The Elements of Review is now Socially Connected Consulting. My mission is to help brands/businesses connect to the right social media platforms for the best results. Let me help you get started! Make the connection!
I live in Toronto and one of the biggest malls here is the Eaton Centre. Recently while shopping there, the family and I stopped to get something to eat. The kids went to Subway, but the husband and I wanted something different. He had heard good things about Urban Herbivore, so we thought we would give it a chance.
You can custom make your own bowls by choosing from these fresh ingredients!
The Urban Herbivore is not your typical restaurant. They take pride in offering foods with no chemicals, preservatives or additives. Everything they make is from scratch. It's plant-based food. Their packaging is biodegradable, the cutlery and straws are made from corn. Even the lids and bowls are made from sugarcane.
And they have cupcakes too!
These things alone make it worth to eat at Urban Herbivore, but you know what else makes it worth it, the food. It is delicious, nutritious and amazing. I have only had two meals from Urban Herbivore, but the next time I'm at The Eaton Centre I will go back to try more. The bowls (Moroccan and Coconut Curry) are so good. And they give you so much food that I split the bowl. I have half for lunch and the other half for dinner. It is filling and makes you feel good about what you're eating.
Moroccan Stew
If you are in Toronto and want to have some delicious and healthy food, especially after a marathon day of holiday shopping, I highly recommend the Urban Herbivore. You will not be disappointed.
When I think of great caregivers, I think of my mom and dad. Even though they have been divorced for almost 20 years, they still take care of each other. Several years ago my father lost his right leg and sight in his left eye all in one year. My mom was there to take care of him almost every day for a year. My mom had knee surgery this past summer and my dad was there for her during her recuperation.
November is National Family Caregivers month, and the Random Acts of Kindness initiative aims to recognize and support the 40 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. Many caregivers are boomer women, often sandwiched between the needs of their parents and their own kids.
A popular misconception is that caregivers are paid medical professionals, providing full-time care to someone in need of daily help, when in reality, most caregivers are family members or friends who are also working and managing their own families at the same time. For many, the caregiving role starts with simple things like scheduling a doctor’s visit or helping with daily errands, but gradually expands over time, until it becomes a major commitment in their lives.
All you have to do is identify someone in your life or in your community who is serving as a caregiver and do something nice for them. It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive, just a small gesture that makes a caregiver’s life a little easier.
And please share your story with us. If you submit a 150 word or less summary of how you made a caregiver feel special and photo, you’ll be entered to win a cash prize from our $10,000 pot.
Almost three in ten people who are caring for someone say their life has changed with caregiving, oftentimes for the negative. More than one in five say their weight, their exercise, or their social life has/have suffered. Emotionally, one in five say they are generally unhappier and one in three say they feel sad or depressed. That’s why AARP created a community where caregivers can connect with experts and other caregivers and can find information and tools to take even better care of the person who once took care of them.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Element Associates and Midlife Boulevard.
Hello! I just wanted to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful day wherever you are! I'm thankful because my dad is here to celebrate the holiday with us in Toronto. So, I have someone to watch the Bears game with! I hope you have a lovely day!
The hashtag Batter & Berries use most frequently is #comegetyousome and indeed I did! I made a second visit there this summer. I couldn't leave Chicago without visiting the restaurant. Read my first review of Batter & Berries here.
Scallop Omelette
As usual the restaurant was packed, but it only took us 20 minutes to get a table. Pro tip: Go during the week, the wait for a table is better than the weekend. I have a friend who went during the weekend and had to wait over an hour for a table. The cool thing is that now they text you when you when a table is available. So, you can walk around the neighborhood, but don't go too far.
Benjamin Loose-Leaf Teas
I wanted to try the French Toast Flight, but I saw the burger with onion rings and sweet potato fries on the menu and decided to try that. I think they should offer samples of their signature dishes. I would have gotten a sample of the French Toast Flight and then my order. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding. I know it was only my second time there, but I will be going back every visit to Chicago because the atmosphere is very welcoming. I felt like I was going to a friend's home to eat. We saw our favorite server Tim there and he greeted us with a hug.
Batter & Berries Menu
Check out the Batter & Berries menu here. Have you been to Batter & Berries?! Please share your experience in the comments section. To find out more about Batter & Berries follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Back in 2011 Ramsey Lewis released Take Another Look. It was a CD going back to his electric band roots of the 1970s. What I like to call the 'Sun Goddess' Era. The deluxe edition released in 2015 has three bonus songs 'Jungle Strut', 'Tambura', and 'Sharing Her Journey.' This CD takes me back to my younger days when my parents played their Ramsey Lewis records. Below you can see Ramsey talking about how the CD Take Another Look came together.
Track Listing:
1. Intimacy
2. Tambura
3. Love Song
4. Living for the City
5. Betcha by Golly Wow
6. To Know Her
7. The Way She Smiles
8. Jungle Strut
9. Sharing Her Journey
10. Sun Goddess
Bonus Tracks:
1. Jungle Strut - Dr. John
2. Tambura -- Kung Fu
3. Sharing Her Journey - TAUK
I like the mixture of songs on this CD. There's something for everyone. This is a great CD to listen to while relaxing or hanging out with friends and family this holiday season. And for the Ramsey Lewis or jazz music fan in your life this would make a great gift. It's never too early to start thinking about holiday gifts. Speaking of holidays, my first introduction to Ramsey Lewis was his Sound of Christmas album as a child. It wasn't officially Christmastime until that album was played in our home and I still feel that way. I bet once you hear this CD it will be on heavy rotation in your home too! Any Ramsey Lewis CD would be an excellent addition to your music library. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I received this CD free for an honest review. The opinions are my own and results may vary. I received no monetary compensation for my review.
I have done so much damage to my hair. It became lifeless and brittle. I could feel and hear it snap while combing. For the past 3 weeks I've been using Pantene's Pro-V Overnight Miracle and Ultimate BB Creme haircare products.
The Overnight Miracle works on my hair overnight while I sleep. Just apply to the hair and go to sleep. It's that simple! The Overnight Miracle dissolves in the hair quickly and doesn't leave any residue on the pillow. Ovenight Miracle erases at least 6 months of damage.
The Ultimate 10 BB Creme is for use during the day. It's a 10 in 1 hair perfecter. It strengthens hair, has frizz control, protects hair from heat styling. It can be used on wet or dry hair.
I've noticed a lot less breakage and my hair is less dry and easier to manage. I will continue to use these two products together. I think these products are a must for the summer especially if you are spending a lot of time in the sun. Use these products daily to repair and protect your hair from sun damage. Find out more about these and other Pantene products at Pantene.com
If you follow me on Twitter (@dancingvalentin) or know me just a little bit, you know that I love Chicago. I was born and raised there. We are getting ready for our yearly trip there! Chicago has been in the news a lot lately because of the violence that plagues the city, but there's more to Chicago than that. That is why I love the city so much. It has more to offer than you may hear. Recently, I've been inspired by Choose Chicago's campaign Beyond the Loop. Two Second City members go into various neighborhoods around the city to show that there is more to Chicago than the Loop, Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier.
President and Mrs. Obama's home in Hyde Park
The first episode I saw was for Hyde Park.
Hyde Park is my favorite neighborhood. I just feel like I can exhale, be myself and enjoy the sights and sounds of the neighborhood. Also, this is where President and Mrs. Obama's house is located. In Beyond the Loop they visit Medici and Valoris (one of President Obams's favorites), but if you want to celebrate the diversity of Hyde Park you must go to Rajun Cajun. Rajun Cajun is a combination of soul food and Indian food restaurant.
Beyond the Loop goes into other neighborhoods I've lived in like Lincoln Park and my second favorite neighborhood Lakeview. See a little bit about the Gay Pride Parade in Lakeview (Boystown) below.
Our Winters Are Brutal!
We know how to do summer because of our winters. Here are just a few things to while you are there. Taste of Chicagois my favorite outdoor festival. It's a chance to sample food from various restaurants and food trucks in the city and to hear some great music. Gospel Festival and various festivals in the neighborhoods happening every weekend. Another great way to explore the neighborhoods in Chicago.
There are a few things I know I'm doing once I get home to Chicago.
The first is going to the Chicago Cultural Center for Move Your Body: The Evolution of House Music exhibit. and the second is to visit one of my new favorite restaurants Batter & Berries. You can read my review for Batter & Berries here. Third I want to visit Maggie Daley Park. Named after the late wife of Mayor Richard Daley.
Taste of Chicago
I know I've missed some things. When I lived in Chicago I felt so overwhelmed with things to do in the city, especially in the summer. Just check out the City of Chicago website and ChooseChicago.com for more things to do in this wonderful city!
