Wednesday, April 23, 2008

DIne Out For Life at Citizen Bar with Me Tomorrow!




Hi Everyone,

I am inviting you to come join me in a really great cause tomorrow on April 24th. I will be a host volunteer at Citizen Bar from 6- 10 p.m. A portion of the proceeds made from Citizen will be donated to AIDSCare and you have the chance to donate a little extra money to be entered to win some fantastic prizes. Citizen Bar is located at 364 W. Erie. Come join me and a great cause! Hope you can stop by for a drink or five! Send to your friends and lets get a big group to support at Citizen!

Some more information about the event is below!

-Amanda



Dining Out for Life is on April 24, 2008 and we are inviting you to dine out with us!

Our participating restaurants will graciously donate a portion of their proceeds to further AIDSCare's mission to assist those living with advanced HIV/AIDS achieve a higher quality of life. By dining out on April 24, 2008, you help create hope and strengthen lives.

At the restaurant of your choice, a host Volunteer will greet you at your table, talk to you about AIDSCare's programs and services and answer any questions you may have about the event. You will also have the chance to enter your name in a raffle for fabulous prizes or even make a personal donation to AIDSCare.

Together, we can support the HIV/AIDS Community in the Chicago area!

Dine Out, Fight AIDS!

This was totally my idea like 5 years ago!!!!

Well, now that someone else is banking off my idea that I had 5 years ago.. I'm back to thinking about how I can make my first million. Well, I guess I will promote their site now, because its cool.

www.parkinganytime.com

Parking Anytime
Type in a zip/address/point of interest, and this beta site'll kick back garage availability, free parking, metered spots, and permit restrictions.

Soon, they will have sensors to tell you what spots are "available"...

Monday, April 21, 2008

Chicago Earth Day Events


Chicago Earth Day Events


Green Apple Festival
April 20th, 2008
Lincoln Park Zoo
Free Admission
10:30 am,

Event MC – Kyle Orton from the Chicago Bears. Derek Trucks Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band,
Meshell Ndegeocello, Bassnectar, Chicago Afrobeat Project, Miss Lori Holton Nash (PBS Kids),
The Gwalla Gwallas.
Smaller Venues and Shows:

Sunday April 20th

Schuba’s – Trever Keith, Say Vinyl
Beat Kitchen – The Epochs, District Somnium, Little Miss Ann
Abbey Pub – Beatnik, Catsplash, Blackout 101, Gidgets Ga Ga, Mac Lethal, Grieves, Verbal
Kent, Soulcrate
The House of Blues – Asia
The Kinetic Playground – Dirty Dozen Brass Band
The Riviera Theatre – The New Pornographers, Okkervil River
The Tonic Room – The Pod
Martyrs’ – Tributosaurus for Kids
The Metro – Flowers For Dorian, Walrus, TeamOne, Fishing With Spoons
Sonotheque –Hot Reggae Sundays Featuring DJ Slacky J
Smart Bar – Mazi, Mike Brankis, James Lauer
Empty Bottle – Birthday Suits, The Smith Westerns, Thomas Function

Other Events
Sunday April 20th

Skokie Lagoons Cleanup Beautify by boat or on foot; gloves, pick sticks, and garbage bags
provided. 9 AM-noon, Tower Road boat launch, Winnetka, chicagokayak.org
Eckhart Park Earth Week Sponsored by the Eckhart Park Gardeners Club. 9-11 AM, park
cleanup and tree identification walk; 11 AM-1 PM, bike workshop; 1:30 PM, kickball; Eckhart
Park, 1330 W. Chicago, 312-746-5553
Brookfield Zoo Party for the Planet Dozens of events, including storytelling, crafts, a
scavenger hunt, a make-believe camp, and a performance by Environmental Elvis. 10 AM-5 PM,
Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Gold Rd., Brookfield, 708-485-0263, $6-$10 (Earth Day activities free
with regular admission), brookfieldzoo.org
Hubbard Street Mural Project Ricardo Alonzo, one of the project's founding artists, returns to
Chicago after 35 years to repaint the mural panel titled "Picasso's Girlfriend." The public's
invited to watch. 10 AM-4 PM, 1000 W. Hubbard (between Morgan and Sangamon),
hubbardstreetmurals.org
Earth Day Cleanup Bring "gloves, shovels, and gardening tools." 10 AM-noon, Unity Playlot
Park, 2636 N. Kimball, 773-478-1410, chicagoparkdistrict.org
Green Apple Music & Arts Festival Deep Fried Pickle Project (followed by an instrumentbuilding
workshop), 10 AM; Ella Jenkins, 10:30 AM; the Blisters, 11:15 AM; the Paul Green
School of Rock, noon; Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon, 312-742-2000. See
greenapplemusicfestival.com for complete schedule
Film Screening: An Inconvenient Truth Free screening sponsored by the city. 1 PM, Chicago
Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater, 78 E. Washington, 312-744-6630


Monday April 21st

Used Cell Phone Collection For this city-sponsored program, phones collected through Sun
4/29 will be reprogrammed and given to seniors and victims of domestic violence for use as
emergency phones. Any Chicago Police Department station, earthmonthchicago.com
Eckhart Park Earth Week At "Ask Me! Butterfly Gardening" experts will answer questions.
5-7 PM, Eckhart Park, 1330 W. Chicago, 312-746-5553
Lecture: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World Paul Stamets, president of Fungi
Perfecti, an environmentally friendly company specializing in health-improving mushrooms,
gives a talk. (He also speaks at Green Festival, Sat 3 PM.) 7-9 PM, North Park Village Nature
Center, 5801 N. Pulaski, 312-744-5472

Tuesday April 22nd

Eckhart Park Earth Week Sun photography workshop (a darkroom will be available). 6-9
PM, Eckhart Park Field House, 1330 W. Chicago, 312-746-5553

Wednesday April 23rd

Earth Week Lecture "Ecological Justice/Environmental Racism," by Dr. Dwight Hopkins. 7
PM, Zygon Center for Religion and Science, 1100 E. 55th, 773-256-0670, zygoncenter.org
Eckhart Park Earth Week Experts provide answers at "Ask Me! Clouds." 6-9 PM, Eckhart
Park, 1330 W. Chicago, 312-746-5553

Thursday April 24th

Eckhart Park Earth Week Origami pigeon making. 5-7 PM, Eckhart Park, 1330 W. Chicago,
312-746-5553

Greening of Ravenswood 20th Annual Arbor Day Party This fund-raiser includes a buffet
dinner, live auction, raffle, and open bar; half of the proceeds go toward redevelopment of the
play lot in Welles Park. 5:30 PM, 42 Degrees North Latitude, 773-907-2226 or 773-549-5010,
$10-$75

Friday April 25th

Eckhart Park Earth Week Council Circle, a story hour for kids. 6-7 PM, Eckhart Park, 1330
W. Chicago, 312-746-5553
Saturday April 26th
Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Collection City-sponsored collection. 8 AM-3
PM, DeVry University parking lot, 3300 N. Campbell, 312-744-5721, earthmonthchicago.com


Green and Growing Fair This 15th annual edition features organizations and vendors with
handmade goods, gardening supplies, and plants as well as activities such as tree plantings, a
scavenger hunt for kids, and a silent auction of gardening tools; sponsored by GreenNet. 10
AM-4 PM, Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park, 312-863-6256, greennetchicago.org

Eckhart Park Earth Week Closing activities include a tomato plant sale, a tree walk and
naming, a sapling giveaway, a "Hug-a-Tree" booth, and a "Blueberry Madness" pie contest
cosponsored by the West Town Tavern (download entry form at westtowntavern.com/events or
pick one up at the field house); celebrity judges include pastry chef Christine McCabe and
others. Pies will be available for sale, along with blueberry tarts baked by West Town Tavern
chef Susan Goss. Proceeds benefit the park's gardening activities. 10 AM-2 PM, Eckhart Park,
1330 W. Chicago, 312-746-5553

Sunday April 27th

Eyeglasses Collection Donate used glasses to be recycled and shipped to developing countries.
Through Sun 5/6; sponsored by the city. Any LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sunglass Hut, Sears,
or Target Optical, 312-744-5721, earthmonthchicago.com
Morton Arboretum Plant Sale This annual Arbor Day weekend event offers approximately
25,000 trees and other plants across more than 300 types. 11 AM-4 PM (members can also shop
Fri-Sat 4/27-4/28, 9 AM-4 PM), Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, 630-968-
0074, mortonarb.org

Chicago Fashion Week

Monday kicks off Chicago Fashion Week, previewing the Fall 2008 collections of national and international designers in a series of shows, fashion seminars, and networking events. With the New Generation fashion show, local fashion students are also being given the chance to showcase their work. According to the event calendar, tickets are still available to the week’s receptions and shows, taking place at the River East Art Center.

Chicago Fashion Week will be launched this year at the NV Penthouse Lounge cocktail reception, a chance for designers, models, photographers, and fashion fans to network and strengthen the Chicago Fashion Industry.

Only in its second year, Chicago Fashion Week is a step in the right direction in helping Chicago to become a fashion presence in the world.

I got a bike to get my ass in shape!


So, finally picked up my bike thats been sitting in a box for almost 2 years yesterday.. It's time to get that thing in action!


Wow, I am so excited to ride this thing...

Friday, April 18, 2008

I didn't feel the earthquake

It's looking like people in Chicago DID feel the earthquake. Maybe because I'm on the 16th floor I didn't feel a thing.. but also it could be because I drank at least 3- champagne cans last night and more tequila later...



A 5.2 magnitude earthquake jostled the Midwest at 4:37 this morning. Even though it's one of the strongest ever in Illinois, it's technically not that big of an earthquake, and no injuries or severe damage have been reported. The quake was centered in West Salem, about 230 miles from here, and people felt the tremors as far as 900 miles away.

According to the US Geological Survey, "moderately damaging" earthquakes occur in the Illinois Basin/Ozark Dome region every 10-20 years, with smaller earthquakes happening as often as twice a year. Midwestern earthquakes are felt over much bigger areas than Western earthquakes.
As in most other areas east of the Rockies, the best guide to earthquake hazards in the Illinois basin – Ozark dome region is the earthquakes themselves.

Another Chicago Store Closes- Discount Heaven




Endo exo (2034 N Halsted St, 773-525-0500) is the latest casualty to join the list.

The Lincoln Park apothecary is closing up shop after nine years in business and a recent renovation project. I called the shop to get the scoop, and an employee told me that the owner, who also owns the building, has a lot of family obligations and could no longer keep up with the pace of running the store. The building is also for sale, but there’s no word on who’s moving in next.

Everything in the store (including high-end make-up, skin care goods and candles from the likes of Kevyn Aucoin, Shu Uemura and Tocca) is on sale with discounts of 40%–70% off. The sale lasts until everything is gone. According to the employee, stuff is going fast, so take advantage of the deals while you can.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Rebar- The Trump International Hotel


Rebar

401 N Wabash Ave, at E Kinzie; River North; 312.588.8100

Rebar is the new bar in town on the Trump International mezzanine floor. Rebar has a great atmosphere with a swank cocktail lounge that gives 80 feet of windows overlooking the Chicago River. This place is definitely on the expensive side but worthwhile for a drink ( I haven't been there yet). I thought you might want to see their cocktail menu though.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Peace Out

I'm leaving work early because my boss is en route to Chicago and he won't be here before office is closing. The weather is too perfect to not take advantage of the SUN... I'm taking my doggie to the park :-)

Hope you all get the chance to enjoy the sunshine!!!! I hear the weather the rest of the week is going to be crap!

Exhibit Boutique is Closing!

EXHIBIT lakeview closing in 12 days!!

Stop in for major deals!!! EVERYTHING in the store is 40% off...including redlines. We also just got new items from LUSH, Abstraction, Klah, Jack E Oh's Jewelry and more. The last day for the sale is April 27th but come in soon before the good stuff is all gone

Happy Shopping
Exhibit Boutique
2961 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago IL 60657
773-880-0448

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Earth Day- Go Green Event

Another Yogurt Shop Opens

http://www.starfruitcafe.com/

Frozen Yogurt, Frogurt, Whatever, It's Free
Today marks the opening of the new Starfruit store in Wicker Park. Falling right in line with tax day, they're giving away free samples of kefir frozen yogurt while supplies last.
1745 W. Division

Is Ashlee Pregnant?







USMagazine.com is reporting that Ashlee Simpson’s pregnant! The Simpson/Wentz camp is vehemently denying the rumors, but I have to say, Us Weekly is usually right about these things, so it’ll be very interesting to see what unfolds during the next few days.

Thursday , April 17th

Songza is awesome!


At least 46 times per day, you get an irresistible urge to hear some random song -- but just because you have an inexplicable yen for "Informer" doesn't mean you want to pay Snow royalties. Get your fix for free, with Songza.

Founded by two Chicago guys, Songza's a free, 28,000,000-song Internet jukebox jam packed with studio recordings, live tracks, mashups, and covers (sometimes you want AC/DC's "You Shook Me...", sometimes you want to clear a room by playing Celine Dion's). Peruse by title/artist, and Songza'll nab 50 responses you can either spin instantly, or add to a save-able playlist you can return to as often as you'd like -- ensuring your work compiling Top Gun Soundtrack (minus "Beach Volleyball Song") won't vanish into the digital ether. As a tune plays, Songza links to the artist's website, lists "other artists you might like", and directs you to YouTubes; to spread the love, email a song directly thru the site, or cut & paste your personal Songza url and send out your entire playlist to that poor friend whose recent obscure brain injury left him devoid of personal musical taste.

Songza'll soon allow you to include friends in your profile, giving them anytime access to music you respect so much, paying for it would only cheapen its artistic integrity.

Listen to all the music at Songza.com;

Monday, April 14, 2008

Tax Day Deals- Chicago

http://chicago.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/roundup/tax-day-deals-and/375980/content

Check out these great deals for tax day!

Ellen Degeneres is bringing her show to Chicago

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/tickets/season5/050308.php

Ellen is taping a special show in Chicago on May 3rd! It's the first time she's done her show there, so it's gonna be off the hook! If you're going to be in the Chicago area, click here to get tickets.

The Warehouse Sale- This weekend






For 2 days only, The Warehouse Sale, L.A.’s largest premium denim sale will be in Chicago at Navy Pier.

Don’t miss your chance to buy high-end designer jeans for men and women at bargain basement prices – up to 80% off. Plus, over 15,000 square feet of space and over 20,000 items for you to choose from.

http://thewarehousesale.com/index-1.html

RSVP online for FREE admittance or, pay $5.00 at the door.

Some of the brands you'll find:

1921
2 B Free
7 For All Mankind
Antik Denim
BCBG Max Azria
Chip & Pepper
Christian Audigier
Citizens of Humanity
Diesel
Ed Hardy
Evisu
Frankie B
J & Company
Junk Food
Primp
Rich & Skinny
Taverniti SO
True Religion
WeSC
& more...

You'll also find dresses, blouses, butter-soft hoodies, sweats, shirts and tees by BCBG Max Azria, 2B Free, English Laundry, Penguin, Morphine Generation, Ed Hardy, Monarchy, and more. You can't afford to miss this sale.

Cash and all Credit Cards will be accepted.Community dressing rooms will be available.

Don't miss this event! Located conveniently on the 2nd floor of Navy Pier Chicago in Rooms 201 to 207.



Thursday, April 10, 2008

Spring into relaxation at Spa Week

The average Joe or Jane can take in therapeutic treatments at an affordable price from April 14-20, during Spa Week’s Spring Event.

www.spaweek.org

I've got my appt for a body treatment at Kiva Spa.

Dine Out For Life

Since 1993, restaurants around the country have donated a portion of their proceeds from one night to ActionAIDS. Last year Chicago raised over $100,000 for the organization, which helps those with advanced HIV/AIDS with housing, care, and supportive services. This year’s event is April 24.

Below are downtown Chicago’s participating restaurants. Volunteering opportunities are also open and the kickoff party is April 17.

312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St.
312-696-2420


Blue Water Grill
520 N. Dearborn St.
312-777-1400

Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe
400 N. LaSalle St.
312-329-9727

Capi’s Italian Kitchen
700 E Grand Ave.
312-376-0641
B, L, D

Carnivale
702 W. Fulton Market
312-850-5005
L, D

Francesca’s on Taylor
1400 W. Taylor St.
312-829-2828
D

Signature Room at the 95th
875 N. Michigan Ave.
312-280-0461
B, L, D


South Water Kitchen
225 N. Wabash
312-236-9300
D


Vivere
71 W. Monroe St.
312-332-4040
L, D

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

BFF with Paris?!


Chicago will hold a casting call for Paris Hilton's new reality show looking for her new best friend.  
MTV and Doron Ofir Casting will hold a casting reception and audition in Chicago to find a best friend for celebutant heiress as part of the new series, "Paris Hilton's My New BFF."

Casting directors will select Chicago residents who apply on the official casting director website www.ParisBFF.com/viplist for closed call auditions taking place on April 12-14th.
Additionally, casting directors will hold a series of semi-exclusive meet and greet mixers throughout casting weekend, beginning with a kick off event at Level on April 12th.
Saturday, April 12th at Level 1045 N. Rush St from 9-11 p.m.

Two casting directors from Doron Ofir casting will be available to meet prospective BFFs for the show.  Public guest list inquiries at parisbggchicagocasting@gmail.com
The casting team is searchign for 20 extraordinary cast members namely "hot bitches" and "fierce guys" who are at least 21 and appear under 30.
The show is casting in major cities including New York, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Las Angeles and Miami.
The 10 episode series will air on MTV in late 2008.  Production will start at the end of May.

Jay Leno Makes Inappropriate remarks

Jay Leno's reputation is taking a beating from the gay community after Ryan Phillippe (who was appearing to give publicity to his new movie Stop Loss) and him were discussing Phillippe's previous role on One Live to Live.   Leno said, Can you give me, like - say that camera is your gay lover... Can you give me your 'gayest look?' Say that camera is Billy Bob- Billy Bob has just ridden in shirtless from Wyoming."

"Wow" said Phillippe. "That is so something I don't want to do.  Are you just going to embarrass me tonight, or ?"

So people are getting back to Leno with their 'gaylest looks' at the newly created website, My Gayest Look at www.mygayestlook.com

Trader Joe's Favorite

People who really know me know that I'm a big fan of Trader Joe's. I became a big fan after living in CT for some years and my grandma totally digged the place.  I would never miss a visit. Well, over the years the place has gotten so much better and added a slew of locations across the country.  Luckily one of them is only a few blocks away from my work.  I find myself constantly going here to buy food and I've really never had a bad shopping experience here.  I want to tell you about one of my favorite things I buy... The Coconut Chicken Stix!

The chicken stix are great for entertaining or just your own special snack.  They are in crunchy spring roll wrappers and stuffed with curry infused chicken,  The coconut adds a nice, mildly sweet flavor.  They can be baked (my preference) or deep friend and you get about 10 stix to the box and each stick has 55 cals or 3 g of fat.  So its not the most healthy snack, but wow.. they seriously are addictive!

For $2.99 a box, it's worth it!

Chicago's Best Places For Soup


A dedicated and loyal reader to my blog suggested that I do a post on the best places to get soup in Chicago.  Since sandwich weather might be a couple weeks ago, I figured I would highlight some of Chicago's best places to get a nice bowl of that hot goodness.  Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments!
1)  My personal favorite is Soupbox on 2943 Broadway St or there's one on Chicago/Rush St.  This soup emporium offers about a dozen kind of soups made fresh daily and the ability to personalize with your own mixes
2) The Bagel - 3107 N Broadway St. Sit down at this restaurant you have the best pairings with your matzo ball, dumpling, cabbage or soup of the day. This is truly an authentic deli.  If you can't get down with that, another favorite of mine Stella's is across the street.
3) Where can you get the best French onion soup in Chicago?  I think the answer is Bistro 110 on 110 E. Pearson.  This place has the best French onion soup I've  ever had!
4) If you are looking for some variety downtown, go to Foodlife in Water Tower Place.  They have great daily offerings that change daily!
5) Whole foods.  This store does great soups to go.  Buy a container and bring it home! My favorites are tomato bisque, new england clam chowder, and butternut squash!