The Chicago Traveler

If you are getting ready to check out the Will Downing Concert or one of great Chicago bars, make sure you bundle up.  Tonights temperature will be down to 5 degrees.  That’s kind of a shock to the system when you leave the club at 2am.  The windchill will make it around 20 below.  We should get a couple of inches of snow but the big story will be the temperature.
My motto used to be it’s better to look good than to feel good, but at 20 below… I don’t know.
Be careful out there.

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Looking for family friendly things to do on Christmas Eve?  The Chicago Public Library presents Pajama Story Time at 6pm South Shore 2505 East  73rd Street 60649.  Crafts, Music and Games will be available.  And the best part is that you can wear your jammies.  There will be a Holiday Book Cover Contest for kids 3-18.  Submit your entries to Ms Nicole by Dec 22 to enter.  Call the branch at 312.747.5281 or stop by the Children’s Desk to register.  The library will have refreshments.  I hope there is hot chocolate, yum!

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Independent Bookstores or Indie Bookstores as they are called are niche stores that can rival the bigger bookstores. Indie stores give you the feel that you actually matter and are not a part of the large Barnes and Noble type store. They cannot compete when it comes to prices but where they can compete and sometimes surpass those others stores is in their customer service and their knowledge.
Most Indie Bookstores create a warmth within like you are at home. Some even have big comfy couches. You may find that they may cater to the local writer or hometown magazines.
 Bookworks
3444 N. …read more

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If you love ballroom dancing, this is for you.  Willowbrook Ballroom is having a New Year’s Eve beginning at 7pm with a cash bar.  Dinner and Dancing package begins at 7:30pm.  Your Dinner options include Prime Filet and Cold Water Lobster or Salmon.  You can also purchase a Dancing Only package beginning at 8:30pm. 
The Teddy Lee Orchestra will help you ring in the New Year with a Champagne Toast at Midnight.  Don’t wait to make your reservation
Willowbrook Ballroom 8900 South Archer

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Chocolate ….mmm my favorite at any time of the day and now there is a day to celebrate it.  Even better.  What goes better with Chicago and National Chocolate Covered Anything Day but a Chocolate Tour.
Chocolate Tour founder Valerie Beck guides tours to Hannah’s Bretzel, Sarah’s Pastries, Teuscher Chocolates and many more.  Get those walking shoes ready.
Not only will you ‘tour’ chocolate shops but shop owners will give you samples just for stopping by.  You can’t beat that with a stick and, of course, why would you want to!
To make a reservation contact Chocolate Tours.  Yummy and educational.  Enjoy

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If you are in Chicago, you probably have weighed in on the controversy of lighting the Christmas tree at 12:30pm on the day after Thanksgiving.  Some said that it was a move to save money, but most showed their disappointment for themselves and their children on this move. 
You can still view the tree in Daley Plaza between Washington and Dearborn Streets.  Although there was a change in our beloved tradition, it’s still pretty to look at.

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If you have ever had a Chicago Hot Dog, you foam at the mouth at the very mention of this beautiful experience.  There is nothing quite like it.  It can be hot or cold outside and a Chicago Hot Dog will still taste just as good.
Ingredients added are yellow mustard, green relish, chopped onions, tomato wedges, pickle slice, peppers and a dash of salt served in a steamed poppy seed bun.  The order is very very important.  Ketchup is a very controversial add.  As a true Chicagoan, I will not ever add Ketchup to my Chicago Hot Dog and you …read more

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The Wilmette Theater brings us “Its a Wonderful Life” Saturday December 13th.
Wear your PJ’s and enjoy hot chocolate as you watch a classic favorite.  Before the movie, there will be a family sing-a-long with holiday songs.  Show times are 4pm and 7pm.  There will also be a visit from Santa.
Contact Wilmette Theater or call 847 – 251- 7424.

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If you have a gluten free diet, this week is especially for you. A gluten free diet is something that is not easy to do. You can control the items that you bring in your home, but it is very difficult to control what you pick up on the go outside of the home.
Most often, you must prepare your food before you go keeping in mind that they have to be kept separate to keep from cross contaminating the item. Some restaurants and bakeries have gluten free items on their menu.
Enter Wildfire Steaks, Chops and Seafood 159 W Erie, Chicago, …read more

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The Recital is an inspiration and affirmation of youth and family values.
There will be a special perfomance by GLOBAL GIRLS directed by Mrs. Marvinetta Penn that will present a girls’ life perspective through performing art. There will be the candle lighting representing the Nguzo Saba is framed by exciting presentations of African traditional dance, drum and some brand new Hip Hop. So come out and enjoy the young peoples showcase and our efforts toward UMOJA and all the principles of KWANZAA!
The Program showcases traditional and contemporary dance, rhythm and song experienced in West African and African American cultures.  Click here for more information on the history …read more

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