Try these two places in Wicker Park. You won't be disappointed. Michael Anthony for hair, and Juko for nails. My thoughts regarding both are below. Both are located between Hoyne and Damen on Divison.
NAILS: Juko
I'm always confused why some are either so hard to get an appointment at some Nail Salons in the city, or that others force me to pay more than $25.00 for some special manicure (thank you very much, if I want the 'Special Pumpkin Spa Rub Treatment, I'll go home and mix some canned pumpkin puree from Trader Joe's into a bowl with my face scrub and do it for myself for 10 minutes....actually that's a good idea, I might try that!) that is entirely not necessary.
Juko is your place to be for the following reasons below:
1. Cute interior.
2. No wait (EVER--even on a Saturday morning at 10:45 when everyone and their mother, literally, are there plus their pets).
3. Extremely cost effective. It's only $15.00 for a manicure that lasts weeks.
4. You can drink wine there (they have some or you can bring some).
5. Tuesday offers a $34.00 manicure and pedicure discount.
6. They have a warranty on their work--1 week of a pedicure, if you see anything chipped, go back! They will give you a free polish change. 3 days for a manicure, if something happens, go back and they will take care of it for you, no problem. That's what I call service! No one does that anymore!
7. The owner is adorable and wears rompers with pumps and remembers your name after meeting you ONE time. Impressive. I remember in college I was in group projects with people for a semester and learned their name on the last day. Nice Mish. Nice.
8. The name sounds like Jew-Co. So I like it.
9. They play movies while you get your nails done.
Address: 2130 W Division
Phone: 773.772.2990
HAIR: Michael Anthony
I actually tried a new place (no, I'm not really one of those people who are obsessed with ONE hair dresser and will practically become suicidal if they switch states or move salons) to get my hair trimmed this week. It's called Michael Anthony Salon. Totally worth the money for the haircut (it was $50.00 for a hair cut and blow dry) and it is also a few blocks from my apartment. Excellent.
Here are the reasons why this place is awesome:
1. Fast! I was in and out in 39 minutes with check out time included.
2. My hair cut was even, well done and simple. Exactly what I wanted.
3. The sales staff don't try to sell you on 457 Aveda Products when you are there. I love that. I'm actually more likely to purchase if they aren't ramming stuff down my throat.
4. It was easy to make an appointment and they answer their calls even on Monday when the salon is closed.
5. They tell you ahead of time they don't take credit card tips. Very helpful.
Address: 2038 W Division
Phone: 773.772.0707
October 11, 2010
October 10, 2010
Visiting the Morton Arbor(eat)um.
Annnnnnnnnd it's happening. My friends are starting to get married. It's officially "Wave 1" of the ladies who are becoming engaged and married. A sorority sister of mine got married this past weekend. Let me tell you, probably one of the pretties couples I've ever seen (and nicest). What a treat to share their day with them, seriously, it was a very heartwarming night that I was happy I was included in. Morton Arboretum was the location of the ceremony and the reception, in Lisle, Illinois. By a stroke of luck, we were fortunate with 80 degree temperatures in October. Rainy sleet wind with a side of 50 degree temperatures the weekend before (super glad that I didn't choose to have my housewarming party that weekend as originally intended) changed to a sunny end of August-ish day with sun and not too much wind.
While sitting and waiting for my friend to say "I do," I was reminded of a science project that I did growing up, my partner's name was Diana, which involved studying different varieties of trees (and put them in an album with the sticky background and the clear covers that went over it) by visiting this preserve that was on Dempster Street in Evanston on the way to the place that I used to take Jazz classes at (Gus Giordano). It was a pretty worthless project, but nonetheless, I looked down to the left of my chair placed on the lawn, to see that the tree and bush type next to me were labeled. Kind of a cool thing to have a wedding in a unique venue that prides itself on preserving nature. It certainly looked like that, since the greens and gardens outside for the ceremony were absolutely pristine and stunning. One thing I learned by visiting the site, was How Plants are Named (it's kind of interesting actually. Almost like how humans are named. I wonder if there will ever be a plant named Michelle.....)
The grounds of the Arboretum contained a club house of sorts where events are hosted. Doug and I agreed that it looked very Frank Lloyd Wright era. Very modern and streamline. Minus the mosquito bites that cover my calves, the ceremony was gorgeous outdoors. We were happy to get inside afterward and especially use the restroom in the indoor ballroom. And it was, in fact, a large room. I am thinking that there were at least 250 to 275 friends and family in attendance. Quite a good amount!
To explain my entry title of choice, the food was surprisingly delicious. I kind of have a strange phobia, so I'm discovering, when it comes to seafood or poultry at weddings. I don't know what it is, but unless I know the caterer, I'm rarely happy with what I order. In this instance, I chose the vegetarian meal. A fine choice. The couscous was to die for, which was topped with multiple grilled veggies such as eggplant and portobello mushrooms. All the other dishes (Sea Bass, and Steak) were pretty tasty, according to my friends. Doug had a steak and said it was relatively under control for a wedding despite the fact that it's hard to make everyone happy with a steak at a wedding I feel (some like it well done, some like it medium rare, etc). It was a pretty fun night overall, and the space worked nicely for the larger group of people. The dance floor was adjacent to the dining area as opposed to in the center of it, which seemed to be the only possible configuration considering how many family and friends were there. Plus, the dance floor was right by the restrooms and the bar(s) so that worked out best for everyone involved.
Depending on your location, it's certainly a gorgeous venue for a reception of any sort. Just make sure you have nice weather to enjoy the grounds and make sure that you follow the instructions in the bathroom stalls to "flush the dial upwards for Number 1 to conserve water" (I swear this is true!).
Cheers,
Mish
Wedding Location: Morton Arboretum
Dress: Caspian Blue Silk Taffeta Strapless
While sitting and waiting for my friend to say "I do," I was reminded of a science project that I did growing up, my partner's name was Diana, which involved studying different varieties of trees (and put them in an album with the sticky background and the clear covers that went over it) by visiting this preserve that was on Dempster Street in Evanston on the way to the place that I used to take Jazz classes at (Gus Giordano). It was a pretty worthless project, but nonetheless, I looked down to the left of my chair placed on the lawn, to see that the tree and bush type next to me were labeled. Kind of a cool thing to have a wedding in a unique venue that prides itself on preserving nature. It certainly looked like that, since the greens and gardens outside for the ceremony were absolutely pristine and stunning. One thing I learned by visiting the site, was How Plants are Named (it's kind of interesting actually. Almost like how humans are named. I wonder if there will ever be a plant named Michelle.....)
The grounds of the Arboretum contained a club house of sorts where events are hosted. Doug and I agreed that it looked very Frank Lloyd Wright era. Very modern and streamline. Minus the mosquito bites that cover my calves, the ceremony was gorgeous outdoors. We were happy to get inside afterward and especially use the restroom in the indoor ballroom. And it was, in fact, a large room. I am thinking that there were at least 250 to 275 friends and family in attendance. Quite a good amount!
To explain my entry title of choice, the food was surprisingly delicious. I kind of have a strange phobia, so I'm discovering, when it comes to seafood or poultry at weddings. I don't know what it is, but unless I know the caterer, I'm rarely happy with what I order. In this instance, I chose the vegetarian meal. A fine choice. The couscous was to die for, which was topped with multiple grilled veggies such as eggplant and portobello mushrooms. All the other dishes (Sea Bass, and Steak) were pretty tasty, according to my friends. Doug had a steak and said it was relatively under control for a wedding despite the fact that it's hard to make everyone happy with a steak at a wedding I feel (some like it well done, some like it medium rare, etc). It was a pretty fun night overall, and the space worked nicely for the larger group of people. The dance floor was adjacent to the dining area as opposed to in the center of it, which seemed to be the only possible configuration considering how many family and friends were there. Plus, the dance floor was right by the restrooms and the bar(s) so that worked out best for everyone involved.
Depending on your location, it's certainly a gorgeous venue for a reception of any sort. Just make sure you have nice weather to enjoy the grounds and make sure that you follow the instructions in the bathroom stalls to "flush the dial upwards for Number 1 to conserve water" (I swear this is true!).
Cheers,
Mish
Wedding Location: Morton Arboretum
Dress: Caspian Blue Silk Taffeta Strapless
Popping my CHAIR-y.
We are no longer side chair virgins. Woo! West Elm comes to the rescue again. A quick decision was made one day, and Doug and I took yet another trip to West Elm. Yes, I officially have a company credit card which was opened for me by a very enthusiastic salesperson on a Saturday morning when I was hungover. Excellent. Hello Tulip Leather Chair in Honey,
My name is Mish. I'm looking forward to becoming friends. I'm sure we will have many fun nights together in front of the TV. Hopefully you enjoy your tweed Blue Line pillow friend. Welcome to Wicker Park.
Sincerely,
Mish
I just wanted to share this new addition to my living room. We felt it was a nice new texture to balance out the room with another neutral tone. And also what I found out, is that a West Elm card is actually worth it if you plan on making a good deal of larger purchases since you actually get money back on all your point accrued (unlike my trusty old J Crew card).
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