Today kicks off free admission to the Art Institute of Chicago, which houses the third largest art collection in the nation. This is a great bargain considering the price of admission is normally $18 for adults and $12 for seniors.

Get these facts for planning your visit to the Art Institute, including hours, collections, and more. And be sure to check out the Institute's newest addition: the Modern Wing.

Free admission will last through February 4.

_{Photo credit: Art Institute of Chicago}

Looking to get a jumpstart with your New Year's resolution to be healthier? Well, you're in luck.

Start your New Year off on the "right foot" with a New Year's Day run. Tomorrow's 26th Annual New Year's Day 5K Run/Walk in Lincoln Park still has space available. The race starts at 11 a.m. and the cost is $30 benefiting the Lakeview Citizens Council. You can register on-site. Just be sure to arrive early enough. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m.

The race begins at Stockton Drive and LaSalle and, according to race officials, "winds north along the lakefront bike path to Diversey Harbor before returning to the North Avenue Field House."

After the race there will be a party at Sedgwicks Bar & Grill (1935 N Sedgwick Street) - within walking distance to the race. (Tip: Your race bid gets you one free beverage).

Happy running to all who brave the cold tomorrow and start their New Year's off on a healthy note!

_{Photo credit: SXC.hu}

If you are like me, you might be looking for ways to use your Christmas money and get spruced up for New Year's Eve.

I recently treated myself to the Four Seasons Chicago's Sugar Plum Manicure and Pedicure ($55;$85). Not only were the treatments appropriate for this time of year (Who doesn't like anything with "Sugar Plum" in the title?) but they also hit the mark on being healthy, which if that is a New Year's resolutions of yours, then you are in luck.

The manicure and pedicure are vegan, meaning the products used in them (Spa Ritual line) don't have any animal by-products or harsh chemicals. And a bonus: the spa at the Four Seasons uses Butter LONDON nail polishes (and may be the only spa in Chicago to do so), which is my absolute favorite in terms of colors. (For New Year's Eve try the pink-shaded Primrose Hill Picnic.)

The Sugar Plum Manicure and Pedicure  include a sugar scrub, a sugar plum masque, and a massage with sugar plum souffle cream. During the treatments you are also treated to a plate of sugar cookies and a glass of champagne.

Tip: If you are still in the holiday spirit this week, check out the Four Seasons'  holiday cocktails served in its Seasons Bar off the lobby, including the Jack Frost Martini with Stoli Vanil, White Godiva, and Peppermint Schnapps.

For spa reservations, call 312-280-8800. The Four Seasons Chicago is located at 120 East Delaware Place.

_{Photo credit: Four Seasons Chicago}

Not in the mood to make a turkey this Christmas, or simply not in the mood to cook at all? No worries. A number of Chicago restaurants will be open for Christmas dinner. Check out this list of Christmas Dinners in Chicago, including some that are open on Christmas Eve.

_{Photo credit: SXC.hu}