Surprise! My husband and I recently found out that I am pregnant. Of course we are super excited for the new little person to arrive, but our timing could have been a little better. The real estate market bottoming out with the worst economy since the depression might make it a little difficult for us to unload our place. We listed our ‘cozy’ home anyway and have made a thinly veiled attempt to pretend that it’s really a condo and not a kennel. Did I mention we have three dogs (yes, three) and we live in a 900-square foot one bedroom condo?
We have a 75-pound Bulldog, Leonard, and two Chihuahuas, Lola and Daisy. Poor Leonard, he’s just a hot mess slobbering and lumbering around. Lola is geriatric at nearly 18 years of age. She’s almost blind and can barely eat with the couple teeth she has left. She’ll be forced down for a dirt nap in the very near future if it doesn’t happen naturally. And then there’s Daisy. She hops around like a rabbit because she’s got bad knees and uses the bathroom as a cat would…indoors…because she’s afraid to go outside. If I were a prospective buyer and walked into a house with these three, I’d turn around and run the other direction. Wish us luck.
In addition to the worries of selling the dog care facility we currently call home, we’re also nervous of how these three will respond to a new crying baby. Based on their first encounter with small children this past weekend, my guess is not well. Chaos ensued after my friend stopped by with her two little girls. Leonard was overwhelmed with excitement and with a quivering bottom lip was frantically licking them while jumping up and pawing them. Lola tried to bite one of the little girls with her useless remaining tooth. Shockingly, Daisy was the best of the bunch. Shaking with fear, she was the perfect size for a toddler to hold, pet and walk.
What exactly are we going to do with the other two? Hopefully Jamie Damato, animal trainer extraordinaire and owner of AnimalSense Canine Training & Behavior, Inc., will be able to help. We’ll definitely be signing up for the “Bowser and the Baby” seminar at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
When Zapwater recently began working with Bucktown yoga and Pilates studio, One Mind, Body & Being, our fitness-crazy staff could not wait to become immersed in the “yogi lifestyle.” On Wednesday, Holly, Annie and I ventured to ONE's relaxing loft-like fitness studio to attempt our first run at Pilates with fitness aficionado, Stacy Weinstein.
Unlike the matt-based classes we had tried in the past, our workout session at ONE included a circuit of machine-based exercises that engaged our inner core and required coordination beyond anything we were prepared for. Stacy was very patient with us, explaining the benefits of each exercise, while also ensuring we performed each move correctly – no cheating! Despite the tricky reformers, trapezes, ladder barrels and spine correctors, we all left ONE enthusiastic (and a little sore!) about the possibilities that were sure to come from our new found love of Pilates.
One Mind, Body & Being features a team of certified Pilates and yoga instructors dedicated to overall wellness and healthy living. Located at 2014 W. Wabansia, One Mind, Body & Being specializes in personalized programs for individuals and small groups to maximize results and enhance the benefits of Pilates and yoga practices one session at a time.
To visit the studio or sign up for a private or small group class of your own, visit: www.onemindbodybeing.com. Holly and I are making our second appearance with Stacy this Friday – so stop in and say “hello”! Sarah Marseille Publicist
Last week Holly, two extraordinary Zapwater interns, and I hopped a bus to Boystown for a night of fashionable fun at the grand opening of Broadway’s newest boutique, CRAM. Owner and Windy City fashionisto Marc Engel (CRAM is Marc spelled backwards, just an FYI) has created a unique shopping destination that offers men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from American and European designers.
We arrived and immediately began browsing through the racks of clothes in the rustic, apartment-like space. Champagne was poured and cupcakes were passed as guests streamed in throughout the night. I tried my best to keep my walled CRAMed far into my purse but couldn’t help but eye a pair of jeans for my boyfriend and a new dress for myself.
After mixing, mingling, and managing not to completely drain my checking account, Holly, Kristin and I boarded a southbound Broadway bus and planned a post payday trip to CRAM. Fingers crossed that my dress will still be there!
CRAM is located at 3331 N. Broadway in the heart of Lakeview and is open daily from noon until 7pm.
You wouldn’t know it was summer in Chicago by the recent weather patterns, however, rainy days mean conference room working (and fashion critiquing) in the Zapwater office.
Last week, while celebrating Susie’s monumental birthday, we dived right into a fashion conversation with Dave at the helm (a reference to boating will come up again later). After pointing out the many ways we describe Dave’s wardrobe choices (shrimp boat captain/deadliest catch ensemble, Sgt. Pepper blazer, madres-gone-wrong button down, etc.), I started to think about my own summer-wear.
While the temps have barely touched 80, it is time to start busting out the summer dresses, sandals and sunglasses. Lucky for me (and all of the other city fashion-lovers) le Dress is hosting a “Pets in Paris Week” (starts this Saturday and runs through 6/27) to benefit PAWS and give four-legged friends a chance at fashion. For one week, shoppers are encouraged to bring in their couture counterparts for sweet Parisian treats and a look at some amazing doggy-dresses. Half of proceeds from the handmade frocks and 10% of purchased le Dress private label dresses will be donated to the local rescue haven. Fido-free shoppers are encouraged as well, it’s the perfect excuse to stock up on summer’s must-have staple item! 1741 W. Division, www.ledresschicago.com Holly Winter Senior Publicist
Over the years, I’ve done some pretty cool stuff in public relations. But nothing compares to the event Zapwater put together last Thursday.
On Thursday, June 11, 2009, the USO of Illinois (with the help of Zapwater) honored three Gold Star Mothers and three Gold Star Spouses for a day of pampering, rest and relaxation as part of its "USO of Illinois Diva For A Day" program.
These six deserving women are wives and mothers of fallen heroes of the 33rd Infantry Brigade, Illinois National Guard; the largest military unit to deploy from Illinois since World War II. They were treated to a day that recharged the soul, as the USO stood with them to remember and honor the sacrifice of their loved ones and the sacrifices they have made as military family members on the home front. Each of the six women were invited to bring one friend along with them to take part in this day of luxury.
The “Diva for a Day” experience began with the U.S. Army's 234th Birthday Ceremony in Daley Plaza. The six courageous women were featured special guests of the USO. Following the ceremony, the USO and Zapwater treated the ladies to a day of special activities including:
Lunch at Rhapsody, a Contemporary American restaurant in Chicago’s vibrant South Loop where the “divas” were treated to an exclusive prix-fixe menu created especially for the occasion.
Spa services at the spa at dana hotel where they chose from services such as a mani/pedi and facial and/or deep tissue massage.
Champagne toast and honoree of the night status at Crimson Lounge for Maven’s Diva Series.
Watch the clip on ABC and you’ll see why I get choked up every time I see it. Job well done USO. Job well done Zapwater.
