It's a cheesy 80's movie come to life: Small town girl has goals, girl gets a break, girl packs up car and moves her whole life to a brand new, major city...all by herself. So what's she to do once she moves there? It's all too easy to become an introvert...so why not play tourist in her new home? Enter me, Lindsey, with my budget-friendly adventures, and you, the hopefully interested reader. Whether you're also new to Chicago or a lifelong native, (re)discover the Windy city with me!

We'll start simple...a day at the beach.

This weekend is the official start to our favorite season: Festival Season! Usually when you think of summer fun, scenes of The Taste and sounds of Lollapalooza come to mind, but it all starts with Mayfest.

The 14th annual gala rolls into Lakeview Friday and runs through Sunday. Five dollars will get you past the gate, where you can enjoy beer, food, live music -- and be sure not to miss the pet parade (believe it!) on Sunday.

All it takes is one twinkling light and I'm busting out the red-and-white stockings! But for those a little more Bah Humbug -- you can borrow a few of my favorite ways to get in the spirit of the season...

1. Millenium Park
B-Y-O-S (Bring Your Own Skates) and take a free spin around the glistening rink -- or rent a pair for only $10 to twirl under the city skyline.

More festive fun after the jump...

The Chicago Film Critics announced their annual awards on WGN-TV this morning, naming Disney-Pixar's WALL-E the Best Picture of 2008. The movie tore up the awards, becoming the first animated film to take home Best Picture, kind of a surprise considering it didn't have the most nominations. It won for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score and Best Animated Film. WALL-E could pull off the upset and land an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, but it's still a long shot.

Find out how everyone else did, including Danny Boyle's SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE and Christopher Nolan's THE DARK KNIGHT, after the jump....

The snow is falling. It's colder than, well, you know. You're getting back into the holiday mood. Time to break out the ol' DVDs and dust off some Christmas classics. I've compiled my list of the Top 10 Christmas movies of all time. Some are traditional, some are for kids, and there's at least one you would NEVER air in front of a child. Let the debate begin as we start with number 10 on my list - AFTER THE JUMP!

Pogo kept warm for a week after sampling some of the best spots in the city for a good cup of hot cocoa. Do yourself a favor and keep warm with his story.

If you caught the show tonight you saw me countdown my three favorite spots for pancakes in Chicagoland! I've posted all of the info about each of my picks and the viewer's choice, and some extra info that couldn't fit into the show. Also, we've compiled more places to get fantastic pancakes. Video is after the jump, so keep reading...

Bust out the Beano.
Its cold outside so we figured a good way to warm up would be to eat excessive amounts of chii. Here are Chicago's top four places to grab a bowl.

The top 2 places to grab a bowl after the jump...

Good thing we're not allerigic to tequilla. Because this story never would have happened.
We're throwing down Chicago's best 'Ritas.

We searched the city to see who had the best ribs and had our wet-naps ready.

This is why I'm Hot....Dog.
We looked all over for the best hot dog's here are the final four.

Pogo came in cluckin' because he ate so many wings doing this story.

Your pick for best wings after the jump...

If you have a sweet tooth this story is taylor made for you.
We put our fillings on the line, battled through the sugar high and found Chicago's most decadent desserts.

Where's the beef?
There are a ton of spots to grab a sandwich around town but who has the best.
We put the debate to an end.