In the most “cart before the horse” post ever, I have a fun idea that will bring together a gaggle of so much of what I love in life — drinking Why Not? kool-aid puppies, specifically foster puppies creating meaningful connections doing good spontaneity Subarus road trips a reminder why I ride the self-employed, entrepreneurial Read more…
I’ve had many highlight moments over my years. Being surprised in elementary school by my Aunt with a trip to Disney World that my single-mom couldn’t afford (she also surprised me with an adorable tiny red convertible once we arrived). Walking through Cabrini Green as a high school student with a WGN TV crew, as Read more…
Links and codes in Mac & Cheeseland may be referral links/codes — when you use them, you may get goodness, M&C may get goodness, both may get goodness. Goodness being a credit, discount, compensation, a high-five. If M&C refers someone or something, know that the referral is rooted in genuine reverence for his/her/its quality and Read more…
Best Friend & Best Friend Travel Background — We’re flip-flops and jeans folks who hate shopping, would rather wander neighborhoods than museums, think riding public transit is a fun adventure, and usually choose street-cart food over Michelin restaurants [update as of Spring 2017 — Best Friend is now vegan so we often explore cities Read more…
This is a Guest Post by Heather whom I met when I coordinated a Saturday morning volunteer program via Chicago Cares. About fifteen to twenty of us would take a school bus to an Englewood elementary school and lead activities for thirty or so 3rd to 8th graders. Though I stepped down years ago, I’m Read more…
Via CHIRP Radio’s show First Time, I shared a story and then a band played a song to go with my share; ridiculously fun! If you’ve never had 200 something people sing along to one of your favorite childhood songs, highly recommend. I may have had tears in my eyes. Also had my current crew of Read more…
There is a lot to be angst’y about these days. The fact that the Cubs’ chances of an undefeated season have already been nullified. White people and their tea cups (see Get Out if you haven’t yet). An incoherent, asinine five-year old seventy-year old schoolyard bully braggadocio, who is surrounded by idiotic, in over their heads, Read more…
We’ve heard the stories of how giving to others makes you happier. True stuff. Give an item, give your time, give your skills. Your heart will expand ten-fold and that thing that’s been eating you up inside, you’ll realize — not that important in the grand scheme of things. Sometimes we forget to give Read more…
We’re inundated with news of how horrible Chicago is — the shootings, the weather, the school system, the taxes, the politicians, the fact that we lead the nation in catalytic converter theft. We were (are?) Trump’s go to location-reference for everything that’s wrong with America. It is true. Our city is not perfect. We have our Read more…
What started with an email to about fifty friends in 2009 proposing a crazy idea that would help me live out my dream of being Mimi from RENT, though I lack all Broadway Star skills, has come to an end. The crazy idea? As a way to meet others, challenge ourselves, and be a rockstar, Read more…