• Favorite Things,  My Kid Has Mad Skillz,  Review

    Tie The Knot and The Tie Bar Sittin’ In A Tree…

    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…

  • Contest,  Review

    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…

  • Review

    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…

  • Food,  Fun in Chicago,  Too Funny To Ignore

    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.…

  • Review

    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…