Good food. Good friends. Good weekend.
And how did it start? @ LALO'S!!!
If you live in Chicago, and especially near UIC, you must visit Lalo's - a cute, authentic Mexican restaurant off Maxwell and Halstead on the southeast corner. It's vibrant colors and open atmosphere make it a fun, loud, and animated place to visit. And, in case that wasn't enough, they have wonderful food and delicious margaritas! Their guacamole is wonderful, but it's a big plate (definitely sharable) and equivalently priced. I had their vegetarian fajitas (you have to ask for them that way) and that was also sharable after chowing down on the complimentary chips and salsa.
And a margarita's a must! Big or small glass - up to you - but I recommend the classic on the rocks. yum yum!
And be sure to stay for the mariachi or check the websites for events like salsa dancing!
....who ever thought a restaurant could be so much fun?!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
The Facebook Student
Today, a conversation started up between a few teachers and myself, although I did more listening then actually talking. The topic was, on the surface, seemingly a venting episode of just things that students do that bother teachers, but as it continued, it progressively became more thought provoking.
A teacher was noting that his students have this skewed view of how a teacher's job is to be social and emotional support of the students. It's not. It's a hopeful byproduct, but that's not a teacher's 'job' description any more than a surgeon's job description is to help the psychological recovery of his patient. Might he incidentally? ....I guess. But that's not his job.
A teacher is supposed to (1) teach you the material you need to know, (2) help you learn how to gather information and use it, and (3) ensure that you are learning and held accountable for the material you learned. That's it. They're not there to help you with your mother's boyfriend's sister's divorce. They're not there to listen to all the commentary you feel is necessary to share during the instructional period. And they're not there to be the bad guy. They are there so that you have a place to go to learn the material and to be of use as a reference highly qualified in that specific subject area.
Now, how on earth does that relate to the "Facebook Student". That's what I was thinking when the conversation started, because thus far, I hadn't heard anything that fell under that heading. That was when the teacher talking said, "I had to explain to my students today that 'It is not my job, nor anyone else's job, to care about your opinion. Your boss will not care. Random people you meet will not care. The general population does not care what you think. They just need to you DO.'" In his years of teaching, he was noting that he feels the progression and access of Facebook into the more mainstream and younger generations has caused young people to believe that everyone wants to know what they're thinking, all the time. The instant access to Facebook now, also, via phone, has just enhanced that issue. He feels that his students feel like they can interject into everything (even into conversations clearly not involving them) so much so that he has adopted "Facebook language" into his conversations. These include, "This was a private message. You cannot like it. You cannot comment. It was private between me at _______." "You may not like or share this test with another student."
If you do not work with students (or young people in general), you may not understand the value of what was said. If you do, though, start taking notice of if the Facebook Student has integrated itself into their interactions.
A teacher was noting that his students have this skewed view of how a teacher's job is to be social and emotional support of the students. It's not. It's a hopeful byproduct, but that's not a teacher's 'job' description any more than a surgeon's job description is to help the psychological recovery of his patient. Might he incidentally? ....I guess. But that's not his job.
A teacher is supposed to (1) teach you the material you need to know, (2) help you learn how to gather information and use it, and (3) ensure that you are learning and held accountable for the material you learned. That's it. They're not there to help you with your mother's boyfriend's sister's divorce. They're not there to listen to all the commentary you feel is necessary to share during the instructional period. And they're not there to be the bad guy. They are there so that you have a place to go to learn the material and to be of use as a reference highly qualified in that specific subject area.
Now, how on earth does that relate to the "Facebook Student". That's what I was thinking when the conversation started, because thus far, I hadn't heard anything that fell under that heading. That was when the teacher talking said, "I had to explain to my students today that 'It is not my job, nor anyone else's job, to care about your opinion. Your boss will not care. Random people you meet will not care. The general population does not care what you think. They just need to you DO.'" In his years of teaching, he was noting that he feels the progression and access of Facebook into the more mainstream and younger generations has caused young people to believe that everyone wants to know what they're thinking, all the time. The instant access to Facebook now, also, via phone, has just enhanced that issue. He feels that his students feel like they can interject into everything (even into conversations clearly not involving them) so much so that he has adopted "Facebook language" into his conversations. These include, "This was a private message. You cannot like it. You cannot comment. It was private between me at _______." "You may not like or share this test with another student."
If you do not work with students (or young people in general), you may not understand the value of what was said. If you do, though, start taking notice of if the Facebook Student has integrated itself into their interactions.
Monday, September 17, 2012
When Dreams Come True
Did you ever have that eerie sense of déjà vu, like you'd seen or experienced something before and now you are again in that same moment? It's almost out-of-body - like you're watching something happen and you're trapped inside yourself knowing exactly what is coming next. It's not necessarily like you know the way the whole scene plays out, but you definitely know that moment!
Anyway - I've found it to happen often enough that it makes me wonder which dream is going to show up next! It's like you're going along and "bam!" you freeze, a chill runs up your spine, and you shiver! Weird! It happened once in my first job: I'd dreamt of the space where I'd work, down to the layout of the room and color of the carpet! When I walked into my job for the first time it was like a wave of dizziness hit! I'd been there before! Another time was with another job moment between colleagues around me, and the most recent was at a family party. We were passing the salad and "wham-o!" dizzying déjà vu.
Now, if only we could make it happen for the lottery.... :-)
Anyway - I've found it to happen often enough that it makes me wonder which dream is going to show up next! It's like you're going along and "bam!" you freeze, a chill runs up your spine, and you shiver! Weird! It happened once in my first job: I'd dreamt of the space where I'd work, down to the layout of the room and color of the carpet! When I walked into my job for the first time it was like a wave of dizziness hit! I'd been there before! Another time was with another job moment between colleagues around me, and the most recent was at a family party. We were passing the salad and "wham-o!" dizzying déjà vu.
Now, if only we could make it happen for the lottery.... :-)
Saturday, September 15, 2012
When the Mood Strikes
Do you ever find yourself having a brilliant idea one moment, and forgetting it later when you really meant to use it? I feel like that's been my whole week: I'd be driving somewhere and think, "Oh! That's a great topic!" and come home having (a) completely forgotten I even wanted to write and (b) when I came to remembering, forgetting that "brilliant" idea I had possessed x-amount-of-time-ago. Grr!!
And this applies to everything! Grocery store shopping, night time thoughts about your to-do list the next morning, conversation triggers that you then forget the moment you say "good-bye," or even just emails and texts to which you intended on responding to after ____ was over, and then Boom! Whoops! Forgot!!
*Sigh* So. Here is to all the "What was that thing I was going to do?"s and the "drawing a blanks" that we all face at some point during our day / week / or just life in general. Maybe next time I'll bring a mini paper and pen with me! Sometimes I forget to check the "notes" section of my phone!
And this applies to everything! Grocery store shopping, night time thoughts about your to-do list the next morning, conversation triggers that you then forget the moment you say "good-bye," or even just emails and texts to which you intended on responding to after ____ was over, and then Boom! Whoops! Forgot!!
*Sigh* So. Here is to all the "What was that thing I was going to do?"s and the "drawing a blanks" that we all face at some point during our day / week / or just life in general. Maybe next time I'll bring a mini paper and pen with me! Sometimes I forget to check the "notes" section of my phone!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Spicy Spicy!
Tonight a few of us ventured over to Wicker Park's Handlebar restaurant on North Avenue. It's vegan friendly and serves fish and cheese for the vegetarian friendly food goers as well! It's a cute, tiny, and unassuming little restaurant with a lot of personality. It's "dive" feeling, and clearly makes the point that the food is the focus (much like The Chicago Diner). And as it should be, because the food is fantastic! But, it must be warned, it is SPICY!
I had the Sambal Tofu entree, and wowza! My tongue was on fire! Whatever spices were in that puppy turned the spicy nob WAY way up! The Po' Boy sandwich was also spicy and the sauce for the fried avocado tacos echoed the same tune. Delicious food, but not for the so-so tongue.
The prices are great, the portions are fantastic, and the food is amazing. Overall, a definite "must". (Especially for Breakfast!)
I had the Sambal Tofu entree, and wowza! My tongue was on fire! Whatever spices were in that puppy turned the spicy nob WAY way up! The Po' Boy sandwich was also spicy and the sauce for the fried avocado tacos echoed the same tune. Delicious food, but not for the so-so tongue.
The prices are great, the portions are fantastic, and the food is amazing. Overall, a definite "must". (Especially for Breakfast!)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Yes, Father
Before we get started, it must be said: I love a good laugh. I'm not a fan of malice or the overly crude, but honest, good, prodding humor is great. And, seriously, who doesn't love a good laugh? It burns calories, it makes you feel good, and it's usually the source of later stories down the road in life.
So, it wouldn't be surprise to note, then, that I appreciate humor, no matter when it was popular. My parents used to watch the Three Stooges with my brother and me when we were little, and I particularly remember being 12 and watching Bill Cosby's Bill Cosby, Himself with my mom. I was sick and she was trying to make me feel better. Instead, I laughed so hard during the dentist skit that I seriously thought I was going to suffocate myself. I laughed so hard I could not breathe. No joke. Couldn't breathe. It, to me and especially my 12-year-old self, was the funniest thing I'd seen.
We also, now and again, would watch clips (never the full video) of Father Guido Sarducci. He was a 1970's character created by a comedian. Very stereotypical Italian. Very funny. We always watched The Five Minute University because my dad a special sweet spot for it (especially the Spanish part because he was so bad at language!) Nonetheless, Father Sarducci grew to find a sweet-spot in my heart. Call it sentimental if you will, but I call it good humor.
A few days ago, a friend of mine facebook posted Vitum Est Lavorum. I hadn't seen that one before, but I wish I had. I lost my mom 5 years ago to cancer, and I would have appreciated the light, comical air something like this would have brought to my otherwise turbulent life. Even if you're not dealing with a loss, it's still extremely enjoyable, but I think it's something that, post-dealing-with-loss, is even more comical because you completely understand the implications of what he's saying. It holds a little more water when you can reflect the immediacy of your situation, or reflect on a loss of any kind. Either way, he certainly made me laugh.
So, when you need a laugh you turn to lots of people. Sometimes you turn to a friend. Sometimes you turn to music or a tv show. Sometimes, though, you turn to Father S.
So, it wouldn't be surprise to note, then, that I appreciate humor, no matter when it was popular. My parents used to watch the Three Stooges with my brother and me when we were little, and I particularly remember being 12 and watching Bill Cosby's Bill Cosby, Himself with my mom. I was sick and she was trying to make me feel better. Instead, I laughed so hard during the dentist skit that I seriously thought I was going to suffocate myself. I laughed so hard I could not breathe. No joke. Couldn't breathe. It, to me and especially my 12-year-old self, was the funniest thing I'd seen.
We also, now and again, would watch clips (never the full video) of Father Guido Sarducci. He was a 1970's character created by a comedian. Very stereotypical Italian. Very funny. We always watched The Five Minute University because my dad a special sweet spot for it (especially the Spanish part because he was so bad at language!) Nonetheless, Father Sarducci grew to find a sweet-spot in my heart. Call it sentimental if you will, but I call it good humor.
A few days ago, a friend of mine facebook posted Vitum Est Lavorum. I hadn't seen that one before, but I wish I had. I lost my mom 5 years ago to cancer, and I would have appreciated the light, comical air something like this would have brought to my otherwise turbulent life. Even if you're not dealing with a loss, it's still extremely enjoyable, but I think it's something that, post-dealing-with-loss, is even more comical because you completely understand the implications of what he's saying. It holds a little more water when you can reflect the immediacy of your situation, or reflect on a loss of any kind. Either way, he certainly made me laugh.
So, when you need a laugh you turn to lots of people. Sometimes you turn to a friend. Sometimes you turn to music or a tv show. Sometimes, though, you turn to Father S.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Re-Establishing Momentum
The school year is upon us! Like many of us either currently are experiencing or just remember from childhood, August is associate with back to school sales, stuffed backpacks, tired kids, and a change in focus. Life goes from being a series of whimsical, fly-by-your pants, led-by-desire, do-what-your-heart-feels-like days to regimented, scheduled, and non-stop. School beckons, and we go (or went!) willingly or not.
And it's the first few days that are the toughest. As Newton's First Law of motion so precisely states, "An object in motion tends to stay in motion, and an object at rest tends to stay at rest," we find we are just more evidence of that statement. (And before you go correcting me, I do know that is not the original verbiage of the law! It's just the way we learned it back in high school to make it stick).
Remember that most of us, come summer time, do (or did!) much less regimented activity than we did during the school year. We may be equally busy, but the "business" tends to be driven more by desire than by need. Therefore, it seems to take a different type of energy, for by the 2nd and 3rd days back at school we are wiped! We are exhausted, and we are tired. We want to sleep in all over again, even if it has only been 2 days!
But, like the law suggests, by the end of the first week or so we are back in business. Our energy level has acquired more stamina, we can accomplish more during the day, and we are backed to being used to living on a schedule. And although the initial change of pace was a challenge, the momentum built in that week period changes the nature of our state. We are now in motion. We are now expecting to stay in that state until June.
And it's the first few days that are the toughest. As Newton's First Law of motion so precisely states, "An object in motion tends to stay in motion, and an object at rest tends to stay at rest," we find we are just more evidence of that statement. (And before you go correcting me, I do know that is not the original verbiage of the law! It's just the way we learned it back in high school to make it stick).
Remember that most of us, come summer time, do (or did!) much less regimented activity than we did during the school year. We may be equally busy, but the "business" tends to be driven more by desire than by need. Therefore, it seems to take a different type of energy, for by the 2nd and 3rd days back at school we are wiped! We are exhausted, and we are tired. We want to sleep in all over again, even if it has only been 2 days!
But, like the law suggests, by the end of the first week or so we are back in business. Our energy level has acquired more stamina, we can accomplish more during the day, and we are backed to being used to living on a schedule. And although the initial change of pace was a challenge, the momentum built in that week period changes the nature of our state. We are now in motion. We are now expecting to stay in that state until June.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Today's Truths
In no particular order, and *disclaimer* not necessarily "fact," here are my truths for today:
* Genuinely smiling can help to instantly lift your mood
* Driving with the air on your face and the windows down to put wind in your hair is extremely refreshing!
* Busy people get more done.
* The best feeling is realizing you have no regrets for those things you "didn't" do.
* A good book can make reality seem distant
* A good song can make the reality of the moment 1000% better than it was before the song started
* Coffee at a coffee house always tastes better, just like a salad you didn't make always tastes better.
* Being in the presence of an animal in need or at a shelter can make the problems you face seem instantly unimportant.
* Random phone calls from people you love, even if you couldn't answer, make the "genuinely smiling" part happen much faster.
* Genuinely smiling can help to instantly lift your mood
* Driving with the air on your face and the windows down to put wind in your hair is extremely refreshing!
* Busy people get more done.
* The best feeling is realizing you have no regrets for those things you "didn't" do.
* A good book can make reality seem distant
* A good song can make the reality of the moment 1000% better than it was before the song started
* Coffee at a coffee house always tastes better, just like a salad you didn't make always tastes better.
* Being in the presence of an animal in need or at a shelter can make the problems you face seem instantly unimportant.
* Random phone calls from people you love, even if you couldn't answer, make the "genuinely smiling" part happen much faster.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Shows that Entice
Fact: I love movies.
Fact: I love puzzles and things that make me think.
Fact: I often find my brain is in "go" mode far often than it wants to "rest".
Lie: I don't watch tv.
Fact: I don't watch tv often
This summer, however, I have found myself cemented in front of many XFinity TV and Netflix shows this summer in an attempt to shut off my brain from it's normal "go" mode and just enjoy the day and my "time off". Some of the usual suspects that peak my TV interest are easy going shows that are often upbeat or promote people trying to accomplish something in their lives. I enjoy "Burn Notice," "Say Yes to the Dress," "Project Runway," "Master Chef," "Drop Dead Diva," and "White Collar," to name a few. Those are shows to which I normally default when and if I find time to actually hit the Power button for my TV or computer.
This summer, however, I have found a few new favorites on Netflix that have truly satiated some of my top endulgers. I love things that make me think and keep my brain in "go" mode. Two of the shows I've favored this summer, as a result, are "Life," and "Lie to Me." A-MAZING! And the best part? They play out like ongoing movie sagas because they are 2 and 3 seasons long, respectively. That means you can enjoy marathoning the shows as though they were movie sagas and not just 40 minute episodes.
So what makes them so special? I'll fill you in on the little secrets about why I fell in love with them.
LIFE
No, it's not the game, first of all. :-)
Premise: A cop is acquitted of a crime he did not commit after spending 12 years in jail. He returns to become a detective and brings with him the years of Zen Buddhism study he did while imprisoned.
The enjoyment factor: Realizing how the Zen he acquired helps him solve cases and see things about reality and what people say that others either cannot see or simply overlook. Watch it all in a relatively short time frame and I'd be surprised if a little of the main character's approach to life and problems doesn't rub off a little on the viewer!
LIE to ME
Premise: A man has spent 20 years studying human micro-expressions that give away when they are lying and telling the truth. He is hired by companies, the government, and individuals to help them assess crime, uncover truths, and solve problems.
The enjoyment factor: WATCHING HIM CATCH PEOPLE IN LIES!!! HOW COOL! And they often will focus in on a micro-expression and flash photos of real people displaying those same expressions. It creates a tie into the real world and helps keep the apparent reality of the show flirting with the line between fictional stories and non-fictional situations. It can also make you start to think about what you show on your face when you say things or wonder if you, too, couldn't pick out lies that other people tell.
....just in case you needed a few more shows to start loving. :-)
Fact: I love puzzles and things that make me think.
Fact: I often find my brain is in "go" mode far often than it wants to "rest".
Lie: I don't watch tv.
Fact: I don't watch tv often
This summer, however, I have found myself cemented in front of many XFinity TV and Netflix shows this summer in an attempt to shut off my brain from it's normal "go" mode and just enjoy the day and my "time off". Some of the usual suspects that peak my TV interest are easy going shows that are often upbeat or promote people trying to accomplish something in their lives. I enjoy "Burn Notice," "Say Yes to the Dress," "Project Runway," "Master Chef," "Drop Dead Diva," and "White Collar," to name a few. Those are shows to which I normally default when and if I find time to actually hit the Power button for my TV or computer.
This summer, however, I have found a few new favorites on Netflix that have truly satiated some of my top endulgers. I love things that make me think and keep my brain in "go" mode. Two of the shows I've favored this summer, as a result, are "Life," and "Lie to Me." A-MAZING! And the best part? They play out like ongoing movie sagas because they are 2 and 3 seasons long, respectively. That means you can enjoy marathoning the shows as though they were movie sagas and not just 40 minute episodes.
So what makes them so special? I'll fill you in on the little secrets about why I fell in love with them.
LIFE
No, it's not the game, first of all. :-)
Premise: A cop is acquitted of a crime he did not commit after spending 12 years in jail. He returns to become a detective and brings with him the years of Zen Buddhism study he did while imprisoned.
The enjoyment factor: Realizing how the Zen he acquired helps him solve cases and see things about reality and what people say that others either cannot see or simply overlook. Watch it all in a relatively short time frame and I'd be surprised if a little of the main character's approach to life and problems doesn't rub off a little on the viewer!
LIE to ME
Premise: A man has spent 20 years studying human micro-expressions that give away when they are lying and telling the truth. He is hired by companies, the government, and individuals to help them assess crime, uncover truths, and solve problems.
The enjoyment factor: WATCHING HIM CATCH PEOPLE IN LIES!!! HOW COOL! And they often will focus in on a micro-expression and flash photos of real people displaying those same expressions. It creates a tie into the real world and helps keep the apparent reality of the show flirting with the line between fictional stories and non-fictional situations. It can also make you start to think about what you show on your face when you say things or wonder if you, too, couldn't pick out lies that other people tell.
....just in case you needed a few more shows to start loving. :-)
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Just "DO"
Today I awoke to find that my morning included a rainstorm. Yup. Rain. In most scenarios, I'd simply wrinkle my nose, grab my umbrella, and run out to my car to carry on with my day as planned. You can still get a lot done in the rain! (Hello, London & Seattle!)
However, this morning, the nose wrinkle included an internal growl. I had planned to go for a really long walk / jog. Well, I'm no hard-core outdoor's woman or devout runner, so the rain put an instant stopper on those plans. The problem was that I still really wanted to work out. I had propped myself up and gotten out of bed at 7:30 this morning to do just that! And now, here I was, rained-in.
Now, many of you are probably saying "well, just go to the gym." Point. Counterpoint: I just moved and haven't signed up with a local gym. Hmmmm, that left me in quite a dilemna. WHAT TO DO!?
Then, I remembered! I had seen a place called "The Dailey Method" and knew it was only a few blocks away. So, I hopped on my computer, looked up the center, discovered I could register and pay for a single class online (COOL!!) and walked myself there @ 7:45 am, umbrella and all.
Let me tell you, too, fantastic work out. It kicked my butt! I left there feeling muscles tingle that I hadn't felt in a very long time. I also felt supremely under athletic, as normal workouts and training do not prepare you for that type of a workout! However, it was (post-workout minded) extremely refreshing!
But what was the point of all that? To remind you that even when something looks like it has destroyed your plans, evolve! Enjoy! Explore! Find something else that falls into the same vein or experiment in something totally outside what you had planned, but JUST "DO!"
However, this morning, the nose wrinkle included an internal growl. I had planned to go for a really long walk / jog. Well, I'm no hard-core outdoor's woman or devout runner, so the rain put an instant stopper on those plans. The problem was that I still really wanted to work out. I had propped myself up and gotten out of bed at 7:30 this morning to do just that! And now, here I was, rained-in.
Now, many of you are probably saying "well, just go to the gym." Point. Counterpoint: I just moved and haven't signed up with a local gym. Hmmmm, that left me in quite a dilemna. WHAT TO DO!?
Then, I remembered! I had seen a place called "The Dailey Method" and knew it was only a few blocks away. So, I hopped on my computer, looked up the center, discovered I could register and pay for a single class online (COOL!!) and walked myself there @ 7:45 am, umbrella and all.
Let me tell you, too, fantastic work out. It kicked my butt! I left there feeling muscles tingle that I hadn't felt in a very long time. I also felt supremely under athletic, as normal workouts and training do not prepare you for that type of a workout! However, it was (post-workout minded) extremely refreshing!
But what was the point of all that? To remind you that even when something looks like it has destroyed your plans, evolve! Enjoy! Explore! Find something else that falls into the same vein or experiment in something totally outside what you had planned, but JUST "DO!"
Monday, July 23, 2012
100%
Shopping has become a game. It's superfluous and yet a necessity. We spend hours and hours of our time sifting through catalogs, browsing the shelves, asking for recommendations, and "deciding." We base our decisions on things like price, attractiveness, smell, color, size, shipping, name. All the food we eat, the objects that adorn our houses, the glasses we use to either see or help us shield the sun is bought.
And in order for something to be purchased, it has to be sold. What does that mean for us, the consumer? It means that we have no right to talk about not liking people who "sell," because 100% of everything we buy is sold to us.
Don't know what I mean? Have you ever heard someone say, "I hate pushy sales people," or "I could never sell anything," or "They're only trying to sell you something," etc? Ever heard that? Well guess what, it's null and void because EVERYTHING you own, EVERYTHING you wear or put on your body, EVERYTHING you buy was, in fact, SOLD TO YOU.
Breathe. I know, it might take a while to sink in and sting less. Let yourself go through the mourning stages of your autonomy and pride. When you hit stage 5, acceptance, we can talk. :-) But, truly, 100% of everything you buy is sold to you. It's advertized, commercialized, recommended, suggested, placed on a shelf or in a show room so you'll see it above all the other products. Yes, the job of all those products is to SELL YOU on why they're the best.
So, next time you wish to criticize someone for "selling," or feel like you couldn't possible "sell" anything, just remember the last time you recommended a movie or restaurant, or your favorite body lotion. Your recommendation was you selling something to someone.
Aaaah, the art of commerce.
And in order for something to be purchased, it has to be sold. What does that mean for us, the consumer? It means that we have no right to talk about not liking people who "sell," because 100% of everything we buy is sold to us.
Don't know what I mean? Have you ever heard someone say, "I hate pushy sales people," or "I could never sell anything," or "They're only trying to sell you something," etc? Ever heard that? Well guess what, it's null and void because EVERYTHING you own, EVERYTHING you wear or put on your body, EVERYTHING you buy was, in fact, SOLD TO YOU.
Breathe. I know, it might take a while to sink in and sting less. Let yourself go through the mourning stages of your autonomy and pride. When you hit stage 5, acceptance, we can talk. :-) But, truly, 100% of everything you buy is sold to you. It's advertized, commercialized, recommended, suggested, placed on a shelf or in a show room so you'll see it above all the other products. Yes, the job of all those products is to SELL YOU on why they're the best.
So, next time you wish to criticize someone for "selling," or feel like you couldn't possible "sell" anything, just remember the last time you recommended a movie or restaurant, or your favorite body lotion. Your recommendation was you selling something to someone.
Aaaah, the art of commerce.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
The Dilemma
For quite some time now, I've been faced with the same dilemma as many other savvy, healthy shoppers: Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. It may sound petty, but it's quite the conundrum.
For starters, they're both great locations. They have healthy and unique food, produce, and very different atmospheres. So how do you compare? Let's look at a few categories, shall we?
Price Point: Hands down, Trader Joe's is cheaper. It has a bounty of cheaper wine, cheaper vegan and gluten free options, cheaper regular options like PB and pasta. It also has cheaper produce, even the organic produce.
Variety: Whole Foods. Is it any wonder that Whole Foods would be leaps and bounds better in this category? It's far more expansive. It pulls from greater wholesalers. It has heavier food traffic, and therefore has greater options. Trader Joe's might have cheaper options, but if there is something specific that you need, Whole Foods always wins.
Friendliness: I'd almost vote TJ's. Everyone there seems to really love their job.
"To Go" options: Whole Foods. Duh. 'Nuff said. Have you seen their buffet area and food bars???
Availability: It's almost a toss up. It depends on where you are. Suburbs have greater access to Whole Foods, but in the Chi, it seems to be rather evenly split.
Wine: Price? TJ's. Selection? Whole Foods.
Vegan: Definitely Whole Foods.
Gluten Free: Again, Whole Foods.
So, there you have it. Which one's better? No idea, but I'd love to know. I'm still torn. Maybe after a bunch more shopping, I'll have an answer for you.
For starters, they're both great locations. They have healthy and unique food, produce, and very different atmospheres. So how do you compare? Let's look at a few categories, shall we?
Price Point: Hands down, Trader Joe's is cheaper. It has a bounty of cheaper wine, cheaper vegan and gluten free options, cheaper regular options like PB and pasta. It also has cheaper produce, even the organic produce.
Variety: Whole Foods. Is it any wonder that Whole Foods would be leaps and bounds better in this category? It's far more expansive. It pulls from greater wholesalers. It has heavier food traffic, and therefore has greater options. Trader Joe's might have cheaper options, but if there is something specific that you need, Whole Foods always wins.
Friendliness: I'd almost vote TJ's. Everyone there seems to really love their job.
"To Go" options: Whole Foods. Duh. 'Nuff said. Have you seen their buffet area and food bars???
Availability: It's almost a toss up. It depends on where you are. Suburbs have greater access to Whole Foods, but in the Chi, it seems to be rather evenly split.
Wine: Price? TJ's. Selection? Whole Foods.
Vegan: Definitely Whole Foods.
Gluten Free: Again, Whole Foods.
So, there you have it. Which one's better? No idea, but I'd love to know. I'm still torn. Maybe after a bunch more shopping, I'll have an answer for you.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Sexy Vegan Food
AAAAAH! LOVE! One of my new, official, all-time favs! This Vegan restaurant, located on Green Street near Greektown in Chicago, is an absolute must for vegans and non-vegans alike. Called Karyn's on Green, this cute little unassuming restaurant opens up to a classy, clean, inviting restaurant once entered.
The decor is crisp, warm, and, well, green. It's not mistake why this restaurant picked it's location. The "green" has many uses: the street name, the concept, the color scheme, and the environmental friendliness of the food.
While there, my boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary and my birthday. He mentioned it to the restaurant when he made reservations (and yes, he made all the reservations!). They treated us to a dessert on the house (might I recommend the chocolate peanut butter cake. WOW) and complimentary glasses of good champagne. Now, I'm not saying it was $100 a bottle, but it was also not your average Mum's.
We had sushi, hush puppies, zucchini spaghetti, risotto, chilled broccoli soup, and sliders. All vegan. All absolutely amazing. The hush puppies were THE BEST I've had to date, and that's quite an accomplishment! And, in case you need, they have Gluten Free, Nut Free, Soy Free, and Raw options as well. Everything's vegan, but the restaurant denotes what other categories the food falls under. For example, I ensured that everything I ate that night was gluten free, too (well, save a few bites of my boyfriend's hush puppies!)
Overall, a 15/10. Amazing. We will ABSOLUTELY be returning!
The decor is crisp, warm, and, well, green. It's not mistake why this restaurant picked it's location. The "green" has many uses: the street name, the concept, the color scheme, and the environmental friendliness of the food.
While there, my boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary and my birthday. He mentioned it to the restaurant when he made reservations (and yes, he made all the reservations!). They treated us to a dessert on the house (might I recommend the chocolate peanut butter cake. WOW) and complimentary glasses of good champagne. Now, I'm not saying it was $100 a bottle, but it was also not your average Mum's.
We had sushi, hush puppies, zucchini spaghetti, risotto, chilled broccoli soup, and sliders. All vegan. All absolutely amazing. The hush puppies were THE BEST I've had to date, and that's quite an accomplishment! And, in case you need, they have Gluten Free, Nut Free, Soy Free, and Raw options as well. Everything's vegan, but the restaurant denotes what other categories the food falls under. For example, I ensured that everything I ate that night was gluten free, too (well, save a few bites of my boyfriend's hush puppies!)
Overall, a 15/10. Amazing. We will ABSOLUTELY be returning!
Fun Forgotten Words
Sometimes Facebook connects you with old friends. Sometimes it helps you connect with new ones. Other times it helps you promote a business, open up your prospect base, or even just share fun information/pictures/facts.
Other times, still, it's good for finding random fun information. A girl I used to know also writes a blog. This, her latest post, was recently re-posted by her to Facebook. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you, Marielle. :-)
Other times, still, it's good for finding random fun information. A girl I used to know also writes a blog. This, her latest post, was recently re-posted by her to Facebook. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you, Marielle. :-)
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