Andyville Indie Heaven 
 
It's the little things in life that make our heart go pitter patter: Spending an afternoon with “My So-Called Life” DVDs, stumbling upon a hidden shop, finding the perfect gift for the friend that's impossible to shop for.
 
So what gets the ol' ticker beating faster than the requited love of Angela Chase and Jordan Catalano?  Discovering new shopping grounds housing unique presents, but of course!  Enter Andersonville Galleria—behind the seemingly standard storefront is a multi-level marketplace in which local designers and artists can set up shop.  Dozens of Chicago's up-and-coming independent retailers under one roof means well-deserved exposure for them and a jackpot of treasures for us gift-givers.  For the girl that has everything, you'll find one-of-a-kind hand-printed tees and intricately beaded jewelry.  Whether it’s for a birthday or housewarming, you can't go wrong with handmade chocolates, contemporary sconces, decorative candles and original artwork.  
 
Spend an afternoon at the Galleria—support local artisans, stock up on presents, and make more time for Jared (Leto).  It's a win-win-win situation. 
 
Andersonville Galleria
5247 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
773.878.8570

Rock ‘n Roll Highway 

In college, we fancied ourselves music aficionados-slash-rocker chicks.  We wrote for the alt-weekly music rag, we dreamed of touring with Black Rebel, we hung out with the (what we thought to be then) cooler-than-cool local bands in our beyond rural college town. 

Now whenever we want to relive dreams of our faux rocker chick days, we head to Whiskey Road, Matt Miller’s new endeavor. Miller founded Orange, and thus is responsible for our addiction to lemon head pancakes and Frushi.  Sigh.  Swoon.  Repeat. The bar food here is similarly inventive, though appropriate for the cozy bar setting.  Think turkey-and-crab burgers and hefty French fries (double-fried, thank you very much).  

But let’s cut to the chase—the back room features a stage and wall-sized projection screen for free “Guitar Hero” sessions. The bar also screens classic and oddball movies on Monday nights. Plus, the free jukebox (yes, lovies, we said “free”) is stuffed with fab tunes, including a hefty selection of local bands.  Sigh. Swoon.  Repeat. 
 
Whiskey Road
1935 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773.315.2540
www.whiskeyroadchicago.com

Match Point

Forehands and backhands and volleys, oh my!  Between his little white shorts and bulging biceps, who wouldn't want to net a tennis ace?  But, it will take more than a kicky skirt, sporty headband and pricey racquet to score a game a mixed doubles with your court-ier.
 
Stop dreaming about Andy Roddick and heat up the court with lessons from Midtown Tennis Club.  At their four-week TenniSchool you'll receive professional instruction by a staff of talented pros, as well as complimentary use of practice lanes and a free loaner racquet.  Beginners can learn the basics while the group lessons help established players sharpen their skills in time for spring.  And as an added bonus, Midtown regularly holds competitive tennis events where you just might net a new mixed doubles partner.
 
But even if you're not quite Wimbledon-worthy, Midtown offers a fun, social way to shake off those winter blues and get your serve in shape.  Classes run all season long, so grab a racquet and hit the court running.  Score: Love all.
 
Midtown Tennis Club
2020 W Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773.292.0900

Five for Fighting 

When we were in high school, being "socially conscious" meant having a cool pair of black pants and dating a hottie with frosted tips.
 
Nowadays, we know the real def of being socially conscious. And we love eco-friendly choices and altruistic-style shopping. Enter Five Accessories, and their internationally imported goodies.  With each handbag sold, $5 is donated to under-privileged children.  Plus, 15% of all other sales go to each artisan's local cause.  Chic and generous?  Gift yourself!  And in turn, gift to others.
 
www.fiveaccessories.com

Chicago Tastes Delicious

Whenever we succumb to the grey day blues of the Windy City, we remind ourselves of what it has to offer: the lake in summer, the jazz, the food.  Ahhh, the food.  

And now we can share our fine foods with every loved one we know.  With the Ultimate Tastes of Chicago Combo ($90), you get a deep dish pizza, hot dogs galore, ribs, and Eli’s cheesecake.  Delivered to loved ones… or yourself.  
 
www.tastesofchicago.com

Dreamy Scrub Delight

Generally speaking, we think too much of a good thing is a good thing. Peanut butter and chocolate.  Strawberries and chocolate.  Wine and chocolate.  See?  Point made.

So to be completely engulfed by an ultra-moisturizing and beautiful-smelling body scrub?  That's amazing.  Plus, 10% of the Web proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research.  So hop in the tub and submerge yourself in Shea Butter enriched with scents of Blueberry, Cranberry & Calendula. Dreamy!  Enter the code ChicagoPicks to get 15% off your first purchase of $25 or more, plus free shipping for orders over $75.

www.angelfacebotanicals.com

Made For You and Me 

Woody Guthrie’s hit little ditty “This Land is Your Land” inspired a new exhibit of the same name, and the work—seven photographers’ take on today’s America—pegs the nail on the cornstalk… er, head.  Intriguing photos capturing everyday moments in today’s culture—you’ll never cross a ribbon of highway the same way again.  

What: “This Land is Your Land” photography exhibit
When: Feb. 1-Mar. 22
Where: Museum of Contemporary Photography, 600 S. Michigan Ave.
Call: 312.663.5554
Visit: www.mocp.org

Your Go-To V-Day Phrase: Get Lost!

For those of us who’d like to utter exactly that phrase to the whole concept of Valentine’s Day, we have Stretch Run, River North’s spankin’ new OTB sports bar.  With 217 TV screens tuned to Jack, Kate and crew, the bar also features $5 Jack Daniels (in honor of Jack Shepard, our beloved). 

What: “Lost” TV show viewing party, every Thursday
When: Thursdays, Feb. 14, 8 pm
Where: Stretch Run Sporting Club & Grille, 544 N. La Salle St.
Call: 312.644.4477
Visit: www.stretchrunchicago.com

Tough & Sexy 

We hate choosing between our tomboy and uber-feminine sides for a night out.  Heaven-sent, The Underground never makes us choose.  It’s a club with no VIP section, a lounge with a renegade bunker vibe and a bar with sexy cocktails.  Add La Perla lingerie to the mix, and we have our Valentine’s Day planned. 

What: La Perla Valentine’s Showcase
When: Thursday, Feb. 14, 9 pm
Where: The Underground, 56 W. Illinois St.
Call: 312.644.7600
Visit: www.theundergroundchicago.com to RSVP!

A Very Vegan Valentine

We are big burger fans.  Yet we support the heck out of our tofurkey lovin' Vegan friends.  And what's better than helping out a cute little critter in need?  Mercy For Animals is serving up its third annual fete with Vegan hors d'oeuvres & sweets, all in the name of supporting their crucial work on behalf of animals.
 
What: Vegetarian Valentine's Benefit for Mercy For Animals
When: Saturday, Feb. 9, 8 pm
Where: Framing Mode Gallery, 1526 S. Wabash
Call: 312.566.0027
Visit: www.framingmode.com