So for our third year in a row, we participated in the PAWS “Run for their Lives 8K Run and 4K Walk” along the beautiful Chicago lakefront. (PAWS stands for Pets Are Worth Saving and is a local no kill animal charity in Chicago.) The participants this year included Dave and I, obviously Hefner, Grandma, Grandpa, Jack, Andrew, my Aunt Kathy and her golden retriever Cody and Jack’s girlfriend, Kristin, with her yellow lab Austin. This was the biggest group we have had yet and it was a lot of fun!

In the past years, we have walked with our good friends Austin and Kara and their adorable chihuahua Lola (who have since moved out to San Diego—boo!) and another year with Grandma and Jack while my dad did the 8K run. Every year the weather has been perfect, fairly warm and sunny, so the walk along the lake has been particularly beautiful. It starts along the path at Montrose Harbor and is basically a big loop. Owners can sign up to walk with their dogs or run by themselves. It is so fun to see all the different sizes and breeds of dogs walking, pooping, peeing, sniffing, barking along the lakefront! Hef is definitely on overload when he is there and has a blast!

PAWS does a great job of putting on quite a show. When we arrived, Montrose Harbor was packed with tents giving out tons of dog stuff. There is a local radio station covering the event, so lots of loud music. Some dogs and owners were walking around in costumes for the Halloween costume contest. There is a food tent with bagels, water, yogurt, bananas, Ann Sather cinnamon rolls (awesome!) and other great treats for before the walk/run. After, they usually have pizza along with a Adopt-a-Thon for some homeless pets. And what event in Chicago could be complete without the Jesse White Tumblers?!?!

The cost is about $35 per person, which seems a bit pricey but it is for a worthy cause. The fee also includes a goody bag with coupons, advertisements, the PAWS magazine and a long sleeve t-shirt commemorating the event. Only a small price to pay for a fun-filled morning spent getting some exercise with my family and dog while enjoying Chicago’s beautiful lakefront. Definitely worth it in my opinion!

From Hef’s Bedroom:

I give the PAWS Walk 5 outof 5 paws. I get to walk with all my friends and get lots of treats and attention. A day centered completely on me!!! Too bad the PAWS Walk is not every weekend!

I love Nail Art–it is just that simple. Since it has been about a year since my first visit there, I feel it fitting to write a raving review. I am quite obsessive about my nails and until Nail Art, had been painting them a home myself, which I have to say I was getting pretty good at. However, Nail Art has completely changed everything. Let me tell you how much I love them.

As I said, I have been going consistently every week for a year now. Occasionally I will get a “mani pedi”, but typically it is just a “mani,” as they like to call it. It is very inexpensive, so that means it is easy to go often. I think it’s $14 for a manicure–pretty sure. They have a Monday and Tuesday special where you can get a “mani pedi” for $35. What a deal! Also, you don’t need an appointment. What?!?!?! Just walk in whenever you want to and they will fit you in, no problem. CJ, the owner, is so accommodating and the rest of the staff is so nice and friendly. At first I thought to try and stick with the same person, as I am accustomed to do with other places, but they are all so good it really doesn’t matter. The manicures really last all week, so chips are not a problem. Shout out to Sara, Tina, Erica, Hannah, Sunny, Uma, and Judy! Since I am cool and I am a regular, everyone knows me.

They recently expanded and remodeled the place and the décor is very tranquil. Perfect for relaxing on my lunch hour. I especially love the massaging chairs they have at the pedicure stations. There are some small private rooms in the back where they do chair massages (AWESOME!) and facials, which I will be trying soon. They feature Essie and OPI nail polishes and even paint cute flowers on the fingers and toes of the little girls that come in. How cute! The manicures include a great arm/hand and shoulder massage out of the deal and they even rub you with a hot towel too. Nail Art has a frequent manicure card, which may be the best part of this place. If you get 9 stamps on your card, your tenth mani if FREE! Honestly, this place is just the best. If you haven’t already gone you absolutely have to go. You will not be disappointed!

Nail Art
917 Ridge Road
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 251-0351