Hearts and Flowers ...

Do you know what is a week away?

That's right... a holiday I can really get my heart around. Now I have made some "not-so-subtle" hints to my husband that Flowers Flowers Flowers.... are necessary, but then again, I'm a sucker for flowers. So I have no doubt that roses are in my future :).... But then again it's those sweet surprises that seem to mean even more, like a specially planned night out that you didn't suspect, or a romantic getaway just for you. These are just a few ideas you can borrow/claim as your own... for those hopeless romantics that need a little nudge....

Valentine's Day is a Monday - so yes do plan to go out this coming weekend and make it a package of fun!

Tryout the special deals for dining and VIP hotel rates at http://www.harrahsjoliet.com/ 2/11 - 14.

You may also feel the VIP treatment with specialty Valentine's Day Menu and Valet service at The Department in Downtown Joliet, featuring Sweet Heart Martinis and delishious desserts. 2/11- 14, http://www.thedepartmentjoliet.com/ .

The Joliet Junior College Renaissance Center is offering something different a Friday Night 2/11 Valentine Dinning Special - featuring Butlered Appetizers, and four course dinner with wine! 815.280.1404 for reservations.

You can also grab a show with 2 top acts appearing at the Rialto Square Theatre this weekend Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt on Friday 2/11 and The Dog Whisperer on Sat 2/12 http://www.rialtosquare.com/ (or look up tickets for a later date and make it their gift to go out again soon!)

Yes - I agree, flowers are a staple, but remember to give your Valentine little night out too!

Snooooow....

My mind is racing with the fantastic prospect of being "snowed in" in Joliet! Snow is something that midwesterners are no stranger to, however, 2 feet? - that's A Lot of Snow! Being this snowed in is something you see in a daytime movie where a group of fun loving vacationers are trapped with a fireplace and rations to outlast the night...
Now safety concerns aside, I am stocking up on foods and nesting like there is no tomorrow because I just adore the concept of being "snowed in"! - Simply loving home and the clean blanket of white that awaits us ... you may want to consider those special outdoor activities that will come from such a glorious snow -
check out the Forest Preserve District of Will County at: www.reconnectwithnature.org for a full list of outdoor snow fun activities like: Sledding, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoeing and more! They even make reccomendations for locations on the FPDWC properties to go and try out your snow legs...

So hunker down and enjoy the snow ... then get out and enjoy it some more! (don't forget to warm up with some hot coco after too!)

Dinner for 2

Looking forward to the holiday weekend? I am! There's something nice about getting that extra day off that we sould celebrate! Why not take advantage of the Dinner For Two special at Joliet's own unique hot spot The Department. - A great chance take out your special someone and experience a new or favorite outing night out.

Going out for dinner "just because" often makes it that much more special. No pressure just celebrate you and enjoy, let your hair down!- - a little candle light and wine goes a long way.

So check it out this weekend or next - offer stands at The Department, and is sure not to disappoint.

I Wanna Know!

The New Year is great for more than just resolutions to get fit and tone your outer exterior... Why not Expand Your Mind!

That's right - going back to school can be a great way to evolve your skill set, expand your career goals or change them all together, but you can also focus on what I call - Fun Classes - too!

Joliet Junior College is a HUGE asset to our area community with so many options to choose from.

I consider myself a pretty good cook but not a chef by any means - I've always wanted to take a cooking class and there is a top ranked culinary school in my back yard - could this be fate?

There are also courses in dance, drama, painting and the arts that you can brush up on creative skills you never knew you had. Horticultural programs are sprouting every day from design to growing plants and flowers - all we caution is this may turn your thumb perminantly green. :)

Classes start January 10, 2011 - so there is still a short amount of time to Take the Leap into learning someting new. Visit www.jjc.edu or call 815.729.9020 TODAY!

Circle, Triangle, Square... What Shape Are You this New Year?

Happy New Year! What a wonderful time to celebrate and a great time to start fresh. I love New Years, it provides heaps of opportunity for reinvention, self improvement and a chance to remember the past near and far.

Many make resolutions this time of year for things from gettting fit to new experiences and I have a few tips on where to go as you map out your plan of attack. It's only day 3 of the New Year ... not too late!

Let's start with Getting In Shape!

- Try out Joliet's own Provena St. Joseph Inwood Athletic Club for getting fit and doing it right. The friendly and qualified staff of the Joliet Park District offer tons of ways to get fit from classes to open membership. Honestly, I'd reccommend the use of one of the club's personal trainers - for a minimal fee you are able to get a custom program built just for you and a work out buddy too! I'll admit it's a little intimidating at first but realize you are not alone on the quest for a better body and a healthier you ... especially this time of year! Call them now for great membership rates and resident discounts too! @ 815.741.7275 or visit http://www.inwoodatheleticclub.com/

Stay tuned for more Tips to help you along with your New Year's Resolution!

New Blog Resolution for 2011

I'm beginning to worry that this blog has few to little followers. I do not want it to fail nor feel bad as it's a good blog, full of information, plenty of ways to play in Joliet and all.... but a las, it lacks that first person connection that so many blogs have.

So as part of the new year I resolve to post more, be funny, provide details, discounts, annicdotes and most of all a little bit of myself in every entry.

Fear not little blog there is hope for success in 2011...

"Success is not always about the cards you're dealt - it's how you play your hand"

So from my desk to yours ... Cheers to 2010 and all that is ahead in 2011~

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and yours a warm and happy holiday season!

The Gnomes are Back in Town!

Please Vote Today!

Go to www.befiresmart.com/callylarson and take the BE FIRE SMART QUIZ for the JOLIET FIRE DEPARTMENT - we need 600 votes to win $10,000 for the fire dept

Think Spaghetti TODAY 10/25

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