Michael Shannon of HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE, and villain General Zod in the upcoming blockbuster, MAN OF STEEL, is currently receiving rave reviews for his performance in the Broadway production of GRACE.

Pull the jogging stroller out of the back of your closet, wipe the baby spit off your exercise clothes, pack some snacks for the kids and let’s run! Come join fellow Chicagoans and Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) on October 28th for the Strollers in Front 5K Walk & Run at Montrose Harbor.

Everyone knows Chicago will be focusing on fashion this week because it’s…oh yeah Fashion Focus Chicago. And while I want to hit up every event this week has to offer, there are some events that are a little unique.

I’ve always been a natural hostess, someone who jumps at any and every chance to entertain my family and friends. Yet, whenever I have guests in town, I struggle with my role as a “tour guide,” wondering how to put Chicago on display without succumbing to the ever-popular, though quite cliché options of shopping on Michigan Ave., taking pictures in front of the Bean, or eating our way through the city (a city that, mind you, boasts some of the best restaurants in the world).

Today is the start of Chicago Ideas Week. Now what kind of ideas will be discussed? Lots. And what kind of people will be discussing said ideas? Amazing people.

Speed dating isn’t just for comic relief in movies anymore. I know what you’re thinking…speed dating? Really? Au contraire - While speed dating may seem so 10 years ago, it may be a great alternative to going on the prowl at the local sports bar down the block. Everyone knows that you choose whether you like a potential suitor within the first five minutes anyway, right? You’re either into the person, or they’re just not your type...then it’s on to the next one. That’s why speed dating is a perfect set up - there’s no pressure to walk away if you aren’t feeling it, the bell calls it quits and magically another cutie plops down across from you.

We are pleased to announce the theatrical release of the highly acclaimed documentary film ESCAPE FIRE: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare, executive produced by Doug Scott, President of OgilvyEntertainment, and directed & produced by award-winning filmmakers Matthew Heineman and Susan Froemke.

So I don’t know about you, but I certainly learned a thing or two at Social Media Week Chicago. On Thursday, I chatted up authors of Pinterest for Business Jess Loren and Ed Swiderski.

And on the third day of October, The Chicago River will run shaded with multitudes of independent whiskey, rum, tequila, mezcal, cognac and vodka alike. The masses with gather with intense expectations of world-renowned spirit’s that entice taste buds and blur vision of all who participate.

In celebration of Magnolia Bakery Chicago’s first year in the Windy City, we're launching our signature Chicago Cupcake ($3.75), available beginning September 29th. This vanilla or chocolate cupcake is deliciously decorated with a white chocolate disc depicting the beautiful Chicago skyline floating on a lake of pale blue icing.