4 ebooks To Read During Christmas Break (When You Need Some Me Time)

I know Christmas break has just started, but I like to be proactive.  You know that after spending 24/7 with your children during Christmas vacation, you will need a break. You will be looking for places to relax and chill, just to get away.  Even if it is just for 10 minutes. Here are 4 ebooks to read during Christmas break, when you need some me time.   Nauman Ashraf has 4 ebooks from fiction to starting an online business for $ 0.99 each or all 4 for $2.99!

The first ebook is Cold Weather. This is a short story with plenty of action! And the title is perfect for this time of year. Order it here.

The second ebook is In The Park. This is a suspense story about Ali who is sitting in the park on an ordinary day and then he hears a voice! Order it here.

The third ebook is Paper Art. This ebook shows you how to create things with paper including boats and planes.  This ebook is great for getting the kids creative juices flowing during Christmas break.  Instead of sitting in front of a screen all day. My son is always looking for ways to make the perfect paper airplane and if you have a kid like mine, this ebook is for you! Order it here.

The fourth ebook is Online Business. Looking to starting a new online business in 2016?! You are not alone. This ebook shows you how to build your new online business with just a few simple steps. I think $0.99 is a great investment for starting your new online business! Order it here.

If you would like to purchase all four ebooks, you can order them here. 

Nauman Ashraf works online as a professional writer. He has written ebooks on many different subjects including health, business, writing and relationships.

Disclaimer: This blog post has affiliate links.

The Promontory-Chicago Restaurant Review

When The Promontory opened a couple of years ago, I immediately wanted to go. Mainly because it's in my favorite neighborhood, Hyde Park.  Also because of the concept of a restaurant, bar and concert venue all in one place. 

While in my hometown this summer I went there with a couple of friends.  The atmosphere was laid-back. I felt comfortable sitting there chatting with my friends well after the meal was over.  They didn't rush us out.  The staff were friendly and service was excellent. 

The food was very good.  My friend had the salmon and crab cakes. My other friend and I had the lamb burger with chickpea fries.  Yes, chickpea fries!  I had never heard of chickpea fries and was nervous and excited to try them.  The meal was delicious and if I never have potato fries again that would be ok because the chickpea fries were better than I imagined they could be.  

Lamb Burger with Chickpea Fries

I haven't attended a concert there yet, but it seems like every night there is someone performing there.  I like having a neighborhood place where I can just hang out and listen to music on any night.  The concert list is here. 

Salmon and Crab Cakes

The Promontory also gives back to the community with #hashtaglunchbag. On the last Saturday of every month they feed the homeless. Everyone is encouraged to come to The Promontory to help assemble and distribute 1000 lunch bags to Chicago's homeless.  When I'm there next year, I will make sure to attend #hashtaglunchbag.

Celebrate New Year's Eve at The Promontory with their NYE Tasting Menu. Find out more here.

The Promontory is located at 5311 S Lake Park, Chicago, 312-801-2100.

Hours

Dinner Nightly

Sun–Thurs: 5pm–11pm
Sat–Sun: 5pm–1am

Weekend Brunch

Sat–Sun: 9am–3pm

Weekday Lunch

Mon–Fri: 11am–3pm

Box Office

Thurs–Sat: 5-10pm

To find out more about The Promontory, go to their website.  You can also follow them on Twitter,  Instagram or Facebook.

Urban Herbivore:Foodie Friday

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. 

Here is a link to their menu! 

To Find out more about Urban Herbivore you can follow them on  

Twitter 

Instagram

Facebook

Random Acts of Kindness for Caregivers

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.

Let me tell you about Random Acts of Kindness for Caregivers

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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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!

Foodie Friday: Batter & Berries Part Deux!

Batter & Berries Burger with Sweet Potato Fries

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.

Ramsey Lewis Take Another Look-Deluxe Edition

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.