February 2012
7 posts
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Making You Proud...
Hey All,
No posts next week. I will be at TEDActive in Palm Springs representing our fine city AND doing a short TED talk!
I promise to make you proud.
I’ll be tweeting my experience so join me if you like @ShannonDowney and follow the conference at @TEDActive
Be back soon.
- Shannon
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Baker & Nosh...Handmade Breads + Fine Cheeses
New Hot Spot People!
Baker & Nosh just opened in Uptown on Wilson just east of Ashland.
HANDMADE BREADS + FINE CHEESES … it’s like it was built just for me!
They will also be offering Baking Classes!
From their website:
In the spring, summer and fall, we will have outdoor seating available in our garden area. This will remain a grassy area instead of a concrete slab. Seating...
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Your PowerPoint Presentation Sucks.
How many PowerPoint presentations have you sat through? How many of them have been good? Exactly.
I had the pleasure of participating in a presentation design workshop last week with SquarePlanet, a company whose mission is to create remarkable presentations. The workshop was fantastic! A great primer for those who want to raise the bar on their presentation content, design, approach and...
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VENUE CRICKET, INC. CREATES ONLINE MARKETPLACE FOR...
Galleries, Car Dealerships, Churches, and Other Local Establishments Add a New Revenue Stream to Their Businesses by Making Their Venues Available for Private Events After Regular Business Hours
Chicago startup, Venue Cricket, is providing a means for local businesses to turn themselves into event venues. With the economy still growing at a sluggish pace, businesses are looking for ...
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Committed: An Avant-Garde Wedding Event
“Committed” is Chicago’s first “green” wedding show for the couple that visualizes their wedding not only as a celebration of their commitment to each other and the environment, but as the best damn party of their lives. Sunday, February 26th from 12 to 4pm at the newly opened Greenhouse Loft in the Green Exchange. There will be have beer, wine, and...
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Want a Laugh at My Expense?
The Playground Theater has a show called #TweetLife where each week they select one follower of @the_playground to be the source of their improv show where improvisers create live theater based on their tweets.
Well this week they picked yours truly!
I’m excited. Nothing better than laughing at yourself while others make fun of you.
SO, COME JOIN ME!
Tickets are just $10 (or $5 w/ a...
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January 2012
8 posts
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Chicago's New Tech Center
Built In Chicago (which is a great site if you don’t already know about it) just released this!
“Today we announced 1871, a center for digital entrepreneurs to instantly plug into a vibrant community of peers, mentors, partners, and investors. 1871 will be home to hundreds of entrepreneurs, developers, and designers who are building the next generation of successful digital...
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Another Free Fun Event for You + The Kids...
Multicultural Arts Festival: Linking Cultures and Generations through Artistic Expression
Changing Worlds will host its first ever Multicultural Arts Festival at the School of the Art Institute. The event serves to provide youth, adults and families with access to hands on art making workshops and art performances. Families from all around Chicago will engage in fun, creative hands-on...
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I.C.Stars
I had the privilege of being the high tea guest at I.C.Stars last week and what a fun time it was!
Do you know about them?
“At i.c.stars we provide a rigorous technology-based workforce development and leadership training program for low-income adults, developing Chicagoland’s most promising information technology talent with leadership goals and connecting them with career...
A NIGHT OF FASHION, MUSIC & HOPE TO BENEFIT LOCAL...
KYLE KORVER’S T-SHIRT LINE, SEER OUTFITTERS, AND BLACK LABEL BOOKING PRESENT A NIGHT OF FASHION, MUSIC & HOPE TO BENEFIT LOCAL CHARITIES
On Sunday, January 29, Head to Double Door to Take in Music by Barcelona, Check out Stylish Duds And Give Back
WHO: Regardless if you consider Sunday the start – or end – of the week, on January 29, all are invited to step out for a ridiculously fun...
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Looking for a Dog Groomer?
I have bounced around from groomer to groomer with my little love muffins for years now. They have either done a crappy job with the girls cuts or the girls come home sooo stressed out I wonder what happened during their day.
Until I found Chicago Grooming Academy!
Steve, the owner, is the most amazing groomer I have ever met. Not only does he give them a fantastic cut but he takes such good...
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Let's Talk Green
I was driving around the other day and saw a host of new and exciting green businesses that have popped up in the last few months. Have you checked them out yet?
Green Wheels - 1540 N Western Avenue
Chicago’s first full service electric vehicle center
(Here’s a crappy picture I took while driving so you can find it…as though you could miss it)
Green Corner - 1880 N...
December 2011
13 posts
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Free Knitting Classes for CPS High Schoolers!
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Bread + Wine
Get Excited! The much anticipated opening of Bread & Wine, a neighborhood American bistro, wine bar and market on Chicago’s Northwest Side, is scheduled for mid-January 2012.
Focusing on farm to table fare, Bread & Wine is dedicated to elevated, nostalgic, Midwestern fare.
Owners Lisa Fosler Kelly, a lawyer, chef and the wine manager, and Jennifer Wisniewski, an experienced restaurant...
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Single Most Important Blog Post From Me Ever
Hey Chicago!
I need your help. Perhaps you know that for the past 2 years I have sat on the Board of Directors for the Woman Made Gallery.
Well, I also chair the Marketing Committee and in honor of our 20th Anniversary in 2012 (YUP 20 Years and over 7,000 artists shown!) we have created an innovative and badass marketing campaign to honor our artists and community members while getting the word...
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Testing Chicago's Responsiveness
On June 20th I purchased my city sticker, as a good Chicagoan does. I got my order number, my receipt and then went on about my business waiting for it to arrive in the mail.
My life, like most peoples, is hectic. I run a business, sit on two boards for local nonprofits, blog about my love for Chicago, run TEDxWindyCity, blah blah blah so awaiting my city sticker was not exactly at the top of my...
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I'm Feeling Very Festive
I am going to keep throwing you badass holiday events as they come up because I want you to shop local and have fun this holiday season. So…here’s three you can hit this weekend.
Friday Night
High Design Holiday at the ReBuilding Exchange
Celebrate the holidays, do a little shopping and support a good cause at “High Design Holiday,” the first event sponsored jointly by...
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Zealous Good...a new kind of matchmaking...
Zealous Good is definitely one of the coolest new online giving platforms!
Here’s how it works.
Example: You just upgraded your tech for the holidays and now you have a DVD player and old TV that you don’t need. What to do What to do. Well now you can simply visit the Zealous Good Website, click on “Donate Your Goods” and tell them what you have. They will find a...
November 2011
21 posts
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Movie, A Panel + An Amazing Green Venue Debut
We all know and love Mindful Metropolis right? Well, next Tuesday, December 6th they will be hosting a MindfulLive! Community Event at the brand new Green Exchange!
This is your chance to see an inspiring movie, hang out with like minded Chicagoans AND check out the Oh so green, Green Exchange Building!
Here’s the details from their facebook event page:
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Join...
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Free Tickets to the One of a Kind Show at Merch...
The One of a Kind Show is December 1 - 4th at the Merchandise Mart and features handmade delights by over 600 artists.
In their words:
A refreshing alternative to traditional retail, the show is the ideal place to find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday list. More than 600 talented artists from across North America will bring their imaginative, handmade creations to this...
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Holiday Tip!
Do you have family in town for Thanksgiving?
Most of the museums are open on Thanksgiving and guess what?
They are usually really empty!
It’s the PERFECT time to enjoy a stress free visit to the:
Shedd Aquarium
Field Museum
Museum of Science and Industry
I spent the morning at the Shedd last year and it was such a lovely way to enjoy the morning before the huge meal.
Museums that...
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Chicagoans In Need.
Dear Chicago,
It’s holiday time and there are Chicagoans in need. SO, it’s time to decide what you are able to give and do and then get giving and doing.
One of my favorite non-profits Reason to Give has a ton of ways you can help/give at whatever level you are able (be that financial or effort).
Toy/Coat Drive - Drop off new toys or new/gently used coats to Woman Made Gallery on...
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Shannon's Shop Local Guide
Just thinking that I should share some of my local favorite spots to shop! Lots of cash flinging going on this time of year so keep it in Chicago people!
Here’s My Top 10:
Firebelly Design Pop Up Shop - December 10th Only at Firebelly Design! Over 30 different high caliber artists/designers will sell their goods at this amazing event. @FirebellyDesign
Green Genes - The greatest baby/kids...
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Chicago Food Planet Food Tour = Educational,...
I decided to play tourist this week and took some time on Monday to participate in Chicago Food Planet’s Food Tour of Chinatown. Having spent a few months in China I’m moderately versed in the food + cultural rituals and customs around eating but I have not taken the time to really dive into the Chinatown neighborhood of Chicago.
Let me say this, the Chicago Food Planet’s...
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Looking for a Unique Event Space for Your Holiday...
I keep getting asked for recommendations for recommendations for unique event spaces for Holiday Parties this year. Thought I would put a list together for you…
Woman Made Gallery - Gorgeous gallery space on Milwaukee Avenue, 2 floors, about 100 people, always spectacular art, wood floors, sound system throughout and small kitchen. Rents around $800 for 4 hours.
Logan Square Kitchen -...
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Trampoline Park!
Sky High Sports Grand Opening Celebrations
50,000 Square Foot Trampoline Parks Launching in Naperville & Niles
WHAT: Grand Opening celebrations for Sky High Sports new 50,000 square foot indoor trampoline parks in Niles and Naperville.
Bounce off the walls…literally! With more than 50,000 square feet of bouncy entertainment at each venue, Sky High’s indoor trampoline parks are fun...
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e-cycling + free paper shredding
32 Ward Alderman Waguespack to sponsor the Free Shredding and Recycling Event- November 12th
Free Shredding Event sponsored by Alderman Waguespack of the 32nd Ward!
November 12th, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
in the Jewel/Kmart Parking lot on Ashland (just 1 block north of Division)
Come shred your documents and recycle your unwanted electronics at this FREE event.
Are you worried about identity theft?...
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Get Your Ass Up and DANCE!
Dance Out Loud is hosting a kick ass dance party to raise money for Be Bright Pink who exists to enlighten and empower high-risk individuals to take control of their breast and ovarian health by providing education, support and a sense of community for a better, brighter future!
Attendees will enjoy music from the 80s, 90s, and 00s and are encouraged to come in costume of their favorite decade....
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October 2011
17 posts
