Ready for some shopping?  You can't escape all of the Black Friday promotions but before you map out your strategy for shopping madness, take a moment to think about the shop around the corner, the local business.  On Saturday, November 30th is Small Business Saturday.  

What is Small Business Saturday?

Weekend Wednesday

After all the candy, it might be nice to take in a show that flashes back to the movies of the 60's and 70's.  That's what's going on at the Metropolis Performance Arts Center in Arlington Heights this weekend with the Broken Arrow and Positively 4th Street: Tributes to Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Saturday Nov 2 at 7:30 pm.  While there stop into Circa 57, newest restaurant in town that is quickly turning into a favorite spot.

This week we are reminded that we are in Chicagoland with the dipping temperatures and winds.  But before we succumb to the snow, why not take a last taste at the area food trucks.  I admit to being glued to my TV watching the food truck competitions unfold.  It's our chance, even here in the 'burbs to have the food truck experience. The two I am considering going to are in the northwest suburbs of Rolling Meadows and Schaumburg.  

For this week's Weekend Wednesday post, I am excited to tell you about The Bridge's big Bridge the Gap 5k Walk/Run this Saturday, September 28th to provide programs and services to kids and their families is the northwest suburbs of Chicago.  The Bridge Youth and Family Services is a fantastic 501(3)c non-profit organization that I am proud to say I have volunteered with for over 10 years.  It is not too late to join us to walk or to support a participant (*hint*).  The event steps off at 8:30 am at Community Consolidated District 15 in Palatine, IL.  The weather is predicted to be  warm, maybe our last 'good' one before fall fully sets in.  Have a great weekend!

So, recently I caught the home improvement bug.  I have watched more HGTV and DIY in the last month than any one person should.  Fortunately for me, my client Woodridge Builders  knows a thing or two about home improvement and has indulged my many questions.  This weekend, Sept 14-15, 2013, is the Lake County Home Improvement & Remodeling Expo.  I am not sure if I will make it all the way to Grayslake, IL, I may just have to wait for the January 2014 when it is in Hoffman Estates which is much closer.  If you go, let me know what you thought.

Lake County Home Improvement & Remodeling Expo (map and additional information at the bottom)
New Lake County Fairgrounds
1060 E. Peterson Rd,
Grayslake, IL 60030 

So it is Sidewalk Sale time in Downtown Arlington Heights!  You may not know this about me, but I don't like to shop - unless it is for events. However, I am looking forward to the upcoming sidewalk sale.  I like exploring the shops in downtown Arlington Heights.  Not all of them are chains and usually I find some nice gifts.  Yes, I am already doing my holiday gift shopping (shhh...don't tell my family).  

If you have never been to Arlington Heights, it's a nice introduction to the area. With the many restaurants and the sale to boot, it could easily be the best time you have all weekend.  You can get a jump on your weekend on Thursday after your morning coffee, as sales start at 10 am.  

Time sure did fly by!  

Here we are at the end of the summer, the last weekend before Labor Day next week. With the latest 90 degree heatwave in Chicagoland, it is perfect for that last summer grill fest.  I hate to think about how soon it will be too cold to sit out on a deck or porch hanging out with family and friends.  It also means that we will have to work that much harder to remember to relax when there isn't any sun or high temperatures causing tempting thoughts of playing hooky.

Friday is apart of the weekend, right?!  This Friday, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth is moderating a panel discussion during Small Business Workshop Friday, August 23, 2013 from 11 am to 1 pm. This is apart of the Small Business Development Center resources available at Harper College, Palatine, IL

Date: Friday, August 23, 2013 
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

What a way to kick off the weekend but with a Movies in the Park, hosted by the Arlington Heights Park District on Friday, August 16th.  They are showing Hotel Transylvania at Recreation Park, 500 East Miner Street.  There is no cost for the movie with concessions and fun activities kicking things off.  Think maybe I could grab a few friends, a blanket and hang out.

I haven't totally forgotten about work.  I think it is perhaps time to look for some new artwork for the office.  I'm thinking maybe I can find something at the Walk in the Park event being held at North School Park, 410 N. Arlington Heights Road.  If you have never been, North School Park is very pretty and conveniently located in downtown Arlington Heights.  Now, I have never been to the Walk in the Park, shame on me, as I have lived here for a number of years. From what I understand there will be music, art and sculptures as this is the highlight event of the Arlington Heights Art Guild Annual Art Fair.  

I heard rumors that Saturday, August 10th is National Lazy Day.  Curious me, I searched the internet and landed on the National Whatever Day website and they had an entry for National Lazy Day.  Looks like I am kicking up my feet, how about you?