1. Ruby Room Wellness Center.
Clear the air with a healing treatment from Ruby Room. Try a relaxing Energy Healing to clear away your vulnerabilities to stress and illness. Or if chakras aren't your cup of tea, participate in Ruby Room's Sunday Meditation class, guided by an intuitive healer. Ruby Room, 1743-45 West Division Street; 773-235-2323.
2. Longman & Eagle Inn.
It's no secret that vacation flights these days rival college tuition. Save your cash and try a staycation at Longman & Eagle's brand new inn. Cozy up in one of six rooms adorned with local art and craftsmanship, and head downstairs any time you have a whiskey or confit craving. Longman & Eagle, 2657 North Kedzie Avenue (at Milwaukee Avenue); 773-276-7110.
3. Adopt a pet!
There's no better way to up your in-home fun factor than with a snuggly new best friend. Chicago has some truly amazing animal shelters that are always looking for adoptive homes. We love Anti-Cruelty Society animal shelter. Browse available pets online, then participate in an in-person interview before you take home the dog or cat of your choice. Adoption fees are super reasonable, too. Anti-Cruelty Society, 157 West Grand Avenue (at Lasalle Drive); 312-644-8338.
4. Eyelash Extensions at Flutter Studio.
Bear with us on this one. You've already tried every mascara and lash-curler out there. Why not take a real beauty risk and try something totally new? Beat beauty boredom and try eyelash extensions. While they're not cheap, they're a sure-fire head turner. Need proof? See what we mean. Flutter Lash Studio, 1627 North Clybourn Avenue (at North Avenue); 312-265-1563.
5. Take a cooking class at The Chopping Block.
Cooking is the ultimate cold-weather activity, because it's fun and it (hopefully) comes with delicious aftermath. Tone up your culinary skills by taking a class at The Chopping Block. Upcoming offerings include Red Carpet Appetizers, Couples Cooking, Sushi Workshop, and Cupcake Bootcamp. Reservations are a must, and we recommend doing this one in pairs. The Chopping Block, 4747 North Lincoln Avenue; 773-472-6700.
6. Break a serious sweat at Flirty Girl Fitness.
Ok, we're not trying to get you on a pole here. Flirty Girl Fitness actually has a ton of workout classes centered around having a good time. Our picks? Basic Boxing for Babes and Jump Rope Divas. Get off the treadmill and have some fun. Flirty Girl Fitness, 1325 West Randolph Street (at Ada Street); 312-666-2262.
7. Dig into some new tunes.
We don't always have time to stay on top of new music. Okay we never have time. Let I Listen To Everything do the dirty work for you. Choose from playlists, new artist recommendations, and new releases, totally prepackaged and bad music free. Sound good? I Listen To Everything.
8. Spruce up your space at Nadeau.
You might recognize Nadeau from R29 New York, but Chicagoans are lucky enough to have a store in our town, too. Scoring unique furniture finds for your space can change the overall energy, not just the look. We especially love Nadeau because of the incredible price points. Grab the one friend who owns a SUV and start shopping. Nadeau, 4433 North Ravenswood (at Sunnyside Avenue); 773-728-3497.
9. Take some beauty lessons at Benefit.
We know you've been doing this since you could sneak eyeliner out of the house in 6th grade, but are you sure you're doing it right? Take a beauty lesson at the Benefit Boutique in Bucktown, and gain some skills or just sharpen yours. We're looking forward to Big, Beautiful Eyes and Brows A-Go-Go. Benefit Cosmetics, 1616 North Damen Avenue; 773-342-8860.
10. Finally sign up for Core Power Yoga.
You'd have to be living under some kind of enormous rock to not know about Core Power Yoga, but just in case, here's the skinny. Core Power Yoga offers classes at every level of experience and intensity. You can even pick your classes based on temperature of the room. (We're leaning toward really, really warm). If you're not sure if yoga is for you, print out a coupon for a free week of classes and give it a try. Core Power Yoga,
1704 North Milwaukee Avenue (at Wabansia Avenue); 773-227-9642.