19 more shopping days!

With a coat and hat this stylish, you'll wish the freezing temperatures would stay forever! And, under that coat, catch everyone's eye with your form-fitting seasonal wear!

20 more shopping days!

OMG! Mommy, can I have a sleepover and wear my St. Lucia/Mrs. Claus/Laughing-stock of my school nightie??? Please?!?!

21 more shopping days!

How sporty! This year (1967), we have a whole array of apparel for the man in your life, whether for a casual night out, a weekend at home, or even going to bed wearing your pajama tie.

December 4 in Rogers Park history

Clark Street is fully paved from Devon to Chase on December 4, 1891.

22 more shopping days!

Well, these gals are ready for their safari on the shores of Lake Michigan! What style! What flamboyance! What color! Just as soon as their kayak pulls up on the beach, they're ready to take off into the sunset!

Friday Happy Hour: Hot Toddy

The hot toddy is a perfect antidote for winter's cold weather, and is ideal for enjoying by the Christmas tree or in front of the fireplace. Its warmth and high octane will fortify you for the short and cold days of December, and make you look forward to the evening!

In a sense, and in this recipe in particular, a hot toddy can be thought of as a hot old fashioned. Perhaps, in place of the bitters in an old fashioned, we can substitute some spices, as we see in the following recipe:

Although hot toddies are traditionally made with whiskey, there are actually a number options for experimentation, as we see:

Just be warned, though: the warmth of your hot toddy might lead to the warmth of some welcome companionship!

Put up some extra mistletoe this year! Cheers!

December 3 in Illinois history

Illinois becomes the 21st state on December 3, 1818.

23 more shopping days!

Christmas isn't Christmas without a day at Marshall Fields! And, of course, you're going to fall in love with the romantic, at-home gown of cotton velveteen! And priced to sell at only $185 -- in 1967 dollars! And, prefiguring the American Girl fad, Suzanne, the 21 inch doll, is the perfect gift for the little girl inside all of us. And, for those occasional nightcaps, the deluxe bar set hits just the right spot.

Where will we get all of these treasurers, you may wonder? As of 1967, here are your local Field's stores:

There's one near you!

24 more shopping days!

As a special countdown to Christmas, Rogers Park Retro will feature charming gift ideas (circa 1967, that is) to keep you on track as you plan all of the special treats and treasures you'll be getting everyone on your list this year. Stay tuned each day for our special posts! We're going to help you make this Christmas the best one yet (or, well, since 1967, at least).

Wednesday's Food Section: Brazil Nut Turkey Stuffing

Boy, this is one of those recipes you probably wish you'd had for Thanksgiving! But, this is good for the Christmas turkey, too. Well, maybe the Christmas turkey isn't as common as it once was, and not nearly as popular as its rival, the Thanksgiving turkey. Maybe this tasty recipe is an excuse to whip one up this Christmas!

Oh, and remember: it's always 2 parts of the sherry for the cook for every one part in the stuffing!