In Her Kitchen: Recipes from Grandmas around the World

Disclosure: I received a review copy of In Her Kitchen. All opinions are my own. 

Oh to be a grandma!

I know that when the day comes that I welcome my children's children into this world, I will be the happiest women on the planet. To know that my children will also experience the joy that is parenthood will be a tremendous blessing.

In Her Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from Grandmas around the World by Gabriele Calimberti is a wonderful tribute to all those hard-working and loving grammies everywhere. Calimberti was inspired to create this book by his very own Grandma: the night before he was to embark on a photography trip around the world, his nonna lovingly prepared him his favorite dish: ravioli. It was then that he decided to set out one day, to meet grandmothers around the world.

Calimberti ended up visiting grandmas in 60 countries. He profiles 60 women along with the signature recipes that are their family's most requested. From fried iguana to caterpillar stew, there's a taste of every culture in this book. I enjoyed sharing it with my students and my own kids, and I'm going to give the Turkish recipe - Karniyarik (Stuffed Eggplant) a try tonight!

Check out Calimberti's charming book trailer, where you'll see him cooking with his dear grandmother below.

LEGO Justice League Vs Bizarro - Now on DVD + Blu-Ray + Digital HD #JusticeLeague #BizarroLeague

Disclosure: Special thanks to Partners Hub for sponsoring this post. 


LEGO Justice League Vs Bizarro is now available on DVD + Blu-Ray + Digital HD!

Review and a Recipe: RAW Fit #GardenofLife RAW Fit Frosty

Disclosure: Special thanks to Garden of Life for sponsoring this post. 


While I don't run marathons, every day of my life is like a marathon. From the moment I wake up to the moment the sun goes down, I'm on the go go go. 

A Perfume for All Seasons: Scentbird

Disclosure: Special thanks to Scentbird for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

If you like changing your fragrance with the seasons, if you adore perfumes of all notes, here's a great new service that lets you experience the thrill of new scents on a monthly basis.

All about Bedbugs #BedBugFeud

Disclosure: Special thanks to Orkin for sponsoring this post. 


Sadly, our city is among the top 10 bedbug capitals in the world. 

Bed bugs can be found almost anywhere, even in four star hotel rooms. Infestations are on the rise, no thanks to resistance to pesticides, increased travel, global warming, and lack of public awareness.

Monster Jam Heading to Allstate Arena with an Exciting New Competitive Format Featuring #MoreMonsterJam!

Monster Jam^® tour is heading to the Allstate Arena, Feb. 5-8!

And this year, Monster Jam is featuring more of what you love about Monster Jame: more trucks, more action, #MoreMonsterJam!

 

Chicago Theatre Week: Our Top Three Family-Friendly Picks

Chicago Theatre Week (CTW) is the star of February. For a couple bucks more than a ticket to the movies, you can witness the magic of live theater with your family. From February 12-22, over 100 productions will offer discounted tickets for $15-30, with many offering further discounts. Here are three CTW children's plays on our radar for Chicago Theatre Week 2015. 

The Selfish Giant - Chicago Children's Theatre

Based on Oscar Wilde's classic story, this show centers on a selfish, grumpy giant who forbids children from playing in his garden, setting off an eternal winter. Chicago folk music legend Michael Smith and master puppeteer Blair Thomas join forces to present this imaginative and whimsical show, which promises live music and plenty of fun for both kids and grown-ups. The Chicago Children's Theatre performs at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, steps from the Magnificent Mile.

Lions in Illyria - Lifeline Theatre

Adapted from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and featuring a fun cast of animals in place of stuffy Elizabethan royalty, Lions in Illyria is the story of Violet, a young lioness, who must brave a new land all on her own after her brother is lost at sea. This magical comedy brings all the animals of the jungle onstage - from peacocks to warthogs - for an adventure in the weird and mythical land of Illyria. This production is recommended for children ages 5 and up (children under 2 not permitted), and runs one hour with no intermission. Lifeline Theatre is located in the North Side neighborhood of Rogers Park at 6912 N. Glenwood Avenue.

Short Shakespeare! Macbeth - Chicago Shakespeare Theatre 

_{Haunted by visions of the murdered Banquo, Macbeth (Chris Genebach) is silenced by Lady Macbeth (Lanise Antoine Shelley), as the concerned court looks on in Short Shakespeare! Macbeth. Photo by Liz Lauren.}

Short Shakespeare's Macbeth is a condensed but certainly not dumbed-down 75-minute version of the original. Before the show even begins, one of the ensemble members takes a moment to speak to the kids in the crowd. His message: if you are having trouble understanding our words, look to our actions. Listen to us as you listen to a new song. The action certainly held my 10-year-old son's interest when we saw it for the first time, and provided a wonderful entry into the world of Shakespeare, where witches, battles, intrigue and madness are all part of the show. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Tickets are already on sale, so check in at ChicagoTheatreWeek.com