Once upon a time, I lived in the major metropolitan city of Chicago. One day, the beautiful Mo tripped across something leading her to a wonderful daily email from a website called Daily Candy. These daily emails were devoted to helping Chicago aficionados find the new, unusual, and best things in Chicago. My how I miss those emails.
I digress. Daily Candy also had an email for everyone, everywhere called The Weekend Guide (here's a sample of one for Chicago). I enjoy the format so much that I'm going to create my own little version of The Weekend Guide. So without further ado….
EAT
Extra-Crusty Baked Rigatoni with Beef Ragu
What: Despite its lengthy name, this is an easy Italian dish that’s a cross between lasagna and baked spaghetti. It’s almost guaranteed to become a favorite comfort food, is perfect for company, and is even better as leftovers. Bump the meat up to 2 lbs. instead of 1 ½ and to save extra calories substitute evaporated skim milk for the cream.
When: Sunday night
Why: Because it’s too good and too easy to pass up.
VIEW
What: A modern non-John Hughes John Hughes film featuring the adorable Emma Stone as olive Penderghast, a girl who loses her virginity and becomes the school’s own Hester Prynne by way of the school’s gossip mill.
When: Sunday night (ideally while you’re enjoying your Extra-Crusty Baked Rigatoni with Beef Ragu
Why: Witty enough to hold your interest, strong enough to fill part of the gap left by the death of John Hughes, and an awesome soundtrack.
LISTEN
Melody Gardot’s “My One and Only Thrill”
What: A wonderful compilation of her own songs with a few old standards (“If The Stars Were Mine” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”) thrown in for good measure. While her style is definitely reminiscent of Ella and Eartha Kitt, her voice is more a mixture of Diana Krall and Sarah McLachlan.
When: Friday night as you’re unwinding after work or Sunday morning as you’re getting ready for Brunch with your friends.
Why: Your can’t help but feel uplifted and cheery listening to Melody’s melodies.
SMELL
Body Shop’s “The Mother of All Sales”
Bath and Body Works’ “Hello, Yellow” sale
What: Two of the best bath and body product stores annual sales. I recommend the Spiced Vanilla items at Body Shop, and Brown Sugar & Fig is always a popular (but discontinued!) scent at Bath & Body Works.
When: Saturday morning before or after you do your Facebook viewing
Why: Get an entire year’s worth of bath and body goods for the cost of what you’d spend in one visit.
JUST BECAUSE
What: Talbots has put just about all of their winter items on sale starting at 40% off. Be sure to check out their Sale and Outlet tabs for even better deals. They have misses, petites, tall, women’s, and women’s petites sizes along with shoes, jewelry and other accessories. BE WARNED THOUGH. Everything in the Sale and Outlet tab are Final Sale.
When: NOW! Seriously, for Friday only they have free S&H on any purchase.
Why: Because dress pants for work at $24 a pair is just too good to pass up!
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