Have interest in your own pinterest!

I've always been a visual person. I also used to be quite artistic. Artistic in the literal sense; drawing, painting, canvassing, using pastels were among my repertoire. I believe that these days, a lot of people are artistic in many forms that go beyond putting pencil or brush to paper.

A couple months ago, I walked by some coworkers that were perusing what looked like an Etsy or even a shopping type of website.  However, I started seeing images like houses, white picket fences, and recipes on their screens. I soon came to find out that this website was cleverly deemed as "Pinterest". Put the words "pin" and "interest" together, and there you have it.

Easy. Yes. Addicting. Most certainly. A new portal to getting back my artistic prowess I thought was lost. Finally!

Pinterest is a real life (and in real time might I add) vision board. A hub for everything you want, everything you need, and everything everyone else wants and needs. Therein lies the nature of "pinning". You pin what strikes your fancy whether it be fall outfits, shoes, a dream house in Nantucket, or cute dogs that are only bred in high society--and make sniffing their own butts seem utterly adorable on screen. Personally, I use Pinterest for outfit ideas, recipes to try, places I want to see, and items that I may some day find within reach.

Recently, I decided to use Pinterest to its full potential and actually bring to life some of my pins. Specifically, using it to get dressed for work and also making snacks for parties. I made these last weekend for a party and everyone devoured them (including myself). I pinned them and I made them--that simple.

I also used milk chocolate kisses to add variety.

Like I said--I've always been a visual person, so using Pinterest helps me out greatly. I will follow a person purely on the fact that they post pictures of Corgis, cute flats, or yellow flowers. That's the beauty; it's your own image feed that delivers what you want to see. It's aspirational, inspirational, and right at your fingertips.

Check out my Pinterest----> and maybe you'll get a few ideas yourself :)

Coffee talk

"Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard."
- Anne Spencer

Coffee appreciation has come a long way in the past twenty years. Not only has the price gone up, but so has the amount of followers. I find that there are three camps of coffee drinkers: Those who drink to stay awake, those who drink because they enjoy it, and those who do both. For most, it's a morning ritual that they've never broken, but maybe they've altered. Rather than having your coffee black, or with cream and sugar, you can now get it iced, spiked, frappe'd, and chai'd.

Within the past week, I've been working on a pitch for work to a well-known coffee giant. During my primary research, I have talked to many coffee enthusiasts. I've learned that when drinking coffee, time of day has a heavy impact on how the coffee is enjoyed, and at what consumption or type. However, the "first sip" moment is seemingly consistent among the many different coffee drinkers. Most find it refreshing, calming, and comforting-all at the same time. We all know and remember the Folgers brewing in the kitchen commercials... "the best part of wakin' up..."

The artistry of making a coffee has been exposed to a grandiose degree. Think beyond your Starbucks baristas to a person who respects the vast creations of customizable drinks--and who makes a living doing it. The United States Barista Championship is held once a year to showcase baristas' skills in making the best bean concoctions. Each competitor serves four sensory judges the following:

• a single espresso
• a single cappuccino
• a signature beverage of choice (espresso-based and alcohol-free)

These 12 individual drinks must be made within FIFTEEN MINUTES! They are judged among various categories and even their prep stations are judged. I can't even imagine how revved up those judges must be after the competition-ahem-caffeine!

In Chicago proper, it's not just Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts that people are cupping while they walk down the street or rush to work. Lavazza, Caribou, Metropolis, Intelligentsia, Julius Meinl and Argo are among the franchises which coffee drinkers eagerly explore. Starbucks' "go against the man" nemesis, Caribou, is opening up 7 new locations in Chicago within the next year. The Intelligentsia "brewery" is actually located in the West Loop, and I had the advantage of taking a tour a couple of summers ago. My advice: go when it's cooler. They're brewin' HOT coffee when you're there...remember that.

The coffee drinking experience is different for everyone, as are the flavors, styles, and preparations. No matter if it's coffee at home or coffee on the go, you'll have plenty of more choices in the near future. Keurig's K-cups are bountiful, singular, and just as customizable as what your barista hands you.

Picking up a bag? My suggestions:

Starbucks: Christmas Blend, Organic Yukon Blend, Breakfast Blend

Intelligentsia: House Blend, Diablo Dark Roast

Argo: Black Coffee

Chicago Food Trucks

Allllright. The craze has caught on and the term 'food truck' is officially in our vocabulary. From Cali to NY (and even in Indy), if there's a truck, there's a menu!

MeatyBalls Mobile, on top of the world

For those of you who are unfamiliar or skeptical of food that's on a truck...that is edible non the less-- it is what it seems-but better. From mac 'n' cheese to cupcakes, Chicago has the whole gamet of food-in-truck. Better yet, the truck comes to you and some 4-wheelers even take credit cards...as they should!

My favorite site below has the most comprehensive list I've seen. You can search by date, location, and food type. Yes, the internet makes things very easy these days. Locating food has never been easier!

http://foodtruckfreak.com/truck-located/

As for how the food TASTES...there are debates on if the convenience is really worth it. So, I'll break it down for you- for at least the ones I've tried and I'll provide you reviews for the other ones I haven't tried.

5411 Empanadas: Good enough. Get the caramelized onion, for sure!
MeatyBalls Mobile: Mobile meat, can't be beat! Try the Shweddy Balls. If you're weary, you can try the $3 grenades first.
The Southern Mac n Cheese: Save your cash for something better :( $8-$10 for something you usually eat as a side-yikes!
Flirty Cupcakes: Mobile tinycakes. "No" is not in their vocabulary. McDreamy and Devil in Disguise cakes will make your Monday feel like a Friday!

Ones I haven't had the pleasure to take a ride on:
Taquero Fusion: Review
Haute Sausage: Review


As winter nears, you may be unable to walk to your favorite deli or yogurt shop across the river, but have no fear- a truck is near!

Laughing Out Loud

“The human race has only one really affective weapon and that is laughter.”- Mark Twain

The advantages of living in Chicago are just like those in any other big city: there are comedy clubs in every neighborhood.

In Chicago, people turn to Second City when they think of comedy clubs. The list of famous actors that started or made their way through SC is endless. Among those actors are: Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Fred Willard, Bill Murray, Bonnie Hunt, Tina Fey, ETC! The list really could go on forever.

I have been to Second City twice. The two shows I've seen were really funny and always had underlying political innuendos (some not so subtle). There is a little improv to some of the main shows, as well as singing. Unlike improv shows, which are generally cheaper, Second City puts on a long show by actors that have been in the business for awhile. They even have Comedy COURSES, but I'm not sure how hard they are to get in to or how hard it is to excel. But, just imagine if you tried out and someday found yourself on SNL taking direction from Lorne Michaels and finding yourself in a Digital Short with Justin Timberlake?!

In addition to Second City, Zanies is also a popular club located close by. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's only about 2 blocks south in Old Town. Zanies is not native to Chicago only, there are Zanies in the suburbs of Illinois and also in Nashville, TN. Zanies brings in stand-up comics like: Emo Phillips, Dwayne Kennedy (The Late Show), Heather McDonald and Whitney Cummings (Chelsea Lately). There are also Comedy CLASSES available (4 class for $250 OR if you're really funny, advanced classes for $400).

There are also frequent Groupons for the IO Theatre. The informal and goofy setting poses for a great group event such as a bachelor or bachelorette party, birthday, or even a first date. Break the ice with some humor and good beer and you're good to go!

Here are some additional comedic locations in the city:
ComedySportz on Belmont
Improv Olympics (IO Theatre) in Wrigleyville
Chemically Imbalanced Theater on Irving Park
Annoyance Theatre in Uptown

Date night, without the night

...unless it leads into the night, that is.***

It must have been those old fashioned vampires that designated dates to occur only at sundown. But for us day walkers, who said date night HAS to be at night?

With summer finally at its peak, it makes all the sense in the world to use up your days as much as possible. Now, we're able to run our errands as soon as the sun rises, so we're able to enjoy the warm afternoons and the cool and balmy nights.

If you're looking for a casual date or an energetic rendezvous, your best bet is to set a weekend date that is earlier rather than later. You'll be at your freshest and start your day in a great mood.

For the active or adventurous types:
Take a walk or bike ride. Really. It's good to get out, people.

• A light breakfast. It doesn't matter if you hit a Starbucks or your neighborhood Austrian Gem...you'll have time to sit down, share a cup of coffee, and discuss what's planned for the day.
• Think about a place you haven't explored and is easy to get to. Even if you're active, you don't want to wear yourself out so much that you're tending to new blister friends.
• If you're a north-sider, try a location like Lincoln Square, Loyola, or even Evanston! If you bike over by the lake, pack a light snack or a picnic.
• You won't have to rely on public transportation, so use common streets you know of to lead you in the right direction.
• Taking more of a leisurely bike ride?
• Ride over to a local market (such as Stanleys), and stock up on fresh and cheap produce. Or, for little gourmet nibbles, head to Pastoral for luxurious cheeses, over-the-seas olives, and authentic fresh bread. Going to the grocery store on foot, by car, or by train get be a big hassle and you end up getting more than you need, with sore arms and a dented credit card.
• Take advantage of a chilly summer afternoon and hit a brew tour or coffee tour.
• Half Acre (you might have to call ahead)
• Goose Island
• Intelligentsia Coffee warehouse (book ahead, $10) on Fulton Market (it gets hot, so go on a cool day!)

Don't have a bike, but you have a tennis racquet?

• Here are all of the tennis court locations in Chicago. This website shows how many courts there are, if there are lights, a fee, or if the courts are covered. My GO-TO list, for sure!
  

Ravinia
If you've lived in Chicago for more than one summer and haven't explored Ravinia, you MUST!
Pack some wine, cheese & crackers, and a blanket with lawn tickets. It's a win-win situation.

• Ravinia Festival Calendar

Architecture Tours
I still have yet to go on one of these bad boys. Nice way to get a tan and explore the city.

• Chicago Architecture Foundation
• Shoreline Sightseeing (frequented these boats several times)
• Seadog Cruises (for high speed seekers!)

Segway Tours
I've wanted to do this forever, perhaps THIS is my summer. Here are the popular companies--look out for Groupons, too!

• City Segway Tours
• Absolutely Chicago Segway
• Steve's Segway Tours

For the "I just wanna get out of my apartment!" crowd:
Ever hear of a matinee? If it's one of those rainy summer weekends, there's no harm in catching a new flick during the day. It's cheap and if it's early enough in the day, you won't fall asleep!

• Switch it up and go to a foreign/indie film or catch 2 in a row with a built-in bar!
• Landmark
• Brew & View

Go bowling. Yes, bowling. These days, you'll actually be able to drink while operating heavy equipment. Don't forget to keep score for boasting rights later :)

• Lucky Strike
• 10Pin (for you swanky types)
• Southport Lanes
• Seven Ten Lounge

For the homebodies:
Make time to plan ahead for these suggestions.

• Try cooking together. This could be your time to shine or your time to learn. If it's nice, take your fixins outside! Treat your palate and hit Old Town's Spice House to round up some truffle oil or granular heat for your buds!
• Try brewing together. This could be a new experience for both of you! Whether or not you drink beer regularly, view this as a challenge. Not many people can say that they've made their own beer. Plus, you'll be creating something together that you'll ultimately be able to share together, too, or with others! (like me)
• Beer Kit supplier locations
• Beverage Art
• Perfect Brewing Supply
• Brew & Grow
• Catch up on a season of TV you've both shared an interest in but never got around to watching.

And don't forget about all those summer festivals! Most require a donation fee, so don't forget some extra dough.

• Neighborhood Festivals
• Metromix

***If your day-date does last into the night, go here to view my favorite recos for a fun and romantic dinner!***

Parks and much recreation

I'm sure I don't just speak for myself when I ask the question, "Is summer here yet?!"

On May 27th, Chicago beaches open for business. This means that the lovely Castaways will be dusting off the year old sand and grime that has been accumulating and will gear up for a hopeful beautiful summer.

In general, Chicagoans await the weekend when they can trek over to Lakeshore and get on the trail to head down to North Avenue beach. "Do you think the beach will be crowded?", "What does the forecast look like later in the day? I hope it doesn't rain". These questions are always in the back of our minds because in all honesty, as soon as you get to the beach, you feel a drop and have to pick up.

However, there are so many more places to get rays during the first few hazy days of summer. This past Sunday, it was almost 80 degrees and there were hardly any clouds or rain (til 9 pm...) I was on a mission to find somewhere other than the beach to rest my pale fair skin to get some lovin from the sun.

If you don't want a sandy crack, here are some places to throw around a ball, do handstands, play with some dogs, or be lazy on some grass.

Lincoln Park/Lakeview

Jonquil Park (Wrightwood and Sheffield)
Oz Park (Orchard and Webster)

North Pond (Diversey and North Cannon)

Lincoln Park (Montrose and Lakeshore)

Northside

Winnemac Park (Damen and Foster)

Welles Park (Lincoln and Foster)




Westside

Wicker Park (Schiller and Damen)

Garfield Park (Washington and Hamlin)
Union Park (Lake and Ashland)

Downtown

Seward Park (Division and Orleans)
Lakeshore East (Wacker and Field)
Millenium Park (Michigan and Randolph)
Grant Park (Columbus and Congress)

Found my 'shaker of salt'

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

(almost)

Many can attest to the fact that I love a good margarita (rita). Hell, I'd probably love a bad margarita, IF there was such a thing.

Tequila by itself isn't the most palpable flavor, and a lone lime is a bit too sour. But, when you mix the two together...let's just say it's a close second to the combination of peanut butter and chocolate.

What is tequila?

Tequila is derived from the blue agave plant. It can be found in in the state of Jalisco and in limited regions in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.

Hi, I make tequila and you love me

A margarita, in my eyes, is better than a pina colada or a daiquiri because it doesn't have to be enjoyed on an island, or near a body of water. It is sweet enough to be considered a treat, but when accompanied by Mexican food, I'm ashamed to say that it could also become a drink staple of choice right next to good ole fashioned H2O. Oh, and if you didn't know, I take my margarita on the rocks with no salt.

That being said, I'd love to share where to get a tasty margarita. Sure, most of the places on this list are a Mexican establishment, but I'll try to bring some variety to who also concocts a great margarita.

*The Blue Agave: Carries a boat load of tequila. Generally, the ritas run more than $8 but are pretty large and use some of the best tequila.You are able to specify which margarita you'd like based on the brand.

*Mayan Palace: One of my favorite neighborhood mexican joints in Lincoln park. They have rita specials every Tuesday and Thursday. Single glasses and pitchers are half off! These are strong.

Cesar's: Known for "Killer Margaritas". I would suggest getting single ritas, rather than pitchers, they just taste better. They serve singles in 3 different sizes. Your best bet is the 'Jumbo' or 'Mega' (better bang for your buck than the 'Large')

Mercadito: I actually have never been here for dinner but I've heard some rave reviews about their different margaritas. I think their most popular is mango?

*Zocalo: These margaritas are pretty unique. This is also a tequila bar, they even have FLIGHTS of tequilas and margaritas! Margaritas run about $8

Big Star: If you're at BS with friends (which you probably are) go for the pitcher. Don't even go for anything else, not even a Michelada. These are strong and delicious (served on the rocks).

Avenue Tavern: They have margarita pitcher specials (only frozen) on Fridays. I actually really enjoyed this frozen rita, even though frozen isn't how I roll.

*Restaurant.com certificates are available at these restaurants. I would highly suggest you get one!

For my full reviews for Mexican, click here

Types of Tequila

If you go to a tequila bar, you will notice that a lot of brands have a classification system. Here is a quick breakdown for you, no matter what the brand.

Silver or Blanco: Clear tequilas, plain and simple. They have been aged little, if at all – no more than 60 days in stainless steel tanks.

Gold: This is simply an unaged silver tequila that has been colored and flavored with caramel. Hm, imagine that.

Reposado: Tequila that has been aged in wooden tanks or casks for a minimum of two months, with higher quality brands being aged 3 to 9 months. These are the best-selling tequilas in Mexico.

Anejo: An old tequila that is aged in wooden barrels, usually old bourbon barrels, for a minimum of 12 months.

If you want to make your own margarita at home, here are two great recipes! You won't need any sour/ sugar mixers for these.

Skinny Girl Rita

• 2 shots of white tequila (Patron brand)
• 2 limes (juice)
• 1/2 cup limeade (Simply Limeade brand)
• 2 tablespoons of Cointreau
• Splenda to taste
• ice cubes

Orangarita*

• 2 shots of white tequila (Patron brand)
• 2 limes (juice)
• 2 tablespoons of Triplesec
• 1/2 cup orange juice (your brand of choice)
• ice cubes

*this recipe probably won't need sugar because of the orange juice

'Italy' State of Mind

With the Chicago rain still in full force, it's not surprising that everyone is off to Italy soon! My parents are taking a cruise in May, and I have several friends that will also be there in a few weeks, exploring it for the very first time. Not only are people visiting, but two of my friends are actually moving from Chicago TO Italy! I can't think of anything more exciting and I'm eager to hear about their every day lives and what adventures they will take.
Last night, my dear friend (and sorority sister) who is moving to Italy and I had a "last supper" at my favorite Mexican restaurant in the city. We discussed how the move from Chicago to Rome (The Eternal City) won't be like any other move ie: from your parent's house to college; from college to a big city; from one apartment to another. You probably can't even compare this to moving from Lincoln Park to Wicker Park, har har. This move will be across the ocean, to a land where English is not the primary language. New customs will be learned in addition to the language, and new friends will be made. Fazoli's pasta and bread sticks will be replaced by authentic rolled pasta with fresh baked bread and straight-from-the-cow grated cheese.

Ars longa, vita brevis is a common saying in Italy. It means "art is long, life is short" and reflects the Italian love of leisure. With no doubt, everyday life will move a lot slower and with more ease in Italy. While the initial feelings of happiness, intimidation, excitement, and homesickness might be overwhelming, these feelings will subside, and the two will be able to treat Italy as it is-their new home. They will form daily rituals that may or may not be similar to those they had in Chicago. They will explore the different cities; towns; and neighboring countries, and will develop habits that one only has in Italy.

Now...for those of us not frequenting Italy in the near future, I've done my best to share with you the best Italian* spots in Chicago. Hopefully, if you just close your eyes, you will at least feel like you're in Italy.


Tocco Wicker Park, Modern feel, additional wine by the glass and $5 wine on Mondays.
Pizza (authentic thin crust) $12-$18 , serves 2-3
Apps $6-$14
Salad $8-$16
Pasta $14-$20
Chicken, Fish, Steak $14-$24
Dessert $4-$8

Sapori Trattoria Lincoln Park, Romantic and boastful. Big (but not huge) portions. Mailing list includes free gift certificates for birthdays and holidays!
Apps $6.95-$9.95
Salad $6.95-$9.95
Pasta/Risotto $18.95-$21.95
Chicken, Fish, Steak $19.95-$30.95
Dessert $5.95-$6.95


Rose Angelis Lincoln Park, Sophisticated and elegant while also family-friendly. Big (but not huge) portions. Large wine and beer list.
Apps $3.50-$8.95
Salad $3.50-$7.95
Pasta $12.95-$17.95
Chicken, Fish, Steak $13.95-$18.95
Dessert $5.95-$6.95

Angelina Ristorante Boystown, Romantic, outdoor seating right by the bus stop. Unlimited mimosas for brunch.
Apps $7-$10
Salad $9-$11
Pasta $15-$20
Chicken, Fish, Steak $16-$21
Dessert $5-$7

Mia Francesca Wrigleyville, Romantic, children's menu included. Open for brunch.
Apps $5-$9
Pizza $9
Salad $5-$9
Pasta $13-$16
Chicken, Fish, Steak $15-$22

*I almost used Italian speak with Antipasti, primi, etc. but all the menus are different.

For my full reviews, click here

"It's not the destination, it's the journey"

A post about moving...

Ah yes, I'm moving to another apartment...in 6 days!

I'm dedicating this post to procrastinate the packing. So, instead, I will write about how to pack and move efficiently, no matter what state you live in.


Let's start with the basics.
So, you've got a new place and you're talking with your new agency, assuming you're still renting...

Here are a few questions to ask the agency:

1. When can I get my keys? This is important because sometimes, you may be able to get the keys a day earlier and scope out your new place sans other occupant's furniture and organize your thoughts about where that new dining room table should go. This is also good to know because you may not be able to pick up your keys until right before you move in, which may force you to move your rental truck/mover's time.
(need a site to plan out different room arrangements? Go here: Bassett Furniture, and sign up for a free account that allows you to make your own room dimensions and add furniture).

2. Do I need to schedule a freight elevator move-in time? Self explanatory.
3. Will my new place be cleaned? Even if it is, it's important to buy those bathroom cleaning supplies and do a scrub down, no matter how clean it may look when you move in.

A checklist for the detail-oriented, or those trying to be proactive.

1. Cable hook up, electric, gas, etc. Each building is different and each lease is different. Your new place may include everything, nothing, or 1 thing. Find out the details and switch your address or look for deals on cable bundles, fight for a promotion!!
2. Change your mail address up to 2 weeks prior to your move-in date. You will get a notice at your current apartment about the change.
3. Set up a time on your calendar when you should check for double billing. Hey, we're not all perfect, and neither is Comcast or RCN. Make sure you aren't double billed for an apartment you aren't living in anymore.
4. Find the nearest coffee shop. You probably won't have internet right away, and if you don't have a smartphone or kindle, you'll find yourself bored and in the dark for the first few days. A bottle of wine and a clean wine glass will also do the trick.
5. Get some cash. Tip your movers or your friends that are helping you move. Pizza don't cut it anymore, even deep dish.

For the packing itself... Shit. Just don't do it. Write a blog post instead. No, just kidding.

1. Start posting items on Craigslist that you don't want 2-3 weeks in advance. Sometimes, it takes awhile to sell something that will give you extra cash or make extra room in your apartment for packing. Once it gets down to the wire, accept any amount of $$, it will make your life (and moving) much easier. If you are weary of CL, make a FB post or ask your friends/coworkers if they're interested in your goods.
2. Get boxes. Well duh, but from where? If you work in an office, ask the office manager if you can take some leftover boxes home. Go to Home Depot. Rummage around in some trash bins...No, don't. You're moving to a new place, not a new alley.
3. Figure out what you want to pack first and last. Everything in between doesn't really matter. My suggestion would be to pack kitchen first, bathroom last.
4. Make room in your apartment for the boxes. Trust me, blocking your bathroom door and bedroom door with heavy ass boxes will just make you mad.
5. Label your boxes by what they contain and which room they should go in. You don't want your movers (or your friends) looking at you all doe-eyed thinking, where do they want this?!
6. Put music on and drink an espresso. It's kind of like studying for that final when you were a senior in college. Just make sure not to break anything.

...Lastly, e-mail your friends your new address. You'll want them to know where you live so they can send over housewarming packages and holiday cards. In return, schedule a date for a housewarming party so you force yourself to keep your new place clean.

My first post...

It took me a long time to contemplate what my first post would share. Considering I write so many Yelp reviews, I felt it necessary to make my first post NOT about a restaurant. However, this left me in a panic. All I know is FOOD! Wait, not true!

My first post for you followers is this: How to prepare for your Chicago summer.

Whether this is your first summer in Chicago or your 20th, I'll give you some ideas on how to plan for a great summer, even if the weather isn't always up to par. You'll find lists for activities, new restaurants to hit, plays to catch, what to shop for, and what to do on a night in when it's hailing or storming.

I hope to refresh and add to this summer list in a few months. So, check back once it hits 70 degrees!

A compilation of websites that will assist you on a sporadic night out or a planned weekend with friends or family.

Yelp
I have to give credit to Yelp.com. There was a restaurant that I loved when I first moved here (no longer in business, yikes) that led me to this site. I wanted to share my experience with others and found this site to be both easy to navigate, and just all around helpful for my city search. Want to venture to a certain neighborhood, but not sure what you'll find there? Yelp it! Looking for cool events that may not be posted in the Red Eye or Metromix? Go to Yelp Events. With over 10 filters for price, hood, attire, and cuisine, you'll find what you're looking for AND more on Yelp.com

Poggled
A site that some of you may know about... It's very similar to Groupon, Living Social, etc. but it is only catered to bar deals. You can search by day or neighborhood. This comes in handy when you want to have a cheap night out or you want to explore someplace new-for cheap! There is also an app on your iPhone if you feel so inclined. I believe this site is also offered in other cities.

Brokehipster.com
Don't let the name fool you. You don't have to be broke or a hipster to enjoy the benefits of this website. It will let you know what is free, what is cheap, and on what day/where it's offered. Frisky for some whiskey? You can see what bars make it cheap.


Beer Menus Chicago
Ever wonder what bars carry what beers? There's nothing better than showing up to a bar and realizing you favorite beer is on tap! On beer menus Chicago (also avail in other cities) You can find a bar and see every single beer they carry. What's better than that? I'll tell you what--they also post the alcohol content AND price of the beer. The internet is a beautiful thing. It also gives you the location, hours of operation, website, and a news feed activity. Events and deals are also posted on this site, so if you're inclined to do a tour, it's all here for ya.

Ok ok, so maybe you're not a drinker? Or, your parents and sister are coming to town? Here are some websites to find great activities (not necessarily only for summer, either).

Meetup
I'd like to give some kudos to this website. Although I have been a member of some running groups, I never actually got to go out and run with those members. I had the intention of doing it, but the timing was never right. I'd suggest that if you look through Meetup, you actually follow through because I have heard many good things. You can find knitting clubs, running clubs, dog owners clubs, you name it! If you're new to the city and need an outlet other than work to meet people, meetup is a great way to get started and make some new companionships.

Chicago Festivals
For all of your music festival needs. Here, you'll find information about JazzFest, BluesFest, Taste of Chicago, etc.

Chicago Traveler
No, this website does not make MY blog void, it just adds to more ideas for Chicago fun! It is extremely informative and detailed. For attractions and events, it tells you the exact address, how many people are in attendance, as well as some promo codes for cheaper events. Basically, if you're lazy or new in town, go to this website to easily scan Chicago attractions in one scroll.

Chicago Plays
One of my favorite pasttimes growing up was going to see plays and musicals with my family in Chicago and New York. I can't seem to afford the caliber of tickets we used to get for those plays, but no matter. At Chicago Plays, you can find any theatre with any showing. You can choose by genre (cabaret, children, family, improv) and even outside the city (Berwyn, Oakbrook, etc.) The site also has a blog so you can see what is most raved about if you're having trouble deciding. Be careful, you might find yourself wasting many hours on this site alone. :)

Museums
In all honestly, About.com rubs me the wrong way, I never feel like I'm getting real information. But, give them the benefit of the doubt on this one. A comprehneisve list of all the museums in Chicago with their website link ready for clicking. Note: if you don't feel like losing your kids, the Peggy Notebaert Museum might be your best choice.

More Music!
You'd be surprised with how may concerts there are not only during the summer, but also during the winter and on work days. I love being an adult because I don't have anyone telling me I can't go see a band on a Tuesday night. Metromix gives you a no frills search at your fingertips for everything happening in Chicago. Peruse the calendar, user ratings of venues, what audience is advised, genre, etc. on this site. In addition, I will eventually be adding my own commentary on music events I've attended so you can get the real scoop.