There’s something about afternoon tea – with those bite-size treats and soothing atmosphere – that makes you feel luxurious and pampered. And you don’t need to wait for a special occasion either. Here are some of my observations from three well-known hotels that offer afternoon tea.

The Peninsula: Best atmosphere

Usually when I go to afternoon tea, this is the place I choose. Tea is served in the lobby, which is on the fifth floor, and the room is light-filled and airy. There is a good tea selection, including decaf options, which is what I always get since I don’t like caffeinated tea that late in the day. The food is delicate and delicious – they offer one of each treat for each person so you each get your own taste. They also asked when I made the reservation if there were any food allergies, which is a nice touch.

Drawbacks: The only drawback is that the servers don’t refill your teapot, so your tea slowly goes cold throughout the afternoon. I’m sure if you asked, they would refill it, but it has never occurred to me to do so.

The Drake: Best service

If you want to do tea old-school, this is the place to do it. Service is fantastic, as we had someone coming by every 10 minutes or so to refill our tea pots. The room is dark and elegant with a fountain and harpist.

Drawbacks: Though there’s still a good selection of food, they don’t give you one treat for each person, so you have to pick and choose the sweets you want to eat. Also, their decaf selection is limited.

Palmer House Hilton: Best spread

The ambience of the Palmer House is a little different. Instead of tables and chairs, you’ll be sitting in couches and side chairs. It makes tea a little more laid back, but a little harder to hear if you have a bigger group. The treats are delicious – and what a spread. Last time I went we got five types of sandwiches, two types of scones, cookies, fruitcake slices, and four types of delectable desserts – and there was one for each of us!

Drawbacks: If you go in winter, the lobby can be chilly as the front doors let in a lot of cold air.

Are you an afternoon tea lover? Where is your favorite place to go in Chicago?

Doctors and nutritionist are always saying women need calcium in their diet. But what do you do if you don’t like milk? Turns out there are plenty of other ways to get calcium, and if you eat enough of them, they can really add up.

Yogurt (25 – 50%)

Yogurt makes a great, healthy snack. And, depending on what brand of yogurt you eat, you can get up to 50% of your calcium this way.

Cheese (10 – 15%)

Cheese slices and cheese sticks make a great snack and an easy way to add calcium. I keep the Sargento brand handy, which provides 10% calcium for each slice and 15% for each stick.

Calcium-fortified orange juice (35%)

If you’re already drinking a glass of orange juice every day, why not substitute it with a calcium-fortified brand? I honestly can’t tell the difference between this and regular orange juice.

Pudding (up to 10%)

Now your sweet tooth can work for you. Some types of pudding provide as much as 10% of your daily calcium intake.

Bread (up to 15%)

Depending on what type of bread you choose, you can get up to 15% per slice. Make a cheese sandwich and you’re up to 40% of your calcium intake!

Total® cereal (100%)

Want to get your calcium in one shebang? One bowl of Total cereal provides 100% of your calcium – and that’s before adding any milk.

Ahh, the Internet. Turning regular people into celebrities and celebrities into…regular people? Though it’s pretty common for celebrities to have their own twitter accounts, some have gone a step further and created, or contributed to, their own websites. Here are just a few we’ve uncovered.

Website: greenissexy.org

Associated with: Rachel McAdams

I learned about Green is Sexy when it was mentioned in a magazine interview with Rachel McAdams. The site provides suggestions on living a greener life, which are presented in small, easy-to-digest tips. You’ll have to pick and choose which ideas you’d like to incorporate into your daily life, because trying to do all of them is overwhelming. Plus, some of the planet-saving tips also double as money-saving tips.

Website: goop.com

Associated with: Gwyneth Paltrow

Probably one of the most well-known celebrity websites, GOOP offers suggestions for what Paltrow thinks you should make, go, get, do, be and see. I didn’t really like the way this site was set up because once you went to a topic (or “newsletter”), it wasn’t intuitive as to where to go to next. However, the actual articles have some good information.

Recommended read: Gwyneth was recently in Chicago and has an article about the places she likes to eat, shop and stay while here.

Website: thekindlife.com

Associated with: Alicia Silverstone

OK, I’m not a vegan or a member of PETA. But there’s something about the way the site is written that’s friendly and approachable, so I still found things that interested me. And if you are a vegan, then you’ll probably love this site. Apparently, Silverstone wrote a book called The Kind Diet, which is where the idea of the website came from.

Website: hellogiggles.com

Associated with: Zooey Deschanel

The homepage has so many links it’s hard to know where to go first – there are 13 topic links, plus even more above those for additional information. However, once you actually choose something to click on, the articles are actually pretty fun and interesting.

Recommended read: Single Girls Guide 18

Caribou Pumpkin Latte

Summer’s over. And while that may make some people a bit sad, fall offers a lot of things to look forward to.

Pumpkin treats

If you’re a fan of pumpkin, then this is the season for you. Pumpkin coffee, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin ice cream – it’s harvest season for pumpkin treats. Unfortunately, it’s only available for a limited time so get your fill now.

Layering clothes

Just like summer vacation, summer dressing is a time to take it easy. Throw on a dress and some sandals and you’re good to go. But fall’s a bit more cerebral – exploring layering options, deciding whether to wear tights, boots or leggings, making sure your jacket doesn’t clash with your outfit. Plus, admit it, you’ve missed your sweaters.

Honeycrisp apples

Everyone has their favorite apple, and honeycrisp is mine. They are always crispy and delicious. Unfortunately, they’re only available for a very short time, from late September through early October.

Leaves turning colors

Even the most mundane scenery takes on a new glow as the leaves turn out in Technicolor. Plus, going to see the leaves change is a romantic way to spend some time with your significant other.

Return of TV shows

Sure, cable’s kept you going with their summer series. But it’s been just enough to keep you going. Well, now’s the time to plan your viewing and set your DVR as most shows return this fall.

Fall 2011 focuses on several  fashion themes – some new and some favorites from the past. Here are five that the fabfinders creators (Erica and Kari) found newsworthy.

Lace

E: Wasn’t this a trend three years ago? This seems similar to the poncho – they were big for a season, faded out, then came back a couple years later stronger than ever. I like lace and I think it’s a good way to add texture and interest to an outfit.

K: I love lace, always have, always will. I think its classic and, mixed with the right pieces, can also have an edgy look. This season, I’m looking for a colored lace piece to add to my wardrobe.

Red

E: It seems every season there’s some color that’s “the new black,” and this season it’s red. Personally, I like red. It’s a color that looks good on everybody and it helps brighten up your winter wardrobe.

K: Sadly, red is not my favorite. I will not adopt the “all red” look, but will use red as an accent color with a scarf, pump or bangle.

E: Oh, I agree – no head to toe red.

‘60s mod

E: The thing that makes ‘60s-era clothes so attractive is the tailoring. I love jersey, but it just doesn’t provide the same structure. Therefore, I am full onboard with this trend.

K: I’m in agreement. I adore the simplicity and the clean lines. As an added benefit, these styles suit most body types and are actually fun to wear.

Platform loafers

E: I’m torn on these. I think some pairs look really cute and others look kind of silly. I guess it just depends on the style you buy and what you wear it with.

K: These seem like a “one season” trend. We all know the platform is here to stay, but I’m erring on the side of caution and purchasing a cute pair of platform pumps, which I know I’ll be able to wear next year.

Collar necklaces

E: These provide a charming way to punch up any outfit. And, if you can’t afford a whole new wardrobe (and who can?) accessories are an inexpensive way to create new looks.

K: I love this new trend – whether subtle or bold, the collar necklace totally transforms your outfit. And if you’re really trying to stay budget conscious, try tying a ribbon around your neck like shown on some of the runways.

How do you feel about these fashion trends? Are there others that you are planning to incorporate into your fall wardrobe?

Fall brings a change in weather, a return to plaid and new TV shows. This year, it seems there are a lot more promising TV options than in the past. Here are five that I’m really looking forward to watching.

Ringer (Premiering Tuesday, September 13 at 8 p.m. on The CW)

I’ve been a fan of Sarah Michelle Gellar since before Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Plus, this seems like the kind of high-concept show I’d like. Gellar plays twins, both with a tricky past. Bridget is an ex-stripper who, believing her identical twin sister Siobhan is dead, slips into her life to avoid being found by an FBI agent. But it turns out Siobhan’s not dead.

Watch a preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwScMwUG5dI

Up All Night (Premiering Wednesday, September 14 at 9 p.m. on NBC)

Christina Applegate, Will Arnett and May Rudolph are funny people. So I’m interested to see this show about new parents who are navigating life with their first baby. Plus, the preview had me laughing, which is a good sign.

Watch a preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5db6eixmiv0

2 Broke Girls (Premiering Monday, September 19 at 8:30 p.m. on CBS)

Because this stars Kat Dennings, I’ll definitely give this show a chance. It’s about two roommates who also work together as waitresses. One, Dennings, is a street-smart working girl and the other, Beth Behrs, is a former rich girl whose dad lost all his money. I think this has potential, but the laugh track may drive me nuts.

Watch a preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr3FXTioTIo

New Girl (Premiering Tuesday, September 20 at 8 p.m. on Fox)

Starring everyone’s favorite indie sweetheart, Zooey Deschanel, as a recently dumped woman who moves in with three guys. Deschanel is supposed to be a huge nerd in this show so we’ll see if she can pull it off.

Watch a preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qqojuj1zoU

Apartment 23 (Mid-season replacement)

I found out about this online as people were commenting about how funny the trailer was. It looks like it’s not debuting this fall, so the wait will be a bit longer. This is another comedy about two mis-matched roommates. One an evil bitch and the other a bit on the naïve side. Oh, and Dawson Leery, James Van Der Beek, stars as himself. That’s going to be interesting.

Watch a preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW_QiaVDCQk

What TV shows are you excited about? Tell us in the comments below.

While Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene was tearing up the east coast, we Chicagoans were enjoying spectacular weather. But what better time to prepare for a disaster than when you’re not having to fight with strangers over the last flashlight?

According to the ready.gov website, here is what they recommend for a basic emergency kit:

• One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties
• Wrench or pliers
• Can opener
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

You may want to make a list of items you don’t have and then pick up one or two things each time you go to the hardware or home improvement store. That way, if some emergency hits Chicago – or even just a power outage – you’ll be ready.

As Chicagoans, we have a front-row seat to world-class dining. And the best part is, you’re just as likely to have something unforgettably awesome at your neighborhood restaurant down the street as you are at the fine dining establishment downtown. Here are just a few of the awesome dishes I’ve had in the past year or so.

Che from Saigon Sisters Restaurant: There’s a reason this was voted Chicago’s best new dessert by Chicago Magazine.

Pastrami from Manny’s Deli: Not too dry, not too fatty and piled so high you’ll probably have leftovers.

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia over Creamed Spinach from Prairie Fire: It may sound crazy, but the crispness of the fish with the creaminess of the spinach makes this very tasty.

Ahogada from XOCO: Whenever we bring people here for the first time, this is the dish we recommend.

Pecan Maple gelato from Black Dog Gelato: The flavors change daily, but if you’re there on a day with Pecan Maple, you must try it.

Grilled Slagel Family Ham Steak, Cheese Grits, Apple Fennel Conserve, Vincotto from Longman and Eagle: Longman and Eagle really excel at perfectly cooked meat, and this breakfast ham is no exception.

Octopus with Green Beans, Fingerling Potatoes and Salsa Verde from Purple Pig: Lately, I’ve really become a fan of octopus – especially when it has this much flavor.

Frites and aioli from Hopleaf: It may come with the mussels, but these frites and aioli stand on its own. I don’t think I’ve ever met an aioli I haven’t liked, but this one is the best.

Southern Pacific Railway’s Louisiana Fried Chicken from The Silver Palm: Tender, juicy and with spices that will make your mouth water, this fried chicken is amazing.

Fried Milk from Happy Chef: This was a special, so I don’t know when or if they’ll ever have it again. If you see it, you must get it – it’s kind of like funnel cakes only so much more delicious.

What are the best things you’ve eaten in Chicago? Let us know in the comments below.

Trends may come and go, but here are some I think have more than worn out their welcome.

Skinny jeans

For people who have hips (like me), skinny jeans aren’t the most flattering. So when they’re finally considered out, I’ll be doing a “hip, hip hooray.”

Leggings as pants

Leggings can look quite cute when worn properly – with a long shirt, tunic or dress. But when worn with tops that don’t property cover someone’s tushie, well, that’s when it goes from fashionable to faux pas.

Low-rise pants

This is a trend that’s been around forever. When are normal-waisted pants going to come back? They don’t have to be as high as they were in the 80s and early 90s, but I’d like to be able to buy pants without having to do a sit-down test first.

Anklets with pumps

This isn’t so much something I see in real-life, probably because women aren’t breaking out the anklets to wear to an important client meeting. But it seems like the magazines have been showing this style for ages.

Strapless, ruched wedding dresses

It’s not that this style is bad – it’s just the ubiquitous of it. It’s crazy for brides to spend so much time personalizing their weddings only to wear a cookie-cutter dress.

Rompers

Sure, this look is pretty recent. But because it’s so impractical (how do you go the bathroom in that thing?), this trend has to be measured in dog years.

When I was a kid, going back to school inspired equal parts anticipation and excitement. That’s because, in addition to an increase in my social activities, back-to-school time meant shopping.

When I was in junior high, my mom sent me to my grandmother’s for two weeks in August. She also sent along a clothing budget. My grandmother and I would go to all the shops looking for the cutest clothes. In addition to being a great bonding experience with my grandmother, it also taught me to make decisions about what I wanted versus what I could afford.

As I got older, I took those shopping trips with my friends, or even by myself. But by then they were more than shopping expeditions, they were springboards for who I was going to be that year and dreams of what was in store for me.

Today, the back-to-school ads instill in me that same excitement. Of course, I don’t really need back-to-school clothes, but I like to take inventory of my wardrobe and decide what I need and what I want. I joyfully study all the fashion magazines to decide what one or two pieces are my must-haves for the season. And even if I don’t end up getting them, I still have a good time dreaming of what life will bring my way and whether I’ll have the right clothes for it.