Gifts in a Pinch: Under $30

Running out of BOTH time and money?  No need to sweat it, attack your Gift List with this quick roundup of fun finds...only pressure felt should be deciding which parties to attend this festive season.  After all, isn't it better to spread Joy to the World of family and friends? Happy Holidaze!


*Excludes tax and shipping

Gift for the Tasteful Wife

Gift for the Single Girl

Gift for the Single Girl

Gift for the Make-up Lover

Gift for the Hostess with the Mostest

Gift for the Gal that has Everything

Gift for the Best Friend

Gift for the Hip Husband

Gift for the "Bachelor"

Gift for the Favorite Brother

Gift for the Family Dog

Writer's Bio:

A Life"style" Junkie (or professionally, a Freelancer) writing about my likes, I cover both Chicago and New York markets. My claim to fame is NOT a trend expert, just someone expressing what catches my eyes and thoughts. All inquiries and comments most welcome: roserube@gmail.com

Healthy Thanksgiving : Roasted Mushrooms and Pearl Onions with Rosemary

Here's the last installment of my Healthy Thanksgiving series : Roasted Mushrooms and Pearl Onions with Rosemary. I realize it is the day before Thanksgiving but no matter how prepared you are, you are most likely, like me, hitting the grocery store today anyway. So throw in some crimini mushrooms and a bag of frozen pearl onions. I adapted this recipe from the culinary goddess herself Martha Stewart and added rosemary as a finishing touch because I felt it would pair well with the earthiness of the mushrooms and onions. It does! This is so delicious, you'll love eating the leftovers. And you will have your guests thinking you slaved over this very easy and classy recipe!

Roasted Mushrooms and Pearl Onions with Rosemary
yields small side dish; double for bigger side dish

2 - 8 oz. packages of whole crimini (baby portabella) mushrooms
1 - 8 oz. package of frozen pearl onions
few pinches of fresh rosemary or dried rosemary
extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt
ground pepper

Let pearl onions thaw, then strain, and finally soak up any liquid by wrapping in paper towel
Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel; cut in half if some are too large
Scatter onions and mushrooms on a sheet pan
Drizzle olive oil across the mixture
Sprinkle kosher salt & ground pepper on top
Sprinkle a few pinches of fresh minced rosemary or dried rosemary
Toss everything with your hands
Bake at 425 degrees for 25-30 minutes
Toss at 15 minute mark

HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY THANKSGIVING!

Healthy Thanksgiving : Roasted Veggies

This is another attempt at convincing you that Thanksgiving does not have to be smothered in butter! Today I bring you possibly the easiest and tastiest Healthy Thanksgiving recipe ever. It can be made as a side dish, as an appetizer, or paired with a cheese and cracker platter. These roasted veggies are nuggets of caramelized deliciousness, ridiculously easy to make, and can be served at room temperature (no worries about cramming your oven the last hour before dinner). I've made it a million times (slight exaggeration) and every time it's a complete revelation (not an exaggeration) to my guests when I tell them the plain and simple truth.

Roasted Cauliflower & Broccoli

1 head of cauliflower 
2 heads of broccoli 
extra virgin olive oil (the good oil, the one that doesn't clog your arteries!)
kosher salt
ground pepper

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Cut cauliflower and broccoli. Cut cauliflower into smaller pieces as it takes longer to cook.
Line two sheet pans with tin foil for easy clean-up.
Put cauliflower in one pan and broccoli in the other. 
Drizzle with oil olive and sprinkle with salt & ground pepper.
Toss.
Bake for 15-20 minutes. I check them at the 15 minute mark and determine if they need tossing and a few more minutes of cooking. I like one side really caramelized so often I do not toss them at all.

Notes: using pre-cut broccoli & cauliflower can save more time. I make this weekly so I always have cooked veggies on hand for any meal :)

Healthy Thanksgiving : Pears, Sage & Proscuitto

A healthy Thanksgiving dinner sounds like a paradox because it is. Traditionally. But it doesn't have to be! Over the next few weeks, I would like to introduce you to a couple turkey sidekicks that will keep all your guests happy and healthy. So set aside your green bean almondine with its crispy onion topping (not easy I realize!) and venture into a non-gluttonous holiday that won't have you regretting and hitting the treadmill hard afterwards.

Pears, Sage & Proscuitto

3 bosc pears unripened
1 pkg of proscuitto
1 pkg of fresh sage leaves

Cut bosc pears in half and then into thirds (each pear will yield 6 pieces)
Cut out any seeds and stems
Cut the proscuitto in half length-wise so you have two stacks of long pieces
Put a small sage leaf or half of a large sage leaf against a pear piece
Wrap a proscuitto piece around each pear piece

Bake in the oven for 15 minutes on 350 degrees

Sweet and savory, this recipe is paleo, and gluten & dairy free!

Winter Getaway: The American Club Resort

Do you need a winter getaway but the Caribbean isn't a viable option? The American Club Resort in Kohler, Wisconsin is just your ticket! Five-Star Resort. Five-Star Spa. Four Diamond Restaurant. Quaint Shops. Tennis Center. Kohler Design Center and Factory Tours (Kohler sound familiar? Look at your bathtub, faucet or sink). World-class golf courses (um, summer only). Only two and half hours from Chicago!

A couple years ago, my husband and I were looking for a little winter getaway. We pleasantly found perfection in The American Club. We selected the Discover Kohler package which included 2 nights at The American Club, breakfast in the Wisconsin Room and a three-course dinner at Cucina. Do pick a package; they are worth it!

Upon arriving, we fell in love with the old world meets new world charm. The history of this place is palpable, especially when you visit the Horse & Plow restaurant where there is a pictorial history of the immigrant workers who once lived here and worked for Kohler Company. If this history interests you and you want to learn more about how your bathroom faucets and sinks are made, then take in the Kohler Design Center with its museum downstairs and/or the Kohler Factory Tour.

If you're a little more into pampering (ahem, like me), do take in a spa treatment or two at Kohler Waters Spa. This is a Five-Star Spa after all. Across two visits, I have had the luxury of partaking in a Kohler massage (great), Sea Lime Sigh (okay), Cranial Sacral massage (different, good) and Lavender Rain Bath (heaven). All I can say is the Vichy Shower during the lavender rain bath is amazing! But having a treatment is just part of the fun because you also get access before and/or after to all the spaces within the spa...this includes the steam room, sauna and whirlpools, the top floor lounge area with fireplace and whirlpool, small workout room, and complimentary drinks and snacks. My favorite place to curl up is in a lounger in front of the fireplace on the top floor. One tip: you must book your spa treatments more than a couple days in advance. They get fully booked especially between Christmas and New Years, which is when we typically visit. Second tip: stay in your robe and have lunch on the 1st floor.

On our second visit to The American Club, we upped the ante by enjoying a five-course meal at The Immigrant Restaurant, a four diamond restaurant. The evening was impeccable, from the service to the food, everything was special and delectable. The restaurant is divided into several small rooms which lends to privacy and intimacy. Our main waiter introduced us to special touches and menu switches that could be made. The gnocchi with zucchini and zucchini bread crumbs was a delightful standout. Also the sommelier swung by to help with suggestions; my only complaint is that the red wine was served at room temperature. I normally wouldn't care, but when you order really good red wine, it does taste better at the proper chilled red temperature of 65 degrees. Wine snob?

On our second stay, we booked the Red Carpet Retreat package at the Inn at Woodlake which is a sister property to The American Club. It is attached to the Shops at Woodlake and contemporary in feel, like a Westin Hotel. Our package included a movie both nights as well as the cute little snack pack above. The second night, the hotel gave us regular popcorn, but my ever so resourceful husband called and requested the caramel corn. He knows the way to my heart! While we enjoyed our stay at the Inn at Woodlake, I would probably hasten back to The American Club next time where the rooms are more traditional and cozier albeit smaller, and where breakfast in the Wisconsin Room is a real feast for the eyes and tummy. Or I have always wanted to stay at the Carriage House which also houses the spa. Just imagine never changing out of your robe!

With your leftover time, enjoy the Shops at Woodlake which are just a shuttle drive away. Actually everything is accessible by shuttle so no need to get your car out. The Craverie Chocolatier Cafe is a must visit, if not to taste some succulent chocolate, then to eat lunch in their cute cafe. The Woodlake Market is also a must-hit for wine, beer and snacks. Or like us, you could buy a bottle of wine and made-to-order french dips at the sandwich counter and eat lunch there. And after all the pampering and eating, there are ways to exercise off the indulgences with Yoga on the Lake, ice skating, cross-country skiing, tennis, etc. Really this place has it all! And there's a lot I'm leaving out, so you'll just have to visit to discover for yourself.

Perfect holiday card photo-op!

While I'm sure The American Club is fabulous in summer, I only know this place as it is decorated sumptuously for the holidays.  

Twinkling with lights. Draped in snow. Oozing with coziness. 

I love it, and you will too. You'll nearly forget that you aren't in some warmer tropical locale.

Guest Blogger: Summer Lovin': Accessories

'Tis my favorite season, what's not to love? Days are the longest...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Weather is the warmest...HOT, HOT, HOT! Should you choose a vacation or staycation, all arrows point to the same summer destination...FUN, FUN, FUN!

Lips Crossbody Bag (Rose Gold), Diane Von Furstenberg

No need to plump up this pucker, lighten up your summer load with this coy crossbody by DVF!  The queen of fashion royalty, this dicey metallic number is just the right amount of wrong. Also this shiny neutral {a far pout from boring} combination of rose gold leather with silver hardware is sure to kiss and makeup with everything it is lucky to hold!

Wristlet (Navy), Jonathan Adler

Feeling a bit "SQUIRRELY"? Easy to associate Jonathan Adler with all things home decor and design, now welcome his foray into accessories! I personally extend a warm embrace with open arms, possible because the attachable strap can be worn hands free. Wristlet is roomy enough for all summer essentials: phone, lipgloss, mints and ID. What more do you need? Perfect for the park stroll. You know the fellow squirrels will be discussing this conversation piece all summer long...

 Mix Hair Brush, Mason Pearson

Want to eliminate bad hair days FOREVER? There is always a price (manageable hair=priceless), but this iconic tool will not only tame flyaways but renew your whole head. Will relay the secret: 50/50 combination of nylon and boar bristles evenly distributes natural oils, while the rubber base soothingly massages a healthy scalp. A recipe your hair always dreamed of made entirely possible! Every professional salon stylist swears by it, so forget stock (unless it is shares of Mason Pearson), this is THE lifelong investment.

Penny 2 Twist Turban Headband, Eugenia Kim

Not that twisted enough for a luxury 3 digit manufacturer's suggested retail price hair brush? Try this twisted turban headband instead, much more within the average girl's beauty budget. No need to go to combat with unruly hair caused by heat and humidity, this bold accessory with its killer looks will fool everyone into believing you are having the THE-BEST-HAIR-DAY-EVER! Eugenia Kim is a savvy designer who started her business creating a hat for her own bad hair cut day...and the rest is "hairs"tory.

Lip Balm (Strawberry), Rosebud Perfume Co.*

Summer fruits are a classic, but the strawberry stands out most of all (maybe the real interpretation: most all farm stands show classic strawberries?)! Don't pick this lip balm over, it is one for keeps long after berry season is over. An alternative to the original Rosebud Salve's floral scent but with the same emollient qualities. Breathe easy, as it is summer! So instead of taking time to smell the roses, make time to create Katie's Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp, a completely different satisfaction.**

*Writer's Picked and Owned
**Shameless plug on this hostess with the mostess' blog. Crisp is amazing!

Resin Foil Bangle Set, Amrita Singh

Summer season, are all days clear? CRYSTAL (at least the resin is)...foiled again! Not by sunburn, but by summer's consistent need for arm statement jewelry (aka the bracelet). ALWAYS step up to the challenge, match high temperatures with high style! Resin is the appropriate showoff. It is an easy and relaxed look laced with gold and silver toned foil. Pick a bangle, any bangle, as Amrita's set gives options for all your summer outfits and occasions!


Writer's Bio:
A Life"style" Junkie (or professionally, a Freelancer) writing about my likes, I cover both Chicago and New York markets. My claim to fame is NOT a trend expert, just someone expressing what catches my eyes and thoughts. All inquiries and comments most welcome: roserube@gmail.com

Banff = Beautiful

Lake Peyto, Banff National Park

Ten years ago hiking sounded...well...HARD. Enjoying a Chicago summer festival fit my world better. But years do change us. What I wanted ten years ago isn't the same today. So I find myself, while still loving the hustle and bustle of the city, equally pining for the serenity of wide open spaces, countryside, and mountains. 

Camino de Santiago, Spain

It all started last summer when I got a grandiose dose of nature by walking the last 125 miles of Spain's Camino de Santiago (pictured above). The personal peace I found while walking sometimes 8-12 hours a day was indescribable. I soaked it all in and luxuriated in it like a warm, bubble bath with a good book to read. The smell of the trees, flowers, and manure! The sound of the babbling brook. The feel of the early morning fog lifting. The beauty of the magic hour as the sun rises. Heaven!

Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park

In the words of John Burroughs, "I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." Nature has a profound way of instilling peace and helping to put life into proper perspective. All of a sudden, obstacles that are hard in everyday life, really become small and trivial. The important themes in life resound.

Lake Moraine, Banff National Park

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." Henry David Thoreau

Oh Henry! You say it best. I do yearn to learn while in these reflective places and apply these lessons for a more meaningful life. These messages are always along the lines of enjoy the present, don't worry about the future, slow down A LOT more, love others, have faith, be grateful. The trick is not letting these go by the wayside once one returns to everyday life.

Valley of the Ten Peaks, hike up from Lake Moraine

And when I am here in these places, I am thankful. The gratitude pours out of me. Thank you God for my husband, home, dogs, family, and friends. Let me not forget to thank you for my nifty bike, farmers markets, lazy weekends, and Stanley's Fruit Market that sustains my juicing regimen. 

Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike, backside of the lake

I cannot stop and the thankfulness reaches a whole new level of the quirky and sublime. Thank you God for the Walgreens on the corner that saves me in a cooking pinch (case in point, just this last week, instant oats). Thank you for my bike that helps me get to my favorite peanut butter & nutella cupcake obsession at Molly's Cupcakes on Clark Street. Thank you for all the free books and e-books from Chicago Public Library and the kind but odd librarian who always checks me out. 

I love this quote by by e.e. cummings which encapsulates my point ever so much more eloquently, "I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes."

Takakkaw Falls, Yoho National Park

Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park

So nature beckoned this year again. Mike and I set our sights on Banff National Park because of all of the awe-inspiring, almost fake-like pictures we had seen. We wondered if it really was that beautiful. {It was! As evidenced by all the pictures in this post.} Banff is the oldest national park in Canada. It is part of the Canadian Rockies and is connected to several adjacent national parks like Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park and Kootenay National Park. There is so much to see, you could spend one week, two weeks or even three weeks here.

Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike started from Lake Louise in Banff National Park

We spent 5 glorious days here in this wonderland of nature. We hiked, tackling a number of moderate hikes which led us on a new journey (spiritually, emotionally & physically) every day. Every direction, every view, every hike, every drive was inspiring. Even on the last day I was still in awe of the beauty surrounding us. And I did not want to leave - a true sign of a great place.

Bow Lake, Banff National Park

View from Tunnel Mountain, Banff the Town

Bow Lake, Banff National Park

Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park

Go to the woods!