Summer in the City: My FUN-Do List

Each and every summer I make a to-do list of summer projects.  This year, I am making a FUN-Do list of summer activities/experiences.  Each and every summer, I completely FAIL at just enjoying summer.  I make work the priority and forget to stop and enjoy the sunshine.  At the beginning of summer, I always think that I have plenty of time to attend one of the summer concerts or go to an exhibit, but then I would never end up actually going because of either my work schedule or our B&B bookings ("B&B bookings" are a joke - I say this because of all the visitors we have during the summer months).  So, when I sat down to make this year's list, I reminded myself to be realistic.  Here is what I hope WILL be up to this summer:

1.  I'm On A Boat

I love floating around on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.  I don't have a boat, but there are a lot of options for someone to rent a boat.  I will be cruising with some friends in July the date is set and the reservations are made up and down the river.  I will definitely be blogging about this experience.

2.  Roy Lichtenstein:  A Retrospective

I am a long time member of the Art Institute and I fully intend to enjoy this summer's new hot exhibit.  You can find more information about the exhibit HERE (it closes September 3, 2012).

3.  Bike Ride to the Botanical Garden

This cyclist wants to wake up and smell the roses.  The North Branch Trail will take me all the way to the garden and I can't wait to see it for the first time!  Bonus:  This activity is FREE.

4.  Early Evening Concerts in Millennium Park

I love Millennium Park.  During the summer, you can enjoy FOR FREE concerts in Pritzker Pavilion.  Here is the schedule.  I am happy to report that I already attended one this year and had a BLAST.  TIP:  Get there EARLY to claim your spot on the lawn!

5.  Navy Pier Fireworks on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

What can I say?  I love fireworks.  I normally don't go down to the pier unless I have guests in town.  This year, I am heading down to watch the fireworks purely for my own enjoyment!

6.  Jazzin' at the Shedd

This event is probably the only event on my list that I NEVER miss during the summer.  I love Shedd Aquarium and this event is one of the member benefits that keeps me renewing my membership each and every year.  I suggest going early and touring the aquarium before the music starts.  The food is not spectacular, but that is definitely not the purpose of the visit so plan to get a great meal later that night.  You can find the Jazzin' schedule HERE.

7.  Genghis Khan: The Field Museum

One of the only museums that I am NOT a member of . . . Genghis Khan may change that status depending on admission price.  I keep hearing fabulous things about this exhibit and I need to check it out for myself.  Like the Lichtenstein exhibit, Genghis Khan ends September 3.

8.  Patio Time

I definitely do not appreciate the great outdoor space I have for living in the city.  I am going to start having my breakfast/coffee out on the patio and enjoy the gorgeous sunshine.  I complain for nearly 6 months out of the year about the weather and then when it is nice enough to be outside, you will find me INSIDE.  Not acceptable.  I am going to add a bit of enjoyment to my every day routine.

9.  Pedicures with my Husband

Each and every summer I try to convince my husband to go get a pedicure with me.  I will succeed this summer.

10.  Day at the Pool

For my wonderful central Illinois friends this objective probably sounds ridiculous.  However, with the exception of a vacation, I don't think I have had "a pool day" since moving to the city. 

As you can see, it is a short list, but I am okay with a short list.  I, of course, have TONS of home improvement projects that I also want to accomplish this summer, but I really need to LIVE and ENJOY life beyond work and home improvement.  I am certainly not getting any younger and I want to have as much fun as I can this summer.

Nellcôte

I have been reading all about Nellcôte for a couple of months now.  Located on Randolph's "Restaurant Row" (former location of the beloved Marché), it is certainly a great spot for meeting people after work (you want to "get out of the Loop," but don't want to go too far).  Two girlfriends and I had reservations for 5:30 pm.  No issues - seated right away and not pressured in any way to make immediate decisions. 

Drinks
The cocktail menu is intriguing, but we ladies were in the mood for vino so out came the wine menu which is quite diverse.  So diverse, in fact, that we consulted the sommelier.  The sommelier was fantastic and listened to our every unsophisticated desire.  Out comes the 2009 Sant'Elena pino grigio, which is orange in color, so fun.  It was FANTASTIC.  Question:  The sommelier sampled our wine before we did.  He sampled immediately after showing us the bottle and then we sampled.  Is that normal?  I have never had that happen before this experience at Nellcôte.

Dinner

The menu is technically a sharing menu, but some of the plates are quite large.  To be completely honest, I was disappointed with everything, including dessert (big sweet tooth here) except the bread and pizza, which were both "something to write home about."  I would absolutely come here again for one of these delicious pizzas.  Nellcôte mills its own flour and it makes all the difference - the crust is absolutely amazing. The toppings were so very fresh.  The fennel sausage pizza tasted like an Italian summer.

Decor

You would never know that you are sitting in the former digs of Marché.  For a former "small town gal," this place just makes you feel like you are in the "Big City."  I highly recommend it for celebratory drinks and for every girly girl who loves to put on her heels and bring out her inner rock star goddess.

What I Love: May 2012

1.  Holly Suzanne Fine Art.
At this very moment, I am in love with Holly Suzanne's "Glamour Girls."  Ms. Holly Suzanne describes the series as "flirtatious fun" and it is exactly that.  I keep wondering over to her website to dream about a purchasing one of these super fun mixed media pieces to put in my home.

2.  Chobani Pineapple Greek Yogurt
I cannot stop eating this stuff.  On a recommendation from my mama, I purchased one.  Immediately after I finished the 6 ounce container of goodness, I knew this item would be a "regular" on the old grocery list.  The yogurt is gluten free and comes in at 2.5 grams of fat and 160 calories for the entire container and, most importantly, it is FILLING.  The sugars are a little high for my taste, but it is so tasty I can justify it!


3.  Chicago Magazine
The subscription was an impulse purchase, but it turned out that I really enjoy reading about the new restaurants and about the people behind all the Chicago action.  No, I don't expect any of the articles to win a Pulitzer Prize, but it is a few steps up from the "glossy magazines" that I crave while in line at Target.


4.  La Yunta Torrontés
It was described to me as the "white sister to Malbec."  Well, this sister has some style.  Made from the Torrontés grape, this wine has a very balanced citrus flavor that can be enjoyed on a hot summer's day.  And this refreshing beverage won't break your piggy bank.  You can expect to pay $10 - $15 per bottle.

5.  Starbucks Natural Fusions Ground Coffee, Cinnamon Flavor
I feel like every month I am all about the coffee . . . yeah, it is true.  This month I have been all about Starbucks cinnamon flavored coffee.  It is a medium blend coffee with just the right amount of cinnamon flavor - definitely not an overpowering taste.  The best part is that to get the cinnamon taste, Starbucks uses natural ingredients, including real cinnamon.  With recent studies coming out about the great benefits of cinnamon, you can toast to your health each morning!


6.  The Art Institute of Chicago Lunch Hour Gallery Talks
It is impossible for me to express how much I love ARTIC.  I have been a member for nearly four years.  A couple of months ago I realized that I was not frequenting this beautiful building nearly as much as I should.  My work/life balance currently needs some work; no pun intended.  To help get me to a more balanced place, a friend and I started attending the gallery talks that ARTIC holds regularly over the lunch hour.  For a girl that NEVER takes a lunch (I told you I need to work on my work/life balance), this is a HUGE step.  Not surprisingly, I am completely addicted to these talks.  The talks make me feel like I am taking this incredible art history course with a brilliant professor, but there is no homework and no final - just pure enjoyment.  I highly recommend you attend at least one.  The calendar is on ARTIC's website.

7.  Now Sweet Almond Oil
My skin tends to be on the dry side.  I do a good job keeping my face moisturized, but a terrible time with the rest.  An esthetician recommended that I use a moisturizing oil at night after I get out of the shower.  One trip to Whole Foods (the people there are so knowledgeable about EVERYTHING) and I have the most moisturized skin and a new favorite product.

8.  Tazo Chai Tea Concentrate
Rainy days make me crave chai tea lattes.  It is a known fact.  If I am at work, it isn't a problem, because I can just trot over to the nearest Starbucks.  When I am at home, nothing can make me go out into the rain.  So, I keep a box of Tazo Chai Tea Concentrate on hand to satisfy my rainy day cravings.

9.  Lake Shore Bike Path
The northern part of the path is seriously busy, but if you start at the museum campus and go south you are in for a smooth ride.  There is nothing better than riding along the lake front.  NOTHING.

10.  West Elm Sales Associates
I can't make a decor decision to save my life.  The people at West Elm are always so so so patient and nice.  I cannot say enough good things about these people.  Go in and look at all the pretty things and tell them I said "hello."

Staycation: Part II

I packed toooooo much into the staycation.  Now I need a vacation from my staycation.  Yikes!  Good thing it is a short week!  I thought I would take a minute to share some highlights of the staycation.

1.  Valeo
I previously posted about Valeo here.  I just can't get enough of this place.  Friday afternoon, I checked in early so that I could enjoy their newly opened indoor pool and hot tub.  I was a little disappointed because it is extremely difficult to swim laps in the pool (more of a floating pool) and the hot tub was BROKEN.   Major bummer.  But, the pool area was fabulous and I had it all to myself (until my husband joined me).  The lounge chairs are super comfy and the decor is awesome - a modern take on the ancient bath house.  After the pool, I hit the steam room and the infrared sauna.  WONDERFUL.  After a quick shower, I enjoyed the transition room until it was time for my facial and massage.  Awesome awesome start to the staycation.

2.  Cumin
Never a fan of a lunch buffet - never say never.  This Nepalese/Indian lunch buffet rocks!  In the middle of two major condo projects and there was no way I was cooking in the middle of the madness.  The presentation left a lot to be desired, but the taste was incredible.  At $12, I don't think you will find a better (or tastier) deal in the City.

3.  Lake Shore Bike Path
There is nothing better than a bike ride next to a large body of water.  The combination of the two create this experience that makes you feel like you are a million miles away from the real world.  I personally prefer to start in Hyde Park and ride as far north as you can and back (normally I turn around at Lincoln Park because I can't handle the crowds of inconsiderate people).  If you are hungry, I would recommend finishing your ride with a snack at Medici Cafe.

4.  Time with Good Friends
Time with good friends is always something to treasure.

5.  Grilling Out with New Friends
Well, it was Memorial Day weekend, so grilling is practically a requirement.

6.  Naps
Normally, it is impossible for me to relax enough during the day to nap.  Luckily, I was on my staycation so I got two awesome naps in this weekend.

7.  Boob Tube Time
My DVR has been at 100% for weeks.  It was awesome to come in from the heat (it was a little much this weekend) and just zone out into my favorite shows.

8.  Condo Projects
I know, I know.  Staycation not WORKcation.  BUT, doesn't it feel so good when you get a project completed???

9.  Walks with the Dog
Enough said.

10.  Glazed and Infused.
The new walk-up doughnut operation in my life.  I think I feel the need to do a post in the near future on my favorite doughnut shops . . .

The Staycation: Part I

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!  

The unofficial start to summer here in the USA is finally here.  For months (mainly just the cold, yucky ones), I dreamed about Memorial Day weekend plans.  A biking trip?  Door County?  A weekend in FL with friends?  New England?  Lake Geneva?  Central Illinois?  Southern Illinois wineries?  Ok, I think you get it.  The possibilities are endless.  So after all of that dreaming, reality set in . . . loads of work would really prevent me from having a "real" weekend getaway.  New dream:  Staycation.  The Goal:  Enjoy Chicago and all of its urban wonder.

Crêpes!!!

 

I had the BEST time making crêpes last Saturday at FliP Crêpes classroom location.  FliP Crêpes is located in the French Market (a wonderful place to visit) and you can sample all of their wonderful creations there, but if you have an itch to learn how to make these French beauties yourself, head over to their classroom at 2136 W. Fulton.  The classroom is set up perfectly; organized and not too many spots (I never felt "lost in the crowd").  I signed up for the Brunch Class using a Travelzoo offer.  My only complaint was that I had to book the class 2 months out!  That kind of advance planning is little insane, but I just picked the date for a weekend I knew we would be in town and planned around it (you do what you have to do).

My husband attended the class with me.  I was a little nervous that he wouldn't like it, but I was completely wrong!  He LOVED it.  We had a blast flipping crêpes for nearly two hours.  The best part - eating our creations.  FliP Crêpes had a great buffet set up for the students to enjoy after all our hard work!  I highly recommend one of these classes to anyone who enjoys learning something new.  Our instructor was fun, approachable and very attentive to each person's issues.

I can't wait to try making crêpes at home for friends! Check out FliP Crêpes website here .  There are so many fun classes available, even some for kids! 

Wordless Wednesday: Taco Bus

Bern's Steak House

If you are in the Tampa Bay area (Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg) and you like food, you should definitely make a reservation at Bern's Steak House.  I know, I know, I previously posted HERE about how I am NOT a foodie, but I feel like Bern's is a place foodies and non-foodies can eat in peace and harmony.

For all of you out there who think that dressing up to go out to dinner is fun, Bern's is the place for you.  Do not miss the opportunity to dress to impress as the outside of the restaurant could not be more different from the inside of the restaurant.  Save the tuxedo, but pull out the less formal cocktail dresses.

Reservations are an absolute MUST.  I highly recommend arriving approximately 30 minutes before your reservation and enjoying some time in the lounge area.  Once seated, don't become overwhelmed with the food or wine menu.  Feel free to ask the brilliant wait staff any and all questions because they know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING.  No, really, they DO know everything.  Before you are finished with dinner, request a reservation in the dessert room.  The Harry Waugh Dessert Room is an experience all in its own and should not be missed.  I highly recommend the Cappuccino Bern's Steak House and the Caramel Pecan Chocolate Bread Pudding.

After dinner, request a tour before heading to the dessert room.  Bern's is a well oiled machine and its story is fascinating.  You must see it in action with your own eyes.  Bonus:  The tour will give your stomach some time to "rest" before ordering dessert.

Here is the website for Bern's Steak House:  Bern's Steak House.  Warning:  Don't look at the menu on an empty stomach.  It can be quite painful.

Wordless Wednesday

Book-It! Becomes Book Club!

Do you all remember "Book-It?"  That question clearly dates me!  Yikes!  Pizza + books =  complete happiness for this girl.  Over the Easter holiday, I discussed books A LOT.  Book discussions are a great for conversations with people you don't know well or for people you don't have a lot in common . . . .   It came to my attention during one of these book discussions that there aren't any "happy" programs like "Book-It" any longer.  A reward of a personal pan pizza has been replaced with the punishment of a TEST.  Yes, a TEST.  Accelerated Reader programs (I did have these in middle and high school) require students to take a quiz after reading each book.  So. Not. Fun.  It got me thinking about a "Book-It" program for adults.  Then I realized, that is the role my book club plays in my life.  Good Food + Books = complete happiness for this adult.

My book club consists of a great group of ladies with unique backgrounds and completely different career objectives.  I love that kind of diversity in a book club because I find that everyone brings a completely new perspective to the discussion.  Our book club meets about every 8 weeks.  It is the perfect amount of time - no matter what the schedule is like, you can always get through one book in 8 weeks.

So far in 2012, we have read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Paris Wife by Paula McLain, and Your Voice in My Head by Emma Frost.  I absolutely loved The Night Circus.  For me it was "Harry Potter" meets "Water for Elephants."  Yes, there were some loose ends that should have been taken care of in the editing process, but still definitely worth a read.  The book is being developed into a movie and I am super excited to see the adaptation.  The Paris Wife is based on the life of Ernest Hemingway's first wife.  The book is written almost like a journal and I very much enjoyed the writer's style.  The Paris Wife is also in development!  Your Voice in My Head has been my least favorite book read thus far.  While I appreciate the author sharing her experience with mental illness, I simply did not enjoy reading the book.  It is a very quick read (less than 200 pages).  The reason I would give for reading this book is that the author gives the reader a real look into the author's thought process when struggling with her inner battles.  And, yes, Your Voice in My Head is ALSO being made into a movie.  What can I say?  We know how to pick them!

What I Love: April 2012

1.  Clarisonic Mia 2

I purchased the Clarisonic Mia 2 at Sephora as an early birthday present to myself.  It made complete sense:  I am turning a year older so I need something that will help me stay looking at least one year younger.  I started using it the third week of March.  I absolutely love it.  I personally use the delicate skin brush head, but there are many options.  Side note:  if you do decide to purchase one of your own, keep in mind that the replacement brush heads are much cheaper on Amazon.com.

2.  Lemon water.

I really think I drink more water when I have lemon slices in my water bottle.  Just remember to wash the outside of the lemon before putting it in your water!

3.  Frango Sea Salt Caramels

They are sweet AND salty.  They are DELICIOUS.  Every once in a while, the famous Frango brand releases limited edition sweets. I can only hope that Frango's Sea Salt Caramels will become a permanent product in the Frango line.  I found mine in the basement Frango shop at "Macy's on State" (formerly Marshall Field's).

4.  Body of Proof (ABC)

There were only three episodes in the month of April, but boy were they good ones.  I just love everything, even the completely unrealistic parts, about this show.  There are some episodes ON DEMAND and I believe that you can also watch episodes online here:  There are rumors that the show is up for cancellation and that is just not acceptable because the season finale ended on a cliff-hanger.

5.  The Dremel

This tool is amazing!  Most city residences don't have a lot of room for large tools.  Lack of space shouldn't put a hold on your DIY projects.  The Dremel is so small (even when packed away in its case) and it has so many attachments to help you achieve all of your home improvement goals.

6.  Four Cheese Italian Cheese-Its

Think very carefully about purchasing a box of these addictive bite-sized crackers.  I never thought the people of Cheese-Its would be able to top the white cheddar flavor, but the Four Cheese Italian Cheese-Its are absolute proof of their brilliance.  I. Must. Stop. Eating. Them.

7.  Trish McEvoy Intense Gel Eye Liner

I love the look of eye liner, but I hate applying eye liner because I am terrible at it!  This eye liner is practically mistake proof - it just glides right on the eye line.  The liner comes in two colors:  Arabian Nights (deep blue) and Black.  I have tried both colors and they are amazing.  You can purchase once for yourself HERE.

8.  Schakolad Chocolate Factory Key Lime Truffles

I absolutely adore these truffles and purchase several on each trip to St. Petersburg, FL.  Check out Schakolad's website to see if you have a location near you.

9. Coupons

I have really been getting into coupons.  I don't have a third bedroom stocked full of 367 bottles of ketchup or anything, but I have been really getting into cutting the coupons out of the Sunday morning paper and finding the manufacturers coupons online.  I am roughly saving about $30 - $50 each shopping trip and that is nothing to laugh at (even though I know you still will)!

10.  Birth Announcements

I know a lot of people that feel like birth announcements really just aren't necessary (and even a waste of money), but I have to say that receiving something in the mail that (1) is NOT a bill and (2) contains photographs of little hands and little feet is AWESOME.  Keep them coming - LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Biggest Regret:  Trish McEvoy Eye Brightener Shell

I went with a friend to get "a new look" while visiting St. Petersburg, FL.  The make-up artist lined my friend's waterline with this pencil.  It looked so amazing on her that I purchased the stick.  The make-up didn't even stay on long enough to get out the door of the mall.  Not okay.  I took it back (unopened) to Nordstrom here in Chicago and explained the situation.  Come to find out the Eye Brightener Shell pencil is not meant to line a waterline.  UGH.  Returned!

Wordless Wednesday: Mellow Yellow

ACS Discovery Ball 2012

I am quite fortunate to be attending the American Cancer Society's Discovery Ball this weekend.  The invitation was completely unexpected.  I am so excited.  Here is a picture of the invitation:

I am not sure there is anything better than an event with good food, good drinks, good music, and, most importantly, for a good cause.

Wordless Wednesday

Creamy Italian Chicken

I am completely addicted to finding new recipes on Pinterest.  It is absolutely becoming a problem.  However, I have to say that I am cooking a lot more than usual during the work week.  Well, last week I found a recipe so simple that I could not not try it.  Despite my freakish obsession with grammar, I love using double negatives for emphasis.  It is also a problem.  Bonus:  it is a slow cooker recipe.  I love love love my slow cooker.  Bigger Bonus:  You put the chicken breasts in FROZEN.

1 - 8 oz package of cream cheese
1 - Good Seasons Italian Seasoning pack
1 - Cream of Chicken condensed soup
1/2 cup milk (I added this to ensure that the chicken stayed moist)
1/2 bag frozen peas (I added this because I had them in the freezer)
3 FROZEN boneless skinless chicken breasts

Put the cream cheese and cream of chicken in the slow cooker on high for 20 minutes.  The heat will make mixing the two much easier.  Mix in the Italian seasoning and frozen peas.  Put the frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts in and make sure that they are completely covered with the sauce.  Pour 1/2 cup milk over the chicken.  Cover and cook on high for 6 hours.

The biggest worry I have when cooking chicken in a slow cooker is that the chicken breasts will be dry. Not the case here - seriously moist chicken breasts in a delicious creamy sauce.  I will absolutely make this recipe again.

See Ya Windy City!

Florida isn't so much a place where one goes to reinvent oneself, as it is a place where one goes if one no longer wished to be found.

Doug Coupland

Wordless Wednesday: Macy's On State 2012 Flower Show

How to Peel and Cut a Butternut Squash (and a recipe for a delicious dinner)

There is a first time for everything.  Last night I peeled and cut a butternut squash for the first time.

I often use fresh squash in recipes, but I ALWAYS cheat and buy the pre-cut squash mainly because I am in a hurry and I think, "I will save so much time not having to peel and cut the squash myself."  Well, the price difference  finally got to me:  $1.49 for the entire squash (about 2-3 lbs) OR $5.49 for 1 lb cut.  Come on now, I am busy, but am I really too busy to cut up my own squash?  Answer:  No.

Now, there is one cooking rule I always follow:  don't reinvent the wheel.  When faced with new tasks, I always check out cooking websites, blogs, and, of course, Pinterest, for best strategies.  This task was no different.   After a few searches, I decided to employ the technique recommended on a Simply Recipes post.

I planned to take pictures, but I completely forgot.  Just as well because my squash cutting skills definitely don't compare to the skill illustrated on Simply Recipes.  Even though I didn't have a heavy duty peeler (I know - how did I get through a couple of bridal showers and a wedding registry without one of those?), I still found the technique to be very easy to duplicate!

So, on to the delicious dinner:  Hungry Girl's Chicken Sausage n' Squash Pack.  (Are you familiar with Hungry Girl?  Subscribing to Hungry Girl's Tips and Tricks was a GREAT decision.)  Here is the recipe (makes 2 servings):

Prep:
1) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2) Take a large piece of foil, lay it on a baking sheet, and spray it with nonstick spray (I used PAM butter flavor)

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix 3 cups cubed butternut squash with 1/4 teaspoon dried ground sage, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.  Lay the mixture on the center of the piece of foil.

Cover the butternut squash with:

2-3 links of fully cooked chicken sausage any flavor so long as it is under 8 grams of fat or less per 3 oz serving (to keep it healthy).  I picked up Amy's sun dried tomato chicken sausage from Whole Foods.
1 cup chopped apple (I used a Honeycrisp apple)
1/2 cup chopped onion

Fold together and seal all four edges of the foil pieces, forming a well sealed packet.  Bake for 45 minutes or until squash is tender (45 minutes was perfect for my oven).

IMPORTANT:  Cut packet to release steam before opening the packet entirely.

Here is my picture of the delicious meal (I am still working on my food photo taking skills):

Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts

While I blogged HERE about not being "foodie" material, that is not to say that I do not like good food.  There are several types of food that, as an adult, I feel completely comfortable saying "I do not like."  Recently, I was quite annoyed with my husband because he refused to try a particular dish because he did not like the main ingredient, white fish.  My argument for him trying "just a little bite" was that he had never had fish prepared in a similar manner.  He still refused.

In an effort to practice what I preach, I am attempting to find recipes for ingredients that I allegedly do not like.  First attempt:  brussel sprouts.

Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy recently posted a recipe for oven roasted brussel sprouts that consisted of three ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time.  PERFECT.  How can I lose by trying it once?

Well, I didn't lose at all.  The brussel sprouts were so yummy!  I will definitely be making them again!  Thank you, Lindsey!

Here is a picture of my brussel sprouts (new goal:  improve quality of food photographs):

The Hunger Games: Part II

Me . . . As I previously mentioned in my last post, I have been eagerly awaiting the first cinematic installment of The Hunger Games trilogy since finishing the books last year.  Well, I was not disappointed but one of my friends was!  I fully recognize that a book cannot be put on the silver screen with all of its magnificent details unless moviegoers are willing to sit through an eight hour film.  I found the adaptation to be just fine.  I didn't give a lot of thought to the casting before I went to see the movie (except that I KNEW Elizabeth Banks would make a fabulous Effie (and she DID)), but I was especially pleased with Woody Harrelson as Haymitch and Lenny Kravitz as Cinna.  Also noteworthy:  the hair, make-up, and costumes.  Bravo!  For the extreme fans, did you see this recent CNN Travel article:  "North Carolina lures 'Hunger Games' fans?"  (I have to admit, I wouldn't mind visiting some of those sites!)

The disappointed friend . . . . well, I think the largest contributing factor to her disappointment was the fact that she finished the book shortly before going to the film.  When you have all of the well written details fresh in your mind, the natural expectation is that you will see them on the big screen.  When you don't, it is, well, disappointing.

The friend who didn't read the books and never wants to . . . REALLY LIKED IT.

So overall, I would highly recommend it.  Especially for a date movie - action, romance, a little comedy - something for everyone.