Ferris Bueller was right.  Life does move pretty fast, and, for many of us, we miss out on a lot.  We focus so much on the black and white of our busy schedules that we forget to take the time to acknowledge and explore the shades of play.  By exchanging pleasure-seeking behavior for stability-seeking behavior, we miss out on the fabulous, extraordinarily simple nuances that create a vibrant relationship.  At Enliven, we understand that life gets in the way of romance.  It is our wish for you, whether you’re married, engaged, dating, or single, that you find time to cultivate your erotic awareness, and to nurture your sense of play and romance.  Like Ferris, we challenge you to live and love intentionally.

As the weather starts heating up, so can your relationship.  What better way to shake up your relationship routine than to take it outside?  Although we call Chicago home, we encourage you to take advantage of the amazing array of culture and entertainment that your city has to offer!  Plan a day-date, surprise your lover with a salsa lesson, or if you’re lucky enough to live around Chicago, here are just a few events happening right now (events are in Chicago unless otherwise specified):

May 22:

-Free Day at Museum of Contemporary Art for Illinois Residents

-Ray Lichtenstein exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago—opens today!

-Chicago Craft Beer Week @ Tuman’s Tap & Grill

-Beach Boys concert at The Chicago Theater

-Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins at U.S. Cellular

May 24:

-PL8 Simply Asian Outdoor Spicy Food and Lagunitas Beer Dinner (Barrington)

-Adler After Dark

-Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros at The Riviera

Outdoor Festivals this upcoming weekend (taken from redeyechicago.com):

Chicago Mayfest 
May 18-20
3100 N. Ashland Ave.The 18th annual season opener aims to cure cabin fever with beer, food and live music under a giant tent. Additional highlights include an outdoor beer garden, arts and crafts vendors, kids programming (Saturday) and a pet parade and pet expo (Sunday).
Admission: $10

Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival
May 26-27, noon to 10 p.m.
N. Sheffield from Belmont to School
Hosted by Central Lakeview Merchants, the 28th annual Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival will bring together local merchants, restaurants and bars to feature local music entertainment, arts, crafts, fashion and food/drink.
Suggested donation: $5

Randolph Street Market Festival
May 26-27; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
1340 W. Washington St.
This European-style, indoor-outdoor urban antique market in the historic West Loop neighborhood features 200 select purveyors of high quality, amazingly priced “finds”, offering unlimited creative inspiration and hours of fun. Shoppers can find furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, etc.
Admission: $8 ($10 at the gate)