This just in… “Modern Family’s” Jesse Tyler Ferguson (along with his fiance’ Justin Mikita) has just launched a foundation called Tie The Knot. They are partnering with The Tie Bar (which, ahem, also happens to be the workplace of my son J) and will launch a collection of ties designed by Jesse around Thanksgiving. The proceeds from the ties will be divided among several organizations that advocate for equal rights in the LGBT community, including, of course, Marriage Equality. I think this is the perfect partnership! Before I go on, check out this ADORABLE video: “Like” Tie The Knot and The Tie Bar on Facebook (and follow them on Twitter…
-
-
McDonald’s “Happy Meal Chefs” Contest + #GNO Twitter Party
It was last August at the BlogHer conference in San Diego when I first heard about how McDonald’s was updating the contents of the popular Happy Meal: instead of an order of small fries, they were substituting a smaller, kids’ sized fry along with apple slices. Although my kids are years beyond Happy Meals, I completely appreciated the efforts of McDonald’s to listen to their customers’ requests for healthier options. The “new” Happy Meals are being rolled out nationally now, and to celebrate this new development the company is having a great contest that I totally wish my family could enter. (We’re all too old!) The Happy Meal Chefs Contest…
-
Chicago’s National Hellenic Museum Officially Opens!
I’m not Greek (but what a funny reveal that would be, after having blogged for more than four years, don’t you think?), but I have been an avid fan of Greek Mythology (did you know THAT?) since I picked up D’Aulaires Book of Greek Myths in fifth grade and–unrelated–when my family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee for a few years, I became very good friends with an eighth-grade classmate who was (and is) Greek. After I met him, my family attended his church’s annual Greek Festival. I adored this event. It was full of food, dancing, and music. My friend occasionally did some of the Greek dance performances, and I thought…
-
How I Got My Hands On Some Schweddy Balls: A True Story
Ever since the news came out that Ben & Jerry’s was producing Schweddy Balls (inspired by this, one of the best SNL skits ever), I knew I had to find it locally. But where to find Schweddy Balls in the Chicago area? I was stumped for a while, because our grocery stores (and drug stores, and convenience stores…yes, I’ve been checking!) haven’t started stocking it yet. Finally, duh: I decided to do a web search to see if we have any Ben & Jerry’s locations in my area. I already knew that there is a location downtown at Navy Pier, but was hoping I’d find one in the western suburbs.…
-
Bristol Renaissance Faire: There’s An App For That!
Okay, so…the Bristol Renaissance Faire. You already know from my multiple posts about them (as well as my videos!) that I love the heck out of those folks over there. I recently learned that there is an iPhone/iPad/iPod app (of course!) out there that can enhance your enjoyment of the Bristol Renaissance Faire. (What better way to enjoy the 16th century than to bring the 21st century along, right?) (No, seriously.) RenGuide, developed by Pocket Logic, LLC, is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or controlled by the Bristol Renaissance Faire but it seems to be quite amazing. It’s got an interactive map, schedules, merchant information, coupons, and even a language…
-
Chevy Cruze: Great Things Come In Small Packages
Recently I was generously offered a chance to drive* a 2011 Chevy Cruze LTZ around for an entire week. A week! It was a glorious offer, and timed well too: on the Friday before, my younger son got his driver’s license. By having access to an additional vehicle, our lives would be made very easy for the week, because he would be able to drive our family car to daily lacrosse practice while I could actually drive around and have some fun in the Cruze! (Thanks, Connie Burke! Whee!) The Cruze is a really attractive car. I’d say that it’s cute (because it’s a compact car, and it’s adorable), but…
-
World’s Largest Shamrock Shake? Yes, Please!
To say that I’m a fan of the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake is a gross understatement. See? Here I am with one of the approximately 500 Shamrock Shakes I consumed last year. To me, Shamrock Shake season is even better than Girl Scout Cookie season. Ask my Facebook friends: they can vouch for my obsession. It’s because of my Shamrock Shake madness that I was extremely interested in the fact that McDonald’s was, in celebration of Chicago’s grand St. Patrick’s Day tradition, floating the World’s Largest Shamrock Shake down the Chicago River. Until I found out that I wouldn’t get to drink it. (Kidding. Can you IMAGINE??) From the press release…
-
Hot Off The Presses! Wigilia!
When my boys, now eighteen and nearly sixteen (ouch, it always hurts to type that), were little, we always had talks around this time of year about how people celebrate different holidays from each other, and sometimes the same holidays as each other but in different ways. They loved checking books out of the library at school that they could bring home and read, learning about all kinds of celebrations. They grew up having a very firm grasp of Judaism but with a great attitude about embracing all of their friends and the way they experienced different aspects of life (including religion), too. In my weekend post promoting books written…
-
CheerFULL, ResourceFULL, and ThankFULL at Hallmark’s Christmas in August Event, NYC 2010
One of the highlights of my time in New York City was the Hallmark “Christmas in August” event. I was thrilled to no end a few months back when I received an e-mail asking if I’d like to come, because my mom worked for Hallmark for years (my sister worked in her stores during high school, and I filled in over the holiday season when my older son was a baby). I know firsthand the quality of their products, and the creativity that lives within the company. I can tell you that, from the day I first received that e-mail until after the event was over, the fine men and…