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WE ARE BEING INVADED BY EUROPEan buckthorn!
I originally heard about buckthorn at a TEDx event at my local library last year, but I honestly did not do anything afterwards. I recently saw on the Lake County Forest Preserve District calendar that there was a program at one of the nature centers close to me focused on the removal of buckthorn. I figured that I would take the opportunity to learn more. (I was the only person in attendance who really did not know what buckthorn even looked like. Everyone else there knew of their buckthorn problem and wanted to find out what to do about it.) Well, I learned a lot! Buckthorn is found extensively in…
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Enjoy Your Wine; Then Upcycle the Wine Bottle!
Last month I attended a local craft show at my area community arts center. Several of the vendors represented larger brands, but there were some individual crafters and artists as well. One of the tables really caught my eye–it was covered with beautifully decorated bottles. I had seen similar items on-line, but you get a different reaction seeing such artwork in person. I chatted with the artist for a bit and took one of her flyers. Later that day, at risk of freaking this woman out, I sent her an e-mail telling her a little about my blog “project” and asking if she would be interested in showing me how…
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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…
If it's not illegal, immoral, or blatantly stupid, I am willing to give it a try!
