opera. Tickets start at $20.

Ballroom Dance Chicago: An hour-long salsa and rumba class with sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres will spice up your date night. $85 per couple.

Whiskey & Oyster Pairing: Try something new this Sunday. Head to Beef and Barley for Logan Oyster Socials whiskey and oyster pairing event. You’ll get to try four whiskey drinks, four raw oysters, and four prepared oysters plus you’ll get a raffle ticket for some great prizes. $115 per couple or $59 for one pairing voucher.

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Fit In The City: Favorite Chicago Fitness Studios

A new year always has us looking for ways to refresh our workout routines. We are fortunate to live in a city with countless options to stay fit and healthy.

Here are our favorite go-to spots and a few new places we want to try out. See any we missed? Let us know what we should check out!

Exhale Chicago: Not only can you take Barre, Yoga, Cardio + HIIT classes, Exhale offers spa services, mani-ped bars, steam rooms, couple’s therapy rooms, and wellbeing boutiques. The two locations, Gold Coast and Evanston, have different amenities but neither fall short of helping you transform your body and mind. New guest offer - 2 classes for the price of one, $25.

East Bank Club: Exclusive to Chicago, the East Bank Club is top of the line. If it’s good enough for Oprah and Obama, it’s definitely good enough for us! Take advantage of their many fitness classes, personal training sessions, swim center, racquet sports facilities, or nutrition services. Memberships start at $150.

Soul Cycle: With four studios around town (Old Town, The Loop, North Shore, and Southport) there are plenty of opportunities to tap it back and join the cardio party. Upbeat classes that are 45-minutes or 90-minutes are sure to make you sweat. The fun music and upbeat tempo almost makes you forget you’re working out. First time riders can purchase a class for $20

Studio Three: Three floors are home to the three fitness disciplines: interval training, cycling, and yoga. All under one roof. They offer a ton of classes every day of the week starting as early as 5:45am and as late as 8pm. Take a ride on a Peloton bike, feel the burn in an interval training session, or find balance during a hot yoga class. Try your first class for $13.

Core Power Yoga: 20+ locations give you the chance to practice yoga and fire up your mind and body all over the city. From CorePower Yoga 1 beginner (unheated), to Yoga Sculpt (92-95 degrees), to Hot Power Fusion (100-103 degrees), CPY offers a wide range of classes for every yogi. Fun fact – our Director of Media and Marketing, Sara Nili, met her now-husband at Core Power! New Members, get your first week free.

Flex Pilates Chicago: Hollywood’s hottest celebrity workout has made it to the Midwest. Tracy Zindell’s hybrid Pilates class will transform your body. Try this reformer studio in the heart of River North. With only 9 reformers, each class provides hands-on, semi-private instruction. Classes start at $40.

Baby Boot Camp: These stroller-based fitness classes are designed to help moms get fit. Classes combine strength-training exercises with cardiovascular drills. Classes are 4-5 times a week at Players Indoor Sports in Naperville, ACE Academy in Naperville, Community Christian Church in Naperville and Inspire School of Dance bordering Plainfield, Oswego & Naperville. First class is free.

Flywheel Sports: Clip in for a cycle class or head to the barre. Flywheel tracks your performance on the bike and challenges you in class to be your biggest competitor (along with racing against the rest of the class). Leader boards track and push everyone to give a little extra. FlyBarre is a total-body sculpting class that blends light weight training with core strengthening exercises. While both the Old Town and the Gold Coast locations have FlyWheel, you’ll only be able to book FlyBarre at Old Town. First class special (cycle or barre), $15.

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Our Favorite Holiday & Winter Activities in Chicago

With the holidays only a few days away and the official start of winter (hello, winter solstice!), we’re gathering a few of our favorite spots to enjoy this time of year. While we love all of the fun outdoor activities of Summer, we do have to admit there is something serene, and calm about the winter months – minus the hectic holiday shopping. Chilly days spent cuddling up around a cozy fire and watching movies is a nice change of pace.

We are looking forward to checking a few of these off of our winter bucket list; in between movie nights.

To Do

Ice Skating at the Peninsula Sky Rink

Head to The Peninsula Chicago Sky Rink for ice skating and winter-themed treats! Suggested donations are $15 per adult and $12 for children 12 years and under. All proceeds will be donated to two Chicago children’s charities: Hephzibah Children’s Association and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Shopping at Holiday Markets

From the Christkindlmarket, open until December 24th, to the Handmade Marketing, opening January 14, there’s always a place to shop for unique, local treasures. See more markets going on around the city here.

Ride the Holiday Train

A six-car train adorned with Christmas lights and painted end-to-end with snowflakes and Santa Claus runs on all eight rail lines. The final ride takes place December 23rd. See the schedule here.

To See

Zoo Lights

The Lincoln Park ZooLights are going on until January 1! It is a free, family-oriented holiday celebration with luminous displays and activities throughout the zoo grounds.

A Broadway Show

Escape the cold and see one of the many amazing Broadway Shows we have playing in Chicago.

Millennium Park Christmas Tree

Chicago’s 103rd Christmas Tree will be on display until January 6th. Stop by over the weekend for an extra dose of holiday spirit.

To Eat & Drink

Restaurant Michael

Spend Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve having an elegant dinner with friends as Restaurant Michael celebrates two culinary events you will not want to miss. Prices vary for each night. See more details and the full menus on the Restaurant Michael website.

Glogg at Simon’s Tavern

Warm up with seasonal glogg (mulled wine) at Simon’s Tavern available until January 1st.

The Drawing Room at the Chicago Athletic Club

Grab a drink and snag a spot near the fireplace while enjoying views overlooking Millennium Park. A night out doesn’t get much cozier than this.

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COLOR STORY || Fall Inspiration

Fall is starting to sneak in – we can feel it in the air. Before we know it, summer will officially be behind us and we’ll be cozying up with warm blankets and drinks and bringing out the long sleeves. We’re finding inspiration in one of Pantone’s Fall colors, Lush Meadows. Deep greens will be popping up in everything from home décor, to clothing, to bouquets. Take a look at some of our favorites at the moment.

Why not add one of Pantone’s Fall Colors to your nails this season? We’re loving the cool tones of Lush Meadow as we make the switch to darker nails.

Warm beverages are a must as the temperature starts to drop. Support local coffee shops like Bow Truss with their Ecuador Finca La Coventina blend.

Incorporate deep greens into your wardrobe. We’re loving this Cami Tank from Denim & Soul.

Flowers are always a good idea. Especially, when you know you’re doing good by supporting local farmers and helping a charity in Chicago. Read more about Flowers for Dreams and the flower farms they source from.

Emeralds are definitely on our wishlist this fall. Beauty and quality know no bounds at Graff Diamonds.

Whether you’re looking for a new paint color in your home or simply want to add a new accent color with décor, find inspiration from Apartment Therapy.

The lush green lawns and scenery at Monte Bello Estate make our hearts skip a beat. Is there anything better than a venue that is naturally stunning?

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Top 5 Luxury Family Resorts for Winter Vacation

Hey Scout friends! As much as it pains us to say it... summer will soon be coming to a close. But wait! We have a silver lining that will be sure to cure your end of the summer blues... it’s time to start thinking about your winter vacation plans! We’ve partnered up with TSG Volume 3′s Royal Travel and Tour ladies to bring us their top 5 luxury family winter vacation! Take us away!

Montage - Deer Valley, UT An authentic yet refined mountain retreat and occupying a coveted location within the Deer Valley Resort (#1 Ski Mountain in North America) Montage Deer Valley offers unrivaled ski‐in / ski‐out access to one of America’s best ski resorts, the largest spa in Utah, five inspired dining options including a pub with its own bowling alley, along with amazing year‐round activities including hiking, mountain biking, golf, outdoor concerts, and fly‐fishing.

Beaches - Turks & Caicos Set on Grace Bay's white-sand beach this is the perfect vacation spot. Voted the Best Hotel for families in the Caribbean by Travelers Choice in 2015, Beaches Turks offers three unique villages (the French Village, the Caribbean Village, and the Italian Village) for one incredible vacation experience. A 5 star all-inclusive retreat, there are endless activities for the everyone.

Paradisus Palma Real – Dominican Republic Combining a delightful Caribbean setting with world-class facilities, Paradisus Palma Real is a deluxe luxury all inclusive hotel in Punta Cana. Offering remarkable dining experiences including from culinary genius Chef Martin Berasategui rated 7 Michelin stars. Enjoy golf, swimming, tennis, new Fitness Center with state-of-art equipment and professional trainers, and the new ECO Spa, it’s easy to see that it’s a leader in the all-inclusive luxury retreats.

Four Seasons - Costa Rica Nestled on a Pacific coast hillside and overlooking golden sand beaches, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is your premier eco-adventure destination. This secluded sanctuary is built into a coastal hillside overlooking golden sand beaches. With an atmosphere of understated elegance, this luxury resort primarily attracts sophisticated families and couples. Guests can take advantage of a range of on-site activities including water sports, tennis, golf, nature hikes, and cooking classes.

Grand Wailea, Maui A tropical Oasis, unique in its design and amenities, the world class Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort allows guests to immerse themselves in exotic surroundings. Forty acres of lush gardens and tranquil waterfalls set the scene for cuisine, pools and a priceless art collection. Enjoy elegant accommodations, indulgent spa treatments, fine dining and thrilling recreation at this world-class resort. At the Grand Wailea you will have the opportunity to experience the best Maui has to offer -- whether you are looking for relaxation or adventure.

Who’s ready to hop on a plane?! We know we are! Thanks so much to Kendra Thornton, Brittney Magner, and Courtney McCarthy at Royal Travel and Tours!

Summer Entertaining with Calihan Catering

Summer is our favorite time of the year here at Calihan Catering. The days are longer, it’s more likely to be sunny & people are generally in better moods. It’s a fantastic time to entertain!

Here are some tips for summer entertaining!

Plan for weather! We live in Chicago, so you should always have a back up plan. Bug spray for extreme bugginess, inside space for downpours, lots of ice water for the scorchers & some wraps for the ladies should it get chilly. Don’t let the weather stress you out. No one will know how dinner was supposed to go – the party is perfect however it ends up.

Make sure your bar is stocked, iced & keep it light. People tend to drink lighter styles of drinks in the summer, a crisp white wine (super chilled), a lovely rose, or simple classic cocktails work well. If you are having guests make their own, provide all the tools they need & consider printing instructions for anything complicated. If it’s a larger group – get a bartender! They will keep the bar neat, tidy & safe for all of your guests.

Menu: Keep it light & interesting. We love reinventing the classics & think that summer is a great time to let simple fresh ingredients wow your guests. Consider getting the food prep out of the kitchen & onto the deck. We think grilling is a great way to beat the heat & prepare some really fun dishes. Here are some items we are in love with right now:

Grilled Romaine: Quarter some romaine – brush with some olive oil & salt and pepper to create the grilled wedge ceasar salad. Top with your favorite dressing, shaved parmesan & some croutons (if you’re eating bread!). To make this the whole meal, throw some salmon / chicken or crab cakes on the grill to make this a really easy summer dish.

Sweet Potato Slices: Who needs gluten, when you can make your own grilled sweet potato slices. Serve with hummus, a cheesy dip or truffle them and serve on their own. It’s an easy & delicious side or snack.

Pizza: It’s not just for the oven, it’s delicious on the grill. We have just started to reap the harvest of our farm & fresh grilled pizza is an awesome way to feature whatever vegetables are fresh from your garden or the farmers market. We love the classic tomato & basil, but are experimenting with goat cheeses, flavored olive oils & veggies of all sorts – lettuce toppers to radishes, almost anything is delicious on a pizza.

The most important part of entertaining is enjoying yourself. Make your menu easy & fun and make sure you spend your time with friends and family. If you need some back up, give us a call. We are experts in throwing parties.

Our favorite Pizza Crust recipe for the grill!

Yield

(2) 10 inch Pizzas

Ingredients

- 3/4 Cup Lukewarm Water

- 1 Tsp Active Dry Yeast

- 2 Cups All Purpose Flour

- 1.5 Tsp Kosher Salt

Instructions

1. Combine and stir water and yeast in mixing bowl.

2. Add flour and salt to mixture and mix until dough just comes together. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough until flour is incorporated, about 5 minutes or until it is smooth and elastic. The dough should be moist and slightly tacky. (If it's sticky, add in more flour - 1 Tbsp at a time)

3. Divide dough in half as this recipe makes two 10" pizzas. Roll/Pull dough to approximately 10" in diameter.

4. Turn your grill to high. Lightly brush your grill with olive oil (Do not use spray oil like Pam).

5. Using a floured cookie sheet, slide pizza dough onto grill. Grill for two minutes with lid closed and then check the underside of the pizza. The top should start to bubble up with air pockets and the bottom should be toasty brown.

6. Remove pizza crust from grill and lower the heat to about medium-low. Brush bottom of pizza crust with oil and place a light helping of toppings for your pizza. Too many toppings will make your pizza soggy, heavy and hard to get off the grill.

7. Place back on the grill for a few minutes or until your cheese starts to melt and bubble.

8. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Buon Appetito

Father’s Day with Frederick Lynn Haberdasshere

Father’s Day is our chance every year to celebrate some of the best men in our lives. While the idea of spoiling our dads, hubbies and the fathers of our children sounds exciting at first, this holiday begs for the answer to the age old question, “What do you get the man who has everything?” If this question is swirling around your head this year, look no further! With TSG Chicago’s editor’s husband, Patrick Wood-Price, in mind we’ve turned to Aaron Comes, founder and owner of Frederick Lynn Haberdasshere, for help! Take it away Aaron!

“This year Meredith reached out for Father's Day gift ideas for her husband, Pat. Let's face it, guys are hard to shop for but in general we all like 2 things. We like cool gadgets and we like spending time with our loved ones (but not necessarily in that order). Below are my Top 5 gift ideas for Pat this Father's Day.

The Gadget:

1. Cirrus Ice Press

Pat has an appreciation for bourbon, specifically Pappy Van Winkle. So when Pat and I first met of course I had to demonstrate the Cirrus Ice Press for him to serve with his Pappy. A round ice cube is the ideal shape of any master mixologist, which prevents your drink from getting watered down. The Cirrus Ice Press is the ultimate bar gadget for those that enjoy entertaining.

The Get-A-Way:

I know Pat enjoys traveling and what better surprise than a romantic weekend getaway to one of Pat's favorite places, or perhaps a new place. Believe it or not, guys don't mind getting romanced. I will let Meredith take care of the tickets, I can help with packing the bags! Here are a few items to help with the packing.

2. Ghurka Travel Duffle

Ghurka makes some of the finest leather goods and my favorite piece from their collection is the Cavalier II. The perfect size for a weekend getaway that will last a lifetime. Be sure to have his new duffle packed with some of the below goodies!

3. Custom-Made Sport Coat Outfit

Unknown to Pat, this year Meredith is surprising Pat with a custom sport coat, pant and shirt outfit for their nights out in Chicago and for when they travel back east. Pat's in great shape and having clothing made for him not only fits properly but allows him to wear pieces he wouldn't find in the department stores, such as his recent purple corduroy pants.

4. Marcoliani Socks

Pat's a dapper dresser and I bet he's just the guy to add a little fun to his feet on the weekends. We’re not talking hipster socks, but just the right amount of edge.

5. Zimmerli Underwear

Do the unexpected and surprise your hubby and pack a few pairs of Zimmerli underwear in his Cavalier II. Zimmerlie has been making the world's finest underwear for men and women since 1871. Handmade in Switzerland, there is no higher luxury. We are proudly the only boutique in Illinois offering this line of luxury undergarments for him and her. Trust me, they are worth it.

There you have it! Thanks Aaron! For more information on any of these items, head over to www.fredericklynn.com.

Happy Father’s Day to Patrick and all of our favorite Dads out there!

The Perfect Day for Mom!

If you're still working on planning the perfect Mother’s Day for Mom, no need to look any further! We’ve got you covered! Your mom deserves the best of the best and we’re here to help.

Start your day with a decadent Mother’s Day brunch at Travelle at The Langham Hotel. May we suggest the Bay Scallop Ceviche with Sweet Peppers and Preserved Lemon with a stop at the Bloody Mary Bar? Reservations are still available and can be made by phone at (312) 923-7705 or by email at [email protected]

Pictured above: Monika Dixon and her beautiful daughter at The Langham Hotel

If you really want to make Mom feel special, gifts from Elizabeth Grace during brunch is the way to do it! Garance Doré mini notebooks, Tokyo Milk hand lotion, Nina Griscom for GiGi New York calf hair clutch, and rose gold jewels... what else could you ask for!?

Now that she’s happy, full and feeling special, it’s time to pamper her! Send her off to a relaxing afternoon at Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique. Treat Mom to the CyroStem Signature Facial that’s sure to brighten her skin (as well as her day!) Appointments can be made by phone at (773) 327-7051

Last, but certainly not least, finish the day with some sweet treats by Sweet Lyon! Baby bundt cakes, lemon lavender madeleines and a lemon rose bread, oh my! Orders can be placed over the phone at (847) 302-5510 or by email at [email protected]

Spring Trends for Tweens from Frankie’s on the Park

It seems like there are two types of tween girls…those who love to shop and those who don’t. No matter which category your daughter (or niece or granddaughter) fits into, the shopping experience is decidedly more enjoyable (for both of you) at Frankie’s on the Park. Not only is the selection terrific, but the sales associates are so fun and adorable. We asked Frankie’s to show us some of the hottest spring trends for tweens, and we’ve included the links in case you’d rather just experience tweenage shopping from the comfort of your living room (wink wink).

Summer Lovin' White tank outfit: Top: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/girls-new-arrivals/products/me-n-u-girls-white-skull-top Shorts: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/vintage-havana/products/vintage-havana-girls-chambray-wash-shorts Shoes: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/shoes/products/soludos-original-canvas-dali-shoes Necklaces: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/products/zacasha-triple-tassel-necklaces

Black Tank and Crochet Pants Outfit: Top: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/girls-new-arrivals/products/vintage-havana-girls-print-tank Bottom: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/girls-new-arrivals/products/vintage-havana-girls-crochet-flare-pants Shoes: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/womens-shoes/products/dolce-vita-abley-sandal

Lightning Bolt Tank Outfit: Top: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/girls-tops/products/over-the-top-girls-lightning-bolt-tank Shorts: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/dl1961-girls-amber-denim-shorts Shoes: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/womens-shoes/products/soludos-womens-paradise-shoes

Stripe Skirt and Top Outfit: Top: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/girls-tops/products/sally-miller-girls-sweetheart-crop-top Skirt: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/girls-new-arrivals/products/sally-miler-girls-stripe-skater-skirt Shoes: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/girls-shoes/products/steve-madden-girls-comma-sandal

White Tshirt and Mint Green Jeans Outfit: Top: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/girls-new-arrivals/products/vintage-havana-girls-jeans-and-t-shirt-tee Pants: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/girls-new-arrivals/products/tractr-girls-mint-green-ankle-crop-jeans Shoes: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/womens-shoes/products/yosi-samra-womens-beige-serpent-flats

Sisters Floral Dresses Outfit Dress: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/vintage-havana/products/vintage-havana-girls-blue-floral-scoop-tiered-dress Tank: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/sugarlips/products/sugarlips-ribbed-seamless-tank-for-tweens Shoes: http://www.frankiesonthepark.com/collections/womens-shoes/products/yosi-samra-womens-samantha-perforated-leather-flats

These girls are the just cutest things we’ve ever seen. Frankie’s on the Park knows just what girls need for spring -- from must-have items to wardrobe basics. Stop in the Lincoln Park boutique to see more!

#frankiesonthepark #tsgchicago #tweenfashion #springstyle #chicago #illinois #love

Lee’s Antiques at the Antiques, Garden & Design Show

One of the most popular design events of the year, the Antiques, Garden & Design Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden features carefully selected and highly sought-after garden designers and antiques dealers. Lee’s Antiques is one of the most anticipated booths at the show, so much so that Veranda magazine selected one of Lee’s vignettes to feature in its March-April issue promoting the event. And we are thrilled to announce that Lee’s Antiques will be a part of The Scout Guide Chicago, Volume 3!

Lee’s Antiques offers the finest selection of furniture, lighting, mirrors, fine art, and objets d’art. Located in Winnetka, Lee’s Antiques helps clients achieve confidence in collecting while acquiring pieces that are both coveted and filled with a storied history.

Below is Lee Thinnes, owner of Lee’s Antiques, with Kelly Golden of Neapolitan, and Cindy Galvin, owner of Maze Home. Three of our favorite ladies and all members of The Scout Guide Chicago!

You don’t want to miss this year’s Antiques, Garden & Design Show, April 17-19 at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Visit chicagobotanic.org to purchase tickets. Stop by Lee’s Antiques’ booth and be sure to tell them that Scout sent you!

Dreaming by Design

Spring is here! It’s time to put away the boots, book the pedicure, and freshen up your home. New throw pillows for outdoor furniture, new flowers for the front planters, new serving pieces for entertaining, and new linens for the bed.

If you’re in need of inspiration for your bedroom (or if you just loooove a well-made bed as much as we do), mark your calendar for Dreaming by Design, a Chicago Luxury Beds event in partnership with Luxe Interiors + Design and The River North Design District. Ten well-known Chicago designers will be presenting “bedscapes” -- bedroom vignettes designed to inspire anyone who desires a bed as beautiful as it is comfortable.

Dreaming by Design

Where: Chicago Luxury Beds, 440 N. Wells, Suite 100N

When: Tuesday, May 5 from 5:30pm - 8pm

RSVP: [email protected] or 312.527.5337

Hope to see you there!

#chicagoluxurybeds #dreamingbydesign #bespokemattress #luxurybedding #tsgchicago #chicago #illinois

How Does Your Garden Grow? Tips on Getting your Garden Ready for Spring

Now that spring is here (dare we say it?), it’s time to start focusing our attention outward -- to our yards and gardens. To get your outdoor landscaping up to par in time for that spring garden party (or just the al fresco evening cocktail), we’ve asked nationally-recognized landscape designer Craig Bergmann to share his tips on how to prepare your garden (no matter how big) for warmer weather and budding blossoms…

1. Getting your garden ready for spring starts before spring has even sprung. The cold winter months are the perfect time to do winter pruning on your woody shrubs, ornamental trees and larger shade trees. One example are those beautiful old oak trees that have been accumulating dead wood for the last few years. The trees will scarcely notice the pruning when done when the trees are dormant. You also reduce the risk of transmitting any diseases by pruning when those disease organisms are dormant as well. If Oak Wilt is prevalent in your area, winter is the best time to safely prune.

2. Early spring garden cleanup of winter debris and a light coating of new mulch (1") will greatly benefit your garden's plants. Get out there early so you do not damage the emerging foliage on early spring bulbs like Snowdrops. If you do not have Snowdrops or any other early spring bulbs (Crocus, Winter Aconite, Squill), admire them in your friend's gardens and plan on adding these in the fall. They are inexpensive to purchase, easy to install, and wonderful harbingers of spring. Instead of a wood based mulch, try a compost mulch that will break down faster and provide more nutrients to the soil.

photo credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

3. A staple of midwestern gardens are peonies. While peonies are generally easy to grow and low maintenance, they have one major problem: susceptibility to a soil born disease called Gray Mold or Botrytis Blight. A simple, organic method to reduce or eliminate Gray Mold over time: remove old peony foliage and any adjacent mulch and organic debris in late fall. Repeat this step in early spring prior to young shoots breaking ground. Lightly raking the soil around the base of the plants after cleanup will disrupt the mold spore germination and its life cycle. Follow up with a new 1" layer of mulch after the new foliage has emerged.

photo credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

4. The dried foliage and seed heads of many perennials provide much needed winter interest in the garden. While the finches love the coneflower seeds, gardeners do not! They can self-seed prolifically and your new seedlings are not going to look like the new fancy cultivar that you planted. The light raking described above works well for controlling these unwelcome volunteers. Make sure your raking (or shallow cultivation) coincides with the seed germination, usually early May.

photo credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

5. Don't forget to give your garden ornaments some attention as well. Anything that overwintered in the garden is a candidate for a light cleaning. For the less winter hardy ornaments, get them out of storage and placed in your favorite spot in the garden. Do this before your garden plants emerge from the ground to avoid damaging the tender new foliage.

photo credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

Are you feeling as inspired as we are to give your garden a makeover?? Now is the perfect time to contact the team at Craig Bergmann Landscape Design (847.251.8355). If you are looking for design and installation, ask for Erik Dayrell. If you need garden care, ask for Russ Buvala. If you’re just wanting more beautiful pictures and helpful tips, be sure to check out their blog and find them on Facebook! Now set aside some time this weekend to clean up and mulch (or call the CBLD team to do it for you!).

Today we celebrated all of our fabulous members of The Scout Guide, Chicago (Volume 2) with the #HowILocal 100-volume countdown.

From our Editor, Meredith Wood-Prince:

“I feel so honored that these talented local artisans, businesses and entrepreneurs allow me to tell their story. They are the reason Chicago is the so unique and different. I've developed such wonderful relationships and learned so much from these incredible people. It’s truly been my privilege and I'm grateful every day!!!”

We’ve loved sharing more about our fabulous members throughout the day today, and we’re so excited to bring you The Scout Guide, Chicago (Volume 3) in just a few weeks! Thank you for following along as we #LoveLocal.

How to Find Time to Exercise & Make It Count

Our countdown to Spring Break continues! We’re committed to bringing you the best ways to plan, prepare, and pack for Spring Break 2015. Last week we covered how to handle spring break vacations with your nanny with fabulous tips from Strollers & Stilettos. This week we’re focusing on getting our bodies ready for a trip down south (and the swimwear that goes with it!).

For the best advice on how to maintain a consistent workout routine despite the demands of a busy schedule, we turned to Eirene Heidelberger, President & CEO of GIT Mom, a full service parent-coaching firm dedicated to helping moms (and dads) “get it together.”

Here’s what she had to say…

Tip #1: Compartmentalize your crazy, busy life.

I get it, you are busy, we are all flipping busy and your to-do list is long enough to circle the globe. So what?! We always have things to do; that's a great thing because it means we are alive and have people who rely on us. Switch your thinking! When it's time to hit the gym I like to talk to myself (in my head of course so I don't outwardly appear looney) and say, "Just get out of the house and go to the gym; just go, everything that needs to be accomplished will get done after I work out." And you know what? I am always right. Listen to me, I'm smart.

Tip #2: Tell yourself you deserve it.

Face it, nobody knows you better than you. You know your inner thighs are rubbing. You know you're huffing and puffing going up the steps of your townhouse. You know you feel tired and are stressed by silly life stuff that used to roll off your back. Respect yourself and listen, darn it! Because you aren't Gwyneth and can't employ your own personal trainer to drag yourself out of bed; be your own cheerleader and hire her. Your cheerleader is your biggest fan and loves you most and wants the best for you. Listen to her because you deserve to have a body that's strong and a peaceful mind. You deserve to have the body you want, get on it.

Tip #3: Food.

Food glorious food. I love food. I love to eat and drink wine. Here's the thing though, I make very smart decisions. For example, how are those salty onion rings going to make me feel when I wake up tomorrow morning? If they sound way too good and it's been a long time since I've seen a golden ring and I have PMS and absolutely must have the onion rings then I eat them. Otherwise, I focus on health eating. Lean proteins the size of my palm and lots of veggies and fruits. I know, I'm not telling you anything you haven't heard before. Here's the science, guys, 75% of what you eat affects how you look and feel. So, if you're committing to exercise you better commit to your diet even more. Go to the grocery store, order meals from healthy providers (the juices from True Juice are amazing!), pre-plan your snacks and meals so you don't become “hangry” and make a dumb food decision you'll later regret and, always remember to ask yourself, “is the fettuccine alfredo really worth it?”

Tip #4: Enlist a buddy.

As much as I love going to my favorite gym to work out by myself I have also started making regular gym dates with close girlfriends. It's an easy way to check out all of the specialized studios that are popping up everywhere in Chicago and to connect with busy friends. We get to challenge ourselves and try a new work-out we otherwise wouldn't because we feel embarrassed walking into the studio on our own AND we get caught up on life during the sweat session. When I hear about a new studio I'll email a girlfriend I haven't seen in awhile and say, "Let's try this, what days work best for you?" You can even email me and I'll meet you; let's motivate each other!

Tip #5: When you work out make it count.

If you're going to use precious minutes in your already jam-packed day to spend working out, the best way to get awesome results quickly is to really work hard. I'm not talking minor-heart-attack-I'm-now-injured hard; I'm talking a workout that is so engaging you can't think about anything else besides what you're doing. Get off your phone and quit the chit chat and wandering around aimlessly and really get after it. After the birth of my 3rd son I started incorporating HIIT (high-intensity interval training) cardio sessions into my workouts. These short, intense workouts will get you stronger, faster and who doesn't want to be more efficient? I guarantee this type of exercise works because my jeans are 2 sizes smaller and I run 2/3 fewer miles per week, that's a lot more time for watching TiVo! The added benefit of really challenging your body and mind is you'll leave the gym feeling alive and at peace in your totally zany world.

The proof is in the picture, friends! Eirene knows what she is talking about and we are so thrilled she agreed to share her tips with us. Spring Break is calling…answer with a few great workouts before you go!

Navigating Vacation with your Nanny

With Spring Break right around the corner, we're launching a series of posts loaded with helpful tips on how to prepare, plan, and pack for a successful (read: enjoyable...dare we say -- somewhat relaxing!?) vacation for everyone in your family.

And for many families, this includes making plans that consider the needs of one very important member: the nanny.

Whether you employ a full-time nanny, a part-time nanny, or a weekly or bi-weekly babysitter, navigating your relationship with your childcare provider requires careful consideration and a delicate balance. For the best advice on how to handle vacation time (or vacation plans) with your nanny, we turned to childcare expert Katie Lewis, CEO of Strollers & Stilettos.

If you employ a full-time nanny, whatis the expectation if you want to take her with you on spring break? (Pay, expenses, hours off, etc.)

If you do decide to take your nanny on spring break, you should expect her to be working the same hours as she would in a normal work week. In the event that thenanny travels with the family for a vacation, all expenses (including transportation, housing, meals) should be paid by the family and a nanny shall be paid a rate as agreed upon by both parties.

For overnight work, we recommend the nanny be paid at an hourly rate until the children are in bed for the night. Between the hours of 8:30 PM and when the children wake up in the morning, the nanny would be paid a flat rate, which should be agreed upon with the family and the nanny during the negotiation and contract process before accepting an offer.

If you have a full-time nanny, are you expected to pay her while you are away on vacation? What about a part-time nanny or weekly babysitter?

If you have a full-time nanny, you should be expected to pay her even while you are away on vacation. As you get vacation – so should she. To solve this issue, you can try coordinating vacations so that she takes off when you take off your vacation as well. Nannies should receive a minimum of two weeks paid vacation for each 12-month employment period. Families should provide nanny with central calendar of holidays and vacations, so nanny will know beforehand scheduled days off. Both parties need to ensure this calendar is up to date.

If you have a part-time nanny or occasional babysitter, this can be negotiable as they are not on salary and shouldn’t be expecting pay while you are away.

Looking ahead to summer vacation from school...what is your advice for handling the transition with your nanny? If your full-time nanny is paid a salary, should you plan to increase her compensation if your kids aren't in organized activities for as many hours as a typical school day?

Hours may vary and be highly flexible when kids are out of school, which we recommend paying an hourly rate for overtime worked in additional to the hours their salary is covering. We don’t recommend increasing salary, but a schedule and expectations need to be set and discussed between the family and the nanny.

Open communication and transparency between nanny and parents is what makes for a successful professional relationship with your domestic staff.

For more guidance on how to find, secure, and develop a successful relationship with your childcare provider, contact Katie at Strollers & Stilettos. Be sure to tell her that Scout sent you!

#Learn #Spring Break #Strollers & Stilettos #Nanny #Childcare #Vacation Planning #TSGChicago #Chicago #Illinois #The Scout Guide

Next week we'll be sending out 50 copies of The Scout Guide Chicago to some of our fabulous Instagram followers! We are loving this beautiful calligraphy by Bien Fait Calligraphy. Have a great weekend!

#Love #Bien Fait Calligraphy #tsgchicago #Chicago #Illinois #The Scout Guide

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