Happy New Year!   
 

Welcome Winter and Goodbye, Winter Whiners!

I am so tired of people whining about winter!  Everybody knows a few Winter Whiners.  They're the ones who can hardly make it to the first official day of winter without complaining:  "It's cold!"  Wah, wah, wah.  "I can't wait 'til spring."  Wah, wah, wah.  If that sounds like you, what you need is a fresh perspective on the joys of the season from a relocated So Cal Gal, so I'ma bring it to ya!  The most important thing is to not focus on the absence of sun and outdoor warmth.  Winter brings its own set of unique opportunities - here are a few of them!

Learn To-Do It: In warm weather, it's practically impossible for me to commit to taking any classes (unless they're outdoors), because outdoors is where I want to be.   However, in January, taking classes is a great way to start satisfying your New Year's resolutions!  If your goals for 2011 include starting or expanding your business, you'll find listings for excellent classes at both the Chicago Urban League and the Women's Business Development Center.  Both organizations' classes are taught by professionals in the relevant subject area.  Whether you need motivation, a primer or practical guidance on expanding your business, you're bound to find classes that suit your needs.  Learn or refine your cooking skills with the World Kitchen series!  It's an immensely popular series, so be sure to view the entire schedule  and make your reservations early;To satisfy your peace and fitness goals, try Tai Chi;or Sweat! Revitalize De-Stress: Dancing with the Drum.  We also have listings for dance, acting - even wine appreciation!

Theater:  Chicago is renowned for its theater offerings and "non-summer"  is the perfect time to snuggle in a nice, cozy theater and enjoy performances that are far more riveting than what you might see on the big screen (or the medium screen in your bedroom). But, what you might not know from simply visiting mainstream websites is that there are also numerous culturally-diverse* performances taking place!  Now playing:  Eclipsed, at Northlight; Regina Taylor's The Trinity River Plays, at the Goodman Theatre; In Darfur, at TimeLine Theatre - and so many more!  Prices vary widely, but if funds are tight, take advantage of our keyword search, look for "previews" and enjoy the full performance at a significant discount!

GetAway To-Do It:  In the summer, you'd have a hard time pulling me away from Chicago.  But, in the winter, a little trip can be just the ticket!  Hit the road with the Sno-Gophers and enjoy both local and national ski trips!  Escape the cold with Al Jarreau at Jazz In the Gardens in sunny Florida, or grab your passport and get a little more exotic at the Dubai International Jazz Festival!  Even if you can't make it out of town, you can easily take a local road trip to Garfield Park Conservatory on the West Side!  Parking is easy and once inside, you'll forget all about Winter. 

Seasonal To-Dos!  Go   for it big time and fully embrace the winter season with Seasonal To-Dos like these:

*  Winter Dance:  Okay - this isn't really a "winter" event, but it does have winter in the title!  If you enjoy SummerDance, or if SummerDance is a little too sizzling hot for you, give WinterDance a try!

*  Polar Adventure Days:  Outdoor fun for the whole family at Northerly Island!

*  Snow Days Chicago:  Enjoy the incredible array of gigantic and elaborate ice sculpture at Gateway Park, just outside of Navy Pier!

*  Ice Skating:  Outdoor skating isn't limited to Millennium Park!  Give Wrigleyville and Daley Bicentennial Plaza (Grant Park) a try, as well as neighborhood parks like Midway Plaisance.

So there you have it!  Since we're going to be stuck with winter anyway, why not enjoy it for the delights it brings?

So, what are you going To-Do?

Stephanie!
Soleil@so-LAZE.com
www.so-LAZE.com
 

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