You know Longman & Eagle as the little gastropub that could. New on the scene, they have already been named “Best New Restaurant” by the Chicago Reader, “One of the Best Bars in America” by Esquire and have obtained a coveted Michelin Star. Now they’ll have another thing to buzz about- being the first bar to offer sleepovers.

Since the word delicatessen originated from delicacies, rest assured that deli food hits the spot like no other cuisine can. Often homemade with family, love, and tradition a great deli does the heart good.

Nicole Pearl, The Beauty Girl and founder of www.thebeautygirl.com, is a nationally acclaimed beauty expert who delivers behind-the-scenes scoop, hot tips and trends on all things beauty to Chicago. A former New York-based beauty writer/editor originally from Chicago’s North Shore, Nicole has written for various national magazines such as In Style, Allure, Self, Health, Marie Claire, Seventeen and Cosmopolitan, has served as an expert in TV and radio segments and has been the featured speaker for major beauty corporations. Most recently, Nicole has launched her website featuring one-on-one make over your makeup bag consultations and The Beauty Girl Parties which include custom presentations on recommended products and celeb makeup artist secrets, “swag bags” for the guests and add-ons like spray tanning and manicures. These parties are a fresh entertainment alternative for events like bridal showers, bachelorettes, bat mitzvahs and birthday parties.

Whether it’s mocha, java or espresso, a good cup ‘o Joe can either make or break your mood for the entire day. Keep the creative juices flowing at these caffeinated spots for a quick pick me up or curl up with a good book.

If you’re not in the mood for crazy 4 am door busters like the rest of the country, Chicago offers some of the richest shopping areas in the country (rivaled only by NYC and LA). Make sure your wallet is well padded to drop some holiday cash because the best presents are the ones you give yourself.

Stuck finding the perfect gift for that hautie that has everything? If you’ve been procrastinating, let us do some of the hard work and heavy lifting for you. Here are some uniquely you suggestions that will make a lasting impression on your loved ones. Spread the cheer, but first you gotta figure out who has been naughty and who has been nice.

Possibly jealous of the eight days of Hanukkah or just wanting to stretch out the holiday season as long as possible, the Trump Chicago launched Sixteen days of Christmas to double the celebration from December 16 through December 31, 2010. Throughout the 16-day event, guests are invited to participate in a variety of festive activities, from gingerbread decorating and tableside caviar service to Christmas caroling and specially designed tasting menus.

The Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet presents the 13th annual Nutcracker Family Dinner which will be held on Saturday, December 11th, 2010 at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel. The popular family-friendly holiday event raised over $110,000 last year. The evening will feature entertainment for children and adults alike, a traditional family-style meal, and a thrilling performance of Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker. Chicago event designer Jody Elting brought her imagination to life with a magical “green” theme featuring a 12 ft. recycled water bottle tree, recycled Birch trees as “creation stations”, and locally sourced poultry and vegetable products.

Got the winter doldrums or a continual case of the Mondays? Before you go into hibernation for the season, grab your hot cocoa, slip into a robe and relax in front of the fireplace at home, consider a spa-cation to refresh your frost bitten skin and chapped lips. The icy days may seem just a little less dreary. And if not, there’s always Peppermint Schnapps.