Absolut Party at Chicago’s Willis Tower

delectable hors d’oeuvres from J&L Catering, while bidding on one of
a kind artwork. This event sells out every year!!
Winter Weekend of Parties Feb. 16-17

SATURDAY, February 16, 2013 10pm-5am
DJ’s Phil DaBeatz and Aron Abikzer
House Of Blues Chicago
SUNDAY, February 17, 2013. 10pm-4am
DJ’s Cindel Coss and Tony Moran
Excalibur Nightclub
2 Plays to Open in Chicago before their New York Runs

WHAT AN EXCITING SEASON this is going to be in Chicago! Broadway in Chicago has an amazing line-up including 2 pre-Broadway shows!

The musical is based on the acclaimed novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, about a London doctor who accidentally unleashes his evil alternate personality in his quest to cure his father’s mental illness.
Chef Christopher Tong at Gildas Club of Chicago Feb. 12

The popular appearances of Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale private gourmet dining service,
My Private Chef, continue in the New Year with some wonderful menu ideas emphasizing healthy eating
so essential for Gilda’s Club members and their families. People living with cancer know that healthy
eating is important for the body and the spirit. The meals in this cooking series are designed to inspire
people living with cancer to eat well, serve beautiful food and stay healthy.
demonstration: Chicken Marengo with Crusty French Bread. The dish is named after Napoleon’s
battle of Marengo in 1800 and, lucky for us, it is filled with cancer fighting ingredients including
tomatoes, onions and olives.
The club is located at 537 North Wells Street, Chicago. 312-464-9900.
friends, join with others to build social and emotional support in addition to medical care.
Gilda’s Club is named in honor of the late comedian Gilda Radner.
demonstrations and conversations with Chef Tong.
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services.
Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels
in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private
entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to
weddings to corporate parties.
or visit www.gildasclubchicago.org
Pamper Yourself with Great Personal Services in Boystown

In the last few months, some new personal service businesses
have popped up in Boystown, joining the ranks of long time style makers like
Tim Weber of Restorations Salons .
We have been a fan of Tims Restoration salon since it’s
first opening in 1993, in Lincoln Park. (2151 N. Sheffield) Tim steadily grew his business and
later opened 2 more locations, one in Andersonville (5349 N. Clark) and the newest spot in
Lakeview (3255 N. NBroadway).
What makes
restoration different? or special? “Restoration Salons’ pride themselves on having experienced
professional stylists, a comfortable relaxed atmosphere, and the focus is on
hair and our goal is to restore,” says Tim.
hairstyles?
time to move on… Some heads can pull off trends and some should never try
them… I usually try to make the client look there best; whether it is a trend
or timeless!”
How to choose a good salon or stylist?
“I always say that a client needs to find 3 things: A salon that they like (the atmosphere,location,style) a stylist that they love (enjoy talking too, and happy to see them) and a stylist that can achieve a great cut/color. If you can find all three you will be happy for a long long time! Our staff is always ready with a friendly smile. We ensure you a great service and a high quality experience, that will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and restored!”

The new girl on the block is Kinley Preston, owner of the new VANITE’ Paul Mitchell Focus Salon at 3161 N. Halsted. There are only 5 Focus Salons in the entire Chicagoland area and this is the 3rd such salon, in the city.
So what is a “focus salon”? Kinley explained, “We carry the entire Paul Mitchell product line, including the pet products. The staff is Paul Mitchell trained and educated.
We are happy to be a flourishing Local
Independent Business and active
in giving to our community.
As a “Paul Mitchell Focus
Salon” we have the opportunity
to receive advanced training
from Premier National Award
Winning Stylists several times
each year. We are committed to
keeping up to date and pleased
to deliver these techniques with
the latest ideas to you!
Cut and Coloring is our
specialty. We don’t settle for
average and neither should you!
We offer you more than just a
cut.. get an experience! We think we offer a better quality service for the same price as some of our competitors.“
Kinley’s new salon is sleek and elegant. I was pampered with a shampoo and cut recently. The comfort experience begins with the chairs and shampoo bowls. Both from Japan. Both providing comfort and allowing the guest to fully relax and enjoy the 5 minute scalp massage in the dimly lit, LED glowing room!
Kinley herself was a graduate of the Paul Mitchell School but chose to be an owner and manager, instead of a stylist. A great side story – FYI – John Paul Jones DeJoria, the mastermind behind Paul Mitchell, was born the second son of an Italian immigrant father and a Greek immigrant mother in Los Angeles. His parents divorced by the time he was two years old, and at nine he began selling Christmas cards and newspapers with his older brother to support his family. When his single mother proved unable to support both children, they were sent to an East Los Angeles foster home.
DeJoria spent much of his youth in a street gang in East Los Angeles, but changed when he was told that he would “never succeed at anything in life” by a math teacher at John Marshall High School. He graduated in 1962 and spent two years in the United States Navy, after which he floated through a series of jobs ranging from janitor to insurance salesman.
DeJoria entered the world of hair care as an employee of Redken Laboratories. He was fired from this position and in 1980, he formed John Paul Mitchell Systems with hairdresser Paul Mitchell and a loan for $700. In 1989, Paul Mitchell died and was replaced by his son, Angus as company co-owner. As of 2011, John Paul Mitchell Systems had revenues of $900 million annually.
So DeJoria understands personal struggles and hurdles. And he in fact, played a key role in Kinley’s life and was instrumental helping making her salon, a reality. “Three years ago, I was destitute. Living in my car. He really took a personal interest in my story, at a time when I was going through a lot. I wrote a business plan, and the company loved it.”
Now Kinleys salon is a reality and she is very involved with the community and sits on various boards from the local Chamber of Commerce to the Joffrey Ballet Auxiliary board.

The world is all about pure, natural and organic these days. People are willing to pay a little more, for better products and services.
There has been a global shift taking place in the food, water and health sectors, as we face consequences of environmental damage due to pollution, global warming, agricultural trends and pesticide usage.
Enter Vincent Dinh of Savon Spa. (3635 North Halsted Street) “Growing up in Vietnam, everything we ate was organic.” explains Vincent. “There were no chemicals used. Poop was used to fertilize! With that experience growing up and then moving to America, it was like culture shock. OMG, the cucumbers are so big here! And no taste. My food was growing up was small, beqautiful and SO MUCH TASTE.“
At Savon Spa, Amy, Vincent and their staff strive to give clients a luxurious, purifying organic spa experience in an elegant setting reminiscent of old world Paris. In fact, much of the furniture inside the spa is eco-friendly reclaimed and/or refurbished.
Indulgent, Earth-friendly, organic products, hand-made organic soaps, scrubs, masks, lotions and treatments. In atmosphere of serenity, warmth, and beauty, Savon Spa offers a soothing array of services. From various massages (60 minute deep tissue $110), advanced facials (24k gold mask or placenta treatment $200), body treatments (Hungarian mud wraps $80), manicure, pedicure, waxing for men and women and non-surgical skin rejuvenation services by cutting-edge aestheticism Dr. Randa Sawan. “We offer a great no lift, non-yellowing nail treatment. There is no chemicals and no odor. And it’s stronger than acrylic or gel nails,” explained Vincent.
Every experience can be customized to the guests’ desires to provide the perfect escape from the city, whether it’s for a quick massage or an entire day devoted to absolute bliss.
Savon Spa even offers “Beauty on the Go”, a mobile spa, designed to pamper you at home, in the office, or wherever your travels lead you.
Savon Spa is committed to giving you a perfect, joyful spa day every time you come in. “I have always had expensive taste. And when I was a computer consultant I was able to travel the world a lot and stay at 5 star hotels and spas. Our goal here is offer a high end experience and make it more affordable. You’ll leave Savon Spa with brighter, softer skin and a brighter, softer soul.”
Chicago House, Willis Tower and Absolute Wrapture Jan 24th


Chicago House & Co-Chairs Dennis Remer, Sean Kotwa, David Kaufman,Tom Segal, Christopher Hubbard & Sean Ward invite you to enjoy a fresh new fusion of one-of-a-kind artwork up for auction and windy city views alongside the premiere of a tasty new tune from Absolut!
Thursday, January 24th
Willis Tower Skydeck 99th Floor
233 South Franklin (Building’s East Lobby Entrance)
5PM: VIP Early Arrival
6PM-9PM: General Guest Arrival
LIMITED VIP TICKET 50% Sold Out: $150, includes EARLY ARRIVAL at 5PM, a commemorative visit and photo opportunity on The Ledge, plus a VIP swag bag of treats from Garrett Popcorn, Kiehl’s, Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland, and much more!
GENERAL TICKET: $99
New In 2013!
Expedited Entry through Willis Tower’s multiple passenger elevators!
Early arrival for VIP’s!
Paperless auction with cellular bidding!
More unique artwork!
NEW year, NEW tune, SAME great cause
Historical Chicago Walking Tours with Broughton Hotels and Tour Guide Sawyer


My name is Sawyer, like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. I’ve been
guiding individuals, middle school and high school groups, and senior
citizens for over two years.
I’m a midwestern boy with a love for our
region’s natural beauty, farmers markets, craft beers, small-batch
coffee roasters, antique shopping, thrift stores, vintage fashion, and
boutiques. I spend my free time studying Chicago’s rich history and
architecture, without which, Al Capone would never have been able to
host his most important clients and friends at the infamous Stratosphere
lounge in the crown of the Jeweler’s Building on the Chicago River. I
hope to see you on my next tour!
From JANUARY 7 – FEBRUARY 23, Join Sawyer (The Friendly Greeter!) and Broughton Hotels, on one of three historical walking tours and shop-alongs that take you off the beaten path in Chicago’s Loop, River North and East Lakeview Area’s. – I don’t care how long you have lived here! These tours are sure to show you new things. These are great tours for friends visiting and/or locals wanting to learn more about Chicago!

Majestic-chicago.com/chicago-hotel-deals Chicagocitysuites. com/packages Willowshotelchicago.com/ packages
Breaking News! Illinois Senate PASSES Marriage Equality

We’re getting there!!!With your help, the first legislative step has succeeded. The Senate Executive Committee just voted for the freedom to marry!
This is a historic moment: For the first time ever, an
Illinois legislative body took a vote on extending the freedom to
marry. And thanks to the work that all of you have done, the measure
won!
the House of Representatives.
with your Senator to make sure that a “yes” vote is recorded.
If you haven’t already, please call or email your legislators today. If you need contact information, click HERE.
Illinois
Senate Democrats delayed a floor vote Thursday on legislation to make
the state the 10th in the nation to legalize gay marriage, but the sponsor expressed confidence there would be enough votes to pass it soon.
Sen. Heather Steans said two supportive Democrats and a Republican
weren’t present for the General Assembly’s lame-duck session, forcing
her to pull back from pressing the issue that had momentum from the
November elections and public encouragement from President Barack Obama.
But Steans, a Chicago Democrat, said the delay would only
push a vote into next week or, at the latest, soon after the new
Legislature is sworn in Jan. 9.
“This is definitely a question of when, not if,” Steans said. “This is the right thing to be doing.”
Beautiful Thing in Chicago Jan 17-Feb 17

A 20th Anniversary Production of Jonathan Harvey’s Acclaimed
Beautiful Thing
January 17 – February 17, 2013
at the Athenaeum Theatre
Beautiful Thing, is theheartwarming story of two teenaged boys coming to terms with their sexuality. Director John Nasca directs a cast that includes PFP Artistic Ensemble Members Michelle McKenzie-Voigt and Patrick Rybarczyk as Sandra and Tony, with Robert Hilliard as Jamie, Charlie Wein as Ste, and Kiah McKirnan as Leah.
Jamie,
a boy who skips school to avoid playing sports, is attracted to his
next-door neighbor Ste, an athletic teen who is regularly beaten by his
father and brothers. One night, Jamie’s mother Sandra offers Ste refuge
from his abusive family, setting off a chain of events that changes
their lives forever. Set in a working-class area of southeast London, Beautiful Thing illustrates the struggle of growing up in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving to anyone perceived as different.
Written in 1993, Beautiful Thing was
initially produced by The Bush Theatre, London, England. It received
its American premiere in 1998 by Famous Door Theatre Company in Chicago
and then transferred to New York in 1999 at the Cherry Lane Theatre. “As 2013 marks the 20th anniversary of Beautiful Thing and
with bullying issues still very much a part of today’s headlines, this
is the perfect time to revisit this play, which feels more relevant than
ever,” says director John Nasca.
Curtain Times Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.,
Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Prices
$15 for Previews, $23 on Thursdays and Sundays, and
$25 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tickets 773-935-6875 or www.athenaeumtheatre.org
Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Prez Obama Push for Illinois Gay Marriage

President Obama
has waded into a same-sex marriage debate in his home state of Illinois
– with the White House saying the president would vote for the measure
if he were still in the legislature.
considered by state legislatures, he believes in treating everyone
fairly and equally, with dignity and respect,” White House spokesman
Shin Inouye told the Chicago Sun-Times on Saturday.
couples who are in loving, committed relationships, and want to marry,
from doing so,” Inouye continued. “Were the President still in the
Illinois State Legislature, he would support this measure that would
treat all Illinois couples equally.”
Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act,” as early as this week, the Sun-Times
reported.
SHY TOWN GIRLS Series of Books By Local Authors

A group of four women authors
in Chicago were looking to share their best tips on
the collaborative publishing process with you!
Four Shy Girls
Four Big Dreams
One Awesome City
Novel 1 in the Shy-Town Girls 4- Book Series
When beautiful, but shy 24-year-old, Bobbie Bertucci, arrives at her
new digs, an elegant brownstone in Chicago’s historic Gold Coast
neighborhood, she has no idea what her new life will be like. Between
balancing her job as a modeling agent and escaping a bad relationship,
she’s hit rock bottom.
But things change when she moves into the same building as her close
friend Meryl. Additionally, her two new twenty-something roommates, Ivy
and Ella, help bring Bobbie out of her shell. Barbara, landlady and
mother-hen of the house, watches out for the girls while sharing sage
advice.
Bobbie, Meryl, Ivy, and Ella, all variations of shy girls, brave the
city of Chicago together, forming a powerful bond of friendship. Their
nighttime roof deck conversations over glasses of wine instigate
laughter and even some tears.
Bobbie takes a bold step to redesign her life completely to ensure
she doesn’t fall into the romantic trap she fell into before. But
there’s a new suitor in the picture, and she will have to decide between
an old flame or a new one, taking a risk, something hard for any
girl–even harder for a shy girl.
writing and creating a technique that you can learn to use yourself or
with other writing partners.
Listen to a recent interview
with all four authors to learn how we got started on down this writing
path. We hope you’ll gain some valuable insights on writing, publishing
and marketing your own books and products. You’ll get to know each
author individually as we’ll write from our own perspectives and share
our own experiences.
Feel free to contact us for collaboration and speaking opportunities, to talk to your book club or just a drop us a line to say hello!
Sign up now to get free updates on that latest publishing techniques and best practices for writing!”
Marriage Equality is Coming to Illinois!

WE NEED 30 SECONDS
Assembly are ready to move the legislation to a vote. Equality Illinois
is dedicating their efforts to leaving no stone unturned to achieving that
goal.
However, as you may have heard from reports today, our opposition is
gearing up as well, attempting to flood the lawmakers with their
negative messages.
We need to keep the momentum going and make sure the legislators hear from you! Can you take a moment and send an email to your legislator TODAY?
Please be sure to include why marriage equality matters to YOU and make
it personal. AND, don’t forget to share this on Facebook, Twitter and
with your friends and family!
We can’t pass this bill without your help. That is why in
the weeks leading up to lame duck session we will be keeping you
regularly updated and asking you to take regular action.
The time is now to act and make marriage a reality!
Just fill out your zip code! And you can automatically send out a message to your legislators! It’s so fast. PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!














































