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Chicago History Tour–I Love to Play Tourist Locally!
Disclaimer: I received complimentary tour passes in exchange for sharing my experiences on the tour. Last Saturday, I played tourist in downtown Chicago for an afternoon. There were no loud shirts, dark socks with sandals, or large cameras on straps. (It’s November for heaven’s sake–winter coats and hats were the appropriate attire!) My group included myself with my husband, teenage daughter, and my other teenage daughter (more specifically, my daughter’s BFF). (She took my son’s place since he was participating in an Operation Snowball retreat that weekend.) We started at the Hyatt Regency for a Chicago History Tour. This activity was conducted by Chicago’s Finest Tours. There we met up…
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My Intro to Geocaching
On a cold, wintery November morning, I joined Lawrence to go geocaching. On one of my Facebook calls for “who would be interested in teaching me something new?”, Lawrence jumped at the opportunity (well, perhaps not, but he responded) to teach me about geocaching. I had done it once to find one geocache a few years back, but, since I did not remember much, I considered this a fresh start! I was in for an adventure! Long story short, I had a great time, and I can see how this can become addictive! First, Lawrence recommended that I register on-line at geocaching.com, which I did, and download the “Geocaching” app. …
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The Elf on the Shelf–A Christmas Musical (It will soon be on the stage! Start your holiday planning!)
"The Elf on the Shelf--A Christmas Musical" is a brand new musical which is about to start touring. This may be a great addition to your holiday season!
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Mixed Media Art Project–Painting, Stamping, Decoupage
As a kid, I wasn’t always into art. Yes, I loved my Spirograph, Shrinky Dinks, and Fashion Plates (weren’t those the BEST?!,) but I was not necessarily “artistic” per se. I was more of a “performing arts” kind of gal who loved and still loves dance and theater. As an adult, I have been spending more time over the years trying to become more crafty, artistic, and creative, and I have been really enjoying the process. Pinterest has helped with that. (Although searching on Pinterest can suck hours out of a day, when I actually finish a project inspired by Pinterest, it makes it worth the time!) Fortunately, I have even…
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Tiramisu–I Can Hardly Believe That I Now Know How to Make Tiramisu!
I learned how to make tiramisu!
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“Whose Live Anyway?” at the Genesee Theatre
After hearing about it for many years, my husband and I finally had the chance to check out and enjoy a show at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, Illinois. What a great night!
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Japanese Eggplant
My community is fortunate to have a very good weekly farmers’ market over the summer months. I am trying to take advantage of these last few weeks of Sunday morning, local produce shopping. Last Sunday, I spotted eggplant on a table. I was very excited about this! I also spotted on the table the skinnier cousin, Japanese eggplant. Produce in that section of the tent was $1 each or 5 for $6. Yea! I took two eggplant, two zucchini, and two of the Japanese eggplant. I had never prepared Japanese eggplant, but I had seen recipes for it at random times in the past. I figured that for under…
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9Round
I should exercise more often. (Anyone else?) I know that. I try to stay active, but the reality is that I don’t exercise quite as much as I should. When the opportunity came to try a free week at 9Round, I opted to check it out. Taken straight from the website, “9Round offers a kickboxing themed fitness program that incorporates a functional, interval, cardiovascular, and circuit training regimens.” There is no set schedule nor formal class times. When you arrive, you can get ready to start your workout. Under the close guidance of trainers, you go through nine three minute rounds with brief periods of other exercises between…
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Matzo Ball Soup, Chicken Salad, and Some of the Most Amazing Brownies EVER
I always get excited when someone in the neighborhood responds to my call for help in learning something new. Last week, after being in contact with him at various times over the summer, I finally had the opportunity to meet and spend time in the kitchen with Ron. The plan was to make homemade matzo ball soup from scratch. I love matzo ball soup, and historically in my kitchen, it involved a mix by Croyden House plus the addition of chopped carrots, celery, and egg whites. (My husband and I would tend to make it during Passover, so the egg whites “replaced” noodles.) There is absolutely nothing wrong with that…
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Mosaic Birdhouse
This summer, I spent several mornings with Stephanie, a woman who responded to my Facebook call for someone to teach me something new! She offered to teach me how to do a mosaic design on a birdhouse, and I took her up on her offer. Using one of my handy craft store coupons (with my Michael’s app, I always have one on hand–stores usually accept competitor coupons, so I am always ready), I picked up a wooden birdhouse which would eventually become a masterpiece! (I set my standards high.) Day 1: We started the project. This project would involve getting together several times due to the various steps requiring glue…
If it's not illegal, immoral, or blatantly stupid, I am willing to give it a try!
