One of the things that I enjoy most is learning.  I really enjoy new shoes too.  Alas, to have more shoes I need money, so learning about making more money online is the next logical step.  If you too would like to learn some different approaches to making money online – you should join us for this month’s @CRAVEChicago chat.  I’ll be moderating along with a hand-picked stellar panel at the renowned, Edelman in downtown Chicago.

PS:  Are you a female entrepreneur?  Email me for a code to come to the event as my first-time guest.

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If you are lucky enough to be able to see your mom this Sunday for Mother’s Day, and you live in Chicago and you still have not gotten her a gift… never you fear.

I can’t speak for men, but as a lady… Golly-gee, I love plants.  Plants of all kinds delight me but easy-to-care-for plants are the only ones that end up becoming part of my life.  So when Miracle-Gro asked me to review their new line of flowering plants, I was happy to be the guinea pig.

Miracle-Gro Premium flowering plants are only  available in Chicago during the month of May, so watch my video review below and decide to make a trip to Home Depot for yourself- or Mother’s Day, if you act fast! I think for $20 it’s a great value that will last longer than flowers.  I’m excited to see all the buds bloom as the weather turns warmer.

Next time I visit Home Depot I’ll buy a bigger pot for it to sit on the floor, but it’s perfect on the ottoman currently and adds great color to the room.

For more information on Miracle-Gro’s Premium Plants, check here.  Tweet me questions.

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When you love the idea of international travel (or just love the idea of Richard Branson, for that matter)- you say “yes” when Virgin Atlantic Airlines Beauty Team invites you to coffee.

Sure- they’d love for me to tell you that they are relaunching a seasonal flight to London from Chicago, but that’s just good information for all of us to know.  I’ve yet to visit London.  How about you?  It’s arguably the most expensive city in the world and that is absolutely amazing.  So- if you have the scratch, take a jaunt to Europe on the @VAAintheUSA party ship.

Oh  and, if you fly in 2014, you’ll get to see the new #VAA uniforms.  Virgin Atlantic has just announced that British fashion icon, Vivienne Westwood, will design the airline’s new uniform for not only onboard Cabin Crew, but its staff in the Clubhouses, Spas and airports around the globe.  You can bet the new threads support the legacy of style and class that is Virgin Atlantic.  The point is, if we met for coffee I might share these two bits of information with you, so that was easy.

I met up with @VAAintheUSA at the Intercontinental Chicago Starbucks and, as they spoke of their previous night out, we became fast friends.  The first topic was the differences in men between Chicago and London.  They inquired about the very Chicago way to say that a man has an overinflated ego.  I told them I would tell them where they should have gone next time they visit The Windy City.

“Douchebag?  As in a woman’s douchebag?”, they ask.

“Yeah.” I respond.  ”We don’t say it in Texas either and  I don’t really get the connection but when you say it in Chicago… everyone knows what you’re talking about.”

They then laughingly repeated “douchebag” SO loud in Starbucks, I literally covered my face laughing.  You could tell by their accents they were just learning the word and that I was the obvious trouble-making teacher.  We decided that “tool” was their equivalent.  I loved them all instantly.

After we got the important stuff out of the way,  we turned to “beauty in the air”.  Virgin Atlantic has their own beauty team, beauty program AND beauty magazine for their flight attendants and the team was in town on a promotion tour.  I learned so much in the few hours I spent with them.  Attention to detail is what these people are all about.  I told them it makes me think that they must be this conscientious in other aspects of their business, and thus a safer airline.

That line of thinking doesn’t necessarily translate, but I think most people would agree with me on this one.  As a marketer myself, I’m always analyzing why I feel the way I do about brands.  #VAA seems super buttoned-up, innovative and classy.

As we drank our coffee, the team asked if I would like a quick makeover before I left.  The attached videos are what happened next.  Watch to learn the eyebrow comb-over, how to line your lips, why you should wear red lipstick and a few quick and easy updos.  You may also follow the team on Twitter for more tips.

PS: Shout out to the #BeautyTeam- I had a blast!  –> Rebecca Creer – Chief Beauty Officer, Mim Allgood – make-up manager, Helen Kavanagh – hair manager with Ombi Farr and Jess McGinley – Cabin Crew

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ORIGINAL POST AT JenTravels.com

He immortalized the song “My Kind Of Town” and it was… his kind of town.  So much so that it often feels like Frank Sinatra is still hanging around Chicago.  As if he always just left but could pop up back up almost anywhere.  From the faded framed pictures in bars and restaurants to the urban legends and hearsay of walking tours, here is your guide to enjoying Chicago, Sinatra-style.

SING

Well, if you are Frank, you always want to be asked to sing.  But, because you are not Frank, your best bet for belting out your rendition of Chicago, Chicago is at karaoke.  Blue Frog Bar & Grill downtown is affectionately known for it’s raucous but friendly crowd.  Expect a wait on busy nights or reserve your own private karaoke room at Lincoln Karaoke.

If you’d rather perform at an outdoor venue, why not sing Sinatra’s Love and Marriage at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park?  The fountain was in the opening credits of the 90′s sitcom “Married with Children” while Sinatra’s Love and Marriage was its theme song.

DRINK, DANCE & GIVE A TOAST

It was well known that Sinatra only wanted to hang at a bar that had Jack Daniels and a piano.  “This is a gentlemen’s drink.”, he’d say.  He could be so easy to please… at times.  The Joynt in River North is where I met Stan Wozniak, who had been Frank Sinatra’s road manager for 9 years, when Frank was older and Stan was… em, younger.  This is one of my absolute favorite spots in Chicago, not only because I get to see my friends, but because they have LIVE music every night of the week.  And I’m a sucker for live music and a dance floor. The Joynt attracts a professional, down-to-earth crowd of locals and travelers- Frank woulda liked it. If you are craving to hear some Sinatra-type crooning call to see which nights “Dakota” sings.  He sang for Ol’ Blue Eyes as a child star and got Sinatra’s blessing, “You got it, Kid.”  [Watch my video of The Joynt here!]

With all this music and drinking a celebratory Rat Pack toast seems apropos, but what to say?  The toast below is worth memorizing from “The Voice” himself via The Way You Wear Your Hat by Bill Zehme

“I wish you an abundance of health and goodness and sweet things and sweet dreams, no nightmares, and I wish you lemonade in the shade in July and all that other jazz, and huggin’ and kissin’ and peace forever in your time, and for your children, and their children, and their children and God bless us all!  Cheers!  Salud! Cent’anni!”

SHOP

Depending on your budget, you can buy lots of gifts for you and friends just like Francis would have.  If you, like Frank, don’t concern yourself with little things like money, you can surprise your best friends (like Sammy Davis Jr.) with a Cartier watch from Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile.

Not quite there yet?  Spend time looking for the perfect orange (Frank’s favorite color) handkerchief to tuck in your suit pocket.  Hermes in Gold Coast is known for their exquisite scarfs and accessories while boutiques like Mr. & Mrs. Digz carries both new and vintage designer options.

Another fun option is soap shopping.  Yep.  Never one to like copious amounts of cologne or perfume, Blue Eyes simply enjoyed the smell of soap.  Yardley’s English Lavender to be specific.  Sniff away and find your favorite soap flavor at Sabon in Gold Coast or Merz Apothecary in Lincoln Square.

EAT

Hey.  You’re Frank Sinatra.  You’re Italian.  You love food.  You specifically love Italian food made by Joey and Armando at La Scarola near Grand and Halstead.  One step inside and you “get it”.  [Watch my video review of La Scarola here!]

In a rush?  Want something more casual?  How about some barbecue ribs?  Twin Anchors in Lincoln Park has been serving up some of the best for decades now.

And of course, like any man’s man, this gentleman enjoys a prime cut of beef, grilled to perfection at one of Chicago’s famed steakhouses.  Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse has a Sinatra-esque ambiance in Gold Coast and Mastro’s Chicago bar has long been my “go-to” spot when I want to get dressed up, and meet interesting people.

HANG WITH MOBSTERS, FIGHT & PRAY

Not only did he break hearts, he broke legs.  Even at 5’7″ tall, Frank was never one to back down from a fight.  ”When a guy bothers me, I belt him” he’d say.  Whoa.  Brush up on your jab and duck at a boxing gym like LA Boxing in Wrigleyville and go out feeling like you have Security, but you don’t need Security.

Besides, it’s not like you don’t know people.  You know a guy if things get… er… sticky.  This is, after all, Chicago.  Oh, and speaking of The Family- don’t forget about Johnny Boy’s Graduation this weekend.  Capeesh?  Ok, ok… maybe they won’t be real mobsters, but the actors of this interactive dinner theater, will have you laughing so hard you won’t care.  [Watch my video for Johnny Boy's Graduation here!]

When you and/or Frank get enough carousing and are ready to return to alter boy roots,  Holy Name Cathedral is a beautiful Catholic church Near North Side. Mr. Sinatra played hard and prayed hard.

BUFF, POOL & SLEEP

He’s been known to give the advice of slipping your Mary Janes (shoes) in between couch cushions for one final buff, but I couldn’t find a venue in Chicago that wants to promote cushion shoe buffing, so you are on your own finding a willing couch.

Fortunately, you don’t need shoes at all, at the pool. Sinatra would say that his idea of a vacation is to put the watch in a drawer and sit by the pool for a few days.  Not a bad idea, Frank.  East Bank Club in downtown Chicago is known for both its indoor and outdoor pools and sells guest passes for visitor access.  However, you may not need to pay extra for a guest pass elswhere, if you choose to sleep at a swanky hotel, the way Sinatra did.

Though very often out all night, Frank still appreciated the value and customer service of a fine hotel.  Though many of the originals have been replaced or upgraded, Public Chicago, Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago, The Drake and Palmer House all claim Ol’ Blue Eyes as a valued guest.

So.  He sleeps after all.

Do you use Foursquare?  Check out the list I made: Things Frank Sinatra Would Do In Chicago

Wanna print this article out?

Special thanks to Stan Wozniak and Bill Zehme for instilling a love and appreciation in me for Frank Sinatra.

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As some of you may know, I am the Community Manager for @GogobotChicago and it is my role to start, grow and foster an enthusiastic travel community here in Chicago.  One of the ways that I have done that is by starting a group on MeetUp called Chicago Travel Enthusiasts.  (Click to join!)

What I like about the community on MeetUp (vs Facebook) is that when people RSVP for an event- they are more likely to actually show up.  This is a video of our last event which was a simple lake shore walk.  We had a blast, got some exercise and talked about future plans.  If you are looking to be part of a diverse community of people passionate about travel, who like to “get out there and DO stuff”, join us!

Video Production by Gogobot user Pasquale of Rockit Projects – http://www.rockitprojects.com

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Though my life is most certainly not all glitz and glamour… sometimes it is.  Check out the event coverage video hosted by “moi” and produced by Jumpmasters.  The #CFCA show award winners can be found on the Chicago Sun Times blog.  It was a FABULOUS night, and I look forward to next year.

What I think is lasting or “evergreen” (as we say in the biz) about this video, therefore worthy of watching again and again- are the numerous comments and insights about Chicago from celebrities and party-goers alike.  It makes me proud to live here every time I watch it.

When it’s cold in February and there’s no sun in sight… we still love this city.   !Viva Chicago!

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It is said that people want to business with people they now, like and trust.  I know that’s true for me.

But sometimes it’s hard to know who you like when you meet them at a regular networking event.

“Hi, I’m Jen, what do you do… Hi, I’m Jen, what do you do…” and we all share our 2 minute elevator speech.

I just don’t learn that way.  I never have.  Probably has something to do with my short attention span and my unnatural sleep cycle.  Though I’m constantly working on my listening skills, my preference is to meet people through some sort of activity and be naturally drawn to people over casual conversation and experience.

So that’s what this is.  It’s a social event that I have planned as a community manager for CRAVE Chicago.  CRAVE is a membership for female entrepreneurs and we have multiple networking and learning opportunities.  This is the first purely social event we have hosted in a long while and we are opening the event to men and women that may or may not be entrepreneurs but certainly know how to bowl like one.

The venue secured for us by my friend Monika of Connect-Inspire-Grow is amazing with all sorts of games like pool, bowling and putt-putt!  It promises to be a night of laid-back fun and new friendships.

Hope to see you there~
Jen

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I love the CTA.  I really do.  I’m not there with the bus yet, but the train is cool.  I really don’t like driving myself in the city; it stresses me out.  I’d rather snap Instragram shots out of the back of the cab window.

So this past Sunday, I grabbed my friend Michelle to try a new restaurant in Boystown.  While I was there, I decided to create my first travel video with the iPhone iMovie app.  (It’s $5 on iTunes and I think it’s totally worth it.)  I also created my first Vine video with our bacon-wrapped dates.  I was on a video roll!

There are obviously a lot more things to do in this area and I’d love to add your suggestions to my Gogobot Custom Guide of things to do from the Addison Red Line Stop.

What am I missing?

Travel Reviews, Tips & Ideas

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I have a great life.  It’s not always easy, or perfect or as directable as I would like it, but it’s pretty fantastic.  One of the best things about my life is being my own boss.  Sure, sometimes it’s hard.  Sometimes people don’t pay me when they say they will.  And sometimes I wonder if I would have started had I known how exhausting the journey could be.

But then I remember that I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I’m loving every minute of it of this crazy roller-coaster.  My work and play is one great big blur, and that suits me just fine most days.

I say “most days” because working by myself means that things can get a little lonely.  Sometimes I don’t have anyone to talk to, ask opinions or advice to or laugh with about the ironies of all this freedom from the typical 9-to-5.

That’s where Crave Chicago steps in…

Crave Chicago has long been a resource for entrepreneurial women to come together to learn, share and grow from one another.  Panels, events, workshops are designed and created to empower women-owned businesses.  So when Saya Hillman of Mac and Cheese Productions asked me to join her in being a Crave Partner for Chicago- I jumped at the chance.

So now, I get paid to do what I would pay to do.  Some people have all the luck, eh?

If you haven’t heard of Crave, you can check out the community on Facebook or email me to join us for a complimentary Chat or Wake-Up.  You really have to experience the community to understand what it’s all about.

If you are a female entrepreneur and you want to learn more about our membership program- hurry!  We are working on the latest edition of the Crave Chicago book and the deadline for membership photo shoots is Feb 28.

Come on out and join us.  You know you CRAVE better relationships too.

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I met Joe Piscopo a few years back through Stanley Wozniak.  The two of them have been friends since the Sinatra Days.  And when I say Sinatra Days, I mean that Stan was on the road with Mr P. and Joe was doing Sinatra impressions on Saturday Night Live.

I bet those were the days…

So because Joe is a generation above me, even though I knew him, I had never really seen him perform live.  He was just Stan’s friend.

Well I gotta tell you… Joe rocked his performances at the Chicago Film Critics Awards (Muvico in Rosemont) and it really put him a renewed light for me.  What a performer!  I was really impressed.  From his facial expressions, to his celebrity impressions, to filling empty space with clever chatter- Joe performed song after song before ending in… wait for it… the splits.  That takes heart, y’all.

We also saw the preview for his upcoming movie, How Sweet It Is at the awards show, which stars Paul Sorvino, this year’s honoree for “Commitment to the Craft“.  It really looks sweet, clever and fun.  A healthy dose of cheeseiness never hurt anybody, you know?  And it usually makes them laugh.  I can honestly say “I can’t wait to see it.”

I mean, seriously… the man did the splits.

Stay tuned for my Red Carpet interview with Joe Piscopo from the after party hosted by Perillo Auto Group.

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