Feeling Stressed? Think about Therapy at the Northwestern Family Institute

Do you have great insurance? I thought I did, but let’s be honest. These days, who isn’t substantially aware of the rising costs of living compared to the value of what we’re actually getting? For me, 2008 brought many exciting, but stressful surprises and, like many of you, I function at my best when I feel in control and can compartmentalize my exciting and exhausting life. Unfortunately, when I decided to seek professional counseling to ease the stress, I learned that even with insurance, I’d need to spend $500 of my own money on a therapist before my insurance would step in to cover a portion of the counseling costs. Enter Northwestern Family Institute.

A colleague’s friend is a PhD student at Northwestern and informed me that the Family Institute offers their counseling services to the public for $20 a session (the small price I thought I was expected to pay with insurance). However, there’s a catch: in exchange for $20-per-session counseling services by student therapists, we are asked to participate in their studies. At the beginning of each session, I fill out a survey that measures my progress in therapy, as well as the progress of the student’s counseling. As the process promotes the betterment of the student’s learning, the survey is actually the most ingenious idea ever. Think about it. How many therapists out there spend your time staring at their clock? This survey ensures that both parties maintain their end of the deal. My counselor jots our conversation down in a journal as I’m speaking to outline my common themes and struggles back to me—something I’ve only actually seen on TV, in theory, not practice.

For those of you politically incorrect people who think therapy is only for the crazy, think about this: in college (and throughout most of our lives in grade school) we’re expected and encouraged to see our school counselor, advisors and professors for mentorship. But the moment we graduate that door quickly closes and we are left to our own mental and emotional devices to solve life’s excruciating surprises. Honestly, I find it even funnier that, as an adult, the moment we admit we need help, everyone asks, “What’s wrong?! What happened? Are you okay?!” Perhaps we’re conditioned to think that success means you must never admit you’re tired and need a break.

For those of you who are hip and “with it,” log on to Northwestern’s Family Institute site for further details, or perhaps consider other Universities with similar programs, as the demand may put you on a waiting list. Good luck and hopefully 2009 will bring more exciting challenges!

Design Your Underwear in Your Underwear

Chicago-based company Evlove Intimates is making shopping for sexy lingerie easier this holiday season, thanks to its online design studio. Bralets, camis and thongs are just a few of the pretty little things available for purchase, with one twist — each garment is designed by you!

Who isn’t tired of the one-size-fits-all products online these days? Perhaps you’d like to order a pair of butterfly soft ivory panties sewn with panels of lace while exposing full back coverage, or, some simple, yet low-cut, racy thongs.

Right now I’m sporting the lounge pants I designed from their loungewear line, which also happens to be one of their best-selling products. With several colors and fabrics to choose from, the ultra comfortable pants can be stitched and delivered to your door (or someone else’s) by Christmas for a flat shipping fee of $5.00, no matter how many you order!

Keep this site in mind, because these items also make perfect gifts for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and anniversaries. Evlove Intimates also hosts private lingerie parties, perfect for the bride- to-be, or a girls’ night. The company’s stated goal is to inspire sensuality and expression.

“Buying lingerie is a very personal and intimate purchase, and for the most part you’re buying it for yourself,” Evlove owner Jenny Dombroski says. “It’s a celebration of your body and your sensuality and sexuality, and when you have the ability to design it yourself, it’s also a celebration your individuality.”

For more information, or to begin designing your own lingerie, log on to http://www.evloveintimates.com.

Chicago Christmas Show Spotlight: Frostbite

This holiday season, the Annoyance Theater (4830 N. Broadway) in Uptown presents the written play and comedy show Frostbite. Running every Saturday night at 10pm from November 22 – December 27, the Grimm-esque fairytale, directed by Mark Vannier, represents a cross between Frankenstein and Frosty. A scientist creates a snowman to fill the void of his passed wife, but the snowman escapes and goes on a zombie-like brain-eating spree. Along the way, we learn the origin of various holiday customs.

Perhaps if you lived in any other city, I would recommend sticking to your routine of Christmas-inspired ballets. But, you live in Chicago, where, for entertainment’s sake, men paint themselves blue, women paint themselves green, and improv comedians request a random word from the audience—to which you reply, ‘pickle’— and an entire show ensues. This holiday season, consider the alternatives to Christmas celebrations like the Nutcracker.showposter2

Chicago has a long history with improv and sketch comedy. Many of the mainstays of the comic world started their careers in the Second City (like the original cast of Saturday Night Live and Emmy Award-winning Tina Fey). In addition to offering stand-out shows with fun adult humor, the Annoyance offers comedy, acting and writing classes for the aspiring performer. Founded by Mick Napier in 1989 (author of Improvise. Scene From the Inside Out), their famous Coed Prison Sluts is the “longest running musical in the history of Chicago.”

Come show your holiday spirit at Frostbite on Saturday! Tickets are $15 at the door or online at annoyanceproductions.com or look for the event on Facebook.

Explore Chicago Humanities Festival

Who doesn’t love culture and the arts? The celebration of life’s faceted dramas? Whether you’re a sophisticated Bernini sculptor lover or a self-proclaimed Blue Man groupie, there’s enough going on in this city to accommodate every taste. But if you want to get one step closer aficionado status, remember there’s only two more weeks to attend the exciting and educational events at the 19th Annual Chicago Humanities Festival through November 16.

This year’s theme reflects the concept “Thinking Big,” as it surveys the history and future of politics, architecture and global cities. Other disciplines featured include visual arts, literature, film, music, philosophy, cultural criticism, science, and performance. Logon to chifestival.org to sign up for events. Tickets are purchased on an event by event basis and range from $5 to $10 (students and educators are free). Events are hosted in 25 different venues around town by authors, professors, performers, musicians and more.

On November 1, be sure to check out “Rome the Monumental” at Northwestern University in partnership with the Instituto Italiana di Cultura. The event explores Rome‘s historic ingenuity and architecture. The Newberry Library is also hosting the exhibition, Artifacts of Childhood: 700 Years of Children’s Books. Historians and critics Leonard Marcus and Donna Seaman will discuss the leaders that influenced and shaped American Children’s Literature and Audrey Niffenegger, a professor at Colombia College’s Center for Book and Paper Arts will also be there. She will discuss her book, The Time Traveler’s Wife.

The Chicago Humanities Festival is one of the unique cultural experiences this city has to offer. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule your events today!

Basil Hayden’s Tastemaker Design Chicago with Nate Berkus

On Thursday night, three lucky designers and finalists of Basil Hayden’s Tastemakers Design Chicago showcased their work at Crimson Lounge. Sponsored by Basil Hayden Bourbon, Out Magazine, Chicago Home and Garden Magazine, and celebrity designer Nate Berkus, emerging designers were asked to design an item from four categories: fashion, furniture, artwork and interior design. However, the competition stipulated that designers’ pieces reflect the inspiration of Basil Hayden bourbon.

The three finalists were Brian Lump – coffee table, Rion Stassi – chandelier, and Sarah Tranum – chair. While Lump and Stassi’s unique designs assumed the bourbon’s bold color and sophistication, Tranum’s chair resembled its smooth and warm taste, with sleek lines and round, rocking edges. Stassi’s design, however reminded me of a lamp I’d hang at the ranch as its eight dark wooden arms curved in the formation of antlers. And Lump’s coffee table, while chic and simple, reminded me of an item sitting at an old boyfriend’s studio—again, dark wood, but its body the shape of a surfboard, or even a body board. However, Tranum’s chair, while modern and different, is definitely an item I could envision in my study, in the living room, and, perhaps in my bedroom.

But alas, I was not the only one voting. That’s right; attendees were given the power to choose the Grand Prize Winner. While Berkus chose the three finalists, we were given some bourbon for the evening to consider the items a final time. To make the decision more challenging, the charismatic Berkus explained that while the finalist would win $10,000, this competition wasn’t about the money. We were about to change the trajectory of someone’s career. Forever. Wow, what pressure.

Ultimately, Rion Stassi’s chandelier won the heart of the people and the competition. Congratulations to Stassi and to all the designers for their hard work and dedication to their craft. While there could only be one winner, all talented designers clearly have a bright future ahead of them.

Maven Launch Party with Top Chef Chicago Winner, Stephanie Izard

On Friday, October 10, managing partners Renae Placinski and Sarah Vargo will host the official launch party for Maven, a new company offering clients an innovative approach to event planning, promotions and publicity.

While the first event of the evening is an invite-only reception featuring DJ Sye Young and designs by Emperor’s New Clothes, Maven invites the public to attend the second shindig at Le Passage on 937 N Rush Street, from 10 PM – 2 AM. Launch sponsors include Equinox Fitness, Icelandic Glacier Water, Vranas Properties, and Flirty Girl Fitness, to name a few. Guests are asked to RSVP to sarah@maven-chicago.com and say Maven at the door for complimentary admission.

Just to give you a little preview of what to expect, last week I attended Maven’s launch of the Diva Series at Madame Tartine. The Diva Series, Maven’s tribute to women in Chicago PR, media, fashion, fitness, beauty and lifestyle, honored Stephanie Izard, winner of Top Chef, Chicago (and first female to win Top Chef). I had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie and asked what her favorite food is. For those of you who missed Top Chef, Stephanie loves Mediterranean cuisine and is currently going through a Spanish fix. Lots of seafood, garlic, and who could forget those tapas? Mmmm, I’m getting hungry for more Maven events, as I also met other VIPS, fellow Street Teamers, and CelebTV host Kelli Zink. But not to worry gentlemen, Maven is saving room for seconds. Yep. I hear that Maven is cooking up a series for you too; Divo.

For more information, log on to, www.maven-chicago.com. So, see you next Friday and don’t forget to say Maven at the door! Oh, and should the doorman ask, a Maven is an expert or connoisseur, one with special knowledge or dazzling experience. In one phrase, “One who understands.”

Chicago Only U.S. City Named Best In Travel - 2009

As if your friends and family needed another reason to visit the Windy City, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2009 just named Chicago one of the top ten cities to visit in 2009. As the only American destination to make the competitive cut, the globe-trotting experts at Lonely Planet sited Chicago’s business, art, architecture, food, music, theater and overall culture as the winning criteria. According to expert-author Karla Zimmerman, “If you want your finger on America’s pulse, don’t head to New York or LA. The heart beats in Chicago.”

McDonald’s and Oprah –the most American icons since apple pie and baseball—originate here, along with other ubiquitous, historical and random landmarks alike, including jazz and blues festivals, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Green Mill, the Chicago Theater, and Picasso outdoor art. But the Lonely Planet also nods their hats to what has yet to come. With Trump Tower International’s 2009 completion and the world-renowned architect Calatrava’s Spire building (not to mention the Sears Tower), our skyline will soon be home to the three tallest buildings in North America, perhaps facilitating our bid for the 2016 Olympics; as if our array of world-renowned sports teams (Bears, Bulls, Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks, etc.) weren’t enough.

As Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2009 released last month, expert-author Zimmerman scooped the city before Obama could scoop the President-elect title. This is just one more piece of evidence that points to Chicago’s bright future. Despite our inferiority complex to cities like New York, it’s nice that the “Second City” is finally getting some recognition among the first cities of the world. Other global cities on the list you’ll need to visit this year include Antwerp, Beirut, Glasgow, Lisbon, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Warsaw and Zurich.

Just pencil those in on your calendar – I’m sure you’ll be able to make it.


Photo Extra: The tower under construction behind us is Trump International in Spring 2007! Now complete, its' addition to the skyline continues the city's tradition of skyscrapers and unique architecture.

Taxi Cab Confessions by a Credit Card-Paying Junkie.

The scenario: You stumble out of bed late this morning. It’s monsoon season in Chicago and while the rain patters quietly against your window, putting you back to sleep, you wink, look at the clock, and realize it’s Thursday, NOT Friday. Glancing over to the pile of laundry sitting in the corner of the bedroom, a dark cloud settles around your head too, as it dawns on you that you wore your last clean pair of underwear yesterday. But alas, you find a thong, throw on a red scarf, pick up a banana and make it to the street –sans coffee. Unfortunately, there goes the #151 – in site, yet out of reach. You wish there was an old lady with her cart about to get on, as this would buy some time to run over there. Today, however the bus trudges on. No one is even waiting at your stop anyway. But the clouds part, and because your beauty is striking, no matter how late it is, a cab is always on stand-by, noticing you’ve either just missed a bus, or would be better off taking a taxi anyway. You get in, make it to work, rifle through your purse, and find four one dollar bills, while the cab fare is eight. Fortunately, something shiny stares up at you. You remember that your paycheck hits tonight, the Visa logo on your card calls, “do it, do it. What does he care anyway, now you can give him a real tip too.” What do you do? What do you do?

The inspiration for this scenario actually comes from two scenarios I’ve experienced lately. Yes, I’ve woken up without clean underwear and spent twelve-hour work days with wedgies, but I’m actually talking about being unprepared. If you live in the city without a car, chances are, you will find yourself taking cabs with credit cards. And, you’ve probably noticed those yellow charts smiling back at you in the cabs, you know, the ones that, “state your rights as a paying customer taking a taxi.” In case you’re not familiar with them, my favorite rights stated to me are:

You have the right to a driver without a cell phone
You have the right to ask the driver to turn down the radio (or roll up the window)
And, the most important one: You have the right to pay by credit card.

Perhaps these charts would be better off posted in the front seats as cranky cabbies often dismiss the rules. I’m beginning to think they are just suggestions anyway. I mean, if you missed the Cubs playing the Sox last night why wouldn’t you watch it on your IPOD while cruising down Michigan Avenue with customers in the back seat? It’s not like you’re driving drunk, right? Wrong-oh! Now, I don’t know if it’s because of the gas-gouging prices or election year, but, when I’ve begged to use my credit card (which I hate doing btw), I’ve received every excuse from I don’t have a machine, to it doesn’t work, to “the fare is only six dollars!” So, while its’ a law that cab drivers must accept credit cards, my advice is to NOT use them at all! I’m sorry, but I’ve had my luggage in the trunk held hostage at the airport now, and my credit card thrown back in my face as I’m told that I am an “a**h**e!” So, something this globetrotting gal has learned is that no matter what the stupid laws are, no matter where you are, those laws are not going to save you when you are alone in a cab in the middle of the day or night with an aggressor. I mean, come to think of it, I really don’t think there’s a screening process for these men that we hand our lives over to day in and day out. And, even if there is one, it’s obviously not good enough if I’ve had to fear for my life.

So, what do you do if you only have a credit card and need to get home? Here are your limited options:

A) Ask the driver before getting in if they take credit cards. Be polite, tell them where you’re going first, because they’ll probably take the CC for a $40 ride to the airport, but probably not for four blocks.

B) You can find an ATM machine and just spring for the $2.00 fee for pulling money out.

C) Those boots are made for walking

D) And, last, but not least, If I’m heading to my man anyway, I’ve asked him to be standing outside with his wallet on the other end (independent gals hate this one, but if you’ve got a friend on the other end waiting for ya, they won’t mind, will they?. Okay, so that settles the money thing. As for the cell phone talking, baseball watching, loud radio playing drivers, you’ve only got two choices. Either get out of the cab and find another one, or start walking boots.

Photo By: Andrew Muller

Soccer at Soldier Field, Chicago with Teams FC Barcelona and CD Guadalajara

Soldier Field was home to the Chicago Fire – Chicago’s major league soccer team, from 1998 to 2005, although Chicagoans tend to know Soldier Field as home of the Bears. But, while the Fire’s home stadium is now in Toyota Park in Bridgeview, it didn’t stop Spain and Mexico from lighting another fire with soccer fans at Soldier Field this past Sunday.

That’s right, while on their 2008 USA Tour, FC Barcelona played an exciting game against CD Guadalajara Chivas in Chicago.


While I’m not a soccer — or futbal fan, (or anything fan for that matter), who would want to miss the opportunity to watch a sport that generates more than American football, Basketball, or any American sport combined? I mean, why the heck did Beckham get sponsored by numerous advertising names all for a whopping $250 million a year to come to the U.S.? Well, while I’ve seen him without a shirt, I’m sure there’s more to it than that. In fact, I initially assumed it was because soccer, a global entity, not only generates income for every country, but, ironically, no matter what country you’re from, soccer also happens to be an inexpensive sport to play. No shoulder pads and helmets. No ice skates or hockey sticks. Just cleats and the opportunity for all to participate and compete, no matter who you are, or what your standing is on the socio-economic ladder.

During the match, the FC Barcelona and CD Guadalajara fans, crowned with jerseys in support of their favorite players, taught me that while money may still have something to do with it, Love’s got more to do with it than that. And, a little tear-jerking, but, soccer is a sport that unites so many cultures together to share a common thread or threads; a soccer ball, a field, and the love for the sport. Not only do teams from England and Brazil get to compete, but, often, you’ll find that players on each team’s roster may even originate from the country of the opposing team. Trading, without discrimination which may be a lesson our country can learn in the face of recent adversity.

Anyway, I am happy to see that America is doing its supportive part to get more involved globally, that other countries are reciprocating, and that I’m learning more about sports (although I still maintain that $250 million is a little steep just to see some hot guy with a sexy accent in an underwear add). Oh, yeah, and in case you’re wondering, Barca won 5 -2 Chivas.

Jogging on the Lakeshore Path this Summer? Why Not Sign-Up for the Boobathon?

What do IPods, warm weather, and the smell of the fresh Lake Michigan Water all have in common? Well, since you’ve read the title, you’re probably either guessing jogging or sharp objects. I would have guessed jogging, too, if I had just moved here. After all, in Chicago, Marathons are often advertised on buses, sidewalks, and billboards, while running teams are assembled at work, with challenges such as, ‘Hustle up the Hancock,’ to promote health and motivation. But, it is my third Summer in Chicago, yes, another year, another season, and, just that time of year for another kind of race. The Boobathon.

Once upon a time, in a less hip place, intelligent manufacturers developed innovative pieces of wardrobe, complete with elastic, thick straps, and, according to Wikipedia, some even had water pads and air bags. This innovative technology, designed for strenuous sports activities to firmly support the breasts became so popular; it was also given secondary goals such as, preventing perspiration. In addition, it was given its own terminology. Jogbra. But, you may have heard it referred to as Sports Bra. This sports bra became so popular that several were modified and branded for different body types, to not only accommodate every shape and size, but to take into consideration that breasts sometimes like to move in every direction, and, no two boobs are alike. Gone are the days where women must complain of achy backs, or, of one boob significantly saggier than the other. In fact, now, there are sports bras designed for Yoga, running, biking. And did you know that these sports bras can also prevent damage to your ligaments too?

Now, fast forward to a more recent time in a considerably hipper place. The Lakeshore, Chicago. The Boobathon has given birth to a whole new breed of women. These women work diligently to expand the materials of their skin, creating stretch marks at earlier stages in their lives, and, while one could argue that the whole point of working out is to firm the body up, these women like to contradict the sports bra’s function. Modern day feminists? Perhaps. But, it may also be worth noting that if one woman were single, and men were her prey, then the lakeshore is her jungle. Or, I don’t know, I don’t have large breasts. Some of the women from last year’s Boobathon complained that their chest was simply too large and could not be contained in ‘a piece of cloth.’

If you are comfortable with your breasts bouncing back and forth, up and down, east to west, in your face, in every one else’s face, and, if you are comfortable with your breasts blocking the jogging path, or everyone else’s path, then the Boobathon is for you. There are no membership fees to join. Just a willingness to either, A) not wear a sports bra when jogging on the lakeshore path, B) wear a sports bra that you grew out of ten years ago, or C) Never ever measure your breasts again, and just assume that you are still seventeen years old, with a svelte figure and perky stride. Oh, and you must also be willing to wear an even tinier, tighter t-shirt that will demonstrate your strength and drive. Past winners of the Boobathon have poked her competitor’s eyes out, and have won countless dinners with men who like to have conversations with their chest. Good luck and see you on the lakeshore!