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free ecards via Open Card

Free ecards, for the cheap at heart

Perhaps you’re like me and forgot to send cards. Or finances just don’t allow you to send greetings to everyone on your list. What with Hallmark being pay-for-play, and most ecard sites having some...

ZooLights, photo from http://www.lpzoo.org/

Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo

I need a lot of reasons to brave the chill of a Chicago winter. But even I will layer up, grab a cocoa, and check out Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoo Lights. It’s not just...

Joffrey ballet

Free Joffrey Ballet tours

Interested in behind-the-scenes ballet? The Joffrey Ballet offers free tours on the first Thursday of every month at noon. Although they are free, you can’t just pop in—you have to call in advance and...

Chicago Art Girls Pop-Up

Chicago holiday markets

There’s nothing like a local holiday market to get you out of the malls and into a bespoke, fun gift for Aunt Gertrude. And if you’re lucky, there’s a little mulled wine, too. Here...

Birthday deals

Birthday deals

Whether your birthday’s next week or in another 364 days, good deals can be snagged with just a little effort. Below are favorites and some new ones. Remember to use your email newsletter throwaway address – but one that you can actually check, starting on day one of your birthday month.