Chicago Life and Style.

Putt Putt at Commercial Park, September 18th

Perrine — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:41:25 +0000

Free Desserts! September 15th

Perrine — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:31:38 +0000

I’ve written about the online reservation site Open Table before. It’s a great one stop shop to find a cool restaurant, make reservations AND earn points towards gift certificates. That’s pretty cool on it’s own but now you can get a free dessert too! There are few things I like more than dessert so this is a big deal to me.

You must log on to Open Table and make a reservation at one of the participating restaurants for September 15th and that’s it–the restaurant will know you are supposed to get a free dessert. Come on, what possible reason could you have for not taking advantage of that?!?!

Bill Gates’ favorite teacher

Perrine — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:28:31 +0000

This is an incredible story of a very smart man with a great innovative idea. And despite minimal/no marketing, the universe is taking notice. It makes me wonder how my three year old will be getting her education/information when she gets to high school. I can’t wait to see it all unfold!

Bill Gates’ favorite teacher.

New library in West Town opens Sept. 7th

Perrine — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:01:28 +0000

I am so excited!! The Chicago Public Library is opening a branch right around the corner from me, an easy walk for me and my daughter!

West Town Branch will open to the public on
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
at
1625 W. Chicago Ave.

Branch Hours:
Monday & Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday, Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, Closed

More stuff to do…

Perrine — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:32:13 +0000

National Night Out

Sponsored by the 14th District Police, America’s National Night Out Against Crime is set for Tuesday, August 3, from 5-10pm at 1359 N. Sacramento, in the Humboldt Park boat house. There will be a Michael Jackson impersonator, a climbing wall, a petting zoo, free pizza and hot dogs, and free American flags to the first 300 people. Come join us for a positive night out!

Run the 1st Ward with Alderman Moreno

Join 1st Ward Alderman Moreno for a 3-mile run in the beautiful Wicker Park neighborhood on Thursday, August 19. Runners should meet at Running Away Multisport at 1634 W. North at 6:15pm and the run will begin at 6:30pm. If you are not too tired, there will be an after-run party at Piece Brewery & Pizzeria, 1927 W. North Ave.

AND DON”T FORGET! Shaw’s Lobster Fest ends July 31st!! Go!

And your local fest for next weekend, Wicker Park Fest!

Street Sweeping Text Reminders

Perrine — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:26:23 +0000

STREET SWEEPING TEXT ALERT SYSTEM LAUNCHES

First Ward Alderman Joe Morena is launching a text alert system for residential street sweeping in the ward.

This text alert system will be the first in Chicago and the second in the country.

This text notification system will have two positive effects. The number of tickets issued should be considerably reduced, and 1st Ward streets will be more thoroughly cleaned.

The 1st Ward had previously used an e-mail alert system but I feel that text messaging will be a far more effective way to alert residents.

Once residents sign up they will receive two text messages, one the night before and one the morning of, to remind them to move their vehicle and avoid a $50 ticket.

Alderman Moreno is funding this program so it will be free for 1st Ward residents.

To sign up for these notifications follow this link and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Alderman’s office.

Family Night at Soldier Field!

Perrine — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:00:26 +0000

Driving in Chicago

Perrine — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:57:34 +0000

I am in the car a LOT for my job. And when I’m not in the car for work- driving to and from showings and picking up clients- it seems I’m schlepping my kid somewhere, or running errands. Well, recently being in the car has been VERY costly for me. Now, keep in mind, I’m a very conservative, defensive driver. I know everyone says the are a good driver but I’m not saying that, I’m saying I pay attention and always assume the worst of other drivers–making for a very conservative, safe approach. I wasn’t so bad before I had a kid but now I’m known to drive the rest of my family (who are very aggressive drivers) batty.

Nevertheless, I got TWO red light tickets in the span of two days. One was from a red light camera and one was from a cop who was sitting in the middle of Michigan Ave. I’m fighting both because there simply HAS to be some level of practical logic applied to these scenarios, it’s just ridiculous! But I digress.

I just got an email from a friend of mine warning of a crackdown on speeding in work zones. I checked it out on Snopes.com and its true, although not new. The deal is that the State of Illinois has cameras in work zone and if you are ticketed for speeding, your first offense is $375. Second offense, $1,000 and 90 day suspension. I don’t really have any quarrel with the concept, highway workers deaths have gone down dramatically in response to this program. But, I just HATE the cameras! I mean, a camera can’t understand context or apply reason or discretion. I have a hard time agreeing that a fraction of a second, taken out of context of the rest of the traffic pattern or surrounding cars is a fair judgement.

Luckily, I stay local as much as possible so these particular cameras are not likely to cause me any grief but for those of you taking a driving vacation or heading out on the highways for any reason, beware! Here’s the story on Snopes.

Green City Market Cocktail Party at Perennial

Perrine — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:36:24 +0000

On Wednesday, July 14th, join us at Perennial for the next installment in our summer-long series of cocktail parties focusing on fresh ingredients from the Green City Market. We will send BRG mixologist, Benjamin Schiller on a mission to find the best and most beautiful ingredients at the market, and then come back and make 2 fabulous libations for everyone to try.

This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC from 6:30pm-8:00pm.

Light appetizers will be served.

Perennial/ 1800 N. Lincoln Ave.

RSVP to 312-981-7070

Space is filling up FAST!

Fun things to do…

Perrine — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:14:22 +0000

Bucktown Garden Walk
This weekend’s Garden Walk will expose participants to open neighborhood gardens from 11 am to 5pm. There will also be music at Club Lucky, and a petting zoo at Lottie’s. Pick up your tour guide and get started at Club Lucky (1824 Wabansia Ave). My daughter’s new school garden is included on the tour!

Beyond the Garden Gate
After the Bucktown Tree Walk go enjoy Beyond the Garden Gate, a chance to explore the “Gardens” within the shops of Bucktown. Each participating shop along North Damen Avenue (from 1920 N. Damen to 2145 N. Damen) will all have special garden and flower inspired events in their store. Check it out!

West Fest 2010
On Saturday July 10 and Sunday July 11 from noon-10pm, West Town will be rocking on
Chicago Ave between Damen and Wood St. Suggested donation $5. See: http://www.westfestchicago.com/ for more details and band line ups. There is a Pup Fest where you can get your dog washed for only $10 and the cost benefits two wonderful local rescues.

Kid Fest 2010-At Commercial Park on Wolcott between Chicago and Rice, Saturday and Sunday 12-6pm.

Wicker Park Fest 2010
Come one come all to the Wicker Park Fest on July 31 and August 1. Starting at noon on Milwaukee from North Ave to Wood Street, the Fest will bring two days of bands, food and fun to our area. In addition, the Fest will have a special area just for KIDS including a tot train, mini-golf, a petting zoo and more! Suggested donation is $5, WP Kids Fest profits go to our public neighborhood school, Jose de Diego

Jazz Under the Stars

Next Friday, July 16th from 6-10:30 at the Garfield Park Conservatory. $35 get you the live jazz concert on the beautiful terrace, a buffet AND a membership.

Catch Movies in the Parks
Enjoy summer nights at citywide parks with screenings of current and classic movies through Sept. 10 in more than 120 parks. Admission is free, and all movies begin at dusk. Many screenings will feature closed captions. Call the Movies in the Parks hotline for daily listings and updated weather-related cancellations at 312-742-1134.

Sandtastic at 63rd Street Beach
Families are invited to build sand sculptures together on Saturday, July 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 63^rdSt. Beach. The Geographic Society of Chicago will be on site and invites people to walk into their earth balloon and learn about the world. Sand sculpting tools will be provided; just bring your imagination. Click here for more info.

Meet the Bees
Join the buzz at Garfield Park Conservatory’s “Meet the Bees” on Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate the summer honey coming off the hives. Participate in buzz worthy family activities, purchase honey made by the Conservatory bees, listen to live music and sample some tasty honey. Admission is $3. Ages 3 and under are free. Click here for more information.