This social networking event, hosted by the Auxiliary Board of the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, is the perfect place to meet new people and support a great cause.  The crowd is typically full of philanthropic-minded, classy professionals and the up-scale venue provides the perfect setting for this Valentine’s Day themed installment of the Flirting for Disaster series.  Tickets are $20 and include free hors d’oeuvres, raffle prizes, live jazz entertainment, tarot card readings, $5 Effen martinis, and Remy Martin Cognac drink specials.

Where: Close Up 2-Live Smooth Jazz Club [website]
416 S. Clark [google map]

You’re single, you’re sexy, and you’re so over the lovey-doveyness of V- Day being shoved down your throat every year.  Bar 1 events,  the headquarters for five of the best bars in Lincoln Park, has the solution.  This will be the 11^th annual Screw Cupid Pub Crawl and it’s the perfect night out for singles looking to mingle, and forget about flowers and chocolate.  $25 gets you buffets at each bar, domestic draught beer, and “love punch” from 8-11pm.  So come out and celebrate your love- for yourself! (And maybe for the cute guy/gal sitting next to you on the free trolley between bars.) See you there singles!

Crawl starts at The Wrightwood Tap at 8:30pm and continues on to Durkin’s, Duffy’s, Redmond’s and Maeve.

When: Saturday February 13th at 8:30pm
Starts at 1059 West Wrightwood Avenue [google map]

Cinnamon is the perfectly warming spice for dark winter nights when staying in for a meal is much more appealing than braving the sub-zero temperatures.  This one time class as part of the World Kitchen series, focuses on everyone’s favorite dessert spice, and teaches you to use it in savory meals as well.  Comfortable cooking attire is recommended, as well as non-skid shoes and an apron.  Pre-registration is required at https://secure.ticketsage.net/SelectPerformance.aspx?pid=86062.  Classes focus on the art of food preparation and properly nourishing our hungry bodies.

January 28 6pm to 8:30pm
Gallery 37 Center for the Arts
66 East Randolph Street [google map]
(312) 744-8925

Whether you regularly fold yourself into a human pretzel, or you can barely touch your toes, this free day of yoga is a great opportunity to enjoy complimentary classes by seasoned instructors in celebration of Yoga Day 2010! Three different classes will be provided throughout the day, and participators are encouraged to arrive thirty minutes early to secure a spot.  Mats will be provided- just bring yourself and your stretchy pants! Check out the classes provided at http://www.rei.com/

REI Lincoln Park
1466 N Halsted (google map)

Did you hear?? It’s National Pizza Week! According to Osterio Via Stato anyways, where they’ll be serving up a variety of thin crust pies by chef David DiGregorio for half off the regular price, Monday through Friday this week only from 2:30pm to 4:30pm!  Even for the hard core, Chicagoan-Deep-Disher, these thinner, crispier versions are a delicious must try!

Osteria Via Stato www.osteriaviastato.com 620 North State Street Chicago, IL 60654-3853 (312) 642-8450 Get directions

It’s hard finding the motivation to bundle up and get to the bar during these brutal winter months.  But what if the promise of delicious soup waited for you at the bar?  You can’t avoid socialization for another four months, so here’s a pleasant alternative. The Hideout brings a variety of delicious soups to bar-goers ever Wednesday, prepared by staff, regulars, and local chefs, allowing patrons to pair the relaxing comfort of a cup of soup on the couch, with the excitement of actually LEAVING your house.  So lace up your snow boots and layer your mittens, and enjoy a drink and some soup with friends! Donations at soup and bread nights are accepted to benefit a different charity each week.

Hideout www.hideoutchicago.com 1354 West Wabansia Avenue Chicago, IL 60642-1519 (773) 227-4433 Get directions

Tap into your artistic side and spice up your wardrobe at the Chicago Urban Art Society’s screen-printing workshop.  Here you will learn the art of screen printing; creating stencils to transfer images onto clothing.  $75 gets your two consecutive Saturday classes, which includes all materials, and goes towards supporting this DIY based organization.  It’s a unique way to add your own personal flare to otherwise drab wardrobe pieces. Workshops vary in level and duration. Choose between a 2, 3, or 4-week workshop with a qualified instructor. Visit their website or call (773) 318-9407.

For those looking to ring in the New Years without the temptation of an alcohol fueled party or bar location, these two special events are serving up some sober fun!

New Year’s Eve Sober Extravaganza: Chicago Illuminating Company

Walk the red carpet and live like an A-list celebrity- minus the embarrassing drunk moments that seem to plague our favorite stars.  This celebrity themed, sober New Years Eve party will offer “mocktails,” a photo booth, dinner, and circus acrobat performances.

Time: 8pm

Location: Chicago Illuminating Company, 19 East 21^st Street [google map]

Cost: $99 per person

New Years Eve at New Town Alano Club

New Town Alano Club is a LGBT focused, addiction support and recovery center.  This New Years, they will offer a healthy alternative to the holiday of temptation at their Lakeview location.  The night will begin with a Gratitude Meeting, allowing attendees to start the New Year off with reflection on the past year, and appreciation for their sobriety and their life.  The rest of the night will include movies, food, and a live viewing of the NYC ball drop.

Time: 7pm

Location: New Town Alano Club, 909 W. Belmont [google map]

Cost: FREE

Ring in the New Year in the spirit of a Speakeasy at the LaSalle Power Company this New Year’s Eve.  You will experience a night of Chicago’s past while you party into 2010- a unique and exiting Chicago twist on the New Years Eve party.  $85 tickets include a premium open bar from 9pm-2am, a catered buffet, 3 floors of DJs, bands, and live performers, Speakeasy themed party favors, and free champagne and red bull ALL night long.  Coat check and valet will be available.  Keep this “Speakeasy” on the down-low (or don’t!) and bring all your friends for a fantastic Chicago style New Years Eve!

500 N LaSalle LLC

www.lasallepowerco.com

500 North La Salle Drive
Chicago, IL 60654-7109
(312) 661-1122
Get directions

It may be the season of giving, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give something to yourself! Aniko Salon and Spa will be hosting its Chic Gems event this Friday.  The event is free to the public, and it’s the perfect place to find that special piece of jewelry for this year’s holiday party- or just a special treat for yourself!  The wide array of fashion jewelry will include a variety of collections, including Bridal, Signature, Design Your Own, and the new Couture Collection.  Plus, if you spend $100 on Chic Gems, you will receive a $10 Aniko Salon and Spa gift card! So buy some sparkle and treat yourself to a manicure- ‘tis the season!

Aniko Salon and Spa

www.anikosalonspa.com

1109 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 431-1573
Get directions