The Staycation

Exotic vacations are fun and all. But who says you have to hop on a plane to get away for a good time? Instead, I'll jump in a taxi across town and opt for a staycation, and that's exactly what I've been doing these past two weeks

My first stop was at the Mercedes Benz fashion show thrown by CS Magazine. The city's fashion elite all came out to enjoy the latest fashion designs by Agga B, mingle, and over indulge in the scene. Nope; it wasn't the ridiculously good-looking crowd that so much caught my attention, or even the equally ridiculously priced Benzes that decorated the entrance. And hell…it wasn't even one of the party's select hosted Vodka or Tequila bars that drew my eye. At the risk of sounding like a big girl, it was Ralph Lauren's top Chef Ryan Pitts delicious H' dorves. I was like TV's Ugly Betty downing down a donut at an editorial meeting. I realize that this wasn't very cool or classy of me, but Pitts' eats will do that to you! And even worse…I now realize that I dedicated a good portion of my write-up to food; how gluttonous of me. So, let's leave it by saying that this was a fashion show where the models actually ate.

I felt so honored to be invited to the Annual Spring Gala for the Joffrey Ballet this year. This was my first time, and boy was I in for a treat. The night opened with a cutting-edge mini doc about the dancers and the school. Performances included Confetti by Gerald Arpino, Le Corsaire by Marius Petipa, and Crossed by Jessica Lang. After the Ballet, trolleys whisked guests away to Union Station for a dinner catered by George Jewell. It was great to attend and support an event that truly does make dreams attainable. And even better, I didn't have to fly to Europe to feel cultured. Take that you pesky Parisians; I kid, always have love for Paris.

My big sister, Tiffany, invited me to an intimate gala at Bronzeville's Parkway Ballroom, 4455 South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The night raised a glass to the progress made in Chicago Public Schools, but also recognized there lays a lot of work ahead. Mayor Daley delivered a touching speech that paid tribute to education leaders and their work. The event was filled with politicians, decision makers, and other leaders. In particular, the highlight of my evening was meeting the very charming Ron Huberman, CEO of Chicago Public Schools. It was great to just share with Huberman about how I'm doing my part in the community and in the city. And yes, he's just as handsome in person. So, thanks Tiff for the invite!

I have to thank famed event photographer Steve Starr for always making me look good in his photos. He shot photos of me at the Joffrey and the Mercedes Benz fashion show. For more photos from either one of these events, please check out his website, www.SteveStarrStudios.com . That's him looking absolutely dashing with Joffrey Ballet star Fabrice Calmels. Also, I would like to thank photographer Tunisia Forston for her pictures at the Parkway Ballroom Gala. For more pictures, check out her website, http://tunisia.smugmug.com.

Until next time, remember to have fun and to taxi your way to a vacation, and let's get excited for summer!