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September 5th, 2008
Our best friend is getting married. This weekend. To say we are excited for her would be absolutely minimal. This is the girl that we swung on tire swings with. Dyed our hair in Kool-Aid with (red for her, purple for us—obvs). Drank our first sips of margarita with, and pined for Brad Pitt a la “Legends of The Fall” with. She is the backbone to our spine. The Ethel to our Lucy. Our fraternal-twin sis since second grade. And somehow, among the craziness of everyday life and paving her way through her first job, her first move to a new state, and her first stab at pursuing her dreams, she found love. Her first big, real, true, larger-than-life love. The wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am-stay-by-my-side-forever-and-please-say-yes love. They’re peanut butter and jelly. And one of the most astounding examples of why you should believe in It. Should believe in Everything. More than anything we just want to congratulate her, and them—and everyone that finds such a miraculous, fantastic crazy little thing called love. Only the best! P.s. Don't forget the Crave Summer Party this Sunday (see below). It's one-stop shopping from your favorite boutiques, plus cocktails, pampering and noshing (oh my!). Forward this issue of Chicago Picks to 5 of your friends and CC Picks@ChicagoPicks.com, and we'll send you free tickets while supplies last! |
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Chicago Picks: |
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| 1 | Who Needs a Paper Boy? If you're stationery and journal junkies like us, you've probably had your share of disappointments with big-box stores. The quality is okay, but as we know, the importance of a little individuality goes a long way. Paper Boy on Belmont and Southport is here to fulfill all your paper desires. Don't let the name fool you—Paper Boy doesn't actually sell newspapers. They do, however, sell journals, some books, and their specialty—quality paper in just about every texture and color you could want. Most of the designs are from local presses and stationers, so you know you're getting something unique, and the staff offers in-house advice if you can't find or decide on what you need. They also carry pens, stamps, and anything else you can put on paper. Just being there inspires us to pick up a pretty pen and write an old-fashioned letter on beautiful paper, Jane Austen style. Oh, and your secret greeting card obsession? You can stock up on sweet to salty to dirty all in one stop. Paper Boy |
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| 2 | A Tasty Eruption A couple years ago we vacationed in Costa Rica with our boyfriend and his fam. It was the best trip of our life (minus the dinosaur-size spiders and a few embarrassing over-served moments with his ’rents). We fell in love—not with the boyfriend (so over him), but with the spicy food! In our quest for flavorful fulfillment in the U. S. of A, we stumbled upon the most perfect hacienda serving the traditional home-cooked Costa Rican fare we crave. Enter Irazu (named after the highest volcano in the CR), this hole-in-the-wall joint is tasty, cheap and BYOB. The menu is stocked with dishes of Chicharron (deep fried pork with boiled yucca), Chile Relleno (poblano pepper stuffed with cheese), and Pepito sandwiches (rib-eye steak, sautéed onions, cheese, beans and Lizano sauce). For a bit of the norm, we also enjoy the delish steak tacos (only $1.95). Check out their shakes in flavors like mora (blackberry), parcha (passion fruit), and pina (pineapple). The only CR eatery in the city, Irazu delivers a taste of Pura Vida! Irazu |
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| 3 | Snuggle and Sip Yesterday we saw leaves falling from the lone tree on our block. Fall has arrived and we’re giddy. Finally we have time to hunker down with the latest Sue Grafton novel, have a scrabble show-down, and snuggle in with our favorite Meg Ryan movie (“French Kiss”). Okay, we admit it. We’re homebodies when the weather gets cold … that’s why it’s time to stock up on the finest alcoholic fuel for our winter isolation. Enter Red & White, a new Bucktown vino shop, stocked with an eclectic mix of Austrian, French, and South American sips (most under $20). We dug the designer displays made of recycled barn wood, and the clean, orderly fashion of the wine arrangements (reds on the right, whites on the left, bubbly and shot-worthy stuff in the center). The friendly owners have thought of it all, even providing an assortment of tasty truffles and fresh flowers. Need an excuse to get out? On Saturdays, Red & White offers tastings from 2–5 pm. And when the Windy City starts to blow, don’t worry—R&W delivers! Red and White |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Shimmy Shimmy, Shop! Remember getting carpooled? We specifically remember singin' shimmy shimmy coco puff at the top of our lungs and eating after-school snacks in mini-vans. Ah, such sweet, simple joy. |
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| 2 | Handmade (With Style) We have been pining for a pair of metallic gold Chucks for a while now. Still wondering about where, when, and which tattoo(s) to get. And we sometimes get the urge to streak our hair in pink. Maybe it's the artist in us, or maybe it's our disdain for things too plain. Precisely the reason we adore Amy Bengston jewelry. Detailed craftsmanship with the just the right amount of moxie—Amy's designs pack a whole lotta punch and could transform any plain white tee or lbd! |
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| 3 | Make a Splash We’re pretty sure Angelina didn’t snag Brad on her do-gooder sensibilities alone. Did you see “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”? There’s that scene where they rip the house apart fighting each other. Notice the boots. Rubber rain boats. Yes, they can be sexy. And always sensible. Check out Aigle boots for high-quality, handcrafted in Europe, earth-friendly rain boots. Wear them with a skirt, shorts, or possibly just a white dress shirt a la Angie, and send hearts soaring (while keeping yourself from getting soggy). www.aigleboots.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Shopping Fix Did you know that cravings have been linked to emotional needs? A whole tub of ice cream is often all that’s needed to fix a breakup. But a craving to go shopping? That's nothing but the good 'ol need to feel H-O-T! Don't miss one of Chicago's best shopping events of the year—the Crave Summer Party—with goods from over 30 local designers and boutiques! What: Crave Summer Party |
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| 2 | Windy City Wino We attended a handful of beerfests post-college. And we heartily recommend that experience. But a wine fest? Well, they're just as fun—and maybe just a tad more dignified than the beer-goggles wearin' beerfesters. Sample from more than 250 international vintages from 50-plus vendors at the giant Windy City Wine Fest! What: Windy City Wine Festival |
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| 3 | Flugtag, It's German For Crazy. Don't those commercials make you giggle? And kinda cringe? Bring your curiosity out to North Beach for Red Bull Flugtag USA. Watch as nearly 30 teams from Chicago and elsewhere pilot their homemade flying machines off a 25-foot ramp into Lake Michigan. The competition is based on distance, creativity and showmanship. Should be a spectacle! What: Red Bull Flugtag USA |
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