Wish upon a Unicorn

8/8/22 –

Two young sisters band together to save a magical baby unicorn from a group of cowboys.

Q-tips say: Yes, we did enjoy it. Cutesy, corny and little-kid friendly & mindless & gets your mind off the stupid headlines of everyday life.

However, parents need to know that Wish Upon a Unicorn is a kid-oriented comedy-fantasy designed to appeal to kids ( probably for kids over 10 years old +) who may display skepticism about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, but still want to enjoy and believe in the fantastic. Be aware that this family-centric story has a foundation in tragedy: Two young girls move from Chicago to the country with their dad after the death of their mother. A few mildly scary moments arise as a unicorn-napper tries to sacrifice and drink the blood of the mythical creature in his quest to gain eternal youth. Kids too young to see over the wheel and reach the gas pedal drive a truck off the road. No one is injured. Bullying at school. Language includes “hell,” “crap,” and “suck face,” and two tweens kiss. Grandma Rose is caught sitting under a blanket kissing her boyfriend Bud. 

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Adeline

8/22 – When a mysterious doctor arrives in a small Midwestern town, her therapy horse, Adeline, quickly gains a reputation for ‘healing’ those with special needs. Not used to this alternative form of healing, some begin to question the authenticity of Adeline’s methods and tensions arise. But one day during an equine therapy session, a destructive tornado descends upon the barn. Adeline leaps into action and corrals her students, pushing them against the founding wall of the stable. Although Adeline saves the lives of 12 people, she takes the brunt of the storm’s destructive force and suffers a shattered leg. With the town’s people now convinced of Adeline’s amazing spirit, they band together to raise the funds necessary to fix her leg and save her life. Based on an inspirational true story, Adeline teaches all those she encounters the same powerful lesson: miracles happen when you let go of the reins.

Q-tips say: YES! SEE IT! You will enjoy! A feel good movie – not only because of the horse but the children Adeline reaches & helps.

Mrs. Q says: Get away for an hour or so from the BS of the daily politics, etc. & enjoy a “feel good” movie. Don’t forget your popcorn & favorite libations. Best part you can view this movie in the comfort of your own home.

Minister & son
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Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group

7/28/22- Briar Street Theater,
3133 N Halsted Street,
Chicago.

Three bald and blue men explore our world and together we’ll discover music, comedy, and surprises.

Mrs. Q Says: Blue Man Group is… Hard to Describe. Easy to Love. What is Blue Man Group all about? BLUE MAN GROUP performances are celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication.

Q-tips & Grandson Jordan (the Energizer Bunny) & Daughter Shelly say:

We all enjoyed Blue Man Group.

Comments by a nine year old: He really enjoyed the the show but thought many of the music sections were way too loud.

Mrs. Q says: All enjoyed the play but agreed that the music was a tad loud – but you know that coming in. Some tips to enjoy Blue Man Group: 1. bring ear plugs if loud noises bother you. 2. If bright lights/strobe lights, etc. bother you, bring sun glasses, etc. 3. There is no intermission, so plan you visits to the bathroom accordingly. But most important tip: Enjoy the show!

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Ill Railroad Museum

7/29/22 – Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union, Illinois, 60180 – 1-815-923-4391 https://www.irm.org/

The Illinois Railway Museum has the largest collection of historic railway equipment in America. Plan on spending the day. From horse-drawn streetcars to million pound steam locomotives, from sleek streamliners to workaday boxcars, there is a lot to see!

Q-tips & the Grandson J & Daughter say: YES! YES! SEE IT! The energizer bunny, Grandson J, says it was awesome. He likes it so much that he wants to live there.

Illinois Railway Museum in - Union, IL | Groupon
Illinois Railway Museum - The Museum's History and Development
All Aboard! Join us for Memorial... - Illinois Railway Museum | Facebook
Illinois Railway Museum – Union, Illinois - Atlas Obscura
diner - Picture of Illinois Railway Museum, Union - Tripadvisor
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Good Witch

James Denton, Catherine Bell and Bailee Madison (from left)

7/22 – A series & all of them are ready to view.

Catherine Bell reprises her role of Cassie Nightingale in this series based on “The Good Witch” franchise of made-for-TV movies. Nightingale, the titular sorceress, embarks on a magical journey with teenage daughter Grace, who shares her mother’s intuitive charm. When divorced Dr. Sam Radford and his teenage son move next door, they are quickly drawn to the Nightingales’ unique prowess. Sam realizes that Cassie’s signature charm is more than just a magic touch, ensuring the quaint town of Middleton is in for big surprises.

Q-tips say: Yes, Watch it! You know that positive uplifting experience you need after watching today’s news. This will do it! No spoilers. Watch this to forget about current .events. And these stories are all “good feel” stories.

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Anything’s Possible

Anything’s Possible is a delightfully modern Gen Z coming-of-age story that follows Kelsa, a confident high school girl who is trans, as she navigates through senior year. When her classmate Khal gets a crush on her, he musters up the courage to ask her out, despite the drama he knows it could cause. What transpires is a romance that showcases the joy, tenderness, and pain of young love.

Q-tips say: Yes, see it! A lighthearted teen romantic comedy with a message: it’s okay to be yourself. There is so much to love about this film. Not only is it a contemporary and youthful film about living your life proudly, but it also doesn’t shy away from real questions and conflicts that arise from that truth.

Mrs. Q says: Some topics in this movie are topics/issues that the older crowd might never had to experience when they were teens. She wonders how difficult it must have for someone years ago that were gay, etc. which is more accepted now. See this movie, bet you will like it!

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Cafe Ba Ba Reeba 7/16/2022

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba – 2024 N Halsted St., Chicago, (773) 935-5000, cafebabareeba.com

Photo of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Chicago, IL, United States. Outside

Q-tips say: Great place for tapas(small plates) and good drinks and great service by Nic.

The Q’s shared: Beef Empanada, & garlic shrimp, Queso de cabra.  All delicious along with their delicious homemade bread, good drinks and lively atmosphere made for a great dinner.  All tapas we ordered had 2 pieces of food per plate and some, like the shrimp had four pieces of shrimp. The Beef Empanada had one large serving which we shared. If you  eat in the bar area, there are tv’s to watch a ball game or news but the tv’s are not loud  But when very busy,  it is noisy with loud with music & people talking/laughing. . 

Mrs. Q says: Yes, it is handicap accessible if you eat in the bar area. A note of caution, depending on your disability there are two steps to get to the bathrooms regardless of where you are seated.  Inside/Outside seating – outside is inside with the sliding doors in front totally open.

Photo of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Chicago, IL, United States
Inside seating/outdoor seating
Photo of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Chicago, IL, United States. Spice up your event with a make-your-own sangria bar.
Photo of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Chicago, IL, United States. Garlic shrimp
Garlic Shrimp
Photo of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Chicago, IL, United States. Queso de cabra
Queso de cabra
beef empanadas recipe how to make beef empanadas
Beef Empanadas
Photo of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Chicago, IL, United States. Meatballs with Sherry Tomato Sauce
Meatballs with Sherry tomato sauce
Photo of Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! - Chicago, IL, United States. Sangria
Sangria
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Choir Boy

Photo by Kyle Flubacker - Picture of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago -  Tripadvisor

Steppenwolf Theatre 1650 N. Halsted Chicago

7/16/22 – This Theatre requests: proof of vaccination & proof of identity – driver’s license, or something with your name on it. Mask be worn during the performances.

Choir Boy

Pharus Young, now a senior at the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, an institution committed to building “strong, ethical black men,” endeavors to be the best leader of the school’s prestigious choir in its 50-year history. But in a world built on rites and rituals, should he conform to the expectations of his peers in order to gain the respect he desperately seeks? Play-threaded throughout with soul-stirring a cappella gospel hymns-is the story of a young gay black man and his battle between identity and community.

Q-tips say: Choir Boys deals with gender, race, class and identity. Be prepared! The story does deal with homosexuality and there is full frontal nudity so don’t be shocked when they remove their towels. If this is going to bother you, perhaps this is not the play for you. There is also use of the “N” word. During the “coming of age” we learn that many of our young men have secrets. There is no intermission as to not break the flow of the action. The main character is torn between who he is, what he wants, what is expected of him and if he can reach the lofty goals that have been set.

For most of us, watching the story unveil was unique in that many of us never think about a private prep school for Black men. This is something that would probably never cross our minds. The young actors playing these students are making their debuts and are highly capable as actors and singers. Amazing how the shower scenes worked with actual running water.

Choir Boys
Steppenwolf Theatre, Downstairs Theatre
Inside theatre of Steppenwolf
Toast To 2 New Bars At Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre
Bar area
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A- Cooking/creating with Danielle 7/2022

Cooking with Danielle & Sous Chef, Sean –      http://www.CookingWithDanielle.com    

or on You Tube

A new creation from DanielleWould you like to have a special lamp creation?

Coppola Lamp in the Tasting Room

A Coppola label lamp.

Here are some suggestions – http://cookingwithdanielle.com/lamps/

Korbel Lamp in the Tasting Room

Korbel lamp

The best Italian is the kind you can make at home….potato gnocchi and ragu…

Danielle & Sean always take cooking classes whenever they travel on vacation & home & wineries since they were married. Italy, New Orleans, CA, etc.  Log on to the above site and get some of their delicious recipes.  Danielle says, “cooking is a hobby.” Yes, and it is one heck of a delicious hobby.

I have to mention that they also take Mixology Classes on making different drinks (ex. New Orleans – Sazerac, Daiquiri, Hurricane).

Their lucky  friends get to enjoy what they learned in Cooking and Mixology Classes when they invite them over for some fun & food/drinks.

Some of Danielle’s famous recipes:   Kraut Burgers –  Mrs. Q. says: they are sooooo delicious says . Pasta Fraiole, Jambalaya, Orzo, & Butternut Squash Casserole & more.

Mrs. Q says: Enjoy.  The Mr. & I always do.  Anytime is a good time to enjoy.

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My Father’s Violin

7/14/22 – netflix –

After a heartbreaking loss, a girl tries to connect with a distant uncle who shares her passion for music.

A cute kid left all alone after the death of her street musician father finds a way to melt the heart of her arrogant uncle, a world-class violinist who thought he’d never have time for a child.

Q-tips say: Yes, see this Turkish drama. You will enjoy this movie.

The movie has its heart in the right place and love and respect for the power of music, My Father’s Violin can teach a lesson or two about what matters in family and life.

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