Happy Earth Day!

Friday was Earth Day...a day when we pay special attention to saving our earth. Several companies were offering Earth Day "specials", so I decided to celebrate Earth Day by doing some recycling.

Hmmmm...my plan was to go Downtown, but I couldn't very well plan an Earth Day celebration by getting in my car and wasting gas and putting more pollutants into the air. So I decided to take public transportation. In case you don't know, I don't do public transportation. I hate the waiting and not being on my own timetable and not being able to go directly from point a to point b---not to mention the uber crowded trains. But, I decided that if I timed it just right, I could miss both of the rush hours so I could handle it---all for the name of Earth Day.

So I purchased my transit card...

waited for the train and jumped on. The train ride took about 35 minutes. I could have driven and parked in probably about 15 minutes.

The train, which actually is called the "L" (either for Elevated train or Loop, depending on who you ask), let me off in the subway which leads directly into the Macy's Building (formerly know as Marshall Fields). I was looking for the Origins section, but had to walk past the candy section. But I was strong---probably because my second stop was going to be for cupcakes, but I did take a quick look around! =)

Back on-track, I found the Origins counter. Origins was offering a free, full-sized facial wash in exchange for an empty skin care container and a completed form. I was really excited about this because the facial wash , Checks and Balances, sounded really neat.

But alas, they were out of the free samples, and instead were offering a Night Health Bedtime spray or balm designed to help you fall asleep. Disappointed, I turned in my container and form and took the free spray. Yes, it was definitely time for a cupcake!

So I made my way to the opposite side of Macy's to Sarah's Pastries. They had a black (chocolate) & white (vanilla) cupcake that is awesome!

Their treats look delectible!

Despite the long line, I was good and just got a pair of black & white cupcakes. Then it was off to my final stop...across the street from Macy's...The Disney Store.

In exchange for 5 plastic bags, The Disney Store was offering a cute little reusable shopping bag. Yep, you guessed it...they were out! But they did substitute a reusable shopping bag with your choice of character...and they had a ton to choose from! So I grabbed Mickey...he had a classic feel, and headed back to the subway with my cupcakes and my free loot.

Yep, even though it didn't turn out exactly as I'd planned, I had a pretty good day, celebrating Earth Day! Oh...and even the train car that I was on coming back home was "earth friendly" as the lights (except those right over the door) were out. It was quite the intimate ride---especially in the darkness of the subway.

Hope you enjoyed my adventure!! And though the official Earth Day is over, we can all do a little something everyday to celebrate Earth Day everyday.

Luv Ya!!

Pixxa

"Downtown..." Part 4

P: Welcome to Millenium Park Trichelle!

T: Hi! Millenium Park!!

P: Hi Bean!

T: Hi Bean?

P: Well, actually this sculpture is named Cloud Gate, but we affectionately refer to is as "The Bean"

T: Hi Bean!

T: What a beautiful skyline!

P: Yes, it is, isn't it?

T: This is a very nice park.

P: Yes, it's relatively new and I think it's wonderful. There's The Bean, the new ice skating rink, the human fountains and the Pritzker Pavillion for concerts.

P: But The Bean is the big draw...isn't it gorgeous how the skyline reflects in it?
T: Absolutely!

P: And standing underneath it, you get really weird backgrounds.

T: (laughing) I love it!!

P: That's the pavillion behind us. Those wing things are always in a different position when you look at it.

T: Cool!
P: Well, we'd better start heading home. Afterall, you've still got to pack for your flight in the morning.

T: I guess so.

P: This way to the L

T: Why is it called the L

P: I think because it's an elevated train...and they just shortened it to "L". Or then to, maybe because it's the train in the loop and they shortened that to "L". In other words, I really don't know.

T: You are crazy Pixxa!!

T: What are all of those trailers lined up?

P: Oh, that's the sure signs that a movie or a tv series is being taped nearby.

T: The thrill of the big city!

T: All of the train stations are so different. This mural is cute!

P: Come on...I hear a train coming.

T: I sure am going to miss Chicago!

P: And I am certainly going to miss you Trichelle!

T: Pixxa, thanks so much for all of your hospitality! I had a great time visiting with you and Michael.

P: We were glad to have you...and would be glad to have you back anytime.

.............

And with that, the two rode back to Pixxa's house where Trichelle packed and departed the next morning for the next stop on her tour.

"Downtown...you're going to be alright now..." Part 3

P: And here's the newsdesk on the streets of Downtown....CBS, channel 2.

T: How cool is this? You can see the studio right on the sidewalk.

T: Look at the camera...and the set. Oooo...I wish that I was filming now so that we could be on television.

P: That would have been fun!

T: Amazing...so much equipment just to put on the news.

P: Let's take a little rest...we have been walking forever.

T: Okay, but why are we resting on this cow?

P: Remember we were talking about all of the art in Chicago? This was a city-wide project. Much like the pigs and the benches in other cities. Here in Chicago, we painted cows.

T: Oh I get it...because a cow caused the Great Chicago Fire, right?

P: That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

P: And this cow lives outside of the Cultural Center. The Cultural Center is really nice. There's a room upstairs that looks out over the park that we are on our way to. And just past the park is the lake...stunning view. I really wish that I had brought you down before everything closed.

T: That just means that I will have to come back to visit again.

P: Oh promise that you will...we'll have so much fun!

"Downtown...waiting for you tonight..." Part 2

P: There it is...The State of Illinois Center. It was actually re-named in honor of Govenor James R. Thompson.

T: Neat scuplture in front.

P: It is, isn't it? It's by the french sculptor Jean Dubuffet. Instead of it just being all business, they decided to add a nice collection of art in the building. They also have a store where local artists' work is featured; The Illinois Artesan's Shop.

T: Too bad it's closed...I would have liked to have seen that.
P: Well...let's go across the street to the City-County Building

T: The what?!!

P: The City-Country Building. Half of this building is City Hall and the other half is the Country Building.

T: Well it is a rather large building.

P: Yep, a full square city block.

T: Hey what's that little man?

P: It's one of those things you see in the city...it's like a secret message. You'll see this little man everywhere. I don't know what it's for and how you find out what it's for though.

T: Where to next?

P: Across the street to The Daley Center.

P: There's what I wanted you to see.

T: There is alot of art in Chicago. Who is that by?

P: It's our Picasso, of course!

T: Of course. But what the heck is it?
P: Your guess is as good as everyones. I don't think anyone knows for sure.

"So go Downtown...where all the lights are bright..."

As Trichelle's visit winds down, Pixxa squuezes in one more tour...Downtown Chicago.

T: Wow...my first subway ride in Chicago. That was fun and very quick to get downtown.

P: Trichelle, this is one of the most iconic stores in Chicago

T: Marshall Field's, yes, I've heard of it.

P: Well, a while ago they were bought out so now it's really Macy's. But so far they have kept the building intact.

P: Let's go around the corner...there's a Sephora.

T: Cool...I could always use more make-up!

P: Here we are...let's go in.

T: Hey, didn't Mattle do something with Tarina Tarantino?

P: You know...I think they did.

T: Now where to?

P: Just a short walk past the Chicago Theatre District and we'll be there.