Glamour Moments

The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo brings ton of experience to all ages whether you love comics, toys or looking for any pop culture memorabilia. It was my first time to experience attending this convention in Chicago since the location is too far from my place (about 20 miles commute) and considering the cold weather (yes, still cold in Spring!) . I was planning to attend any weekend (Saturday or Sunday) when this contest pop up on my Facebook newsfeed for C2E2 by Bugle Newspaper Facebook Page. I answered the question by sending a private message. Few days later, they told me that I won two all-weekend passes to C2E2 (a belated birthday gift to me!). Good thing I haven't bought my ticket yet so I took a friday off from work and IT'S OFFICIAL, I'M GOING TO C2E2!!! I checked Google Maps right away to plan my trip to Chicago. It looked like taking buses and trains will be too tiring for me since it requires a lot of walking and transfers so I decided to b...

Indianapolis is the capital of state of Indiana. It is approximately 3 hours to 4 hours drive from Chicago (184.1 miles) and less than an hour flight. My original plan was to take a train or bus going to Indianapolis but unfortunately there's no early schedule in the morning so I've decided to book a flight through American Airlines. I'm so lucky that I've got a TSA PreCheck, that means I am not removing my shoes and jacket while entering the security check machine. The flight is less than an hour and what I like in Indianapolis International Airport is their designated pick up terminal for Uber/Lyft users so I headed and follow the signs going through the parking terminal pick up. Welcome to Indy A post shared by Mitch Coladilla (@daomisyel) on Aug 2, 2018 at 8:59am PDT We're staying at Indianapolis Marriott Downtown adjacent to the Indiana Convention Center. My sister and her husband (and friends) were attending Gen Con 2018. I bo...

I was looking for something to do on a weekend when I checked Facebook Events near me and discovered this pampering event held in Chicago Marriot O'Hare which is 20 minutes travel from home via Uber right by Cumberland CTA Blue Line. I arrived before noon and paid $5 for the entrance fee (the fee is good for two actually!). They also sell raffle tickets which will be draw around 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM (the catch: you should be physically present on the event when your number is called!). Free services include: hydrating hand treatment and massage, collagen hand treatment with polish, mini makeovers, hair styling, free nail art and massages! The first thing I did was to signed up for a free massage. It was a 3 minutes free massage but you can add $1 per minute if you want to extend the time. So, I signed up for 10 minutes and paid $7. I also walked over the booths and talked to the vendors on what they were offering - I was really interested on aromatherapy oils an...

Toys R Us is one of my favorite hangout. I usually go there to if there are new toys to check out or if am looking for presents on Christmas. The company announced that they are closing all 735 stores in United States, going out for business sale is ongoing on several branches that until they run out of inventory :( I stopped by at Niles, IL branch nearby my home on a Saturday afternoon to check out some of the toys that I want to adopt. The outside "going out business" banners were posted even plastered on store doors. Upon entering inside the store, I saw discount banners up to 50% on each aisle. Each brands also labeled how much discounts they offer and a guide pricelist pasted on each racks. There were aisles that were empty and some toys were mixed up so it is hardly to select on small items. Barbie dolls and accessories are 40% Off. I'm looking for holiday dolls but I think its already sold out. Some DIY Kits are 50% OFF from baking, sl...

I scored a 50% off general admission ticket at Heroes and Villains Fan Fest ! It was my first time to check out this event and I am not expecting a lot because I know there will be a lot of fans attending the entire weekend. I decided to go on Saturday since I want to rest on Sunday at home. For a single purchase ticket, it will allows you to access two events: Heroes & Villains Fan Fest and Walker Stalker Con . Both events were held at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Such a good deal for a newbie like me :) Fans who love watching Superhero shows like The Arrow, Gotham, Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Luke Cage, DareDevil, The Gifted and Zombie series like the Walking Dead - this is the perfect venue for you to meet some stars and have a chance to interact with them. Photos and Autograph sessions were sold separately in case you want to have both, you have to purchase a VIP pass. You have to order in advance because tickets are limited. I set my alarm ...

I love Fall-Winter season because it's the time of the year where we get together and even the nights get so cold, we feel very grateful for everything we have and a perfect time to attend some holiday festivities in my area like The Holly Jolly Market and Christmas Tree Lighting in Village of Niles. The annual tree lighting ceremony was held on November 25, 2017 (after black friday sale madness!) at Oasis Fun Center. There were outdoor and indoor activities to choose from: Indoor: had food and beverage for purchase, local vendors selling different variety of goods, mini concert and meeting Mr & Mrs Santa Claus. Outdoor: DIY smores, check out the Niles Free Bus Holly Trolley, riding the trackless train for kids and animals at the petting zoo. You can also purchase hot roasted nuts and popcorn outside. Before the actual ceremony, there's a holiday performance by the Willows Academy Chamber Choir. I love their sweet and angelic voices and they really captured th...

I don't know how to cook but I know where to score good stuff! We went to Macy's Old Orchard Mall in Skokie on a Saturday afternoon looking for sale items and we landed on the basement floor which has kitchen gadgets, appliances, housewares and dinner wares. Here are some of the items we bought and I know you have one of those in your kitchen. Set of 3 Mini Utensils Includes mini spoon, spatula and brush. These are easy to clean and food safe. Original Price: $14.99 Bought: $5.93 Melamine Measuring Cups Makes measuring easy with 4 piece set measuring cups: 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup and 1 cup. Original Price: $15.99 Bought: $6.33 Fruit Huller This tool helps to remove the center of a tomato or strawberry. Just press the top button, insert the stainless steel claw into the fruit and release the button and twist to remove the core. Original Price: $14.99 Bought: $9.99 Set of 3 Silicon Utensils Sold only at Macy's. This includes 3 piece ...

It's my nth time traveling to St Louis, Missouri and this time we stayed at Hampton Inn - St Louis Downtown at the Gateway Arch . It's a walking distance from the hotel going to the Gateway arch and nearby establishments like restaurants, sports and entertainment venues like Busch Stadium, Dome at America's Center, Scottrade Center. Also, the hotel is accessible to public transportation like buses, trains and taxis. I booked a deluxe queen room for two nights and we really enjoyed the amenities offered by Hampton Inn. The room has everything you need like mini-fridge, coffeemaker, free Wi-Fi and FREE BREAKFAST! The hotel also has perks like business center, fitness center, heated indoor pool and game room. Unfortunately, they don't have a restaurant inside but there's a bar adjacent to the hotel. For snacks and beverages, there's a kiosk in the lobby side area and a microwave oven to reheat your food. Touring Downtown St Louis is very easy. We learned tha...

One of the oldest festival running in the Chicagoland area is Maria SS. Lauretana or mostly know as "Volata" or "Flight of the Angels," some also called one of the largest Italian festival, a tradition held in Chicago by Italian-American community. The festival takes place on Golf Mill Park in Niles over Labor Day weekend, a four day event of religious feast and entertainment. It was my first time to witness this 117 year old tradition and one of the festival highlight is the Flight of the Angels and a group of men will carry the Vera (an old wooden altar with Virgin Mary) and pulling of a large ship during procession. At the end of the procession, two young girls dressed like angels will fly over the crowd (both are tied and secured to fly high above) and will offer a prayer (Italian religious song). In 1600s, an image of Virgin Mary was looted by pirates. While traveling to Sicilian coast, the pirates found the painting in a barrel. Because they bel...

I have won (1) complimentary ticket to see Jurassic World The Exhibition at the West Gate of Field Museum. I am very excited to see the big animatronic dinosaurs and experience the prehistoric world inside the tent exhibition. The entrance was we're supposedly traveling on a boat crossing the island Nublar wherein the Jurassic World exhibit was located. We were welcomed by a park ranger and the huge door (like in the movie!) opened and our adventure started on getting up close and personal to prehistoric dinosaurs that really roars so loud and recreating a petting zoo for those who would like to touch them. Our favorites Velociraptor and Indominus Rex were enormous and these two creatures were too scary when they started to roar! We were warned to stay calm and safe because these two are being out of containment! It's more like a mini action scenes and you'll be surprised! The exhibit has state of the art effects and TV monitors narrated ...