A regular exercise regimen will improve your lung and heart functions, and in the same time will improve your muscle flexibility and strength. Before you start any exercise program, a couple of factors have to be taken into account. Clearance from your doctor and taking stock of your limitations are important.  we all get older and cannot do in our 50’s what we used to do in our 20’s or 30’s. As stated, this has got to be realistic, and if you feel that you cannot be objective, than it is time to call in a third party.

An excellent exercise program recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, for those persons 65 years and older is any type of aerobic mild to moderate activity, averaging about 75 to 150 minutes per week. These exercises would include swimming, a brisk walk and jogging. The main thing is to stick with what you like.

Dedicate a good part of your exercise regimen to balance, which will help you avoid  falls, which inturn should give you a great deal of confidence. Some of the exercises that will help you with your balance include the martial art of Tai Chi, walking sideways or backwards or even walking on your heels or toes. Whatever works and you feel the most comfortable doing.

Have a favorite exercise you would like to share?  Please let us know and we will publish.  The hardest part is the starting part!

8 Tips for (Really) Frugal Living

Jeff Yeager prides himself on being an uber-penny-pincher. The author of The Ultimate Cheapskate’s Road Map to True Riches and The Cheapskate Next Door doesn’t just compost, he uses orange rinds to shine copper pots, and empty toilet paper rolls and dryer lint to make fire-starters. To kickstart a frugal lifestyle, he recommends a fiscal fast. For an entire week, go without buying anything (take care of bills that are due ahead of time), then use whatever you saved to pay down debt. Other suggestions: force yourself to sleep on purchase decisions, always pay cash, go paperless and eat lower down the food chain — it’s cheaper.

10 Cool Sites for Frugalistas

The less-is-more movement means something different to everyone, with some people looking to scrimp on food budgets while others want to save on travel. The result is a swath of frugal living sites offering advice on everything from food and recipes to entertaining, home organization, beauty, fashion, health, travel and personal finance. Some standouts: WiseBread, for smart advice on personal finance; Shoestring, for deals on kids’ and pet items; and The Recessionista, with advice on living the good life for less.

How I Did It: Finding a Second Career in Couponing

Jill Cataldo turned a sideline lecturing about coupon clipping into a mini-empire. Today, she has a syndicated couponing column read by more than 20 million people and two DVDs, and she consults on the subject across the country. Cataldo’s best strategies: Don’t use coupons the week they come out because stores jack up prices in anticipation; use coupon-matching websites such as SavingsAngel, CouponMom and The Grocery Game, and combine manufacturers’ and in-store coupons to maximize bargains. Also, don’t overlook coupons for nongrocery items such as toys, housewares and clothes.

3 Ways to Find Coupons for Fresh, Natural Foods

It is possible to find coupons for fresh food; just be prepared to work a little harder to locate them, couponing site AFullCup’s Sarah Eve Fulghum tells SecondAct contributor Nancy Mann Jackson. If you like a certain organic brand, put yourself on the company’s mailing list or “like” them on Facebook to get any members-only discounts they offer. Always buy produce in season when it’s freshest — and cheapest — and take advantage of in-store loyalty programs for additional discounts.

10 Commandments of Frugal Chic

You can save on your attire and still look great by following frugal chic evangelist Barbara Tobias’ rules for building a wardrobe on the cheap. Aim for fashionable, not trendy, buy only what you really love, and be prepared to devote time to sniffing out bargains. Once a year, sell anything you don’t wear regularly in a yard sale to collect funds for new finds you really want.

A Frugal Twist on Travel: The House Swap

Budget travelers list their own residence on an online exchange and find a house, condo or other accommodation somewhere in the world they want to visit. Online services such as HomeLink.org, SecondPorch.com, TradetoTravel.com or SeniorsHomeExchange.com also work for people who own second homes.7.

Last-Minute Deals: Secrets to Successful Travel Bidding

House swaps aren’t the only answer to cheap travel. Online bidding sites let you name your price for hotels and car rentals, but it pays to do your homework. Sites like Priceline and Hotwire don’t disclose hotel names until after you’ve made a reservation. However, they do disclose properties’ locations and amenities, enough details to use Google Maps to figure out which hotels you’re being offered.

Unearth the Unwired Deals

When it comes to cellphone plans, it pays to ask. Many carriers have unadvertised discount rates they only share if you inquire. Use online tools such as BillShrink or Cellphone Saver to avoid overpaying for service by comparing plans from competing carriers. Above all, personal finance columnist Greg Karpmake tells Entrepreneur, make sure your plan fits how you use the service: A deal might not be so great if it’s more or less than what you actually need.

8 Simple Tips to Start Canning

Get an early jump on low-cost gifts for next holiday season by canning jam, fruit, salsa or other goodies come summer and fall. Save money by using backyard fruit or vegetables from your garden or the local farmer’s market. Or volunteer with an urban gleaning group to collect fruit that would spoil otherwise and take a portion of what you pick as payment for your labor. Keep gift wrap and simple labels you buy or make yourself. Drape jars in wrapping paper or festive fabric and finish them off with ribbon or a bow.

The Future of Coupons

Forget clipping coupons: Consumers prefer the digital variety by a margin of six to one, according to research from Coupons.com. Click-to-print and mobile phone coupons already are popular. In the future, expect to see more coupons delivered via text message, as well as discounts based on near-field technology (NFT), which lets retailers send special offers to your smartphone based on your location.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) just launched a new website that helps professionals better understand Medicaid. The site—which also includes information about the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)—features a resource center for states, as well as federal policy guidance, updates about the Affordable Care Act, and program information searchable by population, state, and topic.

Search By State

Search By Topic

Search By Population

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—formerly known as the Food Stamp program—is a federally funded means-tested entitlement program that provides certain low-income individuals and families with a monthly benefit (an allotment) that they can use to buy the food they need to stay healthy. 

How Do the SNAP Benefits Work

 People who qualify for SNAP get their benefits through a special card called an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. The EBT card works just like a debit card. Your clients buy their groceries at a participating food store and, using the card, the cost is taken out of the account linked to their card.

 Here are few things you should know about:

 Using SNAP

• Most food stores accept SNAP EBT cards; there are more than 217,000 participating stores nationwide. Many stores have a decal sticker in their window that lets you know they accept SNAP benefits. Use SNAP’s store retailer locator to help you find stores near you that welcome SNAP benefits.

• Under certain circumstances, SNAP benefits can be used in other ways, such as to pay for Meals on Wheels.

• The benefit your clients qualify for is loaded onto their EBT card on a monthly basis. Find out how and when benefits are available in your state.

READ MORE HERE

According to an article at senior housing news, “The great majority of older adults have a strong desire to live in their own homes and communities,” says AARP. “However, unsupportive community design, unaffordable and inaccessible housing, and a lack of access to needed services can thwart this desire. Starting in 2011, growth of the older American population will accelerate, in part because the leading edge of the baby boomer generation will reach age 65.”

Policies for affordable housing, transportation, and land use (which can help older adults live closer to or within walking distance of the services they need) are the three major components AARP lists as ways states can enable aging in place.

Read More Here

Yet something happened in the mid-1930s according to an article at RetirementReset. People think Social Security was crafted in order to give older adults a comfortable passage. Not so, he says. “The larger part was that the unemployment levels reached 25%, which presented an interesting challenge. If young men and women can’t get jobs, the entire ‘American engine’ stalls. They don’t have kids, buy houses and cars and generally don’t consume.”

Social Security provided assurance, at least in part, for retirement and therefore allowed them to rev the engine. This generation worked and saved and had a bit of rest toward the end of their lives, resulting in a period between 1935 and 1975 that Dychtwald calls Retirement 1.0.

“In the 1970s, however, retirement morphed for a number of interesting reasons,” he says. “One of them was that people began to get wind of the idea that longevity was on the increase. The other thing that happened was that the financial circumstances of older adults completely reversed. It used to be the highest poverty levels in America were among the elderly. By the 1970s, the elderly had the lowest poverty levels in America.”

• Today, 54% view retirement as a new chapter in life, rather than a winding down—a significant increase over the 38% that held a similar view a decade ago.
• However, retirement is being postponed: Pre-retirees say they now intend to delay retirement by five years—from 64 to 69—triggered in part by increasing longevity, as well as the recession and financial need.
• Retirement no longer means the end of work: Almost two-thirds say they would ideally like to remain productive and include some work in retirement to stay active and involved.
• Financial peace of mind is now six times more important than accumulating wealth: 82% name it their key financial goal.

American Community Survey data shows that 5.5 million older adults (14%) have a primary language other than English. Spanish is the most common language spoken by this group, but nearly 55% of seniors for whom English is not their primary tongue speak languages that range from fairly common to lesser known languages, including:

• Chinese.
• Russian.
• Vietnamese.
• Korean.
• Tagalog (the language of the Philippines).
• Native American languages—e.g., Navajo, Apache.

Nearly 4 in 10 of older adults who speak another primary language speak English “not well” or “not at all.” Over half of LEP seniors have incomes below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Nearly 4.6 million older adults were born outside of the United States; almost half a million came here within the last decade. For many of these seniors, the benefits, programs, and services offered in their communities and under Medicare may be wholly unfamiliar to them. Yet because 38% of foreign-born seniors live below 200% FPL, many are eligible for assistance that can improve their health and economic well-being.

Today, 15% of older adults identify with religions other than the three most common groups (i.e., Catholicism, Mainline, and Evangelical Christianity). Moreover, religious affiliation and activity tends to be higher among seniors, particularly those with lower incomes.

New Year’s Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes.

New Years Resolution #1) Spend More Time with Family & Friends
Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year.

New Years Resolution #2) Fit in Fitness
The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.

New Years Resolution #3) Tame the Bulge
Fifty-five percent of adults in America are overweight, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year’s commitment to shed extra pounds.

New Years Resolution #4) Quit Smoking
If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you’ve tried to quit before and failed, don’t let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!

New Years Resolution #5) Enjoy Life More
Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that “enjoying life more” has become a popular resolution in recent years.

New Years Resolution #6) Quit Drinking
While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available.

New Years Resolution #7) Get Out of Debt
Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It’s a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

New Years Resolution #8) Learn Something New
Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you’ll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year’s resolutions to keep. Challenge your mind in the coming year, and your horizons will expand.

New Years Resolution #9) Help Others
A popular, non-selfish New Year’s resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, these nonprofit volunteer organizations could really use your help.

New Years Resolution #10) Get Organized
On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and links should get you started on the way to a more organized life.

The open-air Christkindlmarket will be open in Daley Plaza downtown through Christmas Eve. Enjoy Euoropean gifts and German delicacies.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

The Apollo Chorus of Chicago will perform Handel’s Messiah, featuring Baroque period music. Performances will be held at 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10, at Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., and at 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18, at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Dr. For ticket information, call (312) 427-5620 or visit www.apollochorus.org.

Inspired by the famous Nuremberg Christmas market dating back to 1545, Christkindl market offers handmade gifts, ornaments, European fabrics, German delicacies, and spiced wine. The open-air Christmas market operates through Saturday, Dec. 24, from11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sun. through Thurs. and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fri. and Sat. at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. Admission is free. Log on to www.christkindlmarket.com. Also at Daley Plaza is the Underwriters Laboratories Santa House, where children and families can have their picture taken with Santa for free and participate in various activities through Sat., Dec. 24. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (with Santa on break from 3 to 4 p.m.), and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 24.

Guests can take a 90-minute docent-led tour highlighting Christmas customs and decorations of the 19th century at the Clarke House Museum, 1827 S. Indiana Ave., and Glessner House Museum, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., at 5:30, 6, and 6:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10, and Sun., Dec. 11. Call (312) 326-1480. Tickets are $18 for adults and $14 for children ages eight to 12. Pre-paid reservations are required.

The Chicago Loop Alliance’s Winter Wonder Loop this year launched Lightscape, a year-round light and sound installation presenting outdoor displays from Lake to Van Buren Streets. During the holiday season, Lightscape will feature the holiday theme of Season of Lights, Sounds of the Season, including holiday classics. It will run daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Winter Wonder Loop also will feature about 100 holiday events and special discounts and packages at participating stores, restaurants, hotels, and cultural institutions. For more information, visit www.chicagoloopalliance.com or www.winterwonderloop.com.

Macy’s, 111 N. State St., is festively decorated for the holiday season. This year’s holiday window display features characters from the CBS television special, Yes Virginia. For the 104th year, Macy’s Walnut Room will feature the 45-foot tall Great Tree, which this year has the theme of “Macy’s Star-Studded Believe Tree,” including ornaments inspired by the store’s celebrity designers.

Children also can enjoy Breakfast with Santa and entertainment especially for them on Sat. and Sun., Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18. Tickets are $16.95 per person and $12.95 for children younger than ten. Call (877) 556-2297 to make reservations.

The John Hancock Observatory, 875 N. Michigan Ave., will once again host Breakfast with Santa on every Sat. and Sun.,Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18, at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. as part of its Winter Wonderland, which is open daily through Dec 31. Tickets are $39 for adults, $29 for children ages three to11, and $19 for children younger than three. Santa also will be available for pictures from noon to 4 p.m. every Sat. and Sun. Other special Winter Wonderland features include Santa’s sleigh, a free family photo with Santa, and free child tickets to the Field Museum with each Hancock Observatory child admission. Call (312) 654-5019 or visit www.hancockobservatory.com.

CONCERTS

The Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., is set to host a variety of holiday concerts and performances throughout December in the center’s Preston Bradley Hall. On Sundays at 3 p.m., the Salon Series will feature a variety of classical music by local, national, and internationally based classical artists.

On Classical Mondays at 12:15 p.m., classical, chamber music, and opera concerts will be performed by Chicago-based instrumentalists and vocalists.

The Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts on Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. will feature solo and ensemble performances of classical music.

Organized by the International Music Foundation, The Live Music Now! Young People’s Concert series is aimed at students in Chicago Public Schools and features various musical styles froma variety of cultures. For reservations, call (312) 670-6888.

The free interactive Dance-Along Nutcracker encourages audience members, young and old, to join the fun with professional dancers. Performances are at noon and 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 4. For information on all Chicago Cultural Center events, call (312) 744-6630 or visit www.chicagoculturalcenter.org.

CuneoMuseumand Gardens will be covered in scenic lights for itsWinter Wonderland Holiday Light Show.

The Chicago Public Library presents its annual Holiday Concerts series at noon in the Grand Lobby of the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. The free performances are Thurs., Dec. 8, with the Orr Academy High School Concert Chorale; Fri., Dec. 9, with the St. Richard Parish Children’s Choir; Wed., Dec. 14, with the Jones College Prep High School Concert Choir; Thurs., Dec. 15, with the Chicago Bar Association Symphony and Chorus; and Fri., Dec. 16, with the Schurz High School Advanced Mixed Chorus. For more information, visit www.chicagopubliclibrary.org or call (312) 747-4850.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., will host two special holiday concerts this holiday season. A Chanticleer Christmas will feature a 12-voice male a cappella ensemble performing traditional Baroque classics, as well as songs by contemporary composers. Now in its 11th year, the show will take place at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tues., Dec. 6, and Wed., Dec. 7. The CSO’s Welcome Yule! will provide a blend of Christmas carols, new arrangements, sing-alongs, and musical surprises. Performances are at the SymphonyCenter and are scheduled for Fri., Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 17, at 3 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 18, at 3 and 7 p.m.; Wed., Dec. 21, at 7 p.m.; Thurs., Dec. 22, at 7 p.m.; and Fri., Dec. 23, at 3 and 7 p.m. Call (312) 294-3000 or visit www.cso.org.

The City Hall Holiday Concert Series will once again feature children’s choirs from throughout the city singing holiday classics in the west end of the City Hall lobby, 121 N. LaSalle St., weekdays from noon to 1 p.m. through Wed.,Dec. 21.

Performers include the Misericordia Heart Zingers on Fri., Dec. 2; the Robert Healy Chorus and Ensemble on Mon., Dec. 5; the Mary E. McDowell School of International Studies Choir on Thurs., Dec. 6; the St. Jerome School Choir on Wed., Dec. 7; the Douglas Taylor Elementary Children’s School Choir on Thurs., Dec. 8; the Keller Regional Gifted Center on Fri., Dec. 9; the Queen of Angels Choristers on Mon., Dec. 12; the Skinner West Primary Chorus on Tues., Dec. 13; the Musicality Ensemble from Curie Metro High School on Wed., Dec. 14; Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School Bands and Choirs on Thurs., Dec. 15; University of Chicago Lab School Choirs – Lab Middle School Eighth Grade and U-High Bel Canto on Fri., Dec. 16; Holy Cross/Immaculate Heart of Mary and Marimba Ensemble on Mon., Dec. 19; the Edgar Allan Poe Classical School Choir on Tues., Dec. 20; and the Providence St. Mel School Choir onWed.,Dec. 21.

The Chicago Children’s Choir will perform Songs of the Season at 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11, at the Harris Theater. Tickets are $15 to $65. Call (312) 849-8300 or visit www.ccchoir.org.

Chicago a capella will offer an eclectic mix of Renaissance music, Hanukkah songs, contemporary work, traditional holiday favorites, and carols fromaround the world. Performances are at 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 3, at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave. in Evanston, IL; 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 4, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St. in Oak Park, IL; 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 9, at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Michigan Avenue at Delaware Place in Chicago; and 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave. in Naperville, IL. Call (773) 281-7820 or visit www.chicagoacappella.org.

Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams St., will host a candlelit concert with the Old St. Patrick’s Christmas Choir and the Metropolis Symphony Orchestra. Deck the Hall! performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fri.,Dec. 2, and Sat., Dec. 3. Tickets are $55 for the concert and $75 for the concert and post reception. Call (312) 831-9355 or visit www.oldstpats.org.

Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Dr. in Palos Heights, IL, will host two Christmas concerts. One performance will be held at 3 p.m. Sun.,Dec. 4, at St. Hugh Parish, 7939 43rd St. in Lyons. The Noel Christmas Concert will be held at 3:20 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11, at Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Rd. Tickets are $12 in advance or $14 at the door. Call (312) 409-6661
or visit www.musichorale.org.

The Lakeside Singers will perform their Christmas concert I Heard the Bells at various venues this month. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 2, at the Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave. in Evanston, IL; 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 4, at the Raue Center, 126 Williams in Crystal Lake, IL; 8 p.m. Mon., Dec. 5, at Metropolis, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, IL; 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 16, at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St.; and 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17, at Wentz, 171 E. Chicago in Naperville, IL. Visit www.lakesidesingers.com.

MUSEUMS

The 97 acres at Cuneo Museum and Gardens, 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Vernon Hills, IL, will be covered in scenic lights for its 6th Annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show. Families can drive through the Cuneo Estate to enjoy the holiday light show from 6 to 10 p.m. through Sat., Dec. 31. It will be closed Sat. and Sun., Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. The cost is $10 per car on weekends, $5 per car on weeknights, and $25 for buses and vans less than 25 feet in length. Call (847) 362-3042.

Discover the history of chocolate at the Chocolate Around the World exhibit at the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. It runs through Sun., Jan. 8. While there, visitors can take an underwater adventure with the Whales: Giants of the Deep exhibit, which runs through Mon., Jan. 16. Call (312) 922-9410 or visit www.fieldmuseum.org.

The Shedd Aquarium’s Holiday Fantasea is a holiday aquatic show.

The Museum of Science and Industry, located at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, will celebrate 70 years of its Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibits. The museum will feature holiday singers and dancers, dozens of decorated trees, falling “snow,” and special performances. The 45-foot Grand Tree will be surrounded by more than 50 smaller trees decorated by volunteers from the city’s ethnic communities. While there, visitors can stop by the Dr. Seuss and the Art of Invention exhibit, which runs through Sunday, Jan. 8. Call (773) 684-1414 or visit www.msichicago.org.

The John G. Shedd Aquarium’s Holiday Fantasea is a holiday aquatic showwhere visitors can see dolphins leap, hear beluga whales sing, and watch sea lions dance. The show runs through Mon., Jan. 2. The holiday entertainment runs throughout themuseum, including the Polar Express 4-D Experience and photos with Santa Claus. There will also be special Holiday Breakfasts the Saturdays of Dec. 10, 17, and 24. Tickets are $44.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages three to 11. The aquariumis located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. Call (312) 939-2438 or visit www.sheddaquarium.org.

The Art Institute, 111 S. Michigan Ave., will host several events this holiday season. The 30th Annual Holiday Treasure Hunt and Tea Party will highlight art from around the world. The event is Sun., Dec. 11. Tickets are $30 for members, $35 for non-members, and $15 for children ages two and older. Reservations are required. Call (877) 307-4242.

Families also can build their own gingerbread houses at the museum, where they will be provided with gingerbread kits, frosting, and decorating candy. The event will take place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat., Dec. 17, and Sun., Dec. 18. Tickets are $50 for families of four who are members and $60 for families of four who are not members. Reservations are required. Call (312) 553-9675 for ticket information.

Those interested in participating in holiday sing-alongs while enjoying snacks can join Caroling Tea, which runs from 2 to 4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17, and Sun., Dec. 18. Tickets are $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers, and $15 for children 12 and younger. For reservations, call (312) 553-9675.

The museum’s Thorne Miniature Rooms will once again be decorated in historic holiday decorations.
Visit www.artinstituteofchicago.org.

Grammy Award winning pianist Howard Levy and world-renowned tenor Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi will perform music from the Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jewish traditions at the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, 610 S. Michigan Ave. The One Incredible Hanukkah Jam concert will be held at 2 p.m. Sun.,Dec. 18.Tickets are $15 to $30. Call (312) 322-1773 or visit www.spertus.edu.

The DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place,will host a musical celebration featuring Kwame Steve Cobb and Chavunduka performing songs as part of the Harambee Pre-Kwanzaa Festival. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 8. Call (773) 947-0600 or visit
www.dusablemuseum.org.

Back by popular demand, the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave, is once again featuring Snow Much Fun. Through Sunday, Feb. 5, visitors can build a snow fort, throw snowballs, and ice skate indoors. Call (312) 527-1000 or visit www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

Lincoln Park Zoo’s festival ZooLights features visits with Santa Claus, animals from around the world, holiday crafts, and live ice carving.

OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN

Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual winter festival ZooLights features visits with Santa Claus, animals from around the world, holiday crafts, and live ice carving. The free, holiday event runs every Fri., Sat., and Sun. through Dec. 11, and then daily from Fri., Dec. 16 through Sun., Jan. 1.The zoo, located at 2200 N. Cannon Dr., is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with special ZooLights activities
beginning at 5 p.m. Call (312) 742-2000 or visit www.lpzoo.org.

Now in its 11th season, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is free and open to the public. The ice rink is located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets and will remain open through Sun., March 11. Skate rental is available for $10. Visit www.millenniumpark.org.

Millennium Park will also play host to Caroling at Cloud Gate, where the voices of different Chicago choral groups will perform holiday classics and guests are invited to sing along. The holiday sing-alongs are every Fri. at 6 p.m. through Dec. 16. For the sixth season, the musical evenings will be led by the Apollo Chorus of Chicago on Dec. 2; the Windy City Gay Chorus and Aria on Dec. 9; and the Wicker Park Choral Singers on Dec. 16.

Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., is inviting visitors to escape the winter blahs at its Winter Wonder Fest, an enchanted 170,000-quare-foot holiday-themed winter playground. The event features music, the Chicago Blackhawks indoor ice skating, inflatable slides, carnival rides, a Pepsi Create-A-Cookie Cottage, the Reindeer Express Train Ride, and much more. It will also feature Bah Humbug Court, an Extreme Ice Trail Ropes Course, and Ferris Wheel. It runs through Sun., Jan. 8. Also, the free Family New Year’s Eve Family Bash will take place on the Winter Wonder Stage in Festival Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 31. The event will feature hip-hop dancers, a live band, a human beat box, and a special 8:15 p.m. Family Fireworks show. A New Year’s Eve Fireworks show will also take place at midnight. Call (800) 595-7437 or visit www.navypier.com.

The Spirit of Chicago will host a Lunch with Santa Cruise on Sat., Dec. 10, from1:15 to 3:15 p.m. The cruise boards at Navy Pier. It will feature a lunch buffet, live performances, and views of the city’s lakefront from warm climate-controlled decks. Reservations are required, and tickets are $39.90 for adults and $19.95 for children ages three to 12. Call (866) 273-2469 or visit www.spiritofchicago.com.

While buying gifts for your friends and loved ones in the shops along North Michigan Avenue, be sure to enjoy the holiday lights. Or take a break from shopping with an hour-long walking tour with Chicago Greeter’s Magnificent Mile Instagreeter. The free tour travels along North Michigan Avenue and surrounding areas. The walk-up service runs every Fri. and Sat. through Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours depart from the Water Works Visitor Information Center, 163 E. Pearson St. No reservations are required. Call (312) 744-8000.

THEATER AND STAGE PERFORMANCES

The AFTRA/SAG Senior Radio Players will recreate the classic Disney version of Pinocchio featuring classic radio scripts by voice actors, sound effects artists, and music. The performance is at 7 p.m. Wed., Dec. 7, at the Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Visit www.dcatheater.org.

Emerald City Theatre’s Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells is based on Barbara Park’s best-selling Junie B. Jones books. Performances run through Jan. 8. Tickets are $16 for adults and $13 for children. Performances take place at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. Call (773) 935-6100 or visit www.emeraldcitytheatre.com.

The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park downtown is free and open to the public.

The Goodman Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol will once again bringmagic to the stage. The timeless holiday classic tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, who will be played by Chicago’s own John Judd. Performances run through Sat., Dec. 31, in the Goodman’s Albert Theatre. Tickets are $16 to $45 and can be purchased by calling (312) 443-3800 or at the theater’s box office, 170 N. Dearborn St. Visit www.goodmantheatre.org.

For the 25th year, the Joffrey Ballet will perform The Nutcracker, which will feature dazzling costumes, entrancing storytelling, and Tchaikovsky’s famous score. Performances are at 7p.m. Fri., Dec. 9; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10; 2 p.m. Sun. Dec. 11; 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 15; 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 16; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 17; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 18; 7 p.m. Tues., Dec. 20; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wed., Dec. 21; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 22; 2 p.m. Fri., Dec. 23; 2 p.m. Sat., Dec. 24; 2 p.m. Mon., Dec. 26; and 2 p.m. Tues., Dec. 27. All performances take place at The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy. Call (312) 386-8905 or visit www.joffrey.com.

A holiday movie classic is brought to the stage with the production of A Christmas Story, the Musical! at the Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St. Produced by Peter Billingsley, who played Ralph in the movie A Christmas Story, the musical will run from Wednesday, Dec. 14, to Friday, Dec. 30. Tickets range from $35 to $79. Call (312) 462-6301 or visit www.thechicagotheatre.com.

Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue features comedy, music, and the theater’s trademark improvisation. Through Saturday, Dec. 16, performances are at 8 p.m.Mon., 7:30 p.m. Tues., 4 p.m. Sat., and 4:30 p.m. Sun. Additional matinee performances are at 2 p.m. onWed., Dec. 7; Fri., Dec. 9; Wed., Dec. 14; and Fri., Dec. 16. Tickets are $16 to $22. the theater is located at 1616 N. Wells St. Call (312) 337-3992 or visit www.secondcity.com.

The Joffrey Ballet will perform“The Nutcracker.”

The American Blues Theater will present It’s A Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph! through Sat., Dec. 31. The production features a 1940s radio broadcast of Frank Capra’s holiday classic with live Foley sound effects and an original score. Performances are 8 p.m. every Thurs. and Fri.; at 5 and 8 p.m. Sat.; and 2:30 p.m. Sun. at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets run $25 to $50. Call (773) 871-3000 or visit www.americanbluestheater.com.

Through Fri., Dec. 23, Provision Theater presents The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, which tells the story of a young boy and his mother struggling to come to terms with a devastating loss. Provision Theatre is located at 1001 W. Roosevelt Rd., and free parking is available. Visit www.provisiontheater.org.

The 2011 Winter Pageant at Redmoon Theater, 1463 W. Hubbard St., appeals to the young and young at heart, featuring puppetry in a tiny lounge. Performances are at 10:30 a.m. and 1 and 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and at 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30 p.m. on Sundays through Jan. 8. Special holiday shows will be held at 10:30 a.m. and 1 and 3:30 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 23. There will be no shows Sat. and Sun., Dec. 24 and 25 and Sun., Jan. 1. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children younger than 10. Call (312) 850-8440 or visit www.redmoon.org.

Northlight Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie, IL, presents Alan Ayckbourn’s Season’s Greetings through Sun., Dec. 18. The comedy features Christmas in the Bunker household. Tickets range from $25 to $65. Call (847) 673-6300 or visit www.northlight.org. Chicago Tap Theatre presents Tidings of Tap! featuring dances and music to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and the winter season. Performances are 8 p.m. on Fri., Dec. 9, and Sat., Dec. 10, and at 3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 11 at the University of Illinois Chicago Theatre, 1044 W. Harrison St. Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $20 for students and dancers. Group discounts are also available. Call (800) 838-3006.

LegoLand features a Santamade out of Lego blocks.

Polarity Ensemble Theatre presents Peer Gynt, which follows the adventures of the title character created by Henrik Ibsen. Performances run through Dec. 18 at Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph St. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors, and $10 for students.Call (312) 742-8497 or visit www.dcatheater.org.

SPECIAL TREATS

Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., will present live music a midst living plants with a concert by Gina Gibson, who will sing holiday selections. The concert will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 4. Call (312) 746-5100.

Maxim’s: The Nancy Goldberg International Center, 24 E. Goethe St., will host the Rose Colella Trio’s performance of holiday jazz onWed., Dec. 7. A reception will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, and reservations are required. Call (312) 742-8497 or visit www.maximschicago.org. The three-day Illinois Artisans Chicago Holiday Art Spree will be held in the James R. Thompson Center Atrium, 100 W. Randolph St. From Thursday, Dec. 14 to Friday, Dec. 16, visitors will be able to buy Illinois-made jewelry, paintings, ceramics, andmore.

The Lego Land Discovery Center Chicago, 601 N. Martingale Rd. in Schaumburg, IL, will host a Lego Champion Game Tournament, where visitors build a track as they race to the finish line. Visitors can also have their photo taken with a life-sized Santa made out of Lego blocks. The event takes place 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 10. Tickets are $19 for adults and $15 for children. Visit www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago.

Under IRS guidelines, you are permitted to use a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate, but doing so is not as simple as it may seem, nor is it entirely advisable according to an article at the askthemoneycoach.com 

Some self-directed IRA’s are often called “checkbook IRA’s” because under a specific process, one can get money from their IRA deposited into their checking account and access the money for investment purposes.

You may invest in single or multi-family real estate. You may even invest in REITS (Real Estate Investment Trusts). Be sure to speak to your tax accountant before investing.

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