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November 28th, 2008
Thanks to an article by a writer from our alma mater (Beak ’em, Hawks!), we’ve found a bit o’ inspiration this past week. Namely, what we're thankful for in Chicago. We like taking a quiet cab ride across town at night, when the city’s lights dazzle. It’s beautiful and still, yet there’s kinetic energy wafting through the streets. We are thankful for living in a place where things happen. Where history is made, and has been for years. We are thankful for tradition, and living in a place that stands for something, and is home to hearty eaters and believers. We are thankful for the vibrant artists and ideas, and the underground cultures and trends just waiting to spring forth! We are thankful for living in a place that provides fashion, art, music, great food, never-ending energy, and where everything is possible. To show your thanks to your friends and family this holiday season, head to the CRAVE Holiday Shopping Party for great gifts (see below for details). The reader who forwards this issue to the most friends (and CCs Picks@ChicagoPicks.com) wins a free pair of tickets! |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Enchanting Escape To escape our winter woes, we stopped into Twosided—an oasis of all things whimsical, lovely, and utterly adorable. Our mood was instantly lifted! We were smitten by the eclectic arrangement of yummy candles, witty coasters and artful notebooks. Plus, the antique wall-hangings and other one-of-kind delights will make the perfect present for anyone on our list (including, of course, ourselves). Perhaps our favorite thing about Twosided was the spectacular array of cards for every occasion, displayed throughout the store on walls, in racks, and peeking out of drawers. The cards (many of which are handmade) range from delicate and sweet to outrageous and quirky. Some were just so pretty we had to have them. (It’s not frivolous if it makes you feel better!) |
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| 2 | Queen for a Day Sometimes a girl just has to glam it up. Good thing our favorite drag queen/hairdresser-extraordinaire tipped us off about Uptown’s best-kept secret for a night out on the (Boys) town. Style House may not look like much from the outside, but nestled below the Wilson El tracks, this trendy boutique houses everything from flirty halter tops to sequined creations à la Dancing with the Stars, for more than reasonable (dare we say, cheap?) prices. Not in the mood for studded hot pants? Style House also boasts a surprisingly large collection of everyday apparel, such as an assortment of ultra-chic candy-colored sweaters, sophisticated fitted jackets, and the most adorable shift dresses we’ve ever seen. A wide variety of shoes ranges from slouchy boots to sky-high stilettos, and accessories include an array of bags, jewelry, and smokin’-hot belts. Need a moment to digest all of the fabulousness in front of you? The unbelievably friendly staff (ask for Lisa or Helen) will let you roam for hours and are more than willing to help you out. Now, in the words of RuPaul, “Work it girl!” Style House |
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| 3 | We Want More And while some businesses close in the face of a struggling economy, the cupcake industry seems to be reigning supreme (hooray for small miracles!). Joining the ranks of other local favorites, More Cupcakes on Delaware arrives to feed the demand for more sugary goodness. The store’s décor is simple with plain colors, lending the attention to the tiny fashionable cakes instead. And very simply stated, More more than makes up for its understated atmosphere with exotic flavors. Strawberry balsamic? Passion fruit meringue? S’MORE? We’re in! Unable to choose just one, we often indulge in the flavor of the day. (The Pumpkin spice cheesecake was yum, btw. The frosting was so creamy we literally started feeling dreamy.) We are so taking these to the office holiday party! More Cupcakes |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | You, Dearie, Are an Artist |
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| 2 | A Vital Education |
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| 3 | Experience Fabulousness |
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| Cocktail of the Week! | |||
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Nothing says homemade America like apple pie. The juicy apples, hint of cinnamon and the buttery taste... yum! When we heard about Whirly Ball's Apple Pie shooters, we were wary. But once we tasted the creamy and sweet shot with just enough tartness, we were sold. And since cooking for the holidays can be sometimes less than relaxing, here's the recipe to keep you tipsy or (at least) somewhat sane. WhirlyBall's Apple Pie Shooter: Add pucker, vodka, and schnapps to a shaker over ice. Shake and strain into a shot glass. Add whipped cream to taste. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Frugal Holiday Fashionista |
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| 2 | Get Glam & Go Green We’re all about a little R&R. Yet we work hard to play hard. And we work hard to shop hard, too! This year’s CRAVE Holiday Shopping Party truly has it all. Stroll through the festive event and checkout delectable goods and services from 40+ local boutiques—all of them selling their wares at special prices! What: CRAVE Holiday Shopping Party |
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| 3 | Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These |
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Want to give everyone you know a gift, without spending any money? Sign them up for www.ChicagoPicks.com! It's free, and you'll seem very hip when you tell them it's from you. |
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Be sure to visit www.chicagopicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.chicagopicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@chicagopicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Chicago Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
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