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May 9th, 2008 There were times when we were at odds with our mother. She made us do chores. She made us take piano lessons with that scary old instructor. And we'll skip the teenage years—let's just leave it at missed curfews, questionable boyfriends, and a not-so-lovely rebellious phase. Yet looking back, we realize how much we learned from Mom, despite how hard we tried to “be our own person.” Everywhere she goes, she puts on a fresh coat of lipstick. She wore Wayfarers for years. Now we do, too. She drank Tab with a straw. Us? Diet Coke with a straw, please. But more than anything, there isn't anyone she meets who doesn't like her. She is one of those eternally friendly, sympathetic, and genuine people who carry a little bit of sunshine with them wherever they go. We can only hope some of that rubbed off on us. p.s: Here’s a gift for you—and we won’t tell Mom if you keep it for yourself. Forward this issue of Chicago Picks to 5 friends and cc picks@chicagopicks.com and you could win a Weekender Bag by Lori Greiner! Her line can be found at www.qvc.com; enter "Lori Greiner" to search for her products. |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Left is Right Would it shock you to learn that deep inside this smart, sassy urban diva exterior there's a Parisian courtesan waiting to emerge? It's true: we adore the extravagant embrace of fashion and finery; the celebration of beauty for its own sake. Also, we think Marie Antoinette was way misunderstood. When we get the craving for decadent baubles and indulgent goodies, we head straight for The Left Bank. Overflowing with French-inspired jewelry and home décor, this Lincoln Park shop offers pieces for both the lavish and the moderately minimalist in your circle of amies. The Swarovski crystal drop earrings are impossible to resist, and gift-giving is effortless with items like Gianna Rose's hand and body cream. Tucked away in the store's nooks and crannies are champagne buckets and filigree rings, but we'll admit it: we fell head-over-French-heels in love with Left Bank's collection of tiaras. We're convinced that every girl needs one, even if she only wears it on a Friday night while re-watching Amelie and drinking Moet Chandon. The Left Bank lets us eat our cake, and maybe pick up a slice for our girlfriends. And hey—if they think we snagged it at a little place just down the street from the Louvre, well … it'll be our secret. The Left Bank |
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| 2 | Aroma-Mama Therapy We have always been the kind to sort of nervously spit out words at inopportune moments and stumble through presentations. We have awkwardly met several boyfriends' parents and sort of came off as ... weird. Quirky at best. This characteristic sort of carries over to other facets of daily life. Say, the salon, for example, where we usually talk to our hairdresser about everything from weather patterns to our newest nail polish color to our brother's dog's eating habits. So, to walk into a salon and feel completely at ease is a modern-day miracle for our neuroses. At the Ritz-Carlton's Spa at the Carlton Club, the staff’s calm demeanor and manner of utmost professionalism makes for a soothing experience unlike any other. Daily stresses, chaotic city noises, and a cluttered head are all put completely at bay. Their delicious Decleor aroma body envelopments are fragrantly therapeutic and, literally, invigorating to the skin. Check out the Champagne Royal Facial for Mom, and make sure to book yourself an appointment for a mother/daughter spa day out! The Spa at the Carlton Club |
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| 3 | Swank, Meet Sexy Occasionally, we like to go upscale old-school on nights out. Don black heels, silver-stud earrings and cozy into a Frank Sinatra-style spot with our closest pals. Nights like these are bound to get interesting … and late. Our favorite pairing! Our latest fave in this classy/cool department is Natalino’s. The new Italian spot features dark wood, leather accents and corner booths. We immediately dug the atmosphere and the staff made us feel right at home with affordable valet service, warm smiles all around and immediate drink orders with bartenders who really knew their stuff. But the food sealed the deal: Natalino’s is our new go-to Italian spot, for sure. The mushroom risotto is done perfectly and the “Rigatoni Johnny" is a must-try, baked with ricotta, bits of pine nuts and loads of fresh spinach. Late nights out with good friends and comfort food? Done and done. We suggest booking Natalino’s private downstairs room, cutely coined “The Den,” for your next party. With a homey space and a fully stocked private bar, consider it your home away from swanky home. Natalino’s |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Wine is Fine for Mama Mom endured our whining about wine for years. Eventually we quit complaining, though, and later even began enjoying wine with her. And we were very happy to do so. So weren’t we tickled to come across the Fusebox Wine Blending kit. Containing seven types of blending wine and utensils, she can explore her tastes and create her very own vino blends, just like the pros, from excellent varietals. Educational and delicious! Mention Chicago Picks in the store (560 W. Washington Blvd.) or enter the code CPFB10 online and save 10% off your kit! |
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| 2 | Showing Mom Some Love We are taking indulging Mom to a whole new level by showing our devotion with an at-home facial, performed by our very own hands. We stocked up on all the needed elements from Emerita—a line of skincare products specifically designed for women over 40, in adorably designed tubs. We chose the Microdermabrasion Face Care Collection (with free Moisturizing Cleanser—natch!), so Mom’s face will never be smoother or more glowing. Enter the promo code pick1 at checkout to receive $3.00 off the Day Face Cream with SPF 15! |
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| 3 | A New Spin on Old Classics Our Mom used to wax poetic about her first ride: a cherry red Mustang that purred like a kitten. So we nearly fainted when we discovered these handbags by Kim White. This ultra-creative designer handcrafts fabulous bags and totes out of unused vintage automotive fabrics. The result? Wildly alluring pieces that exude a luxe vintage vibe. We snagged one for Mom and for ourselves. It may not be a Mustang, but it’s destined to elicit oohs and aahs. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Fulton Market Arts Walk Get to the west loop in the historic market district this Saturday. It’s the yearly neighborhood open house welcoming the public to taste the eclectic mix that makes up Fulton Market. Be it a photography studio, sneaker boutique, or one-of-a-kind painting, vendors and musicians will be showing what's new and what's shaking in this exciting extravaganza! What: Explore Fulton Market |
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| 2 | Chicago's Best There are happy hour nights at grubby pubs. There are wine nights at posh candlelit spots. Then there are nights like this. Nights where the food is breathtaking and the wine so divine, because it's all from Chicago's most renowned chefs, restaurants and sommeliers. Celebrate this 6th annual event, presented by Gourmet magazine and benefiting The American Institute of Wine and Food. What: The Gourmet Wine Cellar Benefit |
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| 3 | Ma Dines Free! Mmmm, Mama's cooking. She serves up comfort food, breakup food, and The Perfect PB&J. But Silver Cloud does a pretty good job of makin' delicious down-home pot roasts, mashed potatoes, and chicken pot pies. Not to mention their creative array of cocktails. And it's free for Ma on Mother's Day (with a party of four or more)! What: Silver Cloud Bar & Grill, Free for Mom |
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| Have you told your friends about Chicago Picks? What are you waiting for??? Forward this email to everyone you can think of, and it will bring good nookie, a big sale on those shoes you’ve been coveting, a raise or possibly a promotion, a huge tax rebate that you overlooked, you’ll find $100 on the street, and you’ll have a general sense of well-being the rest of your day. We wouldn’t lie to you, would we? | |||
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