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Weekend Warrior
Go green and go zine with our list of the top events to finish your week.
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On The Hunt
Take the kids to these family-friendly Easter egg hunts in Chicago.
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Winter Winners
Cold or not, the kids need entertainment. Here are some ways to warm up this season's schedule.
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NYE Picks: Kid-Friendly
Got little ones in tow this year? Here are some celebrations the whole family will enjoy.
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Where Can I Find Santa in Chicago?
Want to see Old Saint Nick in person? Head to any of these holiday favorites.
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Think Outside the Gift Box
Skip the traditional presents this year and give one of these Chicago experiences instead.
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Where Can I Find Hot Chocolate in Chicago?
Stay warm and satisfy your sweet tooth at any of these hot chocolate hot spots.
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All Lit Up
Strap on your snow boots and hike it to one of these festive light displays.
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You Should Be Dancin' Here
Show off your newly learned steps and twirls at these swingin' spots.
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Where Can I Go Ice Skating in Chicago?
Embrace winter and get your skate on at any of these area rinks.
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The Gift of Giving
Here are some ways to lend a helping hand in Chicago during the holiday season.
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Killer Costumes
Find your devilish duds at these local costume shops.
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Be the (G)host with the Most
We've got all the tips you need to throw a frightfully successful Halloween party.
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Ask Centerstage: Blues Hotels
Where to stay if you've come to hear Chicago's favorite music.
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Weekend Warrior 7/30/09
Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.
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Throwback Theaters
Catch a modern-day flick at one of these old-school drive-ins.
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On the Waterfront
Call in sick and kick back at Chicago's best beaches.
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Father's Day Finds
Stumped when it comes to shopping for dad? Check out our guy-friendly gift guide.
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Putt Like a Pro
You don't need any skills on the green to enjoy a round at these Chicago mini-golf courses.
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Do Good In Your 'Hood
Got too much free time on your hands? Volunteer it at these local organizations.
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For the Love of Dog
Having a canine in the city isn't always pretty, but these Chicago pet-pampering services make things a little easier.
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Rainy Day Relief
We've got 10 ways to beat the wet-weather blues.
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Oldies but Goodies
Visit these Chicago antique shops and make your home unique.
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Forget the Flowers
These unique Mother's Day gifts will make sure you remain the favorite child.
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Tasty Tax Relief
Save a little dough with these sweet and savory tax day deals.
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Where Can I See Improv Comedy in Chicago?
There's more than one improv show in the Second City.
»
Chicago Florists
Stay out of the doghouse on Valentine's Day with a bouquet from one of these local flower shops.
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Where Can I Find a Romantic Restaurant?
Love is always in the air at these cozy dining spots.
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Where Can I Find a Co-Op in Chicago?
Eat healthy, support local farmers and avoid the huge grocery store markups.
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Where Can I Play Trivia in Chicago?
Answer: Just about any neighborhood in town.
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Same-Sex Sweethearts
Our tips for queering up your Valentine's Day.
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Where Are the Best Chicago Blues Clubs?
Feelin' the blues never felt so good.
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Breakfast for a Bargain
Brunch for just five bucks? Aye caramba!
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Where Can I Go Skiing Near Chicago?
With these ski spots all within a day's drive, you can cancel that trip to Aspen.
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Not Just For Bikers
Chicago's biggest alternative transit organization moves people under a new name.
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Super Bowling
Escape the cold by rolling into one of Chicago's finest bowling alleys.
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Where, Oh Where to Wi-Fi?
Work from home? You need to get out once in a while...and Erin's found two great spots to do it.
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Change for the Greener
Sharon shares her three green resolutions for 2009.
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Gratis Grub
Free pizza bubbles up at Fizz on weeknights.
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Live Smart, Not Hard
The Smart Home at the Museum of Science and Industry features the latest in green technology.
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Happy Holistic Holidays
Save money and stay healthy during one of the most stressful times of the year.
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Where Can I Find a Jewish Deli in Chicago?
Keeping Kosher never tasted so great at any of these sandwich spots.
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The Beat Is On
Live music bargains are on the menu at Beat Kitchen.
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Centerstage TV: Eco-Holiday Edition
Get the goods on everything from setting your table to shopping sustainably with our video reports.
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The Holiday Green Guide
Here are some helpful hints for a sustainable season.
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SoLow-Priced Dinner and Drinks
Southport's Sopo offers cheap eats and more-for-less martinis on Thursdays.
»
Where Can I Find a Good Coffee Shop in Chicago?
Solid java stops can be difficult to track down, but we're on the case.
»
Climate of Change
Chicago’s Climate Action Plan puts our future in focus.
»
The Green Gift Guide
A short list of planet-friendly gift ideas to make your holidays a little greener.
»
Where Can I Pick Up a Date in Chicago?
Head here for love...or at least some lovin'.
»
Rushed Relaxation
Don't expect a spa-quality session from a student massage.
»
Where Can I Watch Soccer in Chicago?
Watch the action overseas at one of these footie-loving pubs.
»
Ending the Cold War
Save energy and money by installing a programmable thermostat.
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Where Can I Find a Vegan Restaurant in Chicago?
Eat at these spots and you won't miss meat at all.
»
Coffee Culture Talk
Engage in a free lunchtime debate with the Chicago Cultural Center's Cafe Society.
»
Where Can I Still Smoke in Chicago?
The smoking ban has stuck, but there's still some places you can puff away indoors.
»
Haunting Consciously
There's no trick to being environmentally friendly this Halloween.
»
High-Noon Sushi Specials
Sushi lunch deals can get maki in your mouth for less....just be prepared for something a little different.
»
Hold the Phone
Keep that old cell phone out of the landfill by donating it to a responsible recycler.
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Breeze, Booze and a Weekend Bargain
Cheap drinks, pizza and scenery abound at Cooper’s on Sundays.
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Uncharted Ground
The new Uncommon Ground paves the way for ultra-local, community focused, green cuisine.
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Tasty and Tax-Free
A good dining deal at Bin 36 makes high noon look a lot more enticing.
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Summer In a Jar
Sharon captures the flavors of the harvest by canning at home.
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North Side Nosh
Dinner and drinks abound every Monday at Witt's...and neither will cost you much.
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Worth the Wait
A meal hosted by Slow Food Chicago proves that all good things come in due time.
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Don’t Mimosa If I Do
Land some cheap morning cocktails midday at The Kerryman.
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Come On In...If The Water's Fine
Why you should check the swim report before hitting the beach.
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Mega Mugs for Less
Get a ton of beers at T's.
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Get in a Pickle
Chicago's only food co-op will soon be a reality.
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Leaving Home, Logging On
Erin embarks on another hunt for a decent wi-fi hotspot.
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Vigilante Planting
With seed bombing, you can green the city on your own terms.
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South Loop Special
Head south of downtown for a real meal deal.
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Saving Grace
A visit to Salvage One proves that designing with reused materials isn't all dusty doorknobs.
»
The Perfect Musical Picnic
Free music mixed with Chicago summer nights? 'Tis the season.
»
Seven-Day Cycling
Three dollars a gallon. What more reason do you need to bike to work for a week (or more)?
»
Going Long
Marked-down microbrews make for a nice mid-week treat.
»
Underage Action
Under 21? We've been there, and we're back to tell you the coolest things to do in Chicago sans alcohol.
»
Of Bees and Men
The Chicago Honey Co-op draws sweet sustenance from a once-barren West Side lot.
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Weekend Warrior
Spend your weekend with board games, shamisen solos and upscale American cuisine.
»
A Golden Glass of Old Times
Looking for a little liquid nostalgia, Erin heads to Iggy's this week for bargain brews.
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Open Season
As the farmers markets kick into gear, Sharon heads out for local produce and community-centric revelry.
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Weekend Warrior
Unravel some mysteries this weekend with a never-ending art exhibit and a centuries-old Japanese spirit.
»
TGIT... If You're on Madison
Bargain beer, affordable appetizers and ample seating make the west part of Madison a great end-of-the-week street.
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Clean Clothes Without Percs
Sharon takes her duds to the Greener Cleaner for brighter, carcinogen-free whites.
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Sunday Sippin'
Bargain beer and a decent quesadilla make ending the weekend all the easier.
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Weekend Warrior
From Cincinnati-style chili to Chicago blues, this weekend's best bets have the Midwest covered.
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Fresh Veggies, Hold the Lead
Before planting a bounty of edibles in your garden, be sure to test your soil.
»
Ole Your Way Toward May
Score $3 tapas and satisfying sangria on weeknights or weekends at Cafe-Ba-Ba-Reeba.
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A Proud Heritage
Sharon celebrates diversity this spring by starting heirloom seeds.
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Sing Me a Song, Piano Man
Erin gets to enjoy piano music without having to warm up with scales.
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I Guess I'll Go Keep Worms
Sharon starts a worm composting bin and turns her trash into treasure.
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Hand Me Another Half-Carafe
A Mano's $5 bar menu makes it easy to snack as you drink—and you won't have to leave work early to enjoy it.
»
Delivered on the Pizza, Not the Service
An all-you-can-eat deal will have you gorging on pizza and pints...until your waitress decides you're done.
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There's Gotta Be a Catch
For the seafood lover, eating responsibly can be slippery business.
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A Booze Bender Makes it Better
A long weekend going out around the city is the cure for this common, consistent cold.
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Wee Little House for Wee Little Plants
A handy friend gives Sharon advice on how to build a cold frame.
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A Bargain on Bubbly
Erin finds a reason to celebrate nothing at a Wednesday night Pops for Champagne tasting.
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Home Green Home
Sharon takes a tour through a green building and learns how Chicago is leading the way in sustainable construction.
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Deep Tissue at a Discount
For less than 35 bucks, you can buy a reasonable rubdown.
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Bringing Up Baby
Life with an antioxidant-rich kombucha culture isn't all mushrooms and squiddles.
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Wi-fi Woes
Erin checks out two wi-fi spots, only to find they don't pan out as wi-fi finds.
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Green Leaves
Sharon shares three great eco-focused reads to kick off the new year.
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Making it Work
One day Erin's in, the next day she's out...braving the cold for "Project Runway" and drink deals.
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Something Smells Fishy
The deals at Redfish leave Erin hungry for more.
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Give Thanks for Local Farms
Making a feast of locally grown foods is easy if you know where to look.
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A Bummer of a Bar Buffet
Cheap beer, free food and a fried snack nightcap help start the week off strong.
»
Not Too Cold to Ride
Sharon shares her survival guide to all-weather biking.
»
Dreaming of a Green Christmas
Our eco-friendly tips will help you keep holiday traditions and the planet alive.
»
Show Me the Dollar Signs!
Erin and friends confront HC's ambiguous mid-week drink deals.
»
Grateful Us
Centerstage is thankful for...a lot of things, it seems.
»
Green on the Catwalk
High-fashion designers are becoming eco-conscious. But what the heck does that mean?
»
Saving Screwdrivers for a Rainy Day
Forget cats and dogs. At Nick's Fishmarket, it's raining $6 screwdrivers and two-buck appetizers.
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The Great Bottle Debate
Sharon wades through the bottled water quagmire for a sip of clarity.
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A Tasting for a Ten Spot
Erin's down with Wine Down, Foodlife's monthly wine tasting.
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Live Free and Drive
Sharon joins I-GO car sharing and enjoys the best of both worlds.
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Dealing with Downtown
After catching a flick, Erin digs around downtown for a Saturday night food and drink deal.
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Bedding Down for Fall
Sharon does some autumn planting with a little guidance from the Chicago Botanic Garden.
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Excessive Eggs for Less
Egged on by her parents to find spots with all-you-can-eat breakfast foods, Erin hunts down the city's bargain brunch buffets.
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Buckets of Rain
Bring water to the table by redirecting your downspout and collecting rain in a bucket.
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Bring On the Bingo Man
Erin discovers Bingo isn't just for old folks, especially when it comes with table tappers and pub grub.
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Cold Comfort
Sharon rigs up a DIY air conditioner to cool her apartment without warming the planet.
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A Sweet Steal
Waterhouse's $3 chocolate martinis leave Erin and friends with a bargain bar tab.
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It Takes a Village to Raise a Tomato
Sharon rolls up her sleeves to get the dirt on urban farming.
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Wi-Fi Findings
Tired of working from home, Erin embarks on a tour of spots—from bars to coffee shops—where she can log on sans fee.
»
Scrimp Your Ride
Our new eco-expert learns do-it-yourself bike maintenance from West Town Bikes.
»
The Most Inexpensive Meal of the Day
Breakfast for less than $4? Instant oatmeal, pack your things. We're done.
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Sunscreen Shopping: No Day at the Beach
Julia tackles the question of earth- and skin-friendly sun protection.
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High Time for High Tea
Blimey! Snacks and sips do make an afternoon complete.
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Get The Monkey (And Everything Else) Off Your Back
Julia finds new freedom by fixing up her bike to haul her gear.
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Is it Really All That Jazz?
Tuesdays on the Terrace at the MCA leave Erin underwhelmed with watered-down drinks and barely audible jazz.
»
French Fries and Faux Chicken Nuggets?
Julia finds a way into the fast food nation without sacrificing her eco-minded ideals.
»
A Tale of Big City Tap
This Lakeview bar goes from day to night mode in a jiffy, with slick deals to boot.
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Imported Tip: Swap Your Clothes Montreal-Style
Clothing swap parties are Julia's new favorite way to shop.
»
Sangria Worth Celebrating
Move over, Columbus: I've discovered a drink deal out of this New World.
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It's Only Natural
A visit to the naturopathic doctor leaves Julia feeling more informed and less toxic.
»
Wine Down Wednesday
Matilda has wine deals and a reason to put on pants? I'm there.
»
A Drop in the Bucket
Julia becomes a composter-in-training with encouragement from her urban-dwelling, composting friend.
»
Gone Greek
Erin becomes a born-again Greektown-lover after a trip to Venus during happy hour.
»
Singing the Recycling Blues
Julia gives us the run-down on pilot recycling program and offers helpful tips toward joining the recycling revolution.
»
Eco-Friendly Fun
Stave off energy-chugging behavior with these conscientious ways to kick back, consume and imbibe.
»
Smooth Sailing
It's all about nightly deals and a nautical theme at Weather Mark Tavern.
»
Healthy/Organic Eating on the Cheap
Julia learns a happy lesson from Healthy Dining Chicago publisher Laura Bruzas.
»
Greening Your Modes of Transportation
Give your CO2-factory-on-wheels a rest and take these alternative rides for a spin.
»
Cutting Bangs...and Beauty Costs
Erin gets a stylish shearing for a Super Cuts cost at the Aveda Institute.
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Eating My Way Through FamilyFarmed
Julia puts on an earth-friendly pound (or ten) at the FamilyFarmed.org EXPO2007.
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Cheap Bar Detectives
Erin and friends continue on their search for perfect pub-ness.
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Greenie Cooking Tip: Make Your Own Veggie Stock
Protect your system against the seasonal plummet (and even cinch your waistline) with homemade vegetable broth.
»
DIY Flights, Fancy Bites
Get drunk at a place where only the name makes you dizzy.
»
The Finish Line
Julia finishes up the eight-week Green Challenge by rethinking what goes in the trash and down the drain.
»
South Loop, South of the Border
Don't wait around for spring to start your spring break. Because I don't think it's coming.
»
Hunting Down the Phantom Load
As much as 40 percent of the electricity used in the US comes from appliances that aren't even turned on!
»
Happy Meal, Indeed
Good things come in small packages. Sometimes, chicken and corn do, too.
»
A Food And Fashion Overhaul
With the Green Challenge at its halfway point, Julia looks at bad fabrics and from-far-away fruits.
»
Take Me to the City
I'll take Manhattan. The one I can afford.
»
Green Challenge, Week Two
My first mission: a face-off with the biggest eco-offender in my life—my car.
»
Everything But The Kitsch'n Sink
Though honestly, the sink is probably used in preparation of the free food and drinks.
»
Don't Count Carbs, Count Carbon!
Julia sets off on an eight-week challenge to reduce her weight...in carbon dioxide emissions.
»
Thai One On
Get spicy food and drink for a five-spot.
»
The British Are Coming. No Wait, They're Here.
Will a very Dickens Christmas get this city-goes-country girl in the holiday spirit?
»
Don't Chuck that Tube Down the Chute!
Ready to kill your TV? Just be sure to recycle it.
»
Drinking Before the Day Is Done
With happy hours, there's not always so much at steak.
»
Greenie Craft Corner
Recycle your sweater into a fab winter hat.
»
A Many-Martini Evening
Looking for five-spot cocktails? Follow your way through the Green Door.
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No Gift Receipt Required
Craft your way to a handmade holiday gift.
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The Gift of Your Presence
Give the one-size-fits-all gift of your time along with your present.
»
Made-in-Chicago
Support the city's makers and shakers by buying local goods for your holiday gifts.
»
Gifts from the Vine
Personalize your bottled pick with help from your local wine purveyor.
»
Horn of Plenty
Julia gives thanks for the autumn bounty by checking out fresh options from local growers.
»
Annie Oakley, Get Your Gun
A furry animal-lover sets her aim on sporting clays.
»
Giving Cans a Second Chance
Attitude-free cheap vodka cocktails, served up on Thursdays.
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Grateful Us
Centerstage is thankful for...a lot of things, it seems.
»
Pinot Noir Without the Lysol
A toast to organic wine, straight from Oregon's wine country.
»
Hip, Sober Halloween Happenings
Skip the rubber-spidered bar scene and head to one of these Halloween happenings instead.
»
Deep Dish, Shallow Pockets
Getting a deal on Chicago-style pizza (Diet Coke included).
»
A Cuppa Fair Trade, Please
Figuring out exactly what Fair Trade means...and where to get coffee with the stamp of approval.
»
Feeling A Little Snacky?
Don't hang out with me; I've had a hard time finding cheap eats this week.
»
DIY Decor
A wise greenie saves some cash by refashioning old gear to redecorate her space.
»
The Circle of Cheese
Two girls, 64 goats and the open road...talk about a country adventure.
»
I'm Sorry, TGI What?
Eat like a queen early in the week.
»
From the Tree to the Tummy
A trip to an orchard yields a 20-pound bounty of apples.
»
Is There Such Thing as a Free Meal?
Free food can be hard to find, but low-price liquor? Everywhere you turn.
»
Shopping With the Chef
Mastering the famers' market with Chef Noah...then eating our spoils in gourmet fashion.
»
Frugal (and Froo-Froo) Martinis
Cap the weekend off with a little Boystown martini madness.
»
Ode to the Heirloom Tomato
Get thee to your local farmers' market and fill a bag with these beauties before it's too late!
»
Oh, Mr. Lincoln
Got $5? Then you've got dinner, my friend.
»
For Picnic's Sake
When country leisure with a dash of romance calls, it's obviously time for a picnic.
»
Needle Me
Last Thursday, I let a woman I'd just met stick a needle between my eyes.
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Strap on the Stilettos
Drink discounts and impractical footwear? Happy hump day.
»
Making the Most Out of Mulch
Community gardening is quite fulfilling, sunburn and all.
»
I'll Take Seconds, Please
When is funny most fun? When it's free...and held on the famed Second City stage.
»
I Have Difficult Hair
Luckily, Aveda's earth-friendly haircare comes cheap...if you know where to look.
»
Hi-Ho Cherry O
Baking the great American pie.
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Taking On The $1.95 Menu
Cheap eats aren't always what you bargain for.
»
The Avocado Chronicles
This not-so-green-thumb tries her hand at growing avocados...and more.
»
Totally Tanked Thursdays
Get blotto at Grotto on Thursday nights. I did.
»
Go Fly a Kite
Get outdoors with the best toy to have in the Windy City.
»
I Say Jam, You Say Jelly
Making tasty fruit spreads in the kitchen at Vie.
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Totally Thrifty Thursdays...and Fridays
Free museum walks without any annoying docents.
»
Dump the Chemicals
This week's eco-adventure: Purge the toxic household cleaners!
»
Bottles Up!
Half-price bottles of wine make Monday a little less dry.
»
Getting Juicy
Taking on the healthy kind of liquid diet, celery and all.
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Tippling Over Trivia
Get out your movie memory—but leave the bowling ball at home—on Thursday nights.
»
Going My Way?
Get on board with the debut of Centerstage's enviro-health column.
»
Bar-side Book Readings
Low-cost lit you can wash down with a beer: A win-win for all.
»
Under-a-Buck Beer
With Cactus' Tuesday night beer deals, the desert has never felt less dry.
»
Happy Hour, Take Two
Get more drink (but not necessarily alcohol) for your dime at Tizi Melloul.
»
A Stitch in Time
An old-school quilting bee see this city girl with needle in hand.
»
Hunting the After-Work Deal
The death of the American Happy Hour sure makes working a lot harder.
»
Beer Tasting
Trying new brews the cheapest way possible.
»
Experimenting With Freebie Music
Music, like life, is at its best unpredictable.
»
Comfort in the Kitchen
Whipping up a country meal involves a lot of potatoes.
»
The CD Listening Party
Open bar, lots of music and a girl named Stacy.
»
Swanking It Up
Maybe the W stands for "Weally inexpensive"
»
Winter Rescue
Beat the cold-weather blues with these healing escapes.
»
The Bargain Bellini Brunch
Start Sunday right with a cheapie cocktail.
»
Check Out The Gallery Scene, Cheapo!
Art, while generally quite expensive to buy, is often free to look at.
»
Party By Theme
Beat the winter woes with a novel approach to your private party.
»
What, I Don’t Get an Ax?
Christmas tree-chopping in the country.
»
Penny Wine Is Still A Deal
Spend your laundry money on hootch.
»
Channeling Christmas at Christkindlmarket
No really, it's OK to spoil yourself. Especially when it's free.
»
Spending Sunday At The (Music) Salon
An afternoon of free-of-charge music.
»
Nosy Neighbors
The South Loop wants to take you out.
»
BYOB Saves Bucks
They provide the food; you bring the hootch and everybody wins.
»
Free Funnies
Wednesday nights at i.O. bring great laughs.
»
Spa Savings
Beauty treatments for the thrifty.
»
Al Fresco Audio
No matter what the city says, leave the liquor at home.
»
Where's the Party?
Plan a bash at a bar so it won't involve someone vomiting in your bathroom. Well, unless you drink too much at the bash at a bar.
»
Wasting Away in Margaritaville
Park Grill woos landscape-lovers and lushes.
»
High-Fun, Low-Cost Weekends
Get ready to chew on these bar specials.
»
Danny's Reading Series
Listen up for free, 'natch.
»
Paulina (Brown)
Lakeview rocks on the west side.
»
Chicago Antique Market
Talking treasures with Sally Schwartz and Kathleen Finley.
»
Western (Brown)
Old world mullets vs. hipster mullets.
»
The Grass is Always Greener
Going organic at Prospera Farms.
»
Roosevelt (Red)
Finding fun beyond the fests.
»
Wine Good Time
Sip a variety of vino—and horde your elbow space—at Bin 36's Tastings.
»
Sarah's Pastries & Candies' Chef
Sweet talking with Sarah Levy.
»
Chicago
West Town meets River West in the land of artists, yuppies and old Italian men.
»
Buck Beers?
Not bad for a hump day evening out.
»
Pilates, Equine-Style
Country riding gets too hot to trot.
»
Hot Pink
Think Pink for a free girl's night out.
»
Chopsticks and Cinema
Stuff yourself with sushi and take in a monster movie.
»
Cut-Rate Canoodling
A crash course in blissing out on a limited budget.
»
What Is...Bar Trivia?
In this game, winning takes a backseat to drinking and fun.
»
Tsunami Relief
Here's a rundown of more than enough ways to provide disaster relief from your corner of the world.
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