I would very much like to be one of those people – who have original works by amazingly talented artists in their homes and sleep on big piles of money.

Unfortunately, I am not one of those people – but it doesn’t mean that I can’t get enough of art.

Fortunately, that’s where the twice yearly School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Art Sale comes in. The sale is put on BY the students – who get to sell their own work and keep 85% of the profits. (The other 15% is retained by the school in order to pay for the production costs of the Art Sale.)

This event allows the students to effectively learn how to brand themselves, sell and price their products, and interact with buyers.

In a nutshell, it’s a fantastic event that allows Chicagoans to support local art students and discover some amazing talent.

The SAIC Spring Art Sale

• Friday, April 9, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• Location:  MacLean Center Ballroom, 112 South Michigan Avenue

• Cost: Free!

photo credit: arndog

Hear that? It’s the crisp sound of the first Old Style being cracked open on the Cubs home opener at Wrigley Field on Monday, April 12^th. After five long months of baseball-lessness, the Cubbies are back in the Friendly Confines hoping their 162-game road leads to post-season glory in October. White Sox Fans, Southsiders, and Barack Obama – stop reading now as an all-Cubbies crash course with roster breakdowns and dos and don’ts may cause nausea, headaches, eye rolls, and indigestion.

Ask any Chicagoan and they’ll tell you that one of the best parts of summers in the Windy City is baseball. While the Cubs have tortured fans for years, people still turn out in droves to watch the lovable losers. Although there are many devoted students of the game, Cubs fans have developed a reputation as partiers rather than true baseball fans. To avoid becoming a walking Cubs fan stereotype, make sure you have a few nuggets of general knowledge regarding  your 2010 Chicago Cubs:

Starting Pitcher Rotation:

1. Carlos Zambrano: hot tempered and unpredictable, this right-handed hurler is the Cubs ace. Not only known for his prowess on the mound, Zambrano also boasts 20 career homeruns. Pretty impressive for a pitcher.
2. Ryan Dempster: strong in spring training, the Cubs need him to keep the momentum going.
3. Randy Wells: called up from the minors in 2009, Wells had a decent rookie debut with the Cubs, racking up 12 wins.
4. Carlos Silva: dont get too attached; S ilva could potentially be replaced when Ted Lilly returns.
5. Tom Gorzelanny: acquired in 2009 from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Gorzelanny rounds out the starting five.

Starting Lineup:

• Catcher – Geovany Soto: Soto might have been the 2008 NL Rookie of the Year, but his performance in spring training has been anything but award-winning. Hitless in his last 17 at bats, Soto better turn it around or he’ll be hearing boos from the bleachers.
• First Base – Derrek Lee: hottest butt on a first baseman this side of the Mississippi. More opinion than fact, but keep an eye out for this badonkadonk next time he’s up to bat as Lee led the Cubs in homeruns with 35 last season.
• Second Base – Mike Fontenot: good things come in small packages (that’s what she said?). At 5”8, the lefty hitter brings a little diversity to a predominantly right-handed batting order.
• Third Base – Aramis Ramirez: much to the chagrin of Cubs fans, Ramirez durability has been called into question with multiple injuries over the past few seasons. He led the team in batting average in 2009, so look to him to rack up some serious offense for the Cubbies.
• Shortstop – Ryan Theriot: although his nickname is “The Riot”, be sure you know how to actually say his last name. My phonetic spelling is “Tear-E-O,” but feel free to learn it whatever way you see fit.
• Left Field – Alfonso Soriano – Referred to by bitter fans as “overpaid” and “overrated,” this hops-when-he-catches outfielder was quoted as saying that he believes in this year’s team. Hopefully his performance will have fans believing as well.
• Center Field – Marlon Byrd: stepping out in a Cubs uniform for the first time this spring, Byrd was acquired on a three-year contract from the Texas Rangers.
• Right Field – Kosuke Fukudome: His arrival from Japan was met with much fanfare in 2008 and has prompted local vendors everywhere to carry Fukudome-inspired apparel and souvenirs.

Now that you’re armed with a general command of the Cubs starting line-up, there are a few things you should abide by when frequenting the hollowed ground that is Wrigley Field. Use my Dos and Don’ts to successfully navigate the stadium, avoid social suicide, and exponentially increase the satisfaction of your overall Chicago Cubs experience. Check the list to make sure your game-day etiquette is up to par.

DO sing “Go Cubs Go” when the Cubs win. All wins should be celebrated by breaking into an uplifting song.

DON’T order ketchup on your Chicago-style hot dog. This ain’t your momma’s backyard BBQ, so show a little respect.

DO know your stuff (ahem, see above). Be able to name at least three Cubs players (and their positions), who the Cubs are playing that day, and what division the Cubs are in. There are less expensive ways to get drunk than to shell out money for a Cubs ticket; make sure you’re somewhat vested in the game.

DON’T forget to tip the beer vendors. A little green will keep your guy coming back, ensuring that you are never overwhelmed by debilitating thirst.

DO belt out the 7^th Inning Stretch with ruthless abandon. While all baseball parks partake in this time-honored tradition, no one does it quite like the Chicago Cubs.

DON’T wear pink Cubs apparel unless it’s Mother’s Day or for Breast Cancer Awareness. Last I saw, no Major League Baseball team took the field in pink uniforms (besides said exceptions). You think you’re being cute, but you’re really just annoying everyone around you. Especially me.

DO tastefully and respectively heckle the opposing team. A little playful banter should be expected. After all, we don’t want visiting teams to think Wrigley is the home of warm fuzzies and positive affirmations.

DON’T obstruct a player’s ability to make a play on the ball. Ever heard of Steve Bartman? While I’m sure he’d love for someone else to take his place as ‘Most Hated Person in Chicago’, a foul ball isn’t worth becoming a social pariah.

DO take off work in the middle of the week to attend a Cubs day game. Even though it’s a legit vacation day, you’ll still feel a little Ferris Bueller-esque as you drink your Old Style while everyone else slaves away at their 9-5.

DON’T be ‘that person’ with a seat in the middle of the row that constantly gets up to go to the bathroom, get food, grab a beer, etc. Unless you like hearing the exasperated sighs of the people you’re climbing over, try and consolidate trips and wait as long as possible to break the seal.

DO be sure to get one last beer/Mai Tai/margarita before the 7^th inning ends. Alcohol sales stop after the 7^th inning, which leaves you high and dry in the 8^th and 9^th.  And just imagine the horror if the game goes into extra innings.

DON’T leave in extra innings. You know how Cubs fans have a reputation for knowing nothing about baseball and not caring about the outcome of the game? Yeah, don’t add more fuel to the fire. Besides, if the game goes to 14 innings, you get another 7^th inning stretch.

DO play the dollar cup/Moundball game http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moundball. It keeps the group interested in the game and gives you a shot at additional beer money. It’s a win-win.

DON’T ever give up hope. Sure the Cubs last won the World Series in 1908, but that just means they’re due. Stay strong. And remember, every year can be the Cubs’ year.

It may seem like a lot to take in, but just as a sommelier can appreciate the subtleties in a glass of wine that an unrefined palate cannot, you can now savor and enjoy the Chicago Cubs 2010 season with a new level of sophistication. So sit back, grab a hot dog and an over-priced beer, and let the Cubbies take you away.

Follow me on Twitter @lynnakarlstrom

With spring right around the corner (allegedly), the sounds of birds chirping outside our windows is sure to soon greet us. And this spring, they’ll have company. Chicago’s diverse independent music scene has a new voice joining the chorus; only that voice is more CHIRP, less tweet.

Launched in January, CHIRP Radio is Chicago’s only indie online radio station. With the support of the Chicago Independent Radio Project (CHIRP) and the efforts of over 100 local volunteers, the non-commercial station is two and a half years in the making. Founder Shawn Campbell paints a vivid picture of just how much of a group effort that process has been.

“We literally built the station ourselves — we framed out walls, hung drywall, painted, laid carpet, built furniture, installed equipment. People have poured their hearts into this thing — and the community has responded in kind.”

When it came time to flip the switch, that community support wasn’t forgotten. Campbell inaugurated the station with a song she kept secret until the moment it played. Fittingly, she chose Alex Chilton’s acoustic demo of the Big Star song “Thank You Friends.”

As CHIRP continues to push for a change in legislation that would enable them to license and move the station to FM radio, you can’t deny they’ve come a long way with the support of volunteers, donations, and a studio made with some tender loving care. Campbell confesses that even now, “When we get together, over the course of the evening, someone will say, still with some amazement, ‘Hey, we started a RADIO STATION!’”

With music now steaming live from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. seven days a week, you’ll hear a range of artists depending upon the DJ’s varied interests (DJ bios on the site help). Regardless of the artists played from one set to the next, one common thread binds each together.

The music heard on CHIRP Radio is of a nature otherwise overlooked by larger stations. In fact, it’s the music you WON’T hear them playing. No Rihanna, no former American Idol contestants, and no Black Eyed Peas here! CHIRP Radio’s recent playlists have included Charlotte Gainsbourg, Interpol, The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Yellow Swans, even Edith Piaf.

Although Campbell herself is coy in designating any particular artist or song as representative of the station- “our whole goal is to be pretty unpredictable, to consistently surprise people!”- she will, however, describe the station itself as “adventurous, passionate, welcoming.”

With that welcome extended, CHIRP is gearing up and taking donations for their annual Record Fair & Other Delights on April 10 & 11 at Plumbers Hall. They also continue to regularly host CHIRP night at the Whistler the third Monday of every month (up next, Paper Mice and Runnies on March 15). And be sure to keep an eye out for their record sale and table at Pitchfork this July!

But for now, log on, listen in, and become a part of Chicago’s vibrant independent music community at http://chirpradio.org/ (email or IM your requests!) or follow CHIRP Radio on twitter @CHIRPRadio.

The green movement is in full swing these days, but it never ceases to amaze me how many little opportunities to make a difference for the planet get passed over.  So, what can you do to make a difference?

Reduce Your Waste — Reusable bags are where it’s at these days, and using them can have a huge impact on the environment.  Plus, you can look cute while shopping!  You might also consider buying a cute coffee sleeve for your morning cup of coffee.  Just think of all the cardboard you could save by bringing your own coffee sleeve!

Coffee Sleeve available from Joyful Star on Etsy

Reduce Your Energy Usage — It’s no secret these days that using CFLs or LED lightbulbs can reduce your energy usage, but there’s another great trick to save energy and money.  Turn off your lights!  This is something that I struggle with regularly, but I don’t need every light in the house on at night.  If I’m not in the kitchen, then I don’t need those lights on…even if I might like them on because I’m home alone.

Let Someone Reuse Your Stuff — Don’t wear that shirt anymore?  Getting a new TV stand?  Don’t throw those things away!  Unless it’s damaged beyond repair, it doesn’t belong in the trash.  Just because you don’t want it doesn’t mean that someone else won’t.  Donate you unwanted belongings to Goodwill, AmVets, or the Salvation Army.  Many places will come and pick your unwanteds up for you.  Or, make a buck and sell your stuff on ebay or CraigsList.

Recycle From Everywhere — I feel like this should go without saying, but I see people miss recycling opportunities all the time!  One of the biggest missed opportunities is in the bathroom.  Often we just toss our bathroom recyclables into the bathroom trash can, but just keeping a second small can under the sink can help get those recyclables where they belong.  The same goes for the car.  It’s so easy to just toss out water bottles and coffee cups, but take just a few minutes to actually get them into the recycling.

Recycle Everything — Sure, we all know you can recycle cardboard boxes and plastic bottles, but the truth is, there is very little these days that can’t be recycled.  You coffee cup?  Recyclable.  Your empty glue bottles?  Recyclable.  Old ink cartridges?  Recyclable.  Electronics?  Yup, you can recycle those too.  Certainly, things like old computers and motor oil might require a little effort on your part, but many counties offer program to recycle just about everything.

• Kane County Recycling
• Northern Cook County
• Western Cook County
• DuPage County Recycling

Living green doesn’t have to take a lot of effort.  Just be conscious of the waste you are making, and avoid putting recyclable or reusable things in the trash!

Name: Alyssa
Age: 22
Current suburb: Naperville
Hometown: Naperville
Occupation: Reading teacher

Why the suburbs?
I like living near a big city, not in one. I studied in Rome in college. Although I loved the hustle and bustle for a little while, I missed living in my size town (about 145,000). Naperville has plenty to offer and if I want to head in to the city, it is a little over an hour train ride or 45 mins if you catch an express train.

What are your three favorite suburban restaurants?
Downtown Naperville has been opening up lots of new restaurants that I enjoy going to with friends or family.
- Traverso’s Restaurant (great Italian food!)
- Quigley’s Irish Pub
- Pizza Fusion- organic pizza that is delicious (gluten-free too if you need it)

What are some of your favorite unique suburban locales?
- Brookfield Zoo, especially at Christmas time!
- Toyota Park for Chicago Fire Games (Bridgeview)
- Naper Settlement (Naperville)
- Blackberry Farms (Aurora)
- Naperville Riverwalk

Why not the city?
Too much at once! Yes it can be fun to live in a big city and be a part of what’s happening, but not every second! My parents grew up in Chicago (one North side, the other South Side- you know what that means during baseball season), but even they talk about how much their neighborhoods have changed and how overwhelming it can be. Naperville has lots going on and in the past 5-10 years is really booming. There is plenty to do and downtown Naperville is a great place for little kids, 20 somethings, and families. I love Chicago and attending concerts, the Air and Water Show, and other events or places, but city living isn’t for me! Just like when I was in college, I prefer to be a name, not a face and I like to see people I know.

The question I hear the most as a 20-something suburbanite is, “Why?” Why the suburbs? Why not the city?
I have friends in the suburbs, so it’s obvious I’m not the only 20-something who prefers it out here. So I’m launching a regular feature, Profiles of Real Suburbanites.  Today’s column will feature two of your NextGen writers, myself and Erin.

Name: Renee
Age: 23
Current Suburb: St. Charles
Hometown: South Bend, Indiana
Occupation: coffee shop manager

Why the suburbs?
Believe it or not, the ‘burbs offer a little bit of everything all within an hour’s drive. And it’s not all cheesy chain restaurants (though Medieval Times is a hoot). In Chicagoland, you get the space of the suburbs with all the perks of a big city. I feel it’s the perfect balance of fun, culture, shopping, and comfort.

What are your three favorite suburban restaurants?
Taphouse, St. Charles
The Department, Joliet
Apple Villa, Batavia or Hoffman Estates

What are some of your favorite unique suburban locales?
The Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet
Two Brothers Brewery, Warrenville
Teas and Toes, Glen Ellyn
Geneva Green Market, Geneva
Mokena French Market, Mokena
Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
Jelly Belly Factory, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Why not the city?
I did the big city thing for awhile; I lived in Rome during college. There was always noise and bustle, which is great for some, but I found it suffocating. I knew I didn’t want to always lead that lifestyle, living in an apartment the size of my childhood closet, riding smelly buses with strangers, being kept up all night by drunk sports fans. To me, that’s not a soothing quality of life.  Would I ever move to a big city? Sure, but I’d have to find a quiet, green, open spot to call my own. And I’d have to be able to afford to live comfortably. For now, though, I’m more than content in my little house in a quaint neighborhood in little St. Charles.

——

Name: Erin
Age: 29
Current Suburb: South Elgin
Hometown:  Aurora (Quick, someone make a Wayne’s World joke!)
Occupation:  Special Education Teacher

Why the suburbs?
My question is, why not the suburbs?  The suburbs have pretty much everything the city has to offer, just a little more spread out.  Personally, I love the quiet, the space, the quick drive to SuperTarget.  I love having a house with a yard for my dogs.  Plus, I’m just a quick train ride from the city, and I don’t have to pay city taxes!

What are your three favorite suburban restaurants?
Sushi Cafe, South Elgin
The Claddagh, Geneva
Burnt Toast, Elgin

What are some of your favorite unique suburban locales?
Arcedium Coffeehouse, St. Charles
Four Beans Coffeehouse, Batavia
Kane County Flea Market, St. Charles
Cantigny Park, Winfield
DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville

Why not the city?
I love the city, I really do, but not enough to live there.  I’m not a fan of small apartments with giant rent.  I’m not a fan of public transportation.  I could deal with those things for a while, but not permanently.  I love having a house with space.  I love living in a neighborhood where there is a park within walking distance.  I love being close to my family.  For me, the city is a fantastic place to visit, but I don’t need to live there to take advantage of what I love about the city.  Plus, in the suburbs, I can have my cake, and afford it too!

Are you a suburbanite perfectly content with being a suburbanite? Do you love your suburban shenanigans? Get in contact with Renee if you would like to be featured!

I am the queen of commuting and let me tell you, there’s nothing I hate more.  Commuting is NEVER fun in Chicagoland. I have had three jobs since moving to the area and all have been 20-45 miles from home.

Commute #1: Hoffman Estates to Grayslake (aka Now I know all the shortcuts to Six Flags)
This commute wasn’t evil, except the fact that I had to do it seven days a week for three and a half months.  What I remember most about it was The Mix completely overplaying that stupid “Shake It” song while I sipped on my daily McDonald’s iced coffee.
Commute #2: Hoffman Estates to Joliet (aka I-355 is my bff)
This commute was the evilest commute in the history of commutes. It was characterized by a brief stint on 290, followed by the entirety of 355, followed by an unfriendly part of Joliet featuring the Joliet Prison. I have lots of respect for Joliet, but driving 45 miles each morning with my cup of Trader Joe’s coffee and Sugarland CDs on repeat in the middle of February is not exactly my idea of a good time.
Commute #3: Hoffman Estates to St. Charles (aka So early I could watch meteor showers)
This is the same commute my husband has been doing since August 2008. It’s really not too bad, except I had to do it at 5:00am in order to open the coffeeshop I manage. Brewing coffee at home that early when you’re just going to be brewing coffee all day seemed ridiculous, so I enjoyed commercial-free radio with a cup of Carnation Instant Breakfast. (The milk chocolate is the only flavor worth buying.)

Now that we’ve moved to St. Charles, my commute is practically non-existent, but I’d like to share some tips for rest of you commuters, borne from my year of living in my car.

1. Get to know a mechanic. Become friendly with them. Bring them doughnuts. The wear and tear on your car after 90 miles a day is worth it. (I recommend Suburban Tire – I’ve found their customer service to be incredible!)
2. Take advantage of oil change deals you find. It seems there are always coupons at the grocery store or flyers in my mailbox. You’d be surprised how much more your car loves you after an oil change!
3. Put coffee in your coffee maker the night before. When you get up, all you’ll have to do is press the button, saving you about two minutes to check Twitter instead.
4. Make coffee at home at least four times a week. I used to treat myself to Starbucks on Wednesdays, a reward for making it through Monday and Tuesday. If I had had that raspberry latte every day, I would have spent over $900 in the first year. Cutting it down to once a week saves you over $700.
5. Download podcasts! My husband loves to listen to Click and Clack on long drives, but that’s because he’s a huge nerd. Chicago Public Radio distributes This American Life for free but if comedy is more your bag, The Onion has a free podcast as well!
6. Harass your friends into letting you borrow CDs. On my commutes, I discovered Mika, Sugarland, Adele, and the most recent Jason Mraz album.  What better way to fall in love with new music than having a free hour to listen to the whole thing?
7. Keep a plastic grocery bag in your car. Somehow, the trash piled up over the course of my commute. It was easiest to keep a trashbag in the backseat and drive by the dumpster before I got on the road.
8. Lay your clothes out the night before. I know, this is really Mom-ish advice, but you’ll never discover, “Holy crap, everything I own is wrinkled and I don’t have time to iron!”
9. Eat breakfast in the car. But please don’t eat cereal, yogurt, or anything messy that requires two hands. I need you to be a good driver. Stick to granola bars, fruit, or toaster-created yuminess. I also mentioned Carnation Instant Breakfast earlier in the article. Love that stuff.
10. Utilize the voice memo feature on your iPhone or iPod.  You can make grocery lists, to do lists, or Christmas lists all from the comfort of the driver’s seat without letting go of the wheel. Transcribe them later to avoid awkward moments listening to yourself in Target.

Hopefully, your commute doesn’t leave you at a standstill on 90 or Lake Shore Drive. But if it does, I hope these tips keep at least one person’s blood pressure down.

The holidays can be a stressful time for couples when it comes to gift giving.  The pressure to find that perfect, inspiring gift your significant other can become overwhelming.  Take a few steps back and breathe! This is the season for sharing memories with loved ones.  Isn’t that worth a lot more than a $100 trinket? Here are some suggestions for gifts you can enjoy together without all the anxiety!

A Steak Dinner
There’s nothing better than a delicious meal in a romantic setting to wish yourselves a happy holiday. Downtown Chicago is stocked with excellent steakhouses that have intimate atmospheres perfect for holiday dining together.  Go all out on an indulgent meal and split the tab.  You’ll probably spend about $100 -$120 each. Try Ruth’s Chris or The Capital Grille.

Take in a Show
Musical theater, anyone?  Grab a pair of tickets and throw on your fancy clothes for a night out at the theater.  See Jersey Boys before it’s gone in January! Balcony tickets are still available for around $60 a piece.

Out on the Town
Plan a date with Chicago! Be a tourist and visit the most famous holiday spots in Chicago together. Grab a bag of Garrett’s Chicago Mix popcorn and look at the holiday windows at Macy’s. Take a horse and buggy ride around downtown and head to the Christkindlmarket for a German pretzel and buy each other a handmade ornament. Take a picture under the Christmas tree in Daley Plaza and stop by Pippen’s Tavern to have a nightcap.  Your total spend could range from about $50-$75 each.

There are plenty of outings to choose from in our wonderful city.  The main goal is to be together and enjoy a special memory for years to come.  If you try any of these alternatives or have a great suggestion of your own, leave us a comment!

I have a very large family.  My parents are divorced, and they both remarried.  So, in addition to my two siblings, I also have six step-siblings.  They all have spouses.  And now there’s children too.  Plus, I’m married, so I’ve got the whole in-law thing.  Seriously, the holidays could break my bank if I let them.  Luckily, I’ve learned a thing or two about saving money and still giving great gifts!  Here are a few of my tips to help you save this holiday season…

Draw names. If you have multiple siblings, and they all have significant others, shopping for everyone can get a little out of hand.  After a couple of years of trying desperately to buy for everyone in our ever-growing family, we all gave up.  Who wants fifteen crappy gifts?  Just set a spending limit and draw names.  You won’t spend nearly as much, you’ll give a nice gift, and you’ll get something you might actually want in return.

Reuse gift wrap. Wrapping gifts is expensive!  I save every gift bag, box, and piece of tissue paper that’s salvageable after the holidays, and I use them again and again.  I can’t tell you how many times the same gift bags have sat under our Christmas trees.  Be sure to save the tissue paper that came in those packages you ordered.  They are usually stuffed full of tissue paper, or thick brown paper that’s great for wrapping.  I highly recommend making your own wrapping paper out of brown packing paper or brown paper grocery bags.  Just stamp a little holiday color on, and you’ve got really adorable (and cheap) wrapping paper.

Go homemade. I don’t know about you, but I could spend my entire paycheck on Etsy!  Still, there are some really great, and really affordable, hand made gifts.  Personally, I’m always amazed at the bargains you can find on Etsy for such lovely items.  Be sure to hit up your local craft fairs as well.  You can find beautiful things for reasonable prices, and you can often haggle if needed.  If you are crafty yourself, then get your craft on!  Make ornaments for everyone in your family, or knit some scarves.  The possibilities are endless!

Bake something. Want to give something, but you just don’t have the money?  Bake some cookies, make some jam, whip up some candy.  Food is always appreciated at the holidays, and baking won’t break your bank!  Plus, holiday treats make wonderful hostess gifts for your holiday parties.

Do a swap. I adore my friends, and I want to by them gifts at Christmas, but I can’t get something for everyone.  You always run into that problem of where to stop the list.  Who do you not buy for?  Again, draw names, but this time pick a budget and a specific gift.  Scarf swaps are great for this time of year.  Ornaments make great swap gifts too.  With a small swap, you all aren’t worried about who to buy for and how much to spend.  Plus, it makes for a fun mini-holiday party at lunch one day!

Send a card. There are a lot of people in my life that I would love to be able to buy gifts for, but I just can’t.  Still, I have always found that sending a thoughtful holiday card goes a long way.  I know that I always feel great when someone takes the time to write me a heartfelt note and the holidays, so why not do the same for others?  Just taking the time to tell your coworker/hairdresser/teacher/etc. that you appreciate them is really what the holidays are all about.  Just make sure you write a personal note.  Sending a pre-signed card with a photo of your puppy is not enough!

Skip each other. I know this might seem strange, but my husband and I rarely buy each other Christmas gifts.  Our birthdays are both in the fall, and we already get so many gifts at Christmas that it seems silly to spend more money on ourselves.  If you are really strapped for cash, consider skipping each other this year.  Truthfully, time with the one you love is more valuable than any gift you can give!

Happy holiday shopping!

Original photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98214568@N00/75793086

1. Midwestern friendliness prevails among Chicagoans.
2. We have alleys!  And this means we don’t put all of our trash on the street, we have more windows and can squeeze a few extra parking spots in too.
3. We have tons of “transplants” which make Chicago a melting pot of cultures and ideas.
4. Our Italian food rocks! I’m talking about the pizza, pasta and hot dogs. For those who are meat lovers- rumor has it our Italian beef and sausage are second to none.  Perhaps this is why we are considered a “fat city”?
5. Oprah and Obama hail from Chicago.  Let’s hope that our city doesn’t change when Oprah’s show stops airing in 2011…
6. Chicago has cheaper rent and drinks than New York City.  At least living here is cheaper than somewhere, right?!
7. Chicago feels like a coastal beach city in the summer thanks to Lake Michigan.
8. Having a car in Chicago is an option but not a necessity.  Gotta love the freedom of choice.
9. North Avenue Beach, Castaways, and running on the lake- please come back soon summer!
10. St. Patty’s day:  complete with a green river, along with plenty of green beer and debacles for all.
11. Wrigley Field.  The true classic American ball park smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood.  For once we didn’t over commercialize something.  Congrats Chicago- please continue preserving the history!
12. Endless summer street fests.
13. I always feel safe.
14. The grid system.  If you don’t know how to use this and you live here, you are a fool.  8 miles is a block and if you know the block numbers of a few major streets, you can never get lost.  (A miracle for a location-challenged individual like myself!)
15. The “Big Ten” bond that many Chicagoans share which is demonstrated by several bars devoted to each school in the Big Ten.
16. The fact that it doesn’t take more than 20 minutes to get most places.
17. Although we are a big city, we still have enough space to grow and develop new neighborhoods.

Photo credit: Kevin Dooley