What I Know About...Exploring Chicago for Cheap

The Buckingham Fountain is on, the beaches are open, and Memorial Day is behind us...that means one thing in Chicago: it's SUMMER! Summer in Chicago is the reason why so many of us struggle through winter - it's a commonly heard mantra as you bundle up yet again, "Just wait for summer, summer redeems all of this." And for good reason. With the lakefront, over 500 public parks (and thousands of park events), sidewalk dining, concerts, and weekend festivals, there's always something going on in this city. Of course, summer entertainment can add up and before you know it, you're back to your winter routine of Netflix and reading. Unless you're me...then you know how much fun you can squeeze from a budget.

I know...

1. The best way to do Chicago for free is to take advantage of Chicago Park District parks. Besides the obvious activities that the parks offer: picnicking, laying out on the grass, playing on the playground, swimming, playing basketball/tennis/frisbee/etc, and riding or running the miles and miles of trails, there's also free movies, dance and music performances, art galleries and installations, the zoo, conservatories, family activities, gardening, the beach....and so much more.

     a. If you're a local, I highly recommend downloading the My Chi Parks app. It will tell you events happening by date or location and it helps you track Park Points, another highly recommended feature of the Park District. (Get points for promoting and attending park events, spend points on tickets to Six Flags, sporting events, restaurant gift certificates, etc.)

     b. Things that are included in Chicago Park District for a nominal price: Midnight Circus, golfing, rock climbing, day camps, fitness center memberships, sports leagues, wellness and creative classes...and I'm sure there's more. This post could start and end with the Park District.

2. It begs repeating. The BEACH.

3. Free events beget free events. Once you start attending free events, you will either learn about more free events, or you'll get exclusive passes to events, making them free for you. Example: Jesus and I got free Adler Planetarium passes, a pass for Brookfield Zoo's Motor Safari, and Field Museum passes for watching the Buckingham Fountain get turned on for the summer.

4. Museum Free Days are your friend. If you have an Illinois license, there are lots of opportunities to visit each museum for free. Other museums have weekly free days/times, while still others are free all the time.

5. Food can be an adventure all its own. Instead of trying to do dinner along with another activity, Jesus and I like to make eating out the main event. This works when we want to try out a special restaurant, or eat something unique to Chicago. Examples: getting a bag of Garrett's popcorn, then walking up and down State Street while eating; having dinner at Portillo's in River North and getting soft serve at the Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's across the street for dessert; filling up on a variety of Puerto Rican food from several vendors at the otherwise free PR Fest.

6. Exploration is the best way to make your own fun. Yes, visiting the Hancock or Sears/Willis Tower are fun and something to do at some point, but...sometimes walking around at ground level is fun too. I can't number the times Jesus and I have picked a neighborhood and walked. We might go into a store or art gallery from time to time, or stop to marvel at architecture or sculptures, or people-watch as we walk, but it's enough to be out and about in the city we call home

Sunday Night Survey: Mid-Weekend Edition

The weekend isn't over yet! There's something rejuvenating about a Monday off every now and then; while no weekend should be wasted, a three day weekend should be taken full advantage of. I, for one, started early with a day off on Friday. Then I paused to work a morning shift yesterday. And now I'm back to full weekend mode - and just getting started on all the food, naps, reading, friend time, and activities that Memorial Day brings.

Judging: a new ad installation inside Blue Line trains.
Finding: my Zodiac head in the Circle of Animals.

Exploring: space at Adler Planetarium.

Pretending: to be a kid.
Hoping: my own future kids are interested in cool things like space.
Walking: along the lakefront trail: always beautiful, despite the wind!

Playing: at Maggie Daley Park, our new favorite.
Napping: daily.
Sweating: and loving it.
Biking: to and from work.
Learning: about Minecraft from a teenager. (Apparently it's important.)
Watching: the Blackhawks take Game 4 into OT...and WIN.

Reading: Spinster, by Kate Bolick.
Making: strawberry cupcakes.

Eating: strawberry cupcakes. And pizza.
Convincing: Jesus to get a new haircut.

Listening: to the rain.
Spending: time with family.

The Goldfinch

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sum it up in a sentence (or two): The expansive tale of one boy (Theo Decker) and how his life changes in one afternoon. Also the tale of a small, but prized, painting.

First thoughts: The Goldfinch was so long and detailed. Not boring, exactly, but I wasn't sure of the significance of all the detail as I read. The marathon covers most of Theo's life, except when it skips past eight years randomly. It kept me interested, and I like the idea of delving deep into one person's experience.

Favorite quotes:
"None of us is ever find enough kindness in the world, do we?" - Boris, p282

"To understand the world at all, sometimes you could only focus on a tiny bit of it, look very hard at what was close to hand and make it stand in for the whole..." - p603

"If you can't plan it out ahead of time, you'll just have to work it out as you go along." - p694

"Can't good come around sometimes through some strange back doors?" - Hobie, p758

"Maybe even if we're not always so glad to be here, it's our task to immerse ourselves anyway: wade straight through it, right through the cesspool, while keeping eyes and hearts open." - p771

Favorite characters: Hobie, Theo, his mom, Xandra (not as a human being, just as an interesting character), NOT Boris. (I really didn't like him; he cost this book at least one star.)

Recommended for: people embarking on long trips, book clubs with patience, art dealers, black market mavens.

Final thoughts: At the end we learn why all the detail, sort of - [SPOILERISH] the book is all Theo's journal/thoughts since his mom died. I appreciate the width/depth, but man. So long. Some parts could have been condensed/streamlined. It sagged in the early and late middle parts, but picks back up at the end - the ending itself redeems the book from many of its sins.


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Friday Night Links 20

Some visually appealing and summer-ready websites for your perusal (Happy Memorial Day Weekend!):

A word-heavy, yet informative list of photography tips. The best one? Have fun.

Are you making these summer mistakes?

Crowd-sourced time-lapse photography - good to know my multiple pictures of the same landscapes might be useful for something!

How about a beach reading list...from Bill Gates? (I've already read one of the seven he suggests, and the others look interesting.)

Bar Food: Oh Yeah.

With the arrival of grilling and sidewalk dining season, here are a few of my favorite/local places to get a beer and a burger. (These are also, coincidentally, the places I take my family when they come to visit. Nothing too fancy, good food (and options for everyone), good brews/cocktails, and maybe a few TVs showing whatever game happens to be on.)

Revolution Brewing Brewpub
Good for: Beer and burger pairings, pizzas, getting up close and personal with where your beer comes from, and filling up.
Ambiance: young and hipster-ish, with an open-air dining feel in the summer.
Notes: Plenty of bike parking, not as much street parking. Also, strangely welcoming to vegetarians.

Kumas Too
Good for: Creative burgers with clever names and trying new things.
Ambiance: Loud, but friendly.
Notes: This is the second location for this successful mash-up of burgers, beer, and heavy metal music, located in Lincoln Park. Bring your appetite and don't expect much conversation (you'll be too busy eating).

Logan Bar & Grill
Good for: Watching the game, but not your waistline.
Ambiance: Casual, sports-friendly, and refreshingly un-trendy.
Notes: Several bars and clever seating make Logan appear much larger than it is. No wrong orders that I know of, but the pulled pork sandwich is especially good.

Madison Public House
Good for: Watching the Badgers, winning trivia, nightly specials, cheese curds!
Ambiance: A proud Wisconsin bar that also knows it's in Chicago: homey, yet metropolitan.
Notes: Some nights this place is empty, other nights it's packed. It's located between two more popular neighborhoods, so hopefully the runoff from those areas keeps Madison Pub House in business! Their Friday Fish Fry basket is A-Okay.

Will's Northwoods Inn
Good for: Joining fellow Wisconsinites in cheering for whoever is playing, and getting a few food and drink specials while you're there.
Ambiance: Unpretentious, unassuming, and unashamedly in love with Wisconsin.
Notes: "A little bit of God's Country in the heart of South Lakeview" pretty much sums it up. And yes, it really is a converted inn, which makes for a fun atmosphere of several different rooms/bars, yet a sense of connection with everyone cheering for the Packers/Badgers/Brewers (and a few Chicago teams as well).

In Memory
Etno Village Grill: I was lucky to eat here once during Etno's short run as a specialty burger joint. My burger was awesome - topped with mustard, arugula, and pears - and I was hoping to return again after their expansion, but now that the expansion (which has taken years) is more of a total overhaul, I'm not as excited.

5.18.15

Sunday Night Survey: Thick Air Edition

It's the middle of May already! What happened to this month? Not sure, but here's what happened this weekend:

Eating: up what's in the pantry and fridge.
Drinking: water, water, water.
Making: life decisions.
Reading: Serena, by Ron Rash. It's like House of Cards, if the Underwoods were logging barons in 1930s North Carolina instead of politicians in current day Washington D.C.
Watching: The Babadook. It's weird. And scary-ish.
Celebrating: a college graduation.
Writing: restaurant reviews and pep talks to myself.
Renewing: my driver's license online, which you can do in Illinois if you're a safe driver.
Walking: around several neighborhoods to get out of the house.
Napping: in the park.
Sweating: in several outfit changes each day.
Getting: lots of needed sleep, but
Waking: up with the sun and the birds. Hello open window season!

Steal Like an Artist

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sum it up in a sentence (or two): This is the advice that Austin Kleon would give to his younger self, that nothing is original and we are mash-ups of everything in our lives (so use that mash-up). This applies to artists, yes, but also to any person looking to tap into their more creative side.

First thoughts: What an uplifting little book! This was a breath of fresh yet familiar air - I found myself nodding in agreement at each page, smiling at the illustrations, and remembering basic truths about humanity.

Favorite quotes:

"Hoarders collect indiscriminately, artists collect selectively. They only collect things they really love." p13, my new cleaning mantra.

"Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul." -Jim Jarmusch, p14

"Don't worry about doing research. Just search." -p20

"Ask anybody doing truly creative work, and they'll tell you the truth: They don't know where the good stuff comes from. They just show up to do their thing. Every day." -p28, something that I've heard from pretty much all my creative role models. Show up. Do your thing. Done is better than good (there's no such thing as perfect).

"Whenever you're at a loss for what move to make next, just ask yourself, what would make a better story?" -p47

"Don't throw any of yourself away. Don't worry about a grand scheme or unified vision for your work. Don't worry about unity - what unifies your work is the fact that you made it. One day, you'll look back and it will all make sense." -p72

"In this age of information abundance and overload, those who get ahead will be the folks who figure out what to leave out, so they can concentrate on what's really important to them. Nothing is more paralyzing than the idea of limitless possibilities. The idea that you can do anything is absolutely terrifying." -p137

Recommended for: artists of all genres, creatives, thinkers, doers, humans, wonderers, people stuck in a rut, new graduates, and dreamers.

Final thoughts: Having been a fan and follower of Kleon's blog for a while now, I knew what to expect going in, and I was still pleasantly enlightened.


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5.15.15

5.14.15

5.13.15

Weekending

Summer weekends are getting a head start around here! Last weekend I hit all the biggies: farmers market, zoo, a downtown adventure, and a mini-trip to Madison for botanical gardens, ice cream, and walking up and down State Street.

These four (yes, four!) sat on that branch and intertwined tails. Most likely it helps them balance up there, but it looked so sweet!

"I like Netflix...and birds."

Before...

After! Summer is here, according to Buckingham Fountain.

Switching on Summer with 7th Heaven

Brunch at Monty's Blue Plate Diner in Madison

Followed by a leisurely stroll at Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Yep, it's starting to feel like summer.

What I Know About...Deals & Coupons

I've never been a big spender, so putting into words What I Know About Living Frugally isn't easy: frugal is how I exist in the world, without thinking or writing about it. I was inspired to write this not because I'm a thrifty person, but because I know a lot of people who don't understand what I think are simple truths (the most simple of which is, if it works for you, keep doing it, regardless of what some lady on the internet tells you).

I know...

1. Time is money. Before you buy things (especially big ticket items, but small stuff adds up too), think about how many hours you'd have to work to pay for it. This will hopefully deter you from impulse buys, and if it doesn't, it at least reminds you how much of your life a purchase costs. Think about this especially for things that seem to be great deals, because as good as it feels to get something cheap, if it's just going to sit unworn in your closet or take up space in your house, it's not a deal at all.
2. A coupon is only a deal if you were going to buy the item regardless. This should be self-explanatory, but I know it's not. $3 > $0, always. Unless that box of cereal was already on your list, getting it on sale is still more money than you went into the store planning to spend.
3. There will always be another sale. Similarly, never feel pressured to use a coupon just because it's expiring. Chances are another coupon will take it's place very soon.
4. Sign up for memberships. Don't go crazy on this one, because less is usually more, but if there are stores you frequent regularly, make sure you are enrolled in whatever rewards program they offer. Some are points/dollars spent based while others send freebies and coupons your way, but either way, if you're a regular customer somewhere, you might as well get a few treats along the way.
1. My favorite memberships are through Target (having a RedCard gets you 5% off every purchase, if you use the pharmacy you get another 5% off after every 5 prescriptions filled, AND with their Cartwheel app you get discounts for tons of everyday things), Redbox (sign up for emails/texts and treat yourself to free movies on a fairly regular basis, plus another free rental for every 10 rentals through Play Pass), and Walgreens's Balance Rewards (points add up on every purchase and can be redeemed for future discounts).
5. Sometimes the better deal is the one you don't need a coupon for. Example: shopping at Aldi is always cheaper than shopping anywhere else, even with coupons.
6. At the end of the day, do what feels best for you and your budget. Have you been getting by just fine sans coupons and rewards? Then don't worry about all of this. Do you get joy from coupon clipping and using? Then keep on keepin' on! Whatever system you use has to work for you.

Uncontainable

Uncontainable: How Passion, Commitment, and Conscious Capitalism Built a Business Where Everyone Thrives by Kip Tindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sum it up in a sentence (or two): Kip Tindell, CEO of The Container Store, shares the origin story of his successful business and why caring about people (his employees) is the best thing he can do for the customer and the stockholder.

First thoughts: I read an article about Kip Tindell earlier this year, so the basic premise of this business memoir wasn't new to me. I've also been a customer and fan of The Container Store for a while (especially at work), so I was familiar with the seven Foundation Principles and Tindell's fierce and belief in transparency and compassion. Still, I enjoyed reading his theories about "Conscious Capitalism" (with success stories to prove them) and learning more about the business of helping people.

Similarities and Differences: A few things struck me about Tindell. First, we both love reading and writing (and majored in English). Second, we both keep a collection of things that inspire us - magazine/newspaper articles, quotes from people we admire, etc. On the other hand, while I found his entrepreneurship admirable, starting a business isn't something I'd ever find myself doing. He's also enthusiastic to the point of evangelicalism, like a southern preacher of organization.

Some cool things: Tindell does a fine job of explaining his companies core principles, especially The Container Store's hiring practices and emphasis on the employee - this book read a little like a recruitment brochure, and Tindell himself says that TCS is always/should always be recruiting the best people. I was also heartened by his passion for doing good, and the fact that it seems like more and more companies are catching on to the Conscious Capitalism trend. No one would ever call me a capitalist, but I'm all for people making a profit alongside working for the good of others.

Final thoughts: An interesting read from an interesting character. Tindell's pure delight in what he does comes through on every page - he uses the word "love" possibly more than he uses the word "business." Even more interesting would be to see how this holds up in the next ten, twenty, thirty years - already some of the facts are dating themselves, so while Uncontainable gives an accurate snapshot of The Container Store in 2014-2015, I'm not sure it's the final chapter of the store - and I think that's how Tindell wants it.


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Friday Night Links 19

For National Photography Month, a collection of photo-inspired articles, websites, and interesting tidbits:

Arguably the most popular photoblog in existence. I could spend hours paging through, relating, laughing, and tearing up.

This app lets you upload photos to sell (or browse ones to purchase). They cost $10, and $5 goes back to the photographer!

One of the only Chicago museums I haven't been to yet...maybe that should go on my list for May.

"History depicted as Instagrams." Some great ones on here!

This collection of perfectly timed photos has made the rounds before, but they're still so awesome to look at.

5.7.15

5.6.15

Mockingjay: Part One

This is the first movie installment of The Hunger Games that I didn't see on opening weekend. Partially due to busy-ness, but partially because I wanted to stall as long as I could so that I didn't see Part 1 and Part 2 so far apart. I'd heard that Part 1 kinda leaves you hanging, since they just filmed the whole of Mockingjay, then chopped it in half (although I'm sure it was more calculated than just a blind chop), but I'm here to tell you that while the end of Part 1 is a cliffhanger, it's not as if there wasn't some sort of conclusion to the story.

We last saw our heroes being rescued from the 75th Hunger Games arena, which Katniss destroyed, and Mockingjay: P1 takes us to the aftermath of that destruction in District 13. President Coin leverages Katniss into becoming "the Mockingjay," a symbol of the rebellion, under the condition that the victors who were captured by the Capitol (including Peeta) will be rescued and pardoned. In a series of propaganda films, Katniss unites the other districts and convinces them to join District 13's rebellion against the Capitol, but the Capitol has a few video statements of its own to make, using Peeta as their mouthpiece.

The final action of Mockingjay: P1 includes an underground evacuation by District 13 after a leaked warning from Peeta, which convinces President Coin to expedite his rescue. Katniss soon learns that Peeta's body might be back, but his mind isn't, and the rebellion still has a lot of work to do.

This sets us up nicely for the conclusion of the series, which, to be honest, was confusing when I read the books. I was neither bored nor overwhelmed with the action and pacing; the story moves along and plot develops nicely. Jennifer Lawrence and Co. have strong performances, and new characters fit right in. Mockingjay: Part One is a solid addition to The Hunger Games.

MexiCan I Get More Chips and Salsa Por Favor?

Much like Cinco de Mayo, Mexican food is an American tradition. Mexican food after hours - even better. Right now is the season where I want to do less intensive cooking, and sometimes no cooking at all - which usually means heading to one of these places to grab some lunch, dinner, or post-dance floor nourishment.

I should note that many of the Mexican joints I've frequented in the city are comparable with each other - cheap and tasty tacos, quick and efficient service, and unlimited chips and salsa when I dine in - so this list is more a reflection of my most frequent locations, not necessarily the "best tacos" in the city. These are also my go-to's when I have out-of-town guests who want a taste of my neighborhood(s). They're not fancy, but they're mine.

Lazo's Tacos
Good for: tortas, tacos, salsa, birthday parties, random live music.
Ambiance: part sit-down casual dining, part taco takeout, all hours of the day.
Notes: Lazo's is the larger next door neighbor to Arturo's and has an actual dining room and bar separate from the kitchen area. It's location several blocks from my house ensures my loyalty. Open 24 hours!

Arturo's Tacos
Good for: tortas, tacos, when you want a change from Lazo's.
Ambiance: greasy spoon, Mexican style. Lots of booths and tables are squeezed into their tiny space, but they make it work.
Notes: the little guy next to Lazo's, Arturo's is louder and more diner-esque. It is also only several blocks away from my house and open 24 hours, so when I'm not feeling Lazo's, to Arturo's I go.

Tony's Burrito Mex
Good for: tacos on the go and plenty of guacamole.
Ambiance: basic counter service plus a few booths, rarely occupied (everyone gets theirs to go).
Notes: Tony's is several blocks from where I work, and conveniently located on my way home/next to my bus stop.

Allende
Good for: post-dancing nourishment, burritos, keeping the night alive.
Ambiance: bar close hangout for taco lovers and college kids.
Notes: you guessed it, Allende's two locations are located by several bars near De Paul (read: lots of college kids). It's also one of the first places Jesus bought me food (a burrito, which I probably inhaled), so it will always be close to my heart. And my stomach whenever I go out in Lincoln Park.

Extra-Special Shout Out:
Tierra Caliente #2: not a late-night Mexican place, but this grocery store/grill has the great luck to be located just steps from my front door (and, arguably, the best tacos of this roundup). I've dined in, gotten takeout, and (when I'm feeling more industrious) picked up carnitas from the meat counter to "make" my own tacos. They're also a great go-to when I run out of eggs or tortillas or if I just need a horchata to sip on come summer.

Sunday Night Survey: Gains & Grills Edition

Woohoo! May is here and it brought the sunshine! Despite all else going on in my life, I have these sunny days (and stormy nights) to cling to and to thank for brightening my mood. This weekend I did a little of this and a little of that:

Making: my bed in the morning, if only because Chrissy Teigen does it.
Drinking: coconut water and tea.
Walking: on the sunny side of the street!
Reading: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.
Waking: up early to get in some porch time before officially starting my day.
Trying: to incorporate dates into my diet (as a sub for sugar).
Eating: salad with homemade dressing.
Taking: lots of photos for National Photography Month.
Riding: the Blue Line to The Fit Expo.
Feeling: not as fit as everyone else there, but not too shabby either.
Testing: our forearm strength (see pics).
Getting: treated to my first grill out of the year.
Visiting: with family and friends and friends of families.
Watching: Saturday Night Live's version of "The Fight."
Cheering: on the Blackhawks.
Listening: to a slow and steady rain putting me to sleep.

5.2.2015

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sum it up in a sentence (or two): Hazel has cancer. So does Augustus. They are also teenagers, so of course they're gonna fall in love.

First thoughts: Well, this is certainly a fast-paced book and easy enough to finish in a weekend of committed reading. The quippy dialogue and Hazel's narration help with that. There's also a sense that these kids might die on any page, which keeps things moving.

Did I cry?: I'll admit to tearing up. Dying children, under whatever circumstances, will always do that to me.

Plot twist: I'm not sure what to think of Peter Van Houton (the author of Hazel's favorite book). He was a weird plot device that took me out of the story. I think his whole deal was a little too far-fetched or unnatural for me, and I'm not sure what his purpose in the story is. I'm interested to see what the movie does with him.

Favorite quotes:
"All salvation is temporary." -Gus, p59

"I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once." -Hazel, p125

"My thoughts are stars I can't fathom into constellations." -Gus, p311

Final thoughts: I like TFiOS. I think the love story would've hit me harder if Hazel and Guz (and Isaac) weren't teenagers (or if I was a teenager). I spend most of my days with teens, so I'm a little jaded on the teenage emotion front. I do believe they feel love and love emotions (and all emotions) strongly, but that doesn't make me feel any emotions, if that makes sense. That being said, my tears were for the overall sadness of kids with cancer, friends having to say goodbye permanently, and parents losing children, not for an ill-fated love story.


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May Day

Happy National Photography Month!