Author Archives: Jenna Haymond

Mother’s Day

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April showers bring May flowers, so pick those flowers and give them to your mother on May 12th for Mothers Day. We should be thankful for our mothers every day for changing our diapers as babies, supporting us during our awkward middle school years, loving us during our rebelling high school years, not judging us during our college years, and being so proud of us when we finally got a job.

Mother's Day

Mother’s Day

If your mom is like my mom she doesn’t want gifts for Mother’s Day, she just wants to spend some quality time with her kids (but secretly wants a handmade card and possibly some flowers). Rather than getting a tattoo to show how much you love your mom, check out these websites for some great and inexpensive ideas:
www.groupon.com- Mom’s never like their kids to spend their hard earned money on them. Groupon has a Mother’s Day tab which has a variety of gifts at a great deal. There is a time limit on every item, so make sure you grab the one you want before time runs out!
www.etsy.com- If “do it yourself” art projects are not your thing, this site is loaded with creative, hand crafted, one of a kind gifts. Hurry though; since items are personalized, it might take a few days to ship.
www.pinterest.com- If you have a creative bone in your body, check out Pinterest for some Mothers Day projects. Nothing says “I love you, Mom” like a handmade flower pot or picture frame.
If you really want to “WOW” your mom, take her to Chicago for a nice relaxing weekend. We have rooms available for Friday and Saturday night at great rate! Check out our website at www.hamptonsuiteschicago.com for availability and pricing.
Make your momma’s proud; get them something memorable this Mothers Day!

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Ready, set, Shamrock!

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As everyone gets back on track after excessive celebrating over St. Patrick’s Day, one thing that you can do to burn off the calories you drank is the Shamrock Shuffle. There is no better way to kick off the running season than participating in this 8K (5mile) race is on Sunday, April 7th. Now, don’t be fooled because shamrocks are associated with St. Patrick’s Day, which is on March 17th. If you are familiar with Chicago its inconsistent weather conditions, running in 20 degree weather is not desirable.
People of all ages join bright and early on Sunday morning in Grant Park in their finest of green outfits. The race loops through the Loop as all the runners vigorously try and make it to the finish line for the post race celebration. Along the way you get to see all the great attractions Chicago has to offer, while complete strangers cheer you on!
Don’t be intimated by the idea of running 5 miles. This race is for all types of runners. My mom, sister, and I ran the race last year and it was so much fun we signed up again this year.

Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago

We also have some of our Hampton Team running this year, so if you are in the area come cheer us on!

Happy running!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

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Although it is quite unusual that Chicago is in the mid 50’s this late in November, I am not one to question this phenomenon. With that being said, for all of those who are traveling this way for the Thanksgiving Holiday, you can leave your snow suite at home!

Yes I said it, Thanksgiving. That time of year where we get together with all our family members, eat so much food you have to put sweat pants on, sprawl out on the couch watching football in attempts to make room for not one, but two pieces of pie. Well, at least that what my Thanksgiving is like.

Thanksgiving Crafts

As a kid I always loved Thanksgiving because we got to make cool crafts. Some of you might recall using a profound amount of glue and construction paper to make your Pilgrim hat and Indian headdress. The most genius (and easiest) craft was making your very own Turkey by tracing your hand. Now that Pinterest exists, there are millions of other great craft ideas that you can do with your family or for your home. If you have not heard of Pinterest, then I suggest you join the millions who are “pinning” their hearts out. That way, you too can create your own board full of your favorite fall crafts and food ideas this holiday season. Check it out at www.pinterest.com and prepare to spend countless hours following, liking, and repining.

If you are downtown Chicago Thanksgiving Day and feeling ambitious before the feast, head to State Street for the Thanksgiving Day Parade from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. You can also tune into WGN Channel 9 for full coverage. If you are feeling brave enough to fight the crowds, don’t forget to check out the Black Friday sales that will be going on in your area.

Now, as we all know Thanksgiving isn’t about the buttery turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and the decadent pie, although they are delicious. It is about gathering together, expressing your gratitude, and what you are thankful for. On behalf of everyone at the Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago, have a very happy Thanksgiving!

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Chicago Marathon Weekend

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It’s that time of year when you need to unpack your fall fashion collection, Bears football jersey, and grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte, because it is officially fall in Chicago.  It is also that time of year thousands of people from 50 states and over 100 countries have dedicated their blood, sweat, and tears in preparation for the Chicago Marathon.

The race starts at Grant Park and loops through the beautiful downtown neighborhoods. If you have friends or family running in the race, the course map will help you navigate through the city.

Times of each wave are as follows:

Location- Grant Park, Columbus Dr. & Monroe St.
Marathon Wheelchair Start – 7:20am
Marathon Hand-cycle Start – 7:21am
Wave 1 Start- 7:30am
Wave 2 Start – 8:00am
Spectator Access to Grant Park- 8:30am

If you are staying with us at the Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown this weekend, to either run in the Marathon or to cheer someone on, we will have a station set up in the lobby filled with bananas and Gatorade. This will be available starting at 5:30am. While you are there, check out each poster every department of the hotel staff created to root on the runners. We also have a complimentary full American breakfast starting at 6am in our Daniel Burnham room on the second floor of the hotel. If you have any questions or need any information regarding the Marathon, please don’t hesitate to ask a front desk representative.

Good luck runners as you concur 26.2 miles on Sunday. You are an inspiration to us all!

For those of you who didn’t run the Marathon this year, but are determined to try it in 2013, download Nike’s 15-week Bank of America Chicago Marathon Training Program to get you started. As my General Manager, Andrew Scarlett always says when we are working our way toward a certain goal “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

 

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Upcoming Summer Events

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June 20th was the official date that we could say it was “summer” in Chicago. Of course with the change of season come temperatures over 100 degrees and humidity so thick you could cut it with a knife.  If you want to beat the heat, there are many places you can visit that will be blasting their air conditioning. However, for those who are willing to defeat the heat check out some of the “cool” outdoor events going on in this sweltering City.

Taste of Chicago offers a variety of Chicago cuisine to be sampled

Taste of Chicago. This epic food festival brings in over 1.2 million people to the Chicago to experience all the amazing food and entertainment this city has to offer. This year, Huffington Post said that “attendees consumed 17,600 slices of deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, 15,000 funnel cakes from the Churro Factory, and 30,000 rainbow cones.” Along with the food, there were many performances at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park that hosted bands like Death Cab for Cutie, Jennifer Hudson, Dierks Bentley, and Chaka Khan. If you ended up missing the Taste of Chicago this year, don’t worry it will be back in full force next year.

Lollapalooza, 2010
Lollapalooza, 2010. Image courtesy of PBS

Lollapalooza. This 3 day music festival turns Chicago into a mini Woodstock. This event started back in 1991 and established its territory in Chicago’s Grant Park in 2005. Lollapalooza means “an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event.” Over 16,000 people of all ages come to Chicago to take park of this wondrous music event to check out their favorite bands and to discover new ones.  You have the option to purchase a 1 day pass for $95 or a 3 day pass for $230. With 8 stages and over 100 bands to choose from, each day you will be exposed to a different type of music from Rock, Indie, Punk, and Techno.  This year you will see performances from The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath, Avicii, The Black Keys, Florence and the Machine, Jack White, and Kaskade. For more information on Lollapalooza and the lineup, check out their website at http://www.lollapalooza.com. If you need hotel accommodations, please contact the Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown direct at 312-832-0330.

Chicago Air and Water Show

Chicago Air and Water Show, Image courtesy of the CCTB

Air and Water Show. Pack your lawn chair, a cooler, some sunscreen, and ear plugs if you plan on heading to Chicago’s Lakefront to watch the Air and Water show.  This show attracts millions of prospectors each year to check out the amazing tricks performed by aerobatic teams and the U.S military. A cool factoid about the show is that most of the planes fly to and from Gary Jet Center in Gary, Indiana. They have to time their flight down to the second so they can fly over the show at an exact moment. The show is from 10am-3pm on Saturday August 18th and Sunday August 19th at North Avenue Beach. Since it is free to the public, if you have trouble finding seating at the show center then head to Ohio Street beach or Oak Street Beach and bring your binoculars. You can also check out more information about the Chicago Air and Water Show on Explore Chicago’s website at http://www.chicagoairshow.com.

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Memorial Day Weekend things to do in Chicago

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And no, I am not referencing winter, since us city dwellers find nothing wonderful about the cold, snow, and everything in between. I’m talking about summer in Chicago! Now that the weather gods have finally stopped torturing us with the rollercoaster weather changes, we can now enjoy everything that this beautiful City has to offer.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 80 degree and sunny weather, like a 3 day weekend for Memorial Day. Since the NATO Summit has left the building, the City is now a favorable place to visit. So for those who are not skipping town or coming in from out of town, check out all the great things going on that will keep you busy this weekend.

If you are looking for a little R&R and to soak up some sun, head over to one of Chicago’s 23 beaches along the lakefront. Beaches open this Friday and lifeguards are on duty from 11am-7pm daily. The best part, they’re free!  One of the main hot spots if you are spending the day at the beach is Castaways Bar and Grill. This giant shipwrecked boat, looking North Avenue beach, serves lunch and dinner every day from 11a.m. to 11p.m. Drinks from noon to 11p.m. All weekend Castaways offers live music from noon to 6p.m.

For all you music lovers and foodies out there, go check out the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival in Wrigleyville and/or the Randolph Street Market Festival in the Loop this Saturday and Sunday. Spend your day jamming out to tribute bands, eating some delicious food from local vendors, shopping for vintage treasures, while enjoying a refreshing beverage on a hot summer day!

Now, let’s not forget the true essence of why we celebrate Memorial Day. To show remembrance for loved ones we have or for those who have served our country, head over to Daley Plaza to watch the Chicago Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade. This will be on May 26th starting at 11am. After the parade, head over to Navy Pier to watch the free firework show starting at 10:15pm.

However you decide to celebrate, everyone at the Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago wishes you a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day!

 

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Go CUBS Go!

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Holy Cow! Baseball season is finally upon us and for we die hard cubbies fans that means another chance to be the World Series Champions. Last night, in preparation for the home opener on April 5th 2012 vendors were out setting up their stands, Clark Street was flooded with people, and Wrigley Field’s Stadium lights were shining brightly. Early this morning on my way to work, there was an eerie silence that swept over Wrigleyville, almost like it was the calming before a big storm.

That storm hit around 9:00am this morning when every news station was buzzing about opening day. Wrigley was already swamped with fans waiting outside the stadium ready to watch their beloved cubbies play the Washington Nationals at 1:20pm. With the first crack of the bat, first hot dog of the season, and an ice cold beer in hand; we hope our Cubs can bring home a win and wave that “W” flag.

Tickets for today and this weekend’s game are still available. If you want to get in on the action, feel free to visit the Cubs website here.

Also, if you would like to support your cubbies and a good cause, sign up for the Race to Wrigley 5K Run on April 14th 2012 at 8am. This race is the kick off to the Baseball Season and proceeds go to Children’s Memorial Hospital. The course route will take you thought Lakeview neighborhoods and back to Wrigley Field, where you get to run through the stadium. Online registration is available until 4/12/2012 for $35 dollars. You can purchase your race packet and t-shirt at http://www.race-cubs.com.

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Bakin’ and Eggs

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They always say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I couldn’t agree more. I love breakfast and could eat it for lunch and dinner if I could. I am not much of a connoisseur of fine foods and have admitted many times that I am a horrible cook. However, the one thing I know and know well is great breakfast places in Chicago. As seen on WTTW’s ‘Check Please’, Bakin’ and Eggs is known for their breakfast, homemade pastries, and the most important food group; Bacon. The name Bakin’ and Eggs comes from both the fresh baked goods and the bacon that is creatively incorporated in almost every dish on the menu.

Vittles from Bakin' & Eggs

If you do venture out to this Lakeview delicatessen, be sure you show up early because they do not accept reservations. However, if you do show up and there is a wait time, don’t worry; there is a fresh self serve coffee station available to take the edge off.

Of the many breakfast places I have been too; this one has a wide open space to accommodate a lot of people. This is also a kid friendly establishment, so be forewarned; it can get noisy. The menu ranges from sweet to savory and everything in between. If you are looking for savory, you should try the caramelized onion, blue cheese, and balsamic frittata. If you have a sweet tooth, you can select the banana pecan French toast with 3 different dipping sauces; hazelnut ganache, banana rum cream sauce, and good ol’ butter. You can also take a walk on the wild side and order the bacon flight, which has an assortment of 5 distinct flavors. The Jalapeno Bacon was my FAVORITE!

A cool twist to end the meal is the chance to win free pastries at the counter on Saturday and Sundays. Your bill is delivered to your table and secured with a close pin. If your close pin has a color on it, YOU WIN! Only 6 lucky guests will win a free pastry, and 1 lucky winner will receive pastries to feed your whole group (if you choose to share). Even if you aren’t a winner, might I suggest buying the whoopie pie just as a “I deserve it” treat at the end of a great meal. I am not going to give away any more mouth watering details, you will have to check it out yourself.

Bakin' & Eggs Interior

 

Bakin’ and Eggs is open for breakfast and lunch Monday- Friday and brunch on the weekends. Feel free to check out their website at http://www.bakinandeggschicago.com/menu or the review on ‘Check Please’ at http://video.wttw.com/video/2161642378.

 

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The Best Online Shopping Sites for the Holidays

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Tis the season to be jolly, right?

 

Tis the season to be Jolly, right? Well with the holiday cheer also brings some holiday stress with fighting the crowds, while trying to find the right gift at the right price. Its survival of the fittest. Well, if you are one of the many who prefer the miracle of online shopping, I have a few sites for you to check out that will get your creativity flowing for getting that perfect gift for someone special.

The first site I think everyone should check out is www.gifts.com. If you are a procrastinator like me, then you are scrambling till the week before the holidays to get your gifts. I frantically was searching every website trying to get an idea for what to buy this season and then I stumbled upon gifts.com. After visiting this site, my holidays were saved along with my sanity. I started to become slightly addicted and would spend my evenings searching though every gift imaginable. The best part about this site is the personality profiler, which allows you customize your search settings to narrow down the best gift. You can also select the amount you are looking to spend and it will bring up a schmorgous board of ideas for you to select from and the link to where you can buy them. Personally, I have become quite fond of Personal Creations which allows you to customize your gifts at an affordable price. I hate to spill the beans, but most of my family will be receiving gifts with their names all over them. This site has gifts for the the guys guy, outdoor adventurer, trendinista, fitness and health nut, and much more.

Another site that you could spend hours perusing through is www.pinterest.com. This site is creativity on steroids. If you are feeling ambitious and want to hand make your gifts this year, visit this site for some of the most crafty projects that will wow anyone in your family! This site is an online pinboard which allows you to post all of your favorite ideas and check out other peoples projects to recreate in your own home. From food to fashion, there is something for everyone. Here are some pins for you to check out which will really add pizzazz to your holiday’s.

 

Santa party mix: http://pinterest.com/pin/38351034296309962/

Handmade ornament: http://pinterest.com/pin/2814818486784659/

 

Until next time, shop on online shoppers and have a wonderful Holidays!

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Jersey Shore: The Musical

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To be a Jersey Shore fan or not to be, that is the question? MTV has once again successfully hooked millions of viewers to the reality show which follows 7 (really tan) strangers from the east coast who try to live together in a ridiculous house on the Jersey Shore. Sounds like just another season of “The Real World” right? WRONG. The Jersey Shore has not only captured its audience with the intense arguments and dramatic “hook ups”, but they have made up their own nicknames and contagious vocabulary that has taken the nation by storm. If these words confuse you: GTL, Grenades, T-Shirt Time, Fist Pump, Juice heads, GFF, or MVP, than you have not tuned in on Thursday aka “Jersday” to see what shenanigans Nicole “Snookie” , Mike “the Situation”, DJ Pauly D, Vinny, Jenni “JWOWW”, Ronnie, Sammy “Sweetheart,” and Angelina are getting in to.

After the first season, the show just exploded and the cast became famous for doing absolutely nothing.  The demand for leopard print and big hoops skyrocketed; they are appearing on TV shows i.e. Dancing with the Stars, JERSEY SHORE Halloween costumes were a #1 seller, and our very own Hampton Brand is using Jersey Shore for their TV commercials. Just when I thought the pandemonium was over, the Jersey Shore Musical launched in Chicago.

 

Poster of Jersey Shore: The Musical

Jersey Shore: The Musical

Jersey Shore: The Musical is written by 4 Days Late with a hilarious tone and perfectly selected cast. Snookie had her poof, JWOWW had her extensions, Sammy and Ronnie had their fights, Angelina instigated those fights, Pauly D and Vinny had their “T-Shirt” time, and the Situation had his “Situation.” The Music was directed by Matt Griffo and definitely didn’t lack originality with songs like “We’ve got no shame” and “Snookin’ for Love.” Along with talented actors and creative songs, there were some impressive dance numbers which did not include fist pumping.

The show plays every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30pm at Studio BE located at 3110 North Sheffield. You can purchase tickets online at http://www.studio-be.org/buy-tickets or at the door for $23. The show runs about 2 hours and the venue is a BYOB. The show recently got extended to play until December 3rd so round up your friends, call a cab, and brace yourself for the madness at the Jersey Shore.

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