chicago

There’s an un-holiday for every ridiculous thing you can think of. National Dress Up Your Pet Day, Squirrel Lovers Day, Sports Wives Appreciation Day. Heck, there’s even a day for people with two different colored eyes! But on this day, January 16, Americans recognize the most ludicrous holiday of them all, National Nothing Day. A day dedicated to the idea that “nothing is possible.” A day that insults the “make-it-happen spirit” that Chicagoans embody 365 days of the year.

My husband David may have been traded to another team, but that does not stop us from returning home and hosting a charity fundraiser with his former teammates. The David DeJesus Family Foundation has teamed up with Cubs Charities to host “Strike a Chord” Celebrity Karaoke to benefit ALS research, a disease which has affected our close friend Brian Schnurstein. The event will feature David, myself, Ryan Chiaverini (Windy City LIVE), Jeff Hoover (WGN), B96 Morning Show team, Danni Allen (winner of Biggest Loser) and Cubs players teaming up with local media personalities and Chicagoans to compete on the microphone. In addition to cocktails, food will be provided by American Junkie, Chicago Q, Siena Tavern, Wow Bao and GT Fish & Oyster.

So, the Bears didn’t make it to the playoffs this year (insert sad face,) but you can help spread some good juju for next year and help a film come to fruition. "Bear Down" the documentary produced and directed by Chicago local Joseph Martinez is a true account of the relationships and family bonds surrounding the dedication of the game. The film is inspired by his own personal attributes with his father and enjoying games.

Chicago startups are looking beyond the newest products and services this holiday season. This year, Freebie and Bucketfeet have partnered to donate shoes to the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago in an effort to help kids in need with a new pair of kicks.

I’m Brandon. Born and raised in Chicago, IL right in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. I love everything about this city – the people, the sights, the bars… everything. It truly is a great city to live in for many reasons, even more so if you love beer!

With Chicago's ever increasing roster of parties, bars and events around the city, it can be difficult to find a one-of-a-kind experience that'll keep you coming back. But Slo 'Mo, a once monthly dance party curated and created by Kristen Kaza definitely goes beyond expectation. This Saturday, she, along with The Inconvenience's Isaac Ike Holter and their resident lady on the decks Tess Kisner, will throw a winter spectacular to benefit Project Firece. I got to chat with the party purveyor herself via email about Chicago, music and Slo 'Mo earlier today.

Ladies! Grab your girlfriends for an evening of shopping, pampering and more THIS SUNDAY at the Sassy City Chicks shopping event from 12-5pm at the Double Tree Magnificent Mile.

Meez Meals, a Chicago company that delivers recipes along with healthy ingredients prepped and ready to cook at home, is joining forces with Common Threads to introduce “Meals for Good.” The yearlong partnership is designed to offer healthy meal solutions through an efficient delivery process.

The holiday’s are upon us and we at Spare Time Inc. are excited to do our part by helping those in need and spreading the holiday love. That’s why Friday, November 15th, we launched a company wide “Holiday Canned Food Drive” to benefit a local South Side homeless shelter. The drive will end a week or so before Christmas!

** UPDATED November 15, 2013 : Here is a link to donate to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan right now: http://www.crowdrise.com/FundraiserforTyphoonHaiyan**