Thursday, July 26, 2012

Wrapping Up..

10.DAYS.LEFT
If you're almost in complete shock like I am about how fast this summer is going, it's okay - hopefully you've been having an absolute blast! Here's a look back at the past few weeks we've shared together.

Six Flags Great America
Whether it was your first time at a Six Flags (here's looking at you Lorne) or just your first time at Six Flags Great America - it was the PERFECT day to enjoy an amusement park!



Seminar Series: Alumni Panel
One of the best parts of being a Dreamer is that you're instantly connected to a multitude of others who have gone through the exact same experiences that you are. Hopefully this year's panel was able to answer your questions about the right way to network, squash any fears of moving, and just help you realize what all you've gained from the summer.


89th Floor of the Trump Tower
To our amazing Program Director, being told that you can't go up in the Trump Tower doesn't phase him in the slighest. Check out the view a few of you got when you shot on up to the 89th floor penthouse!

Second City
Many know that Chicago is known for producing hilarious comedians; what some might not know is that the majority of them come from Second City! We ventured out to catch this season's mainstage show and not a single one of us was disappointed!

Seminar Series: Kevin Adler
Whether he was bestowing a few of his 'Daddy Life Lessons' to us or emphasizing the importance of #PoweringThrough tough situations, Kevin was a fantastic asset to this year's summer seminar series!


Goose Island Brewery Tour and Tasting
Known for its locally famous 312 Urban Wheat and seasonal ales, Goose Island is one of the premiere brewers in the Midwest region. From touring a section of the facility, learning a little bit about the brewing process, and tasting some of the unique creations - this was a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon!


Roscoe Village Burger Fest
A Chicago summer is heaven to any food/fest junkie there is! After our brewery tour, the group headed on over to one of the most popular of the summer - the Burger Fest. From neighborhood favorites to popular new menu items, every carnivore got their fill!
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Ian's Info

We have just over a week left. If you are still looking for that signature Chicago Dish here are a couple of our favorites that you can try. These places have been featured on the Food Network and highlight what makes Chicago food so special. I would be glad to try out one of these places with you!

Ian's List
 Hot Dougs (Hot Dogs); Luckys Sandwich Shop; ICream Ice Cream Shop


Audrey's List
Mike Ditka's Steakhouse; Kuma's Corner; Ann Sather


Brian's List


Jeremy's List


Food Trucks to Follow
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Monday, July 9, 2012

If It Is Broke, Don't Fix It...Until Week 5.


So we're about halfway through the program right now, and this is a good time to check your bank account and see if your spending habits need to change. Maybe you've got a little extra money to burn- good for you! Maybe you've come to the conclusion that you need to live more frugally for a couple of weeks. If you're in the latter crowd, this post is aimed towards you! As someone who has done the program before, I remember a few times where I had to cut back because I hadn't stuck to my budget. Knowing how much it sucks to only have a few dollars, I'll give you some tips on how to make your money last for the rest of the summer.
1. Figure out where your money is going.
The first thing you need to do is find out how you're spending your money. Do you buy Starbucks every morning? Do you go out to lunch often? Do you shop a lot? Does your bar tab tend to get out of control? Knowing where your money is going is half the battle- if you don't know how you're spending it, you won't know where the problem lies. Mint is a great website where you can sync your cards so your usage can be tracked. You can even set limits for yourself and receive alerts when you have exceeded those limits.
2. Take advantage of your meal card!
I have to leave for work every morning at 6:30, so I never get to eat breakfast in the cafeteria. Odds are you don't have to leave that early, so use your meals- you've already paid for them! Instead of going to Starbucks on the way to work, get your coffee from the cafeteria- they brew Starbucks AND I believe the basic brews are cheaper.
Another great option is the Meal Swap. The UC cafeteria has a lit display in the corner containing an array of sandwiches, fresh fruit, and salads- it's a great way to cut your lunch budget and eat healthier! For the cost of one meal, you can take the following:
  • One sandwich
  • A fresh fruit bowl or a salad bowl
  • A 20 oz bottled drink
  • A bag of chips
  • One piece of fresh fruit
Odds are that you don't use the 14 meals you're entitled to each week, so you might as well get some free lunches out of it!
3. Set a spending limit at the bar
It's so easy to set up a tab at a bar and drink for the entire night..until you see the bill and notice you've spent more than you wanted to. The solution here is to have a spending limit and carry that much cash on you. Only want to spend $30? Fine- only carry $30 on you and pay for all of your drinks and cover with cash. Once you run out of money, you're done. If you need to take a cab home, feel free to use plastic.
4. Shop with a Wish List
If you can't afford it, don't buy it. If it's not something you urgently need at the time, don't buy it. If it's not something you can get outside of Chicago, don't buy it....yet. Shopping in Chicago is a pretty intense experience in and of itself, and getting wrapped up in the atmosphere is enough to make you want to buy everything in sight. Keep a cool head and ask yourself if it's something you can't hold off purchasing until later. In case you have to get it after you leave Chicago, make sure to get the item number so you can reference it later. Even many of the smaller Chicago stores have online stores and/or can process purchases by phone. Just throw the item on your Wish List for the time being and get it later!
5. Find it on the cheap..or free
The boom on Groupon has made it so easy to find high quality goods and services for a fraction of the cost. Groupon and its competitors always have deal on concerts, movies, sporting events, haircuts, and day spas- just to mention a few. Before purchasing something at full price, check out Groupon Chicago and see if you can find what you're looking for at a ighly discounted price.
Also check out free events through Metromix Chicago, Not for Tourists, and TimeOut Chicago- if your wallet is light, they're sure to have suggestions!
With just four weeks left, it's important that stay afloat financially. There are plenty of great events still to be announced, and we'd like for you to attend as many as you can!
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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Halfway point?! Already?!

June.is.over. What?! Chicago summers seem to go way  faster than anyone elses - I swear! Let's check out how we've spent some of the past few weeks enjoying this amazing city!

Seminar Series: Candi Carter
From Candi's message about the constant hustle to getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, she really brought a message that applied to everyone.

Fireworks at Navy Pier

Seminar Series: Ken Courtright
Ken's mentions of both the power of written goals and the unforseen problem are both outstanding tips for you guys to use the rest of this summer at your internships and beyond.


Cubs Game at Wrigley Rooftops
Taking in a Cubs game at Wrigley Field is a must for a Chicago summer inhabitant, but only kings get to experience luxury of the rooftops like we did!


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Monday, July 2, 2012

Ian's Info July 4th Week

Groupon, LivingSocial, and Youswoop Deals



If you weren't able to come to the Cubs game with us Sunday, or even if you did: enjoy the rooftop again!

 




 

This Weekend in Chicago
There's so much going on this week, but here are some of the highlights:

 


 

July 4th Information to Come....


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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Time Flies...

Can you guys believe you've already been here a week?! Your staff certainly can't.. However, we are SO excited that it looks like everyone's been having an awesome time so far (yes, we creep on your Facebook pictures!) We've got a few pictures of our own that we wanted to share with you guys...

First Day of Work


Le Nguyen (Seminar Series #1)
While 'DJ Frito-Le' had us laughing most of the time, we were all still able to take away some great messages like knowing that it's okay to change your dreams once in awhile. The important thing is to find the difference in not giving up too easily and choosing to explore a different path.


Architectural Boat Tour
Ending an amazing first week on a high note, we all got to experience some amazing views and phenomenal architecture via the boat tour. Here's some of our favorite pictures that we caught!

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Ian's Info Week 2

Hope everyone's second week is off to a great start! Here are some events going on this week:

The Sports Lineup
The Chicago Crosstown Classic
Cubs vs. White Sox
US Cellular Field 6/19, 6/20 7:10PM


Chicago White Sox also host Milwaukee Brewers this weekend
Friday Night 6/22 7:10PM
Saturday 6/23 6:15PM
Sunday 6/24 1:10PM

New York isn't the only place to see great broadway shows; check out the lineup this summer at several theaters downtown, including Rock of Ages!
      


Festivals Going on this Weekend:




The highlight of the weekend will be the Annual Chicago Pride Fest and Parade happening this weekend in Boystown. It will be the most popular spot of the weekend.




Groupon, Living Social, and YouSwoop Deals

"The Blues Brothers" - Wrigley Field Movie Night on July 6 at 8:30pm
This deal has already been made an event on Facebook, but buy your ticket now before it gets sold out!


Yoga on the Beach!


  






 

 

 

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