Bullseye Bazaar On Michigan Avenue

I just returned from the Press Event for Bullseye Bazaar, Target’s three-day pop-up store on 455 N. Michigan Avenue, located in the former McCormick Freedom Museum. The event (running from May 7 – May 9, 2009 from 10AM – 8PM), created to generate buzz in potential consumers, showcased Target’s top items, making one thing very clear. Target is no longer just the one-stop economical shop for house wares, make-up, groceries, bed linens and frames. Its become a one-stop shop for the latest in designer products at affordable prices. And, this season you’ll find the products come in every color, shape and flavor!

My favorite finds of the day were clothes, food and make-up. This season’s Tracy Feith Collection, inspired by the designers’ surf-dude-attitude, features fitted spring dresses with colorful wavy hems and ruffles, vintage bikinis and flower prints—a nod to the 60’s. And, Converse’s One Star line of contoured cotton tees and tops are perfect for double-use. Perhaps wear it under the everyday work blazer, or dress it down with casual jeans for a walk in the park. Either way, you’ll find one in just about every color! And for your beau, you’ll also find fresh Converse styles, as well as Target’s faithful Mossimo brand.

But who can keep shopping without stopping to grab a bite to eat first? The Target-owned organic food brand, Archer Farms puts yummy and healthy in a jar, with picante-style and roasted vegetable salsa, raspberry walnut sauces, buffalo bleu cheese dipping sauce, and seasoning for mushroom and Swiss taco burgers. If I’d only known that I could have had a taco and a burger at the same time, and while watching my waistline, I’d have headed to Target much sooner.

As I tried to decide on seasonings and salad dressings, the merchandise-heavy booths on every aisle and corner of the colorful bazaar made me bizarrely hungry for more products. And who should I meet, but celebrity make-up artist Sergio Lopez-Rivera. Visiting for a short time from L.A., Sergio, whose current project is styling the cast faces of Private Practice on ABC, explained that the 80’s are back. Everything goes today, meaning you can wear bright make-up to match a multi-patterned outfit. Additionally, he recommends bright lipsticks with soft eye shadows. Or bright eye shadows with muted lip balm. I bought Sonia Kashuk’s luxury lip color, Azalea, for only $8.95. For hair products as well, Target’s Umberto line features blow-dry lotion, curl-enhancing lotion, shampoo, conditioner and more.

Finally, I was exhausted. I needed to sit-down. Gracing both floors of the Bazaar were sleek, black and silver chaise lounges and slipper chairs of mod, rich, pink flowers and funky designs. The high-profile furniture, typically featured on-line only, is available at the Bazaar for the next three days! Which is probably why I couldn’t really sit down in them. I’d been there long enough anyway. Now the hard part was getting out of the place without buying anything else. Rows of red and gold sandals stacked on shiny boxes, comforters with bold, sophisticated patterns, bath mats with black and white stenciling, even clutch handbags for beach parties all waved goodbye.

The Bullseye Bazaar runs for three days, May 7 – May 9, 2009, from 10AM – 8PM on 455 N. Michigan Avenue. Have fun!

Rome, Angels and Demons World Premiere

By Araceli Cardenas-Bon

ROME - The cast of “Angels & Demons” graced the red carpet in Rome, Italy for its World Premiere last night, at Auditorium Parco della Musica, a theater located about a mile away from St. Peter’s Basilica.

The film, about a secret society trying to take over Rome, and, the Vatican, is a thriller based on Dan Brown’s best-selling novel. Sequel to “The Da Vinci Code,” “Angels & Demons” features Tom Hanks as symbologist Robert Langdon trying to save the Vatican from an ancient religious group, “the Illumanti,” from committing a terrorist attack.

Despite restrictions, Sony theatres managed to recreate a glitzy premiere with decorated angel and demon statues, and Swiss guards welcoming cast members, Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor and Ayelet Zurer. And of course, director Ron Howard and author Dan Brown.

Expected to hit theatres worldwide soon (and in the U.S. May 15, 2009), the film made media headlines after the Vatican was accused of “exerting its’ influence by interfering with shooting permits in the Eternal City” - a charge the Vatican strongly denies as a “fabricated publicity stunt.”

Regardless of the controversy, Howard reminded attendees & fans alike, “Despite all that’s been said, remember that it’s just a film.” With that in mind, we tried interviewing one of the Swiss guards. But, it seems the Vatican has cast its’ spell. Oh well! We settled for Dan’s Brown autograph instead!

Mercy Home Spring Gala at Trump International

The Mercy Home for Boys and Girls is hosting its second annual “Have Mercy” Spring Gala on May 9th at Trump International, and invites you to attend. This year’s gala is sponsored by the organization’s Junior Board, an association of young professionals that supports the mission of Mercy Home through fund raising and volunteer activities. The evening includes cocktails, appetizers, dancing, networking and karaoke. However, the most valuable inclusion is the opportunity to support the mission of the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls as well, with the purchase of just one ticket, on sale for $90 through April 24 (ticket prices increase to $100 after this Friday!).

Mercy Home for Boys and Girls is a Catholic organization that assists families and children in need, saving lives by providing a home, mentors, and public awareness. The long-term residential home serves children ages 11-21 in 14 residences, which offer structure, independence, round-the-clock therapy and tutoring.

As the spring gala is hosted by the Junior Board, it’s a great opportunity for young professionals in particular to network and learn how to become a mentor themselves, and how to begin giving back to the community with instruction from other like-minded members. “Our objective is to promote the mission by engaging young professionals through social, volunteer and fund raising activities.”

Mercy Home looks forward to your contribution this May 9th. And, with your generous ticket donation, you may also enter your name in the Have Mercy! Raffle, for only an additional $20 (or $100 for six entries). The winner will receive a roundtrip flight and hotel for two to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, sponsored by Carol’s Travel Sevice, Inc., Apple Vacations, and Sheraton Buganvilias. For gala tickets or additional information, log onto their website or call direct, 312-738-7578.

Spanish is the New English

For those of you that love trends, here’s one that will never go out of style. While Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States, according to the Economist, Spanish and English are vying for the spot of second most spoken language in the world, behind Mandarin. But why does that matter to you? Well, to recap with the trite phrase, “global village,” our world is shrinking and, United States Americans are still globally known as terrible linguists. But, we also love being ‘in the know,’ and obsess over current events and trends, joining every cause and organization. So, perhaps thinking of learning another language as a trend will get your butt in gear.

Motivated? Ready to print out the words, ‘Spanish is the new English’ on a shirt with reversible letters, or post it on your facebook status? If so, you’re ready to head to the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, “a public not-for-profit institution founded by the Government of Spain to promote Spanish language teaching, and knowledge of the cultures of Spanish speaking countries throughout the world.” What's that? You don't live in Chicago? While the institutes are located in most major U.S. cities, you can also take Spanish courses on-line, including Business Spanish courses which offer a diploma or certificate to boast on your resume.

See you in virtual Spanish class!