Be Still Our Hearts
 
We've always had this inkling that our secret sugar addiction was somehow contributing to the betterment of humanity, but we could never really put our finger on how we could use cupcakes and sweets to save the world. (Well, other than our little world, that is!)
 
But at Michelle Garcia's fantastic Roscoe Village punk-rock organic sweet shop, the Bleeding Heart Bakery, it’s definitely
not out of the ordinary to think about socially conscious confections. Michelle, with husband Valentine, had a love affair... with "pastry, savory, punk rock and all things organic," and it translated to the now-famous shop on Belmont, which sells a huge array (more than 200!) of organic and environmentally conscious sugary and vegan bakery treats. And Chef Michelle is even a Food Network veteran.
 
We're huge fans of the vegan pumpkin pie with a luscious chocolate crust, but the handmade truffles are definitely worth a try (more than a try), and we always feel good about what we've done for the world once we're finished!
 
The Bleeding Heart Bakery
1955 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
773.327.6934
www.thebleedingheartbakery.com

Outer Peace
 
We’ll be honest about something. We find that a lot of nail salons… well, they aren’t really all that friendly. We may leave with a nice enough pedi, but some do little more than refresh
us in the latest OPI shade. Bottom line: we like being warm
and fuzzy and coated in ‘Lincoln Park at Midnight’ to boot.
 
So, obvs Sanctuary on Wells was a total breath of fresh
non-acetone drenched air. It’s a lovely little spa tucked up
in a row of salons and stores right in the heart of Old Town. 
The staff is friendly and talkative, professional and warm. 
They use only high-quality products, and offer the amazing
No-Chip manicure (one of only two nail salons in Illinois to do so) which we whole heartedly recommend! It’s flawless and stays on for nearly three weeks—you’ve got to see it to believe its absolute gorgeousness. We’ve oohed and ahhed over the perfectionistic work of both Janelle and Ismere, two fantastic
nail technicians at Sanctuary.
 
Try out this fabu place, and let Sanctuary take you away. Plus, first time clients receive $5 off!   
 
Sanctuary Nail Spa
1500 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60610
312.867.1620

A Suite Reservation
 
Every once in a while we get an overwhelming urge. An urge
to slow down. Sit back.  Relax. Pop open some wine. Breathe
a little deeper. Sleep in a little longer. And tune out the city sounds, for just a little bit. But not too long, of course, since we love our fair town.
 
But we’ve found one stellar place to do all of that: Oakwood Corporate Housing on Huron. We discovered this gem just recently, and found incredibly low rates for overnight stays. It’s partly occupied by residents for short-term residencies (think businessmen in town for a few months) but is also available for quick condo-esque stays. In other words, no need to zip down to Florida to a timeshare—simply book a stay at Oakwood and enjoy the amenities (pool, workout facility, outdoor patio—the whole nine!). It’s like being in a homey condo of your own (huge and totally luxurious) while enjoying glam city views in a reasonable, affordable way. 
 
It’s also a great thing to mention to incoming guests, and it’s located right in the heart of downtown (i.e. the Rock’N Roll McDonald’s is just a block away)!
 
Oakwood Corporate Housing
77 W. Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60610
800.642.0588
www.oakwood.com

Blast from the Past
 
We were total Madonna wanna-bes in junior high. We piled our wrists with black rubber bracelets we bought in L.A. and followed that with a Swatch addiction in high school. But despite the goofy trends we adopted, we’re still digging kitschy watches.
 
So we flipped for these cuties by Too Late. They’re adorable, waterproof, come in tons of fun colors, and at $29.99 each we’re getting a bunch to stack, a la Madonna. It’s never too late to be totally adorable.
 
www.store.too2late.com

Heavenly Bodies
 
We’re bored to death with the same old lingerie selection found out the local department stores and at a certain, ahem, secretive sister’s storefront. But just when we were about to throw undies to the wind, we discovered The Lake and Stars.
 
This chic online purveyor stocks a heavenly assortment of beautiful underpinnings that effortlessly exude an ethereal-beauty-meets-modern-luxe vibe that is nothing short of stunning. We’ll take two of everything please (hint, hint, honey).
 
www.thelakeandstars.com

Buh-Bye Winter Skin
 
The winter is more foe than friend when it comes to our skin, so naturally we’re always on the lookout for something new and fab to soothe our savage beast. Currently our hearts belong to Margarita Bloom.
 
This kitschy bath and body haven is loaded with an array of luxurious products, perfect for pampering winter-ravaged skin, and with soaps shaped like cupcakes and body scrubs modeled after martinis, this little shop is fun to boot!
 
www.margarita-bloom.com

Ixnay on Stress with Exhale Spa 
  
Exhale is: gorgeous, girly, indulgent, and utterly beautiful. 
But don’t just take our word for it—purchase a “mind body” membership with a friend through the end of the month, and each person will receive $30 off of the usual monthly rate. The promotion also includes 10% off retail items and 20% off spa services (excluding waxing and nails). 
  
What: Winter Special at Exhale Spa 
When: Through Jan. 31
Where: Exhale Spa, 945 N. State St. 
Call: 312.753.6500 
Visit: www.exhalespa.com

Refresh at Eshe 

Ladies, do not get poodled this winter. No offense, but uber-frizzy tight curls don’t look good on anyone—except little Minxy or Dinkydonk, who exist purely on dog food. Stop in at Eshe Day Spa and Salon for discounted spa services, specially priced at $40 each throughout January. Choose from a pedi, facial, massage, or a shampoo/trim/blow-dry! 

What: Winter Sale at Eshe Day Spa and Salon 
When: Through Jan. 31
Where: 8 S. Michigan Ave. 
Call: 312.629.0376 
Visit: www.eshedayspa.com

Contemporary Creations 
 
MCA had us at “hello” this month. Making art to take home
after a workshop at this fabulous facility practically makes
us drool with delight and excitement. Why not surround yourself with creative excellence and get the winter wheels a-turnin’? Use found objects in this series, and dive in to something
new and different.    
 
What: Found Object Creations
When: Saturday, Jan. 3, 1–4 pm
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave.
Call: 312.397.4010
Cost: $40–45 per class
Visit: www.mcachicago.org