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Wonderful Wednesdays: Free Admission to the Art Insitute of Chicago

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Calling all Illinoisans to the Art Institute of Chicago. Did you know the first and second Wednesday of each month is free to all Illinois residents? Just bring your driver’s license or proof of residency to the ticket office (you may be asked to make a donation) and enjoy a stunning collection of world class art.

Explore the well known impressionism paintings from Monet to Van Gogh. Step into the new Modern Wing and find contemporary artwork bathed in light and openness. Both, the original and the new wings, have delightful gift shops.  Here, you can purchase a souvenir of one of the great master’s works or a lesser known craftsman’s object you may want to savor. After you depart the museum, take a stroll to the museum’s outdoor sculpture gardens and find yourself insulated from the city’s hustle and bustle. Migrating warblers, owls and woodpeckers have been seen here in the trees (by yours truly) making it hard to believe you are in the middle of a major metropolis. Take a Wednesday morning, afternoon or day and feed your senses with art, for free!

Is Film Dead? Not at Central Camera Chicago

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There are plenty of skeptics in the world of photography who would say film is dead. To some, it may be a thing of the past. Many would swear by the ease of use with their digital SLR cameras. Then there is the iPhone user, who takes pictures of their friend while walking backwards…hoping to catch every step they take down a crowded sidewalk. For those of you who still search for film sources (I include myself in this group) and prefer to shoot analog, stop into Central Camera, 230 S. Wabash in Chicago, IL. For a moment, you may think you have stepped back into the early 70’s. Old camera bodies, cases and accessories fill the front window displays. Beyond the doors, you are greeted by more camera bodies (all film) and a sea of lenses. No digital cameras in sight. The well seasoned staff behind the counters are knowledgeable and helpful – some have even been there since the 70’s. If you are traveling to Chicago and need film, stop by and stock up while you are in town. If you can’t make to Central Camera, they have a website worth checking out. They close at 5:30 pm Monday through Friday and at 5:00 pm on Saturdays.

Upgrade the Suitcase

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Spring is here. Time to dust off the passport and start traveling. Renew your wanderlust for traveling by treating yourself to a new suitcase. While standing in the long TSA lines, strike a pose and make a statement with your luggage. My new set of luggage is an ensemble of nesting London Fog suitcases, designed for three different types of travel. The practical overnight bag…”just checking into a hotel for one night “, the weekender…”I just have to get away for a few days bag”, and the full tilt – seven to ten day vacation suitcase. These classic, durable bags – are both practical and chic. Since 1923, London Fog has been creating well-built products backed by an excellent warranty. Extra compartments and features help with the ease of both packing and unpacking. You will certainly treasure having reliable luggage on your adventures. There is nothing worse than having the zipper on your case break the morning you are set to leave for your destination (been there) or have a wheel crumble in the concourse of the airport (done that). You may be able to purchase a suitcase for less at one of the box stores, but if you are planning to do some serious traveling, invest in luggage that will be your best traveling partner for years to come.

Need to update your passport? Follow this link to Cheapflights.com for great tips on getting your papers in order. The sooner you are up-to-date, the sooner you’ll be sipping a cappuccino in Roma enjoying la dolce vita!

Invasion of the Alliums

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Today was a perfect day to take a quick inventory of the garden and assess the survival rate of my bulb population. Winter was rough on everything this year, not to mention all of the little critters claiming my bulbs as food prizes. My favorite part of spring is waiting for the Alliums to emerge and bloom. Friends and neighbors are always fascinated by their long leafless stalks and purple round, ball-like flowers. In years past, they have been so tempting, some have even helped themselves and cut a few for their own enjoyment. This year, I figured it was best to get outside early to view them before they are gone. These are my purple pleasures of spring! Ranging from small 2-3 inch heads, the Allium giganteum will certainly stop you in your tracks at 8-10 inches. They are hardy for zones 4-8 and will add an unique element of texture to your garden. Great sources for Alliums can be found through The Michigan Bulb Company, Netherland Bulb Company or your local home and garden center.

Plant in the fall. Give them ample light and wait for the show of color in springtime.

O’Tay Cupcake!

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Image: Courtesy of Cupcake WineryCupcakes seem to be all the rage these days. With countless cookbooks on how to make cute little animals out of frosting and licorice, to reality TV banking on a thriving cupcake business, I think everyone has gone just a little cupcake crazy. Honestly, I’m just not that into them. Accept for this one…Cupcake Red Velvet Wine! Hold on to your corks! Cupcake Winery in Monterey County, CA describes this divine sip of heaven in a bottle…”Red Velvet – a smooth creamy blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s reminiscent of a blackberry chocolate cupcake with a mocha coulis. Shows an incredible nose of chocolate, deep rich blackberries, red fruits and a creamy mocha finish that is unmistakable in its intensity and length.” There you have it! Who needs the frosting? Pair a glass with appetizers or end a romantic evening dinner with cheese and fruit and a little Red Velvet.

To Have and to Hold

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Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you travel and treasure seekers out there. Today is a great day to pay homage to the one you love or to pamper yourself with a little overdue kindness. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway trip or spending a quiet holiday close to home, there are unique ways to say “I Love You”. One of my favorite gifts, to give or to receive, is a soapstone heart, available in multiple sizes and colors, made in Kenya from World Market (available in stores only). Useful as a paperweight or a decorative accent, they are just as great to look at as they are to hold and warm in the palm of your hand. Pop one in a Chinese takeout box, add some red or pink excelsior, a love note and you have a thoughtful and affordable gift.

An additional gift idea is original artwork by Marina Terauds.  Russian-born Terauds works in her Michigan studio, mastering the world of printmaking. Marina’s etchings, mezzotints, aquatints and drypoints depict nature. Her birds, moths, reptiles, trees, feathers and nests, are delicately romantic and a treasure to own. Her Bird Heart and Heart Tree prints capture a unique blend of nature and love intertwined as one.

Just remember, a single rose can be as romantic as a dozen roses. Most of us girls are flattered by the thought and not the content. No matter how you spend your day today, live in the moment, love those around you and seek wonderful treasures both big and small.

Reading the Leaves

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For all of us stranded by life in the snowbelt, there is no better way to start a frigid February morning than with a good book in hand and the swirl of the tea infuser. The birds outside scavenge for any last remnants of seed last fall has left behind, while snowflakes pass my window in slow motion. I inhale the aromas of my new love…Earl Grey Moonlight Tea (don’t let the name fool you, it tastes just as good in the morning light). On a recent shopping trip to Naperville, I discovered a new tea shop in town, Adagio Teas. Whether you prefer black, green, white or oolong tea, Adagio’s has an endless selection of loose or bagged teas that will inspire relaxation and provide some inner warmth for the soul.