Holiday Memory Jar

It was way too hot to do much outside today. While sorting through keepsakes, I remembered an idea I had seen in a magazine about displaying mementos in a jar. I filled a jar from Ikea with small souvenirs from a cruise I went on a long time ago. The bottom of the jar is lined with a small paper bag to give the feel of sand. Inside is a bundle of cinnamon sticks, a pair of sunglasses, a butterfly bracelet, a couple keychains and plastic rings, a luggage tag, and a handful of various Caribbean currency. I'm rather happy with the way it turned out. Perhaps I'll make more and fill a shelf with memory jars or use the jars as book ends.

Guide to Los Angeles

Winter is coming, and I am trying to remember why I left sunny L.A. for a state that boasts about cloudy skies and freezing temperatures. Whether you live in L.A. or just go there to visit, The City of Angeles has something for everyone - movie stars, beaches, shopping, smog...

Shopping

• The Grove – Shopping, dining, the best place for people watching, The Grove is where you go to scope out Angelenos and perhaps catch a movie filming.
• The Americana - Like The Grove but located in Glendale.
• The Original Farmer’s Market – If you're not careful, you might mistake this market as part of The Grove, but The Original Farmer’s Market has its own unique vibe. Tourist shops, Pinkberry, and as much produce and candy you can eat, The Market is, also, home to The Gumbo Pot (Stall #312), the best Cajun cooking in town.
• Chinatown - I must confess that I still haven't seen the movie, Chinatown, but at night the area does get a little... sketchy. However, Chinatown is definitely worth a day trip and offers plenty of souvenirs.
• El Pueblo de Los Angeles - I stumbled on this treasure trove on my way to Union Station and promised myself I'd go back for another look. It's a town within a town and the birthplace of Los Angeles.
• Universal City Walk – Bowling, dancing, eating, shopping, City Walk offers it all. Favorite stops are: The Los Angeles Sock Market, Hard Rock Café, Lush Cosmetics, and Jillian’s Hi Life Lanes.

Eats

• Pink’s Hot Dogs – Advertised as “The Hot Dog to the Stars”, Pink’s has been around since 1939. I highly recommend the Guadalajara Dog and the Lord of the “Rings” Dog. While the hot dogs are very filling, be prepared for a long wait; Pink’s is always busy.
• In-n-Out Burger – Ordering is easy with your choice of hamburger, fries, and milk shake. Worth every calorie.
• Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles – Chicken and waffles you ask? Yes, it really is amazing.

Entertainment

• Hollywood Boulevard – Start at Hollywood & Hilghland, home of the Kodak Theatre and gift shops galore - it’s across the street from El Capitan Theatre and next door to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Then make your way down the Walk of Fame. I highly recommend taking a bus tour of Hollywood.
• Warner Bros. Studio - Warner Bros. Studio is the best studio in my mind. While there is talk about closing the studio and moving it out of state, I really hope that doesn’t happen because it still has some of that Old Hollywood feel to it. Check out the water tower – just like in the cartoons!
• LA Connection Comedy Theatre – Improv and sketch comedy inside an incredibly small theatre. I studied here for a few months and it was amazing.
• Crunch - A gym as entertainment? I have three words for you: ANTIGRAVITY® YOGA ‘WINGS’.
• Santa Monica Pier – The water, the Ferris wheel, the little shops, yes it’s touristy but I love it.

Guide to Ann Arbor

Bob Seger grew up here. Madonna went to school here. Welcome to Ann Arbor. Since this is back to school week, I decided to highlight a college town that has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike.

Shopping

• The Bead Gallery - Jewelry makers heaven with beads galore
• Aunt Agatha's New & Used Mysteries, Detection & True Crime Books
• Middle Earth - Magical world of gifts, gags, and more
• The Dawn Treader Book Shop - Used and rare books
• The Get Up - Vintage clothing
• Star Vintage - Vintage clothing and collectibles

Eats

• Oasis Grill - Love the falafel and hommous
• Gourmet Garden - Order the Triple Delight with a spring role and fried rice with a side of the Crab Rangoon and you wont leave hungry
• B.D.'s Mongolian Barbeque - Put together a bowl of raw ingredients and watch it cook on a huge frying table
• Washtenaw Dairy - Ice Cream!
• Ashley's - Bar and grill

Entertainment

• Michigan Theatre - Independent and classic films play here
• The State Theatre - If it's not showing at the Michigan Theatre, it's showing here
• Fairy Doors of Urban Fairies in Ann Arbor - Miniature doors are hidden around town
• Gallup Park - Offers walking trails and canoeing
• University of Michigan Museum of Art - One of my favorite pieces in Esther before Ahasuerus
• William L. Clement's Library - American history and culture

Guide to Chicago

I had a fantastic time in Chicago last week.  It was my third time in the city, and I am finally starting to feel like I almost know what I am doing.  Movies in the park was great even though it was Psycho, a movie I have avoided watching my entire life despite the fact that I like Alfred Hitchcock; however, the best way to watch a scary movie is with a few thousand of your closest friends in the midsts of a bustling city.  I did way too much walking and am still sore - next time I am getting a 3 day CTA pass instead of trying to guess the right amount to put on a card.  I've made a list of things to do by neighborhood because I've noticed most maps are broken down that way.

Lakeview

• Fashion Tomato - Carries current trends and a nice selection of dresses
• Nevermind - Trendy clothes at cheap prices
• Beyond the Wall - Tons of posters, postcards, and other collectibles
• Yogen Fruz - Delicious frozen yogurt.

Lincoln Park

• Molly's Cupcakes - The BEST cupcakes in the entire world!
• Crossroads Trading Company - Resale shop with a nice selection of clothes and accessories
• Lincoln Park Zoo - There is no charge to see the animals

The Loop

• H & M - Two stories means a wide selection of clothes, shoes, etc.
• ULTA - The biggest beauty store I have ever seen
• Millennium Park - The bean, fountains, sculptures, free concerts
• Grant Park - movies in the park and Buckingham Fountain
• Harold Washington Library Center - Gorgeous building and nine floors of everything you might need from a library

Near North Side

• Navy Pier - Ferris wheel, water taxis, gift shops, fireworks