To Chicago and Back

Friday, November 11,2016

The wild,wild week!

Last Wednesday I took a 10:30 am flight from LAX to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport to spend what I hoped would be a few precious and spontaneous days with friends and family. It started out with a bang as I arrived to my mother’s home to find my two older brothers also visiting. We caught up quickly as we enjoyed Lou Malnotti’s  deep dish pizza (a true Chicago favorite) and watched the Cubs make history! That night the Northside of Wrigleyville shook all over as the Cubs (who were playing an away game in Cleveland) took home the championship! I would have to say that it was worth it enough just to be there in the city, in the presence of all of the excitement and heart pounding adrenaline rushing fervor. The city that I had abandoned (well sometimes I feel guilty about leaving it for the the easy breezy California climate) was giving me a gift of treasured memories to hold dear for years to come. And to make sure of it I stood in two extremely long lines at two different Dick’s Sporting Goods stores just to find the exact Cub’s gear I wanted to bring back with me. Totally worth it!!

Above, showing off my Cub’s pride at my mom’s house and my mom who is still here at 85 yrs young! The picturesque view from Lake Barrington and one of two lines I was able to withstand.

The next few days would also be special as I met up with a few friends I hadn’t seen in awhile and spent my stay with my sister, Marsha who had opened her lovely home to me for my time there. My sister’s suburban home is quietly tucked away in the far Northern suburban forest plains of Chicago which is a wonderful contrast from a long day in the city. It’s tranquility gives one a settling of sorts, when in the evening you are craving  a wind–down and a peaceful atmosphere in which to accomplish it. However, during the day I bustled about downtown Chicago. I accompanied my sister to a hair stylist appointment in the River North area (coincidentally in the building adjacent to Trump Tower) where I found not only a quick bite of lunch at an in-house restaurant situated inside the luxury condominium building, Bongiorno’s  pizza hit the spot after along stroll along the River Walk and wouldn’t you know it, they had a wide array of gelato! I tried the pistachio, yum! Later in the week I would sample a tasty Sunday brunch complete with endless mimosas (full disclosure, they do a $25 brunch every Sunday, but I found a Gilt City certificate (using the app) that offered the endless sippies) at a trendy spot called the Highline Bar and Lounge whose food is to die for! The entire lay out is surely impressive with a full bar and a menu to make your eyes and mouth do tail spins! As a part of the Four Corners Tavern Group this is their first River North location that caters to a lunch crowd as well as dinner and a regular happy hour. While in the Chi it’s a must!

Above and below, scenes from the River North area and downtown Chicago. Trump Tower stands along the Chicago River, a delicious pizza I tried from Bongiorno’s along the River Walk, and landscapes and perspectives of architecture and angles I caught on film. (Dress by Zara, shoes Alberta Ferretti and jeans Zara) Highline Bar and their waffle station, a mini- waffle on a plate before it’s demise. Highline Bar Photo credits/ Empty bar scene, outside frame and sliders taken from internet,all others my own.

 

 

And no trip to any metro area is complete without some retail therapy am I right, or am I right, or am I right? So to get things started becacuse of course I forgot my body wash I had to head to Sephora at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. I was reluctant to find exactly what I was looking for (which was a typical foaming body wash) but actually found something new, at the suggestion of a very helpful Sephora representative I left with a L’Occitane Almond Delights Shower Oil which I love! It just barely lathers enough and has the most intoxicating almond aroma; you’ll want to lick yourself,yeah it’s like that. And as an added benefit leaves your skin pretty smooth as opposed to feeling stripped and dry. Next stop was the MAC store because hey it’s my alma mater and I had to go and see if my peeps were still there. Well I didn’t see any familiar faces but what I did see were new Holiday sets and boy was I tempted! I had to restrain myself…I’m trying to keep my focus on PAT McGRATH:METALMORPHOSIS 005 November 15,2016 is literally days away! So I just came in for the basics, Spiked Brow Definer  and  Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Layin’ Low .

Above: Some scenes from my Woodfield and Oakbrook trip… me with Rose at Oakbrook Nordstrom where she is Counter Manager for Chanel. MAC Holiday Nutcracker Sweet Photo credit MAC website. All other photos my own.

Several days into my trip I decided I needed that Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette , it was my birthday week afterall! So I headed off to Nordstrom in Oakbrook Center Mall where that most incredible thing happened…yes the Charlotte Tilbury palette happened too…but I was re-connected with someone so special that I hadn’t seen in along time. Just as I was admiring the lovely palette I heard a voice, asking me if I needed any assistance, I knew this voice and just as I swung around to lock eyes with the face I was greeted with my old manager from my Bloomingdale’s Estee Lauder days! Can you say, double -take! Let me start by saying, Rose was more than just a manager, she was more like a friend and a mentor, a guide and a teacher, so upon seeing her it wasn’t just a “hi”, I reached out and we both embraced at length! It was clear we both had missed each other so much! We made plans to get together before I left no matter what! In between this time my friend Kelly, who coincidentally moved to L.A. several years ago and then moved back to Chicago, was meeting me for dinner at an upscale Italian establishment Di Pescara in Northbrook. Now this place really sets the tone for “classy”, and while you don’t have to don a suit and tie or heels to make the cut; the fare, atmosphere and service make you feel like you’re the center of a five star dining experience.* Tip:get a bar seat, you’ll be closer to the bartender and they’ll have no choice but to service you faster.  Two days later (Election Day by the way) we had breakfast on the morning I was to depart back to Los Angeles and did some really great catching up! She suggested an eatery I hadn’t heard of in Woodfield, (somehow I keep ending up here, is it a sign?) called Wildberry Cafe , now I’m not knocking IHop…there will always be a place in my heart for you but this place is kind of a game changer! Everything from the decor to the menu has been carefully well thought out. I had a really hard time deciding what I wanted and I was actually pretty hungry, you would think I would’ve eaten anything. Eventually, I opted for a platter of Fresh Glazed Bluberry Belgium Waffles and their signature Napa Valley Fig omelette, yes! Okay, so my eyes were bigger than my stomach, I ended up taking most of it home, or rather to my mom’s as I had to see her one last time before I left.

Above, Kelly and I and a delicious shrimp Caesar salad from DiPescara, breakfast from Wildberry Cafe in Schaumburg, my new Charlotte Tilbury palette, a birthday treat from Sephora and Marc Jacobs, MAC goodies and film from dinner (and abstract structures I always capture) at the Saddle Room in Hoffman Estates.

It was a good visit…I’ll be back again in July for a wedding and once more in September for yet another, (must be something in the water). Until then, I’ll keep my memories close and my future expectations on the horizon.

 

Wishing you all Love and Luxury,

Linda

*Due to circumstances beyond my control some links may point to items or services that are no longer in stock or available at the time you are ready to purchase. I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. The items depicted on my page are in no way shape or form gratis or compensation for advertisement but simply items of interest to me personally that I have chosen to share on my site. All photo credits (except where noted) are the property of the retail sites from which the products are derived.

The For The Love of Things Project

Hello everyone!

Here is the questionnaire that asks what would you do and how far would you go to acquire the most coveted luxury item or items in your life? What motivates you to shop and what gives shopping and things meaning in your life? Why do we (extravagant consumers) as much as I despise that term, do what we do? And why do some not think it’s as important to them as it is to us? The purpose for this project is that I would like to write an essay that somehow sheds a little more light on the subject and I would like to get a firsthand account from more than just my own perspective.

So I am gathering information from other like-minded individuals like myself who are at times just as perverse and impulsive of a shopper as I am and at other times a cultivating planner waiting for that perfect opportunity to snag the dream object you’ve always wanted.

If that’s you then I’d like to hear from you. Tell me why you have to hunt down that secret sale or why you covet that luxury bag, why dressing your home is just as important as dressing your wardrobe. It’s all relevant. I hope to broaden the scope and find a multitude of motives and I know they won’t all be material, I know my reasons are not. Try to use your best words to truly describe how you feel about one of the most personal activities that we often embark upon in our everyday life.Share with me. This form will be open from September 20 through December 31. At that time I will close the form and gather the entries as I would like to begin working on the essay. I will assign everyone a “ghost” name as I will be quoting some of the information acquired from the entries.However, no one’s real name will be used as the information is sensitive and personal. If you would like to participate please send all completed entries via email to info@lindajamison.com no later than Dec 31, 2016.

1. What is your favorite luxury item?
2. When you were first introduced to shopping? By whom?
3. What was your first real luxury shopping experience?
4. How do you do most of your shopping for clothing/merchandise? Online? Brick and mortar?
5. How often do you shop, (not counting bare necessities)?
6. Who are your favorite designers? Why are you influenced by them? 
7. What was the most coveted item that you can remember desiring and when did you acquire it or are you still waiting to acquire it?
8. In your opinion what gives things meaning?
9. Does buying something necessarily give it value? How much an item cost?
10. How far would you go to acquire a luxury product? How far would you travel to acquire an item that you desired?  Limited edition item?
11. How much money do you spend in a month on luxury products, shoes, makeup, accessories, etc?
12. What is your current occupation?
13. What influences your shopping or whether you will make a purchase, i.e social media, digital media, magazines, friends, street style?
14. Have you ever over spent on a luxury item/items to the point of exhausting your reserve funds?
15. What do you think the social impact is on women/men who shop for luxury products verses those who shop for lesser quality products?
16. In your opinion, purveyors of the lesser quality brands, do you think they simply are not aware of designer brands, out of necessity or would rather see their money go on more sustainable goods? 
17. What role/influence does one’s environment (past or present)/upbringing have on the way a person shops for their clothing? Furnishes their home? Where they dine? Books they read? How they live in general?
18. Fulfillment means__________________________.
19. Luxury should always_________________________.
20. Fashion is____________________________________________________________.
21. If you take yourself too seriously______________________.
22. If you take life too seriously________________________________________.

19. Things can bring enjoyment and pleasure but______________________________________.

20. You can never have too much_________________________.

21. Another word for decadence would be_____________.

22. I’d go out of my way for________________.    

Thank you all in advance! I hope for this to be a very exciting project and I’m very much anticipating the results of it’s outcome!

Wishing you all Love and Luxury!

Linda

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COCKTAIL HOUR

Summer heat brings the inevitable invitation to entertain or be entertained and what better way to do it than with a simple get-together of friends, good music and a fabulous array of well designed and delicious cocktails served by a top thread mixologist in-house or out on the town. Here are several ways to design your own party or find one this summer season.

AT HOME Plan the perfect gathering with a few or more friends using some easily accessible tools. Whether you decide to entertain indoors or out or even a combination of the two is completely up to you;there are no rules. However,you do want your space to feel comfortable and intimate while still providing the encouragement to mingle. So as far as seating goes you don’t have to have a place for each and every guest as you would for a dinner party. A cocktail party is more open and definitely less confining than a formal environment. Which brings me to another subject, dress code. Decide if yours will be semi-formal or summer casual. Remember, this can be left up to interpretation for different people so indicate this in your invitation. You should also decide on a theme, this can be a deciding factor when you make a decision on the menu.

WHAT TO SERVE:FOOD Planning a menu can be fun or it can be a draining task depending on your planning skills. But because a cocktail menu isn’t nearly as extensive as a full-on five course dinner it needn’t be as cumbersome of a mission. First of all, think small finger foods like petite sandwiches,bacon wrapped shrimp,vegetable platters and creamy dip,stuffed mushrooms and so on. Walking about and socializing, guests don’t have much time to stuff hefty amounts of grub in their mouths, or at least that’s the objective. Hire a caterer for the bulk of the fare or lean on your local deli or grocer for pre-stocked platters. There are a host of venders that can accommodate your affair but if you are keeping it small look to a cook book for easy ideas that you can prepare in advance.

Mini Bacon Wrapped Potatoes /Creammy Tofu and Green Pea Dip/Fresh Mozzarella Toasts with Spicy Herb Oil

Mini Taco Cups

Photo Credit/Left/thekitchn.com Right/the girlwhoateeverything.com

Find this idea treasure here

WHAT TO SERVE:BAR Here is where you’ll definitely want some extra hands on deck. I’m not knocking your impeccable bartending skills at all but if you want to enjoy your party and your guests you’re not going to want to be stuck behind a bar all night. It’s best to entrust the expertise of a professional in this area at least for a couple of hours. Depending on the region you’re in and the skill set of the bartender, rates can vary and the way they charge can too, from an hourly rate to a flat fee. You saw Cocktail the movie, right? But for a fête to remember it could be well worth it. However, if you do decide to go the DIY route here are some books with ideas to get you motivated. *In either case don’t forget to figure in the cost of alcohol which can vary depending on your retailer. Try discount bulk merchandisers like BevMo in California and Sams Club online. see below

Photo Credit/ Reference.com

In  APERITIVO Marisa Huff takes on an Italian flair with recipes for cocktails and delicious food. As the name suggests in the Northern sects of Italy like Milan, it is a traditional call for friends to gather before dinner to enjoy snacks and drinks. Dave Arnold shares his LIQUID INTELLIGENCE and breaks down the analytical aspects of the art of cocktails. Now that you’ve mastered the basics you’ll want this advanced course.

So not all of your guests enjoy alcohol? Don’t fret. Stuart Walton shows you Classic Cocktails in his book and also an unexpected selection of non–alcoholic drinks as well. Fabulous photography guides you through the process. Tony Abou–Ganim is the fielding force that created a signature drink for Caesars Palace, Cleopatra’s Smile featuring lemon bitters,ruby red grapefruit juice,Ketel One Citron, Pavan Liqueur and Aperol. In his book The Modern Mixologist  he does a take on the contemporary cocktail that opens the window to ideas you never thought were possible.

SET THE MOOD:MUSIC Nothing says ambient, intimate and “let’s relax” quite like good lounge music and I discovered this on a distant trip to Miami’s South Beach at the Delano Hotel. They have mastered beach/patio entertaining down to a science. With a resident DJ, poolside bar and cabanas galore it’s the ultimate hotel experience.Invite your guests to take a load off and ease into a gentle retreat of great food, good company and eclectic yet soothing tunes. Other celebrations and parties may call for louder and more up-tempo music, but for a cocktail party the vibe is definitely suited for easy listening. And here’s the best part- you don’t have to hire a DJ for that. Simply pipe in a CD, your digital media or stream from an outlet like Pandora Radio. However, if you feel the need to spring for a DJ make sure to hire one that plays the music that will keep your guest entertained but not overwhelmed.

If you decide to go the CD route here are some selections that can’t be beat:

TIP: These are easily downloadable on iTunes

 

Hotel Costes 15 Stephane Pompougnac

 

The Best Chillout and Lounge Music 2014-200 Songs

 

GOING OUT:WHERE TO GO 

LOS ANGELES NORAH Expansive loft-like decor, vibe is elegant yet easy going. Still, dress to impress.

Photo Credit LosAngelesEater.com

CHICAGO MILK ROOM This bar masquerades as a cafe by day but by night you’ll find master Beverage Director Paul McGee serving a blend of exquisite liqueurs and “spirit forward cocktails“, as per the website. Located in the famed Chicago Athletic Club Hotel this gem only serves by reservation and if that were not enough, they only take eight at a time.Talk about exclusivity.

Photo Credit TheChicagoAthleticClubHotel.com

NEW YORK BAR GOTO  Feeling like something Japanese inspired? Then head here and order the sakura martini, a blend of sake,cherry blossom, absinthe, plum sazerac and four other unique and staple ingredients that come together and make for a truly unforgettable experience. Well, I can’t say for sure as I’ve never been here but I think this one would definitely get the party started…of course for me it could end there too. I’m a lightweight.

Photo Credit NewTorkEater.com

Travelling? Use the Urban Buddy app to ask locals where to find awesome spots to dine, drink and even rest your head. Nothing  beats the advice of the tried and true.

And for up to the minute responses, the SKORCH app guides you through your present location, revealing in real time the hottest places and events. If a bar,club,restaurant or any vendor associated with SKORCH is offering any specials you’ll be alerted. At this time SKORCH is available in the following cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Austin, Chicago and Miami.

WHAT TO WEAR: YOUR PLACE OR MINE Here you can really experiment and have some fun.Typically ladies will do a dress or dressy slacks and and a blouse. But how about silk walking shorts or a tailored linen romper with a pair of stilettos? That totally works! And when it comes to color, well it’s summer so think cool whites or turn up the heat with a bright like yellow or even a print. Let your imagination run wild but stay sophisticated.

 

From top to bottom column/ left to right red BCBG dress ,Gianvito Rossi red suede sandals,Gianvito Rossi gold and ivory sandals, Halston Heritage silk shorts,  Moschino sleeveless bow tie blouse, Trina Turk multi color print dress,  Twin Sister white tie wrap jumpsuit, Max Mara dress.

 

From left to right,Akris Punto graphic dress, IOSSELLIANI ring, Baublebar Helix Cuff, St. Xavier Magna Clutch, Baublebar Pisa Cuff, Baublebar Ion Cuff, Chicnova embellished box clutch,Sarahs Bag pill image box clutch, Pre-owned LANVIN box clutch.

 

I hope you all will enjoy at least a few evenings of small intimate gatherings and experiment with some new or traditional ideas inspired by this post. I know I’m going to make it a point to get out more myself. With the summer day temperatures rising to unbearable highs in most of the country, nighttime is the right time to enjoy an outdoor lawn or patio party. I live in a town home community so it’s not feasible for me but I can still envision it. And I’d have to shove the kids off to host one in my home but I’d gladly accept an invitation. Hint. Hint.

Wishing you Love and Luxury,

Linda

 

 

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*Due to circumstances beyond my control some links may point to items that are no longer in stock at the time you are ready to purchase. I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. The items depicted on my page are in no way shape or form gratis or compensation for advertisement but simply items of interest to me personally that I have chosen to share on my site. All photo credits (except where noted) are the property of the retail sites from which the products are derived.

FORAGER

Forage /fôrij,ˈfärij/  

(of a person or animal) search widely for food or provisions.

I may have just found my new best friend. And it comes in a bottle. Now I’m no self proclaimed foodie but I do know when something tastes good. And although not new to the market it is new to me because my local grocer has just begun shelving this delicious treat of a drink in my area. I stumbled upon Forager Organic nut milk blend about a month ago. I kept walking past them, a little skeptical of the $6.99 per bottle price tag. A little steep even for my liking to a quality organic product. But alas, one day I could resist no longer, by then I had done some research and found that the company is relatively new, being founded in 2013 by Stephen Williamson and Ted Leaman who both at one time worked for Odwalla. Jill Savini signed on as creative director and John Charles Hanley led the marketing direction. Their brand idea was to create a product that was first off organic, minimally processed, contained a healthy blend of ingredients and as little sugar as possible. Most of the cashew milk blend drinks come in at about 3 or 4 grams of sugar per serving, and the carbs were under 9 grams so with my low-carb diet these drinks fit right in with my plan.

At first I started off with the  Banana Date Probiotic Cashew Smoothie (and I’ll be honest it was really sweet) but by the time of this post it was off the shelf at both of my local retailers. Which tells me three things, 1.) they didn’t stock enough 2.) people really like that flavor and 3.) consumers aren’t swayed by the price because overall they’re selling well. The Nuts and Vanilla was the next one I tried, it wasn’t as sweet which was fine. It was just enough to be pleasing to the palate. Then I tried the Nuts and Coffee, which tastes just like a Starbucks bottled latte, only healthier. Or maybe it’s mind over matter. Next in line was the Nuts and Chocolate which even won my twelve-year old’s seal of approval!

 

Photo Credit Forager

So this was my first love and although it was naturally sweetened from the bananas it was a little too much sugar for my particular diet plan.

Photo Credit Linda Jamison

These two stole my heart as well and with the low sugar and low-carb content how can I lose…answer… I cant.

Photo credit Linda Jamison

 

This is like a grown-ups’s chocolate milk…only way healthier.

 

All in all the complete line of products range from juice blends to the nut milk blends and even chips! Check out the Forager website here

 

 

 

 

This stuff is really good …if it’s available in your area give it a go!

Wishing you Love and Luxury,

Linda

 

 

*Due to circumstances beyond my control some links may point to items that are no longer in stock at the time you are ready to purchase. I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. The items depicted on my page are in no way shape or form gratis or compensation for advertisement but simply items of interest to me personally that I have chosen to share on my site. All photo credits (except where noted) are the property of the retail sites from which the products are derived.

A Good Day in San Diego

Saturday March 26,2016

Every once in awhile you need to break away from the everyday routine and your immediate confines and get some “fresh air”, so that’s exactly what I did Thursday. My family and I took a drive down the coast to San Diego to dine on some great seafood fare at Edgewater Grill and browse the shops of Seaport Village. I hadn’t been to San Diego in so many years and a lot has changed. In addition to the great views and beach vibe of the pier we later headed over to the Gaslamp District for a bit of culture enhancement. I was totally enchanted by the raw, metro message the the dingy well traveled streets were sending me but my boys (at least my 12 -year old was a little uneasy). I’m a city girl by nature so the call of the urban wild is one that I heed to without any hesitation whatsoever.

 

First course appetizer, fried calamari…this was as fresh and delicious as could be; the fishing boats going out daily for the catch.

Next up…my grilled Mahi-mahi tacos. Now these may not have been far superior to the ones had by my dear friend Jessica indulged upon on her honeymoon in Hawaii some years ago but honestly I was quite satisfied.

Sweater  Zara here T shirt (exact sold out) similar here Isabel Marant Etoile  and  here   Jeans James Jeans Twiggy Crux (sold out this color) similar here and here and here Bag vintage Tignanello similar here   Shoes Birkenstock  here

 

Leaving the restaurant ….I know we’ll be back soon.

 

 

Some stops and shops along the way in Seaport Village.

Pier Cafe at Seaport Village

 

 

 

ESSIE Nail color in Pool Side Service

 

We went in search of something decadently sweet and found this place by sheer accident or was it fate?  Frost Me Gourmet Cupcakes was the winner of the Food Network’s season 9 Cupcake Wars show. After trying four of their specialty flavors (between myself and my three sons…c’mon people) I can see why.

 

 

Some other tasteful offerings by Frost Me and the partial remains of my Caramel Cashew Orange Zest cupcake.

 

No words…. we were on a time crunch so I had to restrain myself. It was so hard. MAC was my home for so long after working for the brand for almost five years. It’s almost impossible not to walk inside a store when I’m confronted with one. I have a loyalty to this product line that is second to none. This MAC is located on Fifth Ave. near Harbor Dr. in the Gaslamp District. I love how they have the sentry at the door…so posh.

 

I miss the metropolitan essence of city dwelling. This area gives off an uptown beat similar to that of  Old Town or the Wrigleyville area in Chicago. There’s a multitude of old architecture and refurbished structures left intact to serve a modern day purpose. Brick walk.

 

With it almost being Easter you know we were tempted to take in the sweet delights from It’s Sugar also in the Gaslight District but we were vigilant and opted to take photo mementos instead. This turned out to be a really long day and after we left the Gaslight District we went back to Seaport Village to grab a pizza from a restaurant we thought served Chicago style deep dish. However, we were disappointed and went home empty handed except for the stop at Portillos of which I didn’t partake. By then it was late and I was exhausted even with my lovely husband doing all of the driving. There was a lot of walking and such vividness of color and texture; I had a lot to take in for one day. Keep in mind I’m a stay-at-home mom so this felt like an awakening for me. I feel like I live my life in rewind, always doing the same thing over and over. I needed this to recharge my battery and give my creative senses a boost as well as my page some interesting content. I’m glad I could share it with you!

Wishing you Love and Luxury ,

Linda