Chicagonista is excited to work with Tide with Acti-Lift in hosting a special screening of the new motion picture “Ramona and Beezus” and we’re inviting our readers and your families to receive special VIP passes. On July 24th, Sat. come join and meet up with Nancy Loo and me for the festivities at the Cinemark Century Theatre in 1715 Maple Ave. in Evanston.

• Walk-in registrations at 10:00 – 10:30am

• Those who have VIP Passes can register at 10:30am

• Movie starts at 11:00am

• And there’s more fun after the movie: Have the children add their creative touch to a community mural inspired by the movie, take home a free t-shirt to wear while painting, take pictures with props from the movie, and watch demos and  receive samples (while supplies last) of Tide with Acti-Lift . Event will end at 6pm.

****** YOU MUST REGISTER FOR VIP PASSES HERE

If you can’t make it to the screening, bring your family to the theatre lobby over on the weekends of July 24th and 31st weekends where everyone can help paint a community mural, inspired by the one in the film. Take fun photos and receive a free t-shirt and Tide with Acti-Lift samples while supplies last!

About Tide with Acti-Lift:
Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be to remove stubborn, dry stains? If only dry stains could be lifted with ease, your favorite outfits would be free from tough stains and your laundry routine a bit simpler. Tide® with Acti-Lift™ technology, is designed to soften and break up dry stains, lifting them off with ease. Tide with Acti-Lift allows you and your family to wear what you love, without the worry of tough stains

Chicago is alive and well with events all year long no matter how frigid those temperatures get. So, what are you waiting for? Go and enjoy our beautiful city. Can’t figure out where to start? Here are a couple of February recommendations from some places that I’ve recently hit and some that I’m still trying to get to.

• The 2010 Chicago Auto Show is here. The Chicago Auto Show continues to be the largest and longest-running auto show in North America and this year promises to reveal more than a dozen new products. McCormick Place, February 9 – February 11, 2010. Buy your tickets online, you’ll save time!

• What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Maybe start prepping by peeling away some winter harshness for you or with a loved one. Why not visit  Mario Tricoci and experience Radiance Peel. I just had the opportunity to try this at the 900 N. Michigan location and noticed the instant glow on my face. This peel can also be done during lunch time and you even get a complimentary make-up application after your facial service so you can get back to what you’re doing after.

Want to win a spa service? Be their Facebook fan and Help Mario Spread the Love: Post your pics & stories of your volunteering/service efforts on their wall and 5 posts will be selected* to enjoy a Signature Spa package!

• This year’s Chinese New Year (Lunar Year 4708 – Year of the Tiger ) happens to fall on Feb. 14th too. So why not join in some cultural festivities with the family.

Check out the  Chinese New Year Parade on Feb. 14th in Chinatown that starts at  Wentworth from 24th St. to Cermak Rd. The  parade  will include marching bands, floats, lion teams, a100’ Mystical Dragon, and Miss Friendship Ambassador. Parade starts at 1:00pm but activities starting as early as 11:30am

Then on February 20th, St. Therese Chinatown School  is hosting their Annual Chinese New Year Dinner complete with traditional Chinese banquet and entertainment. This year’s event will be emceed by Chicago’s TV News Anchor, Nancy Loo and Local Entertainer David Wong. Anyone can join in on this cultural experience.

• How about some Shakespeare fun with the family.  Yes, even with the kids!  Check out  Short Shakespeare! Comedy of Errors at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier. Comedy of Errors is  story of love, life, and confusion! The language can be very hard to take especially at the beginning with the young ones, but the story lines were easy to follow and my 2 boys (10 and 6) laughed so much. A real treat for all ages.

• Restaurant Week is here again. This is the time to gastronomically tour all those restaurants that can be pretty hefty on the pocket.  For a mere price of $22 / $35 Prix Fixe lunch and dinner your tummy and pocket will be both thanking you!

• Have you tried skating at Wrigley Field yet?  Make sure to hit the last few “half price skate” Tuesdays and then head to Rockit Wrigley – (3700 N. Clark ) after! Receive 50% off their winter warm-up drinks, soup & kids menu items before or after “half price skate” night across the street at The Rink at Wrigley!

• And here are some free activities at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.

Ice Skating Lessons

Saturdays and Sundays, February 6 – 28, 8 – 10 am
Beginner lessons, 8 – 8:30 am and 9 – 9:30 am
Intermediate lessons, 8:30 am – 9 am and 9:30 am – 10 am
Learn the basics of ice skating and play fun and interactive games on the ice in the beauty of Millennium Park. These family friendly morning sessions are open to Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and skill levels.

Late Night Ice Dance Parties, Ice Dancing Demonstrations, and Extended Rink Hours for Public Skating
Fridays and Saturdays, February 5 – February 27, 7 – 11 pm
Ice Dancing Demonstrations at 7, 8:30 and 10 pm
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Weekend nights will offer spectacular ice dancing demonstrations, and extended ice rink hours for skating and late night dance parties on the ice.

Last week Chicagonista hosted the Social Media Soiree sponsored by the all-new Chevy 2010 Equinox @ Sushi Samba. The event feted some of Chicago’s Social Media Elites like Liz Strauss Creator of SOBcon, Barbara Rozgonyi of Wired PR Works and Social Media Club Chicago, Sarah Evans of Sevans Strategy, Blagica Bottigliero of Gal’s Guide, Theresa Carter of The Local Tourist, Nancy Loo of Fox Chicago News & Hope Bertram of Windy City Social.

Check out all 4 videos below from the most interesting folks that attended the Soiree.

Video Montage of the Chevy / Chicagonista Social Media Event
Fine Photography by Lahleyoo – http://www.Lahleyoo.com

Chevy – Chicagonista Social Media Soiree / Interesting Facts on Social Media Use from Chicagonista on Vimeo.
Video Hostess: Jennifer Luby

Chevy – Chicagonista Social Media Soiree / Some of Guests
Video Hostess: Karyn Watkins

Chevy – Chicagonista Social Media Soiree / How GM uses Social Media and Equinox 2010 Car Tour from Chicagonista on Vimeo.

Christopher Barger – Director of Social Media for GM
Connie Burke – @GMBLogs @connieburke
Video Hostess: Jennifer Luby

The photos were all taken by Lahleyoo and our video interviews were from Chicagonista’s very own Jennifer Luby of Second City Soiree and Karyn Watkins of The Fabulous Giver.

Thank you again to GM / Chevy our main sponsor of this event and also to the following sponsors below:

Lahleyoo.com - Fine Photography + Designs

AblonChicago.com - Chicagoland's Premier Mobile Home Spa

Allstate.com / VehicleVibes.com

Glaceau.com - Smart Water

Nintendo.com / BrandAboutTown.com

Centerd - People, Places, & Events

Blazer -Textile Printing - Your high volume t-shirt printer 708-755-2550