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April 17th, 2009
We know relaxation. We have it in the bag. But sometimes we use our get-to-sleep techniques. We close our eyes, and do one of two things. One consists of relaxing every inch of our body, toe-by-toe and all the way up to the head. Another is likening ourselves to a beta fish. Sounds kooky. It is. But picture this: slow, steady swimming. Graceful maneuvering, wearing a pretty rainbowy metallic ensemble (somewhere a shoe or bag of this print is just completely beckoning to us—it's gotta be a sign). We get almost as excited to get in bed as we do to sip champagne with a gaggle of girlfriends (key word: “almost”). This past week, we found another form of bliss. A little thing called a “vacay.” A littler thing called a hammock. A big huge friendly gorgeous island called Maui. Good friends to laugh with, Mai Tais to toast with, stories to tell, and sun to be soaked up. We recommend it whole-heartedly. Driftin' away on vacay—simply serene. |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | No One Drinks Until We Say, “Kampai!” Samba Rio (the Chicago locale) does not disappoint. We heart their Peruvian corn (addictive) and miso-marinated Chilean sea bass (melts in mouth). But we recently came across a little education 101 in the form of IKKI, a Japanese-beer tasting class. First lesson? The Japanese get nice and toasty, and stay… well… “celebratory.” They like their beer. Named after the translation for "down in one," IKKI combines the kitsch and cool of Japanese game show with good times. You don't lose when you booze at Samba! We found that we really like Kirin light (only 80 cals—not too shabby). The Wednesday night class offers eight flights of imported beers and five aperitivo courses of food. It's just $55 for a fabulous time while learning The Six Commandments of Consumption. A good and saucy time surely will be had by all! SushiSamba Rio |
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| 2 | Pretty Things Weddings, bachelorette parties, bathing suits, less clothing... all things that happen with a vengeance as the warm weather approaches our beautiful city and the ice on Lake Michigan begins to melt away. We have decided that this year, we are going to look great playing volleyball at North Beach, and we are going to look just as great for a night out on the town. Trousseau is our newest Southport store of choice. With lingerie galore, we intend to feed our love-for-lace-and-frills beast and intend on getting carried away. Trousseau offers up lingerie lines that are nearly impossible to find anywhere else in the city (like Simone Perele) and exotic swimsuits from South America that will hug gorgeous curves perfectly. It's a penny well spent for an investment in looking fine all summer long. And don’t forget their fun accessories—lotions, massage oils, candles, and—get this—a candle that will melt into massage oil and smell like chocolate! Utterly delightful. Trousseau |
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| 3 | Just Kickin’ It With Mother's Day just around the corner and springtime knocking on our door, it made us think of all of the important women in our life. We find it so lovely that Moms and Moms-to-Be have as many stylish choices as the trendy tweens of mall culture. Look foxy, change the baby, and have evening cocktails with finds from Kickin in Roscoe Village. Kickin, an adorable baby boutique, not only offers adorable baby clothes, fun books and gifts, but also chic and trendy clothes and accessories to accent the bun in the oven! With designers such as Menonove, an Italian line that carries to-die-for dresses, and custom made Seven For All Mankind jeans (no excuse for Mom Jeans anymore), Kickin prevents any "Jessica" type of moments or chatter. Kickin also offers free prenatal yoga classes on select Tuesday nights (check the website) and has some great events coming up in May. Don’t miss the second annual fashion show, and the third annual Beers&Babes—a shopping night for dad, beer supplied! Kickin |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Hot Spring Chick You know what’s frustrating? Shopping in springtime in Chicago. The boutiques are chock-full of cute tank tops, skirts and dresses, but it’s still cold and rainy (and sometimes snowy, wtf)—so we can’t wear any of our new purchases for a while. Well, we solved that little problem—ha!—with the Fairweather shirt from Makool. In lightweight cotton, this is the button-down shirt with a modern twist—oversized pockets, a cowl neck and big buttons. Add a little cardi, and we don’t have to wait for July to flaunt this baby! |
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| 2 | Breathe Deep Have you ever noticed that every home has a distinct smell all its own (some better than others)? We take pride in having people walk into our home, breathe deeply, and exclaim, “It smells great in here!” Our secret isn’t Glah-day—it’s the fragrance diffusers from local company ilio. In four scent categories (clear, crisp, bright and still), they are deliciously subtle, ranging from D’Anjou Pear and Flower Shop to Amber Warmth and Lemon Drops. We’re such devoted customers that we think they should name one after us. |
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| 3 | Make Me Up As complete and total product junkies, we have quite the collection of makeup. We love it all, from colored mascara to eyeshadow in every color of the rainbow—not to mention the million and one lip glosses we own. So naturally, we need quite a few pretty containers for our treasures, and the makeup bags from Seattle-based designer Emilie Sloan are to die for. In several pretty patterns, the water-resistant cotton bags are stylish and durable—perfect for our vast collection of paint. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | The New Coppola, Scorcese, or Fey Storytelling is a culture we find absolutely vital. If we didn't have the entertainment of “The Office,” the Coen brothers, Wes Anderson, and everything Judd Apatow-related, we would be a lot less... entertained? Support local talent at this three-week event featuring expertly crafted stories (four or five are told each evening) paired with a taste of wine and live music. What: Serendipity Theatre's 7th Annual 2nd Story Festival |
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| 2 | This is How Wii Do It Talking is one of our main hobbies. We like a little competitive banter, and we have the Wii chops to show all y'all our gaming skillz. Join us at this event, sponsored by a Chicago nonprofit dedicated to the coordination and promotion of health and wellness. Take on Wii-ponents for a night of gaming, drinks, and charity. What: I Want to Walk the Talk Wii Tournament |
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| 3 | Put in Some "Me" Time Most days we design ourselves. (Dress the part!) We direct ourselves. (Jump in car, drive to work, put in hours!) But do we know how to design and direct our life? Find out the real meaning of owning Personal Power. Learn about fear, risks, and yourself —with the ultimate goal of recognizing another level of authentic consciousness. What: Principles of Authenticity Workshop |
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Spring love is in the air! Sign your friends, family and potential bed partners up with a free subscription to Chicago Picks at www.ChicagoPicks.com. |
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