~ An Evening With Forest Whitaker ~

Disclosure: Buick provided me 2 tickets to the Black Persectives Tribute: honoring Forest Whitaker & 2 passes to The Wit after-party. I was not asked, or compensated, to write, or comment on the event, any products, or otherwise. My opinions and viewpoints here are my own and were not solicited.

I have admired Forest Whitaker his entire career. Outstanding performances, being able to peel layers off characters, and revealing to us, a humbled, tortured side of the spirit - which has often amazed me. In "The Crying Game" we were awed that he could tackle dialect and alternative lifestyles seamlessly.

As a director, "Waiting To Exhale" was the Black-Woman-Done-Wrong anthem. "Hope Floats" dictated triumph when life kicks you in the behind. My response to both of these movies was an immediate "MUST HAVE" in my film library.

From Fast Times at Ridgemont High to Platoon (my child is named after one of the characters), Bird, to The Last King of Scotland, Forest Whitaker's visions have haunted and entertained me. Imagine my delight when I was told I could participate in the 46th Chicago Film Festival and The Black Perspectives Tribute in honoring him.

Photo courtesy of Houseonahillorg




The evening provided insight to a marksman's mind. He nails with his quirky, often eccentric, performances. Forest was gracious mingling with us the entire evening.

Buick, also present as sponsor of the 46th Chicago Film Festival, was incredible hosting, common folk and Chicago's finest alike, at The Wit Hotel after the Q & A Regina Taylor conducted.

Fun and magic ~ what an evening!

Dominick's "Just For You"!

Who enjoys grocery shopping?

Actually I do!

So, when offered the opportunity to shop at Dominick's - well it was really a no-brainer. I was given gift cards to make purchases and tell you all how I did!

Dominick's has deep Chicagoland ties. It is not out of the ordinary for me to pop in there 2-3 times a month. My shopping card has ragged edges, and probably decades of age-old info on it. There are purchases from my years of diapers and baby food, to steak and cases of beer. Nowadays, however, my needs are as simple as feeding a teen boy. A few pounds of turkey lunch meat, ground meat, veggies and almond milk. On occasion, I even pick up my lunch!

SO, how about you? Shopping, for me, can be a respite - definitely satisfying the "caretaker" need that, as of late, I have been squabbling with myself about. Thinking about their frequent shoppers like me, Dominick's is now promoting a great program that is truly "Just For You"!

The great thing about "Just For You" is that you can easily log into your account and see your coupons, personalized specials (based on what you typically purchase) and your personal "Club Specials". Another neat feature shows most coupons available for a relatively long time. This impresses me because you may not need certain things each time you shop. It's nice that you don't have to rush, or purchase things you are not in need of just yet.

Once you begin logging items, they are available for review under your "Shopping List".You are even able to email your list for convenience.

For those of you who consider shopping a chore, this new idea is a way to lesson the stress and be able to view your savings before you even arrive at the store's location ~ definitely a plus!

Hopefully you all possess the Dominick's Fresh Value shopping card. If there is a Dominick's or Safeway in your area, and you have yet to open an account, you can't beat these savings - I highly recommend opening an account!

Following this link will get you your account. If you have an account, follow the link to get into your account where you may register for fun savings and a thoughtful shopping experience!

http://www.dominicks.com/IFL/Grocery/Offers-Landing-IMG

Enjoy!