Rainy Ravinia

Saw Poi Dog Pondering at Ravinia last night. In the rain. Was totally not prepared, no wellies, no umbrella...
Good music, but for the miserable rain I would have preferred to be at Glastonbury in the mud watching Amy Winehouse fight a touchy feely fan.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/gig-419894-details/Glastonbury+Festival/gigReview.do?reviewId=23502712

Flash Back Friday #11

The most famous television cliffhanger of all time.
Who Shot J.R.
After this episode people wore Who Shot J.R t-shirts for months.
I was a regular viewer of Dallas, Dynasty, Love Boat and Fantasy Island and this episode is still one of the classics.

Trailer for Marley & Me

Very cute trailer for the book to film adaption of the bestseller Marley & Me. In theaters this Christmas.

Great Green Product-Envirosax

I found this website http://www.envirosax.com/
for reusable bags sometime last year and have purchased many of them for myself and as gifts. These great little bags roll up for easy storage and can fit in the smallest of spaces for later use. I have a couple in the door pockets of my car for grocery shopping and 1 or 2 in different purses for trips to the farmers market. No more need for plastic or paper bags when you can use these instead.
They come in a variety of colors and patterns and if you purchase the 5 in 1 pouch (5 bags in a reusable pouch)you get a free shower timer. This little timer comes with a suction cup to attach to your shower door to time your shower to 4 minutes which will conserve water and energy.
The 5 in 1 pouch is priced at a great price of $37.95 and you can share the pouches as gifts. For more information click here:
http://www.envirosax.com/products/graphic_series/

If You Eat Fast Food-Read This Book

I just finished an eye opening book, Chew On This by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson. The authors uncover the business of fast food and what really goes on at restaurants and on your plate. Read about the 6 week life of the chicken you eat from McDonald's or Tyson before it ends up on the menu and how your favorite candy and yogurt gets its red color (from crushed bugs!)Not only is the book a national bestseller it's a fascinating glimpse into the food culture that feeds our country. After the book was published 2 years ago many companies and organizations stopped their association with fast food chains. Disney pulled Mickey Mouse from McDonald's promotional toys and schools are pulling soda pop off their lunch shelves.
Now I am not a fast food eater and being a vegetarian haven't had a burger or McNuggets since I was kid. After reading this book I'm glad the food that sustains and fattens Americans hasn't passed my lips in years.

Summer Nights at Ravinia

Most Chicagoans know of the outdoor music/dance/arts venue Ravinia located northwest of the City in Highland Park. This private park is host to the Ravinia Festival which is a summer long series of concerts and dance all offered in beautiful outdoor surroundings. The Pavilion is the more traditional concert experience with stadium seating in an open theater but covered from the elements with a roof. The general lawn surrounds the Pavilion and offers picnic like settings for those who pay a lower ticket price but offers the benefit of creating your own concert experience. Lawn tickets are the most popular way to experience Ravinia and attendees get highly creative with their picnic and dining settings. I have seen fully catered picnics complete with table clothes and candelabras as well as the more traditional blanket and coolers picnics. I try and get to Ravinia 1-2 times a month from June through September and have seen some terrific concerts (The Corrs and Gypsy Kings are 2 favorites). This Sunday is my first trip to Ravinia of the season, the picnic is planned and I will enjoy a lovely catered meal on a comfy blanket while listening to Poi Dog Pondering and drinking a cold beer. I'm also looking forward to Sheryl Crow later this summer.
For more info, check out the site at:
http://www.ravinia.org/

Flash Back Friday #10

Taking a walk at dusk last night I realized the fireflies are out. I love watching them shine in the dark and dragged my dog around the neighborhood trying to catch one in the palm of my hand.
Fireflies always remind me of carefree childhood summers and waiting for my mom to wash out the pickle jar so I could catch a few and watch them light up in the jar before I let them loose.
Here is a video from YouTube showing an adorable little girl catching fireflies, remember how much fun it is?

Have a good weekend, I have my 2nd wedding to attend in 2 weeks and again it's out of state.