Put the Cool in Back to School

Computers are on sale. The Top Party School’s have been reveled. The Miley Cyrus and HSM (High School Musical for those who aren’t in the know) school supplies are on sale. It’s officially back to school season. Most of my readers won’t be hitting the books this fall, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate. Here are some ways to salute no-tests with cheap beer. College Party: Dust off your...

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Christmas in July

Today is July 25th. I like to call it Christmas in July. If this really was Christmas in July, I would have opened my presents last night. Santa comes early to the Bonkowski house because my sister and I are super good. Below is a list of things I wish I was opening today. Flower Power: One time reader J. Bo actually included this item on her birthday list (Bonkowski girls love lists), but now...

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It’s My Wine in a Box

Early this week, I wrote about boxed wine. For the last decade, this beverage has been the ugly stepsister of the vino industry - It’s unattractive, cheap and frankly doesn’t last as long. Recently, wine a la cardboard has gone through a chic transformation into an acceptable entertaining option. Critics are favoring boxed wine’s easy transportation (picnics!) and eco-friendly qualities (less packaging,...

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Tour de Franzia

Flipping through the channels over the last week or so, I keep seeing that some silly station is airing the Tour de France…and it’s on like EVERYDAY. So I did a little research and found out that this thing is 23 days and over 2,000 miles – insane! When I think of the Tour de France, of course I immediately think of Lance Armstrong. But right after that, my mind drifts to the word Franzia – “The...

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Superhero Cocktails

All the buzz right now in Chicago is the new Batman movie. Just incase you don’t know, the new Batman movies with Christian Bale use the Windy City as a backdrop for the fictional Gotham. People are so excited to see the city in the Hollywood spotlight, my regular movie theater is sold out on Friday and Saturday. For this Thirsty Thursday, I did a little on-line research on Super Hero Cocktails. The...

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Make it Work

Without a lot of fanfare, the 5th season of “Project Runway” starts tonight on Bravo. If your into media news, you are aware there is a fight over the show between the creators and networks. Tonight marks the last season on Bravo, so to show their bitterness, the network hasn’t done much of an advertising push around the show. While I hate the feeling of being forced to watch Lifetime to see me...

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Happy 10,000th Day To Me!

Chance are you probably forgot to send me a card, but according to sites like this, today is my 10,000th day of living. I'd rather have cupcakes over a card anyways....

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Tips, Tips, Tips

I love the feeling of discovering a new party tip. I know, I am a nerd. Below you will find a few of my favs. * When hosting a party, don’t’ make a menu of all new items. Gradually introduce new items * Focus on presentation over preparation. Don’t spend crazy money and time trying to create a perfect party. Just present the food/decorations you are able to do in the best way possible. Serve...

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Help Wanted

Okay, I've spent at least 3 hours trying to figure out how to put a graphic on the sidebars of this blog. If you know someone who can help, please send them my w...

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Let Them Eat Cake

Next Monday, July 14th, its Bastille Day – a French Holiday that celebrates the storming of the Bastille; which was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern French nation. Bastille Day is celebrated around the U.S. with a number of festivities. In New York City, there is a celebration each year in the Upper East Site, while San Francisco has a big party in its historic French Quarter....

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Melly K. Day

This Saturday, once reader Melissa Koger (now Kluchurosky) will celebrate her 27th Birthday. While we tend to disagree in beer selections, I will honor Melly this Thirsty Thursday with a salute to her favorite beverage – Miller Lite. “When it hits your lips – it’s orgasmic,” once said Melly about her love for Miller Lite. Here are some facts about Melly’s beloved beer – and while you may not like...

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Alcho-Pops

First, there were shots. Next came Jell-O shots. Now it’s Alcho-Pops. Popsicles are a summer staple. Now stores like Sur La Table and Target are making it easier for people to create their own popsicles. This past weekend, I took popsicles to a new level with my own at home “spirited” concoction. I used the recipe below found on drinkmixer.com and star molds from Sur La Table to create a little...

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Introducing Miss B's Etiquette

Today over lunch, reader Brian and I brainstormed the following topic that has been on my mind for the past few months. Inappropriate questions. A few months ago, Brian stopped a girl he went to college with near Wrigley Field. This acquaintance asked for his phone number so she could call him when she came to town. As she went to enter it in her phone, she said “What is your last name.” Brian was...

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Stuff Yinzers Like

During some down time from my tour guide duties this weekend, I discovered this awesome Pittsburgh-focused blog that just I just love. “Stuff Yinzers Like” is a spin off the book released on July 1st called “Stuff White People Like.” The Yinzer blog explains things that Pittsburgh people love and also includes a paragraph for outsiders to understand the weird traditions. Here are some snippets...

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Wind, Rain, Snow, Sleet and Seiche?

Brady told me that I need to start breaking news on my blog, so he is my first attempt at doing so. (I think he is worried about my readership of 3). Reader Amy said she loved Chicago, but she can't put up with the weather. Well yesterday, I've had a first in the weather category during my three and a half years here. Chicago almost had a Seiche. No, I didn't make this word up. We has a...

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