Archive for November 2013

Weekend Planner: Top 5 family events in Chicago for Thanksgiving weekend 2013

For an updated list of 2014 Thanksgiving weekend events for families in Chicago, please click here. For many of us, Thursday will be a festive day filled with family, friends and food. But, after we’ve recovered from the holiday’s indulgences, it will be time to venture back out into the city and have some fun. And,... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
November 27, 2013 at 2:20 pm • 

Gifts that celebrate Chicago: A few of my favorite things

Most days, you can catch me wearing a DesignHype Metro Cuff. They make the perfect gift for anyone who lives in, or travels to, Chicago. I also have one for London and can't wait to add more to my collection based on my future travels. See the current series at www.designhypeinc.com.
Throughout the year, I compile an always growing list of some of the my favorite items that celebrate Chicago. I am enamored with the Windy City and all that makes it so wonderful to me – its diversity, its neighborhoods, its maze of vibrant streets, its iconic “L” tracks, its shores along Lake Michigan, and... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
November 26, 2013 at 12:28 pm • 

Life's little niceties: Are they headed towards extinction?

When I left Starbucks the other day, I held the door open for an older man who was on his way into the coffee shop. I literally took about 10 seconds out of my day to stand there, patiently holding the door until he was close enough to walk through it. No big deal at... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
November 25, 2013 at 2:19 pm • 
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My 50 seconds on the Howard Stern Show (or why my husband is SO jealous of me)

This was a big week in my house. On Sunday, while the fierce winds and rains were pummeling Chicago, I got a tweet from the famous Lisa G. of the Howard Stern Show inviting me to speak with her the next day. She wanted to interview me about the blog post I wrote about why I’m glad... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
November 22, 2013 at 10:01 pm • 

Weekend Planner: Top 5 Family Events in Chicago / November 22, 23 & 24

It’s here – the weekend before Thanksgiving. Let the holiday fun – and other great Chicago weekend activities – begin! Here is the Raising World Citizens list of the top five events for families in Chicago this weekend – Friday, November 22, Saturday, November 23, and Sunday, November 24. 1. Bookamania Harold Washington Library Center,... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
November 21, 2013 at 12:09 pm • 

The parental challenge: Making the decisions to do what's best for your children

It goes without saying that my life changed for the better when I became a mom. Each of my two sons have spread joy into my life and allowed me to look at the world in a whole new way. As their mom, I glowed in each of their discoveries, their feats and even their... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
November 20, 2013 at 10:00 pm • 
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Chicagoans: Are you ready to be won over by gourmet macaroons?

I admit it. I am usually partial to macarons – the French cookies made with egg whites, sugar and ground almonds, and filled with ganache, buttercream or jam. I love the unique flavor combinations you can find at Chicago bakeries and patisseries. When I want a small, gourmet, flavorful treat, it’s usually a macaron –... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
November 19, 2013 at 9:59 am • 

Weekend Planner: Top 5 Family Events in Chicago / November 15, 16 & 17

Can you believe Thanksgiving is almost here? With two weekends until “turkey day,” we’re busy enjoying these more casual weekends until our family comes into town – and plan to make the most our of weekend days! Here is the Raising World Citizens list of the top five events for families in Chicago this weekend... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
November 14, 2013 at 9:26 pm • 

America's Got Talent: Why I'm glad my young sons are Howard Stern fans

If you’re kids are like mine, they picked out their Halloween costumes for next year before they even finished counting all the candy in their trick-or-treat bags. On Halloween eve, my younger son informed us he knew what he wanted to be next year: Howard Stern. I have to admit that I wasn’t really surprised... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
November 13, 2013 at 12:09 pm • 
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Photos: Lycée Francais de Chicago Fall French Market

From the time the doors opened, people streamed into the warmth of the school to begin shopping, eating and enjoying the wonders of the Fall French Market.
This past weekend, my days were spent surrounded by people happily shopping, eating and drinking at the 9th annual Lycée Francais de Chicago Fall French Market held at the French international school Friday, November 8 through Sunday, November 10. For two days, I got to play a behind-the-scenes role with the chef demonstrations, helping local chefs showcase... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
November 12, 2013 at 12:27 pm •