If you are not into sweets or maybe not right now, you can try something from the breakfast and lunch menus which include homemade breakfast sandwiches – not the drive thru variety with ham, bacon and eggs.  Lunch menu features deli sandwiches which include chicken and tuna salad or roast beef, etc.  There is something for everyone there.

Their website features a coupon for bogo free cupcake (for those of you who do not shop, that means buy one get one free).  Click here for the coupon

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Looking for some fun in the sun of winter? Check out the Adventures in Travel Expo January 10-11 at the Donald Stephens Convention Center ( which was formerly the Rosemont). There will be exhibitors and activities to get you in the mood for your travel in 2009. Here are a few of the events:

· With camel rides, a scuba tank for kayak and scuba lessons, a Filipino chef and Hilot Massage session, there is plenty to do and see.

· On The Global Beats stage watch performers from around the world, featuring performers from the Philippines, Tanzania, Scotland and Hawaii.

· Hear world renowned speakers including Keynote speaker Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel; National Geographic ADVENTURE’s 2007 Adventurer of the Year, Trip Jennings; and Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. and Canada Before You Die, to name a few.

For more information on the Adventures in Travel Expo, go to www.adventureexpo.com. Show hours are 10:30 AM-5:30 PM on Saturday; 11 AM-4:30 PM on Sunday. Tickets are $15.00 for adults, children 16 and under are free. It’s a great activity to bring the family and to get some ideas. With snow on the ground and cold temperatures, its ok to dream of warm temperatures.

Check it out.

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

There will be of course food!  The buffet will have chicken wings, pizza bites and all types of goodies for you to partake of throughout the night. 

Reservations are required.  Email Kristen at  kristen_banks@daveandbusters.com  for more information.  Tell her the Chicago Traveler sent you there.

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Here is a great start to the new year, a healthy run to benefit yourself and others. Be a part of Chicago’s first run of the New Year. You will be in good company because they are expecting 1,500 runners and walkers. There will be winner trophies and other raffle prizes.

24th Annual New Year’s Day 5K Run/Walk begins at 11am in Lincoln Park (Stockton Drive and LaSalle. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Lakeview Citizens Council which is a non-profit neighborhood organization.

The course route goes along the lakefront bike path to Diversey Harbor ending up at the North Avenue Field House.

If running (or walking) on January 1 isn’t resolution enough, on-site fitness experts will be on hand to offer advice and tout the “Master Your Universe Fair”–an expo promoting health lifestyles to be on Thursday, January 8, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the State of Illinois Center in the Loop. In addiition there will be a complimentary drink for those who are over 21 and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks for participants. $30 – race starts at 11am with registration beginning at 9:30am

Pre-Registration/Packet Pick-Up

New Balance Chicago

2369 N Clark | Chicago

(Corner of Fullerton/Clark)

773-348-1787

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Have you ever thought about making things with your hands?  The Artscape Chicago has an upcoming class called Intro into Clay complete with hand building and wheel throwing. If you have ever wanted to learn how to explore your creativity in clay, this is the class for you.  This is a morning class and it begins on January 22, 2009.

In addition to this class, there are Yoga, Spanish, Belly Dancing, Stained Glass Mosaic and more beginning in January.  The prices range from FREE (always a good price) to $100 + depending on the class.  Artscape Chicago 66 East Randolph between Wabash and Michigan Avenue.  It’s across from the Cultural Center.

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Research on Raw foods has shown that it is one way to become healthier and loose weight.  What better way to begin the year than with healthy foods.

For more information send an email to thehealingcircle04@yahoo.com.  The event is planned by the Summer  Raw/Vegan Festival planners.

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In cooperation with Marimo USA and its Bara Luxe collection ( www.baraluxe.com ), bridal salons all over the country will be holding trunk shows specifically for the full figured bride. In addition, wedding expert Yvonne D. McClendon will be available at these shows to discuss the needs of the plus-size bride-to-be.

Yvonne, who is a 20-year veteran of the bridal industry, will be available to answer questions as well as to introduce the Bara Luxe collection, which offers retailers sample dresses in sizes ranging up to 28 — a first in the bridal market. Plus-size women usually have to place wedding gown styles on order before they can fully experience the fit and look of a dress, unlike standard-size women who enjoy the dream moment of trying on many styles while their loved ones help them choose the “perfect one.”

The Bara Luxe collection aims to make the dream wedding experience accessible to plus-size women. Yvonne wrote the 1998 bridal guide “Prenuptial Bliss” and can comment on many concerns of plus-size women planning their weddings.

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Instead of their regular menu (which is outstanding) they will have a menu of Peking Duck confit with glazed quince and watercress salad; diver sea scallops with broccolini, roasted hazelnut and lemon sauce; white chocolate rum ice cream with cherry parfait and bittersweet chocolate cake – WOW!  Diver Sea Scallops are to die for!  And Chocolate anything is fine by me.  Chocolate on top of chocolate would be my dinner please. 

All of this for $49 which is a great price considering – most restaurants will be closed and you will be enjoying a scrumptious meal.  Give them a call at 312 324-4000 and tell them The Chicago Traveler sent you.

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Enjoy the Wonderful German American Market

It’s cold outside, but you absolutely must make it to Christkindlmarket by the 24th.  This German American Festival is a tradition to visit.  Enjoy a drink of hot spiced wine called Glühwein in a mug shaped like someone’s boot.  The market has shops and merchants from around the world.

I love a good market and it’s a great place to get unique Christmas presents that you probably won’t see doubles of.  Do you have someone that is hard to buy for?  Get them something memorable from one of the craft merchants there.

Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.    December 24th the market is only open till 4pm.

Post from: The Chicago Traveler