August 17th, 2011 
Whether we want it to or not, this warm weather is slowly making its way out the door. In fact, some of us are already making those back-to-school lists and preparing for the end of yet another summer. If you’re anything like me, you’re wondering where the summer months went and why they went so fast. Well, I’m here to tell you that there are still a few things that we can do to squeeze every last drop of fun out of this season before welcoming fall.
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The simplest, but probably most enjoyable and healthiest thing we can do to soak up the sun is get out and walk! Whether it’s a long walk to the park or a quick jaunt around the block, being exposed to the fresh air is sure to put you in a great mood, and you get the benefits of exercising on top of it. Enjoy swimming? Head to your neighborhood’s pool or even the nearest beach to enjoy water activities and enjoy the heat. Or perhaps you enjoy riding your bike, but find it difficult to find time for a ride; take your bike to work! This way you get the benefits of the exercise to and from work, and will most likely avoid those rush hour traffic jams.
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Here in Chicago, there’s no better time to take advantage of local produce than the summer months. Luckily, there’s a slew of Farmer’s Markets around the city where we can find fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers at great prices. Most of these convenient markets run through October, so find the nearest one and stock up on seasonal goods! Another opportunity to make the most of these summer days is to watch a movie in the park! Grab your favorite picnic blanket, pack some snacks, and spend your evening watching an outdoor movie. Check out the Chicago Park District website for a listing of all Movies in the Park. Have a
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Saturday morning free? Head down to Millenium Park and take part in their free exercise sessions: Yoga 8:00AM, Pilates 9:00 AM, and Zumba 10:00 AM. These sessions take place in on the Great Lawn and run through September 10, so take advantage of them while you still can!
If all else fails, try to enjoy every waking moment in the warm sunshine while we still have it around. Get outside, get active, and have fun!
