Over the last few years I've walked many miles through the surrounding neighborhoods. I've always loved the little feel of some of the local shops and the smaller the better, and that have been around for many years and have even struggled through these hard economically challenging times. Of course when Im walking I listen to my ipod or even sometimes amuse myself by trying to sing along on some of the quiter streets, when I know no one is listening. One of my favorite feel good songs I walk to is an ole John Denver song 'Back home again'.

The lyrics of the last verse always make me think of Little stores Like Scarlett's in La Grange and Sandi the owner still writes all her receipts out of a little note pad!

"It's the sweetest thing I know of, just spending time with you 
it's the little things that make a house a home. 
Like a fire softly burning and supper on the stove. 
And the light in your eyes that makes me warm "

I always sing that verse and it reminds me of some of the beautiful, homes shops and restaurants that are always there for you, keeping the light on for you , so you are glad to come home to.

So this Saturday 24th Nov is a day you can just give back and show how much you appeciate that they are always open for you. when you have gone to the big box malls, like Oakbrook, Burr Ridge, Bolingbrook all year long. Now is your chance to say "Thanks" Right back at ya!

You also have some of the finest restaurants around and have been really doing well inspite of the hard times we have been through.

Little places like Kama Indian Bistro , in La Grange is probabaly the best Indian food you will find in Chicagoland. Lucas for a cute Little Pasta House, Yao's Place for Thai food, and of course Aurelios Pizza for the best Good Ole Hometown Pizza in the country. There is even the ole fashioned Popcorn shop all on the same block. I could go on and on praising these places...but those are the places that always remind me of that song I'm humming as I write this. "Hey! its good to be back home again" 

Oh! Here is a cute lil recipe I came across for the Turkety Roasting day, if you decide to brave all the cooking at home this coming week.