Got a tea enthusiast to buy for?
 

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Adagio Teas 617 N State St, Chicago

I would normally go to The Coffee and Tea Exchange over on Broadway but my nephew's wife introduced this place to me! AMAZING selection and very helpful staff. I would have to say a bit higher in price than The Exchange tho

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Greer 1013 W Webster Ave, Chicago


Greeting cards, writing instruments, stationary, etc. etc. A store we all discovered together on our way back to our hotel.

Book lovers do not miss this store..
 

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Myopic Books 1564 N. Milwaukee Ave Chicago

Me and my grandniece are avid readers, my nephew and his wife not so much so we while they indulged in adult beverages we snuck off and investigated their three floors of books here! If you can't find it here, I doubt you'll be able to any place!

Finally a place I could introduce my clan to! We opted for the Sausage & Peppers and it did not disappoint!

Hotels are $$$ in Chicago......
 

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But without a doubt this is one of the best bargains around!

If you enjoy "toy stores" check this one out.......
 

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Early to Bed 5044 N Clark St, Chicago

After my family headed back home Sunday I left downtown & moved out to the Andersonville area and ended up what I thought would be a day and half there turned into two and a half days thanks to a snowstorm!

I'm not usually one to go to "toy stores" but this one attracted my attention! It was unreal the amount of stuff they had cramed into such a limited space. It was well organized, clean, brightly lite, and very trans friendly IMHO..

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Inkling 2917 North Broadway Chicago, IL 60657, Chicago

Greeting cards, gift wrap, candles, soaps, lip balm and tons of other merchandise. Cute little store definitely worth checking out ..

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Strange Cargo 5216 N Clark St, Chicago

Funny, Retro &so much more than just t-shirts.

Visiting and seeking some great Mexican Food?
 

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Diamante Azul 5661 N Clark St Chicago

Excellent nachos and no nobody was dining outside but that could of been due to the fact that snow was falling......:giggle:

Visiting and looking for a Southern Twist?
 

Big Jones 5347 N Clark St Chicago

One afternoon I stopped in and ordered the Skillet Cornbread & Soup du Jour to warm myself up! Both were wonderful and did the trick!

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Recently I picked up my photos at Costco from my Windy City Adventure ( I use toss a-way Kodak cameraS and yes I saw some eye rolls and heard a few snickers) and came across a picture of us here at

Streeter’s Tavern 50 E Chicago Ave, Chicago

playing Ping-Pong & Foosball. This was a fun little spot and I believe we hit it just right for Happy Hour!

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Soupbox 2943 N Broadway St Chicago,

There may be other locations as well..:eating:

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Sammich 2137 E Burnside St, Portland. She also has one in Ashland Oregon & perhaps a food truck in the Portland area as well!

This was featured on Diners, Drive-In & Dives and some day I pray I get here.. :praying:

:hangloose:..........

Just picked up a few these again yesterday! Thrilled to report they are still as delicious as ever!

This is alive and well and still going strong Miss Kitty.......

May I suggest the Coconut Passion?

This bears repeating especially if there is any sporting event happening in the city!

Didn't have a date but Mary and I stopped in!

She loves chowder but me, not so much so I was holding out for pizza!

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Pagliacci Pizza (local chain with several locations) 426 Broadway East
Seattle

As you can see they don't scrimp on their toppings..........:hangloose:

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If you're going by any See's candies stores, try their eggnog truffles! They are only available this time of year!

Looking forward to gardening season.......
 

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Pistils Nursery 3811 N. Mississippi Ave Portland, Oregon

I have not been here personally, but they came highly recommended by our next door neighbor who has the most beautiful garden imaginable!
She spoke highly of their knowledgeable staff and having spoken to several of them I concur.

We have two areas, one to the right and the other to the left, off our patio where we hope to plant flowers on one and a small vegetable patch on the other come spring.

Hate to say but this place has had a substantial price increase IMHO! The last time we went over to Seattle and thought about staying overnight, we called and the price for a room, midweek no holiday, rate was outrageous IMHO! It's still a place I'd recommend but be prepared to pay big bucks!

Northside Bar & Grill 1635 N Damen Ave Chicago


When and if I get here, the first thing I'm ordering is the Frozen Sangria & I am not normally even a wine drinker.

If you're going to be in Chicago..........
 

check out ...........

Red Hen Bread 736 Lake St Oak Park; Pastries, Good size bread selection, and soup and sandwiches.


This is one of the places we failed to make it to on our Thanksgiving visit. I don't plan on making that mistake twice!

Got a sweet tooth?
 

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If you're in Chicago stop by Fudge Pot 1532 N. Wells


I usually stick with See's but Fudge Pot has a few bark selections I'd be more than willing to try!

Sorry to say after many years that has closed!

Say it ain't so! How can one have those thin, melt in your mouth, Swedish pancakes without their lingonberries!

It's one place a person Dressed for breakfast. Jeans were an unspoken no-no. Sneakers, God forbid! But it was well worth the experience.

Homoe, was a problem with inheritance? You know, the kids all wanting to do something different with the restaurant's proceeds, and I know they did well. Sorry, to see it go.

I wonder if you're perhaps thinking of another place? This was strictly a bakery but it is possible the same family owned a restaurant, I'm really not sure Cathexis.

Chicago Saturday Feb 16th...........
 

Dinner and Play, "The Golden Girls, The Valentine Edition" at Stage 773 1225 W. Belmont Ave. (this is a meetup sponsored event)

Going to be in the Windy City around this time, if so ....

They're baaaaaaaack!!!! The best Golden Girls return, with a Valentine edition!!!! We will meet at 6 pm at BIG & Little's Restaurant for dinner, and gather at the theater by 7:30 pm The restaurant is located at 1034 W. Belmont!

Chicago’s favorite drag seniors start 2019 with LOVE in Hell in a Handbag Productions’ beloved parody THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes – The Valentine Edition, written by Artistic Director David Cerda and directed by Jon Martinez. Dorothy, Blanche, Sophia and Rose return February 8 – March 10, 2019 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago.

I have not been to one of these events but a Chicago friend has invited me and hopefully if all goes well I'll be able to attend......:hangloose:

Sprout Home......
 

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Haven't been here yet but hopefully soon!

Sprout's is a veritable jungle, filled plants of all shapes and sizes, as well as everything you need to keep your photosynthesizing friends thriving through the winter. Stop by to enjoy the lush surroundings, or talk to an employee about any gardening questions.

The store specializes in hard-to-find, but easy to grow (AKA hard to kill) plants for your garden or home, as well as floral design for everyday and special occasions. You'll also find a unique selection of containers, tools, and accessories that you'd never dream of spotting at Home Depot. Want to make your thumb a little greener? You can sign up for the store's weekly classes–like All About Houseplants, or Terrarium Workshops.

:wateringgarden:


Sprout Home is located at 745 N Damen Ave in Chicago..:smelling-flower:

Just a reminder this is only a month or so away!

Borrowed Kitchen Bakery And Farmhouse Cafe.....
 

10811 NE State Hwy 104 #101, Kingston, WA



This started out as primarily a bakery but now has turned into a dine in establishment! Food is excellent but a bit pricey considering the location.
I would have to say service could be a bit improved especially when the place is hopping!

Peninsula Pies (Pizza) 8955 Hansville Rd NE Hansville, WA



Smaller establishment with a small menu but Huge flavor pizzas!

Check hours as they vary depending on the season.

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Tango Sur 3763 N Southport Ave, Chicago

This came highly recommended by friend. I haven't eaten here yet but if all goes according to Hoyle I will soon........

Wolfy's.........
 

2734 W Peterson Ave, Chicago


CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOG.....
mustard, relish, onion, pickle, tomato, peppers and celery salt on a Vienna beef hot dog packed into a soft steamed Poppy seed bun, if you're mouth isn't watering you might want to check your pulse.

I forgot to add the photo!

Got A Sweet Tooth?
 

Palmer House 17 E Monroe St, Chicago

If you're going to be in Chicago anytime soon stop by the Palmer House home of the Brownie! The first reference to the “brownie” in America appears in the Sears Roebuck Catalog published in Chicago in 1898. Specifically at the direction of Bertha Palmer to be served at the Columbian Exposition World's Fair in 1893, the brownie was created in the Palmer House Kitchen in the late 19th century.

The closest I've ever come to the Palmer House was standing across the street from it waiting for a Metro Bus, but now I'm thinking what a wonderful way to not only satisfy a sweet tooth but to sit and get to know someone!