When the "Bichu" is the Dealbreaker

Sorry Congress Pizzeria, the lovely and delicious pizzeria and cocktail lounge on North Milwaulkee Ave in Chicago, but there are certain lines we just can't cross.


Last night was a friend's going away party.  They are spending five months volunteering in South Asia - kudos to them - and had a lovely, low-key, pizza, soda and beer soirée last night as one last "hoorah" with their friends.  And it was wonderful, it really was.  The people were all great, we stayed for nearly three hours, the pizza was incredible and I was set to leave with wonderful reviews and a glowing smile.


That was, at least, until someone called my name to turn around and look at something they'd found on the ground.  A Cockroach.  Also known as a Bichu in Spanish, and I just happen to like the way that rolls off the tongue better (by the way, bichu is actually just general for an annoying pest or bug, not a cockroach specifically).  Dear Congress Pizzeria, I no longer love you.  In fact, I was almost sick at the thought of having eaten in a place that shares rent with such horrid little bichus.  


I would like to say it's been great, but this relationship is officially over.


To our friends, however, have a wonderful time abroad!  

Network Marketing Gaining Attention

To all you nay-sayers, disbelievers, or pointers of fingers at what you still call the "Pyramid Scheme", it's time to wake up.  Network Marketing is becoming an ever increasing, popular, and admirable option as a business model and money-making tool.  


Don't believe me?  Read the Wall Street Journal?  Recently, the Wall Street Journal posted this article, calling Network Marketing the "ULTIMATE Social Business Model".  Rather impressive.  It also listed the 7 most successful, publicly traded companies currently running under this model, and I do believe many of them also have an extensive global market or world-wide reach, part of which I'm sure adds to their placement in the top 7.  


Still don't believe me?  Do you know who Warren Buffet is?  The long and the short of it is that he's basically the most ingenious investor in the market right now and people look to him for investment, financial, and business advice since he is a true expert in the area.  He's also the owner of Berkshire Hatahway, a parent, financial company to a number of smaller companies including GEICO, Borsheim, and Berkshire Hathaway Life Insurance Company of Nebraska.  He is also the proud owner of a Network Marketing company.  Yes, that's right, Pampered Chef, that wonderful cooking company selling the latest and greatest in cookware.  Clearly he sees value in what the company not only has to offer but in the way it offers it to their clients and what they offer as a career options to their employees.


If you are part of a network marketing company reading this, then you are already well aware of what it has done for you or what it could do, and also where it proposes challenges.  Do not ever let anyone tell you that it's easy, because it's not, and if someone suggests otherwise, be weary.  When you are involved in network marketing you must remember one thing: you own your own business.  I'll say it again:  you own your own business.  There is no one to report to, no one to make sure you're staying focused and on track, and therefore no one else to split the profits with, more or less.  But that also means you have to be willing to actually put in the legwork.  You have to go out and build your clientele.  You have to be willing to work when others won't and you have to be an encouraging leader for those you bring into your business and help them prosper just like you would hope new storefronts would prosper.  That is the difference and that is ultimately what sets a lot of people apart in this business.  There is a certain form of discipline and attitude required to succeed and some people have it and others don't.  And that's just fine.  Just like some people will be lawyers and doctors and others will be welders and craftsmen.  Some people will be entrepreneurs and network marketers.  Just saying, though, it's no longer an industry to look down upon.  It is making its mark in today's society.

Truth Behind the Ale

Yes, that's right.  Here is the "skinny" on Ginger Ale.  


I recently found myself under the weather:  aka massively achy body, fever, and total loss of appetite.  The best thing to do in those scenarios is run yourself a diet of ginger ale (to help the upset stomach), tea and soup (hot liquids do wonders for achy bodies), and a little sweet and salty food + protein (to keep your blood sugars in place).  


Ergo, I grabbed for my favorite Ginger Ale of all times: Canada Dry. This stuff is amazing and has happily gotten me through lots of other colds in the past.  I love the flavor and feel it's less "syrup"-y and fake tasting than a number of other GAs.  (That's Ginger Ale for short).  Plus, being a bit of a health nut, you can imagine my ecstatic pride when the commercials for Canada Dry boasted the use of "Real Ginger" in the recipe.  I did a little happy dance, patted myself on the back for a product-picking job well done, and grabbed a few more bottles yesterday with added confidence.


Then I looked at the back of said bottles.  I wanted to know just where on the ingredient list "Ginger" fell, because maybe it was second!  How cool would that have been?  Yeah, okay, ready?  Here is the ingredient list:


carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, sodium benzoate (preservative), natural flavors, caramel color.  


?????????  Did I miss something?  I actually re-read the label about four times to ensure I hadn't, in fact, missed anything.  Where was the ginger?  


Then, on a tiny label in the corner it said, "a part of the natural flavors includes Real Ginger".  Ah.  I see.  That is supposed to make me feel better.  I am supposed to be assuaged by the fact that a small portion of the 10% or less of the natural flavors in this is ginger.  Clearly it's not a large enough part or it would be on the ingredient list itself.  I see. Wonderful.  Yes, yes, good job GA.  


*Sigh*.  Unfortunately, my sense of pride in my favorite GA is deflated.  I still love it and will drink it loyally when I'm sick, but it's disheartening that companies can get away with advertising like that when, clearly, it's a misleading ploy.  Sadly, Canada Dry is still my favorite, but I guess I'll have to relinquish my health nut here and just say it's simply because of taste.  

Cleo's: Bar & Food

Recently, I met some friends at Cleo's, a petite bar and food joint with a rocker / alley bar feel.  The outdoor café, however, is gorgeous.  Plus, they have daily specials, which, on Saturdays, includes $1 mini burgers and mini pork sliders, $2.50 retro cans, and $4 bloody marys and mimosas.  Yum!

The service is also wonderful and friendly.  We didn't feel pressured to buy tons of food or drinks, although we did, nor did we feel we were on a time clock.  The indoor flat screen TVs are great, but the feel of the overall bar varies.  Inside it's a little grungy-er and the outside is more beer garden-y.  It's worth checking out, and definitely worth taking a few hours to experience it if you go for the specials.

Natural "Cures"

Fun fact of today:  

Did you know Cashews can actually help reverse depression?

Cool!  Pass the nuts please!

Boutique Beans

Stopped by a new coffee shop in Wicker Park today, on behest of a friend who raved about it so much we just had to check it out for ourselves.  The name:  Buzz: Killer Espresso.  The verdict: Delicious.


Buzz is located on Damen just north of North Ave in Chicago's Wicker Park.  Careful though, as it is nestled into the trees and you can easily pass it if you're not looking for it on the west side of the street.  They place has a cute little outdoor seating area, three bar seats inside and a cute back room.  The decor is simple, elegant, and clean, which means it's a very inviting place and one where you realize that there are no frills needed to enhance the coffee you're about to enjoy.  The coffee speaks for itself.


And it does.  Forget Starbucks, this is boutique coffee, coffee that is meant to be enjoyed, experienced, and unique.  It is not cookie cutter coffee needing to be perfected from one store to the next across the entirety of the nation.  This is local coffee brewed specifically for the day and your personal enjoyment.  And the quality is amazing.  Plus, even better, the prices include tax, so everything is rounded to the $1.00 or $.50 mark which makes it easy for carrying change.


But be forewarned, they do only take cash.  Be sure you have some handy.  Two 12 oz lattes (one with soy) cost $7.50.  Worth every penny??  Absolutely!  They were refreshing and exquisite.  


5 Stars.  Hands down.  And extra bonus points for their cute bee-themed coffee cup logo!

Other Blog Enjoyment

Recently had a blog recommended to me via a friend.  It's called "To My Husband" and it's little blurbs about minor notes from a woman to a man she does not know yet.  It's nothing serious, not like the list of pre-recs she requires of her future man....per sé...but it is a funny adage of general woman to men mentalities and responses.  LOVE IT!  Check it out.  It'll put a smile and maybe even a laugh into your day.

Jobs Are Changing

Remember when you were little and your parents used to tell you, "Get good grades and study hard!  If you get into a good college you'll get a good job"?  Remember that?


Me too.  Except, you know what they told us?  Lies.  Yup, your parents lied to you, but not on purpose.  They thought they were telling you the truth because taht's what they knew.  That's what they grew up on.  


Today, however, we are facing a much different beast.  Say hello to the "No more 40 Hour Work Week" monster.  According to the article, 40-hour (or the 9-5) work week headed towards a fate similar to dinosaur:  extinction.  People are finding it harder and harder to find a "normal" job, and it's extremely common.  


The new jobs:  
1)  You either work a standard of 8-6 or longer
2) You work less than 40 hours for multiple jobs with very off-hours.


The difference?  Profiles and degrees.  High profile jobs or people often working jobs that require advanced or multiple degrees are seeing an increase in their work week whilst those with lower demand jobs with lesser degree requirements are seeing their schedules become more wonky (I like that word).  


The problem?  Often turning down a job that means either losing the position completely to someone willing to take the new hours or meet the new demands or seeing a severe cut in pay as a result.  It's a "dog eat dog" world out there folks.  Time to add a new classes to the college and high school curriculums:  "How to survive in today's world" and "Your boss really doesn't care about your self-esteem or recreational time requirements".


Or, the other option, is to join one of the many network marketing companies out there.  Network marketing is basically "word of mouth" marketing, a way of growing your business based on referrals and word of mouth.  It's a no-base-pay environment, and you have to work for what you earn, but when you own your own company you often are willing to give a little more because you get a lot more in return.  


Either way, things are changing.  The question is, what's next?

Local Produce Goodness

I awoke this morning to a strong urge to visit a farmer's market.  There's something magical about a sunny, warm (not hot!) summer day that puts an air of freshness in your step.  And my feet wanted to find food, but not any food, fresh food.


Luckily, Chicago has an amazing website listing all the farmers markets by days of the week. Sunday, from 8am-2pm, one is located in Wicker Park off Damen.  It's a cute little farmer's market, hosting everything from cheese and meats to fresh veggies and fruit, and even a sprinkling of bakery venders and a stand for making crepes!  Unfortunately, I awoke late enough in the morning, (is 11:45 still considered morning? or are we breaching the afternoon mark?) but headed over instantly.  Luckily I wasn't too late that all the good carrot bunches were taken, as I wanted to make the carrot soufflé again.  It was so good and I had extra ingredients left over I decided it was worth my while to revisit such a wonderful dish (the recipe to follow shortly).


However, a note to all farmers market patrons.  It's always best to visit these places as early in the day as possible.  With an earlier visit, you are privy to the best picks of the day.  By noon, all the blueberries were gone and the selection of the season's last strawberries were almost disappeared as well.  The carrot pickings were still okay, but there was a lot to be missed by attending so late.  


Also, farmer's market does not always equal organic.  It does equate itself with complete freshness, but don't be swindled into thinking that all farmers market goers are all all organic.  Unless the market specifies that its venders to adhere to that standard, or the venders themselves specifically make a point to say they are organic, you are not necessarily paying for organic food.  You are paying for freshness and in support of the belief that family run and small owned farms deserve as much of our patronage (if not more) as corporate or large-owned farms.  


Still, I love farmers markets.  They make you feel alive and in touch with the natural goodness around you.  There's also something about paying a little more for peak freshness and great quality that makes you truly appreciate the food you are eating.  So thank you, dear farmers, for your continued service and love of food.  I will look forward to buying more from you next week.

To Have or Not To Have ... Babies That Is

I've always been a bit of a rebel, a "black sheep" if you will, going against a lot of the "norms" I've felt pushed upon me growing up.  And there were a lot of "norms", people always telling you what they thought you should be doing.  It ranged everywhere from, "don't you want to be a lawyer like your mother?", "you're not supposed to take the architecture class because colleges prefer seeing 4 years of science instead of 3 years and 1 architecture class", "why would you want to move away from family?", and then my favorite as of late, "so when are you two going to settle down?"


Settle down...I love that one.  It's a bit of a backhanded compliment, really, apparently we are a good enough couple that we look like we belong together, we're "at that age" where we're supposed to want to be married and looking at a family down the line, and well, that's just want people do, right?  But at the same time, it's also a slight scolding for not being where people think you should be.


But maybe that's not the case any more, or at least, the "not any more" trend is growing.  Whether you like the concept or not, people are starting to reject the idea of settling down...at least when it comes to the "having kids" part.  I read the Yahoo!news article on the No Baby Boom, and was intrigued.  Having also taken part in the movie DINKs, a story about a couple who chose not to have children but live in a child-based suburb, the story pulled on a couple different strings of mine.  Apparently, there is a growing global trend of people making the conscious decision to forgo having children.  Ever.  They are childless couples, and according to the surveys done, it is not just a US trend.  More and more people, especially because of the influx of people moving to cities, are choosing to not have children.  Some of their arguments include the desire to have more income, more freedom, more choice, and more enjoyment of one another.  And you don't have to take my word for it, the article does an excellent job of highlighting the various survey findings.  And it's not always just about the money.  


It's refreshing to know I'm not the "black sheep" anymore, at least to the extent it seemed originally.  It's wonderful what people are starting to accept these days as a form of normalcy without looking down on it as much.  And, hey, I'm absolutely okay with making a really great aunt.  

Around Town

Yesterday I took part in the Hinsdale Farmer's Market, which takes place every Monday during the summer from 7am-1pm just north of the Hinsdale train tracks.  I held an Arbonne table and split the tent with a friend of mine, Rachel Cantore, who owns her own business.  


It was a lot of fun!  Despite the early morning rain and cold weather, the day turned out to be sunny and mid 70s, which encouraged passers-by to stop and meander through the varying venders.  And the two of us had a really great response!  


For those of you who don't know Arbonne, it's a 31-year old skincare and wellness company that focuses on taking care of the entire person from baby to baby-boomer.  They're only sold via consultants like me (sdcaprini@yahoo.com), and they're the best alternative to what you're already using.  They have no mineral oil, no gluten, are certified vegan, no parabens or artificial chemicals or flavors, and the company not only lets you Shop and Save, but also Shop Save and Earn.  If you have more questions, let me know!

My friend, Rachel Cantore, is the owner of Rachel's Fusion, a personal company of hers which promotes healthy living through the combination of food and fitness.  She's a personal trainer, health coach, cooking teacher, and runs everything from her home in Burr Ridge, although she regularly also visits clients at their homes or gyms of choice as well.  Currently, she's focused on teaching cooking classes to men or kids and teens, showing them great alternatives to their current favs, Mac & Cheese or Burgers anyone?  And she also shows you how to do it on your own...and men, maybe even impress the ladies??


So, next time you need a caterer, want to learn how to cook with a healthy twist, or just want help getting back in shape, call her, then call me, and we'll talk how to keep all of the healthy choices your making stick with your skincare and vitamin choices!  

The Hair Loft - A Hair Experience

Thanks to Facebook, I recently discovered a new salon in Chicago that is innovative and changing the experience between salon stylists and end consumers: Us.  It's called The Hair Loft ltd.  It's a salon based in downtown Chicago on Huron near Ed Debevic's.  But for all of you still wondering, here is what makes it so unique:  Monday night Lab night.


Yes, that's right, "Lab Night".  And no, for all you science drop outs out there, or those who were terrified of mixing chemicals and dissecting frogs, it's nothing like that.  There are no white lab coats nor protective goggles that need wearing.  In fact, it's quite the opposite.  If you like free wine and hors d'oeuvres, a night with your friends, and a free hair lesson on "how to" with your own hair styles, then this is perfect for you!  On Monday nights from 6:30-8:30, the Lab is open to guests who wish to come in and learn just how to do all their favorite styles at home on themselves.  No more, "It always looks so much better in the salon," complaints!  And the best part:  FREE!  


Otherwise, they're right in price line with any other nice, higher-end salon, but their selection of services is based on "menu" options.  They really have taken the whole ordering experience to another level!  It's fun and flirty - just what they intended - and they even have Spa services too.  Aaaah, okay, time to grab the phone and find some other friends who like free things!  See you at "The Lab" soon!

Keefer's Restaurant

So last night, in celebration of my birthday and our one-year anniversary, we headed out to Keefer's restaurant in downtown Chicago.  They're known for their steaks and had a yummy seafood selection, so we were exceedingly excited about what dinner was going to offer.


And they did not disappoint.


As most high end restaurants go, everything is a la carte, so be sure you know that going in.  Nothing "comes with" anything else, which is where a lot of the bill can come in because suddenly you've added $50 to the bill because you wanted the salad or potatoes and spinach sides for every person.  

We, however, kept it simple:  appetizer, two dishes, and a bottle of wine.  The corking fee there is $20, so for us to buy a nice bottle of wine (in the $20-$30 range) to take with and then have to pay another $20 seemed silly when we had a perfectly good bottle there for $50.  We were able to taste the wine before we got it because it was offered by the glass, and the waitress did a phenomenal job suggesting it.  We wanted something full-bodied, a little spicy, but that would pair well with steak and still not overpower the seafood I knew I would order.  She recommended a Syrah by Beckman, and woah!  It was everything we wanted and now on my list of wines to purchase.  Highly recommended.


Dinner was simple: grilled calamari appetizer, halibut, and rib-eye.  And everything was delicious.  The grilled calamari, I will warn, has a twinge of asian flavoring to it, and I actually found myself, upon smelling it, wanting to grab for chopsticks.  It's excellent, but if you don't like asian flared food, this probably isn't for you.  The halibut was good and had a firm texture, but I still think the steak beat out all of the other food, hands down.  It was beautifully marbled, melted in your mouth, and the blackened seasoning gave it just enough of a kick to enhance the flavors.  It's also big, so it should fill you up.  If you're super hungry and don't order an appetizer, then you probably will want a side, but we actually ate all three dishes completely, still had room to split a small dessert and not feel stuffed.  And our dessert was free - a small chocolate lava "happy birthday" cake which was amazing, and I don't usually like dessert with hot, gooey chocolate in it.  In fact, I usually really don't like it, but the cake just melted into a velvety rich heaven once you bit into it.  Also on the list of things to recommend.


So, if you're looking for a nice restaurant to try or you've been here already but didn't get the rib-eye delmonico, then I say you need to put it on you "must visit" list and do so pronto.  5 out of 5 for the steak, 5 out of 5 for the calamari, 4.5 out of 5 for the halibut, and 5 out of 5 for the service and overall atmosphere.  Thank you for making the night so deliciously wonderful.

Personal Plugs

Hello readers!


Happy Friday and almost my birthday!! YAY!


In celebration of having a WONDERFUL June so far, I thought it time to update you on some fun news.


I have recently had two articles published in the International Business Times online magazine: One about Athens, Greece and the Riots  and One about Finding Family in Italy

Also, there has been a new review on my book, Living with B, on the Amazon.com website!  Click here to see it! Thank you Kelly!!

Okay, plugging over.  Hope you enjoy the articles!  I'm excited to share more with you in the future!

When Greek Unrest Moves Forward

Only three days ago I was in Athens, Greece, lamenting about how I had to leave a city with which I had fallen in love in such a short time.  In the brief seven day trip, I had come to love so much about the city: the people, the food, the history, the atmosphere and weather, the personality, and even the language, despite its clear challenges.  The one things, however, that confused me was the constant presence of upset and striking.


Now, granted, I did not see any full-blown brawls, but my friend and I witnessed a peaceful demonstration and a Syntagma Square full of camped-out Grecians in tents in protest of the government.  As a naïve visiter, I admired it all from a distance but with little understanding of what the conflict involved and why so many Greeks were so passionate about their beliefs and in their frustrations.  It took a local to explain to me some of the root causes of their displeasure, and while he was only able to explain a few of the concerns during our short encounter, I did understand that what he was explaining to me was only a brief skimming of the actual problem.  


I left understanding that Greeks were unhappy about the debt and even the misrepresentation of what they owed in comparison to other countries.  Some felt the media had expounded a debt issue to a "crisis" level that was not warranted.  Some people felt the EU and the Greek government were not properly supportive of one another and that Greece might be better off on its own again, sans the EU.  Still, some felt that the government needed to make reforms within the country to help pull the country out of its problem in a way that did not cut the legs out from under the middle class / working class people.  And then there was the issue of general unemployment rates.  In short, you can see why the brief conversation I had could not do justice to such an ingrained and involved predicament.


Ergo, I was able to continue enjoying my seven day vacation like any other tourist to any other city: parading around, strolling up and down the streets, drinking my strong Greek coffee at cafés and pretending I could speak Greek because I knew "Yiasas" and "Efaristo".  Unfortunately, I returned home to find this article posted to the LA Times only a few days after my arrival back to a comforting home, shedding a quick spotlight onto the upheaval that had hit the city I had just left and loved so much.  I missed the tear gas and the hours of conflict, the arresting of 12 protestors and the fleeing of tourists to side streets with the main government square turned into a brawl.  I missed the police lining the streets and the shouting in Greek that filled the city.  But more than that, I missed the true understanding that would have enabled me to empathize or truly comprehend the heart of the Greek youth, a heart that beat so strongly that it led the people to demonstrate and revolt for the inequalities they felt they faced.  It's not that I missed the protest, per se, but rather that I missed the cultural awareness that it takes to be "present" in a city that I now understand I was merely "passing through". 


How many times in history have we seen such actions: Tiananmen Square, the entire Civil Rights movement in the States, or the peaceful protests that just took place in Spain?  It is people doing what people feel they must do to make their voices heard.  In a matter of three days, the environment in Athens had changed drastically from a tourist-friendly city to one focused back on itself.  And maybe it's not wrong.  Maybe it's what Greece needs, or what the world needs to open its eyes to the problems people are really facing, the true reality, not the one we want to see "in passing".  We need to be present in our world, not tourists with a visiting mindset.  This is our world, our politics, our lives that are affected every day buy the decisions we make and the ones we allow others to make for us.  It's just unfortunate that it takes something like a riot in Athens to make the news to make us readers, visitors, and onlookers face something we maybe should have taken note of before.


Yes, I love the Parthenon, and the Temple of Zeus, Santorini island and the wine tasting in Crete, but in order to love those things, I must not only understand the culture that created them but also the one that supports them now.