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CELEBRATING THE GRAND REOPENING OF THIS REMODELED ICONIC LANDMARK Glancer Magazine was on the scene as one of the first in the Chicagoland area to see the remodeled iconic Park Hyatt Chicago property, a landmark in Chicago since 1980. This one-of-a-kind retreat, that embodied understated luxury and has served as a home away from home for years, just recently reopened after a $60M transformation. The Grand Reopening Event, "Where the World Sees Chicago and Chicago Sees the World ", was a multi-floor, experiential unveiling of the stunning transformation of the ultra-luxury property. The evening featured an indulgent culinary journey crafted by NoMI, a special live art activation by Chicago artist, Damiane Nickles , and an exclusive, interactive live performance of "Orbits", specially curated for Park Hyatt Chicago by the famed Joffrey Ballet and performed by the Company’s new contemporary ballet program, Joffrey Academy of Dance. Local Chicago floral artist, Taxaflora adorned the hotel lobby and created a beautiful floral wall for guests to take photos. Attendees included Glancer Magazine’s own Kristen Kucharski and Naperville North graduate and Executive Producer Jason C. Morgan. The pair was greeted with NoMI signature handcrafted cocktails, featuring The Franklin. Guests were then led to a sprawling seafood spread & raw bar featuring king crab legs, oysters, and freshly made sushi rolls; pan roasted chilean sea bass & wagyu ribeye live plated for guests through NoMI's open show kitchen. Halfway through the evening, those in attendance were surprised with a guerilla-style performance by the Joffrey Ballet, which led to an exclusive preview of an enchanting "Orbits" dance piece. Guests were then treated to guided tours of the newly reimagined Presidential Suite on the 18th floor, encouraged to experience the spirit of the redesigned guest rooms & suites, whose opulent details, naturally soothing color palette, and spa-like bath amenities, draw elements of a residential oasis rooted in luxury. Within the suite, a live painting activation, inspired by the Park Hyatt Chicago's harmony with Lake Michigan and its surrounding parks, was performed by Chicago artist, Damiane Nickles. As a takeaway from the event, guests were presented with lavish gift bags that included a '1-of-75' piece of art from Damiane Nickles, a bottle of Park Hyatt’s signature scent by Le Labo, Bergamote 22 , and house made chocolates & caramels from NoMI’s Pastry Sous Chef Solange Austin . TRAVEL + LEISURE BUSINESS CHICAGO

TRAVEL + LEISURE | Park Hyatt Chicago WOWs with $60M Renovations

Celebrating the Grand Reopening of this Remodeled Iconic Landmark

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LIGHTHHOUSE IMMERSIVE STUDIOS AND WAKLT DISNEY ANIMATION ARE BRINGING A NEW IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE TO 9 LIGHTHOUSE ARTSPACES ACROSS NORTH AMERICA TORONTO– Walt Disney Animation Studios recently announced that it will collaborate with Lighthouse Immersive Studios, the producers of the blockbuster Immersive Van Gogh , to develop Disney Animation: Immersive Experience , which is going to Lighthouse ArtSpace venues across North America in late 2022/early 2023. Tickets to this one-of-a-kind immersive experience start at $39.99 and went on sale at the following local times in each market at disneyimmersive.com on Wednesday: Disney Animation: Immersive Experience – Courtesy of Lighthouse Immersive Studios Toronto | 10 a.m. ET Denver | 10:30 a.m. MT Cleveland | 11 a.m. ET Detroit | 11:30 a.m. ET Boston | 12 p.m. ET Nashville | 12:30 p.m. CT Columbus | 1 p.m. ET Minneapolis | 1 p.m. CT San Antonio | 1:30 p.m. CT Creating iconic animated stories for all ages for nearly a century, Walt Disney Animation Studios will join forces with North America's top creator of experiential projection exhibitions to present the music and artistry within Disney Animation's canon of films—from hits of today like Encanto, Zootopia and Frozen , to all of the classics including The Lion King, Peter Pan and Pinocchio. Audiences will feel like they've entered the incredible worlds of beloved Disney characters and become one with them. The opening dates for each city are as follows: Toronto | Dec. 21, 2022 Cleveland | Jan. 19, 2023 Nashville | Feb. 9, 2023 Detroit | Feb. 9, 2023 Denver | Feb. 16, 2023 Boston | Feb. 23, 2023 San Antonio | Feb. 28, 2023 Minneapolis | March 23, 2022 Columbus | April 6, 2023 Additional cities are currently being scheduled and Tokyo will be the first city outside of North America to receive Disney Animation: Immersive Experience . "The collaboration with Lighthouse Immersive is a first for Disney Animation," said Clark Spencer, president, Walt Disney Animation Studios and two-time Academy Award®-winner ( Encanto, Zootopia). "It's a dream to bring the best of animated storytelling together with the top experts in the immersive art experience. We can't wait for audiences around the world, of all ages, to experience the great moments from our legacy of feature films in this incredible way." "Like so many of us, I have a life-long love of Disney films," said Lighthouse Immersive founder Corey Ross . "I've grown up with them since childhood and so has my family. The work lends itself brilliantly to the immersive experience and I am confident this program will give our guests the opportunity to be engulfed in the world of Disney, making them feel like they're standing next to their favorite characters and seeing the world through their eyes." The creative team for the Disney Animation: Immersive Experience is led by Oscar®-winning producer J. Miles Dale (Best Picture 2018 - The Shape of Water ) who said, "Trailblazing in a new medium is always exciting, and this is truly going to be the most challenging and rewarding project of my career. Being entrusted with Disney's rich archive of animation is a great honor, but also a tremendous responsibility. With such a wealth of material and a treasure trove of memorable characters, it will be a thrill to bring the work of all the great Disney animators and performers to life in a 360-degree immersive environment." Mexico City-based Cocolab is working with Dale and the Creative Legacy team at Walt Disney Animation Studios to develop the program for Lighthouse Immersive Studios. Special Projects Producer Dorothy McKim (Oscar-nominated, Get A Horse! ) is spearheading the project for Disney Animation. The audience experience will be further enhanced by Lighthouse Immersive's Global Creative Director David Korins , (Tony Award®-nominee whose credits include more than 20 Broadway shows including Hamilton , and an Emmy Award® winner for Grease Live ). Korins will develop never-before-seen interactive lobby elements that guests can enjoy before or after entering the gallery. Ross captures the excitement both Disney and Lighthouse Immersive feel for the project as he describes how it begins: "Just imagine journeying through Zootopia with Judy Hopps, diving to the ocean floor with Ariel, flying on a magic carpet with Aladdin, and stepping into Casita with Mirabel and the family Madrigal. This is where the Disney Animation: Immersive Experience will take you." Collaborating with Lighthouse Immersive is the Creative Legacy team of Walt Disney Animation Studios, helping bring their library of films to audiences in a manner never before experienced. ABOUT WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS: Combining masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology, Walt Disney Animation Studios is a filmmaker-driven animation studio responsible for creating some of the most beloved films ever made. WDAS continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity, from the first fully-animated feature film, 1937's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to 2019's Frozen 2, the biggest animated film of all time, to our 60th animated feature, the Academy Award®-winning Encanto . Among the studio's timeless creations are Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Frozen, Big Hero 6 and Zootopia. ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE IMMERSIVE: Lighthouse Immersive creates, produces and distributes innovative digital immersive art experiences through its experiential multiplex digital art galleries, aiming to cultivate community and creativity through large-scale events and exhibitions of all art forms. Lighthouse Immersive has produced the world premieres of Immersive Van Gogh, Immersive Frida Kahlo, Immersive King Tut and Immersive Klimt: Revolution in more than 21 North American cities, including Toronto, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Boston and Denver, and is currently expanding into additional markets. To date, they have sold over 5 million tickets to Immersive Van Gogh across North America, with Artnet calling it "one of the largest coordinated art phenomena of all time." TRAVEL + LEISURE ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT FAMILY TIME

TRAVEL + LEISURE | Highly Anticipated Disney Animation: Immersive Experience Now Available

Lighthouse Immersive Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios Bring New Immersive Experience to 9 Lighthouse ArtSpace Venues Across the U.S

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2022 MAY BE THE YEAR THAT TRAVEL REALLY COMES BACK Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) , the leader in personalized small group and solo-friendly travel for Americans ages 50+, announced its top 4 travel themes for the year ahead. "Our travelers are very optimistic about 2022," said Brian FitzGerald, Chief Marketing Officer of O.A.T. "From seasoned travelers to solos traveling on their own for the first time, people are making plans to start seeing the world again, especially those places that they've vowed to see in their lifetimes." "Our travelers are very optimistic about 2022," said Brian FitzGerald, Chief Marketing Officer of O.A.T. O.A.T. resumed travel in July 2021 and brought 11,000 travelers to more than 30 countries. In 2022, nearly 69,000 travelers have reserved travel with O.A.T., which typically offers travel to 85 countries. O.A.T. Top 4 Travel Themes for 2022: Solo surge – Never dreamt of traveling solo? 2022 could be your year to test the waters. Many people who put their dreams on hold because a friend or spouse couldn't join are no longer waiting. They are stepping out of their comfort zones and booking solo. Blame it on the pandemic and being cooped up for too long. O.A.T. has seen a 17% uptick in the number of solo travelers since 2019. The company just added 2,000 more single spaces in 2022—92% of which have free single supplements. Solo travelers -- the majority of whom are women with O.A.T. -- often find small group tours appealing because they meet and spend time with others easily when they want. Small ship s – Sailing with fewer people is attractive to travelers in 2022 . At O.A.T., bookings for small ships in 2022 are up 10% compared to 2019. More than 14,000 travelers are scheduled to travel with O.A.T. through 2022. Travelers are attracted to travel by small ship for the opportunity to visit more remote and smaller ports with smaller vessels. There is also the chance to mingle in small groups with locals in a less touristy way. That doesn't happen when hundreds of passengers disembark from a large ship. Sustainable travel – " How can we travel more responsibly?" It's a many-faceted question that is gaining traction with travelers of all ages. Travelers' interest in environmental travel dovetails with initiatives such as the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, which is spurring on the travel industry to track and improve travel's impact on the environment. For some travelers, sustainable travel involves ecological conservation. For others, it is seeking out destinations where their travel dollars will have a positive impact on the local community – for example, benefitting its economic development. Travelers are highly interested in O.A.T.'s Arctic Expedition: Untamed Norway & Svalbard and Ultimate Galápagos Exploration & Ecuador's Amazon Wilds , for example. Longer trips – Some travelers want to make the most of the airfare . Others feel the urge to make up for lost time due to the pandemic. They want to feel truly immersed in a different culture and have more opportunities to engage with the locals. The result? Longer trips planned for 2022. At O.A.T., 55% of solo travelers reserved for future travel have opted to arrive early before a trip or stay later after the tour concludes. Extending a trip by arriving early can help a traveler to acclimate before a tour begins. Staying later after the group departs allows time for a traveler to do some independent exploring and savor the experience a bit longer. More than 87,000 travelers – nearly half of them solo travelers – currently have reservations with O.A.T. across 85 itineraries. With 2023 departures of many adventures already open, nearly 9,000 are looking ahead to traveling then. O.A.T. provides travelers over 50 with impactful, intercultural experiences that help change people's lives. O.A.T. fosters an intimate and accessible experience, with groups limited to 16 travelers (average of 13) by land and 25 (average of 22) by sea. For a free catalog or more information about O.A.T., please visit www.oattravel.com or call 1-800-955-1925. TRAVEL + LEISURE DUPAGE KANE KENDALL

TRAVEL + LEISURE | Overseas Adventure Travel Shares Top 4 Travel Trends for 2022

2022 May Be the Year that Travel Comes Back

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POPULAR WISCONSIN DELLS ATTRACTION ON LAKE DELTON CLOSES AFTER 7 DECADES Sad news today for Wisconsin Dells tourists and area residents as one of Wisconsin’s top tourist attractions closes after 70 years of entertaining. Earlier, The Tommy Bartlett show announced that it will now be closed for good due to losing he 2020 season because of the pandemic. Tommy Bartlett started the show in 1952 as a touring water ski exposition and has been featured at Lake Delton since 1953. The show has seen hard times before, such as when the lake was drained in 2008 due to heavy rains in the area. But COVID-19 is one storm that the company was not able to withstand, sadly. The Tommy Bartlett Show has always collected all of its revenue between the Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends and without operating this year, Tom Biehl, the organization's president, simply described the decision as "horrendous". It will be sad to see this one go. ALL TRAVEL & LEISURE ALL DUPAGE ALL KANE ALL KENDALL

TRAVEL + LEISURE | Tommy Bartlett Show Closes for Good Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

POPULAR WISCONSIN DELLS ATTRACTION ON LAKE DELTON CLOSES AFTER 7 DECADES Sad news today for Wisconsin Dells tourists and area residents...

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LAS VEGAS FROM A TEEN PERSPECTIVE After our amazing tour of three National Parks, we spent two nights in Las Vegas. I knew Las Vegas was famous for gambling and wasn’t sure what my brother and I were going to do to pass these two days. My mom said Vegas had a “few” things that may keep us occupied. Little did I know, that was a total understatement. So what were the highlights of Vegas from this teen’s viewpoint, and what did I learn from this trip? Highlights: 1. The Roller Coaster at our beautiful hotel--New York New York-it’s beyond thrilling! 2. Cirque du Soleil-Ka–There are no words to describe this show. Trust me! If you do nothing else in Las Vegas, please see this show. It’s a life changer! 3. Chocolate- The Hershey Store is awesome! If you love chocolate, you will never want to leave this place! 4. Beautiful Hotels-My favorite hotels were Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, The Cosmopolitan, Excalibur, MGM and of course, New York New York. 5. The Food-The food in Las Vegas was delicious. We tried a different restaurants each day. We also enjoyed room service which delivers 24/7. Yes, we had brownie ice cream sundaes at 1am (What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!) 6. The Shopping- There’s a plethora of stores along the strip. My favorite was Nectar. 7. The Pool- After a full day of walking up and down the Las Vegas strip, a cool swim in the hotel pool is rejuvenating. Life Lessons Learned in Las Vegas: 1. Adults can be quite creepy–There are people on the street handing out cards to disgusting adult establishments. Do not take the cards-- just walk on by. 2. Try to be open minded–you will see all different kinds of people in Las Vegas that you’ve probably never seen anywhere else in your life. Although your eyes may pop out a bit, try to remain open minded and not be judgmental. Remember: Everyone has a story. 3. People in Vegas are very confident about their bodies. I noticed lots of women at the pool who wear bikinis, no matter their body type. I actually liked seeing that they were not self-conscious. I thought Las Vegas was a blast. There is certainly plenty to do for teens. Viva Las Vegas! ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017. #GlancerMagazine #TravelLeisure #PedisNPassports #Lifestyle #FeaturedBlog #FeaturedBlogger #September152017 #LasVegasforTeens

TRAVEL + LEISURE | Pedis-N-Passports

LAS VEGAS FROM A TEEN PERSPECTIVE After our amazing tour of three National Parks, we spent two nights in Las Vegas. I knew Las Vegas...

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PACK FOR A PURPOSE When Brooke and I first discovered Pack for a Purpose (PfaP), we had so many questions. Fortunately, they were all answered when we visited the website (www.packforapurpose.org). We looked under “How to Participate”, and then clicked on “As a traveler”. After thoroughly researching PfaP and communicating with its Founder, we had a clear understanding of its mission and want to enlighten our community on how to offer support for those in need through this organization. We are all global citizens and each have a responsibility to make a difference. If you are a traveler, you are probably aware of responsible tourism. As stated on the PfaP website, “When you choose to take needed supplies to community projects at your destination, the graciousness of your act not only enriches the local community, but also enhances the joy of travel.” Brooke and I will never travel again without bringing some type of supplies for those in need. If we are blessed with the opportunity to travel, we have the obligation to give back. So How Does Pack for a Purpose Really Work? PfaP provides needs lists on its website for destinations in over 60 countries. These lists are provided by the local, community-based projects, which receive and use the supplies. Because these lists come directly from the source, they enable travelers to make informed decisions about the items they take with them abroad. While they hope that you take at least five pounds of requested supplies, travelers are free to take as little or as much as they are able to. Taking a stethoscope weighs less than 1 kilo, but it can touch 10,000 hearts. Taking pencils for students who do not have any makes it possible for them to have a productive learning experience. Taking diapers for a home that cares for intellectually disabled children and adults is an enormous assistance. PfaP’s tagline sums it up perfectly- Small Space. Little Effort. Big Impact! These are the Five Easy Steps To Participate: 1. Select your destination. 2. Find an accommodation or tour company and a project it supports. 3. Choose the supplies you wish to take from the specific items requested. 4. Drop off the supplies at the accommodation or tour company. 5. The supplies will then be delivered to the community-based project. What If You Don’t Travel? Financial donations to support the work of PfaP are always welcome and greatly appreciated. If you are a U.S. citizen, your donation is fully tax deductible. Pack for a Purpose is currently looking for financial support from philanthropists or businesses that would like to sponsor our mission. If you are interested, please contact the founder Rebecca Rothney for details at rebecca@packforapurpose.org. ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017. #GlancerMagazine #TravelLeisure #PedisNPassports #Lifestyle #FeaturedBlog #FeaturedBlogger #Aug152017

TRAVEL + LEISURE | Pedis-N-Passports

PACK FOR A PURPOSE When Brooke and I first discovered Pack for a Purpose (PfaP), we had so many questions. Fortunately, they were all...

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GIVING BACK Being a teen travel and life-style blogger is more than I could ever have dreamed of. Having the opportunities to travel all over the country and world have been such a blessing. I am grateful for each and every trip, journey, excursion and adventure. But now it is time for me to give back. Since I began travel blogging with my mom, we have both said we want our purpose to be meaningful. At first, we weren’t sure exactly what that looked like. Inspiring girls to travel and take risks seemed obvious at the time, and is still an aspiring goal. However, being an influencer, I feel there are more important jobs to be done. There are animals suffering, refugees ill and lost without homes, homeless people cold and alone, girls that cannot attend schools due to lack of hygienic products, schools that barely have resources for students to learn and the list unfortunately goes on and on. I have been asking myself for months, ‘What can I do to make a difference?’ Well, a few weeks ago my mom was contacted by another mom whose daughter follows Pedis-N-Passports. Her name is Gabi Frank, a 13-year-old girl from Downers Grove. She told me she has collected 2,000 books for children in the Caribbean through Pack for a Purpose and Sandals Foundation. I was so thrilled to hear about this noble charity and immediately wanted to partake. Pack for a Purpose was founded by Rebecca Rothney and a team of a few wonderful volunteers. Their mission is “to positively impact communities around the world by assisting travelers who want to bring meaningful contributions to the destinations they visit.” If you are planning a vacation, you should definitely go to their website and see if the community you are visiting is in need of any supplies. I mean what is better than going on an amazing vacation and helping people simultaneously. Pack for a Purpose provides supply lists on its website for destinations in over 60 countries. The needed items range from school supplies, to personal hygiene, to clothing and all sorts of items (many other requested items). People all over the world are in need and if you are fortunate enough to travel, it is a humanitarian responsibility to give back. So Gabi and I are asking for your help. We would like to collect 3,000 new and gently used books for children ages 3-6 years old for a new school in Jamaica. If you are willing to donate a book or two, please email us at: pedis.n.passports@gmail.com. Please spread the word and help make a difference one book at a time. ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017. #GlancerMagazine #TravelLeisure #PedisNPassports #Lifestyle #FeaturedBlog #FeaturedBlogger #Aug12017

TRAVEL + LEISURE | Pedis-N-Passports

GIVING BACK Being a teen travel and life-style blogger is more than I could ever have dreamed of. Having the opportunities to travel...

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DESTINED FOR DESTIN—OUR FIRST MOTHER-DAUGHTER ROAD TRIP TO EMERALD GRANDE Over the past six years, we have flown to Destin, Florida, several times to visit my son, Ryan, who was stationed in the Air Force. Staying on base, we never had to consider booking a condo or hotel. Nevertheless, I cannot tell you how many times we would gaze starry-eyed at the Emerald Grande–a majestic castle nestled on the edge of the sparkling harbor in dreamy Destin. So when spring break was fast approaching, Brooke and I decided to venture on our first mother-daughter road trip to Florida from Naperville–and yes, we decided that after a fourteen hour drive, we deserved a week of pampering at the breathtaking Emerald Grande Resort. It was the best decision we could have made--a lifetime of fun mother-daughter memories cruising down Highway 65. Even more exciting was Ryan flying back to Destin to spend the week with us. What a blessing! The Emerald Grand gave us the most spacious 3 bedroom-3 bath condo on the 11th floor overlooking the festive harbor, powdery white sand beaches and mesmerizing Gulf of Mexico. The two enormous balconies were the ideal setting for greeting the sunrise with your morning cup of coffee and soaking up sunsets at the end of a glorious beach day. The setting of the Emerald Grande is as extravagant as a Caribbean getaway without the cost of airfare for us. The location is also perfect for it is situated right in the midst of the Harbor Walk where we enjoyed the many delicious restaurants, zip lining, shopping and just strolling along watching the plethora of beautiful boats passing by. The Harbor Walk offers something for everyone: kayaks, jet skis, dolphin cruises, along with many other boating excursions, parasailing, concerts, dining, a shuttle to the white sand beaches right within view, an abundance of kid friendly boardwalk activities and so much more! Never having driven more than three hours by myself, I have to say this road trip was transformational. We sang our hearts out, played corny road trip games, shared secrets, met amazing people at each of our stopping points, and got a little lost in Alabama. To read all about our journey south and our stay in Destin visit www.pedisnpassports.com. ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017. ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017. #GlancerMagazine #TravelLeisure #PedisNPassports #Lifestyle #FeaturedBlog #FeaturedBlogger #July152017

TRAVEL + LEISURE | Pedis-N-Passports

DESTINED FOR DESTIN—OUR FIRST MOTHER-DAUGHTER ROAD TRIP TO EMERALD GRANDE Over the past six years, we have flown to Destin, Florida,...

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LE MERIDIEN CHICAGO OAKBROOK CENTER Until a month ago, Brooke and I have never even heard of Le Meridien Hotels. Yes, we apparently live in some sort of abyssmal hotel cave. Well, let the sunshine in because we have seen Le Meridien Light! Le Meridien Chicago Oakbrook Center is located adjacent to the outdoor Oakbrook Center which offers an abundance of luxury boutiques and dozens of restaurants, so talk about a prime location. When Brooke heard where we were spending the weekend, she got that dreamy “mall” look in her eyes and I swear her pupils transformed into shopping bags. Art – As we entered the lobby, also known as The Hub, we knew this weekend was going to be extraordinary. The stunning mural, by local artist Justus Roe, immediately set the tone for a unique, creative and cultural experience. Another fantastic component of Le Meridien Hotels is their partnerships with local cultural centers. In your room, you will find an Unlock Art Pass that gives you complimentary admission to The Elmhurst Art Gallery, along with access to special events! Dining – El Tapeo is the epitome of fine dining– Spanish Tapas with a modern flair. The spacious restaurant is located on the ninth floor with 360 degree views. The staff, decor, cuisine and atmosphere were mas allas de nuetras expectativas! For one glorious hour, we were transported to Barcelona. Spa – The highlight of our staycation was without question, the spa. Probably, the best, and definitely the most personalized massages we’ve ever received. For essential oils, Brooke chose “Restorative” and I chose “Soothing.” Those two words alone sum up this transformational experience. Literally the first question Brooke asked after coming out of her post massage trance was, “Where in the world am I?” We were certainly not in Oakbrook or even on planet any longer–the experience was surreal. If you’re looking for the massage of a lifetime—this is the spot. And to top it off, after your treatments, you get 40 more minutes of private R&R time in this luxurious paradise, complete with water, tea, juices, tropical fruits, a luxurious heated tile lounger, steam room, soaking tub and rain shower. So if you too have lived in the hotel abyss, head to Le Meridien Chicago Oakbrook Center to see the light! You will truly love the modern, artistic urban chic atmosphere located in the ideal spot for a convenient girls retreat! ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017. #GlancerMagazine #TravelLeisure #PedisNPassports #Lifestyle #FeaturedBlog #FeaturedBlogger #June152017

TRAVEL + LEISURE | Pedis-N-Passports

LE MERIDIEN CHICAGO OAKBROOK CENTER Until a month ago, Brooke and I have never even heard of Le Meridien Hotels. Yes, we apparently...

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MOTHER-DAUGHTER ROAD TRIP There’s nothing quite like the adventure of a mother-daughter road trip. It’s actually a rite of passage for a teen girl and her mom. Whether you head east to Niagara Falls, west to the Grand Canyon, south to Gulf Shores, north to Mackinac Island or just play spin the compass, we’ve come up with Five Essential Tips that will ensure a successful trip when hitting the road! 1. Be Prepared Once your family agrees on a destination, research all of the fun stops along the way. Calculate the distances and travel times between points and chart out an optimal route that hits all of the places you want to see. 2. Be Safe Access to roadside assistance, such as AAA, is a must. Always make sure someone knows where you are. Booking hotels prior to leaving is also wise. Pack a survival kit for the car as well–portable chargers, bug spray, sunscreen, towels, an umbrella, a first aid kit, and water bottles will be some of the items in this kit. 3. Be Healthy With the golden arches and a Cracker Barrel every half mile, along with the gourmet gas station snacks, make sure to pre-pack healthier options for your trip. Protein bars, fruit, and sandwiches are our staples. 4. Be Organized Pack overnight hotel bags separate from the items that will remain in the car. Keep everything in containers, (including ear buds so they don’t tangle). Bringing a few garbage bags, baby wipes, hand sanitizer and tissues will help you be prepared for those unexpected messes. Dryer sheets will be your backpacks’ best friend. 5. Be Spontaneous One of the best things about a road trip is that there are no rigid schedules. That means you have all the time in the world to explore and enjoy. Make time for those radio jam sessions, classic corny road trip car games, sharing secrets, laughs, hopes and dreams. You’ll definitely make some mistakes--you may even lose your way…but trust us, this is where you’ll find something so much more important. A road trip is all about the journey. So here’s to your hair blowing in the wind and your gas tank never being empty. ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017. #GlancerMagazine #TravelLeisure #PedisNPassports #June12017 #Lifestyle #FeaturedBlog #FeaturedBlogger

TRAVEL + LEISURE | Pedis-N-Passports

MOTHER-DAUGHTER ROAD TRIP There’s nothing quite like the adventure of a mother-daughter road trip. It’s actually a rite of passage for a...

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SOAKING UP SUNSETS Something surreal occurs at dusk that many unfortunately neglect to take part in--perhaps too engulfed in obligation, or strapped with stress to take notice of these aesthetic symphonies in the evening sky. However, research shows that people who feel connected with nature report being happier and having more positive emotions than those who don’t share this connection. So if you are one who does not readily partake in this experience, we highly recommend you start. For Brooke and I, this is our absolute favorite time of the day--the setting of the sun. It is a brief miraculous moment to pause in wonderment and awe, witnessing the world transform as the sun casts its gentle glow. The celestial scene allows us to put the troubles of the day behind us-- the turning of an earthly page--a metaphorical portal into tomorrow. Then suddenly as nature's brush paints its kaleidoscope...time stands still. We get a break from fretting over the past or fearing an uncertain future. The sunset we are seeing, we will never see again; now is all that exists. With every shifting shadow, the sky becomes a canvas of rose swirled with deep plum, a brush of crimson crosses a captivated cloud which melts into a soft golden hue. Each fleeting moment the sky changes, and this change is neither good or bad – it just is. It will happen, and continue to happen, and therein lies the beauty of change. Whether you savor a cozy cup of coffee while gazing out of your window, or take an evening stroll, be sure to take several slow, deep breaths to relax your body and calm your mind. Intentionally focus on the sunset; be cognizant of the changing colors and light, as the vivid hues crescendo and then fade into a shadowy silhouette...until darkness envelopes the world. For Brooke and myself, each sunset is just like a vacation, healing our physical, mental and spiritual being. Well done, Universe! Gift Card Giveaway Contest: Send your most beautiful West Suburban Sunset Photo to our email: pedis.n.passports@gmail.com to win a $100 Meson Sabika Gift Card. 2nd and 3rd Place will receive $25 Meson Sabika Gift Cards. See rules and details on our “Soaking up Sunsets” blog on www.pedisnpassports.com for entry. ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017. #GlancerMagazine #TravelLeisure #PedisNPassports #May12017 #May152017

TRAVEL + LEISURE | Pedis-N-Passports

SOAKING UP SUNSETS Something surreal occurs at dusk that many unfortunately neglect to take part in--perhaps too engulfed in obligation,...

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THE FOUR SEASONS IN CHICAGO If you are visiting Chicago or just in need of a girls’ getaway, a stay at the Four Seasons Chicago is a must. Every few months, Brooke and I have a fun tradition of spending a mother-daughter weekend in Chicago, and the Four Seasons is the ideal hotel to pamper both teen and mom! For a high end hotel, it is truly warm and inviting--there is nothing pretentious about the staff, yet the aura of the hotel exudes elegance, luxury and refined class. From the moment we arrive, the welcoming smiles of the doorman foreshadow the familial atmosphere abundantly present in every niche of the hotel. The location is also ideal, as just a few steps away and we are shopping and dining on Michigan Avenue. What we love as well is that the lobby is on the 7th floor which gives you the assurance of safety and seclusion. The suites are pristine, airy, spacious and luxurious. There are so many highlights of our hotel room but the view takes the cake. Seeing the city skyline along with the beauty of Lake Michigan always leaves us in awe. At night, the twinkling lights are mesmerizing. Besides the magnificent view, we are in full agreement that there are no beds on the planet more comfortable than the beds at this hotel. Brooke describes them as sleeping on the fluffiest marshmallows. The bathroom is also on point--spa decor and details, plush robes hung on the back of the door, along with a beautiful porcelain tub and glass shower. There is even a bathroom scale for those who apparently are not eating deep dish while in town. Needless to say, the scale was the only amenity in the bathroom that we left untouched. The Spa Each trip, Brooke and I enjoy massages and manicures. Prior to our massages, we spend time in the sauna or lounging poolside. We’ve both agreed, hands down, these are probably the best massages and manicures we have ever had, and we are very particular about being properly pampered. If you need a rejuvenating weekend, The Four Seasons won’t disappoint! ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017. #GlancerMagazine #TravelLeisure #PedisNPassports #April2017

TRAVEL + LEISURE | Pedis-N-Passports

THE FOUR SEASONS IN CHICAGO If you are visiting Chicago or just in need of a girls’ getaway, a stay at the Four Seasons Chicago is a...

Read More

Latest Issue
March 2024

Glancer Magazine March 2024

Glance through the Pages

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► March 2024 Issue, Western Suburbs

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► DuPage Feature

► Kane Features

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