We all have to pay taxes. And we all should review our finances—at least annually—to see what has changed. Rather than have two headaches, I combine the two tasks into one and risk only one pain. This year, I’m sharing my “process:” It isn’t really complicated, but it does take most of a day. I pick one of those dreary or cold winter weekends when I am not tempted to leave the house: Chicago in February, anyone? [Another reason I like to do my taxes early is I receive my refund in a few days rather than waiting WEEKS!]

Not everyone will like to do this in one shot like I do, but each step could be a task, depending on how much time you have…5 minutes or an hour.

Start a tax folder

This is where I put all the tax info for my upcoming filing.  I use a gold envelope and simply write the tax year on it.  This is also the end destination for all the financial information I decided I should keep for a few years.  As W-2s and interest statements arrive, they go into this folder so I can find them when it is time to file taxes.

Gather all financial info

If I’ve been on top of things, this shouldn’t be too hard, but I check all drawers where I may have shoved papers out of sight, purses with old receipts, behind the desk, under the desk, under the couch, etc…  Put all these financial papers “away” (wherever “away” is for you).  I have an accordion file folder with compartments for each credit card, bank account, retirement funds, charitable receipts, health receipts, insurance papers, etc.

Review each financial account and decide what to keep 

This task can be done in 5-minute increments if not in an afternoon; pick one or two accounts each night to go through and it can be done in a week. I look for any health expenditures where I can still submit a Flexible Spending Account claim, receipts for large purchases (couches, TVs, etc.) that should be saved, donation receipts, house-related expenses I can claim on taxes or should be kept for future reference, etc.  I keep the last statement for each credit card or utility bill—something to show what my year-end balance was for the year in case something comes up in the future.  For bank accounts, I keep each statement, but review checks to see which can be shredded or saved.

Note any fiscal issues to be address

When looking through all those receipts and statements, it is a lot easier to spot if I spent a lot on clothing or books or something. If I spent a lot on clothes that year for no apparent reason, I then try to keep that in mind as one area to cut back.  However, if I just bought a house and am spending more at the hardware store than in the past, it is likely justifiable.

Prepare and file tax return

 I still do my own taxes, although I have started using one of the online tax filing systems, so I literally get everything done in one day.  If you use a tax preparer, this may be when you schedule your appointment—or your appointment is your deadline to be at least this far in your fiscal review.

Request a free annual credit report

Since everyone is entitled to a free credit report each year, I use tax time as my reminder to do a credit check.  For any Illinoisan who hasn’t gotten their free annual credit report before, the Illinois attorney general shares how to obtain it and other consumer protection stuff (if you are in another state, most state attorney general websites have similar info).

Review budget

Take a last look at all your expenses and determine if you need to adjust your budget.  Sometimes I realize I didn’t realistically budget for something and need to increase that expense, or maybe I want to cut back on a specific expense because I think I am overspending.  If my refund was large, I think about talking to the payroll manager at work about increasing my tax exemptions, which will decrease the taxes taken out of each paycheck [and result in a smaller refund the next year].  If you don’t have a budget, set one!  [Here is a budget template.]

After it is all done, shred whatever paperwork you don’t need to keep.  I often have to remind myself most of these paper statements are available online—I haven’t ever needed to download one after it has been shredded, but sometimes I feel better just knowing I can do it.  It helps me “let go”.  Once everything is shredded, I feel lighter and my house is often a bit cleaner too!

How to spend that refund!

I often feel the tax refund is my reward for all that work.  I start thinking about how it should be spent…how practical should I be or should I treat myself to something frivolous?  I normally end up doing a little of both.  I often save half (toward a new car, an extra mortgage payment, pay off a credit card) and the rest is spent or saved for something fun (an expensive dinner,  a vacation, or a new computer).

This is definitely a task I [mildly] dread each year, but when it is done, I really feel like I’ve accomplished something important for my life.

InstaGreeter tours

InstaGreeter walks are about an hour, and tours of the Loop are offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all year long. InstaGreeter walks from other locations, including the Chicago Riverwalk, are on a seasonal schedule. InstaGreeter walks do not require pre-registration.

Chicago Greeter tours

Greeter visits are two to four hours long and focus on whichever neighborhood and topics you’d like. You should register at least at least two weeks in advance for these.

You can also volunteer to lead these tours if you’d like to share your knowledge of our fair city.

AI recipe generators

AI keeps improving and we have a few options to test. Of course you can always just open ChatGPT, but these specific apps may give you better results:

Hellmann’s Meal Reveal lets you take a photo of your refrigerator’s contents and shoots out options. Of course, I can’t help but feel these may have mayo as an ingredient!

Fridge Leftovers AI is an app that, similarly, has you take a photo of your fridge’s contents and then lets you select what you’d like to use. The free version allows you analyze 15 images.

Leftover search engines

Here are a few sites that can help:

LeftoverChef: Turn Leftovers into Gourmet Meals is an app, but you type in ingredients.

LeftOver Chef is not associated with the app above, but rather is an Instagram with great ideas)

Love Food Hate Waste

Big Oven (has a leftover search engine)

Recipe Goldmine

AllRecipes Everyday Leftovers

If you have any favorite left over sites, please share!

• Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up — the maximalist fall experience: corn maze, 10,000+ pumpkins, photo ops, food, bars, games.
• Chicago Artisan Market — flagship curated market for local makers (fashion, home goods, food, art). In Fulton Market on October 19.
• Randolph Street Market — a hybrid of antiques, vintage, indie designer goods. The next one is October 5.
• Chicago Farmers Markets 2025 Schedule
  The City of Chicago maintains a list & schedule of farmers markets.

Citywide / seasonal events

• Lincoln Square Apple Fest — local fall fest with crafts, apples, food booths October 3-5.
• Chicago International Film Festival — check their official site for schedules & tickets. Running throughout October.
• Open House Chicago — when unusual buildings open up for tours, October 18-19.

The good news? A simple subscription audit can help you reclaim your money and peace of mind. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.

Step 1: Get the full picture

Start by gathering every recurring subscription you have, including:

• Streaming (Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, etc.)
• Software and apps (Adobe, Canva, cloud storage, AI tools)
• Fitness and wellness memberships
• Newsletters, magazines, or Patreon and Substack subscriptions
• Meal kits, beauty boxes, and other auto-deliveries
• “Invisible” subscriptions like Amazon Prime or annual renewals you signed up for years ago

Pro tip: Check your bank and credit card statements for the past 3–6 months. Search for keywords like subscription, monthly, or renewal. Don’t forget PayPal, Apple ID, and Google Play purchases — many recurring charges hide there. (Apple makes this easy: Go to the App Store > Account > Subscriptions)

Step 2: Organize and categorize

Once you have the list, organize it in a spreadsheet or budgeting app. Create columns for:

• Service name
• Monthly or annual cost
• Payment method (card, PayPal, etc.)
• Last time you used it
• Renewal date

Then group subscriptions into categories like Entertainment, Work Tools, Health & Fitness, and Lifestyle. Seeing them laid out visually helps you understand where your money is going.

Step 3: Cut what you don’t use

Be ruthless — if you haven’t used a subscription in the last 30 to 60 days, it’s a prime candidate for canceling. Ask yourself:

• Do I use this regularly? If not, it’s likely not worth it.
• Does it duplicate something else I already have? (Do you really need three streaming services?)
• Can I downgrade to a cheaper plan or switch to free alternatives?

To me, streaming services make this easy; I watch what I want, cancel, and resubscribe when t here’s something new I want to see. If you’re on the fence, consider pausing the subscription instead of canceling outright. Many services allow you to pause billing and resume later.

Step 4: Set reminders and track renewals

Automatic renewals are sneaky. Add renewal dates to your digital calendar and set reminders a week before they hit. This gives you time to reevaluate before getting charged.

You can also use subscription-tracking tools like:

• Rocket Money – scans your accounts and helps you cancel unwanted services ($6-12/month)
• Bobby – a simple app to manually track subscriptions (iPhone only, $2.99/month for unlimited subscription tracking)
• Monarch Money – full budgeting tools with subscription tracking features ($99/year)

Step 5: Make it a quarterly habit

Subscription creep happens over time, so schedule a quarterly check-in to review what you’re paying for and how often you’re using it. Think of it as a seasonal “decluttering” session — but for your digital life and wallet.

Auditing your subscriptions isn’t just about saving money — it’s about aligning your spending with what you truly value. A few hours of review can free up hundreds of dollars a year and give you back control over your budget. And that’s a win worth subscribing to.

• International Greeter Day. On Saturday, September 6, celebrate Chicago’s global spirit with free pop-up walking tours led by volunteer greeters. These neighborhood strolls cover everything from local history to hidden gems, starting at Millennium Park and branching into the Loop and beyond. It’s the perfect chance to see the city through a local’s eyes.
• Taste of Chicago (September 5–7, Millennium Park): End-of-season culinary extravaganza with food, music, and rides in Grant Park.
• Printers Row Lit Fest (September 6–7, South Dearborn): Chicago’s largest literary fair returns with hundreds of book vendors, author talks, and readings.
• El Grito Chicago. Mark your calendar for September 13–14 in Grant Park, where El Grito honors Mexican Independence Day with food, music, and culture. Enjoy delicious Mexican eats, live performances, a bustling mercadito (market), and interactive cultural pop-ups. It’s a family-friendly way to immerse yourself in Chicago’s vibrant Mexican community.
• Lakeview East Festival of the Arts (September 13–14): Vibrant neighborhood celebration featuring arts, culture, and community pride.
• Oktoberfest Nation (September 18) transforms the Fulton Market into a Bavarian wonderland with frosty steins, jumbo pretzels, live music, and festive bites. From the team behind Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up (see below).
• Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up. Starting September 18, this immersive fall-themed playground takes over two acres in Goose Island. Expect a corn maze, axe throwing, carnival games, themed bars, and endless Instagram-worthy pumpkin photo ops. Whether you’re out for date night or a group hang, it’s one of the most playful ways to welcome autumn in Chicago.
• Chicago Architecture Biennial (Phase 1: opens September 19; runs through February 28, 2026): This year’s theme, SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change, takes over venues like the Chicago Cultural Center, Graham Foundation, Stony Island Arts Bank, and more. Highlights include “Sunken Garden,” “Surfaces in Flux,” “TRACES” brick installation, and “Louie” ecological tower. Admission is free.
• Riot Fest 2025 (September 19–21, Douglass Park): Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the iconic punk-rock fest headlines Blink-182, Weezer, and Green Day among many others.
• West Loop Music & Art Fest (September 20–21, Fulton Street): Live music merges with open-air art galleries in this family-friendly weekend fest.
• Chicago Gourmet: “Step Up to the Plate” (September 25–28, Millennium Park/Harris Theater Rooftop): A sports-themed culinary festival featuring Tacos & Tequila (Rick Bayless), Hamburger Hop, Asian Late Night Market, brunches, and a star-studded lineup of chefs.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to suffer through bootcamps or burpees to build strength, protect your back, and feel better in your body.

This is fitness that meets you where you are — no guilt, no six-pack pressure, just movement that heals, strengthens, and supports.

1. Gentle core workouts (that aren’t crunches)

A strong core supports your spine, improves posture, and reduces back pain — but old-school crunches can make things worse.

Try this instead:

• Pelvic tilts on the floor or a stability ball
• Dead bugs (slow and controlled)
• Bird-dog pose (great for spine alignment)

Check out free gentle core workouts on YouTube with Sarah Beth Yoga or Jessica Valant Pilates.

2. Yoga for achy backs

You don’t need to twist into a pretzel. Yoga can relieve tension in your hips and lower back, boost your mood, and help balance your hormones — especially during perimenopause.

Top poses to try:

• Child’s Pose
• Cat-Cow
• Legs Up the Wall
• Supine Twist

Try the Down Dog App — you can customize for “lower back focus” and choose short, beginner-friendly flows.

3. Kettlebells (yes, really!)

It may seem intimidating, but light kettlebell training is one of the most efficient ways to build midlife strength — safely.

Why it works:

• Low-impact, full-body
• Improves posture and core strength
• Easy to do at home with one piece of equipment

Start with 10–15 lb and look for back-safe moves like:

• Goblet squats
• Deadlifts with soft knees
• Farmer’s carries

Try Sanne Vloet’s strength videos for women-friendly strength ideas.

4. Walking — the underrated MVP

If you’re low on energy or recovering from flare-ups, walking is your best friend.

• No gear required
• Helps circulation and digestion
• Eases anxiety and clears brain fog

Pair it with a podcast or audiobook via Libby for double the benefit.

5. Stretching before bed (or first thing in the morning)

If your back is stiff or you’re just not feeling it, 5–10 minutes of stretching can work wonders.

Try:

• Standing side bends
• Gentle spinal rolls
• Neck and shoulder releases
• Wall-supported squats

Apps like StretchIt or free YouTube playlists can guide you.

Staying active (even when you’re not feeling 100%)

• Modify, don’t skip. Even 5 minutes counts.
• Use what you’ve got. Resistance bands, a yoga mat, or a secondhand kettlebell from a thrift store can go a long way.
• Rest is part of the plan. On low-energy days, stretching or a walk is your workout — and that’s enough.

Here’s a round-up of smart, approachable tech worth trying — no Silicon Valley experience required. I’m not receiving any compensation for these links either.

AI that actually helps

ChatGPT or Perplexity.ai

For: planning, brainstorming, decision-making
Think of it as your digital assistant. Need help meal planning, drafting a professional email, or getting ideas for a weekend trip? These AI tools can help you write, research, or plan — fast.

Try this prompt: “Make a weekly grocery list for one, with healthy meals under 30 minutes.”

No coding or jargon — just type what you’d ask a smart friend.

Budgeting & financial tools

YNAB (You Need a Budget)

For: taking control of spending, especially in midlife transitions
YNAB helps you give every dollar a job — ideal if you’re adjusting to a new income, planning for retirement, or just want clarity over your finances.

Rocket Money

For: spotting and canceling sneaky subscriptions
How many “free trials” are quietly draining your bank account? Rocket Money finds them and helps you cancel in a click.

Health, hormones & wellness

Balance by Peppy

For: navigating perimenopause and menopause
Created by Dr. Louise Newson, this free app helps you track symptoms, learn about hormone therapy, and manage brain fog, sleep issues, and more.

Caria

For: personalized menopause support
Offers daily check-ins, guided meditations, symptom tracking, and community support. A gentle, holistic approach to managing perimenopause and menopause.

FitOn or Apple Fitness+

For: low-pressure, at-home workouts
No judgment, no gym required. FitOn offers free guided workouts, including stretching and back-friendly exercises. Apple Fitness+ has excellent short sessions that can tie in to your Apple Watch; I love the short ones to pad my other workouts.

Organization + sanity-saving apps

Trello or Notion

For: organizing your ideas, errands, or business
Think Pinterest meets a to-do list. Use Trello or Notion to track goals, plan projects, or map out your next trip. Easy to customize and surprisingly fun.

Libby

For: free audiobooks and eBooks
Borrow digital books from your local library without leaving your couch. Great for multitasking, travel, or early mornings with coffee.

Bonus tools

• Be My Eyes: AI-powered app that helps with vision-related tasks (like reading tiny text or labels)
• Google Lens: Snap a photo and get instant answers — perfect for identifying thrifted finds or reading restaurant menus in dim light
• TripIt: Turns all your messy confirmation emails into a clean travel itinerary. I love TripIt Pro for staying organized in one place, even if I booked in a dozen different places.

Women & Children First (Andersonville, Chicago)

One of the country’s oldest feminist bookstores, with a cozy event space. Offers drag queen story hours, zine-making workshops, LGBTQ+ readings, and author talks.
womenandchildrenfirst.com

Nomad Chicago (West Town)

Female-founded boutique and cafe that hosts pop-up events, artist talks, and sells goods from women-owned brands. A modern, inclusive lifestyle café with an activist edge.
nomad-chicago.com

Woman Made Gallery (Pilsen/UIC, Chicago)

A feminist art gallery that regularly hosts zine workshops, such as “Zines of Care,” and exhibits by women and nonbinary artists. Perfect for community zine or poetry nights.
womanmade.org

Zine Club Chicago (Various Locations)

This community-driven group hosts regular zine-making meetups, often in cafés and bookstores, celebrating storytelling and self-publishing culture.
facebook.com/zineclubchicago

Read/Write Library (Humboldt Park)

A volunteer-run library of independent media, zines, and ephemera. Hosts zine fests, art workshops, and is a hub for radical knowledge-sharing.
readwritelibrary.org

Lillstreet Art Center (Ravenswood)

This art center offers printmaking, bookbinding, and zine-making workshops—an excellent fusion of feminist arts and community space.
lillstreet.com

Want to join in?

• Follow events on Instagram, Eventbrite, or Tock
• RSVP early—many dinners and workshops sell out within hours
• Consider hosting your own zine or supper pop-up in your suburb or neighborhood café
• Partner with collectives like Zine Club Chicago or Woman Made Gallery to bring new experiences to your community

1. Ravinia Festival

Pack a picnic and head to Ravinia on Friday night for Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience.

2. Chicago Botanic Garden or Morton Arboretum

Escape the city altogether — nature walks, photography, and peace. Bonus: Morton sometimes hosts evening light shows or acoustic concerts.

3. Jeff Fest in Jefferson Park

It’s right off the blue line! Think tribute bands and local food.

4. First Saturday in Evanston – Saturday, August 1

Evanston Made’s First Saturday is a free, self-guided art crawl across downtown Evanston. Explore open studios, pop-up galleries, murals and even a block prty while browsing handmade goods—from prints and pottery to local sketches. Shops, cafes, breweries, and galleries host exhibitions and interactive sessions like sketching workshops.

5. Logan Art Mart at Federales (Logan Square) – Saturday, August 2, 2?-5?pm.

Meet local creatives at Logan Art Mart, hosted every month at Federales Tacos & Tequila. Shop handmade art and crafts including ceramics, jewelry, prints, and live mural paintings. Alongside art vendors are drink and food specials like margaritas and nachos. The vibe is community-driven, casual, and ideal for chatting with the artists who made the goods. Admission is free or you can reserve a table. Proceeds from some drink specials support local nonprofits.

6. Art Institute + Wine After

Visit the Art Institute or Museum of Contemporary Art, then decompress with a glass at Cindy’s Rooftop or The Dearborn.

Semicolon Bookstore – West Town

A Black woman-owned bookstore that blends literature, art, and community activism. The shelves are gorgeously curated and the vibe is pure inspiration. Bonus: Kids are welcome, and the adjacent gallery space is a fun little detour for curious minds.

Nearby coffee: Try Big Shoulders Coffee a few blocks away for a bold roast and peaceful seating.

The Book Cellar – Lincoln Square

This beloved indie shop serves wine, coffee, and charm by the shelf-load. They host tons of readings and book clubs and have a small café in-house. It’s stroller-friendly, with a great kids’ section for little readers.

Coffee + wine = yes. Get a seat by the window and stay a while.

RoscoeBooks – Roscoe Village

A neighborhood gem with a calming energy and attentive staff who always have a solid recommendation. The children’s section is smartly arranged and often features themed tables (think: graphic novels, bedtime stories, empowering reads).

Madison Street Books – West Loop

Chic, welcoming, and expertly stocked. Madison Street Books has a robust children’s section, complete with reading nooks and plush cushions. Events range from author signings to Saturday morning storytimes.

Hit up Sawada Coffee around the corner for a matcha latte or military cappuccino.

Unabridged Bookstore – Lakeview

This LGBTQ+-affirming classic has deep literary roots. It’s packed (in the best way) with curated picks, staff notes, and an impressive children’s and YA section. A longtime favorite of local bibliophiles.

Fuel up at The Coffee & Tea Exchange nearby—an old-school shop with beans galore.

Pro tips for book-browsing bliss

• Go mid-morning for fewer crowds and fresh pastries.
• Bring snacks or small toys if browsing with little ones—most stores welcome children, but a little entertainment goes a long way.
• Sign up for newsletters—many of these shops host women’s book clubs, author brunches, and kid-friendly story times.

If you’ve ever wandered through a dimly lit room full of glittering earrings, hot sauce samples, and tattoo flash while sipping a cocktail, you already know: Sauced is not your average craft fair. Part curated market, part party, it showcases the best of Chicago’s indie vendors, food pop-ups, and offbeat artists—all set to DJ sets and a good dose of irreverence.

2025 Sauced Night Market dates:

• August 15 & 16 – WNDR Museum
  Expect interactive installations and a design-forward crowd. Bonus: you’re in the West Loop, so pre-game or post-game with a bite nearby.

• October 17 & 18 – Half Acre Beer Co
  Craft brews meet handmade goods in Lincoln Square. Come for the market, stay for the stouts.

• November 29 – Small Business Saturday @ Hoste
  The perfect excuse to knock out your holiday shopping and support local makers. This special one-day market is made for the gift-givers and the last-minute planners.

• December 12 & 13 – Chicago Athletic Association
  This holiday edition is pure magic. Beautiful venue, downtown lights, spiked cocoa—don’t miss it.

Why go:

• Discover new artists, jewelers, illustrators, and vintage curators

• Support Chicago’s creative small business scene

• Enjoy themed cocktails and street food in cool, immersive spaces

• Admission is always free (why pay to shop??) but make sure you RSVP!

Insider tip: Get there early—popular vendors sell out fast, and lines form quickly for food and drink.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner — and you know, the best gifts are handmade. And they’re always chocolate.

These chocolate-covered pretzels are quite easy to make, taking perhaps 20 minutes. They’ll take a bit longer to set; if you can wait 24 hours, great! If not, don’t be surprised if you have to make another batch…

Ingredients

1-12 oz. package of milk chocolate chips
1-12 oz. package of white chocolate chips
1-bag pretzel twists [or whatever your favorite is!]
Wax paper

Place the milk chocolate chips and white chocolate chips into separate bowls. Microwave the milk chocolate chips on high for 1 minute. Stir. If the chips haven’t melted after stirring, give them another 15 seconds and re-stir.

Drop a few pretzels into the milk chocolate; I find it’s easiest to retrieve them with salad tongs. Place the finished pretzel on wax paper, as this is easiest to remove them from without hurting the pretzel.

At this point, I microwave the white chocolate chips as above, for 1 minute, stirring afterward. Add 15 seconds if they aren’t melted enough. Drizzle on pretzels, or place the white chocolate on the bottom of a spoon, shaking it back and forth over the pretzels, giving it more of a handmade touch. Keep in mind this can get messy, so don’t get crazy unless you like finding random drips of chocolate to clean up!

Repeat for the rest of the pretzels. As I noted above, it’s best if these get 24 hours to set, but you may find they’re quite delicious after a few minutes. Just not as presentable!

You can cover any leftover chocolate with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Think about alternatives to personalize your pretzels:

• Swap the milk chocolate and the white chocolate.
• Use food dye in your white chocolate.
• Drop on sprinkles or tiny candy hearts, like those for cupcakes.

Go wild! And be sure to make an extra batch, these are hard to resist!

Trecena at Santa?Masa Tamaleria

Monthly Chicano tasting-menu supper club in a Northwest Side tamaleria by Danny Espinoza and Jhoana Ruiz. Only 13 seats around the counter, with nostalgic flavors.

Txa?Txa Club

A spicy Thai-inspired supper club from ex-Lula chefs in unique venues. @txatxaclub

Second Helping Supper Club

Cozy themed dinners (like “Mexico × Midwest”) hosted at rotating venues. @secondhelpingsupperclub

Planted Porch Supper Club

Chef Anna hosts garden-porch dinners with seasonal vegetarian menus in Lincoln Park. @plantedporchsupperclub

Up South pop-up dinner series at the Four Seasons

A Southern-rooted supper series at Adorn Restaurant led by female chefs including Maya-Camille Broussard, Franco Diaz, and Yudith Bustos. Details & reservations

Iliana Regan’s early supper club roots

Before Elizabeth, Iliana Regan hosted intimate meal series at home with foraged, Nordic-Midwestern menus. Class Act Dining

Trino (pop?ups + steakhouse)

Chef Stephen Sandoval previewed this Latin-inspired steakhouse with live-fire pop-ups at Soho House Chicago (June 20–28), ahead of the full opening in late July. Tock pop-up series

Bar Sótano pop?up series

Rick Bayless’s River North mezcal bar hosts monthly alumni chef pop-ups through Oct. 30, featuring talents like Rishi Kumar, Brian Enyart, Alonso Sotelo, Chuck Pine, and Paul Kahan.
Eater article on the popups / Bar Sótano reservations

Sunday Dinner Club

Invitation-only rotating themed dinners (~10–15 events monthly) noted for its exclusivity and decade-long run. Sunday Dinner Club

Booking tips

• Most of these events announce seatings via Instagram, Eater, OpenTable, Resy, or Tock.
• RSVP early—slots fill fast (especially intimate pop-ups)!
• Follow the chef or venue on social media for Stories and DMs about upcoming dates and tickets.

Gallery-wrap is when the photo is extended around the sides of the canvas frame, thereby eliminating the need for a frame. That doesn’t mean you can’t frame the canvas, but there are two reasons I like the unframed canvas: 1) no frame means less cost, and 2) you never have to reframe when you redecorate or move the photo (there is nothing to clash with the new decor).

This option is offered on most photo Web sites, from Shutterfly to Snapfish to Walgreens.

One I am going to try soon is Personalization Mall. They have mini canvases for under $25 (I assume that shipping is extra). Having another size to choose from will add a little variety to the photos I display.

1. Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

• Location: Lincoln Park
• Highlights: Serene lily pond with native prairie plants, peaceful walking paths, and benches ideal for meditation.

2. Palmisano Park (Stearns Quarry Park)

• Location: Bridgeport
• Highlights: Eco-friendly park with fishing pond, walking trails, and spectacular city skyline views.

3. Ping Tom Memorial Park

• Location: Chinatown
• Highlights: Beautiful landscaping, river views, walking paths, and unique pagoda pavilion.

4. Garden of the Phoenix

• Location: Jackson Park
• Highlights: Japanese-inspired gardens with cherry blossoms, peaceful ponds, and picturesque bridges.

5. Humboldt Park

• Location: Humboldt Park
• Highlights: Tranquil prairie river area with winding paths, native grasses, and calm waterways.

6. Indian Boundary Park

• Location: West Ridge
• Highlights: Lush greenery, a lagoon, playgrounds, and picnic spots ideal for family outings or solo retreats.

What parks do you visit for a break?

Devon Market – Rogers Park

A neighborhood favorite that feels like a mini world tour. Find everything from Turkish feta and Polish dumplings to Mexican dried chiles and Korean noodles—all under one roof.

Fresh Farms International Market – Chicago, Niles & Wheeling

Famous for its produce section and fresh fish counter, Fresh Farms is a global grocery wonderland. Think Eastern European pastries, Middle Eastern olives, and aisles of rare condiments.

Patel Brothers – Little India/Devon, Schaumburg, Niles, Naperville

Your go-to for South Asian spices, lentils, and produce. A must-visit for cooking Indian or Pakistani dishes on a dime.

Joong Boo Market – Chicago, Glenview & Schaumburg

These Korean mega-mart have it all: house-made kimchi, marinated meats, and a hidden snack counter that serves up spicy bulgogi bowls and dumplings.

La Casa Del Pueblo – Pilsen

This used to be my go-to grocery when I lived nearby. Affordable, authentic Mexican groceries—including fresh tortillas, sweet bread, and hard-to-find herbs like epazote. Don’t miss the taqueria next door, and the Tamale Lady will be out front on weekends (get there early before she sells out).

Gene’s Sausage Shop – Lincoln Square

While not the cheapest on this list, Gene’s is a treasure trove of Eastern European meats, pickles, and pantry goods, often with good deals on bulk buys.

Chicago Market – Uptown (Co-op)

A community-run food co-op prioritizing local and sustainable items. While prices vary, members often get discounts and access to farm-fresh staples.

Bonus tip: Shop smart

• Look for bulk bins and frozen international goods—great for saving long-term.
• Many of these stores offer weekly specials or holiday discounts (especially around cultural events).
• Bring reusable bags—some spots don’t offer free bags.

What to expect

• 45-minute outdoor performances blending theatre, dance, and music
• It’s the second annual iteration of Shakes in the City, designed to enliven public green spaces in our north, south, and west side neighborhoods
• Free access: No tickets required—just bring a blanket, a picnic, and a sense of wonder
• Neighborhood rotation: Whether you’re in Lincoln Square, Little Village, Bronzeville, or beyond, there’s a staging near you

Get zapped back in time at Galloping Ghost Arcade & Pinball Museum

Brookfield, IL

Technically an arcade—but with over 885 machines, it also functions as a living, blinking, buzzing museum of pinball and video game history. Some of the games are one-of-a-kind prototypes. Just pay once, and you can play all day. It’s a retro overload and a walk through gaming history. The Galloping Ghost Arcade not only offers classic arcade games but also hosts tournaments and events that engage visitors of all ages, making it a vibrant community hub for gaming enthusiasts.

Vintage radios and victrolas at the Museum of Broadcast Communications

Chicago, IL

This downtown gem is a mix of kitschy nostalgia and serious cultural documentation. You’ll find retro TV sets, old-timey microphones, and rooms that recreate early broadcast studios. Their permanent exhibit on political ads is a must-see during election seasons.

Dive into the unexpected at the Bess Bower Dunn Museum

Libertyville, IL

I can’t believe I haven’t been here yet! This Lake County museum mixes history, art, and taxidermy. Quirky highlights include a life-size dinosaur and an exhibit on how ice cream was historically delivered by horse cart. Plus: rotating exhibits that are always offbeat and community-focused. The Bess Bower Dunn Museum also offers educational programs for families, allowing children to explore history through hands-on activities and workshops.

See how others lived at the National Public Housing Museum

Near West Side, Chicago

Located in the last remaining building of the Jane Addams Homes, this museum offers immersive exhibits that recreate apartments from different eras, highlighting the lived experiences of public housing residents. It delves into the history and challenges of public housing in America. The museum provides a platform for storytelling through oral histories and artifacts that illustrate the impact of public housing policies on communities across the country.

Leather Archives & Museum—need I say more?

Rogers Park, Chicago

Dedicated to preserving the history and culture of leather, kink, BDSM, and fetish communities, this museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, art, and literature. It’s a unique institution that offers insight into often misunderstood subcultures. The Leather Archives & Museum also hosts events and discussions aimed at educating the public about the diversity of human sexuality, promoting understanding and respect for different lifestyles.

Discover the history of medicine at the International Museum of Surgical Science

Gold Coast, Chicago

Housed in a historic mansion, this museum showcases the history of surgery and medical instruments from around the world. Its exhibits range from ancient surgical tools to modern medical advancements. Explore the evolution of surgical techniques and check out interactive displays that show how far the medical field has come.

Cars from A to Z at Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum

Chicago

Home to over 300 classic and custom vehicles, this museum offers a dazzling display of automotive history. From vintage cars to unique custom builds, it’s a car enthusiast’s dream.

Plan your next day trip

Skip the lines and the usual tourist stops. Whether you’re into pinball, military history, dirt (yes, really), or dinosaurs in the ‘burbs, Chicago’s lesser-known museums offer a fun, frugal, and fascinating way to spend a Saturday. Don’t miss out on these quirky Chicago museums on your next outing!

Thrifted shoes: Proceed with caution

• Best to avoid running shoes with obvious wear—midsoles and treads degrade over time and lose support.
• Do consider shoes for walking, casual workouts, or studio classes if they’re lightly used and show no signs of sole breakdown.
• Look for brands like Brooks, Hoka, and New Balance with firm heel counters and clean interiors.

Tip: Always disinfect insoles or swap in fresh inserts.

Yoga mats & accessories

• Mats: Only thrift if they’re still grippy and clean. Some wear is fine, but deep creases or flaking foam? Skip it.
• Blocks, straps, bolsters: Great to thrift! These don’t wear out easily and can be sanitized.
• Resistance bands: Be careful—these degrade with age and sun exposure. Gently stretch and inspect for cracks before buying.

Tip: Clean foam or cork blocks with a vinegar + water solution or natural spray cleaner.

Workout apparel

• This is where thrifting really shines. Look for:
  • High-waisted leggings with intact seams
  • Moisture-wicking fabrics (like Nike Dri-FIT or Lululemon’s Luxtreme)
  • Sports bras with solid elastic and removable padding
  • Layering items like zip-ups, vests, and windbreakers

Avoid:

• Anything with pilling in friction zones
• Stretched-out waistbands or fraying straps

Cleaning & care tips

• Use sports detergent like HEX or Rockin’ Green to remove odors and sweat bacteria. Personally I still go for Tide Sport, but YMMV.
• Soak yoga gear or shoes in a baking soda + vinegar bath before machine washing
• For gear with mesh or straps, use a laundry bag to prevent snags

Where to find thrifted fitness gear in Chicago

• Village Discount Outlet – Multiple locations with rotating inventory
• Play It Again Sports – Great for weights, mats, and gently used sports equipment
• ThredUp – Online resale with a wide range of activewear
• Crossroads Trading – Trendy athletic brands like Alo Yoga, Outdoor Voices, and more

Final thoughts

Fitness doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right eye and a little patience, you can find high-performance gear at a fraction of the price—and give it a second life in the process.

Axe throwing that doesn’t feel like a bachelor party

Location: Bad Axe Throwing – River North
Think less plaid bro-fest, more satisfying release of energy and surprisingly zen focus. The coaches are friendly, and the vibe is approachable even for beginners. Book a private lane or hop into a casual walk-in session.

What to wear: Sneakers and something you can move in—channel your inner lumberjane.

Make your own perfume

Location: Aroma Workshop – Lincoln Park
Design your signature scent from scratch—choose from over 100 essential oils and leave with a custom roll-on or full-size bottle.

Perfect for: A girls’ day out, or for gift-making.

Pro tip: Your scent is saved in their system, so you can reorder it later (or gift it to your future self).

Kettlebell flow for your brain & body

Location: On Your Mark – West Loop
This isn’t your standard swing class. Kettlebell flow sessions combine strength, mobility, and rhythmic sequences—it’s like choreography meets HIIT.

Perfect for: Breaking out of spin class autopilot.

Bring: A water bottle and a “let’s try this” mindset.

Bonus Option: Mix & match

Feeling spicy? Stack all three across a weekend for the ultimate “new you” reset. Axe throw on Friday, scent blend on Saturday, kettlebell sweat on Sunday. You’ll smell good, move well, and have a few stories to tell come Monday.

Cleve Carney Museum: Hokusai & Ukiyo?e — The Floating World

• What it is: A beautifully curated collection of 60 authentic works, including 53 original prints and paintings by ukiyo-e masters like Hokusai and Hiroshige, plus 17 handcrafted artifacts from Edo-period Japan.
• Immersive additions: Explore life in old Tokyo via experiences like “Hokusai’s World,” a recreated Edo street; a manga?style room created by the same folks from 2d restaurant; a Japanese garden; and a Samurai & Silk station.
• Extras: Pop-up café Edo EATS! and, of course, the gift shop.

Cleve Carney has had many more amazing shows like an expansive Warhol exhibit, and the work of Tony Fitzpatrick—a Chicago-based visual artist with amazing collages. He also has a mural in downtown Glen Ellyn.

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Restaurants & cafes

• Four o Five Kitchen – Elevated comfort food with a global twist (don’t miss the churro waffles!).
• Maize + Mash – A modern American bistro and whiskey bar with speakeasy vibes and 150+ whiskeys behind the bar.
• Shanahan’s – An Irish pub serving comfort food and rotating local beers. A patio favorite.
• Blackberry Market – Light-filled cafe with seasonal salads, lemon bars, and avocado toast.
• Fire + Wine – Neapolitan-style pizza, roasted Brussels sprouts.

Boutiques & gift shops

• Meredith Jaye – A boutique for women’s fashion, home decor, and seasonal gifts.
• Marcel’s Culinary Experience – Cookware, gourmet goods, and cooking classes.
• Gather & Collect – Curated home decor, paper goods, and vintage treasures.
• Ten Thousand Villages – Fair-trade gifts and artisan-made goods with a mission behind every piece.
• Good Roots – A gorgeously curated plant and botanical shop.

Plan it out

1. Start your day at the museum—immerse in the art, sip tea in the Great Wave Gardens (show is there through the end of September).
2. Refresh your senses with lunch at Four o Five Kitchen—brunch is so good.
3. Shop north on Main Street—browse the unique boutiques and artisan shops.
4. Wind down with a film at Glen Art Theatre, or pick up pottery at ClaySpace for a souvenir.

Architecture & design highlights

Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) — Tours & programs

• Fine Arts Building tour + “Second Fridays” open studios
  Explore this historic landmark with a 1-hour docent-guided tour, then enjoy open studios every 2nd Friday (July?11 & August?8, 5–9?pm)
• Walking & Bus Tours (yes, CAC offers bus tours!)
• Union Station: Icon of a Great Age – uncover Beaux-Arts architecture
• Frank Lloyd Wright by Bus – a scenic ride through Wright’s Prairie-style homes in Oak Park
• Special Program: LEGO & Libations — Wild Mile tour (July?17) & Farm on Ogden (July?26)

Art, exhibitions & openings

Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World

• Running June?29–Oct?5 at the Art Institute—explore Impressionist urban scenes and participate in mixed-media workshops

Chicago Gallery News Picked Events (July 1–Aug 10)

• Chicago Architecture Biennial Participant List – unveiled July?1–Aug?10
• Julia Jensen at Poised Between Vivid Gallery (Jul?1–31)
• #TRENDING at Jackson Junge Gallery opens Jul?11 (runs through Aug?10)
• Vicinity 2025 at Perspective Photo Gallery Jul?12–27
• Try to Remember at Evanston Art Center Jul?8–Aug?10
• Summer Group Show (Flo Flores, Daniel Hojnacki & D. Rosen) at 65GRAND Jul?11–Aug?9
• Impressions: Chicago Sculpture International at Fine Arts Building Jul?11–Aug?25
• Alex Katz: White Lotus opens Jul?11 at GRAY; runs through Sep?20 (chicagogallerynews.com)

Public art installations

Flight of Butterflies

• It’s been around since April 2024, but this public-art initiative with 29 large-scale butterfly sculptures across Michigan Ave and major parks, is running through September 2025.

Tips & Travel Notes

• Book tours early, as CAC events have limited group sizes.
• Register in advance for gallery openings and receptions—some may require RSVPs.
• Navigate carefully during Lollapalooza and parade weekends—expect road closures near Grant Park and MLK Drive.
• Many events are free or donation-based—bring a picnic blanket and soak in the July–Aug vibe.

Featured markets & vintage sales

Vintage House Chicago

A rotating vintage market hosted at different venues across the city. Expect 12–6?PM events with curated vendor rosters, live DJs, and free entry. Follow their IG for locations and lineups.

Chicago Vintage Festival

Happening June 28 at 1008 S Canal St, this event features over 40 vendors in a dedicated Vintage Community Space. Fashion, vinyl, and throwback flair await.

Logan Square Summer Vintage & Artisan Fest

Taking place June 28–29, this neighborhood celebration combines local artists, vintage fashion, handmade jewelry, and live music.

Chicago Artisan Market

This indoor/outdoor market is a favorite for discovering women- and minority-owned brands across fashion, food, art, and home décor. Held in Fulton Market and Lincoln Park with over 100 vendors.

I Heart Indie Markets

A collection of indie pop-ups rotating through neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Andersonville. Expect small-batch goods, upcycled fashion, and a DIY vibe.

Tips for pop-up hopping

• Follow social accounts like @chicago_popups and @vintagehousechicago for flash sales and vendor previews.
• Bring cash + reusable bags — many booths offer cash discounts.
• Arrive early for first dibs, or go late for end-of-day deals.

Theater

Steppenwolf Theatre – $20 for 20, pay-what-you-will Tuesdays, rush tix

Twenty $20 tickets are available online, in advance, until they’re sold out for every main series show. Limit 2 per person. Use promo code 20FOR20

By phone, call 312-335-1650 on the day-of show at 12pm for main series performances. Limit 2 tickets per person. (They suggest calling as soon as they open and staying on the line until you’re assisted. Calls will be answered in the order received.)

Half-priced rush tickets for main series shows are available on the day of the performance, one hour prior to curtain. Tickets are only available in person at the Box Office, if available. Limit 2 per person.

For every Tuesday performance in their Membership Series productions, Steppenwolf offers ten Pay-What-You-Will tickets. Tickets are first-come, first-serve and can only be purchased in-person at the box office, one hour prior to curtain.

Neo-Futurists – “The Infinite Wrench”

Online, tickets are $20 each, or “pay what you can” (starting at $1). It’s still 30 plays in 60 minutes!

Dance

Chicago SummerDance

An annual city-sponsored event starting in June, Chicago SummerDance offers free dance lessons followed by live music and open dancing in various parks across the city. Learn new dance styles and enjoy live performances for free.

Chicago Tap Theatre – Pay-What-You-Can Classes

Chicago Tap Theatre offers pay-what-you-can options for their tap dance classes. You must contact them directly to discuss flexible payment options.

Comedy

The Second City – “Ten Dollar Comedy”

The Second City offers a weekly showcase called “Ten Dollar Comedy,” featuring improv, stand-up, and sketch performances—all for just $10.

Laugh Factory – First Fridays $5 Tickets

On the first Friday of every month, Laugh Factory in Lakeview offers $5 tickets to their comedy shows, at 7:00, 9:15 & 11:30 PM. You can attend multiple or all of the shows. They feature a mix of established and up-and-coming comedians.

Pro Tip: Many of these venues announce PWYC or discounted events through their newsletters or social media channels. Subscribing or following them can keep you informed about upcoming affordable performances.

What to buy at estate sales

Vintage furniture (especially solid wood)

Estate sales are the holy grail for quality, vintage, and mid-century modern pieces.

Look for:

• Dovetail drawers
• Teak, walnut, or oak wood
• Credenzas, bookshelves, coffee tables
• Unupholstered chairs for easy DIY projects

Tip: Bring a tape measure and know the dimensions of your vehicle. Bring cash and blankets for transport.

Cookware & kitchen treasures

Estate sales often yield well-made, heavy-duty items that last forever.

Snag:

• Cast iron skillets (look for Wagner, Griswold, Lodge)
• Pyrex and Fire-King glassware
• Dutch ovens, muffin tins, and copper molds
• Vintage utensils, mixing bowls, breadboxes

Tip: Avoid scratched or heavily used non-stick cookware, which can be unsafe.

Fabric, craft supplies & linens

You’ll often find entire sewing rooms or craft bins brimming with unused or barely-touched supplies.

Buy:

• Wool, cotton, silk, or linen fabric
• Embroidery thread, buttons, vintage zippers
• Crocheted doilies, hand-embroidered tablecloths
• Bins of ribbon, wrapping paper, and vintage gift tags

Tip: If it’s been in a basement, sniff it before you commit. Moldy smells are hard to get rid of.

Hand tools & workshop finds

Estate sales often yield fantastic deals on hand tools—especially if the homeowner was a hobbyist or tradesperson.

Great finds:

• Hammers, saws, screwdrivers, wrenches
• Power tools (if tested on-site!)
• Garden shears, spades, and old metal watering cans
• Vintage toolboxes or hardware drawers

Tip: Skip anything rusty beyond repair or without working parts unless you love a fixer-upper project.

What to skip at estate sales

Electronics & appliances

That VHS player might work. But then again, it might not. And there are usually no returns.

Skip:

• Old TVs, DVD players, printers
• Blenders and appliances with frayed cords
• Unmarked speakers or mystery wires

Heavily used bedding or mattresses

Unless it’s vintage textiles, steer clear of anything with stuffing or stains.

Avoid:

• Mattresses
• Pillows (unless decorative and clean)
• Electric blankets or heated mattress pads

Everyday clothes

Unless it’s high-quality vintage, estate sale clothing tends to be more practical than fashionable.

Exceptions: real leather, vintage denim, wool coats, or handmade pieces.

Where to find estate sales in Chicago

These companies and apps regularly host or list Chicago-area estate sales:

Apps & listings

• EstateSales.net – Chicago
• EstateSales.org
• Yard Sale Treasure Map (app) – Great for planning your route
• Facebook Marketplace – Look under “Garage & Estate Sales”

Thriftista tips for estate sale day

• Bring cash. Not all sales take cards, especially smaller ones.
• Arrive early for best selection; come back late (or the next day) for deals.
• Bring a reusable bag or basket to carry your finds.
• Test electronics or tools if outlets are available.
• Map your route if you’re hitting multiple sales in a day.

Final word

Estate sales are one of the best ways to find high-quality vintage and secondhand goods—often cheaper than thrift stores, and far more interesting. Come prepared, shop smart, and you just might walk away with a teak credenza, cast iron skillet, and vintage wrapping paper… for under $100.

The Maker Lab at Harold Washington Library

A fully-equipped space to experiment with 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, and more. It’s perfect for DIY projects, prototyping, or learning new skills. You can attend workshops on anything from digital design to audio production.

Check it out: CPL maker lab

Author talks, live performances

From author talks to live performances, workshops, and panels, CPL offers a variety of free events. Most are open to the public, but some workshops or limited events may require registration or a library card. I saw Bill Bryson here live years ago!

Check it out: CPL events calendar

Book clubs, career counseling and more

CPL runs a variety of programs tailored to different communities, including book clubs, career counseling, and language learning. Many are open to all, but some may be exclusive to library cardholders.

Check it out: CPL programs

Free wi-fi and study spaces

Free wi-fi and study rooms are at most locations, but certain rooms may require a library card for booking.

Check it out: Find a location

The “Library of Things”

You can check out GoPro cameras, board games, musical instruments, sewing machines, and more. A CPL library card is required to borrow.

Check it out: CPL Library of Things

What are your favorite CPL resources?

Selling thrifted fashion is part treasure hunt, part hustle. Whether you’re cleaning out your closet or turning reselling into a side gig, here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Know what sells

Not all thrift finds are created equal. Look for:

• Name brands (Madewell, Patagonia, Nike, Reformation, vintage Levi’s)
• Trendy styles (Y2K, ‘90s, cottagecore)
• Natural fabrics (cotton, wool, silk—these hold value)
• Unique vintage or statement pieces
• New with tags (NWT) items

Tip: Browse sold listings on eBay to see what people are actually buying. It’s great for pricing your items realistically, too.

Step 2: Take great photos

Photos truly make or break your listing. Use natural light and a clean backdrop. I also fill in with a ring light as it’s what I have at hand.

• Hang items or use a mannequin/body form
• Show multiple angles
• Include close-ups of labels, tags, and fabric texture
• Include measurements
• Show flaws clearly (buyers appreciate honesty)

Check out Poshmark’s photo tips for an example of good styling.

Step 3: Write an honest, searchable description

Use keywords buyers will search for. Include:

• Brand
• Size
• Material (100% linen, wool blend, etc.)
• Condition (excellent used condition, new with tags, etc.)
• Fit details or measurements

Example:
Vintage Levi’s 501 Jeans – W30 L32 – High Rise Button Fly – Made in USA – Distressed – 90s Grunge Style

Step 4: Choose your resale platform

Each platform has a different vibe and audience:

Step 5: Ship it smartly

• Use USPS First Class for items under 1 lb
• Use flat-rate shipping (e.g., Poshmark includes it)
• Reuse clean mailers or buy eco-friendly shipping supplies (EcoEnclose and NoIssue)

Bonus: Cross-list for maximum exposure

Use tools like:

• Vendoo
• List Perfectly

They help you post to multiple marketplaces at once—and manage inventory when something sells.

Keep your inventory organized

A little organization saves you time when orders come in; I created an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of what I’m selling, when I listed it, and update it when something is sold. Use bins, tags, or garment racks and label everything by size or season.

Make it fun

Curate your shop like a brand. Use consistent photo styles, a clear tone, and even a fun name. Reselling is part business, part creative outlet.

Getting there from Chicago

Coming from Chicago or the suburbs? Amtrak’s Hiawatha Service offers easy access to Summerfest from the Milwaukee Intermodal Station. You can catch the train to the fest from Chicago Union Station, Glenview, and Sturtevant (Racine/Kenosha).

Tickets & entry

• Bag policy: Only bags smaller than 9″x10″x12″ are permitted. Backpacks and larger bags are prohibited.
• You CAN bring in umbrellas, strollers, disposable cameras and small cameras.
• You CANNOT bring in outside food and beverages (and many other things, check their site for details).
• Security: All attendees will pass through metal detectors. Prohibited items will be confiscated and not returned.
• Free admission opportunities: There are a lot of options if you want to try to get in free.

Food & drinks

There are over two dozen new food and beverage options, and plenty are local:

• Beats & Eats: Serving apple crisp rolls and mac n’ cheese lumpia.
• Nino’s Southern Sides: Featuring classic comfort foods.
• Pina Cocina & Cantina: Known for birria eggrolls.
• Ian’s Pizza: Introducing Chicken Penne Alfredo pizza.
• Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que: Offering a funnel cake pork sandwich.
• Mader’s: Guinness BBQ Chicken Sandwich
• And at select bars: Leinenkugel’s Hazy IPA and Lodge Lime, Blue Moon EXTRA, Simply Spiked Tropical and BOLD Lemonade, Topo Chico Margarita MAX, Happy Thursday Pineapple and Dragonfruit, Zombie, Bahama Mama, and others.

Note, beverage vendors remove bottle caps and do not provide lids for fountain drinks.

Entertainment highlights

The festival boasts a diverse lineup across multiple stages:

• American Family Insurance Amphitheater: Headliners include Megan Thee Stallion, Def Leppard, and Benson Boone. These are ticketed so you must buy these separately from your Summerfest entry fee.
• BMO Pavilion: Featuring acts like Eric Benét and 311.
• Miller Lite Oasis Stage: Hosting performances by Phantom Planet and Lovejoy.
• Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard: Showcasing artists such as The Cat Empire and MJ Lenderman.
• And, the American Family Insurance House offers performances with artists like Joy Oladokun and Aly & AJ.

Safety & common sense tips

• Stay hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle; refill stations are available throughout the grounds.
• Protect your belongings: Keep valuables secure and be mindful of your surroundings.
• Plan ahead: Familiarize yourself with the festival map and schedule to maximize your experience.
• Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for varying weather conditions.
• Get the app: You can save time picking your favorites.

For more detailed information, visit the official Summerfest website.

Enjoy the festival!

Low-stress plants for beginners

Why it rocks: Tolerates low light and almost thrives on being ignored. Water every 2–3 weeks.
Tip: Great for bedrooms because it releases oxygen at night.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Why it rocks: Grows like crazy even in indirect light. Tells you when it’s thirsty by drooping a little.
Bonus: You can propagate it in water—free plants!

ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Why it rocks: Low light? Missed a watering (or three)? No problem. This is the cockroach of houseplants—in the best way.
Looks: Glossy, dark green leaves make it look fancy, even when it’s neglected.

Peace lily

Why it rocks: Will wilt when thirsty, then perk up like nothing happened.
Extra: Air-purifying, pet-friendly options available (check the label).

Spider plant

Why it rocks: Hardy, bounces back easily, and shoots out baby plants you can pot. It’s also safe for pets.
Pro move: Hang it near a window for a waterfall of green.

Pro tip: Bring photos of your space. Most shops will give free advice on what will thrive in your specific conditions.

Where to buy plants in Chicago

1. Gethsemane Garden Center – Andersonville

A beloved, family-owned nursery offering a vast selection of houseplants, including beginner-friendly options like snake plants and pothos.

2. Chicago Plants – River North

Offers home and office consultations, repotting services, and plant deliveries for that big palm you can’t take home on the El.

4. Sprout Home – West Town

Features a curated selection of indoor plants, terrariums, and planters, along with classes and garden design services.

5. Adams & Son & Daughter Gardens – Humboldt Park

A family-operated shop known for its friendly service and diverse plant offerings, including succulents and tropicals.

6. Old Town Gardens – Old Town

A favorite of mine! This charming garden center offering a variety of plants and gardening supplies, perfect for urban gardeners.

More plant shops in the suburbs

1. The Growing Place – Naperville & Aurora

Offers a wide variety of plants, gardening supplies, and expert advice, making it a go-to destination for suburban plant enthusiasts.

2. Heinz Brothers Greenhouse Garden Center – St. Charles

A full-service garden center providing a broad selection of plants and gardening essentials, suitable for both novices and seasoned gardeners.

3. Chalet Nursery – Wilmette

A North Shore staple offering premium plants, garden supplies, and landscaping services, perfect for those seeking quality and expertise.

4. Pesche’s Garden Center – Des Plaines

A long-standing garden center providing a vast selection of plants, flowers, seeds, and gardening supplies. They also offer cemetery wreaths and wild bird products.

What projects can you try at a maker space?

Maker spaces are packed with tools and equipment to help you build all sorts of amazing things. From custom gadgets to personalized decor, here’s a peek at some fun projects you can dive into:

• 3D printing
  Create three-dimensional objects layer by layer with a 3D printer. Whether you’re making custom phone stands, artistic sculptures, or even functional prototypes, the possibilities are endless.
  Ideas: Phone stands, wine bottle holders, prototypes, figurines, replacement parts.
• Laser cutting
  Using a high-powered laser, you can cut or engrave materials like wood, acrylic, and leather with precision.
  Ideas: Custom signage, jewelry, etched art, acrylic bracelets.
• Vinyl cutting
  A vinyl cutter is perfect for making precise cuts in materials like adhesive vinyl and paper. If you love customization, this tool is your best friend!
  Ideas: Custom decals, t-shirt designs, personalized labels.
• CNC milling
  A CNC milling machine allows you to carve and cut materials like wood, plastic, and metal based on a digital design.
  Ideas: Circuit boards, wooden panels, signage, laptop stands.
• Metalworking
  Work with metal using tools like welding stations and grinders to create art or functional pieces.
  Ideas: Bike frames, sculptures, home repairs, metal art.
• Woodworking
  With tools like saws, routers, lathes and sanders, you can turn wood into almost anything you can imagine.
  Ideas: Furniture, picture frames, wooden toys, cutting boards.

Check out these maker spaces in Chicago and the suburbs

• Maker Lab at the Chicago Public Library – Loop
  Located on the 3rd floor of the Harold Washington Library, the Maker Lab is a free space offering access to 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and CNC milling machines. Plus, they host workshops and tech classes to help you get started on your next project!
• Chicago Maker Space – West Loop
  This community-driven maker space provides everything from CNC machines to woodworking tools. Whether you’re working on a hobby project or a small business idea, it’s the perfect place to collaborate and create.
• Pumping Station: One – Logan Square
  As one of Chicago’s largest and most popular maker spaces, Pumping Station: One is open 24/7 to members. It offers tools for 3D printing, electronics, woodworking, metalworking, and even ceramics. There’s something here for every kind of maker!
• The Foundry – South Loop
  The Foundry offers a fully-equipped space for woodworking, welding, and digital fabrication. With flexible membership options, you can try out the tools and skills you want without long-term commitments.
• Makerspace at College of DuPage – Glen Ellyn
  A fantastic resource for learning and creating, the Makerspace at College of DuPage has woodworking equipment, 3D printers, and electronics tools to help bring your ideas to life.
• Craftsman Avenue – Pilsen
  Craftsman Avenue is a creative coworking space where DIY projects come to life. Offering woodworking, 3D printing, and general crafting tools, this is the perfect place to try out a new project and explore your creative potential.

Shops

Stella Boutique
Nestled on Central Street, Stella Boutique is a delightful spot featuring stylish and unique women’s clothing, artisan jewelry, accessories, and home decor and gifts.

niceLena & Friends
Located on Chicago Avenue near Trader Joe’s, this curated gift shop offers a wonderful selection of handmade home goods, jewelry, candles, and locally crafted items. Their earrings and tees are a must-see.

Thrift stores

Crossroads Trading
This consignment store on Sherman Avenue is a treasure trove for secondhand fashion, where I’ve scored finds like a pair of Diane von Furstenberg pants for just $12!

Goodwill
Conveniently located on Dempster Street.

Salvation Army
A new addition on Oakton, opened just a year ago.

Cafes

Backlot Coffee
One of my favorite spots. It’s always packed on weekends, but the coffee and pastries are worth the wait. Plus, it’s in the heart of the Central Street shopping district.

Cupitol Coffee & Eatery
Found on Grove Street, this café blends a cozy coffee shop vibe with a full restaurant menu, making it ideal for a laid-back hangout.

Patisserie Coralie
This adorable French café on Davis Street is the perfect place for exquisite pastries and a delightful ambiance.

Evanston Coffee Lab
Popular for studying and just hanging out, they have delicious butter mochi cakes and Filipino-inspired dishes made fresh to order.

Collectivo Coffee
A beloved Milwaukee-based chain, where you’ll find a relaxed spot to work. Fantastic coffee and rotating lattes.

Sweets

Bennison’s Bakery
A classic Evanston spot, Bennison’s on Davis Street is known for its mouthwatering selection of pastries and breads.

Hoosier Mama Pie Company & Dollop Coffee
Their pies, especially the savory chicken pot pie, are absolute perfection. THEN we get to the sweet pies. While I’d typically put them under cafés, their food really steals the show.

FRÍO Gelato
Located on Chicago Avenue, this gelato shop offers authentic Argentinian flavors..

Great Harvest Bread Co.
A woman-owned bakery with an impressive array of breads and sandwiches. Don’t miss the indulgent monkey bread with a steaming cup of coffee.

Restaurants

Tomo Japanese Street Food
Tomo serves up fantastic, casual Japanese dishes like ramen, udon, takoyaki, and house-made pork belly. Get a bento box if you’re unsure. The vibe is laid-back, with anime and Japanese tunes setting the scene.

Inspired Indian
A hidden gem on Noyes Street, Inspired Indian takes Indian cuisine to the next level with creative dishes like the Paneer Tikka Masala Sandwich.

Lucky Platter
This cozy Main Street eatery is known for its eclectic menu and vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.

Got any favorite spots of your own? Feel free to share!

The Art Institute of Chicago is my favorite museum in this city. I enjoy picking a new-to-me gallery, inspecting it thoroughly, and then heading off to visit my favorite artworks. Since the price of admission is rather high, I can’t do this very often. But I have been paying attention to their admission fees and here are the things I’ve noticed:

1. Admission is free Thursday evenings, June 5–September 25, 2025, 5–8 pm.
2. There is free access for children under 14, Chicago teens under 18, Link and WIC cardholders, and Illinois educators every day, as well as to Illinois residents on certain days throughout the year.
3. This one isn’t posted on their website. I have noticed that a few times I’ve received an additional discount after 4 pm.
4. City residents can obtain free museum passes (for a lot of museums, not just this one) through their local library. Since each library only has one pass to circulate, it is first-come, first-serve. It is also rare to see the Art Institute pass available–it is very popular.

If you’re like me and craving some fun, interactive classes around Chicago, I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into some of the more unique workshops that’ll inspire, energize, and spark your creativity.

Creative & artistic workshops

• Glassblowing at Ignite Glass Studio
  Experience the art of glassblowing in the West Loop. Private lessons allow you to create multiple glass objects under the guidance of a professional.
• Ceramics at Little Black Pearl
  Explore hand-building techniques in a friendly space. Located in Kenwood, this community arts center offers public ceramics workshops.
• Jewelry making at Lillstreet Art Center
  Join one-day creative workshops in metalsmithing, ceramics, and textiles. Lillstreet Art Center has been around for 50+ years! And I can personally tell you their metalworking and ceramics classes are great.

Culinary & mixology experiences

• Italian cooking classes at Tutore Italian Cooking School
  Learn, hands-on, to prepare classic Italian dishes like risotto, bolognese, and pizza. In Avondale.
• Coffee workshops at Metric Coffee
  Discover the art of brewing with expert baristas. These interactive workshops teach you to pull the perfect espresso shot and craft a silky latte.
• Candle making at Embers + Apothecary Co
  Create your own custom-scented candles in the South Loop.

Dance & wellness classes

• Trapeze classes at Get a Grip Trapeze
  Embrace your inner acrobat with classes in trapeze, aerial silks, and trampoline. Beginners are welcome, and private group classes are available.
• Dance classes at Old Town School of Folk Music
  Learn ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and other dance styles, at all skill levels.
• Adult dance classes at DivaDance
  Spice up your workouts with choreography to your favorite songs.

Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure or a girls’ day out, there are many options!

These events run from 6–10 PM, offering a vibrant atmosphere without the late-night fatigue.

What Is Earlybirds Club?

Founded by Chicago friends Laura Baginski and Susie Lee, Earlybirds Club emerged from their desire to relive the joy of dancing with friends without compromising their morning responsibilities. The club emphasizes inclusivity, self-care, and the therapeutic power of dance and community.

You can find Earlybirds here in Chicago, but also Providence, Boston, the Bay Area, and Seattle.

The Vibe

Expect a nostalgic mix of 80s new wave, 90s pop, early hip-hop, and 2000s hits. Signature cocktails like the “Hot Flash” add to the fun.

Upcoming Events

For Chicagoans, here are just a few coming up:

• May 16: 80s to the 2000s at Beat Kitchen
• May 17: New Wave Party at Reggie’s Rock Club
• June 13: 90s Prom at Park West

Tickets often sell out quickly, so it’s best to join the waitlist or set reminders for ticket releases.

Earlybirds Club donates a portion of proceeds from every party to local charities that support women’s lives, extending their positive impact beyond the dance floor.

Think micro-dose decluttering: tidy just one shelf, one drawer, one corner at a time.

The truth is, I’ve done huge declutters with deadlines and … I made it through. I hated it. But when I do a small nagging job, like that junk drawer, it’s a quick win that can spur more cleanups.

Why micro-dose decluttering works

• You’re not taking on the whole closet—just the bottom shelf. That’s doable.
• One tiny win leads to another. Decluttering becomes a chain of successes.
• It’s realistic: Perfect for people with full-time jobs, kids, or just fatigue.
• It’s mindful: Slowing down lets you notice what you actually use, love, and want to keep.

How to declutter, slowly

1. Pick a tiny zone
   Think: one kitchen shelf, a sock drawer, your car cup holders. Resist the urge to “just finish the whole cabinet.” For real. Resist!
2. Set a timer
   Try 5, 10, or 15 minutes. Not a race—just a boundary.
3. Sort lightly
   Keep, toss, donate.
4. Pause for a beat
   Notice how that newly-cleared space feels. Let that be enough for today (yep, that’s all!).
5. Repeat (or don’t)
   Maybe tomorrow it’s another shelf. Maybe it’s next week. Either way, you’re still ahead of where you were.

Decluttering can be slow

Decluttering doesn’t have to be life-changing. in one dramatic sweep. A tiny little act of self-kindness.

Because the truth is: sometimes, clearing one shelf is more powerful (and sustainable) than trying to conquer the whole house.

P.S. Want to make it more fun? Pair it with a favorite podcast, playlist, or a celebratory snack afterward.

Thrift & consignment shops in Chicago

Luvsick Plus

Chicago’s first plus-size vintage shop, offering curated fashion in sizes L–4X+. Expect reworked denim, nostalgic Y2K pieces, and more. Plus the jewelry is calling my name!

Elliott Consignment

High-quality designer and contemporary fashion with a well-edited selection for both men and women.

Mr. & Mrs. Digz

A boutique-style store featuring trendy pieces, upscale accessories, and a chic vintage mix.

Three Stars Vintage

A go-to for unique vintage pieces from all eras, from funky sweaters to timeless jackets.

Mercy Beaucoup!

A charitable resale shop supporting Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. Offers clothes, accessories, and home goods.

Cynthia’s Consignment

Designer consignment featuring brands like Chanel and Gucci alongside contemporary pieces.

Out of the Closet

Besides affordable clothing (including plus sizes), proceeds go to HIV/AIDS healthcare via the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

My Sister’s Closet

This consignment store carries stylish women’s clothing (including plus-size), accessories, and home goods. You can shop or sell here.

Suburban thrift & consignment spots

House of Hope Resale – Lake Zurich

Charity-run shop with regularly refreshed stock, including furniture, clothing, and home items.

Best Friend’s Consignment – Algonquin

Serving the community for 20+ years with well-priced fashion and friendly service.

The Brown Elephant – Oak Park

Supports LGBTQ+ health programs. Great for clothing, vintage furniture, and décor.

Winnetka Thrift Shop – Winnetka

A high-end option with luxury finds from an affluent donor base. Known for quality.

• May 24-25 – Randolph Street Market, 1341 W Randolph St, Chicago
  There’s entertainment all day, and a huge line-up of food including J Spice (Carribbean), Happy Lobster, Mr Greek, Blazed Bakery, Maggie’s Sweets and more. Also, 3 bars!
  
• September 13-14 – Highland Park Vintage Shindig, Highland Park Community House, 1991 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park
• September 27-28 – Randolph Street Market, 1341 W Randolph St, Chicago
• October 5 – Modern Vintage Chicago, Ravenswood Event Center, 4025 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago
• November 15-16 – Holiday Market, Plumbers Hall, 1340 W Washington, Chicago
• December 13-14 – Holiday Market, Plumbers Hall, 1340 W Washington, Chicago

Here are some finds from my sneak peek (and if you get the lion head, you must show it on display!):

But with recent reports showing Whole Foods prices average 20-25% higher than other grocers, I started wondering: Is there a way to shop there without spending a whole paycheck?

Amazon Prime Discounts

Spoiler: Yes, kind of. With a few smart strategies and some current updates, Whole Foods can be budget-friendly—if you know where to look.

If you’re a Prime member, you get exclusive weekly deals and an extra 10% off sale items. Just look for the yellow signs in-store.

Digital Coupons

Download the Whole Foods Market app to clip digital coupons and link your Amazon account. It makes checkout fast and lets you browse deals before you shop.

Local Value Picks

Whole Foods has been relaunching 365 by Whole Foods Market staples (even after retiring the branding). They’re often cheaper than Target or Trader Joe’s for pantry basics and household goods. Explore 365 items here.

Hot Bar Happy Hours

Some Chicago locations—like Lincoln Park and Lakeview—offer hot bar or salad bar discounts during slower hours (usually weekday afternoons). Ask in-store or check their store pages.

Bulk Bins & Budget Gems

Don’t sleep on:

• Bulk dry goods
• Store-brand frozen meals
• Rotisserie chicken (under $10 and feeds multiple… not as inexpensive as Costco but still pretty great)
• Weekend or “Prime Deals” on meat, seafood, and produce
• Bakery markdowns (often after 6 p.m.)

“The Whole Deal”… Still a Thing?

While the original “The Whole Deal” newsletter isn’t printed anymore, its spirit lives on in the Whole Foods app and weekly sales email, which include recipes, limited-time offers, and seasonal tips for saving.

Bonus Hack: Too Good To Go

If you haven’t tried it yet, Too Good To Go is a genius app that lets you rescue surplus food from grocery stores, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants—including Whole Foods in many cities (Chicago included). You buy a “Surprise Bag” at a steep discount (usually $4–$6), and pick it up near closing time. You don’t get to choose what’s in it—but that’s part of the fun.

You’ll likely have to look right after midnight as these are very popular! Typical Whole Foods bags might include fresh bakery items, hot bar foods, packaged sandwiches or salads, or produce nearing expiration.

If you’ve never heard of it, or you downloaded it and forgot about it, this post is for you.

What is Too Good To Go?

Too Good To Go is a free app that lets you buy “surprise bags” of leftover food from local businesses at a big discount. Think pastries, sushi, groceries, cafe treats, even restaurant meals. It’s food that would otherwise be thrown out at the end of the day, but still perfectly good.

You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play, and bags are usually $3-10 each. You can only pick up at the times designated. That’s it!

Pro tips to get the best out of Too Good To Go

1. Set notifications for your favorites
Good spots sell out fast. Tap the heart icon on places you like so you’ll get alerts.

2. Check in the late evening or early morning
Most listings are updated for the next day in the evening — between 8-10 PM — and sell out quickly. Morning bakery bags? Look around 7 AM. I’ve heard that for Whole Foods, right after midnight is best.

3. Know the pickup window
Pickup times are not flexible. If a pickup is between 9:30–10:00 PM, show up on time or risk forfeiting your bag (no refunds).

4. Rate and review your orders
This helps improve the platform and gives you insight into consistent, generous providers.

5. Keep reusable bags handy
Some places may give you multiple small containers or bakery items, so you should always bring your own bag.

6. Follow local Facebook groups
Users often post tips, reviews, and best finds from different businesses.

If you’re flexible, love trying new food, and hate waste — this app is a must. Just remember: it’s a surprise bag. Some days you score huge, other days it’s just decent. Either way, you’re helping the planet and saving a buck.

1. Start with cold-hardy, wind-tolerant plants

Chicago’s climate is rather…moody. The growing season is roughly mid-May through October, with chilly nights lingering late into spring. Start with cool-season crops like:

• Leafy greens: arugula, kale, spinach
• Herbs: chives, parsley, mint (they overwinter well)
• Root veggies: radishes, carrots, green onions

After Memorial Day, add in summer staples like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers—Chicago’s safe-from-frost date is typically May 15.

2. Assess your sun—then strategize

If you’re in a south- or west-facing unit, congrats—you’ve got prime real estate for sun-loving veggies like tomatoes, eggplants, or basil. North-facing? No worries. You can still grow herbs, lettuce, spinach, and ferns.

Consider using mirrors or light-colored walls to bounce light into shady spots. Every beam of sun counts!

3. Container tips for Chicago spaces

Between brick walls, rooftop patios, and wrought-iron porches, container choices matter. Here’s what works in the city:

• Fabric grow bags (like Root Pouches, though they are certainly not the only ones out there!) prevent overwatering (and dripping down onto those who live below you…) and store flat in winter.
• Rectangular planters fit snugly along balcony railings.
• DIY milk crates or 5-gallon buckets with drainage holes are affordable and deep enough for tomatoes or carrots.

Make sure your containers are wind-stable—you don’t have to be next to Lake Michigan to know the wind will topple lightweight pots.

4. Water smart in windy city weather

Chicago’s sun can be intense in summer, but wind dries out soil fast. Plan to water once a day during heatwaves, especially on concrete balconies. Add mulch (yes, even in pots!) to retain moisture.

If you’re going out of town, a DIY drip bottle system or self-watering planters will keep your garden alive.

5. Attract urban pollinators

Yes, Chicago has bees—and they love your back porch. Add native pollinator plants (if you want bees!) like:

• Bee balm (Monarda)
• Purple coneflower (Echinacea)
• Black-eyed Susans

These also survive Chicago’s seasons better than tropical flowers.

6. Choose compact, Chicago-ready varieties

Space is tight, so go vertical or choose dwarf plants bred for small containers:

• “Bush Early Girl” or “Tiny Tim” tomatoes
• “Patio Baby” eggplant
• Pole beans with a trellis (cheap and fun to grow)

Chicago’s garden centers like Gethsemane Garden Center (Andersonville) or Sprout Home (West Town) carry compact veggie starts that thrive in the Midwest.

7. Make it a sanctuary

With the El rumbling by and the occasional siren soundtrack, you deserve a peaceful retreat. Add a bistro chair, solar string lights, and maybe a wind chime to make it a summer hideout.

Embrace your new outdoor space

Your balcony has its own little weather system. Observe what works, make notes, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Gardening in Chicago is a little gritty, a little unpredictable—but the first tomato you pick will taste like triumph.

You will see more popular brands here, but also quality German brands (especially in the bakery area), as their parent company is German and also owns Trader Joe’s.

Aldi tips:

• Bring a quarter: It’s how you get a shopping cart. Don’t worry, you’ll get it back and they don’t have to hire cart wranglers.
• Bring your own bags: Chicagoans are used to this now, but you’ll pay for bags. Just bring your own, or find an empty box in the store to carry your goods. Note: It’s not fair to just empty a full box of products.

I snapped some photos from my trip yesterday to the LZ location; I’ll add a trip to the Lincoln Park one soon to give some comparison.

What are your great Aldi finds?

This year, the 25th annual chocolate fest will be from May 16-18, 2025. Long Grove is near Routes 83 and Old Route 53 (about 35 miles northwest of Chicago).

While entrance to this fest is $7. Free parking is limited in downtown lots and at the remote lot. You will be in great danger of spending money (if my experience with their Strawberry Fest is any indication)!

My favorite place in Long Grove is the Irish Boutique. And after a free browse through the gallery and Irish Boutique, splurge on a chocolate strawberry from The Long Grove Confectionery.

Don’t miss our new guide on a day trip to Long Grove, including restaurant recommendations.

The Chicago Park District is showing movies in Millennium and smaller parks throughout the city, starting on June 10 and showing through September 6.

There are kids’ movies (like Moana 2 and The Lion King) and more grownup movies (like Top Gun), and they are shown all over the city.

Browse through the list and discover if you can either re-watch an old favorite or see something new to you. Then pack a bottle of wine and a blanket.

(If you know of any free movies in the burbs, let us know!)

Culinary pop-ups & foodie finds

1. AAPI Restaurants Week

May 16-25, 2025
Check out a new-to-you restaurant anywhere in the city or suburbs.

2. Hong Kong Je Si night market

Ludlow Liquors, 2959 N California, Chicago
Sunday, May 18, 3-9PM
Inspired by Hong Kong night markets, Ludlow Liquors will celebrate small local makers with an AAPI mini market on their back patio. Features flash tattos and press-on nail bar, fashion show, Won Kar-Wai films, curated cocktails and more.

3. Parachute’s 11th anniversary bash

Avondale, Wednesday, May 14
Award-winning chefs Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark are throwing an anniversary party featuring a live DJ set by Nashville-based chef Sean Brock and Asian-inspired cocktails.

4. Chinatown food crawl

From dim sum to hot pot, organize your own food crawl with iconic spots like MingHin, Lao Sze Chuan, and Joy Yee. This one’s a good starting point!

Cultural events & performances

5. “Titanique: The Musical” – with a twist of AAPI humor

Broadway Playhouse, Streeterville
Now through May 31
While not exclusively AAPI, the parody musical (set to the music of Celine Dion) includes sharp humor and nods to pop culture beloved across many Asian communities.

6. Japanese Culture Center, Fold & sip

Konbini & Kanpai, Lakeview
Wednesday, May 28
Learn origami firsthand with a cocktail! Only $15 and requires one-drink minimum.

May is packed with vibrant, fun ways to honor AAPI Heritage month. Support local businesses, learn something new, or just experience something joyful.

Summer Passport Program: Explore and win

The 2025 Summer Passport program launched yesterday, encouraging visits to participating IL breweries through August 9. Stop by a participating brewery, and start collecting stamps. You can win prizes (and drink some amazing brews, I’m sure).

Limited edition ICBW pint glass

Commemorate the week with the 4th annual ICBW pint glass, also available at participating breweries.

For more information and ticket purchases, visit Illinois Craft Beer Week’s website.

Notable Chicago dog parks

Wiggly Field (Noethling Playlot Park)

Located at 2645 N Sheffield in Lincoln Park, Wiggly Field is Chicago’s first official dog park, established in 1997. This half-acre park has a fully fenced area with pea gravel and sand surfaces, so it’s comfortable for dogs to play. There are drinking fountains and benches for pet owners.

Montrose Dog Beach

Situated where Wilson Avenue meets Lake Michigan, Montrose Dog Beach offers a spacious, off-leash area for dogs to enjoy the water and sand. Open daily from 6 AM-11 PM, it’s a popular spot for dog owners seeking a beach experience within the city.

Jackson Bark

An innovative reuse of four abandoned tennis courts in Jackson Park, Jackson Bark has become a vibrant spot. There’s agility equipment and ample space for dogs to play. However, it’s worth noting that future plans for park redevelopment may impact this space.

Puptown Dog Park

Located in Margate Park at the northeast corner of Lawrence and N Marine Dr, Puptown Dog Park is a fully fenced area with concrete and gravel surfaces. It features a pedal-activated water sprinkler, benches, and an elevated area for seating. Maintained by volunteers, it’s a clean and friendly spot.

Horner Park Dog Park

Found at 2741 W Montrose Ave, Horner Park Dog Park is known for its water play area, where dogs can cool off in the summer. The park also has benches and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Wentwoof Park

In 2023, the Southwest Side welcomed its first dog park, Wentwoof Park, located at 57th Street and Narragansett Avenue. It addresses the previous lack of dog-friendly spaces in the area and reflects ongoing efforts to provide equitable amenities across the city.

Visit during the vibrant Long Grove festivals to experience the local culture and community spirit.

A little Long Grove history

Long Grove, Illinois is Lake County’s oldest village, originally settled in the early 1800s by German immigrants. By the mid-19th century, it developed into a small farming community, centered around a general store, post office, and the now-iconic Covered Bridge, built in 1906. The village is also well-known for its festivals that draw visitors from near and far.

Determined to preserve its historic charm, Long Grove has strict building codes to maintain the 19th-century aesthetic. You’ll notice cobblestone streets, preserved architecture, lots of festivals, and Hallmark (and Hallmark-eque) filmmakers have been using Long Grove for their movies!

How to plan the perfect Long Grove day trip

Suggested itinerary:

• 10:00 AM – Arrive in downtown Long Grove and grab a coffee at Covered Bridge Creamery
• 10:30 AM – Stroll the quaint streets, pop into local shops and galleries
• 11:30 AM – Join the festivities if you’re visiting during a seasonal event like Strawberry Fest or Apple Fest (fest calendar below)
• 1:00 PM – Lunch at Sorelle Italian Market & Café or Enzo and Lucia for Italian favorites
• 2:30 PM – Take in live music or stop by the historic Covered Bridge for a photo op
• 3:30 PM – Grab a sweet treat or cold beer at The Village Tavern (the oldest continually operating tavern in IL!)
• 4:30 PM – Wrap up with a little more browsing or a relaxing stroll through Brothers’ Field

Getting there:

• From Chicago: ~1 hour by car (I-94 W to IL-22 W). Will be longer to take I-90W as there’s now construction.
• Free event shuttle service is available on festival weekends from Buffalo Grove (Golf Dome lot)

A few more dining options

• Joanie’s Pizzeria – Delicious pizzeria with great broasted chicken, too! I actually recommend the hand-tossed round over thin crust here, as theirs is sublime! Add on a flavored crust, too.
• Chatterbox of Long Grove – Rustic barn setting offering craft beers and malts. They also have cool swinging booths outdoors.
• ClayOven Tandoor – Indian grill and bar known for its flavorful dishes. Not downtown but nearby.

Long Grove festival calendar for the rest of the year

Chocolate Fest – May 16–18, 2025

The 25th Annual Chocolate Fest returns, with three days of chocolate delights, live music, carnival rides, and family-friendly activities. It runs Friday-Sunday and free shuttle service is available Saturday-Sunday from the Golf Dome Parking Lot in Buffalo Grove.

Strawberry Fest – June 27–29, 2025

Strawberry Fest celebrates the season with strawberry-inspired treats, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. Don’t miss the strawberry shortcake!

Vintage Days – July 26–27, 2025

Vintage Days is an open-air market with everything you can imagine that’s vintage, handmade, antique, or upcycled, it’s one of the more chill LG fests.

Irish Days – August 30–September 1, 2025

During Irish Days, the village transforms into a mini Emerald Isle with live Celtic music, traditional Irish dancing, and plenty of Guinness on tap. Don’t miss the adorable Irish Dog Competition!

Apple Fest – September 26–28, 2025

Welcome fall with Apple Fest, with everything from apple cider donuts to apple pie. This family-friendly fest includes live music, arts and crafts, and seasonal treats.

October Days – October 2025

October Days is hayrides, pumpkin picking, seasonal treats, and live acoustic performances. It’s the perfect low-key fest to sip cider and take in the autumn colors.

Vintage Holidays – November-December 2025

Step into a Hallmark movie (literally, they’ve filmed here!) during Vintage Holidays. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, and charming storefronts decked out in lights. Plus, special shopping weekends to help you find locally-made gifts.

Whether you’re here for a fest or just exploring downtown, Long Grove has a blend of nostalgia, community charm, and culinary variety to give you a great day trip.

Ingredients

• water
• salt
• an aluminum plate (you can substitute aluminum foil)
• water softener powder (you can substitute baking soda)

Steps

1. Take an aluminum plate (or a regular plate covered with a piece of foil).
2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of water softener powder (or baking soda).
3. Then pour some hot (but not boiling) water onto the plate.
4. Stir to dissolve the powders.
5. Now you can dunk your silver in the solution.

How long do you need to keep your silver in the solution? The results may be immediate, or they may take a few minutes. However, if an item is very tarnished, this cleaning method will not make your jewelry perfectly clean and looking like new. Additional polishing will still be needed.

Warning

We do not recommend this cleaning method for jewelry that has precious or semi-precious stones. Though after a little research we discovered that a lot of people (including silversmiths) have used this method for cleaning gemstone jewelry with no ill effect, we don’t think it’s worth the risk of damaging your stones.

Also, be aware that this method is not good for antiqued (oxidized) silver, as cleaning will remove the antiqued finish on the silver along with the tarnish.

What to expect

The event spans from 1711-2005 S Halsted, with the Information Center at 2003 S Halsted. Here, you can pick up maps and plan your evening. The galleries showcase a wide range of styles, from traditional paintings and sculptures to avant-garde installations and multimedia. Many artists are present to discuss their creations, too.

If you get hungry, I strongly suggest Kristoffer’s Cafe, right at 18th and Halsted. The tres leches cake is addictive, and their Mexican and Mayan tamales are amazing too. UIC is also nearby, so there are plenty of other options just a bit north.

Tips for visitors

• Start your evening at the Information Center at 2003 S Halsted to pick up a map and get recommendations.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking between venues.
• Many galleries offer complimentary refreshments (generally cheap wine…), but consider supporting local businesses by dining nearby.
• Photography is generally welcomed, but always ask for permission before taking photos of artworks or artists.
• Engage with the artists and ask questions—it’s a great way to deepen your appreciation of their work.

Getting there

Pilsen is accessible via the CTA Pink Line (18th Street Station) and several bus routes. Street parking is available but can be limited during events, so public transportation is recommended.

Receipt Scanning Apps

• Fetch Rewards: Snap a photo of any receipt and earn points you can cash in for gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, and more. Local tip: Bonus points often at Jewel-Osco and Mariano’s.
• Receipt Hog: Turn receipts into coins and coins into gift cards.
• Ibotta: Earn cash back at Jewel-Osco, CVS, Target, Mariano’s, and more. Scan receipts or link loyalty cards. (This has been a favorite for a while and often has Thanksgiving meal deals.)

Surveys & Microtasks

• Swagbucks: Watch videos, answer surveys, shop online, and get rewarded. Local users sometimes get invited to high-paying Chicago studies.
• InboxDollars: Like Swagbucks, with real cash payouts and occasional local offers.

Loyalty Programs

• Jewel-Osco for U: Grocery points redeemable for savings or gift cards.
• Mariano’s Rewards: Connect with the Kroger Rewards program for digital coupons, fuel points, and occasional gift card redemptions—especially during promotions.
• myWalgreens: Earn points for every purchase and health habit completed.
• Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Dough: Earn rewards every time you order pizza—redeem for freebies or gift cards.
• Portillo’s Birthday Club: Free cake on your birthday, plus occasional reward offers.
• Goddess and the Grocer Rewards: Points for every local order, good toward future discounts and store credit.

Cash Back & Shopping Rewards

• Ibotta: Mentioned again because it’s that good—especially useful in Chicagoland stores like Mariano’s and CVS.
• Rakuten: Online shopping = cashback = gift cards.

Get Paid for Walking

• Sweatcoin & StepBet: Turn your lakefront strolls into real rewards.

Local Tip:
Attending events like Chicago Gourmet, Do312 pop-ups, or Millennium Park concerts? Watch your inbox for post-event surveys—they often come with $5–$10 gift cards as a thank-you!

Stack those points, stay consistent, and you might just fund your next Target trip or Friday-night dinner entirely with rewards.

Grant Park Music Festival: A Chicago Summer Tradition

One of the nation’s only free, outdoor classical music festivals, the Grant Park Music Festival returns from June 11 to August 16, with dozens of classical concerts with the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus under the stars at Pritzker Pavilion.

• Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and claim a lawn spot early—Fridays and Saturdays fill up fast!

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

Every Tuesday from July 1 to August 19, catch cult classics, recent blockbusters, and more on a giant screen. This year’s lineup includes family-friendly animations, award-winning dramas, and Chicago fan-favorites.

• Best seats: If on the lawn, bring folding chairs and snacks. Seating starts at 5 PM; films roll at 6:30 PM.

Millennium Park Summer Music Series

Running from July 26 to August 7, this series is a mix of jazz, indie, rock, soul, and world music every Monday and Thursday evening. The lineup typically includes both local legends and international headliners.

• Past performers have included Lizz Wright, Hurray for the Riff Raff, and Angelique Kidjo.

Chicago House Music and Gospel Music Festivals

• Chicago Gospel Music Festival: A spiritual celebration on July 12, featuring traditional choirs, contemporary gospel groups, and Grammy-winning acts.
• Chicago House Music Festival: August 22-23, the park pulses with house beats, celebrating with live DJs, dance battles, and community vibes.

Millennium Park Art Market (Spring & holiday editions)

Support local creatives at the Art Market Chicago, where emerging artists and students sell handcrafted jewelry, paintings, ceramics, and accessories.

• Spring Market: May 3-4
• Holiday Market: December dates TBA

Family Fun Festival & Night Out in the Parks

From interactive music performances to puppetry, storytimes, and kid-friendly yoga, the Family Fun Festival offers daytime joy for the little ones, typically throughout July.

Night Out in the Parks extends programming into neighborhoods citywide, including pop-up performances in Millennium Park.

More tips for enjoying Millennium Park events

What to bring:

• Reusable water bottles (fill stations available)
• Blankets, chairs, and snacks (alcohol permitted in limited events)
• Sunscreen and hats for daytime programs
• Download the Millennium Park App for updates, alerts, and maps

Getting there:

• Use public transit (Metra, CTA Red or Blue lines) to avoid parking hassles
• Biking encouraged—ample racks and Divvy stations nearby
• Limited garage parking available at Millennium Lakeside and Grant Park North garages but I’d suggest using the SpotHero app to find cheaper options

With free programming nearly every day from spring to fall, what will you see?

• Free wifi in the large, library-like meeting room. Log onto the “ChicagoWiFi” network for access
• Free tours at 1:45 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (space limited)
• Free cultural events including art shows, lectures, artists-in-residence, dance-studios-in-residence, and even the Chicago House Music Conference in August

Touring the Chicago Cultural Center

I took the free tour of the building and learned:

1. The cultural center is actually two buildings that were joined together before the building was declared an historical site (the old library and the old Civil War veteran club), and
2. It has the world’s largest Tiffany dome.

This is a beautiful building with intricate crown molding and mosaics. Touring the building is a great experience everyone should try. I recommend this for a dreary, winter Wednesday if you can—there are fewer free events in Chicago during the winter and the tour group will be smaller. Since the group is limited to about 20 people, the docent said that the groups tend to be smaller on bad weather days. When I went, the leaves were not yet on the trees, so I got to see a different view of the bean (real name: Cloud Gate), Pritzker Pavilion and other statues in Millennium Park.

They were setting up for a private event, but I was still able to see the Tiffany dome—and hear the story about its construction. There is a funny tidbit in there, but I don’t want to ruin all the stories for those who actually go on the tour.

As we were guided through the rooms, it was impressive to see the artwork on display, peruse the exhibits in progress, and know that most everything in this building was FREE. Our tax dollars at work—use it!

There are concerts, art displays (I saw the Vivian Meier one a few years back), occasional artsy movies, and too many possibilities to describe.

Years ago, I found thrift shops to be rather grotesque—just the thought of someone else’s clothes [or shudder to think, their shoes!] made me itchy. Still, I’ve friends who love them, so I paid attention. Forget some of the vintage stuff—that’s not for me. But look, here’s a Lululemon shirt in great condition, for $4! And over there, a Chanel bag that needed a little stitching for $7!

Move over, Michigan Ave.!

Plus, shopping secondhand means reducing landfill waste, lowering your carbon footprint, and opting out of fast fashion’s exploitative practices

As part of this series, I’m going to discuss:

• Thrift shopping dos and don’ts, local shops [that’s this one]
• Great Chicago and suburban shops
• Resale pointers

Look for labels

Generally, big brand and designer names hold up better and are better taken care of than Old Navy and H&M wares. It may be a deal at $2, but the cheapies don’t last too long in the wash.

Inspect before you buy

Look out for stains, loose seams, or missing buttons. If you’re handy with a needle or steamer, small flaws can be easy fixes. If not, figure a tailor’s cost into the item’s price. Most stores won’t make deals for damaged items, and not everyone does returns.

Touch is your superpower

Get in the habit of feeling for natural fibers—cotton, linen, wool, silk. They wear better and feel luxe.

Go often and stay flexible

Inventory changes daily. The magic happens when you’re not looking for something specific.

Always try things on

Sizing varies wildly—especially vintage. Don’t trust tags. Trust your fit.

Set a budget + bring cash

Helps curb impulse buys and some smaller stores offer cash discounts.

Plan to look for a while

If you find a great shop, plan to be there for a couple hours. And wear something you can easily toss something on over such as a tank top—if they don’t have a dressing room or the line is long, you’ll be done faster.

A smartphone is great for thrift stores [and flea markets]

If you’re unsure of a brand’s pedigree, you can look it up online (the Google app/Google Lens is your best friend!). I’ve found some obscure yet pricey Italian designer bags at SA in great condition. It takes a critical eye [or you simply fall in love with it anyway] but these items can be found for less and no one is the wiser [unless they read this post].

And probably most important, realize that all shops are not created equal

Some specialize in vintage [read: of a particular era], some only keep current seasons [and hence often a higher price tag], some are a mish-mash of everything. If one shop doesn’t appeal, don’t write them all off. I’ve found amazing deals at low-rent shops, and junk at some high-end shops. The key is to find what you like, at prices you can justify. Some shops also offer more services [esp. the boutique-y ones], like the shop manager who keeps your style and sizes in mind for future shops. This is just called great customer service!

If you don’t want clothing, many have shoes [including those unworn but discarded by fashionistas—I found Franco Sarto boots for $10 at Crossroads Trading Co. with the original tags still on and no wear], kitchen items, bedding and various sundries, toys, books, camera equipment… yeah, you name it!

And also, pay attention to your stores’ merchandise. Neighborhood does matter! The SA off of Clybourn is their hub and generally has the best of the lot, whereas I’ve not had as much luck in their suburban counterparts, unless it’s in a “good” suburb. SA also takes Target’s donations, so if it’s out-of-season, it may end up at one of their shops.

What tips do you have?

UPDATE: Goodwill shared this article when I first published it!

Newly opened thrift stores

Vintage House Chicago – Wicker Park

Opened: March 2025. Located at 1421 N. Milwaukee, Vintage House Chicago offers a curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories. The store’s grand opening in March 2025 marked its commitment to providing unique fashion pieces to the Wicker Park community.

Goodwill Store & Donation Center – Avondale

Opened: November 2024. Situated at 3558 N. Spaulding Ave., this nearly 9,000-square-foot facility offers a wide range of secondhand items. Features include a heated drive-thru for donations and a modern shopping experience.

2nd STREET – Andersonville

Opened: August 2024. At 5228 N. Clark St., 2nd STREET brings a Japanese resale experience to Andersonville. The store offers a selection of pre-owned fashion items, emphasizing quality and style,

I Am Thrifty – South Chicago

Opened: 2024. Located in South Chicago, I Am Thrifty combines thrift shopping with community support. Proceeds from the store aid local initiatives, making your purchases impactful.

Thrifty Kitty (formerly Greater Goods) – Portage Park

Rebranded: 2024. Operating at 6025 W. Irving Park Rd., Thrifty Kitty offers a diverse range of items across two floors. The store is currently seeking new ownership to continue its legacy in the community.

Mount Sinai Resale Shop – Lakeview/Lincoln Park

Featured in early 2025, this shop is nestled between Lakeview and Lincoln Park. It offers a variety of resale items, contributing to the local thrift landscape.

Have any others to add? Share them below!

Well, no. It’s actually true. But, it’s not as simple as critiquing your waiter or writing up that snotty sales clerk. Some shops can take a great deal of time, sometimes the pay isn’t commensurate with your time outlay, and reimbursements can take up to 90 days or more.

I started mystery shopping because I enjoy the various perks, and I’m glad to give feedback when it fits in my schedule. But I’ve learned a lot and hope it’ll help you in your own quest:

First: What is mystery shopping?

Mystery shopping is when companies hire you to pose as a regular customer and evaluate specific aspects of their service. You might check:

• How friendly the staff are
• Cleanliness of a location
• Whether promotions were mentioned
• The accuracy of your receipt

In exchange, you’re paid a flat fee and/or reimbursed for what you spend—if you follow the instructions exactly.

What to expect

It’s not always a quick buck. Some shops are short and sweet. Others require detailed reports (yes, we’re talking 8-20 pages) with timestamps, itemized notes, and even narrative writing. Think:

“Did the host greet you within 30 seconds?”

“Did the server tell you about promotions? What did they say, exactly?”

“Describe the tone and professionalism of your server.”

Some gigs don’t pay much. And reimbursements can take up to 90 days or more. But if you’re organized, selective, and treat it like a legit side hustle, it can really be worth your while.

Getting started: Tips for newbies

Research reputable companies

Not every company is trustworthy. Start by visiting these forums and sites for real, crowdsourced reviews of mystery shopping companies (MSCs):

• MysteryShopForum.com
• Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) — look for companies that are members

Avoid any company that asks for money to join.

Sign up with multiple MSCs

The more companies you’re signed up with, the more opportunities you’ll see. Some shops are location-specific, while others let you search by zip code or even when you’re traveling. Some trusted options include:

• IntelliShop
• MarketForce
• A Closer Look
• Coyle Hospitality Group
• Regal Hospitality Group
• Cirrus Marketing Intelligence

Tip: Traveling? Search for airport shops, hotel stays, or even theme park evaluations in the MSC platforms.

Follow instructions to the letter

Many shops are “pass/fail.” If you forget a detail—like not ordering the exact item or failing to get a receipt—you may not be reimbursed at all.

Pay attention to:

• Required purchases or interactions
• Specific wording to look/listen for
• Time tracking (down to the second)
• Whether photos or receipts are required
• Being discreet (no note-taking or obvious recording in public)

Smartphones and smartwatches make time-logging easier, and using your phone is usually fine in public settings.

Track everything

I find it’s best to create a simple spreadsheet to track:

• Shops scheduled
• Shops completed
• Submission status
• Payment/reimbursement status
• Notes on how the shop went

This helps you follow up if you don’t get paid or need to answer questions later.

Final thoughts

Mystery shopping isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. But it is a clever way to earn side cash, get free meals or experiences, and flex your observation skills. If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy people-watching with a purpose—it might just be your ideal hobby-hustle combo.

Have a favorite MSC or a wild mystery shopping story? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear how others are making this quirky side gig work!

Updated April 2025.

Prescriptions can be a significant expense in your healthcare budget. Fortunately, there are several reliable resources available to help you reduce these costs.

Discount drug cards

These are free and widely accepted, even if you don’t have insurance:

• GoodRx: Compare prices and print coupons. Often cheaper than insurance co-pays.
• SingleCare: Similar to GoodRx, includes savings on dental and vision care too.
• NeedyMeds: Offers a drug discount card and access to patient assistance programs.
• RxAssist: Find manufacturer-sponsored assistance and a free discount card.
• ScriptSave WellRx: Offers medication price comparison and savings tracking features.

Mail-order pharmacies

If you’re on a long-term medication, mail-order may offer deep savings—plus the convenience of home delivery.

• Insurance Mail Orders: Most insurers offer 90-day prescriptions by mail for less than 30-day retail refills.
• Costco Mail-Order Pharmacy: Available to non-members in many states.
• Amazon Pharmacy: Price matches and accepts most insurance. Prime members get extra perks.
• Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs: Transparent pricing model; low-cost generic drugs shipped direct.

Safety Tip: Check that your online pharmacy is legit by verifying it at NABP’s Safe Pharmacy.

Optum Perks

Optum Perks is a user-friendly platform that offers free coupons for both prescription and over-the-counter medications. You can search for your specific medication and find discounts that may be accepted at various pharmacies. Additionally, the site provides options for home delivery and online care services.

Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

For brand-name drugs, manufacturers often offer direct assistance:

• Search for your med at Medicine Assistance Tool
• Use PPA (Partnership for Prescription Assistance) to find help by condition or drug name

Have a favorite savings tip?

Share your go-to site or strategy in the comments!

Chicago has a lot of public art. There are the obvious: the Bean, the Picasso in Daley Plaza, the lions in front of the Art Institute. Then there are some you have to look for a little bit harder: Large Interior Form by Henry Moore (in the yard just north of the Art Institute), or Chicago by Joan Miro (on Washington St., across from the Picasso).

I have a pop-out map of the Loop and near-Loop, complete with El stops and places of interest—including a sculpture tour of the Loop.  As I’ve had meetings in the area, I’ve been trying to hit a few sculptures so I can eventually see them all. So far, my unexpected favorite is the Large Interior Form by Henry Moore because it looks different from every angle.  Here are my three favorite shots.

But as I notice the ones listed on the map, I am spotting other sculptures not listed. Daphne by Dessa Kirk is incredible and I will have to go back to see it in June, once the plants have bloomed. (Located at Michigan and Congress, between The Bowman and the Spearman by Ivan Mestrovic.)

Then I started thinking about other sculptures throughout the city — there could be a sculpture tour of Lincoln Park.  Off the Fullerton stop, head east to Lincoln Avenue to admire the statue there.  Then head south on Lincoln Ave to Oz Park to see Dorothy and her friends.  Head east towards the zoo, but stop to see Shakespeare and the geese by the Lincoln Park Conservatory (and pop in to see the flowers too—living sculptures!).

Now I want to know more! I want to see how many sculptures I can find in Chicago. Here are links to websites that list outdoor sculptures and other public art in Chicago:

• Public Art in Chicago
• Lincoln Park Public Art

North Branch Market (Edgebrook/Sauganash/Wildwood)

Launched in 2024 by a dedicated group of local volunteers, the North Branch Market revitalized the former Edgebrook Farmers Market, expanding its reach to neighboring communities. Operating every other Saturday from July 6 to October 26, 2024, at Hiawatha and Central, they feature about 80 vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and more. A winter market is also planned for November 16.

Wicker Park Tuesday Night Market

In addition to its popular Sunday market, Wicker Park introduced a Tuesday evening market in 2024, running from July 9 through September 24 at Mautine Court Plaza (1258 N Milwaukee Ave). Held from 3-7 p.m., they offer relaxed midweek shopping with vendors like Cut Once, Bennett Farms Michigan, Ryan Farm Flowers, and more.

Lincoln Square Farmers Market Expansion

The Lincoln Square Farmers Market expanded its offerings in 2024, now twice weekly: Tuesday mornings (7 a.m.-12 p.m.) and Thursday evenings at 4513 N Lincoln Avenue. With 40+ vendors, the market also features a Summer Concert Series in Giddings Plaza, combining fresh produce with live local music.

Uptown Farmers Market

Presented by Chicago Market, the Uptown Farmers Market runs every Wednesday from May 7 to November 5, 2025, from 2:30-7 p.m. in the Sunnyside Mall. The market connects shoppers with regional farmed goods and locally produced foods, fostering community engagement and supporting local producers.

Hyde Park Farmers Market Revamp

The Hyde Park Farmers Market unveiled a fresh look in 2024, with a grand opening on June 2 at 1516 E 54th St. Operating every Sunday through September 29, the market offers a curated collection of vendors, live music, and community engagement activities, enhancing the neighborhood’s weekend offerings.

El Paseo Community Garden Market (Pilsen)

This brand-new, community-run market offers fresh produce, eggs, flowers, and bread, alongside Mexican specialties like conchas (pan dulce), local coffee, and ceramics. Located at 944 W. 21st St., it runs Sundays, May 4-October 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Farmer at The Green (West Loop)

Situated in one of Chicago’s newest and largest private parks, this market features a variety of vendors and offers free programming for visitors. Located at 320 S. Canal St., Tuesdays, May 20-September 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

SOAR Farmers Market at MCA Plaza (Streeterville)

Located in the heart of Streeterville, this market provides a convenient option for downtown residents and workers to access fresh, local produce. At the Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Tuesdays, June 3-October 28, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Andersonville Farmers Market (New Location)

Featuring over 30 vendors, live performances, cooking demonstrations, and children’s activities, all products are sourced within a 200-mile radius of Andersonville. Due to construction on Catalpa Avenue, the market has relocated to 1500 W. Winona St. Running Wednesdays, May 14-October 22, 3-7 p.m.

• RA Sushi Bar – Chicago
  • Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 4:00–7:00 PM
  • Deals: $3–$9 specials including edamame, spicy tuna rolls, nigiri, and various drinks
  • Website: RA Sushi Happy Hour Menu
    
• Sunda – River North
  • Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 4:00–6:00 PM
  • Deals: $6 bar bites (e.g., shishito peppers, adobo pork belly bites), $6 sushi handrolls, $8 cocktails, $6 wine, and $14 sake cans
  • Website: Sunda River North
    
• Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar – River North
  • Happy Hour: Daily, 4:30–6:00 PM
  • Deals: 20% off all entrées, $10 select cocktails, $9 select sake, and classic sushi rolls
  • Website: Union Sushi Happy Hour Menu
    
• Lawrence Fish Market – Albany Park
  • Specials Affordable sushi platters starting around $1 per piece.
  • Note Primarily takeout; call ahead for current offering.
  • Website: Lawrence Fish Market
    
• Nori Sushi – Multiple Locations (Wicker Park, Lakeview, Edgewater)
  • Specials Offers various specials; it’s advisable to check their website or contact directly for current deal.
  • Website: Nori Chicago

I swung by the Costco on Damen the other morning and, wow—weekend madness was in full swing. Still, I left with a trunk full of deals. Here are my top 14 Costco finds that prove my membership is still totally worth it.

Cheaper gasoline

I have the credit card, and get 5% back on gas (it’s always cheaper than nearby options, too), 4% back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle charging, 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel, and 2% back on all other Costco and purchases.

Electronics & tech

The Costco tour always begins in electronics. I’ve picked up printer cartridges, flash drives, and external hard drives here at solid discounts. Also check out the Apple products and subscription deals, Ring doorbells, and more.

Plants & greenery

Yes, Costco has houseplants—and they’re shockingly affordable. I’ve seen a 12′ palm tree for $30, a bonsai for $13 (clearance). If only I had a car big enough to get it all home…

Office supplies

The office aisle is perfect for stocking up on ink cartridges, paper, envelopes, and markers. It saves me from constant re-ups at the office supply store.

Bedding & pillows

Two king-size pillows for $12? Yes, please. They’re surprisingly good quality—better than the overpriced ones I’ve picked up at Macy’s.

Alcohol

Costco’s wine, beer, and spirits selection is elite. Great for housewarming gifts or party stock-ups, often at prices that rival Trader Joe’s. Their Kirkland Signature brand wines are surprisingly solid, too.

Bakery goodies

24 mini sandwich rolls for $2.59? Most go in the freezer, the few left are eaten that week. Muffins, cakes, and pies are freezer-friendly and party-ready. Don’t knock their sheet cakes—they’re crowd-pleasers and a steal.

Meats & prepared foods

Buying in bulk isn’t always easy for a single household, but it’s perfect if you share with friends. Bonus: Mike Ditka pork burgers. Enough said.

Grab-n-go meals like stuffed tilapia, taco kits with all the fixings, and salads make dinner much easier.

Produce

Fruits can be tricky if you’re not planning to eat them fast. But deals like $1.50 for 3 lbs. of bananas make it worth it—just freeze what you won’t eat for smoothies or banana bread. I also love the berries.

Cleaning supplies

Costco’s generic cleaning brands hold their own against name brands. A 6-month supply of laundry detergent? Sign me up.

Their kitty litter is also a great deal; just be sure you can lift it—consider it a bonus workout.

Frozen foods

Danger zone. I’ve convinced myself I need 5 lbs. of cooked shrimp more than once. Prices are lower than local grocers, but make sure you can actually eat everything before freezer burn hits.

Deals worth noting:

• Butter, Greek yogurt, and eggs (if they’re in stock)
• Naked juice
• Eli’s Cheesecakes (just trust me)
• Frozen fruit for smoothies

Clothing & basics

Skip the high-end department stores and check out:

• Lucky Brand jeans (~$40)
• Calvin Klein underwear & socks
• Maidenform bras
• Adidas and Puma sneakers

Even if Gloria Vanderbilt isn’t your thing, you’ll find basics at unbeatable prices.

Pantry picks

Some cereals are cheaper at Jewel, but bulk items like whole bean coffee or a huge jar of natural almond butter, are solid buys (I believe this is still under $7). Gift card bundles (e.g. $75 for $100 at Fleming’s) are perfect for holiday gifts or date nights.

Beauty & vitamins

High-end skincare brands like Elizabeth Arden and Borghese make surprise appearances, and K beauty is showing up as well. But I usually stick to Cetaphil, which comes in jumbo sizes at excellent prices.

I saved $60 on vitamins by bringing a list of my daily dosages and comparing brands in-store, and paying attention to their regular sales flyers. Highly recommend doing the same.

Know before you go

• Accepted payments: Visa, debit card, cash, or check. No Mastercard or AmEx.
• Avoid weekends: It’s a zoo on the weekend. Weekdays sometimes feel a little overwhelming too but they’re still a better bet.
• Don’t lose your receipt: They’ll check it at the door on your way out.

Costco isn’t just a warehouse—it’s an experience. With the right strategy (and freezer space), your membership will pay for itself in no time.

Advance Screenings

• Gofobo: A go-to platform for free movie passes, especially for major studio releases. Create an account, select your city, and RSVP when screenings become available.
• AdvanceScreenings.com: Aggregates free screenings across various cities, including Chicago. Offers alerts for upcoming screenings.
• Cinefind: A newer platform that notifies users about free screenings and special events. Registration is free, and you can opt-in for real-time alerts.
• 1iota: Primarily known for TV show tapings, but occasionally offers movie screening tickets. Requires account creation and frequent checking for new listings.
• Screening Squad: Join this community to gain access to free advance movie screenings in your area. Members receive notifications about upcoming previews. ?
• Warner Bros. Screenings (WB Tickets): Offers exclusive passes to advance screenings of upcoming Warner Bros. films. Register to receive notifications about screenings in your area. ?

Local Film Series & Festivals

• Cinema/Chicago’s Summer Screenings: An annual free film series spotlighting international cinema. In 2025, the focus is on women-directed films, showcasing diverse genres. Screenings occur at the Chicago Cultural Center and Chicago History Museum. Tickets are free but released weekly on Mondays at 10 a.m.
• Free Street Theater: While primarily a theater organization, they occasionally host free film screenings and community events. Check their website for upcoming listing.

Community & Pop-Up Screenings

• Eventbrite – Chicago Free Movie Screenings: A treasure trove of local events, including free movie screenings hosted by community organizations, museums, and cultural centers.

Tips for Securing Free Screening Tickets

• Stay up-to-date: Regularly check the platforms listed above, as screenings can be announced with little notice.
• Act fast: Free tickets are limited and often claimed quickly. Set up alerts where possible.
• Be flexible: Willingness to attend screenings on short notice or at further locations increases your chances.

Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) Events

• Family Day at the CAC
  May 10, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  Engage in hands-on activities designed for families to explore the world of architecture and understand the importance of design.

ACSF Chicago Salon 2025
June 26-28, 2025
Join architects, artists, and scholars in exploring the spiritual and social roles of design in the urban experience.

Art Events

EXPO CHICAGO 2025
April 24–27, 2025
An international exposition of contemporary and modern art with top global galleries and artists. At Navy Pier.

57th Street Art Fair
June 7–8, 2025 | Hyde Park
The Midwest’s oldest juried art fair with over 200 artists, live performances, food, and activities for all ages.

Old Town Art Fair
June 14–15, 2025 | Old Town
One of the country’s top art fairs with a garden walk, live music, and a family zone—celebrating its 75th year.

Art Institute of Chicago – Upcoming Exhibitions

• Rabiq Shaw: Paradise Lost
  Jun 7, 2025–Jan 19, 2026
  
• Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World
  Jun 29–Oct 5, 2025

MCA Chicago – Current Exhibitions

• Paul Pfeiffer: Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom
  May 3 – August 31, 2025
  A provocative look at the power of sports, spectacle, and image culture.

Paper Machete skits

The Green Mill is usually known for jazz, but its Saturday afternoon standby, Paper Machete, adds some much-needed humor to the local and national political, and pop culture scenes. Add in some music, cabaret, puppetry and standup comedy for a lovely way to start your Saturday evening off. The set changes every Saturday so you’re guaranteed a fresh show and new voices.

It’s a free event, though day-drinking and donations are appreciated. Get there before 2:30p to get a good seat between the two stages.

Art Institute of Chicago

Illinois residents enjoy free admission on Thursday evenings from June 1 to September 25, 2025. Advance reservations are required.

Adler Planetarium

Free admission for Illinois residents every Wednesday evening from 4-10 p.m. Advance ticket reservations are necessary.

Field Museum

Free general admission for Illinois residents every Wednesday through March 26, 2025. Tickets are available on-site only; proof of residency is required.

Shedd Aquarium

Free Tuesday evenings from 5-9 p.m. are available from March 4 to May 27, 2025.

Museum of Science and Industry

Remaining free admission days for Illinois residents in 2025 include:

• April 20
• June 12, 19

Chicago History Museum

Illinois residents receive free admission on select dates, including:

• April 16, 30
• May 8, 26

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Free admission for Illinois residents every Tuesday from 5-9 p.m.

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

Free admission for Illinois residents every Wednesday. Military personnel and first responders receive free admission daily.

Chicago Botanic Garden

Remaining free admission days for Illinois residents in 2025 include:

• May 6, 8
• June 10, 12, 19
• July 8, 10
• August 5, 7
• September 9, 11, 30
• October 2, 13
• November 3–7, 10, 11
• December 8–14

Note: Parking fees still apply, and preregistration is required.

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

Free admission for all visitors on the last Friday of each month. Advance reservations are recommended.

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Free admission every Wednesday. Children aged six and under, as well as active military members, receive free admission daily.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Illinois residents enjoy free admission every Thursday during Donation Days. A suggested donation of $10 per household is appreciated.

Don’t forget: Bring a valid Illinois ID or proof of residency. Some museums require advance reservations, so it’s always smart to check their websites before heading out.

New Chicago Street Festivals in 2025

1. Faces of Fitness Festival
   Launched last year in response to pandemic-era gym closures, this wellness-focused event is getting popular. In River North’s Durso Park, it features group Zumba, boxing, yoga, and strength training workouts, along with wellness vendors and community engagement. In 2024, it attracted around 4,000 people!
   
2. Expanded Randolph Street Holiday Market
   Traditionally a winter event, the Randolph Street Market is expanding with more summer editions. These markets feature a mix of vintage vendors, local artisans, and food stalls.
   
3. Strength in the City Festival
   This all-day, community-driven wellness festival transforms the lakefront with fitness and health , and connection. Attendees can look forward to 50+ wellness vendors, 35 local wellness leaders, 10 DJ and artist performances, and a lakefront afterparty featuring dusk dance music (I need to know what that is!).

A birthday cake (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This will be the always-updated post of birthday deals!

Whether your birthday’s next week or in another 364 days, good deals can be snagged with just a little effort. Below are favorites. Remember to use your email newsletter throwaway address—but one that you actually check, starting on day one of your birthday month.

AMC Theatres: Enjoy a free large popcorn on your birthday by joining AMC Stubs. ?

Benihana’s $30 off the birthday boy/girl’s tab for signing up for their e-club. They’ve updated this with some limitations like buy one, get one entree and it’s only good Mo-Th.

Fogo de Chao gives you a free birthday dessert — and they’re amazing as I recall.

Texas de Brazil is a close second with a B1G1 free dinner.

Aveda full-size product, up to $24 value redeemed in-store. Also get another sample for signing up! (See email sign up at bottom.)

Noodles & Co free meal

Cold Stone Creamery free “creation”

Victoria’s Secret $10 off if you sign up for their Angel card

Weber Grill free treat which I’ve heard is a $20 gift card, for signing up for their emails.

Uno’s Chicago Grill free entree for joining their Insider’s Club

Wing Stop 5 free wings with drink purchase

Starbucks free drink for signing up for their club

Old Navy “birthday surprise” [not sure what this is!] for signing up for their email list

Caribou Coffee free drink for signing up for their club

Anthropology receive 20% off during your birthday month by joining AnthroPerks. ?

Sign up for RA Sushi Bar’s eClub (click “email list”) for FREE appetizer with purchase + a FREE $20 gift certificate in the month of your half birthday.

Sign up for the Joe’s Crab Shack newsletter and get a FREE cake on your birthday.

*Just note that most of these deals have to be redeemed in your birthday month, and a few are only on your birthday [boo].

You’ll find a comprehensive listing of fests on our calendar, but we’d never leave you high and dry! Check out our tips below for thriftier, safer, and healthier festing. Drop your favorite tips in the comments!

Street fest survival tips

Bring a fest-friendly bag:
Go for a cross-body or a backpack you won’t mind getting dusty.

Comfy shoes only:
We know those cute new shoes are tempting, but several hours on pavement (and possibly gravel or grass) may have you hobbling. Opt for sneakers or cushioned sandals — your future self will thank you.

Stock your bag with these essentials:

• Water or a sports drink — Why pay $5 for a bottle? Even 7-Eleven is cheaper.
• Antibacterial hand gel or wipes — Crucial for portapotties and food trucks.
• Blotting wipes or a small face mist — A face mist is essential when it’s over 90.
• Sunscreen — Even if it’s cloudy. Mini travel sticks or roll-ons are a great, no-mess option.
• Cash — Avoid outrageous ATM fees or long lines. Many fests accept cards or mobile payments now, but vendors may still prefer cash.
• Napkins or mini toilet paper rolls — Not all porta-potties are stocked.
• Granola bar or protein snack — In case the food lines are long or options are limited.
• Portable phone charger — You’ll burn through battery taking pics or pulling up maps. A mini power bank is worth it.

About those “entry fees:”

If a fest is on a public street, it’s technically a suggested donation — your tax dollars already cover the permits, security, and cleanup. Don’t feel guilty about paying less or nothing; support vendors or artists instead — or treat yourself to another cocktail.

Bonus tip:

Check fest websites or social accounts ahead of time for info on stage lineups, vendor lists, and any bag policy or restricted items.

For your fun/silly friends/coworkers or if your boss has a sense of humor/you want to get fired:

WrongCards

Open Cards

More “traditional,” good for granny:

Punchbowl

Pingg

Photo via Open Me site.

I can always declutter something. But rather than trash what I no longer need (so ecologically irresponsible!), I’d rather give to a charity where it can be appreciated again. And, come April 15, get a nifty little deduction too.

Goodwill and Salvation Army offer donation guides, so you know the relative value for tax purposes. Put together an itemized list so it’s easier to recall (3 women’s blouses x $2.50 is easier to deal with at tax time) and ask for a receipt. It really does add up.

Though this seems a no-brainer for end-of-year, I like to keep a pile of goods to donate going all year. I get more closet space, and when it’s convenient I can drop off a decent pile of goods. But keep it in its own designated bin or you’ll have a pile of stuff!

What you can give:

• Vehicles (vehicles and boats in all conditions)
• Clothing, shoes and boots
• Jewelry, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves
• Books, records, CDs and DVDs
• Laptops, CPUs, hard drives
• Pots and pans, glassware and dishes, utensils and servingware, small kitchen appliances
• Home decor, artwork, lamps
• Games and toys, sporting goods
• Hand tools and small power tools
• Linens, curtains, blankets and sheets
• Flat screen TVs and monitors (no CRTs)
• VCRs and DVD players
• Household items

What you can’t give:

• Large exercise equipment
• Chairs, stools, or couches, mattresses or bed frames
• Desks or office furniture
• Tables, dressers or bookcases
• Pianos or organs
• CRT TVs or CRT computer monitors
• Household chemical items and cleansers, including pesticides, paint, paint thinner and aerosols
• Automotive hazardous waste such as tires, lead-acid batteries, additives, gasoline, oils, antifreeze, etc.
• Large appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves/ovens, washers/dryers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, furnaces, trash compactors, water heaters, large console stereos, freon-based appliances, etc.
• Personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner, nail polish remover, shaving cream, hairsprays, or shavers
• Fragrances
• Carpet or carpet padding, plumbing fixtures or building materials
• Recyclables such as glass, newsprint, office paper, cardboard, plastics, magazines, junk mail, etc.
• Weapons such as guns, bows and arrows, ammunition, etc.
• Cribs, car seats, walkers or other products that do not meet the current safety standards of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, including recalled items.

Check out your particular charity’s guidelines before heading out; Salvation Army also can schedule a pickup at your home for larger items.

Where to give?

Some of my favorite Chicagoland donation centers:

• Brown Elephant
• Connections for Abused Women and their Chidren (CAWC)
• The Ark
• St. Vincent DePaul

Whether your birthday’s next week or in another 364 days, truly good deals can be snagged with just a little effort. I’ve found a lot that I can personally verify. Get to signing up!

My favorite so far: Benihana’s $30 off the birthday boy/girl’s tab for signing up for their e-club.

Texas de Brazil is a close second with a B1G1 free dinner.

Aveda full-size product, up to $24 value. Also get another sample for signing up!

Noodles & Co free meal

Cold Stone Creamery free “creation”

Victoria’s Secret $10 off if you sign up for their Angel card

Wing Stop 5 free wings with drink purchase

Starbucks free drink for signing up for their club

Old Navy “birthday surprise” [not sure what this is!] for signing up for their email list

Caribou Coffee free drink for signing up for their club

Anthropology free birthday candle necklace [?] and 10% off [this isn’t so great, but I love their marketing, so…] for joining their loyalty club

Updates 3/2011:

Oberweis birthday treat club

Bebe $10 gift certificate when you join Club Bebe

Updates 1/2012:

Join Jersey Mike’s myMike’s club and get a free sub & drink

Jason’s Deli will send you a $5 gift card for your birthday

Buca di Beppo will give you free antipasti on your birthday

Updates 7/2012:

Sign up for RA Sushi Bar’s eClub (click “email list”) for FREE appetizer with purchase + a FREE $20 gift certificate in the month of your half birthday.

Sign up for the Joe’s Crab Shack newsletter and get a FREE cake on your birthday.

*Just note that most of these deals have to be redeemed in your birthday month, and a few are only on your birthday [boo].

Check out the always-updated post for the latest!

Whether your birthday’s next week or in another 364 days, good deals can be snagged with just a little effort. Below are favorites and some new ones. Remember to use your email newsletter throwaway address – but one that you can actually check, starting on day one of your birthday month.

Benihana’s $30 off the birthday boy/girl’s tab for signing up for their e-club. They’ve updated this with some limitations like buy one, get one entree and it’s only good Mo-Th.

Fogo de Chao gives you a free birthday dessert — and they’re amazing as I recall.

Texas de Brazil is a close second with a B1G1 free dinner.

Aveda full-size product, up to $24 value redeemed in-store. Also get another sample for signing up! (See email sign up at top right.)

Noodles & Co free meal

Cold Stone Creamery free “creation”

Victoria’s Secret $10 off if you sign up for their Angel card

Weber Grill free treat which I’ve heard is a $20 gift card, for signing up for their emails.

Uno’s Chicago Grill free entree for joining their Insider’s Club

Wing Stop 5 free wings with drink purchase

Starbucks free drink for signing up for their club

Old Navy “birthday surprise” [not sure what this is!] for signing up for their email list

Caribou Coffee free drink for signing up for their club

Oberweis birthday treat club

Bebe $10 gift certificate when you join Club Bebe

Buca di Beppo will give you free antipasti on your birthday

Sign up for RA Sushi Bar’s eClub (click “email list”) for FREE appetizer with purchase + a FREE $20 gift certificate in the month of your half birthday.

Sign up for the Joe’s Crab Shack newsletter and get a FREE cake on your birthday.

*Just note that most of these deals have to be redeemed in your birthday month, and a few are only on your birthday [boo].

We may not have heard of Eric Lanlard much stateside, but I’m sure that will change. He has some amazing tips to “tart up” your baked goods:

• Always sift flour before using for a lighter pastry.
• Add baking powder to self-rising flour if over a month or so old. It might be “dead.”
• Always gauge your oven with a cooking thermometer because they are often off.
• Roast nuts or coconut for more flavor.

What’re your go-to baking tips?

It’s not just lights; you can ride the ferris wheel, navigate the lighted maze, sip mulled wine, even do yoga! There are adult and kiddie nights, too.

Displays begin on November 29 and run through January 5, with special events and more cold weather fun. Make sure you the Zoo Lights website for specific hours and closures.

Photo via the Joffrey Ballet website.

Here are some choice Chicago holiday markets and popups to get you all those (and I’ll keep updating!):

Christkindlmarket (Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville) is the standard. Running Nov. 15-Dec. 23, you’ll find nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks and beer steins, and goods from all over the world. Check out the Glühwein, sausage, potato pancakes, roasted nuts and so much more.

Late Night on Chicago is Nov. 21 and Dec. 19, 7-9 p.m. in West Town, where all of your favorite shops are open with discounts and treats as you shop.

Randolph Street Market (1340 W. Washington St.) is back Nov. 23-24 and Dec. 14-15 with vintage and handmade goodies like men’s and women’s clothing, furniture, home goods and more. 125+ vendors, free on-site gift wrapping and a free trolley from Water Tower Place to the market. $8-10, and it’s better to buy tickets online before you get there.

Lycée Français de Chicago French Market (1929 W Wilson) is Dec 2-4. think 70 local and French artisan vendors selling everything from clothing to accessories, jewelry, home goods, gourmet food and more! There is drop-off childcare for a special rate at special hours of the market. Daily admission is $8 for adults and free for children, or $15 for a one-day pass for two adults. 

Sauced—The Night Market Before Xmas features 50 food, art and retail vendors on two floors of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (12 S Michigan Ave). Tues., December 10, 5-10 p.m., free.

Chicago Art Girls Holiday Pop-Up Shop (3730 N Oakley Ave) features curated gifts from more than 40 local artists: fine art, clothing, jewelry and accessories, glass, ceramics, stationery, body care, mixed media and gourmet food. 

Proceeds from a raffle will benefit Common Pantry, a Chicago organization providing emergency food and social services. Donate money, or bring non-perishable packaged food items (wishlist is online at www.commonpantry.org). Dec. 14-15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., free.

Handmade Market Chicago returns to The Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western) with jewelry, handbags, clothing, hot sauce, candles and more from nearly 30 vendors. Dec. 14, noon-4 p.m.

Food trucks and delicious bites!

There is probably is no better time to celebrate gay pride than now. And where better than the Randolph Street Market’s own pride weekend celebration tomorrow and Sunday?

Randolph Street Market has been a bastion of cool antiques, knickknacks, jewelry, vintage clothing and furniture (and so much more!) since 2003. And any good Thriftista will buy her tickets online and save $2-35 or more depending on the how many of your friends you bring along. Kids under 12 are free and students just $3 online. You’ll get refund vouchers when you buy at many vendors, so you’re already saving.

Gorgeous wares.

Aside from the usual all-day entertainment, beer garden with carnival games and concessions, there will be rainbow-themed bites and drinks, fest fashions from 300+ vintage and indie vendors and photo booths… and more! I’ve heard rumor of a Statue of Liberty body painting “performance,” a print-your-own-stationery workshop, Chicago Center for the Print posters… you won’t be lacking in eye candy.

You can grab a trolley from Water Tower Place and also one in West Loop/Fulton St. Market trolley— it’s eight acres of shopping, so bring comfy shoes. It’s also pet friendly outdoors, though I’d advise you leave your pups at home if this weekend is toasty.

Vintage jewelry.

Photos courtesy of Randolph Street Market.

I have received free tickets in compensation for this post.

But we recently tried out one of their food kiosks with a baked potato, loaded with veggies and [of course] cheese and bacon… and BBQ pulled chicken.

Add in 2-50 cent sodas [cane sugar, natch] and we had a huge meal that 2 people couldn’t finish for just over $7.

What deals have you found at the mecca?

Hopefully you live in a building that recycles. However, if you live in a building that doesn’t, or you have something that is difficult to recycle (like old computers), it can be hard to find a place to accept those items without paying a fee.

If you have questions about recycling in Chicago, the following sites may be helpful:

Chicago Recycling Coalition
City of Chicago recycling plant

What isn’t usually recycled by municipalities

Computers

If you have an old laptop or PC, you may be able to donate it to charity. If your old computer is only a few years old, there are many charities that will gladly accept your donation so they can refurbish the computer before putting it to good use (if you are about tax deductions, then remember to get your receipt).

However, if your computer is more than five years old, you may discover that it is too old to be refurbished. So then what? My first suggestion is to visit the web site of the company who made your computer; some not only offer free recycling, but a few may even buy back your old computer for a minimal amount. But beware‚ some places may try to charge you to ship the item to them; if you encounter that, keep on looking.

You may even discover that other computer companies may recycle computers from competitors. Best Buy will recycle old computers for free, but only if you’ve already removed the internal hard drive (their Geek Squad has a simple video on how to remove most hard drives; I just did it for a laptop and it was REALLY easy).

Televisions

If your tv is digital, you may still be able to sell it on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. However, if your tv isn’t digital, you may need to either sell it with a digital converter or you may have to recycle it. Some big chain stores will recycle old televisions, but check first to see if a fee is involved. Best Buy will accept smaller televisions for a $29.99 fee.

Other electronics

The following sites were mentioned in a news article. They seem interesting.

• Gazelle.com
• Flipswap

Batteries

Batteries can be recycled at branches of the Chicago Public Library or the Walgreens Photo counter. The containers are normally near the checkout desk.

Long-life light bulbs (CFLs)

CFLs (or long life light bulbs) cannot be tossed into your normal trash. They contain mercury and if the mercury is released in a landfill, it could contaminate the water table.

Several stores have begun collecting these bulbs for recycling (mercury is a commodity!). The city of Chicago has a handy map of where you can recycle CFLs.

Chicago’s Chinese New Year just keeps growing, so your best bet to celebrate isn’t just in Chinatown.

Be sure to stop by The Shops at North Bridge through February 17, as there are deals galore, including calligraphy and Chinese dance.

Saturday, February 9:

12pm, Argyle Lunar New Year Parade. Parade will kick-off at Argyle & Winthrop promptly at 1:00 PM and will head east along Argyle St., south along Sheridan Rd., west along Ainslie St., and north along Broadway to Argyle St.

Sunday, February 10:

1pm, Chinese Lunar New Year Parade, starting at Wentworth and 24th Ave.

February 17:

Various times, Arts & Culture Doc Fest. Free with advanced reservation. Sophia’s Choice presents some never-been-seen documentaries produced & sourced by the Centre of International Cultural Exchange in Beijing.

February 9 & 16:

3:30pm, Chinese New Year Dumpling Making Dinner at Hing Kee in Chinatown. $35-40.

]]> https://www.thriftista.com/2019/02/chinese-new-year-in-chicago/feed/ 1 https://www.thriftista.com/2019/02/why-women-should-care-about-the-auto-show/ Tue, 05 Feb 2019 17:30:46 +0000 http://www.thriftista.com/?p=2143 Admittedly, I’m rare among female friends for an interest in automobiles. I love the sleek looks and speed. But, I’m not the only one who feels this way, as last year, 46% of the attendees to the Chicago Auto Show were female, according to Foresight Research.

“Women buy or influence 85 percent of all vehicle purchases and hold the keys to $450 billion in spending each year, yet the biggest challenge is educating them as consumers and users of new technology,” said Scotty Reiss, founder of A Girls Guide to Cars. “The most powerful way to change this is by engaging them as employees, leaders and innovators.”

This year brings craft beer nights, more sleek cars and the annual “What Drives Her” day of events. Tickets are just $7 on that day, but there are plenty of other discount days. The Chicago Auto Show officially starts February 9 and runs through February 18.

Starting with the pantry challenge (see video below) chefs grab every ingredient they’ll need to cook for a hundred or so friends.

Each fight club is about 60 minutes long, and you can sip beverages, listen to music and watch the 4-5 chefs in action. Our chefs were Kristina Garrbo of Rockin Rodizio (and Palatine’s Chicago Culinary Kitchen, which I must try!),  Dylan Lipe of The Budlong Hot Chicken, Hipolito Sanchez of Slow Motion For Meat, and Peter McCarthy of BBQ’d Productions. I attended a barbecue challenge, so it took two hours to smoke the meats, fish and seafood as well as chop/season/grill/sear/flambé/cook it all.

Then the clock is set and chefs and their crews start readying their ingredients:

Fish seasoning and prep at Kristina Garrbo’s kitchen.

Prepping lobsters, yum!

Host Hard Rock Cafe provided noshes to keep us happy while we had some delicious seasonal beers and played blackjack provided by U.S. Poker and Casino Parties (not for money, which means I won, of course!).

The fabulous addition to Culinary Fight Club is that they exclusively give back to the 501(c) (3) non-profit organization Fight2Feed, which partners top restaurants with food trucks to provide service and support to hungry men, women and children in our communities.

Delicious mini burgers at Hard Rock Cafe.

Blackjack

The excitement comes down to final countdown and plate prep for the judges – and it’s just as fraught as you’d imagine. The amazing cooking smells and frantic work has finally come down to this!

The judges were local celebrated foodies: Mike Haracz, Culinary Innovation at McDonald’s, Rick Tramonto, a James Beard award-winning chef, and Phil Wingo, Porkmania and Mr. Barbecue. I wouldn’t want their job of deciding—except to try all of the food!

We do get sample portions (until it’s gone!) and each chef brought their A game to the table. My only regret is not getting more!

Kristina took home the judge’s choice, while people’s choice went to Peter.

A whole lotta judging going on…

If you didn’t make it out to a recent Culinary Fight Club, they go on monthly—and they’re all over the United States! Whether your pleasure is tacos, blended burgers, pork, chocolate, barbecue, steak, seafood… the list goes on!

The next Culinary Fight Club Chicago one is July 17 and features steak. I’m already drooling. See you there?

Like so many of the Auditorium Theatre’s performances, I feel like I’m in on a fantastic secret. It’s always a great time, with unique shows that make you want to dance. Cuba Vivre impressed: Cha-cha, rumba, conga, bolero and mambo peformed by Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba.

Cuba Vibra by Jorge Gavilondo

Here, a sampling of the rest of the Auditorium Theatre 2016-2017 season:

• The Joffrey Ballet – The Nutcracker – December 10­30, 2016
  Always a favorite since I was little!
• Too Hot Too Handel: The Jazz Gospel Messiah (read my 2016 review) – January 14-15, 2017
• JACKIE CHAN’S LONG YUN KUNG FU TROUPE FROM BEIJING | February 4, 2017
  This looks amazing! A combination of traditional kung fu, ballet, and modern dance.
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre – March 22-26, 2017
• The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra By George! The Pops Plays Gershwin – March 31, 2017
• Thodos Dance Chicago – March 11, 2017

See the Stars of the American Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, Pennsylvania Ballet, and The Joffrey Ballet, all in one night, and for free! 

In its 10th year, the opening night celebration is on August 23; tickets are available beginning July 21 at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E. Congress Parkway) at 10:00AM and online here at noon.

Performances after opening night are listed online as well.

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Dancing Festival.

]]> https://www.thriftista.com/2016/07/shakespeare-in-the-parks/ Fri, 15 Jul 2016 17:00:31 +0000 http://www.thriftista.com/?p=5444

Get a little free culture with the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s 2016 tour of 18 Chicago parks with Twelfth Night. Performances are free, and open to the public. Ge there early to get a good seat.

The 18 parks are:

Navy Pier
(New location: East End of the Pier, near Grand Ballroom)
Thursday, July 14, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, July 15, 6:30 p.m.
600 E. Grand Ave.

Steelworkers Park
Sunday, July 17, 4:00 p.m.
E. 87th St. at Lake Michigan

Ridge Park
Tuesday, July 19, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 20, 6:30 p.m.
1817 W. 96th St.

Tuley Park
Thursday, July 21, 6:30 p.m.
501 E. 90th Pl.

Loyola Park
Friday, July 22, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 23, 6:30 p.m. 
1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.

Garfield Park Conservatory
Sunday, July 24, 3:00 p.m.
300 N. Central Park Ave.

Gage Park
Wednesday, July 27, 6:30 p.m.
2411 W. 55th St.

Kelvyn Park
Thursday, July 28, 6:30 p.m.
4438 W. Wrightwood Ave.

Washington Park
Friday, July 29, 6:30 p.m.
5531 W. Russell Dr.

Frank J. Wilson Park
Saturday, July 30, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 31, 4:00 p.m.
4630 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Marquette Park
Wednesday, August 3, 6:30 p.m.
6743 S. Kedzie Ave.

Piotrowski Park
Thursday, August 4, 6:30 p.m.
4247 W. 31st St.

Dvorak Park
Friday, August 5, 6:30 p.m.
1119 W. Cullerton Ave.

Welles Park
Saturday, August 6, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 7, 4:00 p.m.
2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.

Columbus Park
Tuesday, August 9, 6:30 p.m.
500 S. Central Ave.

Hamilton Park
Wednesday, August 10, 6:30 p.m.
513 W. 72nd St.

Humboldt Park
Thursday, August 11, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, August 12, 6:30 p.m.
1301 N. Sacramento Ave.

Eckhart Park
Saturday, August 13, 6:30 p.m.
1330 W. Chicago Ave.

Ping Tom Memorial Park
Sunday, August 14, 4:00 p.m. 
1700 S. Wentworth Ave

Picture it: Over a dozen BBQ stands tempt the tastebuds while stellar country music artists perform on Grand Avenue. Toss in craft beers, oysters and ice cream (just for starters) and you’ve got the fourth annual Windy City Smokeout.

The lineup includes Old Dominion, Chase Rice, Frankie Ballard, Billy Currington, Corey Smith, Big & Rich with special guest Cowboy Troy, Phil Vassar, Jessie James Decker, Whiskey Myers, Walker County and Whiskey Jam.

Hosted by Bub City and Joe’s Bar, there are 16 BBQ vendors ranging from local Smoque to Hogapalooza from Arkansas. Cool off with Big Gay Ice Cream or a cocktail from Three Dots and a Dash. Craft beers from Goose Island to Brooklyn Brewery and many more also tempt.

Not enough? Check out The Biggest Happy Hour of the Summer event on Friday, July 15 from 2-5pm. Get festival-ready braids from Goldplaited salon, sip some Moët & Chandon Impérial, and peruse custom jewelry from Chicago-based jewelry boutique, Local Eclectic. Other tasty options including Moet, lobster, burgers or whiskey abound too.

Thriftista is thrilled to announce we can offer 3-day GA festival passes for $75 (original ticket price: $110). Just use code THRIFTISTA when you purchase via our link. (Good through 7/7/2016, 11:59 PM.)

• @SCOOPNYC (1009 N. Rush) continues its going-out-of-business sale. 20-40% off the lowest price.
• This weekend:
  • Long Grove’s Chocolate Fest: Delight in a weekend of chocolate treats, visit the Kid FREE Zone, go on a shopping spree, sample amazing foods and get up and dance to the live music of 7th Heaven, Infinity and American English, to name a few. Admission: $5 (Free from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, May 20), Children 12 and under FREE.
  • MayFest: This three-day celebration kicks off the City of Chicago’s festival season. The 21st annual Chicago Mayfest brings in three days of celebration – featuring; Chicago’s BEST Bands, Festival Cuisine, pretzels, beer, and a broad spectrum of super cool entertainment.
  • Destination Devon: Take a stroll down Devon and take in live music, food from local restaurants, art and gifts, and your favorite local organizations and businesses! Continue down to Moher for live music from 5:30-8 and enjoy great drink specials with the purchase of an Everyday Edgebrook drink bracelet. $3 seasonal beers, half price bottles of wine, and $6 martinis!
  • Festival del Mole, Pozole y Mezcal 

Robyn Lynne Norris

So, sooner or later, you know that the Second City would bring it to the stage in a hilarious (and surprisingly thoughtful) show.

#DateMe: An OkCupid Experiment returns to Second City, after successful runs in LA and Chicago. This fun, semi-autobiographical show marries improv with script: The creator, Robyn Lynn Norris, created 38 fake, ‘undateable’ profiles on OkCupid, and we’re witness to the, ahem, results.

(L-R) Stacey Smith, Randall Harr, Robyn Lynne Norris, Peter Collins, Joel Boyd, Dana Robie

Norris’ narrative of a single woman looking for love in a new city (even though she’d never do online dating) comes across as relatable, as it could just as easily make fun of the ‘crazy cat ladies,’ ‘must-marry’ men and others created. At the end, you may feel hopeful (if single) or glad (if you’re attached). Interspersed with stats on online dating, it’s hard to miss how huge it really is, and what a diverse audience it attracts.

The ensemble of Norris, Joel Boyd, Peter Collins, Randall Harr, Dana Robie and Stacey Smith bring their uniqueness to each ‘profile’ — after all, they’re real people, at least to the people responding. Their improv chops come out as they try to bring out their audience members’ best bits. Overall, it’s a more complex show than I’m used to with typical Second City improv, with an engaging story. Think girls’ night out or date night — for your next ‘match,’ perhaps?

Joel Boyd

You can see #DateMe Thursdays at 8pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm & 11 pm, and Sundays at 7pm in the UP Comedy Club in Piper’s Alley. Runs through July 24. A menu and bar service is available.

Photos © Todd Rosenberg Photography 2016

 I attended this event free of charge; all opinions are my own.

Here are the highlights of a recent dinner:

#theashburn #loewsohare @loewshotels

A photo posted by Lisa Ghisolf (@worktraveltech) on May 10, 2016 at 8:15am PDT

Beginnings! #theashburn #loewsohare @loewshotels #wine #chicago

A photo posted by Lisa Ghisolf (@worktraveltech) on May 9, 2016 at 4:31pm PDT

What a spread! #charcuterie #chicagoeats #eattheburbs #loewsohare #theashburn @loewshotels

A photo posted by Lisa Ghisolf (@worktraveltech) on May 9, 2016 at 4:36pm PDT

spring salad with beets, Ramos, pea shoots,and #theashburn #ipa sweet onion dressing. #loewsohare #eattheburbs #chicagoeats @loewshotels

A photo posted by Lisa Ghisolf (@worktraveltech) on May 9, 2016 at 5:29pm PDT

Roasted #trout with corn fritters, blackened fish skin (sooo tasty!) #chicagoeats #eattheburbs #loewsohare #theashburn @loewshotels

A photo posted by Lisa Ghisolf (@worktraveltech) on May 9, 2016 at 5:32pm PDT

Seared chicken thigh. Amazing farro pilaf. #smoky #bestyet #theashburn #loewsohare @loewshotels

A photo posted by Lisa Ghisolf (@worktraveltech) on May 9, 2016 at 5:47pm PDT

Smores Panna cotta #dessert #chicagogram #loewsohare #theashburn #eattheburbs #chicagoeats #chicagoblogger #sweettooth @loewshotels

A photo posted by Lisa Ghisolf (@worktraveltech) on May 9, 2016 at 5:54pm PDT

For a nominal suggested donation of $5, you can tour the building and see artists’ workspaces, purchase art and delight in the nooks and crannies of this fabulous building.

The next one is February 5, 6-10pm, and is themed as Cabaret Risqué. It includes a bit more work in honor of Valentine’s day, including the erotic and burlesque.

Rodrick Dixon

Of all the options we have in Chicago, I didn’t expect to spend a blustery January evening grooving along to jazzy, uptempo renditions of Handel’s Messiah. An unparalleled experience, it was a moving, talented-filled tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that had the whole house dancing in the aisles and giving standing ovations after many numbers.

This isn’t your great-great-great grandfather’s Handel: The musical arrangement is everything from jazz to gospel and blues, swing, classical and even scat. Led by soloists Rodrick Dixon (wow, that voice!), Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson, all weighty voices able to draw out the passion of every piece.

Too Hot to Handel chorus

But the 50-piece orchestra led by Suzanne Mallare Acton and chorus of 100 led by Bill Fraher of Old St. Pat’s is no backdrop. Virtuosos like pianist Alvin Waddles, electric guitarist Dave Marsh and David Taylor on drums are truly powerhouses on full display with their improvised solos.

The Auditorium Theatre has hosted the Chicago version since 2006, and many audience goers have been going year after year.

Too Hot to Handel orchestra

There are only three performances every year, so you’ll have to mark your calendars for next January. It’s definitely a hot way to get through January in Chicago.

I attended a performance courtesy of the Auditorium Theatre, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

You can be any age or skill level to participate, and dance lessons are free, followed by music and dancing. The diverse musical lineup showcases steppin’, DJs, line dancing, salsa and more.

Save your money and enjoy a day out at a Chicago institution!

Free museum days for Illinois museums:

Art Institute of Chicago
Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is free to IL residents every Thursday, 5-8pm.
Discounts for city residents.
(For more details, check out MonicaW’s Art Institute blog.)

Chicago Children’s Museum – Target Free Family Night and First Free Sundays
Free admission for kids 15 and under, the first Sunday of every month,  10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free admission for all, every Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m.

Chicago History Museum
Free days  for January 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29.

DuSable Museum of African American History
Free on Sundays.

The Field Museum
Basic free admission for IL residents: January:3, 13, 18, 23, 24 and all of February! Chicago residents receive discounts ($2 – $4.50) on admission packages.

Millennium Park
Look for free events, such as a free festival of music, skating rink, performances and family activities for all ages.

Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
Free every Tuesday for IL residents.

The Museum of Science and Industry
Various free days throughout each month. January 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29.

Museum of Contemporary Photography
Reopening January 25. Part of the Columbia College Chicago, this museum is exclusively devoted to photography and is—of course—free! If you are in the Loop, it is at 600 S. Michigan.

National Museum of Mexican Art – Free Admission every day
Free admission every day during museum hours, 10 a.m – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Suggested donation day is Thursday.

Shedd AquariumFree days are January 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 22-26.

Smart Museum of Art
Admission is free. Part of the University of Chicago, this museum is located on the Hyde Park campus at 5550 S. Greenwood Avenue.

Richard Sandoval’s first foray into the Chicago dining scene has been working out the kinks — and growing pains from huge crowds these first few weeks. It is a bit smaller than you might be expecting after Eataly, but I’m not sure you’ll notice. Featuring a gourmet market, gorgeous gift shop with silver artisan works, cafe, wine bar, tapas restaurant and 12 food stalls, you’ll walk away inspired, if not stuffed.

What impresses is the variety: Tortas, cocas, ceviche and sushi, Peruvian stir fry, Brazilian grill, salads, seafood, tacos, soups… the sheer diversity of flavors will keep even the pickiest eater happy.

I only had time (and appetite) to have the Aeropuerto Arroz from Chaufa Wok: Peruvian style stir fry that did not disappoint with a medley of crispy noodles, fried rice, meats, seafood and chaufa sauce plus a red wine sangria. At $14 for the dish (and $25 overall including drink) it was a bit steep for lunch, but I also didn’t need dinner afterward.

I suppose that’s my only critique of Latinicity: It’s a pricier option. It was also a refreshing change to the Loop’s usual food fare (Chinese place I’ve been going to since 2000: I’m looking at you!).

The smart option is to hit Latinicity when it opens at 11am, and preferably on a weekday. An hour later, the line was down the hall and the food stalls were swarmed. It may take a while for this hot new food option to cool down, but it’s worth a look… or as I’m planning, several visits…

Chicago Architecture Biennial
Through January 3, 2016
Keep up the architectural lovefest and see what’s truly unique about Chicago.

SOFA Art + Design Fair
November 5 – 8
Shopping! Unique finds, gorgeous work from local and regional artists.

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE FOR CARE FOR REAL
Through December 21
Help Edgewater’s food pantry make a difference in the lives of families in our area during our annual toy drive. There are many opportunities to drop off toys in local businesses or at Andersonville holiday events. Last year, Care for Real distributed more than 4,000 toys to over 800 children, helping 350 families have a more joyous holiday season.

Christkindlmarket
November 20 – December 24
We love the market’s ethnic holiday gifts and delicious German fare, plus of course, the boot is back! Have some mulled wine and those selections somehow get much easier.

Randolph Street Holiday Market
November 21 – 22,  November 28 – 29,  December 12 – 13
This fabulous market returns with retro wares, furniture and one-of-a kind finds.

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
November 21
Disney. Floats. Tree-lighting. And yes, even some shopping!

ZooLights, photo from http://www.lpzoo.org/events/calendar/zoolights

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
November 27 – January TBD
These get better every year, plus, yknow, it’s free and ANIMALS!

West Town Winterfest
November 28
Buy from local shops and try West Town’s best restaurants. Trolly tours too!

One of A Kind Show and Sale
December 3 – 6
You know the drill: Artisans sharing gorgeous works. Shopping, done.

LATE NIGHT ANDERSONVILLE
December 4
Andersonville stays up late for the Late Night Andersonville festival! From 6-10pm, stores and restaurants will be offering discounts on distinctive gifts and delectable after-hours meals, plus free refreshments and entertainment.

JULMARKNAD
December 5 & 6
During the yearly Julmarknad festival, the Swedish American Museum features a handicrafts fair with traditional Swedish food and entertainment. In addition, select Andersonville businesses join the fun with FREE music, refreshments and more.

LUCIA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
December 13
A candlelit, carol-filled procession down the sidewalks of Clark Street, followed by singing and treats at the Museum. Admission is $1, or a toy or a can of food to benefit Care For Real, Edgewater’s food pantry.

LATE-ER NIGHT ANDERSONVILLE
December 18
Are you a procrastinator when it comes to holiday shopping? Then join us for our second night of Late Night Andersonville, just a little “late-er” than usual. From 6-10pm, take advantage of the same discounts from Late Night Andersonville, plus once again enjoy free entertainment and refreshments.

Renegade Craft Fair Holiday
December 5 – 6
Located in the Bridgeport Art Center, look for handmade gifts, participate in DIY workshops, jam to DJs and eat tasty treats from local vendors.

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
December 5 – 31
More animals and holiday lights! Activities for kiddos, too.

Chi-Town Rising: NYE Celebration
December 31
New in town, we’re not sure what to expect, but it seems to have something for everyone.

A la carte Chicago is celebrating its first year of the food festival, complete with pre fixe menus from Chicago French standards like Kiki’s Bistro and Coco Pazzo, offers from La Vanille Patisserie… hungry yet?

There are chef demonstrations, Bordeaux and Cognac tastings, even a French cocktail night. Whether you hit one or more events, it’s sure to be a hit.

If you’ve not yet seen the latest exhibits at Chicago’s museums, or have been waiting to purchase a yearly membership, there’s a new Chicago Museum Week to save you a bit of dough.

Debuting October 1-7, with 12 Chicago institutions adding value and special performances to their schedules, there’s no excuse not to check out a couple spots. Check out the website (linked above) to get full details and I’ve linked maps below so you can get there fast. Don’t forget Metra, there’s no need to fight the highways!

Adler Planetarium: Free admittance Oct 5, 6 and 7 for IL residents, discounts and special activities all week long.

Art Institute: Make art, or get a wee discount on your admission or membership. I like our tips better.

Chicago History Museum: Discounts and ‘flash’ tours.

The DuSable Museum of African American History: This often-overlooked gem has guided tours and 2-for-1 admission. Make a detour to Hyde Park, it’s worth it.

Field Museum: Learn about lichens, or Sue, or Vikings. Discounts typical.

Lincoln Park Zoo: Fall Fest highlights a 60-foot burlap sack slide, which could be fun or end with an ouch. Live entertainment, rides (doesn’t really specify if kid- or adult-friendly).

MCA Chicago: Lots of events, performances and exhibits, and MCA Prime Time on Oct 2 sounds fabulous.

Museum of Science and Industry: A new Google-sponsored exhibit on robots seems like geeky fun!

National Museum of Mexican Art: Another hidden gem with Day of the Dead exhibits and so much more.  Free.

The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture: Gorgeous exhibitions going on now! Always free, so no excuses.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: Butterflies, Peanuts (the cartoon) and did I mention butterflies? It’s a terribly cool spot. Discounts.

Shedd Aquarium: Discounts, frogs, and touch a stingray (weather permitting)!

Paleo Shredded Salsa Chicken

I’ll admit, my stomach started growling just looking at this one. Slow cooker chicken just takes five minutes when you get home, as it’s been cooking all day! Even better, it’s paleo! From Personally Paleo.

Paleo Turkey and Vegetable Quinoa Skillet

This looks so delicious and simple for paleo, and only 15 minutes of prep time! From A Dash of Megnut.

Slow Cooker Chili & Stir Fry Chicken

More slow cooker treats! Slow cooker stir fry chicken or chili from Katie at Live Half Full.

Baked Cod with Veggies & Brown Rice

Dill is such a yummy and versatile herb, and it’s so well paired with fish. Grabbing Lapels shares this easy and so-colorful dish.

Goat Cheese Pastry

I love this as a snack, appetizer or party treat. Public Lives, Secret Recipes shares this tasty Goat Cheese Pastry that looks entirely decadent and still light.

With dozens of global performances, including 12 hours of Indian classical music, you can’t go wrong. All performances are free to the public, but of course, get there early to get a good spot. Check out the complete schedule online, with all shows from September 11-22.

Photos courtesy of the city of Chicago.

Even better, get $10 off with my promo code THRIFT when you buy general admission tickets online! Code good through Monday, Sept 7 at 10PM.

Follow along and use @OysterFestChi’s hashtag: #OysterFestChi

You’ll need tickets, though the performances are free; it looks like many advanced tickets are gone, so you’ll have to line up for tickets an hour ahead of showtime.

Opening Night Celebration – 2015
Tuesday, Aug 25, 7:30PM

Modern Women – 2015
Wednesday, Aug 26, 6:00PM

Modern Women – 2015
Wednesday, Aug 26, 8:00PM

I was lucky enough to visit the 7-Eleven trade show, a showcase mostly for franchisees to bring new treats into their stores, and I left with a bag full of good—and sometimes not so healthy—choices. Here are some items you’ll find at your local 7-Eleven and likely other retailers:

These were wicked, especially the garlic Mario Camacho Snack Olives. Gluten-free, low-cal and packed in olive oil, the list goes on. Even single serve pickles! I’m dying to see these in every store.

Cheez-its seem to keep reinventing themselves. These were super-flavorful and required lots of water to keep going!

The spicy-sweet trend is everywhere this year!

I love Kind bars, and this savory roasted jalapeño bar was amazing. Is it just me, or does everything seem to have jalapeño in it?

Delicious flavors. Also check out the new oatmeal, which only requires hot water.

Wow, these Cracker Jack’d packs are delicious! A whole new take.

Chex. Sriracha. You knew it had to happen. Pretty darn tasty.

Also some lips on the other side. Coca-Cola just keeps going…

Loved this Jack-o Traveler Pumpkin Shandy, and I’m not one for pumpkin beers. Just delicious. Look for it soon!

Argo Tea is my favorite (and a Chicago original)! There are three new “teappucinos” that are lower calorie (100 and under!). Sugar didn’t overwhelm and flavor was pretty darn true to the cafes on the chai. Vegan ones coming soon (including my favorite maté laté!).

Just because. Beer salt.

I actually didn’t try these. I’m sort of… scared.

Tic Tac mixers. Cherry and cola and peach and lemonade. A bit odd, but this is a difficult product to remake! Look for the printed Tic Tacs at the holidays (just like M&Ms).

Sam Adams Octoberfest is already here—too early!! But still a favorite here.

I thought Bear Naked only made granola, but these bars were a great portable option, and have the same delicious flavor as their granola, without feeling like I’m eating a fancy candy bar or processed junk.

Made with pure cane sugar, Dust Cutter was a welcome tangy surprise, especially their Huckleberry.

I was doubtful of Illy issimo drinks since Starbucks’ are so sugary, but these had a great coffee flavor (as you expect from Illy) and less sugar – much preferable.

I attended the 7-Eleven National Coalition Convention and Trade Show as a guest of 7-Eleven. As always, all views are my own.

Enter Groupon Coupons, with an impressive array of deals that are free — and from a great selection of over 70,000 stores with their current sales too.

Just in one shopping trip (and I am a shopper), I found these deals:

• Target: Extra 10% off clearance online. Everything seems to be on clearance right now, too.
• Best Buy: 20% off one item! More phone chargers, please!
• Walgreens: Paperless coupons that go straight on to your rewards card, plus additional deals.
• Ann Taylor: Extra 50% off sale? Wow…
• Starbucks: Coffee coffee coffee! In-cafe deals.
• Expedia: Check it out before you book your next trip. Orbitz and Travelocity too.

I did not receive compensation for this post, but attended a free tasting event.

Chicago’s Chinese New Year just keeps growing, so your best bet to celebrate isn’t just in Chinatown.

Be sure to stop by The Shops at North Bridge through March 1, as there are deals galore, including cooking and calligraphy classes.

Friday, February 19:

12pm, Chinese New Year Kickoff at the Chicago Cultural Center. at the Cultural Center, take your lunch break to enjoy traditional Chinese dance, music, puppetry, and martial arts.

Saturday, February 21:

1pm, Argyle Lunar New Year Parade. It starts in Uptown, heading east down Argyle, south onto Sheridan, west on Ainslie to Broadway, and back to Argyle.

11am-3pm, celebrate the Year of the Sheep in Glencoe at the Chicago Botanic Garden! Free.

Sunday, February 22:

1pm, Chinese Lunar New Year Parade, starting at Wentworth and 24th Ave.

Chicago Theatre (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you’re afraid you’ve missed out on Chicago Theatre Week, think again. It’s expanded this year to February 22, 2015, with more theaters and options. $15 and $30 ticket options abound, in every part of the city. Check out their Twitter feed for the latest (tickets go fast) at @chicagoplays or search it out online.

Highlights like Music Hall and The Addams Family are selling out, so get there fast!

In addition to obvious foods like apple cider, look for the donuts.  The line is normally atrocious, but sometimes you just gotta patiently wait for something good.  (I still think they are better than the new cronut fad…but just my opinion.)

You can be any age or skill level to participate, and dance lessons are free, followed by music and dancing. The diverse musical lineup showcases steppin’, salsa and more. These sessions start at 2pm.

Check it out January 17 in the Yates Gallery located on the 4th floor of the Chicago Cultural Center. Other Chicago Park District locations include:

• Hamilton Park Cultural Center (513 W. 72nd St.) on Saturday, January 17
• Austin Town Hall Park (5610 W. Lake St.) on Saturday, January 24
• South Shore Cultural Center (7059 S. South Shore Dr.) on Sunday, January 25

Home Depot workshops range from building a storage ottoman to installing laminate, and do-it-herself and kid options. Go in cold, with no knowledge, for free hands-on knowledge. I’ve highlighted a few:

January & February workshops:
Home automation
Build a storage ottoman
How to install laminate flooring

Do-it-herself workshops:
Vanity updates

There also are online tutorials, like energy saving and decor projects.

Prep time for both, not including oven time, is 25 minutes.

Black-Pepper Salmon with Dill Smashed Potatoes

by Andrea Albin, from Epicurious

For this one, I picked up frozen salmon from Trader Joe’s and let it defrost in the fridge all day. When I got home, it was ready to prep with spices — I prefer to hit The Spice House and use the Bridgeport Seasoning instead of pepper, though you may find your favorite.

Also I substitute butter for oil in the potatoes and add in some milk — much tastier prep. Unfortunately I didn’t take photos of this prep.

Milk Chocolate Brownies

Epicurious

I’m constantly playing with this recipe and find that removing an egg and the baking powder make for much fudgier brownies. For cakey ones, stick to the recipe as-is. I used Nielson-Massey Vanilla and fresh eggs and sifted the flour for a fresher, lighter result. I’m playing with the idea of using their Madagascar Vanilla for a spicier taste. Trust me, you won’t look at store-bought brownies again.

2016’s free Chicago museum days post is live! Don’t miss free days at Chicago’s world-class museums — a great way to show off the city to out-of-town friends, or just get out of the cold (or heat).

Free museum days for Illinois museums:

Chicago Children’s Museum – Target Free First Sundays and Kraft Free Family Night
Free admission for kids 15 and under. First Sunday of every month, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and every Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m.

Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
Free every Tuesday for IL residents.

Art Institute of Chicago
Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is free to IL residents every Thursday, 5-8pm.
Discounts for city residents.
(For more details, check out MonicaW’s Art Institute blog.)

The Museum of Science and Industry
Various free days throughout each month.

The Field Museum
Chicago residents receive discounts ($2 – $4.50) on admission packages.

National Museum of Mexican Art – Free Admission every day
Free admission every day during museum hours, 10 a.m – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday

Millennium Park
Look for free events, such as a free festival of music, skating rink, performances and family activities for all ages.

Smart Museum of Art
Admission is free. Part of the University of Chicago, this museum is located on the Hyde Park campus at 5550 S. Greenwood Avenue.

Museum of Contemporary Photography
Part of the Columbia College Chicago, this museum is exclusively devoted to photography and is—of course—free! If you are in the Loop, it is at 600 S. Michigan.

Money Museum
Part of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. This is where we admit that, being Thriftistas, we are interested in money!  (Okay, we are mainly interested in saving our money!) This free museum is only open during business hours, but you can also reserve a spot on their weekday 1 p.m. public tour of the museum. This museum is at 230 S. LaSalle St.

I’m generally not one to get excited over home remodels, but sometimes you come across a store that has such selection and options that you change your mind.

#ChicagonistaLIVE hosted their show there last week, showcasing Floor & Decor, a new location that just opened in Skokie at 3300 Oakton St. With 44 stores across the U.S. and four in the Chicagoland area, it’s clear they have the leverage to buy at great prices. And not only is this store huge, but the colors and options really can inspire your projects. I found some amazing blue metallic tile, which sounds like it might be too much but could be amazing for a shower, as an accent.

But, you’re probably wondering, can I handle this? Floor & Decor is great for DIYers, and even those who aren’t sure they can handle adding in new flooring or retiling the bathroom. They host weekend workshops that show you exactly what to do, and free design assistance in-store. In fact, Cyndy was a highlight, giving us a tour of the store but also telling us what the latest trends are and how to choose designs that will last. Add in reasonable prices and you’ve got the beginning of a gorgeous new look for your home. See below for a deeper look, but definitely stop by this store!

I have been compensated for this post.

But when I hit upon a chance to stay at an all-inclusive resort for a conference with 14 restaurants on-site, I wanted to see what I was missing.

Moon Palace Cancun is one of several Palace resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. Though a bit pricey (they start at $407 for 2 people per night and top out over $1000 per night), it promised limitless drinks and food, including a Japanese sushi and teppanyaki restaurant, Italian dining and a Brazilian steakhouse. Moon Palace Cancun boasts numerous pools and whirlpool tubs in every room (not in the bathroom — in the room itself). The room was beautifully appointed with a large shower, Chi hair appliances and marble everywhere. Patios or balconies have a hammock and wifi was available all over the resort, in varying strengths (but great in the rooms). And the service is almost overwhelming, with bellboys and waiters at your service almost every step of the way. Room service at 3am? Swim-up bars? Why not?

The grounds are gorgeous and boast a Dolphinarium, plus scuba diving and snorkeling, and plenty of help to book excursions off the resort.

Now, the food and drink: I was happy with most of my selections. Since I’m a teppanyaki snob, it was hard to impress, but seasonings are right there on your table. Across the board food was fresh and flavorful and plenty to satisfy. I was amazed at the seafood and probably ate more than my share of tuna, along with fresh cheeses and fruit.

So which way would I go on all-inclusive? Here’s my estimation:

You’ll love all-inclusive if:

• You drink and eat a lot — especially drink. At Moon Palace, there were top-shelf liquors everywhere, including a room dispenser! Drinks are generally pretty watered down, but they’re unlimited.
• You have kids, including the picky eaters! They’ll love the options and you’ll love not paying extra for what they didn’t eat.
• You plan to spend a lot of time relaxing on the resort as opposed to the surrounding city.
• You don’t want to budget extra for meals; usually even tips are taken care of.
• Some resorts include spa services; Moon Palace did not, but they were available at a considerable markup. The same is true of excursions like ziplining or dolphin swims. Make sure you know what you are getting!

You’ll want to avoid all-inclusive if:

• You’d prefer eating off the resort at local restaurants.
• You want to spend your time experiencing the surrounding areas.
• You don’t drink or you drink very little. 
• Your resort has few restaurant options, which means little variety.

I’m definitely glad I enjoyed the all-inclusive at Moon Palace; they should set the standard for other resorts. Though my preference is usually to find local favorites and experience the city, it was relaxing to not worry about carrying cash or if a restaurant was up to par. It’s definitely a judgement call, but sometimes the choice is easy.

That’s why I’m excited for ChicagonistaLIVE’s show this Tuesday, September 16, 2-3pm CST online.

This Tuesday’s show is at Floor & Decor, which opened today in Skokie. The topic will be “Creating an Atmosphere of Ease and Comfort in your Home,” which is perfect for me to get ideas to further separate my home and work spaces. I’m also looking at flooring options.

Floor & Decor has three other stores in the Chicagoland area, in Lombard, Arlington Heights and Aurora. They have a broad selection of ceramic, stone, tile, wood, and laminate flooring and source directly from around the globe. There are the necessary tools, decorative, and accessories so you’re not making midnight Home Depot runs.

I’ll also be tweeting about it under the #ChicagonistaLIVE hashtag. with @thriftista.

I have been compensated for this post.

]]> https://www.thriftista.com/2014/08/riverwalk-fine-art-fair/ Tue, 26 Aug 2014 00:27:10 +0000 http://thriftista.com/?p=555 Since 1986, the Naperville Art League has held the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair, which is a free art exhibition held along Naperville’s riverwalk.  In 2014, this fair will be held on 20-21 September.

I’ve never been, so if anyone attends, I’d like to hear about it.

For 2014, it will be held on August 16-17.  Looks like it will be lots of artists to view, and if they offer wine too– enjoy!

I suspect it won’t be as crazy as Long Grove’s Strawberry Fest.  However, if it is, parking can be difficult and expect to walk a bit once you find a spot.

If you are unfamiliar with Shakespeare in the Park, the theater performs a play in parks throughout the city and at Navy Pier. If it is like previous performances, the theater will perform on a small stage and tell a great story—all with limited props. I went to Taming of the Shrew a few years back and brought a lawn chair and a bottle of wine—as did the other crowd of theater lovers. This is one of my favorite events, and I hope everyone tries to attend one.

For 2014, performances will be from July 18-August 18 and will be performed at eighteen different parks throughout the city.  Find the park closest to you and grab a picnic blanket!

The salesclerk passed on a tip (that not only made the sale, but increased it): buy the room spray (current cost, $19) in the same scent and when the scent fades, spray the scent all over the pillow and put it in a baggy for a few days—and, voila! Revived sachets. It actually worked.

I love these sachets. I use them in my dresser, my closet, and my suitcases.

 I recently opened up a closet where I store my boots and, well—TMI—it smelled a little.  I really did not like that.  Then I spotted my sachet, then my little pile of odd socks; you know, those socks where you have just one and its been months since you’ve seen their mates, so you know their mates aren’t going to reappear.

Light bulb!

When my favorite Crabtree and Evelyn scent was discontinued (Sonoma), I’d bought several bottles of the room spray (on clearance, at least).  So I grabbed a bottle, the odd socks, and some small plastic bags. I also found my stash of old pantyhose with runs in them—the ones I wear under pants on bitter cold days in the winter–and grabbed two pairs.

 I sprayed the socks and mini-pillow until they were wet (not dripping, but damp).  Rolled the socks, then put them in a baggie (double bagged).

 After gathering the supplies, it took about five minutes to do this step.

They sat for two days, then I opened it up to see if the scent stuck.  So far, so good!

I rerolled the stocks.  Then I measured out a length of pantyhose leg to match the width of the sock  (and added some extra).  Insert rolled sock; tie off the end of the pantyhose.

I dropped six socks-turned-sachets into three pairs of boots and tucked another one into a pile of sheets in my linen closet.

Day two of this project was only another five minutes.

The only cost to this project is the room spray.  Here are some suggestions (cheaper than C&E):

Mrs. Meyer Clean Day Room Freshener; $5.68
Bath and Body Works Room Scent, $5.50 (but look for sales!)
Yankee Candle Concentrated Room Spray, $7.50

The next event will be on October 5, 2014, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont from 11 am to 4pm. (If past years are an accurate example, additional dates may be added.)

As I skim through the list of exhibitors, it looks like there will be many types of wedding-related businesses present, from photography to cakes, bridal gowns to hotels.  You may have to force yourself to stay in Thriftista-mode as you browse these‚ as there are references to North Shore weddings, which I imagine are not cheap!

Hopefully you will get some great ideas and find a vendor or two with great prices.

(FYI, this event used to be known as the The Navy Pier Bridal Fashion Show & Expo.)

I don’t know about anyone else, but I always end up with random loose change around the house.  I keep a change purse of quarters for guests to use if they have to park by metered parking, but that means I have lots of dimes and nickels and pennies I don’t know what to do with.

Today, I walked up the block to pick up my dry cleaning–right next to the El stop–and brought all my nickles and dimes with.  I made a quick stop inside the El station and loaded all those nickels and dimes onto my Ventra card.  A quick tap of my card on the machine, hit “add value” then started dropping in coins!  Unfortunately, when it hit $2.50 in add value, it forced me out.  But a another quick tap of my card allowed me to add the rest of my coins onto my card. I could never do this with my Chicago Card!

It will only come out to two rides on the El, but that is better than those coins just sitting in my house not being spent.

I DO NOT suggest doing this during rush hour, but instead only during those random off times when you know you will be near an El stop.

The Goodman Theatre (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Started last year, Chicago Theatre Week is a great way to experience Chicago’s thriving theatre scene at a fraction of the usual cost. Running February 11-16, 2014, tickets can be $15-30 or less.

Highlighting everything from the city’s Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Goodman Theatre and Second City Mainstage to suburban venues like the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre and the Actors Gymnasium, you can find drama, musical and comedy to suit any taste. Don’t miss out, you can search the lineup now.

Chicago’s Chinese New Year has always been a festive, fun (and usually frigid) way to bring in the new year. Finish it off with a stop for dim sum (Phoenix and Three Happiness are perennial personal favorites), and you’ve had a great afternoon. This year’s celebrations will be from Uptown to Chinatown, with a little something for everyone.

The kickoff is Friday, January 31 at noon in Daley Plaza, with dance, music, martial arts and Lion Dancer performances.

From January 31 to February 2 you’ll find a lot of options, most for free.

Millennium Park Ice Rink will be bathed in shifting, colorful lights — sure to be a crowd pleaser. Not too far away, at the Chicago Cultural Center, you’ll find a “celebration of light and projection inspired by Chinese philosophy, art, architecture and folklore. Macy’s windows will have shadow puppets and shadow play integrated with Chinese traditional art.

The Argyle Street Lunar New Year Parade starts in Uptown also at noon, heading east down Argyle, south onto Sheridan, west on Ainslie to Broadway, and back to Argyle.

The traditional Chinatown parade is at 1pm on Sunday.

English: Lion dance at Chinese New Year festival in Chinatown. February 2009 photo by John Stephen Dwyer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Be sure to stop by The Shops at North Bridge as there are deals galore, including a Big Bowl dumpling class on February 1. If you were born in the year of the horse, you’ll even get a free entree.

For a more cultural experience, the Year of the Horse Chinese New Year Celebration is February 1, 2-4pm at the Chinese-American Museum, 238 W. 23rd St. It’s $12 for nonmembers and includes new year traditions: the big clean up, staying up all night on the even and red packets, the Lion Dance, and plenty of tasty treats.

After all that, we’re still not done. Sunday, February 16, 12-3pm, at Navy Pier‘s Crystal Gardens features dance, music and multi-arts performances along with a marketplace.

Plenty to keep you busy during the winter freeze!

Check out the always-updated post for the latest!

Whether your birthday’s next week or in another 364 days, truly good deals can be snagged with just a little effort. Below are favorites and some new ones. Remember to use your email newsletter throwaway address – but one that you can actually check, starting on day one of your birthday month.

My favorite so far: Benihana’s $30 off the birthday boy/girl’s tab for signing up for their e-club. They’ve updated this with some limitations like buy one, get one entree and it’s only good Mo-Th.

Fogo de Chao gives you a free birthday dessert — and they’re amazing as I recall.

Texas de Brazil is a close second with a B1G1 free dinner.

Aveda full-size product, up to $24 value redeemed in-store. Also get another sample for signing up! (See email sign up at top right.)

Noodles & Co free meal

Cold Stone Creamery free “creation”

Victoria’s Secret $10 off if you sign up for their Angel card

Weber Grill free treat which I’ve heard is a $20 gift card, for signing up for their emails.

Uno’s Chicago Grill free entree for joining their Insider’s Club

Wing Stop 5 free wings with drink purchase

Starbucks free drink for signing up for their club

Old Navy “birthday surprise” [not sure what this is!] for signing up for their email list

Caribou Coffee free drink for signing up for their club

Anthropology free card & mini gift for joining their loyalty club

Oberweis birthday treat club

Bebe $10 gift certificate when you join Club Bebe

Join Jersey Mike’s myMike’s club and get a free sub & drink

Jason’s Deli will send you a $5 gift card for your birthday

Buca di Beppo will give you free antipasti on your birthday

Sign up for RA Sushi Bar’s eClub (click “email list”) for FREE appetizer with purchase + a FREE $20 gift certificate in the month of your half birthday.

Sign up for the Joe’s Crab Shack newsletter and get a FREE cake on your birthday.

*Just note that most of these deals have to be redeemed in your birthday month, and a few are only on your birthday [boo].

Last year we featured The Shakespeare Project’s free readings in the city and suburbs. They’re back this year with three fabulous selections:

The Fair Maiden of the West
Friday, January 17 at 7:00PM, The Niles Public Library
Saturday, January 18 at 10:00AM, The Newberry Library
Saturday, January 18 at 2:00PM, The Wilmette Public Library
Sunday, January 19 at 2:00PM, The Highland Park Public Library

The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Friday, February 21 at 7:00PM, The Niles Public Library
Saturday, February 22 at 10:00AM, The Newberry Library
Saturday, February 22 at 2:00PM, The Wilmette Public Library
Sunday, February 23 at 2:00PM, The Highland Park Public Library

All’s Well That Ends Well
Friday, April 25 at 7:00PM, The Niles Public Library
Saturday, April 26 at 10:00AM, The Newberry Library
Saturday, April 26 at 2:00PM, The Wilmette Public Library
Sunday, April 27 at 2:00PM, The Highland Park Public Library

Home Depot workshops include everything from installing crown moulding to “do-it-herself” and kiddie options, and you can go in cold, with zero knowledge. Best of all, they’re free and signing up for the club gets you future discounts. I’ve highlighted a few:

January & February workshops:
Closet storage and organization
Install crown moulding
How to install a toilet

Do-it-herself workshops:
Installing a glass mosaic backsplash 
It’s Time to Get Organized… Learn to Build a Storage Trunk!

There also are online tutorials, like energy saving and decor projects.

Don’t miss free days — a great way to show off Chicago to out-of-town friends, or just get in out of the cold.

Free museum days for Illinois museums:

Chicago Children’s Museum – Target Free First Sundays and Kraft Free Family Night
Free admission for kids 15 and under. First Sunday of every month, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and every Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m.

Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
Free every Tuesday for IL residents.

Art Institute of Chicago
Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is free to IL residents every Thursday, 5-8pm.
Discounts for city residents.
(For more details, check out MonicaW’s Art Institute blog.)

The Museum of Science and Industry
Various free days throughout each month.

The Field Museum
Chicago residents receive discounts ($2 – $4.50) on admission packages.

National Museum of Mexican Art – Free Admission every day
Free admission every day during museum hours, 10 a.m – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday

Millennium Park
Look for free events, such as a free festival of music, skating rink, performances and family activities for all ages.

Smart Museum of Art
Admission is free. Part of the University of Chicago, this museum is located on the Hyde Park campus at 5550 S. Greenwood Avenue.

Museum of Contemporary Photography
Part of the Columbia College Chicago, this museum is exclusively devoted to photography and is—of course—free! If you are in the Loop, it is at 600 S. Michigan.

Money Museum
Part of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. This is where we admit that, being Thriftistas, we are interested in money!  (Okay, we are mainly interested in saving our money!) This free museum is only open during business hours, but you can also reserve a spot on their weekday 1 p.m. public tour of the museum. This museum is at 230 S. LaSalle St.

You can be any age or skill level to participate, and dance lessons are free, followed by music and dancing. The diverse musical lineup showcases steppin’, salsa and more.

Friday, January 3, 2014
7:10-9pm – DJ Mellow Khris (Chicago Steppin’)
6-7pm – Dawud Shareef & Lura Satterfield (Chicago Steppin’)

Saturday, January 4, 2014
7:10-9pm – Rica Obsesion (Salsa)
6-7pm – May I Have This Dance (Salsa)

Sunday, January 5, 2014
1-3pm – Tangata Ensemble (Milonga)
12 Noon-1pm – Tango 21 (Argentine Tango)

Black Friday Dog! (Photo credit: Michael Muni)

Love it or hate it it, Black Friday is much-anticipated by retailers and deal mavens alike. Here, a guide to the madness and avoiding the worst of it and making out with some great finds.

What is the deal with Black Friday & Cyber Monday?

Some basics for newbies:

First off, get the daily newspaper on Thanksgiving, or review deal sites. Go early for the paper since many other folks have the exact same idea. Some of my favorite online resources are BFads.net and BlackFriday.info, which continually update with ad sneak previews.

Next, get organized. What stores have the best deals you’re looking for? Form a plan of attack, because Black Friday is serious business to many folks — some of whom have the manners of a herd of buffalo. This isn’t the time to  browse —  know what you want and get moving. You’ll also be far less prone to crowd overwhelm if you’re prepared. Look at my app recommendations below to keep up on coupons and coupon codes, like from RetailMeNot.com on Cyber Monday (or more likely, all week long).

Plan a good route & prep: Stores near one another, possibly far from very urban areas [if that means not shopping in Lincoln Park, you’ll be much happier and saner driving out to a small suburb or less dense neighborhood].

Take care to keep your purchases in the trunk or covered and out of sight, as thieves love this time of year: Easy pickings as they can see just where you bought something, neatly packaged!

Be sure to bring granola bars, water, and whatever else will keep you going. You might be finished by 10am, but you’ll be worn out! Keep the kids at home if possible, unless they’re good at navigating crowds and can sneak under others to get to the deals. Don’t laugh — I’m  still quite good at this! 

Thrifty blogger tips

Stephanie Callahan Harriel of Coupons With Cents says, “Look to see if the same deals are online to avoid the crowds! Last year I got a great deal on a 46″ TV at target.com. It was $40 less than in stores!”

And Susan Braun of Girls in White Dresses blog said, “Some of my favorite Black Friday deals are at the drugstores — in my case, CVS and Walgreens. They usually start these on Thanksgiving, and for best success in getting all the freebies before they run out, I’ve made it an annual tradition to head there on Thanksgiving morning, before dinner preparations start. Fun idea!”

Thoughts From Her recommends to “prioritize and have a plan, otherwise you’ll run yourself ragged.”

“Have a plan of action, but don’t stress if you have to adapt,” says The Homemade Creative. “Always remember that no deal is worth anyone’s life or health. I know for me it’s the tradition I enjoy, more than the sales. Though the sales are the reason I can buy gifts this year.”

Apps will keep you saving while mobile

There have been a lot of apps over the past few years making the deals easier to find, especially once you’re out and about. They’re practically indispensible if you are serious about finding the best price on the products you want.

RetailMeNot — Loved the site already, but the app helps you both online and in stores. Must-have! (iPad/Android/iOS)

Flipp — Clip deals from the weekly ads and search ads. Useful even for grocery shopping. (iOS)

TGI Black Friday — Personal shopping lists you can share, price comparisons, push notification for new ads, it’s quite comprehensive. (iPhone/iPad/Android)

Black Friday Fat Wallet — I love fatwallet.com for their forums, but their app is pretty comprehensive. (iPhone/iPad)

Black Friday App — From dealnews, this app allows price comparisons. Updates too, so you can get the latest deals. (iOS/iPad/Android)

TGI Cyber Monday — Check out the deals online before you commit to that in-store deal. You may make out better! (iOS/iPad/Android)

Deals, deals, and deals

I’m putting any deal recommendations on Twitter and would love to hear your finds! Happy shopping!

Scrabble game (Photo credit: jcolman)

I’ve a few SCRABBLE-happy friends, and I’ve been known to indulge in Words With Friends games here and there (my secret: I don’t really care what the outcome is, I like the challenge). But so far I haven’t made it to a real SCRABBLE tournament. The Literacy Volunteers of Illinois‘ 10th annual “It’s Your Word Against Theirs,” SCRABBLE for Literacy Challenge on Saturday, October 19 might change that.

Supporting the fight against low literacy in Illinois, this fun charity event will feature awards, prizes and refreshments as well as a silent auction featuring donations from local businesses.

“Low literacy is an issue that affects every aspect of our community though it is often one of the least visible,” says Dorothy Miaso, Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Illinois. “The SCRABBLE Tournament is designed to raise the visibility of the issue as well as to raise funds to support our work with families and individuals in need.”

So come on out: Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for teens and children under 12 are admitted for free.

Here’s are some parades that this city has to offer:

Jan-Feb:

Chinese New Year Parade.  Celebration of  the Lunar New Year in Chinatown!  Could be interesting.  Normally starts around near Wentworth Avenue, from 24th Street to Cermak.

March:

St. Patty’s Day!

South Side Parade. It has returned, but remember that there is a zero alcohol tolerance policy, so no repeats of historical drunkenness.  It steps off at 103rd St. and proceeds down Western Avenue to 115th St.

Northwest Side Irish Parade. Often the weekend before St. Pat’s Day, starts around noon’ starts near William J. Onahan School 6634 W. Raven St. Chicago, IL 60631

Downtown St. Pat’s Parade–St. Pat’s weekend, starts at noon, Columbus drive (starting at Balboa and ending at Monroe)  Dyeing the river normally occurs at 1030-ish

[This is a total segue, but the first St. Pat’s Day Parade I saw was in NY.  I hadn’t planned it as I was in NYC for a seminar.  During our lunch break, we stepped outside and there it was!  This was the event that made me decide that whoever invented the kilt was a genius…EVERY man looked good in  kilt.  It didn’t matter his height, weight, age, or anything; they all looked good:) ]

April:

Greek Independence Day Parade...I have difficulty finding deets on this one, so keep if you are interested, start looking for info!

May:

Cinco de Mayo…The parade route will likely be Cermak Rd. from Wood St. to Kedzie and start around noon.

Polish Constitution Day Parade….Polish Constitution Day is 3 May– so it will likely be the closest weekend to that date.  Normally starts at 11 am  near  Columbus and Balboa.

June:

    Pride Parade!…Everyone should experience this once.  GET THERE  EARLY…like an hour or two early.  It is crazy and packed and goes on and on forever.  I went one year and it was hot. It is an incredible people-watching event.

[Photo copyright Northalsted.]

July:

Okay, this is me hoping that someday Venetian Nights will again be sponsored.  This was one of my favorite events as it was a good excuse to sit along the lakefront with friends and enjoy a show. Until that happens, consider this a placeholder. 

October:

Northalstead Halloween Parade…This parade normally occurs on Halloween itself and starts around 7 pm.   Head for Halstead and Belmont in the Lakeview/Boystown neighborhood.

November:

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival… Often the weekend before Thanksgiving.  I’m not sure how I feel about the first Christmas activity occurring before Thanksgiving, but for those of you who aren’t as picky about this issue can still enjoy it:)  The parade starts at 6pm along North Michigan Avenue, from Wacker Drive to Oak Street.

McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade…This parade starts at— eep!— 8 am.  It will run on State Street from Congress to Randolf.

December:

Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade…Often the first weekend in December, this parade begins at Western Avenue and 83rd Street and heads north on Western to around Belmont or Addison.

Carving it up at Fogo De Chao Rosemont

Rosemont is certainly coming up in new, cool stuff: A brand new outlet mall with the storied Tory Burch, the recent movie theatre and entertainment complex, and now, meat!

It’s been a good while (11 years, to be exact) since the Southern Brazilian meat craze hit Chicagoland, and those years intervening were probably needed to prepare for their latest entry, right in the heart of Rosemont’s entertainment district. This Fogo De Chao is actually only the second location in Chicagoland and opened on September 26.

The kitchen staff, plating our amazing desserts.

This location is as sophisticated and comfortable as you’ve come to expect from the city’s Fogo. Rosemont’s prices also are a bit better than Chicago’s too, at $26.50 for lunch and $46.50 for dinner.

The huge, delectable salad bar gives no reminiscences of steakhouses past with freshness and a variety of great options, like smoked salmon, hearts of palm and jumbo asparagus. Between that and the delectable desserts and wine room with a long list of award-winning varietals, you’ll almost miss the reason we came here: Meat!

A typical lunch or dinner gives a choice of up to 16 types of meat, with the Longo (pork loin) a favorite at our table. You eat a prix fixe menu utilizing that disc that’s green on one side and red on the other. And just like a green light, the green side keeps the delectable meats coming! I loved the fact that we could request particular meats again and even how well we’d like them cooked.

Wine Room

Add in the side dishes of warm cheese bread (amazingly light and tasty!), crispy hot polenta, garlic mashed potatoes and caramelized bananas (insanely great) and we all but gave up on the idea of dessert. But their chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake (not your typical NY style brick!) and papaya cream (pudding) are can’t-miss.

Also don’t miss their drinks — the non-alcoholic Brazilian lemonade was refreshing and the caipirinha potent and tropical. There also are a number of big party rooms for almost any size soiree, and the staff was quite accommodating and friendly.

Salad Bar

Of course, I’d be terribly mean if I didn’t offer you a sample. Courtesy of #FogoRosemont and #ChicagonistaLive, the best comment on this post will receive a $50 gift card for Fogo De Chao, mentioned during the Tuesday, October 8 ChicagonistaLive show at 2pm CST! Voting will be done by #FogoRosemont. Also featured on the show are WTTW’s Check, Please! new host Cat D’ Orio and Guy-a-titian David Grotto.

And even better, don’t miss the complimentary dessert when you mention “ChicagonistaLIVE” at the Rosemont location throughout October 2013!

The Good Food Festival & Conference is coming to Chicago this Thursday through Saturday [March 14-16] with over 150 local farms, “food artisans,” restaurants and more. But that’s just the expo hall. Frontera Grill’s Rick Bayless is doing a “Chefs at Play” at 10:30am on Saturday, followed by Naha’s Carrie Nahabedian, and Paul Virant of Vie and Perennial Virant. Then, a kimchi challenge with top local chefs including Virant.

If you’re up for a farm tour, or workshops on cheese and sausage making, as well as an array of urban gardening schedules.

Kicking off the festivities is Friday night’s Localicious with, of course, food and drinks from some amazing restaurants like Allium, Saigon Sisters and Revolution Brewing, plus some bluegrass. The rest of the fest is kid-friendly, though, and kids are free

Though you can buy tickets online for a discount, the Chicago Reader has a deal for two tickets for $10 for Saturday.

Enter Project Fixup.

This fresh, fun Chicago-based startup is trying things a little differently. Says Sarah Press, one of the co-founders, “We’re like a combination matchmaker and dating concierge that sets people up on fun dates and handles all the details for them. People fill out a short questionnaire so we know who they are, what they’re looking for, and what kind of dates they enjoy.”

These dates can range from dive bars to craft beer locales, or just a simple cafe, depending on your interests. Whatever their formula is, people are responding. “Over 200 people have paid to get fixed up, and over 80% of people surveyed during our post-date survey have said they definitely wanted to try Project Fixup again,” says Press.

So what is their formula? They’re not telling, but they “do the work” to find someone you’d want to meet and a fun date. Fill out a questionnaire and they’ll match you with people with similar interests. You each get pictures of one another with a brief description, and you can pass for any reason. Dates are all in public places, and PF collects feedback to make better matches. “We’re still better than what online dating or a random meeting at a bar can provide,” Press says.

If you like the details, you confirm and go on the date. There is no required subscription either; you pay $15 per date, or purchase a package for a discount [and we thrifty gals love our discounts!]. “Our goal is to make dating easier and more fun … people can focus on meeting someone new and seeing if there is a spark.”

The age range so far for PF is 22-64, and the majority of users fall into late 20s to early 40s.

Still not convinced? PF is having a Valentine’s Day party at Fatpour this Thursday. Entry is free, and you can purchase an all-you-can-drink package for $25 at the event.

After all, what do you have to lose? PF is only a few months old, so the marriages are still to come. “We’ve definitely had some of our fix-ups lead to second dates and relationships, as well as many friendships and good conversations. Even if it’s not a love connection, you’re still doing something you enjoy at a great bar with a person you have something in common with.”

And that is what it’s all about!

I received Palmolive‘s new Fresh Infusions^® in the mail via the Influenster program, in three scents we usually see in a bath and body store: Lime Basil, Lemon Thyme, and Ginger White Tea. The Lemon Thyme in particular is delicious-smelling, not overwhelming, and leaves my hands soft. I’m even starting to use it as my handsoap!

Although these retail at $2.99 at Walmart and Target, which isn’t a dollar store special like I’m used to, the difference is more than just delicious scents. I shared this with my mom and she’s already convinced to switch!

First off, just a small droplet finishes a sinkful. This, on its own, is amazing, since I was using quite a bit more of the cheap stuff to clean. And, less does more: Fresh Infusions® cuts through grease and grime incredibly well, and quickly. What took a lot of elbow grease now is pretty darn simple. Overall I’m terribly impressed — and I can see that the cheap stuff isn’t necessarily the best deal.

Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary through Influenster.

Anyway, the Shakespeare Project of Chicago is offering three free plays “readings” over the next few months.  The plays are held at the Newberry Library in Chicago, the Wilmette Public Library, the Niles Pubic Library, and the Highland Park Public Library.

A Woman Killed with Kindness  will be read on Friday, January 18 (7pm, Niles Public Library); Saturday, January 19 (10am at the Newberry Library and 2pm at the Wilmette Public Library), and Sunday, January 20 (2pm at the Highland Park Public Library).

Check their website to see if additional performances or readings are added.

My love of gingerbread lattes is legendary: I’ve tried bribing baristas a week before the drink “premieres” in-store for a preview, looking forward to it like a kid at Christmas.

Of course, it’s not terribly thrifty of me to like a frou-frou coffee drink that can top out at $6-7 when you add in soy milk or extra shots, and that’s why I happily tried Torani’s gingerbread syrup, not to mention a close second love: hazelnut.

With over 120 flavors — both regular and sugar-free — you can’t really go wrong. In fact, I’m willing to go wrong just to try their bacon [yes, BACON!] flavor.

But for the everyday treat of gingerbread coffee, I add a quick shot to my regular coffee. The regular comes in at 100 calories, but the sugar-free has zero — and tastes just as delectable and is sweetened by Splenda.

It’s been saving me some calories, and some cash! At about $7 retail for a 25 oz. bottle, it’s a deal and lasts quite a while. I’m also experimenting with it to spice up cocoas, and their hibiscus flavor is delicious come summertime.

Best of all, I’m no longer bribing baristas!

Black Friday seems to start earlier every year—before your pumpkin pie is even ready, the stores are open! A number of retailers, including WalMart, Target and others are opening at 8 or 9pm on Thanksgiving. Will you be take part, or wait till Cyber Monday [and an historically awful day to get any work done]?

So what is the deal with Black Friday & Cyber Monday?

Check out my 2010 Black Friday post for pointers.

Thrifty blogger tips

Cristi Marashi of My Product Reviews recommends you “Take all of the ads with you to walmart and price match what you can there.”

And Lindsay Wetzel Johnson of Crumbs in the Couch advises: “Go to some of the less crowded stores for great deals and less stress. Radio Shack has good deals on GPs and electronics, also CVS is a nice stop to stock up on free items.”

Apps will keep you saving while mobile

There have been a lot of apps over the past few years making the deals easier to find, especially once you’re out and about. They’re practically indispensible if you are serious about finding the best price on the products you want.

TGI Black Friday — Personal shopping lists you can share, price comparisons, push notification for new ads, it’s quite comprehensive. iPhone/iPad/Android.

Black Friday Fat Wallet — I love fatwallet.com for their forums, but their app is pretty comprehensive. iPhone/iPad.

Black Friday App — From dealnews, this app allows price comparisons. Updates too, so you can get the latest deals. iPhone/iPad/Android.

TGI Cyber Monday — Check out the deals online before you commit to that in-store deal. You may make out better! iPhone/iPad/Android.

Deals, deals, and deals

This year I’m foregoing my annual deal recommendations as there are so many sites at which you can find them. But I’d love to hear your finds! Share ’em in comments or on Twitter!

Lots of shopping stalls to either buy decorations and gifts, or simply spend a pleasant afternoon with a friend while browsing the stalls, sipping Glühwein to keep warm. Spend as little or as much as you like, so it will always be within your price range.

This German festival is held every year at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602) and continues to have free admission. It is open from 11 am to 8 pm every day, so you can stop in on the weekends or any day you are in the Loop.

Try the roasted nuts while you are there…freshly roasted and sweetened. YUM!

On two separate dates and locations in September, Chicago has a fun new initiative that opens the streets up for us to play— yes, play! Everything from rock climbing to Zumba to a bike checkout and Bollywood. It’s called Open Streets Chicago and we’re SO there. Here are highlights from each event:

Dunking Booth (Photo credit: hectorir)

Sept 8, 10am-3pm in the Loop, mostly on State or Monroe

FNO turns four this year, and the parties sound wonderful—and even better, they’re free! I’m referring to the official FNO list, but here are my picks for this Thursday night:

Ann Taylor An evening of shopping, expert styling advice, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. 600 N Michigan, 6–9pm.

Charming Charlie Included with your Charming Charlie purchase of $35 or more is a one year subscription to Lucky mag. 520 N Michigan & all locations, 6-11pm.

H&M Enter to win access to a VIP H&M event with a private performance by Lana Del Rey. 840 N Michigan, 6-10pm.

900 Shops Join Ali Larter, celebrate style with a fall fashion show, get all dolled up at the glam Beauty Bazaar and stop by the Gastronomy by Groupon tasting with delicious bites from all your fave Chicago restaurants. Plus, shop from 8/24 – 9/6 to earn gift cards. 900 N Michigan, 6–9pm.

Forever 21 Spend $40 or more to receive a Love & Beauty set inspired by the fall lookbook! Stay for the DJ, refreshments, and a delicious treat. 835 N Michigan Ave, 6pm.

Haberdash Gifts with purchase, raffle prizes including an all expense paid trip a once in a lifetime Red Wing factory tour, and archival pieces from both Red Wing and Levi’s. Along with hors d’oeuvres from Osteria Via Stato and a signature cocktail sponsored by local craft distillery, Koval. 607 N State St, 6–9pm.

Macy’s State Street  Enjoy special sips and sweets, snacks and treats, pose for a pic in the photobooth, and visit the Nail Art Bar. Attend a cooking demonstration from Macy’s Executive Chef Brad Saylor, then head over to the wine cellar for a live hip-hop violinist performance and samples of Raspberry Sparklers and Craft beers provided by Louis Glunz. 111 N State S, Noon–11pm.

Macy’s Water Tower Meet Chicago fashion and lifestyle bloggers, and enjoy refreshments from IZZE and Kind Bars, Sweet Margy Confections, PoshCorn and Spun Confections. Visit the FNO Lash Bar & Braid Bar from Beauty on Call, and the Nail Art Bar. 835 N Michigan Ave, 6–11pm.

Topshop Local DJs plus a fashion raffle. Don’t miss the Vogue team’s personal style edit, makeovers, nail art and gifts galore. 830 N Michigan, 6-10pm.

Neiman Marcus Tastings compliments of RPM, Paris Club, Rosebud on Rush, Ai Japanese Restaurant, KIND Healthy Snacks, more cupcakes and PopChips. Sips from VitaminWater, SmartWater, and Lavazza, all on the third and fourth floors. And, join Corri McFadden for a Fall Fashion Show on the fourth floor. 737 N Michigan Ave, 6–8pm.

Zara Celebrity DJ, Spanish Cava bar and ZARA’s hottest looks for the new season. 700 N Michigan, 6-9pm.

Water Tower Place Fashion, food and fun from three of the world’s fashion meccas: London, Milan and Paris! Admission is free, but space is limited, so RSVP at http://watertowerplace_fno.eventbrite.com/. 835 N Michigan Ave, 6–8pm.

Did I miss yours? Share it in comments!

In the kitchen, I have lots of storage space in the upper cabinets. The problem is I have to use a step ladder to reach above the second shelf. I can live with this and have put things I don’t use very often on the top shelves. I’m still pondering improvements for those (thinking about adding spice shelves to the cabinet doors, maybe a slide-out shelf for the cabinets above the fridge, etc).

What I have decided to work on today are some odd spaces that have the most wasted space.

Vanity fillers/organizers

There are two slim base cabinets that are less than six inches wide.  There are no shelves either cabinet; in one I have liquor bottles and a lot of empty space above them, and in the other are plastic bags and cutting boards.  Since I moved here, I’ve wanted to do something with these cabinets, but didn’t know what.  And let’s face it—I am not going to gut a kitchen and redo it just because of two small cabinets.

When Pinterest first came out, I wondered if this social picture sharing site would fade quickly, but I was surprised to find it can be a great way to share ideas.  One idea someone “pinned” was the vanity filler organizer.  While these two cabinets of mine aren’t vanity fillers, they are pretty close in size.  I loved the idea and started my hunt…

After searching the web, I found some organizers I liked.  I settled on one by Rev-A-Shelf that I liked and was the correct dimensions.  Then I started bargain hunting.  The first one I found cost $137 per cabinet plus $30 shipping. The second one I found was $125 per cabinet plus $29 shipping.  The shipping put me off and I couldn’t find any coupon codes to reduce it.  Finally, I found PullsDirect.com, who had them for $90 each and free shipping for orders of $100 or more.  BINGO!  Then I conducted my coupon code search…only 3% off was available, but saving $6 is saving $6.

Once the kits arrived, it was pretty easy to install these.  The basic steps were: 1) remove cabinet door, 2) pull the slides off the unit shelves, 3) screw the slides into the cabinet, 4) screw the cabinet door on the unit shelves (very easy as they provided metal tabs on the unit shelves just for this purpose), and 5) slip the unit shelves back into the slides.

Here are some pics showing the shelving unit, the empty wasted space (and the cat “helping”), and my newly installed liquor cabinet and mini pantry:

Tip-out trays

Once I found the vanity fillers/organizers on PullsDirect, I looked through a few of their other ideas to see if there was anything I was interested in buying.  I saw the tip-out trays for the kitchen sink.  They were a little more expensive than I expected….I went for a cheaper one and figured most of the cost is for the hinges.  (There are some for hundreds of dollars!  I settled on the $25 dollar set.)

Believe it or not, the tip out trays were more difficult to install than the pull-out cabinets.  I had to get under the sink, trace the outline of the opening on the back of the tip out panel (so I would know where to place screws and such), remove the panels (this was the most difficult part of the project), install the trays, then install the hinges.  The first panel took me an hour—most of that time devoted to removing the panel; the second one took 29 minutes because I knew what I was doing on that one.

I plan to use one side for my dishwasher soap packets and the other for sponges.  That will save a little room under the sink.

I am considering creating a tip-out tray for my bathroom sink too—but maybe for that one I will buy the hinges and create my own storage. I saw a post recently that used nice wire pencil holders as spice racks because they were cheaper.  I suspect the same concept could be added to other cabinet door storage and tip-out trays.

While these aren’t renovations or major projects, small projects like this can improve your kitchen and make you like your home. (Since we all may be staying in our current homes a little longer than expected, every little bit helps!) The tip out trays may even prevent some aggravation in the house hold—my roommate claims I leave the songe in the sink, but I don’t—I leave it on the sink divider and THEN it falls into the sink. Now I can put the sponge in the tip-out tray and, once it is try, close the tray.

Now that I have these two projects done, I’m going to keep exploring decorating and storage blogs, watch Pinterest, and see what other projects I can do around the house– hopefully even cheaper next time.

The Long Grove Strawberry Fest is a tradition in the northwest suburbs.  People may not make it every year, but most people manage to go every few years.  Not surprisingly, The Long Grove Confectionery is a draw at this event—their chocolate covered strawberries are expensive but worth a splurge.

Entrance is $5 (it used to be free—booo!), but hide your wallet while you browse through the rest of the shops.  The are galleries, vendors, kitschy stores, and lots to see in this historic district.

This year the event is from 20-22 June 2014. Not far from Rt. 53 and Lake Cook Rd., this is a great time of year for a little scenery—in particular, the daffodils on the side of the road.

Of course, there’s a new site devoted exclusively to answering this for you: StyleUnited shares a slew of free tests on makeup, fashion, hair and skin, which result in product recommendations from Proctor & Gamble.

I’m still trying to determine where the clothing & accessory ideas come from but the choices are pretty spot-on. Your final “style file” is pretty accurate — or they describe me as I think I am, at any rate! It’s telling me I’m “edgy bold” — which in reality is a love of color and otherwise, I’m to be found in jeans and shirts. But maybe it’s more of how I’d like to be, and how to best create that look.

You can do free one-on-ones with your webcam and a beauty “expert” you can choose depending on the look you’re going for — which is a great feature.

Although I likely will purchase these products elsewhere, I do really enjoy the tips. As a fashion magazine denizen from way back, I feel like I’ve heard the same schtick again and again — but there are a lot of “new” tips here that are relevant and useful.

I’m interested in how their offers pan out, since we’re providing so much great data to P&G. Truly “special” offers would make this site a must-see.

Till a little later and you realize not all of them were the best decision. What do you do with it? Donate to the library? Toss? Hope that a friend will want to read it?

A few better solutions exist: Bookmooch and Paperback Swap.

Both are based on the idea of sharing books. I’ve personally traded books with local readers, and also sent them as far as the UK, or just to CA. In the end, the cost works out, as you pay media mail rate [$2.41 for one pound] and if you request others’ books, they pay shipping for the books they send. So it evens out. I’ve even been fortunate enough to sometimes get brand new hardcovers, and later sell on Amazon.

I’m also checking out Bookins and TitleTrader. Have any faves?

Ladies who work or live near Schaumburg may be interested in the (not quite) monthly Girls Night Out at Chandlers. The next event in 2012 will be held on 20 September from 5-9 p.m. Admission and appetizers are free (we always like that word!) and there is a cash bar.

This looks like a fun way to check out fashion, cosmetics, handbags and other female guilty pleasures.

Chandler Chop House is located at 401 N. Roselle Rd. in Schaumburg.

While chatting with our blogger buddy Karrey [who has a great DIY home rehab blog], we’ve found that we’ve been looking in all the wrong places for inexpensive name-brand frames [not that we’ve worn glasses since ’89 anyway!].

I prefer For Eyes and have had the same eye doctor in Schaumburg for ages; this is an economical option, but not the only one out there, especially since they too use an online service for contacts orders!

“I’ve gotten glasses online three times now: once, I got a pair of Kate Spade frames from BestBuyEyeglasses for half the price that they would have been at my optician’s shop,” Karrey said. “I ordered some sunglasses from 39DollarGlasses that kinda sucked, and then a pair of prescription sunglasses from Goggles 4 U that rocked.”

But the deals didn’t end there, according to Karrey. “With the latter two, I got a discount on the glasses by using affiliate links from http://glassyeyes.blogspot.com .” [Disclaimer: Neither Karrey nor Thriftista are associated with this link.]

And a note: Don’t use Goggles4U’s search function; you’ll have better luck browsing the site.

What are some of your favorite eyeglass and contact shops?

Millennium Park has many free events almost any night of the week — yes, even in the winter!

Check out the fabulous events. Don’t forget your wine and a picnic!

Fortunately, Home Depot has regular workshops and “do-it-herself” with a lot of options, and you can have no knowledge to get started. Best of all, they’re free and signing up for the club gets you future discounts. I’ve highlighted a few:

January workshops:

High efficiency lighting

Kitchen redesign

Storage and closet organization solutions

February workshops:

Interior paint

Install a vanity, faucet & bath accessories

Install wall tile

And a “do-it-herself” workshop is in February: How to install crown molding

There also are online tutorials, like affordable kitchen updates.

Another Home Depot tip: hang on to your receipt if you purchase plants. They’re returnable if they die within a year, so if you don’t have that green of a thumb, you can replace it!

I still use the same fake tabletop tree that I bought when I first moved out of my parents’ house.  Even though it is fake, it doesn’t look plastic or papery…I HATE it when fake trees look like fake trees. I went all out on that tree too—$10.  I have a nice Christmas scarf that I use as a tree skirt, some decorations from when I was a kid, and then the occasional new ones I purchase.  But no matter how much I convince myself that this fake tree is just as good as  real one, there is one ONE reason I believe it….the Christmas Wreath® scented candles by Yankee Candle®.  This candle scent is JUST like a real Christmas tree and help invoke that holiday feeling.  I’m going to assume that everyone knows how to get these candles on sale and coupon codes, so I’ll skip that story and just say “yadda yadda yadda”.

Since I live in a city condo rather than a big house, I also buy condo sized decorations rather than the bigger MORE EXPENSIVE house size decorations…and what does smaller mean:)  LESS EXPENSIVE!  One of my favorites are these little mini grape clusters made out of bells.  The big ones were way too much to justify for something that I’d only use for a few weeks a year and then have to store away in the closet, but the little ones weren’t priced just right.

I’ve also re-purposed a few decorations.  One of my former apartments had a wrought-iron balcony, where I’d bought garland to twine around it.  When I moved to my current place, I gave them a quick wash through washing machine and suddenly I had garland for my sun-room windowsills.  It was a nice quick homey touch.

Now my absolute favorite tip is this: Move next door to someone who decorates communal areas!  I share a stairwell landing with my next door neighbor.  Each year, they buy fresh pine boughs to wrap around the railing with a few pretty red bows.  [I’ll add a photo when they do it this year.They didn’t do it this year!  Very disappointed.:( ]

2011 saw a significant change to FSAs.  If you normally use your FSA medical accounts to cover hospital and doctor bills, then there really isn’t much for you to think about.  However, if you are someone like me, you used to use a portion of your FSAs to cover over-the-counter drugs too. In fact, that is how I would use any remaining balance in my account at the end of the year.  Now OTCs are no longer eligible for reimbursement UNLESS you have a prescription to go along with it.

Now we all really  have to plan ahead to use any unused funds– ’cause it is use-it-or-lose-it!  Do you still have time to plan a dental appointment?  Do you have any medical needs where you can contact your doctor now to schedule an appointment?  Are your OTCs something that a doctor (legitimately) can write you a prescription?

This year I “lucked out” by having travel vaccines.  I took a trip to Peru to see Machu Picchu, so I needed some vaccines that weren’t covered by my health care provider.  This is the lesson I learned: because I went to a travel clinic instead of my regular doctor, it was considered “out of network” and that first round of vaccines weren’t covered by my insurance so I am now submitting an FSA claim.  However, I scheduled my next rounds of vaccines through my regular doctor’s office, so those were covered by my regular insurance as preventative care.  Am I glad I went to the travel clinic?  Yes, because the nurse actually did all my travel med research for me and gave me info about what vaccines I needed to enter the country, which I should take because it was good medical practice, meds to bring, what to look out for, etc.

This extra expense covered the gap between my normal FSA expenditures and the amount I had left in my account.  As I’ve lost money some years, I now make a point to use all my FSA and plan better for the next year.

Was all this extra effort worth it– vaccines and FSA paperwork?  TOTALLY!  I got to go on my dream trip and not have to worry:)   [I’d post a picture but the blog software won’t upload it…grrr…]

23 Nov- 31 Dec:   Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show   (Vernon Hills and the Cuneo Museum)    $5 per car

25 Nov.:  Christmas Light Display of the Parcell Family (Geneva)  Toys for Tot donation box  [Hint hint…]

25 Nov…2pm: Christmas Parade (Woodstock)

30 Nov- 2 Dec.:  32nd Annual Lambs Farm Holiday Lights Gift & Craft Fair (Arlington Park) $7 per person plus parking

4 Dec.: Schaumburg Park Foundation Holiday Shopping Bazaar  (Schaumburg)   FREEEEE!

Okay…this is just a start. I’ll add more as I discover more suburban events.

Black Friday seems to start earlier every year, bleeding even into this past weekend! But it’s still the biggest shopping day of the year. Here’s how you can get through it:

Wait, what’s the deal with Black Friday & Cyber Monday?

Check out last year’s post for some pointers.

Thrifty blog tips

Another tip from blogger Jessica Shallow-Miller of Save Green Being Green: “Group shop, but shop alone. Each person takes their top pick of a store and shops for the entire group at their store. Then you have the best chance of getting the doorbusters at all the stores, even when they open at the same time.”

And Laurie Matheny of Great Ideas and More advises: “Plan accordingly. Know where your store displays for big ticket items are located. Ask the manager beforehand or scope the store. That way you can get straight to what you are wanting to purchase without wasting time looking.”

Kitchen Table 4 U‘s Alison Shaffer offered the great, “Shop where they give gift cards with purchases and buy gift cards at restaurants that give bonus gift cards.”

Happy Appy

This year there are more new iPhone and Android Black Friday apps that could help you find deals.

Deals, deals, and deals

Black Friday, Thursday, you name it…

Anthropologie is taking an additional 50% off sale clothing from 6-11am, in-store only.

Threadless tees are $10 each but I haven’t verified this yet!

Kohl’s has many doorbuster specials, including a $99 Polaroid 7″ Android tablet, and as usual deals on apparel and housewares.

Target has a Westinghouse 46″ LCD HDTV for$298. I’m betting they won’t be around past 12:01 am [yes, they open at midnight!]. Also a $79 Kindle and plenty of other electronics.

Macy’s has deals on fragrance sets [Justin Bieber parfum, anyone?], housewares, jewelry… still looking for clothing/shoe deals.

Express has 40% off everything in-store on T-Day till noon, on BF 40% off online and in-store and 30% off after noon.

PetSmart starts at 7am and has many 50% off deals for toys.

Old Navy is open on Thanksgiving Day, with $5 graphic tees, 50% off outerwear [I believe this has been going on already], cheap gloves & scarves, and more.

Menard’s has that same Polaroid 7″ tablet as Kohl’s, for $79.99 and lots of toys and power tools on special.

Best Buy and hhgregg have many TV dealsis featuring a ton of DVD, camera and cell phone deals. There are very small limits on many of these items, so I suggest an early start if your heart is set on electronics.

Updates:

Victoria’s Secret has buy one bra get one 50% off… this is just 25% off! Passing…

Cyber Monday:

Some tips from the Chicago Tribune to keep your credit card info safe.

I strongly suggest using coupon codes to bring your prices down considerably! My favorite is RetailMeNot, as is Coupon Chief.

Amazon has deals all week long — pair this with RetailMeNot coupon codes, and you’ll knock out much of your shopping.

6pm.com always has great deals on shoes and accessories, and you can get more off now.

Previous post:

It’s getting to be that time of year again…indoor activities!  I like galleries and museums, plays and concerts during the winter.  It is a nice counterpoint to summertime fests and beer:)

People who live or work near River North, West Loop, and Fulton Market district can enjoy free gallery walks on the first Thursday of each month.  Presented by the Art Dealers Association of Chicago, the galleries in these neighborhoods stay open from 5- 7 pm so you can explore the neighborhood galleries.

2011 dates:  3 November, 1 December

If you want to add a meal, both neighborhoods have (or are near) some great restaurants.   BeerBistro is my favorite bar in the West Loop (it is the half baked cookie, I admit it)– so that would be my recommendation if you want food after touring the West Loop galleries.  (I haven’t been to the Fulton Market Galleries yet; anyone have any recs on where to eat near there?)

Starting at 5:30 or 6 pm, you can enjoy live music or dance on the terrace. Check out the constantly updating schedule here and liven up your Tuesdays!

Don’t neglect to check out these other freebies while you’re there:

And don’t forget to put $5 on a Starbucks card to get a free drink card in the mail and on your birthday [more bday freebies here].

I’m at Starbucks enough [sadly] to be asked how to connect to wifi almost every time. And more than one person has asked if it’s expensive, or gets frustrated by the process of signup! Here, hopefully, a guide to make it easier [and to make it a bit cheaper]. Obviously, print it out before you head out!

First off, there are 2 options for wifi at Starbucks: AT&T and T-Mobile.

FREE: If you have AT&T wireless or DSL service at home, you can use your email login and password to use it for free ‚Äîno purchase required! Your guilt in using valuable Starbucks real estate might prevent this, but I’ll leave that to you.

Cheapo: You can…

1. purchase a card from Starbucks,
2. put $5 on it [that can be used on anything there],
3. register the card [you will need to scratch off the silver strip on the back for the numbers],
4. and then sign on to the service. I also find this link useful when looking for a connection point. This card is good for the next month, and then you’d need to put another $5 on it to continue using wifi.

Others can use 2 hours for $3.99, and option I haven’t used as $5/mo is far more useful and a better deal [plus, that $5 can go toward a product and not just internet service].

Keep in mind that with both of these, the 2 hr warning is basically a warning ‚ they aren’t [so far, thankfully!] cutting you off just yet.

Free: For T-Mobile customers, you can use the wifi for free here. This seems to only work on my phone ‚Äî does anyone have other experiences? It thus far hasn’t transferred to my laptop, but you can always tether your phone to your laptop for a connection. For Mac tethering, and PC tethering.

Monday, October 17 from 5:30-7pm — Anna Fong @ The Blackstone Hotel, 636 S. Michigan
This hour-long presentation will consist of a 30-minute runway show of Chicago designer Anna Fong’s Fall/Winter 2011 Collection and a 30-minute hair demonstration by Salon Master Tony Di Pasca, a ‘How To’ for the latest Di Pasca styles for the upcoming cold months. This is a free event, but space is limited and reservations are required. For more information and to make reservations, email escalante@escanlantephotography.com.

Tuesday, October 18 from 2-8pm. — Alice Berry Studio Open House @ 1820 W. Cortland St.
Shop at Chicago designer Alice Berry’s open house and enjoy refreshments, informal modeling, shopping incentives, and more. This free trunk show is the perfect place to find that shawl, scarf or shrug and be sure not to miss the sale rack, featuring 50-75% off merchandise.

Tuesday, October 18-20, 4-9pm — Luxe Collectives @ Fashion House, 1520 W Fulton, Room 1520
Luxe Collectives is the pop up showcase of boutique retailers from across the nation offering luxury, designer apparel and accessories in a guided, intimate shopping experience. This is a free event, but space is limited and reservations are required. For more information and to make reservations, visit www.luxecollectives.com.

Tuesday, October 18-21 from 10am-5pm — Fashion Pops @ Block 37 at 108 N. State St.
This free shopping event will feature five pop-up shops including Cityblue, Gray and Frill offering Fall merchandise for purchase and giving shoppers a unique opportunity to check out looks from a variety of neighborhood boutiques all under one roof. More information can be found by visiting www.block37.com.

Wednesday, October 19 from 4-6 pm — Rock Candy by Helen @ Glam to Go, 2002 W. Roscoe Street 
This free event with cocktails and nibbles, plus goody bags and giveaways, will feature models showing the Fall collection from Rock Candy by Helen, matched with selected pieces from Glam to Go’s garments.

Thursday, October 20 from 5-9pm — Ellie Thompson and Thierry Roger present Soiree CHICago @ 8 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2203
This free event, themed as a tale of two cities, Paris and Chicago will feature the new designer collections, live models, champagne cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Thierry Roger will be showcasing his custom collection of women’s wear, while Ellie Thompson unveils Land & See a fine jewelry collection.

Thursday, October 20-21 from 11am-7pm — Experience Eclection, 2415 W. North Ave.
Visit Eclection’s showroom which houses independent designers in Chicago with items from handbags to jewelry to apparel to art. Experience the individually while enjoying desserts and drinks at this free event.

Sunday, October 23 from 4-9pm — Nomadic Ant Trunk Show at Squasht by Les, 2556 W. Chicago Avenue
This free event at Squasht by Les Boutique welcomes Nomadic Ant’s jewelry collection for a special in-store shopping event. Enjoy music and refreshments.

Sunday, October 23 from 12-6pm — shopNEWD CHICAGOmade, 1917 West Division Street
At this free event, guests can enjoy 20% off merchandise made in Chicago storewide including wall art, hats, jewelry, handbags, apparel and more all made by local artisans.

Sunday, October 23 from 3-7pm — Haute on Halsted, 120 N. Halsted Street 
Join Entourage Man for this free event as they sip and shop from the men’s collections of apparel and accessories.

We’ve all been guilty of splurging on a pricey haircut at some point — or quite often, as the case may be. Loyalty to your hairdresser, wanting the latest cut in a gorgeous, lush environment, or simply looking good for that interview are all valid reasons…. or so we tell ourselves.

I’ve been the recipient [victim?] of both the very good and the very bad, at both pricey and inexpensive establishments. How far we go for beauty is usually a testament to how important our looks are!

So, I couldn’t resist trying out those pretty, brand-name salon schools — like Aveda in Lakeview and Paul Mitchell in the UIC ‘hood.

Paul Mitchell

First, my latest Paul Mitchell experience. I’m a fan of their products, and the beautiful building that stands out near the UIC auditorium. My wait was minimal, and I was greeted by a newish student. The supervising stylist suggested certain products for my hair and I had a refreshing, fragrant scalp massage along with my shampoo. It was relaxing even though the open-air plan made it buzz.

The stylist went slowly, owing to his experience, I’m sure, and we had to stop the haircut repeatedly so it could be checked at each “stage.” I had a graduated, somewhat complicated cut, so this was an ongoing experience and I practically drained my almost-full phone battery to keep myself entertained! On the up side, the head stylist finished my hair and I became the “model” for the incoming students to watch while he worked his “magic.”

It ended up being a great cut, though I was somewhat worn out from sitting in an uncomfortable chair for 3 hours. The key here: It was $15 + tip! A definite steal for a great cut. Color services start at $35, which is also a steal.

Thriftista tip: Be sure to set aside a lot of time. They suggest 2 hours, but it can certainly go past that — and your parking meter! Bring a book, and make sure your phone is fully charged!

I’ve never really attended many orchestras, but now that I know how many free concerts there are, it may be time to expand my horizons a bit.

One of Chicago’s non-profits that offers free concerts is the Chicago Chamber Orchestra.  Every month or two, they hold a concert on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m.  Locations vary, so don’t automatically go to the location of the last event.

The 2011-12 schedule is posted…

Updated:

2 October at the Chicago Cultural Center

13 November at the Chicago Cultural Center

4 December United Methodist Church (325 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park)

8 January at the Chicago Cultural Center

18 March at the Fourth Presbyterian Chuch (N. Michigan Ave. at Chestnut Street)

6 May at the Chicago Cultural Center

13 May at the Fourth Presbyterian Church (N. Michigan and Chestnut Street)

The Civic Orchestra of Chicago is offering almost free concerts throughout its season.   Tickets may have a handling fee (about $4), but it is still a great price.

The free concerts are performed by the orchestra in training– for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

On their website’s Tickets and Events page, select “Civic Orchestra” and you will find the full schedule and be able to order your tickets.

Beginning in 2008 in Illinois, “all gift cards purchased on or after that date remain active for at least five years.” After that time, those balances can be “transferred to the Illinois Treasurer’s office as unclaimed property after the card has been expired for five years. Consumers then can contact the Illinois Treasurer’s office to reclaim the balance.” This amendment includes notification of fees and expiration dates, or a toll-free number to call if they are not posted.

Amendments to the Federal CARD Act back this up:

The final rules prohibit dormancy, inactivity, and service fees on gift cards unless: (1) the consumer has not used the certificate or card for at least one year; (2) no more than one such fee is charged per month; and (3) the consumer is given clear and conspicuous disclosures about the fees. Expiration dates for funds underlying gift cards must be at least five years after the date of issuance, or five years after the date when funds were last loaded.

But, does this extend to deals sites like Groupon? Reading Groupon’s own FAQ, indeed it does:

All is not lost! Once a Groupon reaches its expiration date, it loses its promotional value, but you can still redeem it at the price you paid for the length of time stated by gift certificate laws in your state.

Of course, all is not smooth sailing simply because a company posts this in its terms. Back in March, Chicagoan Eli R. Johnson filed against Groupon [and retail partners] for this very thing. It looks like it may be going the class action route, in which case the attorneys will be making the bulk of the cash on that deal.

Other sites like Living Social pony up, though in a different manner:

The Merchant is obligated to honor the Voucher in compliance with law. If the Merchant refuses to honor the Voucher before the legally permitted expiration date, then LivingSocial will refund the paid portion of your Voucher in the form of a credit for future Deals (what we currently call “deal bucks”).

Do “deal bucks” equal cash? No, but LS doesn’t lose out on your business, either.

Keep in mind that every card you get isn’t covered: Prepaid cards don’t fall under these guidelines, though they do have to disclose the fees. And if the business files bankruptcy [think Linens n’ Things], you also lose out. Some companies like Groupon provide an alternative, but read your rules carefully].

If nothing else — read the fine print before purchasing. But don’t think your deal is completely wasted — and don’t be afraid to ask for what you paid for!

Even though this event is free, tickets are required (and consider given a donation to keep this event going!).  Also, events are at different locations:  Prizker Pavillion, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art, or the Auditorium Theater at Roosevelt University.

Chandler’s Chop House in Schaumburg is hosting a Guys’ Night Out.  This event will host vendors showcasing Scotch tastings, hair cuts, cigar vendors, and sporting equipment…so lots of manly-man stuff!   (See, we can find free stuff guys are into:)

The event is on 4 August 2011 from 5-9 pm. Admission and appetizers are free. Chandler’s Chop House is located at 401 N. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg.

Sale

This organization conducts a nation-wide tour where they sell donated gowns to raise money for their cause.  Gowns are priced from $99 to $799 (except couture gowns could be higher).  Half the gowns are new gowns donated by designers and the other half are donated by former brides.

Donations

Now, if the wedding is over and you just don’t know what to do with your gown, you can get a tax deduction if you donate it to this cause. In particular, they are looking for gowns created no more than two years old, or four years old if couture. You mail your gown along with a form to the organization. It seems pretty simple.

Friday, January 14: Reverb

Saturday, January15: The Convert

Sunday, January 16: The Picked

Friday,¬†January 21: Black n’Blue Boys

Saturday, January 22: Comm Comm

Sunday, January 23: Chicago Boys

Tickets can be reserved at the box office (170 N. Dearborn St.), or by phone at 312.443.3800.