Fresh Starts!

2014...easing gently to the new year, I have spent the week reflecting over 2013 and the great twists and turns of life. Lots of great things happened. But what still is most present in our lives as we are reflecting this past year but we have this big hole in our house......We lost our faithful companion Katie, who has been by my side the past couple of years, she was the sweetest dog ever. The boys have broken hearts and if I had to guess I think Joel is having the hardest adjustment, he loved all the attention Katie showered him with! A man and his dog. The kids equally are missing the girl, you would think it would be easier, its been 5 months but still she left a big gaping hole in our hearts. my dear friend, Mo Landry took this picture of her and sent it to me the week she died, it was so cute to see her in this position, she always had her legs crossed! Sigh...

We have to carry on right?

Looking forward, I'm so grateful we can "re-set" with the new year. My list seems endless. I really want to carry this joy and excitement for the year; I am challenging myself to harness the enthusiasm I have at the start of this year with me thru out the entire year. My plan is to look at each day as opportunities but also the first of each month as a "re-set". Really question myself .......

                 What did I do the month prior that would lead me to achieving these goals?:

Here's short list of 2014...the ones you don't mind publishing publicly :-)

1) Thirst to learn more: online classes? Study and brush up on French via CD's (sounds so old school doesn't it) while driving, read a couple of fun books something at is not a how to improve something but that I can lose myself in the pages...suggestions welcomed!!

2) Be Organized! From closets to junk drawers I have this on my list every year and this time of the year we go thru closets to see what we are no longer using to donate to the PADS shelter I volunteer at serving food. The boys usually have a good amount of things they are no longer wearing and it's a perfect opportunity to use the new things received at Christmas to give to someone else in need.

3) Continue to expand the blog readership and editorial writing calendar (the I am putting it out there!) feel free to share with your circle of influence ;-)
  4) Travel to Europe!! Summer vacation sounds so divine right now as I look out the window and see the snow coming down, yes it looks beautiful but we are expecting the most incredible winter storm that I am seriously wishing for warm weather in the Mediterranean. 

5) Of course the list ALWAYS includes a regimen adjustment for health...more shapes to the muscle, less weight etc. I feel like this on my list every year for the past 21 years is the definition of insanity. You know what you do over and over and expect a different outcome...I must make peace with the situation.

6) Lastly, I want more fun, laughter & joy each day!

I am wishing each of you the good fortune of health-its everything, having friends you cherish and family that surrounds you with good support and energy. That you have meaningful work & more joy each and every day.

Cheers to the best year!

Feeling the rush of holiday planning!

With Thanksgiving upon us, and soon looking forward to hosting Christmas eve dinner...I am starting to get super excited about the impending holidays! For me it's always about celebrating with those that you cherish and spending time together. In my mind we are around the fire place playing games but somehow that never happens!

I have planned the meal, (thank you Bon Appetit Magazine November 2013 www.bonappetit.com for the awesome ideas!) starting to anticipate the holiday table decorations and settings so everything feels inviting for our guests...
But what really got me excited was looking at Beauty gifts at Odalisque Beauty Apothecary! I always like to see what Bridget has in store for the beauty queens on my list! Here is what I found...A wonderful body creme that is rich and delicate in aroma, Beach Rose is stunning! Let's see who gets this for Christmas...favorite sister in law...maybe!

 

 

 

 

And for those wonderful girlfriends....there are so many options..here are my top 3 picks include:

The Lip Slip In Nude Slip its the perfect color & über chic!

Luxe Nail Colors by Butter, how can you chose just

 Sensual smelling bath soaps...

And for my wish list for Santa...

Of course I want the Billion Dollar Brow Lift courtesy of NuFace! and with that the jowl lift, cheek lift are all part of the action. Did you know this is the only FDA approved micro current device? Originally this technology was used with people with Bells Palsy and it was found to lift the muscle very similar to Pilates for the body, this lifts and contours the facial features. Its AMAZING!

 

wishing you and yours an amazing Thanksgiving Holiday!

Innner Alignment Mandalas: Winter Harmony- Welcome Elaine Sauer

Thank you Jill and Michelle for the invitation to write a post to your beautiful blog & your Winter Harmony series~ Shine on Ladies~


Innner Alignment Mandalas: Winter Harmony- Welcome Elaine Sauer: The Winter Harmony blog series is our gift to our beautiful community to help inspire and support you to live in harmony with winter. J...

Geneva ....Places to Eat, Drink and Shop

OK I have been soooo behind on the blogging! Please forgive.... but I hope its worth the wait.... its the little black book, the secret must know about places to enjoy while in Geneva...think of it as an editors guide making it easy for you to hit some of the top spots around Geneva...all you have to do now is print this out, call The Herrington for your hotel and spa appointments, book a makeup with Bridget or Chelsey at Odalisque before dinner....make reservations at Niche - they feature some of my favorite dishes from the days of 302 West. Which will forever go down in my book as one of my favorite places to eat. EVER, too many fine memories.

So if I had one day to spend in Geneva here is where I would go..........

Start with some yummy energy to fuel the shopping.....for Breakfast..............

Mel's Diner 630 West State Street
Biscuits and Gravy, Eggs, all the traditional yummy breakfast treats

Chez Moi 415 West State Street
Lovely and amazing quiche, croissants and other fresch specialties, great cappaucino. The restaurant is really a sweet cafe that reminds me of being in Paris.

Nosh 211 James Street
Really amazing cup of coffee, and fresh OJ and Grapefruit juice, I blend mine and they have amazing Plain Ole Janes-their version of a traditional eggs benny! Yummy. if you want to hear yourself think never mind carry on a conversation request a table outside.... love the place....... hate the noise...


Let the fun begin.............Shopping for Clothes & Other treasures

Fuschia 9 North 3rd Street

You can find contemporary  mix of ageless classics amongst hard to find jewelry. Trendsetting designers that include some of my favorite: Elizabeth and James (Olsen Twins other line) Milly, Haute Hippe & TIBI.

Nora's Shoe Shop 12 North 2nd Street
This is the second store, to the sister store in Oak Park. Designer shoes mixed with many imported brands that offer a wide range for fit, comfort and most importantly confidence when chosing brands that include Matt Bernson, Antelope, Biviel, & the hard to find Chie Mihara

Jane Pabon 220 South 3rd Street
A unique boutique that mixes resale with new designers featuring sought after consignment high end bags like Louis Vuitton, Bottega Venata, Chanel, along with carefully selected career, casual and party wear. New clothing includes Velvet and YA from Los Angeles.

Artemisia 101 South 3rd Street
Right next to our favorite Geneva store ever (ODALISQUE) you will find another adorable store to go thru, I love this store for gifts that are truly unique and memorable. I have purchased many of their jewelry pieces among my favorite is a long rosary inspired cross, + baby gifts, and other treasures. Don't miss it!

Jobella Vintage 310 Campbell Street
A perfect place to do some serious hunting! i love working this shop over, from fun furs, and vintage bags and jewelry there is always a treasure to be found and something unique to add to your wardrobe.


By now you will need to feed your soul from all the shopping!

For lunch there are 2 places you have to hit...

Bien Trucha 410 West State Street
This super highly rated restaurant is hard to get in but worth the wait! Fish tacos cannot be missed, their daily fresh guacamole and classic margarita will set the world right! Trust me on this, you wont be disappointed! PS my sister in law always wants to go there but I think its 'cause she thinks the waitstaff are so handsome.....nuff said.......(and their sister store is right next store if you cant get in, its called A Toda Madre try their grilled whole fish! Chili Butter on bread is worth breaking your carb restriction!)

Moveable Feast 321 Franklin Street
Real Food, made from scratch, with the freshest and finest ingredients available. Every time I eat here every cell in my body is celebrating how delish and getting all the nutrients of live food...to stand before the case and chose what to have is overwhelming! Too many amazing choices but here are some suggestions..........grits with shrimp, crab cakes, or the jicama, pineapple and mango salad........ They do this crazy meatball with sweet potato and it is so amazing...and then I cannot forget the desserts.
Most people ride their bike for 6 hours in the morning some club of bikers just so they can have lunch at MF!! Because the desserts are out of this world. Fairy Tales, Deeply Fudgy Brownies (if they are good enough for Oprah and her friends, they are good enough for me LOL)


More Specialty Joints not to miss....

Floral Wonders in the same building as Jobella Vintage you will find Floral Wonders, flowers by Eva. Beautifully creative you will find the most elegant arrangements that are modern and fresh in their designs. She stocks a beautiful assortment of home fragrance which make lovely hostess gifts.

Just next store joining Floral Wonders is Past Basket hands down the best place to dream about a new kitchen. They are custom kitchen designers (drool over their kitchens!) with wonderful retail stores featuring wedding registry and some of my favorite linens for the kitchen. In addition to the store in Geneva, they have a store in Milwaukee, Wis too. My wish list always includes Le Jacquard Francais textiles for the kitchen, these oversize colorful designs are always a tasteful gift for housewarming parties and look amazing in the kitchen. Libeco Linens are also stocked along with dinnerware lines including Mariposa, Simon Pearce, Juliska & The Good Earth Pottery.

610 Home 610 South 1st Street
Love this store, you can find the most unique home furnishing to fluff your nest. What a great mix of vintage and new, the owners all have a unique eye for home decor and it is the perfect blend of contemporary and modern with a twist.

bb interiors 600 South 1st Street
Claudia Beebe has been a Geneva staple and has decorated many homes in the area, her shop is unique from the space to the eclectic mix of retail offerings. In her studio, she carries a wide range of fabrics (Toiles de Mayenne) to chose and select your custom furniture, drapery, bedding etc. Recently she started carrying Pine Cone Hill Bedding. She has a pair of tufted canary blue chairs that I have to find a place for!  What a great pop of color they would add to my very neutral space...but You can get them customized to your color palette...

Enjoy exploring some of the many wonders of Geneva....

Cocoon 212 South 3rd Street

From Comfy Furniture to great signs, gifts, cards, stationary, sweet smelling soaps, jewelry etc you will find gifts for everyone on your list.

Graham's Chocolate 302 South 3rd Street
Tasty sweets, delightful ice cream, with a warm welcome and easy chairs to rest while eating your sweets!


Dont forget to tell me your favorite spots!

Geneva featuring The Herrington Spa

Being in the spa industry for 20+ years doesn't really make me relax any quicker than anyone else when it comes time for my own treatments. I love facials and I love massages in the hands of a skilled therapist but as we rush from our busy lives into the quite sanctuary of a spa it still takes a bit of time to de-compress from your day.

Its one of the reasons that spas frequently tell you to come in 15-30 minutes before your appointment time allowing for adequate time to change, relax in the spa waiting area or simply take a steam before your treatment - that is one of my favorite ways to start off a treatment. The heat warms my muscles which tend to be very tense...on the other hand maybe its not muscle that I have but that is a post for another time (..........like a feature on cellulite!)

The Herrington Hotel in Geneva, IL is a delightful get away with lovely rooms that have amazing bathrooms. One of the coolest options is to have the in room bath service. A spa technician will deliver a basket and draw your bath- they have several options from Herrington Plunge which is a detoxifying bath and a mud mask to help relax your sore muscles & facilitate the elimination of metabolic waste while the bath salts are added to balance, energize or calm you down. Follow your soak after with a nourishing body lotion will moisturize and hydrate your skin. (technician drawn baths start at $25).

Its a charming option that you don't find at many resorts.

I had the great pleasure of meeting the spa director Laura Lambert who recommended the Herrington Massage ~ this massage is crafted with a built in time for diffusing the chaos and noise that we come to the spa to quiet our minds from! Brilliant!

...it begins in a treatment room with their signature table that has a built in foot bath. So my feet were soaked in an aromatic bath & then I received an amazing sea salt foot scrub that covered  my feet all the way to my knees from massage therapist Jeni.

I thought this was the perfect treatment to extend your pedicure in the summer. Summer months truly require a pedicure every 2 weeks because we are constantly exposing our feet! (This foot ritual exfoliates dry skin from being barefoot or wearing sandals.) I love my feet rubbed and my scalp massaged so Laura's recommendation was spot on!

After the foot ritual, you step off the table and they prepare the table for your massage. A full body massage with warm towels to sooth and warm the tissue follows. It was just what I needed. I loved the foot ritual because it helped me begin the relaxation process, so when it came time for the massage I could truly check out and sleep! (if  a therapist can rock you to sleep they are worth their weight in GOLD!)

The Herrington Spa is super cozy and its a perfect getaway even if you live in town! A good portion of the customers are couples especially on the weekends, when folks come out from the surrounding area for a wonderful time for exploring shopping and dining in Geneva.

You can reach Laura at the spa by calling 630.444.8424, the spa is located at the Herrington Inn and Spa, 15 South River Lane in beautiful downtown Geneva, IL. www.herringtoninn.com

More postings on places to shop and eat in Geneva coming soon!

Two Days in Geneva

I wanted to do a feature on this adorable town that is outside Chicago, it has a laid back vibe but offers many options to spend the weekend with someone you love or an outing with girlfriends. I will feature multiple stops you simply must hit if you had 48 hours in Geneva, Il.

What a coup to have the opportunity to interview one of my favorite Beauty experts~ Bridget Lescher, the owner of Odalisque, A Beauty Apothecary. She is the best stylist for your face, crafting a unique & totally wearable makeup where you feel you look your personal best! I never feel like I have make up on when she does my makeup. I love that she can give me fresh ideas, see me in a new light ....I mean how many of you have the same lipstick, gloss etc in the same shades from different brands?????? Hello I buy the same and I just need her to help me off the edge some days!

I am a huge believer that your face is your best accessory and its perfectly appropriate to get seasonal tweaks and updates to ensure you are wearing a fresh modern look that reflects your personal style. Bridget has the ability to do just that.

Odalisque has a modern,  luxe, bohemian feel and the store has just relocated down the block to a new address on 3rd Street. (101 s Third Street, Geneva, Il)

One of the reasons I love visiting Odalisque is you feel at home immediately, the warm welcome is genuine and you sense the love dispensed to each patron! They stock unique and fine fragrances that you don't see everywhere. I have so many great beauty products that I will share my personal favorites.................. the Lafco candle in Fois de Bois aroma, its smokey and sexy, makes a great hostess gift. I love Atelier Cologne and cant seem to get enough. Santa Maria Novella is an 800 year old beauty brand made in a Dominican monastery in Florence, Italy.  These are truly "affordable luxuries". And I can't get enough of the Spumadi Champagne Bubble Bath. The aroma is amazing, light and tons of bubbles~

As an esthetician, one of my favorite skincare brands is a staple at Odalisque with a cult like following, Dr Hauschka-I love it because of the science of herbs used in this line. Our skin is the largest organ we have and we assault it with chemicals over and over, its best for your health to use something that is so well suited to be on your skin. Dr Hauschka has a beautiful collection bath and body oils that are a must. I will dry brush, then use the oils on my skin & then slip into the tub for a truly remarkable beauty spa experience at home. The oils seal the skin and the heat of the bath water increases circulation and activation of the oils.

Here is a photo of the adorable Chelsey and Bridget (on the right) at the new home of Odalisque.

Q1. Who inspires you today with their personal beauty style?

A. Aerin Lauder (AL has a new venture coming out - she is an amazing taste maker), Ali MacGraw, Lauren Hutton, Robin Wright Penn, Charlotte Gainsbourg. Truly retrospective beauty with a natural image.

Q2. What trends do you like for summer?
A. The lack of liner, yet, lots of lash.... mimicking a time of innocence often seen on young children. The return of lipstick as we move away from gloss.

Q3. What do you see for fall, since its right around the corner?
A. Clear, open unencumbered eye - colorful lips, concealer -fresh classic and carefree look.

Q4. Is there one thing you could recommend to my readers that would update their look?
A. Brows - not quite overly groomed & precise. A full brow is spot on.

Q5. How would you describe Odalisque?
A. A great escape, bring love into the experience of beauty. I want people who visit to have a sense of adventure while shopping. We strive to bring unique offerings, a well edited collection of beauty and fragrance that is close to home.

Some of the specialty line of exotic high quality fragrance include So Oud, Odalisque is one of 5 retailers in the US to carry this line. This line is an exotic middle eastern influence in fragrance that is unlike anything I have ever experienced.

A great collection of Eye Bobs are also available - amongst other great candles, beauty treats that make excellent gifts and hostess presents.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Chelsey has an amazing approach to beauty, its been fun watching her expand her skills under Bridget's tutelage. I love her fresh perscpective to the application of makeup!  I so want to book a lesson for me a my 13 year old niece when the time comes with Bridget and Chelsey~ it will be my gift to her when she starts high school next year!

You can find your way to Odalisque here www.shopodalisque.com

101 S. Third Street
Geneva, Il

I will feature the Herrington Spa, & a lots more in the next few installments of the blog. Stay tuned!

Confession time: I didn't make it every day to TDM however 18 sessions were done in May! But I used the video when I couldn't be present in class. (A bit disappointed in myself for not being consistent as I intended to at the start of May~)

But so many cool things transpired ....The Dailey Method experience was soo good.

I loved the exercise-but this is super challenging (the position that was super frustrating... picture me back against a wall, legs up toward the ceiling & you are supposed to be as close to your legs as possible however that  middle tire was in the way!), the environment is clean and super sparse and the instructors all are unique in their approach and their interaction -making it fun of course but certainly great coaching to get the most out of the experience.

It works for me on so many levels, the ease on my joints. the effect of definition for muscles that revealed quickly during the process. Seriously my arms are looking pretty darn good for such a short time. I did however gain weight during the process....and that is frustrating despite knowing you are trading muscles for fat. Its psychological for me ...if I am working out this hard shouldn't the scale support me in a favorable way?? I work out I gain weight...don't like it at all. However there is a ray of sunshine that came thru this & it all comes down to eating and eating clean as Colleen, co-owner of TDM Wheaton shared with me.

The real cool thing is I also met this beauty in class, and when I heard others mention she was the "Juice" girl, I approached her to ask more about what she did as I was going to do a 3 day juice cleanse during May while doing the TDM.

As it turned out, life leads you on such a cool winding road, meeting Lisa from Holistic Nutrition (check her out here: www.freshsqueezenutrition.com) is a great part of my journey to wellness. Lisa is a guru when it comes to nutrition. A Game Changer, A Fire Starter (totally borrowing that from Danielle LaPorte!).  Plus she is totally gorgeous whats not to love about this girl?

I was not able to do the 3 day detox juice until the week of June 4th but the process was amazing. Having the extra time actually allowed me to start to prepare in May for the juice detox by weaning my 2 cups of coffee every morning. So I started by cutting the mix doing a half decaf and half regular mix. I had heard cutting coffee cold turkey could be a challenge..oh jeez I sound like a junkie.

Detox, cant imagine what I was in for. Could I go the 3 days without coffee?? And Chocolate? I mean I love both of them & consider them the daily ritual that makes my life what it is! ha

But the program works like this, Level One Cleanse which is what I started with is mostly fruit & vegetables juiced, lots of water and green tea as you would imagine to sort of re-set your body, a special smoothie designed daily for your detox, one day builds upon the other...detoxing the overworked organs such as digestive system, liver & kidneys. and a big green salad in the evening dressed with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Lemon or apple cider vinegar (i did both), Sea Salt & Pepper. I grilled some asparagus, steamed broccoli & had a variety of mixed greens from arugula to baby spinach. YUMMY. I loved that it wasn't totally all liquid, the salad helped me feel like this was something I could do and still be able to sit to an evening meal with my family.

After 3 days, I was down 6.5 pounds. Success! If I could do a back flip I would. Because the scale was not budging with anything I was doing previously. I liked doing it during the early part of the week also, weekends can be so crazy that having that slower pace was a great time to implement a 3 day detox cleanse.

Clean eating what a concept! So this 3 days has been trans-formative, I want to continue eating in this manner, and feeling this good. I was surprised by the overall clarity in thought, awareness about emotions, being in touch & feeling connected, grounded. Plus a flatter stomach and clear bright skin are just the icing on the cake :-)

And I am pretty sure I won't be drinking coffee. Now I am off to find a juicer to press my food daily!

Here's to your good health!