• Childhood Memories,  Confessions,  Pretty Pictures

    Buildings Don’t Move.

    Pictures of Chicago buildings. I’ve got ’em. Every single time I go downtown for something—an event, a meet-up, business, a simple errand, whatever—I take photos. Sometimes I bring my camera but usually I’m snapping with my phone. I love the architecture. I love the building materials. I love the juxtaposition of certain buildings against others. I love the bright blue sky against the neutral stone and brick. I love when I can get seasonal pictures. I love when I can get the sun hitting the buildings in a certain way. I love it all. I have my favorite subjects, including (but not limited to) Marina City, the Wrigley Building, and…

  • Family Fun,  Favorite Things,  Fun in Chicago,  Pretty Pictures

    Get Yourself On A (Shoreline Sightseeing) Boat!

    Even though the weather in Chicago has us all shaking our heads at the moment (in the 40s on June 1? NO THANK YOU), summer really is on its way. Know how I know? Because a week ago, I was on a boat on the Chicago River, enjoying the sights and gorgeous Chicago architecture, courtesy of Shoreline Sightseeing. Getting myself onto an Architecture Boat Tour is one of my very favorite things to do it the world (I enjoy river tours about three times each summer!), and this time was no different. (Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets from Shoreline Sightseeing and no other compensation for this post, which was not…

  • Chicken in the Car,  Fun in Chicago

    What To Do In Chicago During #BlogHer13, Or Anytime!

    So you’re coming to the Windy City this summer, huh? Whether you’ll be here for the massive BlogHer conference at the end of July and you’re looking for some sightseeing opportunities or you’re coming for a family getaway, if you’re wondering what to do in Chicago I am just the girl who can help you out. My book, Chicken in the Car and the Car Won’t Go: Nearly 200 Ways to Enjoy Chicagoland with Tweens and Teens happens to be overflowing with–you guessed it–nearly 200 things to do in the Chicago area. In addition to all of the fun features, the book contains information on public transportation, where to find…

  • Family Fun,  Review

    Five Reasons To Visit Chicago’s John Hancock Observatory, Now!

    I love the John Hancock building. I love its location at the north end of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile (that’s the famous shopping area on Michigan Avenue). I love its structural expressionist style and the architects’ use of X-bracing on the exterior so that the building could be taller with wide open floor plans. I love the restaurants and shopping at the base. The Signature Room on the 95th floor is where my family has celebrated some of our most special occasions. And of course, I love the Observatory. Located on the 94th floor, the John Hancock Observatory (JHO) provides Chicago’s best lake view and on a clear day you can…

  • Blessings,  Childhood Memories,  Fun in Chicago,  Pretty Pictures

    Chicago’s Water Tower: Small But Mighty

    This Saturday marks the 140th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The fire, rumored–but never confirmed–to have been started by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow, not only razed just about the entire city but also set the stage for its rebirth into the world-class metropolis it is today. (If there ever was a silver lining to a disaster, that would be it.) The fire even jumped the Chicago River (more than once) on its way to burning an area four miles long by a half mile wide. It was one of the biggest disasters to occur in the United States in the 19th century. The Water Tower, at the north…