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Welcome to our Local Community Calendar of Events for March 2022.  We’ve rounded up our picks for family friendly e events and workshops both in person and online.  Most of these serve the Lake County area residents, and others provide a fun filled day out on the town under the lights of the big city.  If you have any local events that you think our readers would enjoy, feel free to let us know in the comments of our social media! more March 6th at the Highland Park Public Library, enjoy a Grab and Go Craft available for pickup all day long. You can stop by the youth services desk to pick up an arts and crafts project to make together as a family. Monday March 7th at the Deerfield Public Library, parents of very small children can participate in the Baby Book Bunch event, helping parents find age appropriate books and activities to do together. On March 9th from 7:30AM to 9AM you can enjoy speaker Eric Rinehart at Bonnie Brook for Wake Up Waukegan! Wednesday March 9th is the Kids’ Art Cart event from 5PM to 6PM, where the Fox Lake District Library is hosting a fun evening of creativity and crafting for families. On Thursday March 10th at the Deerfield Public Library in Deerfield, from 10AM to 10:30AM enjoy a Virtual “Movin’ and Groovin’ Storytime” with your family and children. On March 11th from 10AM to 1PM, log online and participate in the Waukegan Veterans Job Fair from 10AM to 1PM! On March 11th, parents with children aged 4 through 7 will want to register their kiddos for The Leaping Leprechauns event,  a magical evening of fun at the Grayslake Park District from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. Kids are encouraged to dress in green and gold, and enjoy some pizza, craft making, and a hunt for leprechaun gold.  There’s lots more fun activities for all to enjoy! On March 11th from 4 PM to 5PM at the Lake Forest Library Pokemon Party, come out and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pokemon with a movie, music, games, and more.  You can even come dressed as your favourite pokemon or pokemon trainer if you’d like! On March 12th at Time Out Market Chicago, kids can enjoy a character storytime from 11AM to 12PM with Princess Belle and the Amazing Spiderman! Kids are welcome to dress in costume and take a picture with their favourite character On March 12th, get ready for a family fun afternoon in Chicago at Family Day from 12PM to 2PM at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago! Fun workshops and performances for the whole family to enjoy all day designed and led by local Chicago area creatives. March 19th at the St Patrick’s Family Barn Dance from 6PM to 8PM at the Village Hall Barn, families with kids ages 3 through 12 can enjoy a fun night out with a family member!  They will have a blast dancing the night away with games, songs, dancing, and of course plenty of snacks.  Children are encouraged to wear their sunday best formal attire, and advance registration is required. March 27th is Family Day at the Midwest Coast Brewing Company in Chicago from 10:30 AM to 11:30AM! Kids and families will have a blast with dancing, music, and magic tricks abound.  Tickets are priced per family and free on-street parking is available.  Recommended ages for the Mary Macaroni Magic Show are 0-7 years old. On March 30th from 1:30 to 3:30, take your kids out for a really sweet activity!  Join the crew at The Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville during spring break so your kids can get creative in the kitchen with a Kids Cookie Decorating class!

Today’s post is all about that “treat yourself” mindset and living your best life!  We’re highlighting some our best picks for gadgets we’ve found for those adventure seekers living their fullest.  You’ll find everything from luxury glamping equipment to portable power units that can run your whole camper and upscale GPS options for your offroad dreams.  So, if you’re looking for some ideas on how to spend your tax refund this spring, let us make a few suggestions.  With these cool gadgets and gizmos, you’ll be the talk of the town on all the travel blogs.  Check it out! more The Belkin Magnetic Wireless Apple Compatible charger is the lowest priced item on our list, but certainly a must-have for tech savvy travelers. It’s compatible with the newest iPhone models from the 12 onwards, and uses USB-C and works with official MagSafe cases. GentleTent’s inflatable furniture options are perfect for those who love a good campout or RV trip!  Forget about folding chairs and uncomfortable pop-up benches, this is the comfortable yet durable option you want to have.  With options for single seating or multiperson, you’ll find an option to fit any lifestyle. Luno’s Air Mattress is the best in the game when it comes to inflatable mattresses for car camping and van life.  You can find a custom fit air mattress for your exact make and model, as well as other convenient accessories and apparel options.  There’s even a package called the “Ultimate Car Camping Bundle” which includes some of their best selling items!  And very soon they’ll be offering a truck bed air mattress for those who prefer wide open skies above them while they snooze. The Tread Powersport Navigator by Garmin is the ultimate accessory for your off-road adventures.  Gone are the days of shaking your phone in exasperation as the signal drops out again.  Forget about waiting for the infotainment system to load with its 1 bar of service.  With Tread, you’ll have seamless transition from road to rugged terrain along with a group ride option with radio and tracking for up to 20 of your pals.  You can sync the data across several wireless devices, too. It's perfect for traveling off the beaten track, with its weather resistant features and topographic mapping options.for North and Central America as well as US Forest Roads, Motor Vehicle Use Maps, and street makes of North America.  It highlights land boundaries and national parks and much more. YETI’s GoalZero portable power generator is a must-have for those who prefer to live off-grid on their road trips and campsites.  It’s a plug-and-play option with solar powered charging, so you’ll never have to worry about carrying containers of fuel around.  It powers everything from laptops to tablets to gaming devices and phones, as well as featuring wall outlet options for lights and small cooking appliances.  Works in weather conditions as chilly as 32º or as warm as 104º! The Yakima 7G Road Shower is an essential device for all hikers and campers to keep in their vehicle.  It’s made of lightweight but durable aluminimum and its sleek modern design means it’s convenient for traveling and storage.  With the Road Shower you’ll bid farewell to dirty boots, gear, and car mats;  rinse your equipment off before stowing it for the ride home, or wash your boots after hitting the muddy hiking trails.  Or keep it on hand at your next off-grid campout, so you can have a nice warm shower with fresh clean water!  Holds up to 7 Gallons of water which are heated by solar and monitored by an easy-to-read stick-on thermometer.  This pressurized pump and hose with nozzle will make cleanup a breeze anywhere you go!

We’re very excited that it’s World Wildlife Day!  This year’s theme is all about recovering key local species with the intent of restoring and preserving the local ecosystem.  By raising awareness of the creatures and beings that live right here in our own backyard, we will be able to have a much better life for the future. more Caring for our home and its native species will help us cultivate and preserve the unique aspects of our region, inviting new folks to visit, stay, and play here!  In addition, we’ll be ensuring that animal, insect, and plant life will be thriving and surviving for many years and generations to come.  Let’s take a look at some of the native animals right here in the neighbourhood where Classic Auto Group lives, works, and plays, too! What kind of ecosystems do we have here in the Lake County Area? The southern portion of Lake Michigan has been, home to several types of ecosystem: northern bog and tundra, eastern deciduous woodlands, southern swamps, western prairie!  The wide variety of environments and ecosystems makes the region one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.  It’s very exciting! What is biodiversity? Biodiversity is the variety of life in the world, a particular habitat or ecosystem, and it is essential for all living things.  There are three levels of biodiversity: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity; without a wide variety of plants, microorganisms, and animals, our world and humans would suffer immensely as a whole.  We rely on biodiversity to provide us the air we breathe and the food we eat, so it is important we care for the physical environment to ensure its preservation and survival.  Together we have to work to fight against climate change and preserve life! Let’s take a closer look at some of the beautiful wildlife and creatures that call Lake County home! Highlighting Some of the beautiful Flora and Fauna of Lake County Illinois: 13-Lined Ground Squirrel (image via Squirrel Gazer) Achaearanea Globosa Spider Acorn Weevil American Black Duck American Coot American Pipit Bald Faced Hornet (image from Northcoastjournal.com) American ToadBanded Longhorn Beetle Banded Wooley Bear Beaver Big Brown Bat Black Bullhead Black Swallowtail Calico Crayfish Canvasback Bird Caspian Tern Channel Catfish Chinese Mantis Deer Mouse Eastern Pipistrelle False Darkling Beetles Gizzard Shad Hoary Bat (image from Batcon.org) Indigo Bunting Katydid Long-Tailed Weasel Masked Shrew Northern River Otter Northern Water Snake Peoria Gemmatella (Image from bugguide.net) Racoon Rams Horn Snail Red Fox Ruddy Duck Scissor-tailed Flycatch Short-tailed Shrew Silver-haired Bat Snapping Turtle Tiger Salamander (image from Statesymbolsusa.org) Verbena Moth Violet Dancer Warmouth Fish Yellow-throated Vireo Woodchuck Zebra Spider Check out the full list of Local Lake County creatures and plants right here.

Today is Read Across America day, and we’re really excited.  You can certainly believe us when we say we love reading (we love it almost as much as we love cars, which is a lot!)  Read Across America Day is about dedicating ourselves to promoting literacy, critical thinking, and inspiring a whole new generation of readers and leaders of tomorrow.   Let’s inspire these young minds especially to pursue new adventures and think outside the box!  So make sure you take some time today to read a few pages in your favourite book, send a book to your loved ones, or buy one for a special kiddo in your life. more Not only is it Read Across America Day, but it’s also Women’s HIstory month.  That’s why today we’re sharing our picks for great books about and by notable women.  You’ll find bestsellers and classics along with brand new publications.  All of them are available in ebook form for ease of reading while traveling, and many of them have an audiobook with narration for long trips or commutes. Reading Recommendations How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Plowell A Life at Full Throttle by Janet Guthrie Lone Rider: the First British Woman to Motorcycle Around the World by Elspeth Beard Driven: A Pioneer for Women in Motorsport by Rosemary Smith Faster: How a Jewish Driver, An American Heiress, and a Legendary Car Beat Hitler’s Best by Neal Bascomb The Red Car by Marcy Dermansky How to Overcome Fear of Driving by Joanne Mallon The Woman and the Car by Dorothy Levitt How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems by Tracy Martin Women at the Wheel by Katherine Parkin Lovin’ My Car: Women in the Driver’s Seat by Libby Edelman Where the crawdads sing by Delia Owens The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams I Give My Marriage A Year by Holly Wainwright Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins The Girl in the Lake by India Hill Brown Mestiza Blood by V. Castro The Keeper Guadalupe Garcia McCall Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes A Woman Built by Man Edited by S.H. Cooper and Elle Turpitt Sundial by Catriona Ward The Godmothers by Monica McInerney Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns

Laissez le bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Today is Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” is a holiday of feasting prior to the Lenten Season of Christianity.  It is a joyful, hearty holiday that also dates back to roots in pagan springtime ritual and fertility rites.  It’s celebrated with eating rich foods, fatty sumptuous treats, imbibing in cheerful cocktails and toasts, and of course the classic Mardis Gras parade featuring floats, confetti, and beads!  In short, it’s a really good time for all. more Today we’re celebrating some great cajun restaurants in the area and fun recipes you can make with your family to celebrate.  Check it out on today’s blog! How far is New Orleans Louisiana from Classic Auto Group? It’s at least 5 states and 1,000 miles from here, but you don’t have to drive that far for original cajun flavors!  Let us point you in the direction of classic cajun eateries in the area. Local Restaurants with Cajun Cuisine and Cajun Items Cajun Grill in Gurnee The Boil Cajun Seafood in Chicago Ragin’ Cajun Gumbo in Chicago Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar in Chicago Joker’s Cajun Kitchen in Chicago Spicy Fingers Seafood Kitchen in Chicago Rajun Cajun in Chicago Storyville Chicago The Crab Pad in Chicago Savor 27 Cajun Seafood & Tacos in Chicago The Cajun Connoisseur Food Truck & Catering in Chicago JJ Fish & Chicken in Waukegan Honey Bays BBQ in Waukegan Juan’s Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Waukegan Jerk N’ More in Waukegan Island Del Mar in Waukegan Ostioneria Briza Azul in Waukegan Make Your Own Cajun Feast No Mardi Gras Celebration is complete without a smorgasbord of delectable treats.  We’ve got everything from soup to nuts, or well, gumbo to pralines that is.  Got a fave recipe of your own? Share it with us in a comment! Traditional New Orleans King Cake Vegan Cajun Boil Mardi Gras Pasta Sazerac Cocktail Recipe New Orleans Ramos Gin Fizz Recipe New Orleans Style Beignets Shrimp Etouffe Instant Pot Jambalaya Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya Muffaletta Sandwich Classic Pecan Pralines Authentic New Orleans Gumbo NYT Vegan Gumbo Recipe

Today is National Chili day, so we’re sharing some of our favourite picks for items that can take your food on the go! There’s nothing like a richly flavored, tomatoey, spicy, heart bowl of chili on a cold winter’s day.  It’s also an incredibly versatile culinary treat!  You can put it on hot dogs for chili dogs, add it to fries, use it as a base for nachos,  bake it into a cheesy chili casserole, mix it into some mac and cheese.  There’s literally no wrong way to enjoy chili, even if you prefer it in the non-traditional meatless variety.  It’s one of our favourites to serve at race-day and game day tailgate parties, or as an appetizer at workplace potlucks. Deeeelicious! more Check out our picks for great items to take your food on the go, and then stick around til the end for a selection of some of our favourite chili recipes!  You’ll find some smaller portioned options, vegan options, and big-batch recipes perfect for race day or game day tailgates.  We’re kicking it up a notch on today’s blog. The Hot Bento Self Heated Lunch Box is perfect for on the go lunches like chili, soup, or anything else you can think of.  Priced at $100 we know this might not be for every customer, but we think the price tag is worth it since it’s durable and easy to clean and travel with. The Aotto Portable Food Warmer is insulated to keep your prepped meals warm while traveling. It’s also multipurpose for reheating food or prepping raw ingredients to cook on site with a slow-cooker option.  It also comes with a convenient insulated carry case that prevents food smells from permeating everything around you. The T&A Electric Lunch Box fills a void for portable lunch ideas! If you’re a contractor or tradesperson who is always on the go, we know that you might be pretty sick of sandwiches and shelf-stable suggestions for a sack lunch.  That’s why we’re recommending the Electric Lunch Box with 3-in1 features to go in your car or truck. Crock-Pot’s portable heated lunch box container is a great option for single serve portions of your favourite chili!  It’s made of stainless steel, and has two charge cable options for heating in the office or on the go with your car connector.  It’s an awesome option for students, interns, and office workers, but it also makes a great choice for campers and tradesmen on job sites! Now that we’ve given you lots of options for transporting your chili in the car safely, we’ve got to do due diligence and round up some of our picks for great tailgate-friendly and campsite cooking style recipes.  You’ll love our picks for simple, easy comfort foods to get you through the last few chilly weeks of winter! Taste of Home’s Classic Beef Chili for Two Cooking for Two: Crock Pot Chili (Perfect for our on-the-go crock pot above!) One Dish Kitchen’s Single Serve Beef and Veggie Chili Ambitious Kitchen’s Turkey Chili for Two Slowcooker White Chicken Chili Boilermaker Tailgate Chili Epicurious Vegan Chili Easy Instant Pot Vegan Chili

We love to keep our customers happy, and that means arming you with all the knowledge you’ll need when it comes to buying and maintaining your new or preowned vehicle.  Our Automotive Terminology posts are here to keep you informed so you can stay in the loop of industry terms and vocabulary. Whether your car is coming in for routine maintenance, a minor or major repair, or you’re just looking for more insight, we’re here to give you some guidance.  Today we’re covering some of the key factors with the standard Antilock Braking System, a safety feature in modern vehicles. more What is the ABS or Antilock braking system?  ABS is a  computer-controlled system that prevents brakes from locking up and tires from skidding during hard braking. The ABS uses electronic sensors and high-pressure pumps to measure your car’s speed and the force with which you apply the brakes.   If you stop suddenly on a slick roadway or surface, the ABS improves traction by preventing wheels from locking up and prevents skidding.  The sensors detect when your wheels are skidding, and the system is enabled with an ability to calculate and pump the brakes faster than the human driver. Sometimes you’ll feel a slight shudder or pulse during sudden stops or in wet and slippery conditions, this is the ABS system doing its job!  Just keep your foot on the brake until your vehicle comes to a stop. If the movement feels uncomfortable, bring your car in for a service check immediately.  You should never dilly-dally on repairs to your brakes, because braking safely is a matter of life and death situations. What do you do if your ABS light turns on? If your ABS light is on there may be a few different things happening.  If the light is briefly flickering on at startup, you don’t need to be alarmed as that’s normal.  But if it remains on it could be: -Malfunctioning ABS Computer Module - Damaged ABS Sensors - Faulty Wheel Bearings - Low Car Battery Or it could be related to several other electrical problems and brake system issues. Although it is still safe to drive with the ABS light on, there’s an increased risk of not being able to stop in time without this assistive device.  If your car also experiences a Brake Service Light as well as the ABS light, you should not drive your vehicle as it will be unsafe if needed to stop short. Your best option is to call one of our experienced service technicians and speak with them about your next step and scheduling an appointment. They’ll help guide you through the process and get you back on the road safely in no time!  We’re here to help keep you safe and happy.

Thrifty automotive consumers know that buying a pre-owned vehicle can save you big bucks, and who doesn’t love to save money? We respect it!  We commend you for your fiscally and environmentally responsible choice, but we also know that it might not come with all the custom bells and whistles you were looking for.  Since you didn’t get to pick your add-ons and options, we thought we’d bring you a list of budget friendly options to upgrade your car’s tech into 2022! From voice activated infotainment systems to signal boosters for smartphones, we’ve got you covered.  All of these items are under $500 and easily upgrade your car’s tech specs in minutes. more The BlueDriver Scan Tool This is an excellent tool for slightly older model vehicles which may not have the most detailed alert data for your car’s vital systems.  Keep connected to your smartphone for monitoring on and off the road, and catch your car’s minor problems before they become big ones.  It’s great for travelers who may need a repair during their journey, and it will give you the confidence to stop at any mechanic for a service call. Portable Philips HEPA Compact Purifier This wonderful device is budget friendly and helps recycle and clean the air inside your vehicle.  Great for driving the kids around to and from activities and school, because it will clear the air of kid-germs with it’s HESA/HEPA technology.  Great for preventing spread of germs for rideshare passengers as well. ACECAR Heads Up Display Device Keep your eyes front and center on the road and stay focused. All the important information will be projected safely on the windshield for a heads-up view of your vital statistics like speed and RPMS. The Garmin Dashcam 66W With an Extra Wide view and automatic incident detection, your car has never been safer! Affordably priced and exquisitely crafted for high-tech, ultra-safe security, the Garmin Dashcam will help you in the event of an emergency, theft, break-ins, or hit-and-runs among other things.  Dashcams are really an essential part of a new driver’s safety kit in 2022. Alexa Enabled ANKER Roav Viva Phone Mount Turn your car’s lighter port into an Alexa enabled voice-activated charger and bluetooth assistant!  It’s great for modernizing older vehicles or adding some tech pizzazz to a car with a only the budget options package. Available for $50 at B&H. WeBoost Vehicle Cell Phone Signal Booster This is an item available for personal vehicles or RVs, and it can extend your cell phone’s reach and signal while driving in difficult areas.  This can be a big boon for those relying on a GPS or Maps App for arriving safely at their destination.  It is one of the more pricey options on our list, but well worth the investment for anyone who does heavy road travel cross-country or long distance.  Great for camping and travel bloggers.

When you’re always on the go, it’s vital to have things that are easy and convenient!  You want to be able to grab your gadgets in a jiffy, and pop them up in a heartbeat.  Thanks to our handy gizmo guide on today’s blog, you’ll never have to worry about missing a minute of fun.  Each of these items is easy to stow and take with you and also open and use.  They’re also incredibly useful and perfect enough for everyday use and perfect for keeping in your emergency car kit.  We’re all about easy, convenient, and portable items for today’s blog, and many of these can stay in your vehicle all year long so you're ready for any adventure life throws your way! more C-gear’s sandfree beach mat means trips to the shore and other sandy locations are going to be less of a hassle.  Forget the mess of grit, grime, and sand as a souvenir, and only bring back what you buy at the boardwalks or gift shop!  Great as well for picnics and sporting events. Priced under $75. ​​ We love the Nevlers inflatable lounger! If you're a minimalist who opted for a smaller car with less storage space, you’ll be very excited with the Nevler’s inflatable bed.  Inflates to hold up to 300lbs so you can sleep on the beach or at the campsite, but rolls up into a small carry bag for easy storage. Snag a two pack for under $50! The LESES Portable picnic table is convenient and useful. At an affordable price and with virtually no footprint space in your storage, this is a no brainer for those who love road tripping.  Whether you’re having a picnic lunch at a rest stop, beach days, camping weekends, or even tailgating, this is a great choice for travel gear. Under $50 on Amazon. The Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle is leakproof and convenient. Comes in a variety of colors and patterns to choose from.  It’s a traveler’s dream because of its clever portability.  Stay hydrated and travel light with this item. Under $35 on amazon! The 4Monster Camping towels are an essential travel item. Whether you’re popping them into your luggage for your beach vacation, or keeping them in the car for emergencies, they’re indispensable.  With their own carry case for convenience and portability, we think you’ll love these in any size or color.  Mix and match to create a flexible set for use anywhere, and never stress about being without a washer dryer - they can be air dried in a short time! Ranges from $10-$25 on Amazon. Aaliff’s Standard Compressed Towel Tablets are a lifesaver for long trips. We’ve all had to do an emergency pitstop for a bathroom break, and been “up the creek without a paddle” so to speak.  And that’s why keeping a bag of these compact tissue tablets is going to change your life.  Travel without the fear of being left in a messy situation. You’ll have access to the toiletries you need for under $20! You can keep these Portawipes compressed Toilet Paper Coins in your car or bag on the go. Just like the towel tablets above, these can be opened to a convenient and luxurious wipe that you can use anywhere. Check it out in a 500 bulk pack for $40! The goTenna Mesh keychain helps you stay connected. Even if you’re entering a low or no cellular service zone, this keychain device is portable and convenient.  You’ll have the option to share location info with a range of up to 4 miles; it pairs with smartphones via Bluetooth-LE.  It also allows 1 on 1 texting and roup chats from connected devices. $200 via the goTenna site!

After more than 2 years of pandemic chaos, many of us are champing at the bit to take to the skies and touch down on new ground, or to drive the roads less traveled. Spring break is just around the corner, so why not take advantage of the upcoming free time and create a  plan for your first vacation of 2022!  We’re here to help you get ready by recommending lots of great reading material. Why not spend some of your time off learning, exploring, and expanding your mind by getting lost in a good book?  You can enjoy all of the titles on our list while visiting anywhere in the world thanks to digital copies.  Load them onto your tablet, phone, or queue them up on your vehicle’s infotainment center.  There’s no wrong way to read a book! Whether you’re going out into the world and exploring places by planes, trains, or automobiles, or if you’re enjoying the quiet solitude of a “Staycation” at home, these books are sure to delight readers of all kinds.  Transport yourself to a new place and time with one of the books on our list!  We’ve got Fantasy, Fiction, and History books by Black Authors which highlight Black History, Black Culture, and Black narratives.  They’re all available in EBook and/or Audiobooks, which makes them great options for on the go entertainment without weighing down your luggage! “Behind the Mountains” by Edwidge Danticat is a coming-of-age themed novel about a young woman who leaves the island life of Haiti behind, and moves to the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life in Brooklyn, New York.  It’s relevant and timely for today’s world, and features beautiful descriptions of Haiti that will transport you to another place. “The Star Side of Bird Hill” by Naomi Jackson is another story exploring the strong ties of immigrant families to the rich, beautiful culture and communities of their island heritage.  It’s a complicated and emotionally engrossing tale of love, loss, community connection, and family. “Ghana Must Go” by Taiye Selasi is another beautiful novel about finding home and a family wherever you are, and making your way in the world on your own.  After the death of their father, the Sai siblings must come together to navigate family tension, the transformative power of loss, reclaiming your identity, and the importance of where we all come from. “Traveling While Black” by Mia Bay is a fascinating look into the history and modern dilemma of travel, public transportation, when it comes to segregation and racism.  It provides the reader with an accessible yet scholarly look into social justice and racial equality issues of the modern world. “Driving While Black” by W.W. Norton explores similar themes to the aforementioned title, this too is an extensive and complex dive into the history of African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights. “”Hola Morocha! A Black Woman’s Adventures in Buenos Aires: Culture Shock” by Jennifer Poe is a short, but energetic travel memoir about self-empowerment and independence.  It chronicles her solo travel as a black American woman, while also exploring the culture and history of the Black Community in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “ Kinky Gazpacho” by Lori Tharps is a travel memoir about navigating her West African heritage with the reality of being a Black Woman in Spain.  It delves into personal experiences and self-reflections on racial perspectives, explores passion in all its incarnations, and tackles loneliness and independence and love. “ The Marvelous Equations of the Dread: A Novel in Bass Riddim” by Marcia Douglas is a one-of-a-kind reading experience!  This novel-length poem is part musical and part mythical narrative.  It centers around the spirit of Bob Marley being reincarnated as a homeless man living in Kingston, Jamaica.  The audiobook provides additional authenticity and atmosphere with a Patois accented reading. “ Queen of the Conquered” by Kacen Callender is an adult fantasy novel that will inspire your childlike wonder and sense of adventure.  It deftly handles its heavy content by combining elements of magic, mystery, and fantasy blended with the realism of island history and culture.

The winter up North here in Illinois and Wisconsin can certainly be brutally cold and snowy!  For those of us who enjoy the brisk, blustery wintry weather and outdoor activities it can be blissful and exhilarating. However, for the person who prefers something more low key, it can cause a bit of cabin fever.  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to the folks who want to get out of the house, stay out of the weather, but still find some fun and excitement!  We’re rounding up some great ideas and options for indoor destinations and non-winter sport indoor/outdoor activities in the Greater Chicago area.  Let’s get out there and add a little color to our lives and paint the town red! Be sure to check local guidelines for COVID19 restrictions such as vaccination cards and mask mandates.  We also encourage our readers to abide by all establishment’s individual guidelines for masking and social distancing for your safety and that of others. Family Friendly Activities We’ve scoured the internet and pulled from local suggestions for some of the best Chicago area destinations that are great for families.  Whether you’re going on a family outing or you’re taking the kids on a playdate, there’s lots of fun in store at these destinations.  From indoor playgrounds to museums to zoos, you’ll have plenty of entertainment for all age groups. Fit City Kids Exploritorium ClimbZone Chicago Lincoln Park Conservatory The Escape Game Chicago iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Lincoln Park Sod Room Indoor Playground Chicago LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago Present Place Chicago Indoor Playground Shedd Aquarium at Museum Campus Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier Amusement Center Chicago Purple Monkey Playroom Amusement Center Altitude Trampoline Park in Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Chicago Fox in a Box Escape Room Chicago Bronzeville Children’s Museum Indigo and Violet Art Studio Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice Kidcreate Studio Lakeview Chicago Wonder Works Children’s Museum Family Friendly Eateries After a fun-filled day of exploring the city and running around in museums or playgrounds, you’re going to be faced with plenty of hungry bellies!  Beat the hangry tantrums by planning ahead and reserving a table for your brood at one of these family friendly restaurants. We’ve done our best to pick kid friendly favourites, but also give you choices with a great atmosphere and lots of options for teens and adults, too. R.J. Grunts BIG & little’s Restaurant Crosby’s Kitchen SafeHouse Chicago Little Goat Diner JoJo’s Shake Bar Eleven City Diner Summer House Santa Monica Eggy’s Diner Lou Mitchell’s Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe Happy Camper Pizzeria Pinstripes Restaurant Funkenhausen Harvey’s Family Restaurant Big Kids Sandwiches Sunshine Restaurant Inc Friends Night Out and Date Night Ideas for Adults in Chicago You’ve had your fun with the kids and some serious quality time as a family, but now it’s time for you to kick back, let loose, and relax for a night on the town!  Get a little grownup time at these fun destinations that are perfect for couples, groups of friends, or even a nice night out alone.  You’ll find plenty of active choices such as skydiving and axe throwing, to walking tours and tours of brewpubs.  We’ve got a little bit of everything and a whole lot of creativity in our suggested destinations! WhirlyBall Chicago Bad Axe Throwing iFly Indoor Skydiving Broadway Playhouse Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago Chicago Magic Lounge City Winery Chicago Thomas McCormick Gallery Hofheimer Gallery WNDR Museum Gallery 400 FLXST Contemporary Kavi Gupta Gallery The Logan Theatre David Theater Chicago The Brew & View Nightingale Cinema The New 400 Theater Studio Movie Grill Ignite Gaming Chicago Redline VR Chicago FTW Chicago Play and Spin Museica’s Sip & Paint Deja Hue Art Wet Paint Chicago Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours Restaurants & Bars for a Great Night Out On the Town Who says adults can’t enjoy theme restaurants?!  We’ve gathered our picks for bars and restaurants with playful themes, interactive experiences, breweries, and farm-to-table options.  You’ll find no shortage of enjoyment and unforgettable experiences shared over cocktails and award winning plates of food.  We know you’ll have a blast! Replay Lincoln Park Elf’d Up Grill The Little Mermaid Cocktail Experience Chicago Map Room Bar Three Dots and a Dash Weegee’s Lounge Brando’s Speakeasy Janitor's Closet Neon Wilderness SafeHouse Chicago The Violet Hour Cocktail Bar Bunny Slope The Drifter Moneygun Range New American Blue Door Farm Stand Lula Cafe Table, Donkey and Stick Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago Goose Island Brewhouse

It’s National Love Your Pet Day!  It’s no secret we love our little creature companions be they furred, finned, feathered, or whatever, they’re all so special to us.  Over the last few years with pandemic related challenges, we’ve fallen in love with them more than ever.  Our trusty critter counterparts have given us so much companionship and unconditional love, and now it’s our turn to give back.  Check out today’s post for a super fun celebration of our non-human buddies! more Looking for Love: Great Local Animal Rescues to Find Your New BFF We understand that some folks choose to buy their sweet companions from breeders or championship bloodlines, and we get it!  But if you’re looking for a ride-or-die, for a tried-and-true blue best pal, you’ll never find a friend so kind with boundless love than animals rescued from a shelter or the street.  Here’s some great places to start looking for your new best friend! Waukegan Police Animal Control in Waukegan Our House of Hope Rescue in Libertyville Fat Cat Rescue in Waukegan Strawberry Fields Animal Rescue Illinois Wagging Hearts in Gainesville Kay’s Animal Shelter in Arlington Heights Animal House Shelter in Huntley Anderson Humane-North Aurora Adoption Center in North Aurora Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Deerfield Save-A-Pet in Grayslake PAWS Humane Society in Rockford Helping Paws Animal Shelter in Woodstock Heartland Animal Shelter in Wheeling Will County Humane Society in Shorewood Anderson Humane in South Elgin Tails Humane Society in DeKalb Community Care Animal Rescue Effort in Skokie Citizens Animal Rescue and Adoption in Tilton Wright-Way Rescue in Morton Grove Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue in Plainfield Fur Keeps Animal Rescue in Barrington Starfish Animal Rescue in Batavia Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary Inc in Rockford Young At Heart Senior Pet Adoptions in Woodstock Safe Harbor Humane Society in Kenosha WI Kindred Kitties in Kenosha WI Furever Friends Sanctuary in Kenosha WI Society of St Francis Inc in Kenosha, WI Tiny Paws Small Dog Rescue Inc in Kenosha, WI Who doesn’t love getting pampered with a little extra TLC! Well, did you know that our little four-legged, fine feathered, and even finned buddies feel just the same?  Show your pals a little extra treat, a new bed or hidey-hole, or even a day out at the spa.  We’ve got a list of places to spoil your pets: Alfredo Dog Grooming in Waukegan is where you go for a personal touch. Shear Paradise Pet Salon & Spa has been in pet beauty for over a dozen years. Grand Grooming in Gurnee is top rated as one of the best groomers in town. Liberty Dog Spa is a top tier pet groomer in Libertyville with years of experience. All Tails Pet Grooming & Boutique in Zion has been operating for over 10 years. Paw Chi Spa is the perfect mobile spa choice for pet parents with a busy schedule. Calling All Paws Mobile Pet Grooming is a convenient mobile grooming service for all. Posh Paws of Lake Bluff is a professional and trustworthy groomer for more than just dogs and cats. Bark N Call Pet Shop & Grooming has a reputation for friendly professional grooming. Peace, Paws, & Harmony in Lindenhurst grooms instills your pet with a sense of calm and patience during their spa day. 5 Star Doggie Bags: Cooking Special Meals for Your Pets At Home! Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats from Damn Delicious Homemade Dog Treat Recipe from The Cookie Rookie Three-Ingredient Salmon Cat Treats from The Cookie Rookie Canine Journal’s Homemade Vet Approved Dog Food Recipes Delicious Bearded Dragon Homemade Food Recipes Homemade Bunny Rabbit Treats by Sandi Homemade Cat Food Recipes via Hepper