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	May 8th, 2009 Went shopping at Target the other day. Impulsively bought a rom-com before checkout (and a swimsuit, what?). To be completely honest though, it wasn’t totally impulsive. We’ve been dying to see this flick ever since we read the book. But it was stupid. Stupid like, omfg, we cannot stomach this sappy lovey dovey shiz. Just really unrealistic. Love seems messier and more complicated (and obnoxious and intolerable at times) in real life than in the movies, from what we can tell. But then we thought for a minute about what happened a couple nights ago. We had been sitting in our kitchen with our roommate—splitting an enchilada, a cupcake, and some wine—and had poured our guts (and some tales of heartbreak) out to each other. We laughed and cried. And shared more wine. And we thought, maybe the rom-coms aren’t as far off as we had thought? Life imitating art, indeed! Speaking of art, you can win big this week! We would like to send one lucky reader and her mother to experience the fine art of dining at The Sofitel’s Champagne Mother’s Day Brunch in the Cigale Private Dining Room and Le Bar. Furthermore, we are reared and ready to go for celebrating the summer arts—by means of a pair of tickets to Pitchfork 2009! Forward this issue to 5 or more friends and CC picks@chicagopicks.com with either “Champagne Brunch” or “Pitchfork 2009” in the Subject of the email for your chance to win a free brunch or free concert tickets!

	Chicago Picks:
	1	The Remedy You can usually tell a Chicagoan from others in the dead of winter. We’ve been packed away tightly in warmly insulated coats. Our hands bear the outline of winter gloves and by the sallow color of our skin, it’s clear that it has been denied sunlight. We need help coming out of hibernation! It’s time to think tropical. And Dr. Brooke Jackson has just the remedy with her rejuvenating mango peel. It’s a Beta-C treatment that utilizes natural mango ingredients to exfoliate and nourish dead winter skin while replenishing vitamins, enzymes and nutrients. Skin is fresh and new again! Plus, it’s affordable, and only takes 25 minutes—so you can go on your lunch break. (We know you eat at your desk, anyhow!) The mango peel smells so good, you may want to eat it (and it is all natural). Look for the pumpkin peel in the fall, as well as the cranberry edition come winter. Hibernation? It happens—but we don’t have to look like it! The Skin Wellness Center of Chicago Dr. Brooke Jackson 111 N. Wabash, Suite 1116 Chicago, IL 60602 312.236.9950 www.skinwellnesscenter.org

	2	Spreading Their Wings Lakeview girls remorse—Butterfly Boutique, the adorable one-stop shop for all things dress—will be moving to Western. But in the throes of their relocation sale, you can get incredible deals on styles you’ll love to wear. You’ll find simple sundresses with just the right amount of detail, and evening stunners, like the curve-hugging ruched royal-purple silk frock we had eyes for. Paired with big belts or smart leggings, tunic dresses reign supreme in bright bolds like green and purple. Currently priced anywhere from 50–80 % off, there’s never been a better time to be a lady! We get the whole androgynous thing and all, but in the summer, there’s nothing simpler, (or cuter) than throwing on a sassy little mini-dress and some flip flops before you head to the beach or (our fave) Navy Pier, and Butterfly has plenty of drool-worthy styles. We’re just sad that we didn’t discover this little gem earlier, before it became a hop, skip and a bus ride away… or three. Gotta’ love the CTA! Butterfly Boutique Moving from: 604 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago IL 60657 773.248.7471 To: 7450 N. Western Ave. Chicago IL 60645 773.761.7471

	3	Hubba Hubba Ding Ding! With summer teasing us, we tease our senses with brilliant clothes to brighten our moods on these rainy spring days. Everybody could use a little color in their lives, right? And the colors of spring are blooming at Hubba Hubba! Hubba Hubba, the girly sweet boutique on Clark Street, carries lines that are hard to find in our fashion-obsessed city, such as adorable Red Engine jeans, Big Buddha bags, colorful jackets and sweaters by Tulle, and funky jewelry by Liquid Metal—not to mention they made it so that we could go shopping on Cubbies home-game days, offering free parking behind the store! Unique to Chicago in so many ways… Besides having an awe-inspiring selection, there is always something at Hubba Hubba that gives us an excuse to have a night with the girls—look for the meet-the-artist jewelry trunk shows (the first two Saturdays in May), as well as girls’ night out shopping parties (the next one is Thursday, April 30!), birthday promotions, and private shopping parties for you and your girls. Just don’t forget to invite us! Hubba Hubba 3309 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60657 773.477.1414 www.hubbahubbachicago.com

	Chick Picks:
	1	I Get Delirious We have a bit of a hoarding problem when it comes to scented candles. What this leads to is a lot of clutter on the mantel. But we can’t help adding one more—the gorgeously luxurious Scarlet Grapefruit candle from Delirium & Co. The scent is layered and rich—wafting ruby red grapefruit, red currants, apple, mandarin, jasmine and amber through the air—and the silvered glass it comes in looks absolutely glamorous over the fireplace! www.candledelirium.com

	2	Make the Postman Blush One should never underestimate the pick-me-up power of getting a surprise delivery in the mail. An unexpected “Thinking of You” card or little treat from a friend makes our whole day. So naturally, we find the idea of Panty by Post totes brilliant. Get a monthly subscription of decadent French panties by Blush in the mail—once, six times, or every month for a year—your choice! With bridal showers and Mother’s Day coming up, we know what our favorite ladies will be getting—surprise undies! www.pantybypost.com

	3	Rise and Shine We are somewhat slug-like in the morning—and by that we mean any time we have to get up before about 11:30. We are so not down with early mornings. We recently stumbled across something to help perk us up during our morning shower, though, and it’s not a shot of freezing-cold water. The Peppermint Conditioner from PRE makes our scalp tingle and invigorates us to get movin’. Plus it makes out hair smooth, shiny and super-glossy, so it’s an eye-opening win-win. www.pureradiantenergy.com

	Cocktail of the Week!
		The Violet Hour's Beatrix Sheets Myterious, sultry, sexy—a few simple words to describe this Wicker Park speakeasy's alluring ways. Mysterious, sultry, sexy—a few simple words to describe the bar's rather comely staff of bartenders. And um, their drinks aren't half bad either. 'Specially their new spring lineup of drinks. Try the Beatrix Sheets (named after one truly ravishing chick—Beatrix Potter herself). It’s a combination of Pisco, Chamomile Tea, Lemon Juice and Orange Guracao. Yum! Beatrix Sheets: 1.5 oz. Uvina Pisco (or a Quebranta pisco) .75 oz. fresh lemon juice .5 oz. Marie Brizzard orange curacao .25 oz. simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) 1 bag Two Leaves and Bud Chamomile Tea (or other chamomile tea) Infuse the tea in bottle of Pisco for 30 minutes, then discard. Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Sip and enjoy! www.theviolethour.com

	Hip Happenings:
	1	P4K 2009 Our little brother frequently ends sentences with “playas gotta play.” We’ve adopted this motto, as it’s usually fitting. Want to talk some serious musical playas? Check out Pitchfork 2009 in Union Park. You didn’t hear it from us, but it’s the best (and most truly indie) music fest in town. Think: The Flaming Lips. Grizzly Bear. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. Beirut. Yeasayer. Get your tickets now! What: Pitchfork Music Festival 2009 When: July 17–July 19 Where: Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. Cost: $75 for a three-day pass Visit: www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com

	2	A Champagne Supernova Mother's Day Rose-lychée éclairs. Omelette bar. Belgian waffles with Chicago Co-op honey. Homemade crêpes. Traditional mignonette. Chocolate mascarpone cheesecakes. And of course, champagne. Treat your mere this Mother’s Day with a brunch that is spectacularly indulgent and beautifully sumptuous at Sofitel Hotel. And see the intro to win a free brunch for you and your lovely, deserving ma! What: Champagne Mother’s Day Brunch at Sofitel Hotel When: Sunday, May 10, 10:30 am–2 pm Where: Sofitel Chicago Water Tower’s Grand Ballroom, 20 E. Chestnut St. Call: 312.324.4000 Cost: $79 per adult, $30 per child over six Visit: www.sofitel.com

	3	Save the Date! Gilda Radner was a comedic genius and a divine, fabulous female. Help support Gilda’s Club Chicago by attending The Second Annual Art Auction hosted by the Flat Iron Artists Assocation. Proceeds will help Gilda’s Club continue its outreach of warm support for people living with or dealing with cancer. See more than 75 artists, and enjoy an open bar and hors d’ oeuvres.. What: Second Annual Art Auction, Gilda’s club Chicago When: Saturday, May 16, 5–9 pm Where: The Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. Cost: $10 donation at the door Visit: gildasclubchicago.org or flatironartists.org

	Your pocketbook a little thinner these days? Skip the weekly tabloid grab, read Chicago Picks, and shop local instead. Just click on the links, grab a popsicle, and explore our city's great eats and treats for freezies!


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