ACTIVITIES

Dance/music lessons -

Old Town School of Folk Music.  Great place to take guitar, dance (belly, hip-hop, etc.), banjo, fiddle, and so much more.  Also a great concert venue. Located in Lincoln Square and in Lincoln Park.  Financial aid available.  www.oldtownschool.org

 

Free manicures and massages -

Ladies' Night Out

Includes complimentary manicures and massages and $7 glasses of rose.  Helpful to RSVP and arrive before 8pm!!

RSVP: info@shequechicago.com

When: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Event Phone Number: 312-638-9033

D.O.C. Wine Bar, 2602 N. Clark St.

 

PechaKucha Night Chicago -

The last few I have been to sold out, so get tix ahead of time!  PechaKucha Night Chicago is the winner of the Readers' Choice 2009 Best of Chicago (Non-Musical Event).  Creative types present on a myriad of topics and each is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each - giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up. This keeps presentations concise, the interest level up, and gives more people the chance to show.  http://www.pecha-kucha.org/cities/Chicago

 

Chicago Canoeing –

See Chicago from a different side: paddling amongst the buildings as you canoe or kayak the Chicago River.  Go out on your own or join a led-trip.  Boat launches downtown and at Addison/Western-ish.  Had a great time last summer doing this!  Fun date activity.

Chicago River Canoe & Kayak

chicagoriverpaddle.com

773 704-2663

 

Cut & Paste -

Creative types (graphic designers, web gurus, etc.) battle it out in front of the audience using awesome technology to take home prizes for the best designs (2D, 3D, and motion).

http://www.cutandpaste.com/

 

Second Story -

Wine + stories + couches + music.

http://2ndstory.serendipitytheatre.org/09/week1.php

 

Post It Note Reading Series -

Stories read aloud to you, illustrated by drawings on post-it notes.  (For those of you who went to This American Life @ the Chicago Theater recently, you saw a sample)

http://www.postitnotestories.com/

 

Lincoln Karaoke -

I never thought IÕd be into private room karaoke, since part of the fun is being in front of strangers.  And while I still prefer the latter, my first excursion into karaoke where youÕre only surrounded by loved-ones in a living-room type setting was a nice change of pace and definitely something IÕd do again.  Warning: You will feel like youÕre walking into a brothel, with long shabby hallways of doorways leading to rooms of shabby couches and armchairs.  But once you get over the initial ŌAm I in the right place?Õ youÕll become mesmerized by the provided light-up tambourines, cheesey/make no-sense Korean videos that accompany your songs, and selection of horribly-wonderful songs.  Great reviews and pics here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/lincoln-karaoke-chicago

 

2nd Fridays Gallery Night -

The Chicago Arts District hosts "2nd FRIDAYS Gallery Night", the monthly opening receptions at the galleries and artists' studios centered around South Halsted and 18th Streets in Chicago. The receptions begin at 6:00pm and run until 10:00pm.  Over 35 galleries surrounding South Halsted and 18th Streets showcase an exciting display of art and artists from Chicago and beyond. This unique art community opens its doors, free of charge, and lets you get up close and personal with the art and artists.  Pick up a map at the information center at 1821 S. Halsted.  Perk: You often get free wine and snacks.  http://www.chicagoartsdistrict.org/event_detail.asp?eventid=241

 

 

BIKE STORE

The most adorable and friendly bike store.  Tune-ups run $70 and are REALLY worth it.

http://www.roscoevillagebikes.com/index.html

 

 

CHIROPRACTOR

Erin W. -

I have had fantastic experiences with all of the massage therapists at Wrigleyville Chiropractic & Massage.  I would highly recommend Dr. Rosenkrantz - because of my back issues I've met a few sketchy chiropractors who claim they can cure my scoliosis, but Dr. Rosenkrantz is legit AND really delightful to work with.

 

 

COFFEEHOUSE

VentrellaÕs

4947 North Damen Avenue

 

Bagel on Damen

1252 N Damen Ave

 

The Common Cup

1501 West Morse Avenue

http://www.commoncupchicago.com/

 

ChÕava Cafˇ

4656 N. Clark St.

http://chavacafe.com/

 

Delicious

Vegan – yummy food.  Quiet with good music.  Bright dˇcor.  Not a lot of seating but usually can find something.  Free wifi.

3827 N. Lincoln

http://www.deliciouscafechicago.com/

 

Star Lounge

Good music.  Amazing coffee.  Variety of seating options – couches, armchairs, tables, benches, bar (really odd to see people sitting at a bar, drinking coffee and lap-topping), backyard/porch.  Friendly employees.  Lots of outlets for laptops (even one outside!).  Free wifi.  Great art by local artists on walls.  Only downside is size (small, so you may have trouble finding a table) and they allow smokers in the backyard.

2521 W Chicago Ave

www.starloungecoffee.com

 

Starbucks

I know itÕs a sin to include Starbucks on the list, but I love the Roscoe Village one, especially since they redid it a few months ago.  Best Starbucks IÕve ever been to.  Booths, fireplace, lots of space, cool art, on the cutest street in America.

2023 W. Roscoe

 

New Wave Coffee

- Free wifi

- Good tunes

- Good food

- Large space, though their seating is ugly, weirdly laid out, and considering how much space they have, not enough

- Nice screaming-child to hipster ratio (few of the former, many of the latter)

- Large screen TV with a couch and an old school Nintendo you can play

- Easy parking (if you don't want to pay a million dollars in quarters, can park a few blocks away in the neighborhood)

- Good hours

- Logan Square

http://www.newwavecoffee.com/

 

Karis -

Cafe Avanti on Southport (south of Grace).  Free WiFi, good food.  I practically lived there when my wireless at home went out, and I didn't get any attitude!

 

Ferg -

May I refer you to my girlfriend's coffeehouse in Lincoln Square?  It's Cafe Neo on Lincoln, right under the Brown Line Stop.  For ambience, it's not the best in the world, but the food and beverages are good and it has free wi-fi.

 

Amy -

Coffeehouse-wise...Cafe Avanti.  I used to work there for almost two years.  The guys that worked there actually played the music for my wedding ceremony!  It is very laid back, free Wi-fi, creative decor, very personalized menu (e.g. drinks named after staff and regulars), many regulars that hang for hours, and a great local owner named Marguarite.  It's on Southport just north of Waveland (between Waveland and Grace).  Check it out!

 

Erin E. -

I love Dollop - 4181 N Clarendon. If you try it out, head to the back room (it's not always obvious that  it's there). That's where the comfy chairs/couches are.

http://www.dollopcoffee.com/

 

Erin W. -

I think Sip is the best coffee house in Chicago.  1223 W. Grand.  It fits all of your requirements - in fact there seems to be a crew of regulars who use it as a comfy, friendly office.  I've gotten essays written and good test prep done here.  If I opened up a coffee house, I would want to it be like this, etc. etc.

 

I also really like Noble Tree at 2444 N. Clark - there are a number of floors with different vibes; it's more social downstairs, while the second floor is quite like a library.  It has fancy leather lawyer chairs, a zillion outlets for laptops, and everyone is QUIET.

 

Karen I. -

I LOVE Swim Cafe in West Town/Ukranian Village.  Very cool baristas, terrific food, free wifi, and a fun/funky decor with a swim theme in honor of the Eckhart Park natatorium located directly across the street (but alas, no couches).  And Karen, the owner, is kind and lovely.  While it's no longer in my daily routine, it was for over 2 years.  They didn't mind that I would buy one cup of coffee (and occasionally a delicious, house-made breakfast item), and sit in the window for an hour reading the free weeklies.  They would even give me a free refill to go.  The coffee is Just Coffee, which is fair trade and amazing.  They also highlight the work of area artists with regularly changing installations.

It's at 1357 W. Chicago

www.swimcafe.com

 

Dana -

Kawana House (Montrose and Dayton) It's run by these two Kenyan brothers.  Thursdays they have a cultural arts night. The food and coffee is awesome - the Kenyan sandwiches! - and theres always something new and fun on the menu. Most recent addition - the Barack O' Caramel Latte. Ajay is always trying to get me to try his latest concoction. He's worth going alone. Chairs/couches could be more comfortable but they have free wi fi and an honor library. No foot traffic. Limited signage. They're struggling. But I guarantee one stop and, even if it doesn't become your place, it'll find a place in your heart.  Outisde of that my all time favorite is the Bouregois Pig on Fullerton just east of Lincoln. The downstairs is more togo. The upstairs, you just imagine creative things happening there.  I routinely go up to Roger's Park for Ennui and Evanston for Kafein. None of them have free wi fi, i don't think.  The Iguana Cafe (halsted and grand) is a favorite but no free wi fi and gets clubby at night. The Map Room is pretty decent coffee house during the day. New Life Cafe (california and north) in humbolt is cozy and has free wi-fi. My House (kedzie on Fullerton) in Logan is cozy and worth the drive. Free wifi. I like Sip (grand and racineish - great outside) and Swim (Chicago and Ashlandish, home of Scrabble Sundays!). both free wifi.  I adore Cafe Avanti on (Southport just north of Waveland) Free Wi Fi. Katrina's is nice during the day. The Book Cellar too, but seating is limited. Fixx (Sheffield and wellington) is very Filter like.  My bus goes by this place on Irving east of Sheridan that looks inviting.  Unique So Chic (montrose and clark) horrible name, okay place. Dollop (Clarendon and Buena) is okay. Lots and lots of tables. But expensive and bad coffee.

 

 

EVANSTON

Having grown up in Evanston, I am always flabbergasted when city-friends tell me they crossed the border for some type of entertainment.  I mean, as far as suburbs go, Evanston is a great destination, especially now that thereÕs more to do than hang out in the Burger King, which used to be the only establishment open late-night, but itÕs hard for me to fathom driving FROM Chicago TO Evanston for fun (unless of course your mother is offering to pick up the check for the fun).  But, it seems that some of you enjoy leaving the bright lights of urbanity behind and escaping to the Ņcountry,Ó so thought IÕd share some destinations for you to try on your next road trip up North

 

Cross Rhodes

Their menu, both food and prices, hasnÕt changed in the twenty-something years IÕve been going here, and that's a GREAT thing!  Delicious Greek food at deliciously low prices.  The Greek-style chicken and lemon-y fries are succulent.  Dˇcor is ugly, like Howard JohnsonÕs motel ugly.  Jeans and t-shirt attire.  Cash only.

http://crossrhodes.biz/

 

Kafein

Starbucks-alternative that has all the criteria necessary of a great coffee-house (couches, mismatched furniture, free WI-FI, indie music, games, friendly staff, wall decor from local artists).

http://www.yelp.com/biz/kafein-evanston

 

Tom Thumb

Tom Thumb Hobby and Crafts is the largest and most diversified craft store in northern Illinois.

http://www.tomthumbcrafts.com/

 

Vogue Fabrics

Heaven for those who like all things Martha Stewart.

http://www.myvoguefabrics.com/

 

A La Carte

(technically, this is Wilmette)

If youÕre heading up to Ravinia or find yourself desiring picnic-grub to take to the lakefront (Evanston has many beaches; IÕd recommend NorthwesternÕs water-side grassy knolls), this is an amazing gourmet food store.  You will have to mortgage your house to purchase said grub, but itÕs worth it.

http://www.alacarteinc.com/

 

Blind Faith Cafˇ

Vegetarian before vegetarian became trendy, I walked by this no-meat restaurant for years on my way to elementary school.  DonÕt let the ŌcafˇÕ fool you, this is a full-on restaurant.  Laid-back vibe, healthy and filling-food.  Mouth-watering bakery.

http://www.blindfaithcafe.com/

 

The Mexican Shop

Unique, interesting, and affordable to ritzy clothes, accessories, jewelry, and more.  Epitome of an independent business.  Make sure you call before you go, as theyÕll close for a month at a time to go scouring the planet for stuff to sell.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/mexican-shop-evanston

 

 

FOOD

I was the lucky recipient of a subscription to First SliceÕs shareholder program, where I get three yummy meals made for me a week, over the course of six weeks.  I highly recommend the program either as a gift for someone else or even for yourself.

 

Not only will you receive convenient, home-cooked, restaurant-quality meals weekly, but your subscription will also directly contribute to funding the same high-quality meals for people in need through First SliceÕs unique self-funding structure.  Meals are nourishing, balanced, and prepared from local organic ingredients, and come with simple instructions, i.e. ŅPlace in oven for 30 minutes.Ó Family and Individual subscriptions are available.  Family is $68.00 plus tax per week and Individual is $35.00 plus tax per week.  The menu is a list of six to seven side items (all Veggie) that everybody receives, plus a list of six entrees from which you choose three for the week.  Your food is packed in a First Slice cooler, which makes for easy and safe transport.

 

Sample menu:

Entrˇes (choose 3)

Beef Brisket Braised with Lentils

Salmon Veracruzano

Black Bean, Poblano, and Grilled Mushroom Quiche

Pollo Borracho

Turkey Scaloppini with Lemon Sauce

Vegetable Tagine with Couscous

 

Sides (everybody receives)

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Saloon Style Yukon Potatoes

Harvest Salad

Fresh Pasta with Garlic Oil

Winter Spinach and Roasted Peppers

Green Beans with Cherry Chutney

Tabasco Cream Pie

 

You pick up food once a week, during the following times

Friday 9-6

Saturday 10-5

Sunday 11-3

 

First Slice, also a cafˇ, is located in the Lill Street Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood.  Famous pie!

 

http://www.firstslice.org/

 

 

FURNITURE

1730 Outlet

Stumbled upon this gem of an outlet store for household goods - voted one of ChicagoÕs best secrets.  Great for host gifts, holiday decorations, and inexpensive home dˇcor items (same brand as Crate n Barrel at a fraction of the price).  Easy parking, weird hours, odd location, friendly space.

1730 W Wrightwood (near the Costco on Clybourn)

http://stores.homestead.com/1730Outlet/StoreFront.bok

 

RoyÕs Furniture

2455 N. Sheffield Avenue

Large warehouse store filled with furniture.  Prices are inbetween IKEA and Crate Ōn Barrel.

http://www.roysfurniturecompany.com/

 

Affordable Portables

Horrible maze of a store but good prices on good quality stuff.

Evanston and Lincoln Park locations.

http://www.affordableportables.net

 

 

HAIRSTYLIST

I referred Joan a few months ago and a few Smatterings readers have since gone in and liked their ensuing cuts.  Just learned that if you go in and say you were referred by me/the newsletter, you get $10 off your first visit and I get $10 my next visit - yea for savings!

 

Katie also does a good job with tweezing/plucking services.

 

Exsalonce

2150 W. Roscoe in Roscoe Village

773.327.4848

http://www.exsaloncechicago.com/home.htm

 

 

HOUSEKEEPING

Amirah -

I use a cleaning woman every few weeks who is great. She either works alone or with one of her teenage daughters. She speaks Spanish and very little english. I don't speak any spanish and we've gotten by just fine. She only charges $10 an hour which is a steal. She will also do laundry if you need it. Her name is Rosalba Vasquez and her number is 773-679-6223. Let her know I sent you.

 

 

LIFE COACH

Whether youÕre having problems with money, relationship, your body or health, your job or career, becoming more successful, becoming happier, making sense of the world, or just figuring out what you want and how to get it, Louis can and will deliver.

 

Louis works with individual clients uses a 'coactive' coaching model -- designed together for optimal learning and success. His top "being" VIA Strengths include Leadership, Love, Social Intelligence, Gratitude & Kindness. His Gallup Strengths Finder "doing" strengths include connectedness, includer, adaptability, input, and belief. Coupled with your strengths, a coactive model is created and sustained over the period of our work together.

 

Based in New York city, but is delighted to work with clients from around the world - LouisAlloro@mac.com or via phone at 201-344-6989.

 

www.CoachLouis.com

 

 

LOCKSMITH

 

Maureen -

Amazing Locks is honest and helpful. This local business has been at the corner of Belmont and Halsted for 30 years. They cover a wide territory as far north as Howard and as far south as Roosevelt. Dave came to our door within an hour and solved our problems within an hour as well. Look for their red cars!

 

 

MASSEUSE

Shelley -

His name is Ivan Petrov and he can be contacted by telephone: 773.934.8253 or by email:

ip@byivan[petroc.com. His website supplies information about the services he offers:

www.byivanpetrov.com.  I have known Ivan for about three years  (I met him through a dear friend who has been his client for many years) and find his massages absolutely divine! He charges $100.00 for a one-hour European healing massage, and has other services available as well. I recommend him very highly-- he is a kind, sensitive young man and is very professional.

 

Laura H. -

I LOVE Debra Christensen in Evanston - she is absolutely outstanding for sports and other massage - extremely knowledgeable and as an athlete, so effective. Also, when I just need to relax, she does that better than anyone else I have encountered too. I am attaching her rates - for 2009. She also does home visits I think and I know a ton of triathletes that use her.

 

Debra Ann Christensen

LMT,MS,NCTMB,AMTA

Inner Advantage Massage

1718 Sherman Ave. #212

Evanston, IL 60201

773-965-0345

debra@runningonmt.us

 

Erin W. -

I have had fantastic experiences with all of the massage therapists at Wrigleyville Chiropractic & Massage.  Because I have scoliosis I get chiropractic adjustments and Dr. Rosenkrantz "prescribes" the massages as part of my treatment, so they're covered by my health insurance - but if you're doing it a la carte I think it's something like $50 for 1/2 hour and $90 for an hour.  As far as specific massage therapists, Drew is fantastic, but everyone I've had a massage with has been excellent. 

 

 

MECHANICS

Arshiya -

O&J Auto Works. Someone once described the owner, Omar, as the Madonna of auto repair. You'll often find him on his cell, with the pager going off and his landline in the other hand. Anyway, he's great. Very honest (sent me away many a times saying nothing is wrong with my car) and reasonable. The only catch is he's only open M-F. His number is 773-465-0163.

6417 North Ravenswood Avenue

 

Karen I. -

I absoulutely LOVE my mechanic at Lincoln Square Auto Service at 2201 W. Lawrence, Caremelo Rios.  He's the owner, and the number is (773) 561-6358. Not only is he super competent, but he's very trustworthy and honest.  Hard qualities to find in that industry.

773.561.9300 or email us at fixit@lincolnsquareservice.com anytime.

 

Beth-

Jerry's on Sheffield just North of Belmont is awesome!

 

Julie K. -

Andy Maggio of Maggio Auto is the BEST!

4534 N. Damen

Check out his reviews on yelp:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/maggio-auto-chicago

 

This one was recommended by more then five people, none of whom are in the same circles¾

Ashland Tire and Auto

3737 N Ashland Ave

Chicago, IL 60613-3601

Phone: (773) 549-0084

 

Carol W. -

Auto Doctor  (Kent and Charlie)

http://www.theautodoctor.com

847-491-9600

2116 Ashland, Evanston

 

 

MICHIGAN

Charlevoix , MI

Beautiful cape-cod style condo

Sleeps 4

10 minute walk to town

Across the street from beach

Owner willing to negotiate rates

Email Saya for contact info.

 

Jeff -

$99 Mid-week Special

 Sunday through Wednesday, Valid May through August

Enjoy a one night stay, $20 in Noggin Bucks (redeemable in the Noggin Room) and breakfast for two.

$99 per couple ( plus tax and gratuities).

http://www.staffords.com/perry-hotel-4/

 

Rhonda -

http://www.sweethavenresort.com/

 

Stayed in The Dove with three girlfriends and a pooch for my 40th birthday. The people are really nice, and it's very relaxing. It had its own kitchen, an outdoor grill, and a porch. It's not right by the beach, but they do have bikes and it's within riding distance.

 

Nancy -

i stayed here with 7 other friends in november and it was a perfect weekend retreat.  they have a few properties to rent.  we are excited to go back in the summer, when we can take advantage of the dunes and lake just behind their property.  there's no TV, but we loved that and it forced us to play games and just enjoy each other's company.  the rates were very reasonable and accommodations clean.

 

Flip Flop Rentals Info <info@flipfloprentals.com>

Just to remind you of our location – both of our cottages are about 4 miles south of the downtown area of South Haven, just on the north side of Van Buren State Park. Nestled behind the majestic sand dunes, they both sleep 8-10 people. It is a fantastic wooded community and the cottages are about a 3 minute walk from each other. You can go to our website: flipfloprentals.com to see photos of them and get more information. You can also go to Homeaway.com to see our listings - #176957 and #180307 or to vrbo.com, listing #161098 and #168621.

 

Tim -

RE: Michigan, here's a house my friends own and rent out for vacation rental.  It's about 3 miles north of South Haven, MI and about a 2 minute walk from the beach.  I took the kids there for Labor Day vacation with about 6 other families last year and had a great time.  The main house has bdrms and the addition has another 4 bdrms.  plus indoor pool/hot tub.

http://hideoutsouthhaven.com/

 

 

MOVERS

Starving Artist Movers

They really are starving artists.  I like supporting the little guys rather than some big business.  They werenÕt the best at returning phone calls, the voicemail I got four days before my move telling me they didnÕt have a time reserved for me, and the fact that they were 40 minutes late (though they called to let me know) were all a bit unsettling, but all in all, I would recommend them. DonÕt be scared when a group resembling a grunge band shows up at your door, they were fast (less than 2.5 hours), knowledgeable, and nice.  And canÕt beat their rates! 

http://www.starvingartistsuperstore.com

 

 

NETWORKING

http://www.networkingmonkey.com/

www.ypchicago.org

http://www.projobnet.com/Networking_Groups.html

http://jacobsohn.com/Events/Calendar

http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoBusinessDevelopmentForum/

www.Indeed.com

www.sologig.com

www.twitter.com

www.linkedin.com

www.plaxo.com

www.garysguide.org

www.meetup.com

http://jellychicago.com/

http://www.outofworkchicago.com/

http://greaterchicagonetworking.com/wordpress/

http://www.nojobsurvivor.com/njs/

http://cardsofchange.com/

http://misspinkslip.wordpress.com/

http://www.survivalinsight.com/

http://www.recessionwire.com/

http://laidoffcamp.pbworks.com/

http://pinkslipsarethenewblack.com/

http://stuffunemployedpeoplelike.com/

http://www.wisebread.com/

 

Chicago Tech After Hours

http://www.chitah.org/

 

The E Factor: Building Your Business

http://www.efactor.com/

 

Crossroads Career Network (religiously-affiliated)

http://www.crossroadscareer.org/

 

Young Non-Profit Professionals

http://www.ynpnchicago.org/s/269/index.aspx

 

National Association of Women Business Owners

http://www.nawbo.org/

 

 

 

PIERCING

Yanira -

I got my piercing re-done yesterday & it went great. Went to this place on Belmont called Chicago Tattooing and Piercing Co. (Belmont between Sheffield & Racine). It's super legit: super clean (a major plus), professional, friendly staff. The piercing lady is Ruth and she was more than good. They only charged me $10 for the piercing because I was halfway there & $35 for the jewelry. Regular piercings are $40 + the jewelry you choose.

 

 

PRODUCE

I canÕt believe IÕm writing this because I thought everybody knew about StanleyÕs but various recent encounters say nay, many of you are still in the dark and still buying produce at Jewel.  StanleyÕs is the place to go for fresh and cheap veggies Ōn fruit.  For a very-detailed review, read ChicagoistÕs take: http://chicagoist.com/2005/05/24/stanleys_fruit_vegetables.php

StanleyÕs Fruits & Vegetables

1558 N. Elston Ave. (corner of North and Elston, just west of the Old Navy on North Avenue)

Just look for the sign of a guy flying a watermelonÉ.

 

HarvesTime shows that the independent neighborhood market is still alive, vibrant, and defiant, though quietly so, in the face of corporate supermarket chains. So if supporting local business, finding the freshest produce and meats, and getting a good deal for it all are important to you, start shopping at HarvesTime.  HarvesTime Market is located at 2632 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago IL 60625. Their phone number is (773) 989-4400, and you can find them online at http://www.harvestimefoods.com/ which has electronic copies of their weekly flyer and specials.

For an in-depth article: http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2009/06/19/harvestime_could_be_one_of/

 

Julie -

Morse Fruit and Meat Market.  Their produce is fresh, they usually have a decent selection of organics and the prices are great. 1430 W. Morse, 1 block west of the Red Line El stop.

 

 

REALTOR

Sara McCarthy

Coldwell Banker

1959 North Halsted

Sara.McCarthy@cbexchange.com

 (312) 867-8138

 

 

WINE

BottlenotesGood people. Great wine.

 

The premier online wine community, where wine-loving consumers come to explore, learn, share notes, and get their daily dose of wine knowledge.  Bottlenotes has just launched The Daily SipŖ, a daily dose of wine knowledge - our version of Daily Candy for wine.  Each day features either a winemaker, region, winery, celebrity wine lover, a wine tip or gadget.

 

For more info:

http://www.bottlenotes.com/

 

 

 

YOGA

IÕve been taking classes with Niccola 2-3 times a week for about a year and have noticed a big difference in strength, definition and flexibility.  Had never taken yoga before – great for beginners. 

 

Niccola Iovino is a certified yoga teacher from Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago. She teaches at several studios, gyms and wellness centers and is available for private lessons as well. Recently returning from India, she is eager to spread the word on the long-term benefits of yoga.  Learn the basics and fundamentals of yoga, while challenging yourself too! Private yoga classes are great if you have never done yoga before, if you are returning to yoga after a break, or if you are a regular student interested in strengthening the foundation of your practice. Students will better understand the basics and fundamentals of yoga asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), and meditation. Asana alignment, tools, and techniques will be introduced in a non-competitive, fun atmosphere and private and well as group lessons are available.

 

Lessons are $50 for one hour and packages are available for purchase too.

 

To find out more information: nfiovino@hotmail.com