Tag Archives: chicago

the joy that is the blue plastic kiddie pool

Posted on July 21, 2011 | 1 Comment

Heat wave, day five. Can’t take it. Wasn’t I just lamenting about the cold? Scratch that, give me some snow!

IT IS HOT. We’ve had temperatures over ninety-five since Sunday. Saturday hovered at 88 or so. This is no fun. I won’t even mention how I broke down and got an air conditioner. We’ll have to save that for a time when I have the energy to tackle the juxtaposition of environmental and sociological liberal guilt pangs and almost being late for work on the first morning of its use due to a blissful sleep. Let’s instead talk about cooling off the old-school way– with cold water and a blue plastic pool.

Pool, K-Mart. $12. Janky hose, from the basement. Free. Doesn’t reach the backyard so we make do on a little patch on concrete. I get in first. The dog tentatively follows, his eye peeled for soap of any kind, bar or bottle. This is not bath time, I try to tell him. It’s fun! After I stomp my feet in the water he stops drinking it long enough to stick a paw in. I make a rash decision and scoop his sixty-five pound self up and ungracefully deposit him into the water. Aha, he likes it. And we’re in. But he keeps drinking.

I splash him a little and he bolts but comes back in seconds. Not so bad. He sticks his entire head into the water, resembles a duck looking for dinner. Snout comes back soaked. He heads out and rubs his face into the grass; I guess that wasn’t fun. But no, he is back for more, and sticks his face in again. It’s like watching a toddler learn to hold their breath for the first time. I scoop up the water and splash his belly. He stays put. I try doing the same on his back. He stays put.

Water fears conquered, kind of. The next night he ambles right in, drinks a little and pees. I guess he got really comfortable.

It’s day three. We just stepped out. I think I’m going to have to refill it. 7pm and ninety-nine degrees. City backyard pool party time!

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week without a car: days two and three

Posted on June 25, 2011 | 4 Comments

Good morning Chicago! #rivernorth

This is becoming an old hat for me, ladies and gentlemen. I’m leaving the house later and later now that I see how quickly the bus shoots down Chicago Ave and deposits me into River North each morning for work. There have been a few snags here and there but I give days one through three without a car an A-.

Snag #1: I should have gotten a weekly pass. They’re a steal at $23, and with a single bus ride going for $2.25, seven days of just two rides is about $32. I’ve been using quarters all this time and purchasing the pass with only four or five days to go is a waste of money. I wish I had gotten the pass on day one. Monthly passes are $86, or around $2.75 every day, and if I continue to ride the bus and the el when this is done and I have access to a car again, I will definitely be picking one up.

Snag #2: Planning my errands isn’t as easy as it was before. On Wednesday I needed to stop and get a twelve-pack after work; some lady friends were stopping by the apartment and I was all out. I hopped off at my regular stop thinking I’d just walk four or five blocks out of my way, to the corner store I normally patronize, and pick one up. I had second thoughts after deboarding, and as I stood on the corner I instead pulled out my phone and Google mapped Current Location to Liquor Store. A small packaged goods store just minutes away from where I was standing popped up. It was only a two block detour on the way home. I headed in that direction. Packaged good stores are odd, and I’ve only seen them in Chicago. Not just a liquor store, and not just a bar, they’re a hybrid of both that usually only take cash. I walked into Ola’s, I think it was called, and saw that it was more of a bar than anything, with two smallish coolers for beer and a selection of bottles behind the counter where a woman sat alone polishing glassware. One look at the prices and I turned right back around. $22 for a case of Pilsner Urquell, which goes for around $13 or $14 at most places.

My fault for not just going for what I knew. Back to my regular store I walked, adding four more blocks to the initial five block trip. That was my exercise for the day. First world problems, huh?

Since I’ve only used public transportation on my way to and from work, and have only needed to hop on one city bus to get there, I’m eager to see how I fare over the weekend and looking forward to spending more time in my own neighborhood and utilizing all that it has to offer. Chicago is a huge city but it so often feels like a small town when you break it down by neighborhood. Mine has everything I need within walking distance: grocery stores, restaurants, boutiques, bars, cafes, libraries, parks, farmer’s markets, theatres. There’s even a festival just a five minute stroll up the street going on this weekend, and of course I have my digital photography workshop with Learnapalooza later on this morning.

I don’t really need to leave my ‘hood at all. Everything I need is right here. Don’t ya love city living?

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Week Without A Car: Day One

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week without a car: day one

Posted on June 23, 2011 | 14 Comments

Photo By Eric Allix Rogers used under Creative Commons

For reasons that partly involve a temperamental Volvo that doesn’t feel like moving from its parking space, I am bussing and walking and el-ing everywhere I go for the next week or so.

Hello!

I rode the bus today! I also told everyone I knew that I would be doing so, and I figured it was only fair to let you in on my fun, too.

Minus today, the last time I sat my behind on an autobus was during Snowmageddon and I hadn’t done so on a regular basis since riding the safaris of St. Thomas. Here are my initial mundane observations on the CTA.

Air Climate
As you know, I am not a big fan of A/C, and when the temperature reaches 75 in Chicago, you are blasted with arctic air at every turn. From my office to Trader Joe’s to the movie theatre, everywhere is freezing cold. Not so on my bus ride. It was around 80 when I boarded for my first ride and the bus felt very comfortable. Yay!

Falling Down
I almost fell. Twice. Since the buses are loaded with folks I end up standing for most of my rides and I think I will have very strong arm muscles when this is all over.

No Ads
One thing I despise even more than air conditioning is audible advertisements at every freaking turn. At O’Hare over the weekend, while waiting for Papo in the terminal as he arrived home from India, The Mister and I were accosted by CNN or some derivative at 5am. The volume was on high and I wanted to cry. Milwaukee’s buses featured very loud and obnoxious ads for a time and I was happy to see that Chicago didn’t follow suit. It has been a pleasant audible experience minus the guy telling everyone within earshot that the baby wasn’t his. Kudos?

Smelling Good
There are a lot of weird smells on the bus. I am never as close to other human beings as I have been on my bus rides. I am glad I do not smell bad. I mean, I don’t think I smell bad. You would tell me if I did, right? Also, gum. I am glad I have remembered to bring gum.

Someone Asked Me A Question
This was a very exciting highlight. A very stylish and hip lady sitting across from me asked if we had passed Damen Avenue yet. “Duh, lady, we are only to Ashland,” is what the smug, newly minted bus rider in me wanted to say but I just smiled and shook my head. Then I told her exactly what landmarks to look for upon approaching Damen. I’m a pro.

So far so good. I might even do this all the time! Let’s see how days two and three and four go. Do you use public transportation to get to work? Or to get everywhere? What are your pros and cons? Got any tips?

[I wrote this yesterday but it didn't post and I didn't notice! So I am really on Day 2 but I will have to fill you in on that later. Let's just say it involves a $22 twelve pack of Pilsner Urquell and sore feet.]

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learnapalooza!

Posted on June 20, 2011 | 1 Comment

I was exasperated. Can you tell? I just wanted one damn photo of this dress I purchased from eBay sellers Ukrainian Vintage at a rummage sale a few weeks ago. Nothing was working, so I shot myself in the mirror all angry. Dumb camera. Great dress, though, huh? $4.

Anyways, exasperation no more. I just signed up for a 45 minute digital photography class taking place this Saturday through Learnapalooza. What is Learnapalooza?, you must be wondering.

Learnapalooza is a volunteer-led event and run in partnership with CommuniTeach, a website that makes it easy to learn from your neighbors for free throughout the year. Workshops will be hosted by more than a dozen businesses and organizations, and headquartered at the Wicker Park Art Center. The majority of the workshops are aimed at adults, but there will be a few options for children and families as well. It’s a fun, free way to share your passions, learn new skills, and connect with your neighbors.

Very cool. The last class I took that involved my camera also involved me not going back. It was north of North Avenue and east of Ashland, boundaries I swear to never cross unless Montrose Beach is involved. I am a snobby, anti-northside Chicagoan. Since this workshop is both taking place in my neighborhood, and short and sweet, and free, I’m all in.

Here’s a few more of the nifty classes being taught this Saturday and Sunday in the great City of Chicago.

How Buildings Learn- Walking Tour
This will be a walking Tour. We will look at buildings and “learn” to “read” how they have changed over time. The Face of a Building has the scars and facelifts that tell tales -just like our own faces. Collect at the front of the Library at Milwaukee and Wabansia and we will walk East.
June 25, 2011 | 11:15 am – 12:00 pm | Wicker Park Library, 1701 N Milwaukee Ave

Learn to Draw: Still Lifes
Informal still-life drawing classes. The class will sit on the floor around a small installation and practice drawing. We’ll provide paper and drawing supplies but participants are welcome to bring their own supplies as well. The teacher will walk around and help as much or as little as you want. Shildren (12 and older) and adults are welcome. No prior drawing experience is necessary. Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
June 25, 2011 | 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm |Park Schreck Gallery, 1747 W. North Ave.

Argument Clinic
A fun, interactive session on how to successfully “argue”; geared towards people who are interested in advocating for a particular cause. The presentation will include ways in which arguments may be countered, some ideas about unique strategies for social media, and a very basic grounding in public speaking.
June 25, 2011 | 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm | Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue

The Feminine Comique
The Feminine Comique offers a structured, all-female enviroment wherein seasoned performers and newcomers alike can focus on the writing skills and performance confidence needed to tackle the standup stage. Outlining a set of writing exercises for use in building material from a basic joke structure, the course provides a framework to get students onstage, telling jokes, along with feedback and clarity in performance philosophy to allow students to take the stage from a position of strength and consistency.This workshop is taught as a full length five week course here in Chicago, and has been taught as a one time only workshop at the festival and university level.
June 25, 2011 | 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm | Wicker Park Arts Center, 2219 W. North Ave.

Beekeeping
Join us for a short course on beekeeping. We’ll cover how to become a beekeeper and what to expect during the season.
June 25, 2011 | 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm | Wicker Park Arts Center, 2219 W. North Ave.

African Drum & Dance
Mofindu African Drum & Dance Co. brings energetic dance classes and history of West Africa and the Caribbean. You’ll learn dance techniques from such places like Mali, Gambia, and Guinea, aligned with the communication between the dancer and music. Live African percussion is accompanied with the classes, so all levels of drummers are welcomed to share or learn percussion with our artists. We ask that you bring your own rhythmic instruments; can be drums, bells, or shakers to make the music more lively. No dance experience needed and classes are for all ages.
June 26, 2011 | 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Rumble Arts, 3413 West North Avenue

Take a gander at all of the free classes offered here and let me know if you’ll be in attendance! Make sure to also check out their Kickstarter page and throw some dollars their way if you are so inclined. Happy learning.

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thrifted: hors d’oeuvres

Posted on June 13, 2011 | 6 Comments

hors d'oeuvres

I stepped out of the house yesterday morning to have some quality time to myself at my favorite neighborhood thrift store. Most of my hunt was dedicated to the massive clothing section, where I scored four tanks, a blouse and two pairs of shorts for $10. Photos of my awesome new Levis later in the week! They are seriously the most comfortable shorts I have ever come across and fit like a glove.

I only found one thing in the housewares section worth buying: can you guess what it is from the photo above?

sunday

A neat little stand for hors d’oeuvres (or ice cream.)

sunday

I googled and googled to find out who made it, where it was from, and how much of a deal I got by paying $1.40 for it but no dice: I can’t find any information on my cool new acrylic tray.

Any ideas? Have you ever seen a tray like this? The closest I came was this cheese grater that Katherine from BackGarage is selling in her Etsy shop. The text is the same but I can’t find anything similar to my tray from the manufacturer. Help me solve the mystery!

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Posted in thrifted vintage love

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five o’clock with kate bock: philly lemonade

Posted on June 10, 2011 | 5 Comments

This is the second in a weekly series from Kate Bock, the woman behind the beverage program at mk The Restaurant here in Chicago and one-half of our graceful cohabitors. Check back every Friday for a new recipe!

Everyone has a childhood memory of lemonade. Some sold it at stands to make ends meet and others craved it at the end of an extreme game of kick ball. I personally remember it coming from my German grandmother who, by the way, refers to it as limonade and we’re not talking the fresh squeezed citrus kind… Oh nooooo, we are speaking of the Crystal Light in a packet kind! While I’ve avoided the Crystal Light for this recipe, feel free to substitute the lemon juice and use your favorite low-calorie-juice-in-a-packet. The second I drink this I am transported back to my grandmother’s astroturf covered porch on those hot and humid Philly summer days.

As an ode to my Oma, here is the Philly Lemonade.

Ingredients
32 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
32 oz simple syrup
8 oz honey
24 oz vodka

Make It
You’ll notice that the ounces are a little different than your standard cocktail requires. This is because you have to make this in a big old pitcher to share with all of your friends… or maybe serve at an adults-only lemonade stand now that the temperatures are rising higher! Mix all ingredients in the (large) container of your choice, add ice and serve.

Cheers!
-Kate

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five o’clock with kate bock: the whippersnapper

Posted on May 27, 2011 | 2 Comments

This is the first in a weekly series from Kate Bock, the woman behind the beverage program at mk The Restaurant here in Chicago and one-half of our graceful cohabitors. Check back every Friday for a new recipe!

whip·per·snap·per/ˈ(h)wipərˌsnapər/noun: A young and inexperienced person considered to be presumptuous or overconfident.

To be honest, I totally bought this whiskey because of the name. Well, maybe not completely: WhipperSnapper Whiskey comes from Ransom Wines & Spirits, an awesome distillery out in Sheridan, Oregon that makes impressive small batch gin, whiskey, grappa and brandy. Their whiskey and gin production began in 2007, and with only a few years under their belts they have created an amazing product. WhipperSnapper is well balanced and great tasting. Perfect for cocktails, and I would recommend it on the rocks with confidence as well.

I love trying to find new ways to use basil and mint in cocktails especially in the summer ’cause no matter if you are an experienced farmer or someone that can’t keep a cactus alive, you can grow basil and mint. For some reason these two herbs are idiot-proof and they multiply quickly. Even if I only plant one of each, by the end of the summer there is so much left over that my freezer is full of pesto! If I can find a tasty way to incorporate it in a drink I love it.

Ingredients
1.5 oz WhipperSnapper Whiskey
2 oz grapefruit juice
3 ripped basil leaves

Make It
Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake aggressively to bruise the basil and get the flavor out. Strain over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Cheers!
-Kate

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diana camera prints

Posted on May 23, 2011 | 5 Comments

Remember all the presents I got for The Mister around Christmas time? His favorite gift by far was the DianaF+ “Dreamer” camera, a simple point and shoot whose many quirks — if that’s what we want to call light leaks and cheap plastic– have been embraced recently by folks looking for an imperfect, “dreamy,” and oftentimes blurry look. It’s like producing an Instagram or Hipstamatic photo with film, and many of the cheapie old-school cameras of yore are where those companies took their cues from in producing vintage-looking camera pics. We totally jumped onto the bandwagon.

I knew that waiting for the film to be developed would be a bit of a challenge after so many years of digital instant-gratification, but I didn’t expect it to take six weeks, seven phone calls and two (unanswered) emails to the district manager of Ritz Camera to get our CD (not even prints!) back. Needless to say, avoid them at all costs. On the bright side, now that they’re here, we get to relive some fun moments.

103007-R1-65-65

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sunday #5

Posted on May 22, 2011 | 4 Comments

Sisters. Dyke March Fundraiser. Chicago, Illinois.

Did you read today’s Op-Ed about boycotting straight weddings? You should. If I had thought about it in the way presented,The Mister and I may have approached things differently.

How utterly absurd to celebrate an institution that I am banned from in most of the country. It puzzles me, truth be told, that wedding invitations deluge me. Does a vegan frequent summer pig roasts? Do devout evangelicals crash couple-swapping parties? Do undocumented immigrants march in Minuteman rallies?

Rich Benjamin, Not Going to the Chapel

Have a great Sunday night.

I call on all gay people to join my boycott of straight weddings this summer, regardless of where their straight loved ones stand. Yes, our boycott may bruise some feelings. But then again, our inability to participate in this institution is hurtful and bruising, too.

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Sunday #1
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Sunday #4

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the silver room: a call for artists

Posted on May 20, 2011 | Leave a comment

silver room block party

I love The Silver Room. A boutique on Milwaukee Avenue here in Chicago, it’s my go-to place for nose rings, (I lose them at least once a month) anniversary presents (The Mister’s favorite bracelet), and all of my last minute shopping. I’m pretty sure I’ve been there the last three December 23rds in a row.

silver room block party

silver room block party

silver room block party

Over the years they’ve given me reason love them beyond the physical storefront: The Sound System Block Party held every July. It’s in its ninth year (mark your calendars: Saturday, July 16th) and TSR sent out an email with a call for artists yesterday. They’re looking for one hundred artists to participate in an exhibition that will serve as their first-ever fundraiser during the block party. Artists are asked to create a piece interpreting the theme of the fete this year: 100 Canvases for a Better World. It’s a juried show, so come correct. The proceeds from the sale of each piece will ensure that our Chicago community can continue to count on the block party to bring us great music, beautiful folks, astounding visuals, communal energy, and a day of fun for years to come.

View my recap of last year’s block party here.

silver room block party

silver room block party

silver room block party

If you would like to be considered for this show please submit your portfolio to tsrcommunity@gmail.com. Deadline for portfolio submissions is Friday, May 27, 2011. All selected artists will be notified via email on Monday, May 30, 2011.

Acceptable artwork mediums are boundless, but not limited to:
Watercolor, Charcoal, Photography, Graffiti, Illustration, Graphic Design, Collage, Relief Sculpture, Basically anything that can be hung on wall, and is 12 X 12 inches.

The Silver Room
1442 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 278-7130

BONUS: Can you find me in this video of the block party last year?

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I Love Chicago Part 943

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