Crash Years- The New Pornographers

*This band will be appearing at Lollapalloza*

I had such a great day off today! I actually woke up at a fairly normal hour, and didn’t sleep too late. I watched a little TV while eating breakfast, then got right to it after my shower!

I went to Trader Joe’s today in an attempt to spend less, get more bang for my buck, and make healthier choices. Shocker of all shocks, that’s what I ended up doing! I didn’t spend very much, left with a ton of stuff, and it is all good for me! I even managed to avoid buying their AMAZING Opera Cake AND my favorite sorbet. Oh, AND… I remembered to bring my reusable bags, which I never remember to bring, so I was already ahead of the game.

After finding a great deal of inspiration at TJ’s, I scooted along to my favorite Target location, really with clothes in mind, but also knowing that a bunch of things would be cheaper there than at my next stop. I did not buy any clothes, and I ended up leaving Target, having spent less than $20. That never happens! Oh, and I remembered a reusable bag for Target as well, and when you use one at Target, they give you something like $1 off your purchase as incentive to keep using them. So that was a pure bonus.

From there, I moved on to Lincolnwood Produce, where they typically have amazing produce for significantly less than anyone else, and it is usually better quality as well. Find of the day there… fresh cherries for $.69/lb. Don’t mind if I do…

After getting home, and putting everything away, I threw together a picnic dinner for my Mom and me. Lots of delicious, healthy goodness, which we ate by the Lake in Evanston. From there, we went to Andy’s Frozen Custard in downtown Evanston. Neither of us had been. I highly suggest you try this place. Delicious!

And the Grand Finale of the day… dancing in the park in Chicago with a few hundred of our closest friends. So much fun! You can’t beat free live music and dancing with complete strangers on a summer night in downtown Chicago! You just can’t. We had so much fun! I plan to go next week as well. What a great way to burn off those calories from the frozen custard.

And with that, I’m ready to rest a little. I was somewhat productive today, and I had fun. Can’t ask for much more than that.

Summertime in Chicago is exciting, and if you get bored, it’s your own fault. This city is filled with all kinds of Summer festivals, free events, and much, much more.

Looking for something to do this weekend, and sick of your usual weekend activities? Check out the Chicago Green Music Fest.

Saturday and Sunday, June 26& 27th from 12 noon to 10pm

On Chicago Ave between Ashland and Noble.

Need more details? Check out the official website @ www.greenmusicfestchicago.com

Giving Up- Ingrid Michaelson

Sadly enough, ’tis true. The Lakers just beat the Celtics in game seven of the NBA finals. As a New Englander, this is a complete bummer. They didn’t win the finals, but kudos to the Celtics for a great season!

Mama’s still proud, boys.

This week is Bike to Work Week here in Chicago! It’s a great way to get some exercise, see the city in a different light, and be a bit more green. How can you go wrong? So while there is very limited time left in most people’s work week, you can still join in the festivities. So put on your helmet and hop on your bike! Just remember to be smart when riding your bike. Watch out for Chicago’s famous potholes that really do seem to run to China, be aware of people opening car doors, and be mindful of crazy drivers. Ride smart and be safe.

If you’re interested, here is what is left of Bike to Work Week in the way of festivities. Enjoy!

Thursday, June 17
Chicago
6:30-9am at South Lakefront Trail at the Field Museum,
6:30-9am at North Lakefront Trail/Fullerton Ave
5-9:30 a.m. at Arlington Heights Metra
5:30-8:30am at Fountain Square,
6:30-8:30am at Villa Park Metra,
6:30-8:30am at Lombard Metra

BIKE AFTER WORK
5:30-8pm at Deja Brew, 5219 W 95th St., Oak Lawn, IL, co-hosted by Oak Lawn Bike Psychos
5:30-8pm at Beggar’s Pizza, 15600 Cicero Ave., Oak Forest, IL, co-hosted by Friends of the Calumet-Sag Trail
5:30-8pm at Cilantro, 18755 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL, hosted by Folks on Spokes and Goodspeed Cycles. This includes a bike cruise hosted by Goodspeed Cycles. 5-7pm at ING Direct Café, 27 E. Chestnut, Chicago, IL, hosted by ING Direct, Active Trans and Goose Island

Friday, June 18
Chicago
7:30am-7pm Mayor Daley’s Bike to Work Day Rally at Daley Plaza
5:30-8:30am at Skokie CTA, co-hosted Turin Bicycle
6:30-8:30am at Elmhurst Metra, co-hosted by Elmhurst Bicycle Club

BIKE AFTER WORK
5-8:30 pm TGIF Bike to Work Week Celebration at Turin Bicycle (1027 Davis St., Evanston). Free event includes light refreshments and raffles.

Today is my beautiful Niece’s birthday!! She is quite possibly the most beautiful 1 year old on the world. Biased much? Possibly, but i have it on good authority from many non-family members that she is, in one word, beautiful. She is such a joy, and I am beyond grateful for her. She is undoubtedly the cure all for bad days or bad moods.

Keeping all this in mind, as it is her birthday, I’d like to make the song of the week, one of her favorite songs to bust a move to.

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, PENNY!

I Don’t Feel Like Dancing- Scissor Sisters

As most of you are likely aware, the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup this evening for the first time since 1961!

Seeing as I grew up in New England, watching the Boston Bruins, I’d certainly rather have a Cup win for my home team. That being said, I fully support most Chicago teams, and it’s extremely exciting to be a part of the Chicago dynamic right now.

A HUGE CONGRATS TO THE BLACKHAWKS ON THEIR WIN!

GO HAWKS!

I find this particular version of the song to be significantly better than the radio/album version. I think this song works better with the limit instrumentation, but that’s just my two cents. I’m sure you’ve heard it on the radio recently, but if you haven’t, here is…

Animal- Neon Trees

*This band will be appearing at Lollapalooza*

Just wanted to wish my dear friend, Jack, a very Happy Birthday!

I hope it’s a great one! Don’t be afraid to stick on that mustache of mischief and live it up!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JACK-ATTACK!