Like many Chicagoans, I spent quite a bit of time scanning Ticketmaster for "Hamilton" tickets when they first went on sale. Most of them were super expensive ($300-400) and sold out, so I gave up. Then, in November, I heard about more dates being released and found two balcony seats available for $80 each (including fees). I scooped them up immediately! My friend Rachael and I took ... Read more
Birthday at the Field Museum Chicago | Free-Admission Days
A perk of living in Chicago is that many of the museums are free on certain dates/months. Luckily for us, the Field Museum is offering free general admission to Illinois residents during the month of February. I awoke on my birthday thinking it'd be nice to spend the day wandering around the museum. As I've said before, you would have to spend days, even weeks, at the Field Museum to see and ... Read more
Dabble: Fused-Glass Dish Class with Chicago Glass Collective
My most recent Dabble.co experience was a Valentine's Day fused-glass candy dish at Chicago Glass Collective. The ability to make something to give as a gift for the holiday piqued my interest. I also thought it'd make a great friend or Valentine's outing, but I didn't have any luck finding someone to tag along. I realized when I walked into the building that I didn't know the suite ... Read more
Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest Haul
I had one of those perfect Chicago summer weekends. I don't know how I'll top it. First, I love spotting the blooms in the neighborhood. Also, Graham's parents visited us on Saturday and we had a wonderful time catching up. Once our visitors left, Graham and I walked to the Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival to check out the vendors. Last year we purchased a couple of art prints and some natural skin ... Read more
Heartland Cafe, Rogers Park, Chicago
Any day that I get to spend exploring Chicago is a gem, especially if I have Graham as my companion. Last weekend we had the rare ability to go out to breakfast together. I finally had the chance to try out Heartland Cafe on Glenwood Avenue in our Rogers Park neighborhood. I've seen the quaint shop/restaurant on the way to yoga and during the Glenwood Arts Fest. It seemed like a perfect spot to ... Read more
Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest 2015
Seeking to find artwork for our abundant bare wall space, Graham and I walked over to the Glenwood Ave. Arts Fest in our Rogers Park neighborhood on Sunday. The farmers market was held next to the fest, creating one big walkable marketplace. One of the first booths to catch our eye was Anastasia Mak's. We were drawn to her vibrant pieces, many of which were of Chicago landmarks. We made our way ... Read more
Free things to do in the Phoenix area
This blog began thanks to my desire to be a tourist in my own city. As a frugal explorer, I always appreciate advice on free or low-cost things to do. This post is an attempt to compile a list of such activities in my area. I hope to add to it regularly. Any more ideas on free things to do? Send them my way!1. Check out the lawn games at the Yard.2. Hike at one of the countless Valley trails.3. ... Read more
Desert Botanical Garden’s Chiles and Chocolate Festival
There was no more perfect way to spend one of the first 60-degree days we’ve had in Phoenix in a while than a day at Desert Botanical Garden. An added, and delicious, bonus was the treats at the Chiles and Chocolate Festival for us to sample and purchase: chili, sopes, chocolates, cookies, burritos, chocolate martinis, Cave Creek Chili Beer and more. There was even a GroupOn deal available ... Read more
Visiting Mesa Contemporary Arts for Free
I discovered the Phoenix Library's Culture Pass recently, which gives you free admission for up to four people to such Valley attractions as the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo. The trick is to get to the library as early as possible to check out the pass, which I was told gets snatched up quickly. I managed to grab a pass for Mesa Contemporary Arts. The center is made up of five small ... Read more
Phoenix Art Museum: Best Day to Visit
One could easily spend an entire day admiring -- or trying to figure out -- the various works of art on display at the Phoenix Art Museum. I discovered that I like Philip C. Curtis (although I'm not sure I understand him). I also liked: I especially liked this sculpture, which is made to resemble a real stack of comic books. And this: Take advantage of free admission at the museum ... Read more