Why do people say "pardon my French" when they swear in English?

I spend a lot of time in my car, commuting back and forth to work each day. To pass the time, I’ll listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Recently, when listening to a podcast, an English speaker swore and then quickly said “pardon my French.” By uttering these words, it seemed to soften her language, making... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
March 4, 2018 at 2:18 pm • 

The Portuguese Francesinha: The delicious sibling of the French Croque Monsieur

This year, my family is out to “eat the world” by enjoying 52 different ethnic cuisines within 52 weeks. We were glad to start this mission with visits to Lisbon and Porto in Portugal – and the chance to try many new Portuguese foods. So, we were delighted when our AirBNB host in Porto listed... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
January 27, 2018 at 2:25 pm • 

Our New Year’s resolution to eat around the world - 52 countries in one year

My family has a big goal for the New Year. In 2018, we’re going to eat around the world. For 52 weeks, we’re going to eat 52 different ethnic cuisines. At first, I wondered if that was even possible. But, my husband rallied our sons to brainstorm the type of cuisines we’ve tried or could... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
January 7, 2018 at 10:17 am • 
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Lycee French Market returns to Chicago on Nov. 11 and 12

Holiday shopping in Chicago gets a French twist this weekend when the Lycée French Market opens at the Lycée Francais de Chicago. The 13th annual event takes place a few weeks earlier this year, allowing you to get your holiday shopping started – before Thanksgiving! Located at the French international school’s Lincoln Square campus, the... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
November 7, 2017 at 10:59 am • 

Chicago families can explore global cultures at first-ever Global Kids WorldFest on October 21

Living in a diverse city like Chicago, it often feels like you can explore different cultures just from driving from neighborhood to neighborhood across the city. But, there are those special moments when cultures converge in one place, creating a diverse world cultural microcosm where you can seemingly span the globe just by walking from... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
September 10, 2017 at 1:34 pm • 

Ways people respond to sneezes around the world

When I was younger, I thought people said “bless you” after someone sneezes because your heart momentarily stops with each “achoo.” I don’t know who told me that tale, but it stuck with me. And, it turns out it was wrong. The origin of bestowing a verbal blessing on someone after they sneeze can be traced... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
June 8, 2017 at 7:30 am • 
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Chicago Cares Serv-a-thon brings Chicagoans together for the city's largest day of volunteering

All of us have the power to help others when we give of our heart, our minds and our time. Yes, taking a few hours out of our normal daily routines and giving of that time to organizations in need, can have a ripple effect that’s felt by an increasing amount of people. All it... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
June 6, 2017 at 7:30 am • 

Yes, Americans need to learn English before traveling to London

Whenever we visit new countries, we try to learn at least a few words to use in our daily interactions with the people we meet and encounter. Whether it’s “hello” when walking into a store, “pardon me” when moving past people on the sidewalk, or “thank you” when being served a meal, it always adds... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
May 26, 2017 at 7:30 am • 

Four lessons families can learn from watching Hamilton: An American Musical

Like many families, mine has Hamilton fever. My husband and sons sing the song lyrics in the car. My older sons sings from Hamilton: The Revolution while he waits for us to leave for school. And, of course, we saw Hamilton: An American Musical on stage in Chicago. Recently, we had the pleasure of seeing... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
May 21, 2017 at 7:00 am • 
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5 reasons why a hotel breakfast buffet is always a good idea

Whenever my family stays at a hotel, we always select the room option that includes breakfast – if that means we get to indulge in a breakfast buffet. No matter if we’re in Athens, Greece or Sofia, Bulgaria, we’re always ready to select and enjoy the breakfast buffet. And, we’ve never been disappointed to start... Read more »
By Aimee Thompson,
May 7, 2017 at 6:05 am •