Perri’s Superbowl Review

WHOOO HOOO!! Go SAINTS!!!  Poor Peyton, what a way to lose.  Reminded me of how Brett went out, except he went all the way out, not just till next season.  That’s got to be tough mentally to get over even though it never really comes down to a single play, those plays sure stick out.

Anywho, I have no intention of critiquing the the actual game. This post is all about the commercials!

#1  –  Google.  It was brilliant. We went from single, to dating, to married to having a baby and we didn’t see a single face. Whats so cool about that? Well, because there were no images, especially of people, they didn’t alienate anyone. That person on the keyboard could have been any race, any sex, any age, and come from any part of the world, from any socio-economic background. That’s awesome.

#2 — Etrade. Milk-a-holic. He he he.

#3 — Snickers. Bette White getting body slammed into the mud? Yeah, that’s funny.

#4 –  Kia.  I couldn’t get over seeing that weird red thing from my kid’s tv show partying in Vegas.  It would have been a better commercial for Vegas though, I couldn’t remember what they were actually selling and had to look it up.

#5 — Punksatony Polamalu.  Hysterical, and good for him for being a good sport.

Also liked the guy with the heart beat who spoke to the camera about women’s health because he cared about us–especially if we were watching football. That was cute. And the Green Police definitely deserve a mention as well.

I do have to say though, I was appalled to see how negative so many of the commercials were about women.  The one about a guy whose girlfriend removed his spine? And Bridgestone tires, the husband giving up his wife so he can keep his tires? And the one where the guy “submits” to doing all these unappealing things his girlfriend/wife forces him to but only if he can drive a muscle car?  Guess what, if you don’t want to be in a relationship like that, don’t be, but don’t do it and then piss and moan and  be a smart ass about it if you choose to stay.  And that goes for both sexes because Lord knows we can bash each other over the head about the other sexes’ perceived shortcomings till the cows come home.

Ok, soap box done! It was a great game and I am SO happy that the Saints got to bring their very first victory home. What a great early Mardi Gras present!!

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February 8, 2010 in Uncategorized
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Chicago’s French Market

Chicagoans are definite fans of out outdoor farmers markets. And, like most major metropolitan areas, almost every neighborhood boasts at least one specialty food shop, often reflecting that neighborhoods ethnic roots. Now, River North boasts an authentically styled French Market.  It is a cooperative effort and according to their website, the goal is to bring “.. together the best-of-the-best from Chicago neighborhoods and outlying areas, Chicago French Market is largely comprised of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and accomplished purveyors.”

Did you know that the US Census Bureau expects the number 1 employer in 2010 to be “Self”?  Seems like a good idea to support family owned businesses and entrepreneurs, huh?  Of course, fabulous food and cheeses don’t hurt either!

Located with a street level entrance and a Metra mezzanine level entrance, if you are a Metra commuter, you have no excuse not to go. In fact, wouldn’t it be nice to surprise your spouse (or significant other or friend or yourself!) with a lovely array of specialty foodstuffs and treats when you walk through the door? I think there is some special occasion coming up where you are expected to do something nice, starts with a V….hm, well, you get my drift. :)

Its a chance to get to a fresh market in the dead of Chicago winter, check it out.  Located at 131 N Clinton, open M-F 7am-7:30pm and Saturday from 8:30am-6pm.  Make sure you go to the website and print your 10% off coupon.

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February 4, 2010 in Uncategorized
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Sweet Saturdays Feb. 6th & 13th

Sweet Saturday’s returns to the Garfield Park Conservatory on two consecutive Saturdays in February – the 6th and 13th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The suggested donation for entry is $3 per person. Sweet Saturdays will focus on plants that provide the key ingredients to some favorite sweet treats. The Garfield Park Conservatory, a veritable plant-based candy show, is home to many living sweets such as bananas, vanilla beans, cinnamon bark, and chocolate trees. Visitors of all ages can sample the facts, the flavors and the fun of some of the most tantalizing tropical treats. Experience the following sweet activities at each Sweet Saturday:

Tropical Treat Stations: Throughout the Conservatory visitors will learn a fact and sample a flavor.
Live Music: Visit Horticulture Hall’s Sweet Saturdays’ Tropical Café and take in the warm confines of the Conservatory while listening to the live tropical sounds of Mar Caribe that highlights the different native tropical regions of the Conservatory’s sweet plants.
Hands-on Activity Stations: Visitors of all ages can participate in designing a scratch and sniff necklace with cinnamon and sandpaper, designing a “leaf rubbing” Valentine’s day card, making a chocolate sachet with the sweet-smelling shells of cocoa beans, and other drop-in stations, such as a cozy Sweet Reads book nook.
Learn: Discover the process of making both vanilla and honey from special guests located in Sugar from the Sun exhibit.

— February 6 – Enjoy honey tasting, brought to you by the
Garfield Park Conservatory Volunteer Beekeepers, who
care for the Conservatory’s 12 hives

February 13 – Enjoy vanilla tasting, brought to you by
Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Specialists of Waukegan, Illinois

Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance “Members Only” Chocolate Lounge: Members of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance can enjoy special perks and activities.

The lounge will include the following sweet activities:

Discover your inner chocolate spirit by venturing on a
self-guided chocolate “taste test” quest.

Enjoy mixing up a yummy chocolate concoction ala
marshmallows, whip crème, and cinnamon at our
self-serve cocoa bar, while relaxing in our
“members only” seating area.

Play candy-themed board games that sweeten the eye,
while sharpening the mind. While in the lounge, be sure
to enter your name into a drawing to win your very own
edible chocolate pod to take home and show off to your
friends.

Receive a special plant to take a little bit of the Sweet
Saturdays event home with you.

Use the Chocolate Lounge’s free coat check available
only to members.

If you or someone you know is not already a member, memberships can be purchased on the day of each Sweet Saturday event or Click Here to Join Online.

Interested in volunteering at our Fact & Flavor Stations during these fun-filled Sweet Saturdays in February? Contact Mattie Wilson at volunteer@garfieldpark.org or call her at
773-638-1766 ext 26.

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January 30, 2010 in Uncategorized

Foster your kids’ creativity–and your own!

Imagination and creativity come part and parcel with childhood. Unfortunately, most of us tend to lose those wonderful skills (at least to some degree) as we get older. Then we find ourselves sitting in a meeting or facing a problem that we are sure we could solve if only we could “think outside the box” or be more” innovative”.  Well, those are just grown up words for being creative and trying new stuff.

So. Encourage your kids to exercise their imagination and hold on to it as long as they can.  In out great city, there are a ton of opportunities to help make that happen.

Make Adventure Stage Chicago a favorite on your computer and check regularly for the really cool programs available. Coming up, Feb 12 and 15th, 9am-1pm at the Vittum Theater (1012 N. Noble Street) they are sponsoring mask making workshops for kids 8 and older. $20 a day and it will end with a performance on stage. What a great way for your kids to explore a new outlet for their creative intelligence and a fabulous conversation starter for the whole family to talk about together.

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January 27, 2010 in Uncategorized

Chicago restaurant scene….the next generation

Chicago certainly has a plethora of choices when it comes to choosing your perfect dining choice.  Before I had a baby, I was all about trying the “new on the scene” restaurants and hot spots. Now, even if I can get a babysitter,  I’m mostly too tired!  I do still get out there and I’m happy to say I’ve been to most of the spots mentioned in the recent article in Crains’ Chicago Business about the Melman boys.

In fact, HUB 51 is one of my favorite spots.  My drink of choice is champagne and they have really great selection at very reasonable prices.  A bottle of Perrier Jouet, one of my faves, is about $80 which is anywhere from $30-$60 cheaper than you can get it in any other restaurant–if they even offer it. And the food is good and inexpensive too, it gets crazy on the weekends but I find its a great place to go early, after work and get a seat and enjoy a bite before the crowds descend.

Violet Hour is right in my ‘hood and so far, they have been able to maintain the mystique and still have crowds lined up to get in. GREAT place to take a date or go as a group. All the seating is very private so its not conducive to mingling which is a plus as long as you brought the person or people you want to talk to. :)   Interesting note though, they are NOT a vodka bar so don’t ask for it.

One of the things I appreciate is the fact that so many of our successful restaurateurs combine forces to create new and endearing concepts that do well in Chicago. Of course, if someone does well, they want to recreate their success but the fact that so many restaurants are a culmination of the talents from different people at different times is impressive. It shows how small the food world really is but I like to think it also shows a commitment to our city that these entrepreneurs want to continue to do business here, to cater to our midwestern/big city taste and are willing to collaborate to make that happen.

On a side note, does everyone know about Opentable.com ? If you don’t, sign up immediately–its a free online reservation system that most of the local restaurants subscribe to.  For me, the best part is that I can make reservations online, whenever I happen to think about it and I don’t have to wait until someone is at the restaurant to answer the phone.  The other bonus is that you earn points for each reservation which turn into a gift certificate for your next night out. And, when you really don’t know where to go or want to explore, they have featured restaurants that you earn extra points on, its a great excuse to try something new.

Bon Apetite!

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January 25, 2010 in Uncategorized
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Coming home is the best.

Isn’t it wonderful to come home after a long trip, even if you had a great time? There is something comforting about coming home that nothing else can even approximate.  For some people, that feeling happens when they go “home” to the house they grew up in, or another family members house. For me, its always been my own home, and that has been true in the 10 different houses I have lived in as an adult.

I happen to be a homebody and stay as close to home as I can but even if I’m gone for a long day, I still LOVE to come home. So, why is it so great to come home? Its clearly not just the space you happen to live in since the feeling tends to move with us as we change our actual physical location.

I wrote the other day about the power of scent, does you home have  a smell? Sure it does, just like people have personal scents (and I don’t mean the after-a-workout smell!).  Its also the lighting that we are familiar with, the temperature that our bodies are acclimated to, even if its too cold or hot, its what we are used to.

I live in a newer building and have forced air and heat but I grew up in a house with radiators. Whenever I am visiting somewhere with radiators and I hear the hiss and clank of the steam warming up the metal radiators, I want to snuggle up and go to sleep, I feel so comfortable and welcomed immediately.

We certainly can’t forget about who else is in the house that helps makes it a home.  I have always had dogs and I really feel the absence when I don’t walk in to a cold wet nose welcoming me home.  Of course, when you live with another person or people they are a huge part of what makes your house your home.  When my dog died and my daughter and I started coming home to an empty house I hated it, I went out and bought fish just so we could say hello and goodbye to something. A little over the top? Perhaps, but everyone has their own “thing” that makes home “home”.  It matters not if no one else gets it.

Of course, the things that are in your house matter too. But I mention them last because I think the intangibles are more important and are really what can create your Home anywhere you need or want it to be.  If you don’t love coming home, its time to figure out why and do something about it.  Whether that means a makeover of your existing space or finding somewhere new that better suits all those important intangibles.  I’m happy to help, either way, creative use of space is one of my specialties. If you decide that a new space is the answer, now is a great time to make that move.

Either way, enjoy going home today!

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January 21, 2010 in Uncategorized

Polar Adventure Days – this weekend in the city!

This is the first year that my 2 1/2 yr old is really old enough to appreciate playing in the snow.  A couple of weekends ago when we had pretty deep snowfall she had an absolute blast with our neighbor who is about her age. And, I have to say, I wish I had a snowsuit too because I was right down in the snow playing with her!

First snow angel

Climbing a mountain!

This weekend the Chicago Park District is hosting another great- and free-event for the whole family.  Northerly Island will be hosting the Polar Adventure days from 12-4 and will have ice sculpture demonstrations, live animals, winter crafts, hot cocoa and more. Sophia and I will be there–say hi if you see us!  Details and directions here.

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January 19, 2010 in Uncategorized

AWESOME idea for President’s Day–African Dance Class!!

African Dance Master Class
with Andrea Vinson
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 18, 2010
12:30-1:30pm, 3rd floor of Joffrey Tower
10 East Randolph Street Chicago

Introduction to African Dance with live drumming

Fun for all ages, great for families with children 3 and up. This event is being held in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., for his influence on human rights. This event honors the heritage of African American culture.

$5.00 for children ages 3-10

$10.00 per person ages 11 and up

Space is limited. Please RSVP by 5:00 pm on Saturday, January 16 with your name and number of guests in your party: reception@joffrey.org
or 312-784-4600

Save the Date!
American Social Dance Workshop
featuring the Obamas’ first inaugural dance to “At Last” by Etta James
in honor of Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 15, 2010
12:30 – 1:30 pm
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January 14, 2010 in Uncategorized

Just how important is smell?

I was reading an article in Crain’s about a new store opening at 520 N Michigan Ave called the Art of Shaving which specializes in, you guessed it, luxury men’s shaving products.  It’s a brief note, about 4 lines long but I was immediately transported to 900 N Michigan Shops and the Truefitt & Hill store there.  I walked by it the other day and the heavenly aroma wafting into the walkway actually made me stop and take a look. Now, I have absolutely no need or use for luxury men’s grooming accessories but I stopped anyway, racking my brain for someone I could by a present for!

It’s long been proven that scent is one of our strongest senses and evokes the strongest feeling/memory in most people.  Its also long been said that you should bake cookies or bread for an open house.  There’s a reason that advice has been around forever, its good advice! But, its also true that scent is a VERY personal thing. What is heaven to one person smells worse than  a skunk to another.  That being said, its worth you time if you are selling your house to consider a little more subtle assault on potential buyers olfactory sense.  I know you are already keeping your house spotless if you are trying to sell (right?) but how about the way it smells? Be very wary of many commercial products out there designed to make your house smell good. Heavy oils and even some candles are much too heady a scent to assume everyone will like it.

Solution:  Scrubbing Bubbles, a cheap bathroom cleaner/ sanitizer, does a tremendous job making everything smell fresh without any scrubbing on your part.  A quick spray in the tubs, showers, toilet, sinks, kitchen sink and stove and then a quick rinse or wipe and there is just the faintest hit of freshness that lingers.  The fabulous shower you have is even more inviting when people KNOW its super clean.  This is the perfect solution before scheduled showings–goodness knows you don’t want to be baking cookies and bread for every showing!  Another solutions which I am sure everyone knows by now–Febreeze.  Its works wonders BUT, a lot of people recognize the smell so do it the day before if you can. The last thing you want is buyer wondering what you are covering up!

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January 12, 2010 in Uncategorized

What will you recoup from your renovation?

I happen to be addicted to HGTV. One of the shows showcases renovations of one room by three different families and then a real estate professional and other experts rate the renovations and come up with what they think is the best renovation–in other words, the family that will get the most of their investment back at resale time.  In this economy, many people are choosing to stay put in their existing homes, either because financing is difficult or because they don’t want to buy a bigger house during these uncertain times.  A great alternative for those that don’t necessarily want to make a move but need to update/upgrade/expand their living space is a renovation of their existing house.

When doing a renovation you should of course do something that you like, that will work for your lifestyle and fits your taste. However, its really important to look at the big picture before making a final decision on what you are going to do. Unless you plan to retire in the house you are renovating, it behooves you to think about resale. And, especially in this day and age, it makes sense to choose where to spend your money wisely.

Below is some fantastic information from Remodeling Magazine that will give you an idea of what percentage of your cost you will recover–and just how much you can expect to spend on the most common renovation jobs.  The left side is adjusted for our region and the right is the national average.  Note that the top section is mid range renovations and the lower section is upscale/luxury renovations.  And never forget, a good contractor is your best friend in any renovation–even if you are handy yourself, it pays to have a professional at least consult on your plan.  If you need any referrals, give me a call, and good luck!

East North Central — Midrange
2009-10 National Averages
Job Cost Resale Value Cost Recouped Project Job Cost Resale Value Cost Recouped Change vs. 2008-09
$52,289 $38,390 73.4% Attic Bedroom $49,346 $40,992 83.1% Change
$15,120 $7,448 49.3% Backup Power Generator $14,304 $8,428 58.9% Change
$65,063 $39,026 60.0% Basement Remodel $62,067 $46,825 75.4% Change
$41,195 $20,672 50.2% Bathroom Addition $39,046 $23,233 59.5% Change
$16,740 $10,141 60.6% Bathroom Remodel $16,142 $11,454 71.0% Change
$15,619 $9,686 62.0% Deck Addition (composite) $15,373 $10,904 70.9% Change
$10,675 $7,669 71.8% Deck Addition (wood) $10,634 $8,573 80.6% Change
$3,593 $1,932 53.8% Entry Door Replacement (fiberglass) $3,490 $2,275 65.2% Change
$1,228 $1,106 90.1% Entry Door Replacement (steel) $1,172 $1,470 128.9% Change
$87,558 $49,045 56.0% Family Room Addition $82,756 $54,051 65.3% Change
$61,696 $31,212 50.6% Garage Addition $58,432 $36,361 62.2% Change
$29,224 $12,209 41.8% Home Office Remodel $28,375 $13,648 48.1% Change
$58,829 $36,533 62.1% Major Kitchen Remodel $57,215 $41,260 72.1% Change
$109,483 $61,846 56.5% Master Suite Addition $103,696 $67,578 65.2% Change
$21,899 $15,194 69.4% Minor Kitchen Remodel $21,411 $16,773 78.3% Change
$21,317 $11,720 55.0% Roofing Replacement $19,731 $13,133 66.6% Change
$10,879 $7,992 73.5% Siding Replacement (vinyl) $10,607 $8,476 79.9% Change
$75,525 $32,785 43.4% Sunroom Addition $73,167 $37,118 50.7% Change
$163,286 $93,548 57.3% Two-Story Addition $156,309 $107,286 68.6% Change
$11,242 $7,734 68.8% Window Replacement (vinyl) $10,728 $8,217 76.6% Change
$12,268 $8,788 71.6% Window Replacement (wood) $11,700 $9,044 77.3% Change
East North Central — Upscale
2009-10 National Averages
Job Cost Resale Value Cost Recouped Project Job Cost Resale Value Cost Recouped Change vs. 2008-09
$79,224 $39,377 49.7% Bathroom Addition $75,812 $43,888 57.9% Change
$54,143 $28,618 52.9% Bathroom Remodel $52,295 $32,196 61.6% Change
$38,280 $19,959 52.1% Deck Addition (composite) $37,745 $22,934 60.8% Change
$91,579 $41,822 45.7% Garage Addition $87,230 $48,762 55.9% Change
$7,747 $4,612 59.5% Grand Entrance (fiberglass) $7,464 $5,135 68.8% Change
$113,903 $62,947 55.3% Major Kitchen Remodel $111,794 $70,641 63.2% Change
$234,715 $110,271 47.0% Master Suite Addition $225,995 $125,793 55.7% Change
$40,632 $20,738 51.0% Roofing Replacement $37,359 $22,610 60.5% Change
$13,459 $10,093 75.0% Siding Replacement (fiber-cement) $13,287 $11,112 83.6% Change
$13,276 $9,445 71.1% Siding Replacement (foam-backed vinyl) $13,022 $10,285 79.0% Change
$14,535 $10,185 70.1% Window Replacement (vinyl) $13,862 $10,601 76.5% Change
$18,470 $11,739 63.6% Window Replacement (wood) $17,816 $12,738 71.5% Change
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January 6, 2010 in Uncategorized
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