Curated-Chicago Spring 2020 by Beth Rosen

SPRING 2020 | CURATED-CHICAGO.COM | ISSUE NO. 3

C U R AT E D C H I CA G O

SPRING STYLE TRENDS TO TRY

ON THE TOWN

NEW PLACES TO CHECK OUT

bohemian chicago

DEFIANCE AND THE POWER OF

d o o h r e t s si

TWO CEOS SHARE THEIR STORY JULIE SMOLYANSKY AND KATRINA MARKOFF

CBD CRAZE

WOMEN TO WATCH

RAISING STRONG GIRLS

| BUCKETLIST BANGKOK

JULIE SMOLYANSKY, CEO, LIFEWAY FOODS

KATRINA MARKOFF, CEO, VOSGES CHOCOLAT

JULIE HIGHTOWER, BOARD PRESIDENT, THE DAISIE FOUNDATION

ANDREA SHRESHTA, CO-FOUNDER, LUMINAID

FELICIA DAVIS, CEO, CHICAGO FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN

thoughts + more

CURATED

“A S I N G L E R O S E CAN BE MY GARDEN… A SINGLE FRIEND, M Y W O R L D. ”

CHICAGO FOUNDER Beth Rosen

– Le o B u s c a g l i a

CONTRIBUTORS

Jeannine Benoit Adams Arika Clark Alejo D e n i s e W i l m e r B a r re to T i f f a n y B ro o k s Megan Cooper D i a n a G u t i e r re z Michele Heather Ta v i J o h n s o n A l l i e Ke l l e r Ke l l e y K i t l e y Judy Laner Ve a h L a rd e Jean Lavallie S a m Le t s c h e r Mel McSherry Pe g g y O ’ F l a h e r t y Va l O l i v e i ra B e t h Pe te r s e n B a r b a ra Pro v o s t Alissa Rosen Denise Schmidt Katie Schuppler D r. J o a n n a S l u s k y Jennifer Thompson Ly d i a E n d o ra T h o m p s o n D r. N i c o l e W i l l i a m s M e g a n We s s e l s

WA N T T O C U R A T E SOMETHING TO SHARE?

Curated Chicago wants to hear from you. Do you have a favorite restaurant, hole in the wall, neighborhood spot, or hidden gem to get a good meal? Let us know. curated-chicago.com/share

S TA Y I N T H E K N O W

Our bi-monthly newsletter shares carefully curated lists of places to go, shows to see, tours to take, and much more. It also includes ideas, suggestions, and expertise from some of the most interesting people in Chicago. curated-chicago.com/subscribe

This is a quote that I find deeply meaningful and resonant. The power of friendship has brought many of my dreams to fruition, including the one you see before you now–Curated Chicago. I am thrilled to celebrate the third issue of the magazine and all the invaluable people that we are fortunate to have in life–friends. Gracing the cover of this month’s Curated Chicago are two female entrepreneurs who continue to inspire individuals across the globe while also inspiring each other. Founder and CEO of Vosges Haut-Chocolat Katrina Markoff and CEO of Lifeway Foods Julie Smolyansky have built impressive and successful brands on an international level that make them two of the most honored Chicago-based women in business. Through our exclusive interview with these talented two, you will get a taste of their immense impact on the food industry as well as their friendship. Inside Curated Chicago’s pages you will find lists that have been crafted to your interests by entrepreneurs who are empowering the home, fashion, makeup, and shopping experience for women across Chicago neighborhoods—from eco-friendly makeup creations to specialty boutique gift operations. We invite you to read, reflect, and be inspired—discover the new experiences, people, places, and things mentioned in this issue. We are honored and proud to have a platform that fosters partnerships and collaboration with inspiring and influential individuals from all parts of Chicagoland—and it is our hope to continue growing, learning, discovering, and conversing with each and every one of you.

Beth Rosen Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

V I S I T U S A T C U R A T E D - C H I C A G O.C O M A N D O N T H E S E C H A N N E L S .

G E T YO U R E V E N T C U R A T E D

Let us know what’s happening, so we can share it with our discerning readers. curated-chicago.com/share

@curatedchicago

curated

SPRING

2020

C OVER

KATRINA MARKOFF AND JULIE SMOLYANSKY

STYLE, TRENDS, + HOME Trending Tastes: 11 Marshmallows

16 Eye on Style earable Healing 22 WRose Quartz

23 Women-Owned Bookstores

Style: 28 Spring Shine, Structure,

THE HUSTLE, GRIND + FLOW CURATED LISTS from the Founder 3 Thoughts T he Down Low: River North 5 6 Eat + Play Bohemian Finds 7 Shop Small 8 The Fast Crowd 9 10 Not Your Average Date Night

LIFE, LOVE + BEAUTY

12 13 14 14

Local Beauty Finds Keratin Treatments H ormonal Imbalances W hat You Didn’t Know About Your Vagina

Statements, and Standards

Resources 18 for Financial

+ 32 Creative Custom Catering

Empowerment

It: Gluten-Free 33 Try Banana Bread

Downsize Your Life 18 Find Your Tribe 19 20 Don’t Sell Yourself Steps 20 Six to Goal Setting

Style: 34 Home Throwback Design

35 Cleaning Hacks Bangkok 36 Bucketlist Worth 37 Events Traveling For

Fail Up! 21 Bringing Radical 21 Change to Your Life!

SHARE WITH US!

What’s on your reading list? What are you binge watching? Where are your favorite hidden gems in Chicago? Do you have any great tips and ideas you want to share? Get Curated! curated-chicago.com/share

Sharing 38 WESOS: The Sandbox

Incorporate oils into your routine

16 1 0 Eyecare Musts 15 Raising Strong Girls 24 Women to Watch 17 Making a To-Don’t List Diana Gutierrez Peggy O’Flaherty 17 Rise Up After A Break Up 22 Heart Spaces + Decision Time M aking Friends After 25 CBD + Legal Marijuana Fifty

1 5

the down low

WA Y S T O R E D I S C O V E R RIVER NORTH

W H E R E T O E A T Ciccio Mio (226 West Kinzie Street) is the latest restaurant from Au Cheval’s culinary darling Brendan Sodikoff. Menu highlights include rolled and sliced lasagna bolognese and a signature Amaro shaved ice. Legendary local restaurant family Carrie and Michael Nahabedian are back with a new restaurant after closing their flagship Naha in 2018. Kostali (521 North Rush Street) offers the family’s take on coastal Mediterranean food with an avant-garde twist. And finally, Tzuco (720 North State Street) is Carlos Gaytán’s new restaurant that offers amped-up dishes with Mexican flavors, and has an attached bakery named Panango that is now open too. A 12-seat tasting-menu spot is coming soon! Located at Chicago, IL 60654. @cicciomiochicago

W H E R E T O S I P Dollop Coffee Co (643 North Wells Street) is a cozy outpost serving specialty coffees and teas, house made bites, local baked goods and cocktails. If you’re bike-laden, Heritage Outpost (676 North LaSalle Drive) is a small modern cafe serving bespoke espresso drinks alongside baked goods and custom-built bikes. If you are a smoothie person, RealGood River North (701 North Wells Street) uses organic and locally sourced ingredients from everything from smoothies to sweet options like Noyo Froyo and Juicy Pops. W H E R E T O S H O P After-Words Bookstore (23 East Illinois Street) is an independent

@pistachiosjewelry

@carlhammergallery

take note

In the heart of Chicago, River North is always in bloom with its modern residential high rises, magnificent mix of coffee houses, riveting cuisines, and captivating night life scene. Here are some hot spots that have made their mark on the neighborhood—and left their mark on us.

bookstore offering a wide selection of new and used titles in vast, industrial-chic digs. The sophisticated boutique, Elements (706 North Wells Street), is known for unique home-decor pieces, plus tabletop and bath accessories. Woman-owned gallery and shop, Pistachios (55 East Grand Avenue), features contemporary handcrafted jewelry, art glass, and wearable fibers of silk, wool, and velvet.

W H E R E T O P L A Y Bounce Sporting Club (324 West Chicago Avenue) is a grown-up sports club with creative bar food and steaks, craft cocktails, games on TV and DJ tunes. Bridging the gap between boxing and fitness, Shadowbox (667 North Wells Street) is an NYC-based boxing studio that just landed a punch in the Windy City. Spin Chicago (344 North State Street), is an energetic, sprawling hangout featuring lots of ping-pong tables, plus global food, cocktails, and DJs. WHERE TO SEE ART

Addington Gallery (704 North Wells Street) specializes in contemporary mixed-media pieces and paintings made with hot wax. The longtime neighborhood dealer, Carl Hammer Gallery (740 North Wells Street) represents contemporary self-taught and outsider artists from Europe and America. ZG Gallery (300 West Superior Street) focuses on contemporary art in all types of media, including painting, drawing and sculpture.

Pencil in these River North events!

March 1 ART ON THE MART

kicks of its third season with projected public art five days a week. More details on featured artists can be found at artonthemart.com

April 5 DONUT FEST Seriously, a donut tasting? Count us in! It starts at 10 a.m. at Old Crow Smokehouse (149 West Kinzie Street). rivernorthfests.com

April 24 O N E O F A K I N D S H O W kicks of

its third season with projected public art five days a week. More details on featured artists can be found at artonthemart.com

O N T H E N I G H T TA B L E BURN THE PLACE: A M E M O I R by Iliana Regan Burn the Place chronicles Iliana Regan’s journey from foraging on the family farm to running her Michelin-starred restaurant Elizabeth. This expressive debut memoir traces the chef’s struggle to find her place and what happens once she does.

MY SELF: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY O F S U R V I VA L by Kelley Kitley Chicago psychotherapist Kelley Kitley’s autobiography tells of her triumph against insurmountable odds, such as an eating disorder, sexual assault, and alcohol abuse laying bare the vulnerability and isolation of Kitley—and women in general.

A L L I WA N T I S YO U by Sherrill Bodine

This novel by the Chicago author tells the story of vintage boutique owner Venus Smith who acquires an antique mermaid brooch that ignites an old family feud and romance with her childhood crush. Can two young lovers leave the past behind?

SPEAK: LOVE YOUR STORY, YOUR AUDIENCE IS WAITING by Sally Lou Oaks Loveman

Our stories are what connect us. The former Oprah producer and author penned S P E A K as a love letter to her story and everyone in it, as well as an invitation to speak your own story.

curated

ON THE TOWN

curated list

EAT + PLAY

CHICAGO MAGIC LOUNGE

Bars and restaurants have upped the ante. No longer are great food and drinks enough. This roundup CHICAGO BOARD GAME CAFE

highlights places that offer unique experiences and attractions

LIPS CHICAGO

to make your meal far more memorable and a whole lot of fun!

T E AT R O Z I N A N N I

B AT L G R O U N D S

CHICAGO BOARD GAME CAFE

BUNNY S LO

PE BAR Reserve this apré s-ski themed private p arty room at the ACM E Hotel. Comple te with s cenic mounta in mura ls and hot tub, the bar s erves up cocktail s to your group. 15 EAST OHIO

Chicago’s first full-service board game cafe, from the creators of Cards Against Humanity. Board game teachers will help you pick the right game for your group and teach you how to play. Shared international plates by Executive Chef Aaron McKay (Schwa, NoMi, Le Lan) elevate this experience to be both fun and a culinary adventure. 1 9 6 5 N O R T H M I LWA U K E E AV E N U E , C H I C A G O G A M E C A F E . C O M

BUNNYSL

BATL GROUNDS

TEATRO ZINZANNI

LIPS CHICAGO

STR O P E B A R .CE E T, OM

CHICAGO MAGIC LOUNGE

Beer, tacos, and axes—what could be better? While maybe not for girls’ night out, it’s great for a date or party. The only axe-throwing spot with bar, menu, and open sessions. 4 8 4 2 W E S T I R V I N G PA R K R O A D,

Located in the theater district downtown, this restaurant features international cirque, cabaret, and comedy in a jeweled mirror tent, plus a menu from “the goddess” Chef Debbie Sharp.

Specialty drag shows in the South Loop, plus a “dragalicious” gospel brunch on Sundays, all with glam-themed menus created by Executive Chef Tom J. Schmitt. 2 2 2 9 S O U T H M I C H I G A N AV E N U E ,

Art Deco-style vaudevillian magic parlor serving drinks and small plate dining features “secret doors” and shows every night. No dress code, but dressing up is encouraged. 5 0 5 0 N O R T H C L A R K S T R E E T,

BATLGROUNDS.COM

3 2 W E S T R A N D O L P H S T R E E T, Z I N Z A N N I .C O M

L I P S C H I C A G O.C O M

C H I C A G O M A G I C L O U N G E .C O M

curated

curated list ON

THE TOWN

B E AT N I K

CUPITOL

BOHEMIAN FINDS Eclectic spots around the city embody Bohemian vibes. They all have similar aesthetics with collections of worldly and artistic inspirations—whether on a plate,

COLECTIVO COFFEE

for your home, or to accessorize.

HUMBOLDT HOUSE

THE RUBY ART NOUVEAU NECKLACE BY TANIA RODAMILANS, $140. TANIARODAMILANS.COM

BEATNIK

This West Town eatery is teeming with international flair and a menu to match. 1 0 1 2 W E S T C H I C A G O, B E A T N I K C H I C A G O.C O M

HUMBOLDT HOUSE

Shop from a mix of modern and vintage, housewares, and international rugs. 1 0 4 5 N O R T H C A L I F O R N I A AV E N U E , H U M B O L D T H O U S E C O.C O M

L O S T G I R L S V I N TA G E

The showroom was started as a mobile fashion truck with the ethos to live fearlessly and in style. 1 9 4 7 W E S T C H I C A G O AV E N U E , L O S T G I R L S C H I C A G O.C O M

L O S T G I R L S V I N TA G E

ASRAI GARDEN

ESKELL

ASRAI GARDEN

These florist boutiques are teeming with “magical curiosities.” 3 0 9 N O R T H M O R G A N S T R E E T A N D 1 9 3 5 W E S T N O R T H AV E N U E , A S R A I G A R D E N .C O M

ESKELL

A detailed curation of custom furniture, home goods, fine jewelry, and wellness products. 2 0 2 9 N O R T H W E S T E R N AV E N U E , E S K E L L .C O M

TA N I A R O D A M I L A N S

This Chicago artist and jewelry maker creates one-of-a-kind Boho-chic statement pieces. TA N I A R O D A M I L A N S .C O M

curated

ON THE TOWN

curated list

THE SHUDIO

KOMODA

THE SOUL OF EVERY CITY

…can be found in its small businesses. And Chicago is no exception. Get to know the city by checking out these local shops filled with

N E I G H B O R LY

ENJOY

unique items—to gift or to keep— that you won’t find online. by sam letscher

R AV E N S G O O D S

LOCAL GOODS

THE SHUDIO

KOMODA

Part shop and part studio, this go-to spot for sustainable finds, includes a cruelty-free, all-natural apothecary. P I L S E N , 1152 WEST 18TH STREET

An eclectic gift shop overflowing with unexpected gems, it’s the perfect place to find gifts for anyone on your list, including the kids. W E S T T O W N , 2 5 5 9 W E S T C H I C A G O AV E N U E

N E I G H B O R LY

ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE

This shop stocks ethically-made products exclusively and has an extensive collection of local art and whimsical finds for your home. W I C K E R PA R K , 1 9 0 9 W E S T D I V I S I O N S T R E E T

F OY E R S H O P

Stocking plants, paper goods, and other assorted treasures, you’re sure to find something to breathe new life into your home at this curated shop. A N D E R S O N V I L L E , 1 4 8 0 W E S T B E R W Y N AV E N U E

R AV E N S G O O D S

In this welcoming neighborhood shop you’ll find greeting cards, local art, affordable jewelry, Chicago-themed gifts, and more. R AV E N S W O O D , 4 7 0 3 N O R T H D A M E N AV E N U E

GOOD AT NAPS WOVEN THROW BLANKET BY CALHOUN & CO, $108, FOUND AT FOYER SHOP

Truly a modern general store, this shop stocks literally thousands of goods. They’ll help you stock your closet, jewelry box, home office, kitchen, nursery, bathroom, gift bags, and more. L I N C O L N S Q U A R E , 4 7 2 3 N O R T H L I N C O L N AV E N U E

LOCAL GOODS CHICAGO

In addition to having an extensive selection of Chicago souvenirs, this shop stocks handcrafted gifts, hosts creative workshops, and runs beer and wine clubs for local enthusiasts. E D G E B R O O K , 5 4 2 2 W E S T D E V O N AV E N U E

curated

curated list ON

RUNNING WITH THE FAST CROWD

THE TOWN

GODDESS AND THE BAKER

When you need a quick bite to

THE PROTEIN BAR

grab on the go, you don’t have to stop at an unhealthy chain. Chicago’s reputation for incredible restaurants rings true even for our fast casual spots. Here are some of the tastiest.

BROWN BAG SEAFOOD

PROTEIN BAR

Serving up nutritious, protein-packed smoothies, bowls, and more, Protein Bar is a fast and convenient option for fueling up on long days. 10+ locations. P R O T E I N B A R .C O M

F OX T R O T

FOXTROT

Started with the mission to rethink the convenience store, Foxtrot is a homey spot to grab a ready-to-eat meal, sit down for a coffee date, or pick up essential groceries on your way home. 7 locations. F OX T R O T C O.C O M

CAFE TOLA

Cafe Tola serves up breakfast tacos, empanadas, burritos, and more. This family-owned small business creates each location with a slightly different menu and flair, so be sure to visit them all. 4 locations. C A F E T O L A .C O M

GODDESS AND THE BAKER

A warm and inviting spot to grab a latte and a salad between meetings, Goddess and the Baker is a fun cafe with friendly service and even better food. 3 locations. GODDESSANDTHEBAKER.COM

B R O W N B A G S E A F O O D C O.

With five locations around downtown, Brown Bag Seafood Co. offers fresh and sustainable seafood, perfect to grab and go or for a casual lunch meeting. 5 locations. B R O W N B A G S E A F O O D.C O M

CAFE TOLA

curated

ON THE TOWN

curated list

NOT YOUR AVERAGE DATE NIGHT T H E PA L M C O U R T

T H E S O C I A L TA B L E

Chicago is a vibrant city with so much going on.

Make your next date more

E S C A P E A RT I S T RY

memorable than dinner and a movie. No excuses, we’ll help you get out of your night-out rut. C O LV I N H O U S E

ADLER AFTER DARK

S A L S A D A N C I N G I N PA L M C O U R T

Soiree de Salsa is hosted at The Drake Hotel twice monthly in the Palm Court. The evening starts with a lesson from Freddy Ovalle, then dance the night away! Be sure to dress to impress. T H E D R A K E H O T E L , 1 4 0 E A S T WA LT O N S T R E E T, D R A K E H O T E L .C O M

C O LV I N H O U S E

Every other month this historic mansion turned co-working space and event venue hosts “The Parlor,” a special event featuring live performances, signature cocktails, and, more uniquely, curated around a theme. 5 9 4 0 N O R T H S H E R I D A N R O A D, C O LV I N H O U S E E V E N T S .C O M

T H E S O C I A L TA B L E

This Lincoln Park locale offers a dinner party experience complete with hands-on cooking followed by a family-style meal. Ideal for a double date and mingling with fellow guests. 8 1 9 W E S T A R M I TA G E AV E N U E , T H E S O C I A LTA B L E .C O M

E S C A P E A R T I S T RY

If you’re up for a challenge, an escape room is an incredible bonding experience. The multiple immersive rooms were created with local artists. 1 3 4 2 N O R T H M I LWA U K E E AV E N U E , E S C A P E - A R T I S T RY.C O M

ADLER AFTER DARK

The reimagined mainstay at The Adler Planetarium is a 21+ after-hours series freshly revamped for the new decade. With themes that change each month, it is never the same event twice. 1 3 0 0 S O U T H L A K E S H O R E D R I V E , A D L E R P L A N E TA R I U M .O R G 10

curated

trending tastes

Sweet Ventures By Beth Feldman

I can’t remember the first time I tasted a marshmallow but I do recall being obsessed with a line of cookies my parents would always buy that came in a blue box, had two wafers with a marshmallow in the middle. This was by far my favorite cookie of all time. And then it just disappeared from store shelves, never to be seen again.

MARSHMALLOWS Believe it or not the soft fluffy confection started in ancient times when the root of ‘mallow’ plants were cooked down with honey and used medicinally. Leave it to the French, however, to turn it into the confection we know today. The marshmallow is making its way up in the ranks of sweets, far beyond the plastic bag you’d grab one a year for making s’mores. Here’s how to get more of the fluffy stuff right here in Chicago.

Make it wn Your O

MARSHMALLOW CLASSES

Over the years, I still obsessed over marshmallows - whether it was sticking a freshly bought Charleston Chew in the freezer to get that perfect density where the candy would crack when you ate it, or roasting s’mores with friends, no matter where I have traversed in life, there have always been marshmallows.

XO Marshmallow, the world’s first marshmallow cafe, brings the nostalgia of sipping cocoa with s’mallows or roasting s’mores by the campfire, into the 21st century with a modern twist! They use premium ingredients with innovative flavors— from classic Vanilla Bean to Champagne—to create small batch gourmet marshmallows that are beyond anything you ever expected from the classic treat. They offer classes in make your marshmallow treats as well as decorating ‘mallows. XO M A R S H M A L L O W.C O M

And then there was Paris... A few years ago, I took my daughter to Paris to celebrate her graduation from high school and while we were there, we visited Le Marais district where we hopped in and out of several bakeries. It was there that I discovered a variety of flavored marshmallows and from the moment I took my first bite, I was hooked. When I came back to the States, I couldn’t understand why artisanal marshmallows wasn’t a bigger deal here and so, I set out on a mission to find the best flavored marshmallows in the country. While my research took me from Salt Lake, to Indiana to Chicago, New York City and even Boynton Beach, Florida, what I discovered was that no one comes close to those Parisian mallows. And so, when I turned 50, I bought myself a mixer, started researching recipes, and began to make those mallows myself. Within one month, I launched Marshmallow Lane, an online destination for all things marshmallow and a dessert catering business that can provide delicious flavored treats for any occasion. We already offer nearly a dozen flavors from Cookies and cream, to strawberry, lemon, chocolate chip, Nutella, s’mores and even heart shaped Prosecco infused marshmallows that are packaged in a Love Jar! My dream is that Marshmallow Lane one day expands nationwide— with food trucks or pop up stands at colleges, festivals, corporate events and at memorable family occasions. For now, I’m excited by the response from friends and family who are loving my marshmallows and are helping spread the word with every bite they take. They say there’s nothing sweeter than the smell of success but when you’ve launched a marshmallow business, the taste of it is pretty great too. For more information, please visit marshmallowlane.com.

fluff on... S W E E T M A N DY B’ S

Old fashioned desserts in Lincoln Park 1 2 0 8 W E S T W E B S T E R AV E N U E

COFFEE JOINT

Homemade marshmallows in the lattes! 2 0 5 9 W E S T I R V I N G PA R K R O A D

LICKITY SPLIT

Try Sophie’s S’more—custard with marshmallow creme, hot fudge and graham cracker crust or a gourmet chocolate treat with marshmallow, caramel, and walnuts (pictured above). 7 0 0 0 N O R T H W E S T E R N AV E N U E

curated

beauty trends

BEST OF THE LOCALS While we are all guilty of the Sephora splurge, Curated Chicago has scoured local brands for some favorite local cosmetic brands that rival the big-box makeup counters. BLACK GEL EYE LINER

Dome Beauty This clean beauty line offers a simple lineup of the classics. Our pick: the black gel eye liner. It brushes on smooth for a rich dramatic eye. $23, domebeauty.com

ILLUMINATE PRIMER + HIGHLIGHTER

Amazing Cosmetics Go for the glow with this multi-tasking primer that conceals flaws and brightens your skin. It can be used alone or with your concealer for a lightweight foundation. $35, amazingcosmetics.com

FIRE RED LIPSTICK

Beautiful Fighter Cosmetics for a cause—a portion of the proceeds goes to several causes. This smooth, creamy lipstick infused with Vitamin E and jojoba soothes, hydrates, moisturizes, and protects lips. It adds color and shine to lips with conditioning benefits that continue even after the color is removed. $17, beautifulfighter.com

SUNKISSED BRONZER Maelle Beauty

Any time of the year a healthy glow is always gorgeous. This versatile bronzing palette is infused with soft pearlescent highlights and flatters all skin tones. $29, maellebeauty.com

curated

4 WA Y S TO INCORPORATE

Oils I N T O YO U R BEAUTY ROUTINE

As young women, most of us were told that oily skin was bad. And while it presents plenty of issues in

our youth, oil can be incorporated into your skincare routine regardless of your age or skin type. Here are some ways to use oils and some of our favorite products.

FA C E

Contrary to what you may think oils can be light and moisturizing, and, in most cases, will not cause acne break outs. Look for something that is lightweight with light fragrance. O U R P I C K : S U M M E R I N N I C E D R Y O I L S P R A Y, $38, MGREENGRASS,COM

B O DY

After showering—while your skin is still damp—use a dry oil that will soak in and leave your skin super soft. O U R P I C K : S O L E I L B L A N C B O DY O I L , $ 7 5 , T O M F O R D, C O M

HAIR

Oils can be used to smooth frizz, hydrate dry hair, and add shine. Remember less is more! O U R P I C K : O U A I H A I R O I L , $ 2 8 , U LTA , C O M

HANDS

Think of the cuticle oil when you get a great manicure. Why don’t you use that every day—on your finger tips and all over your hands? OUR PICK: FRENCH GIRL NAIL AND C U T I C L E O I L , $ 2 2 , S H O P. G O O P. C O M

beauty trends

need to know

KERATIN TREATMENTS Keratin. It’s one of the most popular treatments for women looking for smoother, silkier hair. The protein-based formula is known to eliminate frizz and gives your mane softness and shine. But it’s not a simple treatment, despite what product literature might promise, and the glut of major brands offering straightening-for-all effects might easily confuse many consumers. Though a common salon service that might require two to three hours and cost an average of $500, keratin treatments are often misunderstood. Arsen Gurgov, one of the nation’s top stylists, says, “The Keratin treatment restores the needed protein. It’s the perfect solution for everyone’s biggest hair problem—unmanageable hair. It makes curly strands soft and sleek so you can style your hair the way you want without a salon blowout. But it’s not just the product you use, it’s actually how it’s applied.”

PRO TIP

no-no? portant im t s n. o The m too ofte ur hair o y g in h Was r hair, poo you u sham o y last,” s l s il le “The eratin w k r u ing o y er sts wash the long o sugge h nt w e , v o rg treatm says Gu ecause a b 4 2 k e r e e w ft ness a once a effective e s lo t h mig os. shampo

The application process is key. After the product is combed through the strands, a flat iron is used to smooth the hair. As the temperature of some irons can reach as high as 450 degrees, this can be a dangerous part of the process. The composition of keratin is another consideration. “Some are silicone based, some are water based,” Gurgov says. “A stylist must decide what will work best in each situation. If someone has an oily hair or scalp, a siliB:8.75" cone-based product would be a mistake. is Also, keep in mind that all of these products contain some form of formaldehyde, and a well-ventilated application space is essential for the client T:8.5"and the stylist team.” Finally, look closely at the ingredients: The best keratin treatments use paraben-free,S:8" sulfate-free formulas.

TELLURIDE

KIA

2020 MOTORTREND SUV OF THE YEAR

Kia Proudly Supports Women’s Day at the Chicago Auto Show.

curated

2020 Telluride SX AWD shown with optional features. Quantities are limited. Always drive safely.

health

five

R E A S O N S YO U R HORMONES ARE OUT OF BALANCE by megan cooper

1. STRESS

I consider stress the number one area that should be addressed when experiencing hormonal imbalance. When you are under chronic stress your body will use sex hormone reserves to support your increased need for cortisol (stress hormone) production. Speaking in evolutionary terms, if you were under a great threat and experiencing stress, your body is going to use all your resources to survive and put your need to reproduce on the back burner.

2 . T OX I N S

In our modern world we’re being exposed to hormone disrupting toxins (endocrine disruptors) at every touch point. One of the biggest disruptors is a group of toxins classified as “xenoestrogens.” Xenoestrogens are man-made chemicals that mimic natural estrogen in the human body. This leads to hormonal imbalance. Xenoestrogens are present in everything from food, personal care products, pesticides, and cleaning products, to name a few. A few examples of xenoestrogens to look out for: BPA, dioxin, atrazine, phthalates, perchlorate, and fire retardants.

3 . P O O R Q U A L I T Y S L E E P I consider

sleep an essential nutrient. If you don’t get enough of it or it is lacking in quality, your hormones will suffer. Inadequate sleep stresses the body and increases cortisol levels leading to a depletion of sex hormones. Not getting enough sleep also contributes to insulin resistance and increases levels of TSH (underactive thyroid). Sleep is challenging because lack of sleep leads to hormonal imbalance and, inversely, hormonal imbalance leads to poor sleep.

4. POOR LIVER FUNCTION

Your liver is the major detoxifier of your body. If your liver isn’t functioning at its optimal level, then your body may be having a hard time ridding itself of too much estrogen and other hormonal disrupting toxins. A simple way to support your liver would be to consume a tall glass of warm lemon water in the morning.

5. LEAKY GUT

is when the membrane inside your colon becomes permeable and lets particles back into the blood-stream that would otherwise be excreted from your body. When this is occurring not only are your inflammation levels higher, but you are unable to get rid of toxins that may be affecting your hormone levels. To support good gut function, look to consume less processed food, more plant-based fibers, and a probiotic!

7 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR VAGINA I T C H A N G E S T H R O U G H O U T YO U R CYC L E

The vagina becomes slightly more firm during your period. Due to cyclic hormonal changes and a process called keratinization the tissue is more protected from menstrual fluid, which may be irritating.

IT COMES IN DIFFERENT SHAPES

The vagina comes in four distinct shapes: heart, slug, parallel, conical, and pumpkin seed. Your vagina is actually bigger closer to the apex. That’s why once you insert a tampon or menstrual cup you can’t feel it. In addition, your clitoris, the primary erogenous mechanism, is up to nine centimeters (3 ½ inches) long.

IT’S A DELICATE BALANCE

The vagina is slightly acidic at baseline, with a pH of 3.5-4.5. This function serves to kill the weakest of the sperm, which are slightly basic, and allow the healthiest of sperm to enter the uterus! Also, when your pH is off balance it may allow abnormal bacteria to proliferate and contribute to the formation of vaginitis.

IT’S SENSITIVE AND STRONG

In addition to thousands of nerve cells, the clitoris also has muscle. During the excitement phase of a sexual encounter the surrounding muscle causes the clitoris to elevate which results in the retraction of the clitoral hood to help you achieve orgasm.

N O T A L L PA R T S A R E N E E D E D F O R S E X U A L S A T I S FA C T I O N

The cervix has no sexual erogenous zones or endings whatsoever. Contrary to some beliefs, removal of the cervix has never been proven to decrease sexual pleasure.

THE G SPOT IS AN ACTUAL THING

Your G spot is closely related to the bladder and nerve innervation of your clitoris and contains tissue equivalent to the prostate in males! Pressure on this area during sex can produce an intensely pleasurable effect.

THE EARTH DOES SHAKE DURING AN ORGASM

Your uterus actually experiences contractions similar to labor during an orgasm. This happens in order to facilitate the uptake and entry of sperm into the uterus where conception occurs in the fallopian tubes. Some women may actually feel some cramping during or after orgasm. It is also known that having orgasms can facilitate the onset of labor in pregnant women. Want to learn more? Visit Dr. Nicole Williams’ practice, Gynecology Institute of Chicago, at gynecologyinstitute.com.

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relationships

RAISING STRONG GIRLS by kelley kitley

Parents have a huge influence on their children’s perception of what strong is. This is modeled without even saying anything based on how you see yourself and what you project onto your children. Here’s what I’ve learned as both a mother and psychotherapist about raising girls who will become strong women.

Engage in healthy behavior for yourself. Your children are always watching.

Feeling empowered is an inside job. If we wish to make a strong impact on the world, we need to make sure we have a solid foundation and engage in self care first and foremost. Compassion for yourself and others is a practice. As we help to build confidence for our girls,

giving them words of affirmation to

feel seen and heard will become a learned automatic behavior. “Your laugh is contagious.” “Great job on your test. You’re so smart!” We want our daughters to love themselves for who they are. Give gratitude by noticing and celebrating the small victories that lead to the bigger picture. Encourage your daughter to come up with a list of things she’s good at, what she feels proud of, and what her aspirations are. Journaling and vision boards are great art activities for all of us. Draw pictures, cut out words from a magazine, find meaningful quotes to inspire. Hang it up in her room so she can see it every day. I firmly believe we need to nurture the

internal dialogue to build confidence

that will have positive results externally.

Show them the importance of loving ourselves. Say something along the lines of, “I feel proud of myself for helping someone today.” It becomes a teaching opportunity to have a conversation about taking in pride in who we are. Remember, positivity is contagious and needs to start at home.

Consistency is key in parenting.

Attempt to live your life by showing up and doing the next right thing. Lead by example and give your children role models and a connection to a community of supportive women and girls who embody these things. We are not perfect, however empowered women empower women. Kelley Kitley is a licensed clinical social worker, best-selling author and women’s mental health expert. Learn more at kelleykitley.com

MAKING FRIENDS AFTER 50 by judy laner

Making friends during life phases from growing up to college to your first job all came very natural. It was the source of your life. As you get older, after the kids are out of the house, you have moved, or even after a divorce later in life, making connections seems harder. But it truly can be the best time—it’s almost a rebirth. You have more time on your hands to figure out what you like to do, spend time doing those things, and build friendships from those activities. Just remember to be open to talking to people and take a chance. Give it time and friendships will blossom. 1. JOIN A CLUB THAT HAS A SOCIAL COMPONENT.

Try one such as East Bank Club or Midtown. Take classes where you will see the same people weekly. 2. SIGN UP FOR CLASSES THROUGH YOUR COMMUNITY ART CENTER.

Art can be fun even if you aren’t good at it. 3. SIGN UP FOR CARD LESSONS.

Find canasta, bridge, or mah jong classes at your local library or try word of mouth. 4. SIGN UP FOR CONTINUING STUDIES CLASSES.

Local universities offer dozens of courses, and your peers will share similar interests as you. 5. JOIN A COOKING CLASS.

There are classes that are offered as a series as opposed to just one night.

6. TAKE A CLASS AT SECOND CITY.

They offer writing classes as well as improv. 7. VOLUNTEER AT A CHARITY ORGANIZATION.

Ones such as PAWS and Gilda’s Club have plenty of opportunities to be involved year-round on a regular basis. Sports stores such as Fleet Feet offer weekly running clubs.

8. JOIN A RUNNING CLUB.

9. THE CHICAGO FILM SOCIETY. This group arranges gatherings to watch and discuss movies. 10. FIND A TRAVEL GROUP. Find travel enthusiast

groups on websites such as Meetup.

11. EXPLORE MEET UP. Download the app and peruse the different groups until you find a few that you connect with.

Give it a try, push yourself, and sign up for something. Your life will become enriched, and you just might make a new friend.

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10 EYECARE MUSTS

title

Being proactive about taking preventative measures can improve your ocular health and prevent future problems. by dr. joanna slusky

#1 GET A COMPREHENSIVE E Y E E X A M E V E RY Y E A R

Your vision may seem fine and eyes may feel normal, but an annual eye exam is the only way to be sure. Never assume that not needing glasses/ contacts means there’s no reason to check ocular health. Eye diseases, like meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and even diabetes or cancer, often have no warning signs. An eye exam is the only way to detect their early stages.

# 2 K N O W YO U R FA M I LY ’ S E Y E H E A LT H H I S T O RY

Eye problems can be genetic. Knowing if any family member was diagnosed with an eye disease/condition helps determine if you’re at risk.

EYE

# 3 R E S T YO U R E Y E S

on style

If you wear contacts, don’t sleep/swim/ shower in them and don’t wear them 24/7. Update your glasses and use them instead of contacts two days/week to rest your eyes. If you use digital devices every day, take breaks from screen time to reduce eye strain. Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

clear

Bryon from Warby Parker, $95, warbyparker.com

# 4 S T O P S TA R I N G A N D B L I N K

vintage-inspired rose

Mulberry from Vint and York, $109, vintandyork.com

Gia Sunglasses from Tom Ford, $495, tomford.com

# 5 R E D U C E YO U R E Y E S ’ EXPOSURE TO BLUE LIGHT

aviator

Pantos sunglasses by Chanel, $585, chanel.com

bold

Miltzen from Moscot, $280, moscot.com 16

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When concentrating while using a computer, reading, watching TV, driving, you’re blinking much less frequently and not closing your eyes completely with every blink. Do blinking exercises every hour: close–pause–open–pause– squeeze–open.

Blue light is emitted from all digital screens as well as the sun. It leads to digital eye strain and several other eye diseases and conditions. You may need blue light reducing protective eyewear and nutraceuticals to reverse the damage.

# 6 W E A R U V- B L O C K I N G POLARIZED SUNGLASSES

They’re a great fashion accessory, but most importantly they protect your eyes from the sun’s UV-A/UV-B radiation.

UV damages the front of your eyes (a.k.a. pinguecula) and can actually promote cataracts and macular degeneration development by enlarging your pupils, allowing more light to enter the inside of your eyes. Polarized lenses reduce blinding glare, improve depth perception, and enhance visual comfort.

# 7 D O N O T U S E O V E R -T H E COUNTER EYE DROPS They’re actually very addictive! Only use eye drops recommended by an optometrist that would be best for you based on your symptoms.

#8 BE CAREFUL WITH EYE MAKEUP Never use waterproof mascara/eyeliner or sparkly eyeshadow. Avoid products with chemical ingredients that contribute to eye irritation and damage. Use clean beauty products as often as possible and always remove your makeup at night.

#9 EAT RIGHT TO PROTECT YO U R S I G H T A healthy body equals

healthy eyes. Colorful fruits/dark-green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens) are rich in antioxidants that help protect your eyes from blue and UV light. Omega3 in avocado, nuts, and wild-caught fish is amazing for dry eyes, skin, hair, nails, brain, and heart. If your diet needs an extra boost, I’ll recommend a specific high-quality oral supplement. And don’t forget to hydrate with 80 ounces of water each day!

# 1 0 A LWA Y S S E E A N O P T O M E T R I S T If you ever experience a sudden onset of blurry vision, eye pain, light sensitivity, flashes/floaters, eyelid pain/swelling, or watery/white/ yellow/green discharge, contact your trusted optometrist before going to an urgent care or emergency room.

To learn more about Dr. Joanna Slusky and her practice, Halsted Eye Boutique, please visit drjoannaslusky.com

MAKE A TO-DO LIST

n’t

Keep up on what’s happening at Curated-Chicago— all of the hotspots, culture and ideas from local experts. curated-chicago.com/signup

I remember a time I was getting ready to sign off the computer for the night when a video came across my feed. I’ll shamelessly admit I am a sucker for those inspirational videos and quotes. So, despite the late hour, I couldn’t resist one last view before bed. The video rocked me to my core. It highlighted how important it is to be in the moment, because time really does disappear before we know it. What really stood out to me was when one woman mentioned that she wished she had written a to-don’t-do list. The moment she said it I knew this is what I needed to do for myself. I went to bed and began pondering what I wish I was doing differently or what would go on my “to-don’t” list. Over the weekend, I created a giant poster board filled with 19 things I decided I am not going to do. In this hectic technology era, we often fall victim to only focusing on all things we need to do, but not the things we may want to avoid doing.

Here is an excerpt from my list…

After I finished the list, I was shocked. The harsh reality sunk in and it felt like my list had slapped me in the face by showing me how often I was holding myself back.

“To-Don’t” List DON’T let me hold me back

I realized how often I was my own biggest critic and I didn’t want to let myself get in the way of my long-term goals. I know I can be a go-getter. I also know that having a strong support system and not placing all the weight on my shoulders is important. And of course, not missing important moments with my loved ones.

DON’T miss out on moments with my daughter.

I started pacing the floor and felt a bundle of emotions surface.

I DO encourage myself and push me forward!

I’ve always strived to be a self aware person. So naturally when I took the time to review my “to-don’t” list, it felt like a revelation. Right after that, I created a to-do list by reviewing my “to-don’t.” I could clearly identify the areas of my life where I need to be a little more intentional to create new habits of attention, love, perseverance, and so on. So, what’s on your “to-don’t” list? After reviewing your “don’ts,” think about your “do’s.”

To learn more about Arika Clark Alejo, please visit arikaclark.com.

DON’T try to do it all alone. DON’T be so hard on others.

“To-D”o List I DO ask others for help! I DO give others a break and take it easy! I DO enjoy every moment with my daughter!

Important things to remember There are no rules, so dive in and just write what’s on your mind Writing or creating a physical board helps you visualize your goals, dreams, and intentions Spend the time to dive deeper into why certain issues matter to you

RISE UP AFTER A BREAK UP Dealing with a break up is never easy —even if you were the one to end the relationship. This therapist-created healing kit includes all the elements and guided process that includes journaling, affirmations, community, and celebration (and, of course, fire!). It is designed to make you feel repaired, restored, and ready to be in your power. With the Rise Up After A Break Up healing kit, you can: • Reflect on the relationship that has ended • Affirm your sense of self and desire to move forward • J ournal as a way to identify your emotions, choices, tangles, opportunities and the gifts you received from the relationship • Burn cleansing sage with your collected journal writings •P repare for your next happiness by offering up wishes and rooting your intentions •S hare and celebrate with your besties and closest friends! The kit includes a journal, cleansing sage, stationary paper, flying wish paper, affirmation wristband, dried sage, seed paper, and matches. Fully explore the power of the healing kit with a life coach.

Healing Kit $99, with coach session $199. wekaw.com

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el ss e r o m is

DOWNSIZE AND SAVE BIG by barbara provost

horeyr st

Carolyn Leonard remembers the April morning in the late 1970s when her trading pit at Chicago Board Options Exchange was flooded with orders for 3M options. She was the only woman working on the floor as an independent market maker trading in the 3M pit from opening bell to closing bell that day. Men who had refused to do business with her faced a choice: End their boycott or squander an opportunity. Leonard used her “deficits” to greater advantage on the trading floor. She was naturally attuned to the supercharged atmosphere and unafraid to join the fray. She could tolerate market volatility with the best of them and act cool as others crumbled. Leonard launched DyMynd to bridge the gap between women with wealth and financial institutions that— like those male traders in the 1970s—are missing million-dollar opportunities.

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RESOURCES FOR FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT by carolyn leonard

Invest Your Spare Change

ACORN

This micro-investing app rounds up your spends and puts the money where it can grow. $1-3 per month, acorns.com

Invest In Stocks

ROBINHOOD

Commission-free investing in multiple areas specializing in fractional shares. $5 per month, robinhood.com

Invest In Knowledge

INVESTOPEDIA

Know your numbers and all the terminology around investment. free, Investopedia.com

Be an Information Junkie

N E R D WA L L E T

All of your financial questions answered with tools and calculators. free, nerdwallet.com

Manage Your Money

P E R S O N A L C A P I TA L

Centralize all of your accounts in one location and invest from there. Free, personalcapital.com

It is important for women to be financially fearless, and one way is to purge excess expenses. Look around your house and in your checkbook to find ways to cut back and rack up big savings for you and your future! Here are some ways I made changes in my life with financial gains.

SOLD MY HOUSE

With kids on their own I didn’t need a big house anymore. I moved to an apartment in the city where I don’t have maintenance, taxes, or assessments! Expenses such as housecleaning, renters’ insurance, and utilities were significantly reduced.

SAVINGS: $1600 A MONTH!

SOLD MY CARS

I had two cars. With my move to the city I went “car-less” and opted for public transportation and ride shares. It eliminated lease payments, insurance, auto maintenance, gas, licenses plate stickers, and iPass. SAVINGS: $650 MONTHLY PLUS $20,000 FROM SELLING THE CAR

SOLD THE EXTRAS

I used apps, the local consignment store, and my neighborhood newsletter to sell extras that I no longer needed—from furniture to bikes.

SAVINGS: EARNED OVER $1000

D O N A T E D, D O N A T E D , D O N A T E D

I became a regular at the donation center. SAVINGS: TAX DEDUCTION

STOPPED AUTOMATIC PURCHASES

Monthly clothing deliveries, music apps, Audible books, underused memberships, or sport apps. It seems like small amounts, but they add up. SAVINGS: $500+ MONTHLY

This may seem like a lot of sacrifices, but there are some things I did not part with: my mani/pedis, monthly massage, and— of course—a great glass of red wine! And I used my savings to contribute to my children’s tuition and savings. Barbara Provost is founder of Purse Strings. Learn more at pursedstrings.co

your FIND

networking

TRIBE by megan wessels

The roles women play in today’s society can leave us feeling very isolated. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, raising a family, or building an empire, it can be very lonely. The truth is, we don’t have to do it alone. A 2019 research study shared in The Harvard Business Review found that both men and women benefited professionally from their social network. (1) However, women who leaned on an inner circle realized more success. Friendships with other women can also fill the emotional gaps in intimate relationships, helping us to be better girlfriends, wives, and mothers. Whether you build a tribe or seek one out, having one will create more fulfillment and joy, leading to better health and a prolonged, happier life!

S E T YO U R I N T E N T I O N Write down your S TA R T YO U R S E A R C H

Between Facebook and Meetup you can find hundreds of women’s groups to join. The key is finding the one that will fulfill your intention. Attend a few meetings for different groups until you find one where you feel like you belong.

H O L D E A C H O T H E R A C C O U N TA B L E

B U I L D YO U R O W N

Sometimes we need motivation from our tribe to keep going. Establish the best way to check in with each other and use the opportunity to offer words of encouragement.

M E E T R E G U L A R LY

Sometimes women just need to be heard. It’s in our nature to be nurturers—listening is a primary way we care for one another.

Call up a close girlfriend and share your idea. Together, identify one or two other women who would be a good fit and discuss next steps. One of the most important aspects to the success of a tribe is how often you meet in person. Schedule a time to meet monthly and commit to it together. You may be surprised how much you look forward to it every month.

W H E R E T O F I N D YO U R T R I B E Powerful Partners

Intimate, monthly dinner party experiences for 10 to 20 women to connect and share their stories. powerfulpartners.com/dinnerparty

Girl Gang

This girl Gang is built on three principles… supporting other #GirlBoss businesses, ganging up for good together, and making authentic friendships! girlgangchicago.com

WESOS

C R E A T E A S A F E S PA C E

Confidentiality should be something each member agrees upon. The ability to open up and share with confidence that it will stay confidential is important. It may take some time for women to feel fully comfortable sharing.

intention for the group and use it as your guide as you build or search for your tribe.

Women Entrepreneurs Secrets of Success has chapters throughout the Chicago area committed to cultivating relationships while providing ongoing mutual support and resources for women’s growing businesses. wesosnetwork.com

The Latinista

L I S T E N D E E P LY

ibrcee akers

A national network of women who are invested in career and leadership development. thelatinista.com

The Next Collective

A platform for women interested in pivoting careers, entrepreneurship, and finding personal purpose. A community of women kickstarting their next chapter! thenextcollective.com

Women Belong

A membership organization with the goal of connecting a diverse group of working women at all stages and levels of their career. womenbelong.com

A great way to speed up the connection process and create a tighter bond is asking questions that promote vulnerability. Here are some examples: WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO HAVE A TRIBE? WHAT ARE YOUR SUPER POWERS? WHAT ARE THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF YOU’RE PROUD OF? WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU APPRECIATE? WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE? WHAT ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH? IS THERE ANYTHING IN YOUR LIFE YOU’D LIKE TO CHANGE?

Megan Wessels helps women build their tribe of #powerfulpartners and gain clarity in their business. Learn more at powerfulpartnersinc.com. (1) https://hbr.org/2019/02/research-men-and-women-need-different-kinds-of-networks-to-succeed

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the hustle D O N ’ T S E L L YO U R S E L F MAKE AN EMOTIONAL CONNECTION by mel mcsherry The fastest path to creating a life beyond your grind is having an authentic, connecting message that makes your ideal clients say, “That’s what I want! Tell me more?” You instantly can create a sense of urgency by telling them that you hold the solution to their problems—basically, you’ll become an on-the-spot lead magnet! Not every entrepreneur knows how to do this, which causes desperation, exhaustion, and feeling overwhelmed when it comes to finding profitable leads in their business. Well that stops now! Here are three tips that will help you create a message that is emotional instead of promotional.

D O N ’ T O V E R S E L L YO U R S E L F O R O V E R E X P L A I N YO U R VA L U E .

Your message is NOT a detailed description of all your strategies and approaches. It is to the point—a very clear statement that your potential client feels—and makes an emotional connection.

D O N ’ T B E VA G U E .

You are more than just a title (which is not what people buy). The first rule of sales is they buy YOU. My elevator pitch is: “Hi, my name is Mel, I’m a business coach that works with women business owners on time management so they can build a profitable business.”

K N O W W H O M YO U A R E TA L K I N G T O.

Your ideal client is specific and special, just like you. Identify what are their struggles, their strengths, and their qualities and how that relates to the problem that you solve and the amazing way that you solve it. Then talk to them, not at them, and, more importantly, talk like you. When you put these steps into action you will create a message that gives you profitable leads faster. When you quickly vet out who you don’t connect with and dial in your ideal client, you can banish overextension for good and create more time so you can have the business, money, and life you want. Learn more about Mel McSherry at melmcsherry.com

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6 STEPS TO GOAL SETTING by jennifer thompson

Like many people you may have made some resolutions a few months ago and the likelihood that you’ve met or stuck with them is low. Year after year, we may set the same goal and continue to fail to reach it. However, the science behind goal setting shows us that it isn’t our ability but our process that hinders our goal achievement. We tend to have a shoddy process, but then attribute lack of success to our ability. Double whammy! Jennifer Thompson is a business psychologist focusing on positive psychology. To learn more visit jenthompson.net.

SPECIFIC + MEASURABLE

Breaking it into smaller steps is also key. That way you should know each week, each month,whether you are on track or not.

A P P R O A C H G O A L V S AV O I D G O A L Paint a positive picture of what you should be doing, not refraining from what you don’t want to do.

A C C O U N TA B I L I T Y

COMMITMENT

Research has shown dramatic increased attainment when you write a simple contract to yourself about your goal—and sign it!

Sharing your goal with someone else who agrees to check in and keep you accountable further increases your chances of success.

PRIMERS

Use primers (visual and auditory cues) to train yourself. These can be post-its, alarms, reminders, and meaningful objects.

R E WA R D S

Don’t forget to build in little rewards for each specific and measurable step. Little wins can be celebrated.

I M P L E M E N TA T I O N

Do create an implementation plan for the inevitable setback. Be prepared to know what will you do if you miss your goal.

the hustle

I FA I L E D

and so can you!

by allie keller

The only time I’ve heard the word “failure” in a positive light was while weightlifting with my boyfriend. “You’ve got to get to failure in this set,” he told me. “Otherwise, you’ll regret it.” What he meant is—I needed to put enough weight on the barbell that, after one rep, my muscles reached complete exhaustion and I couldn’t lift the weight any further. In a structured (and safe!) weightlifting workout, this is the goal. Otherwise, you haven’t reached your goal: progress, strength, and growth. It strikes me that “failure” only pops up as a positive in a traditionally masculine setting. Studies have shown that “men apply for a job when they meet only 60 percent of the qualifications where women only apply if they meet 100% of them”. Men are more inclined to take risks than women. The data is there, and it’s holding us back. Women fear failure more, but failure pays off in growth and rewards. Failure is inevitable. Failure is beautiful. Failure is me (and I think you too!). Let’s all fail together! The more we can find failure in our lives, the more we can progress, strengthen, and grow.

Allie Keller is Senior Director of Operations at improve it! Learn more at improveitchicago.com

H O W TO EM B R AC E FAI L U R E TODAY! WRITE THEM DOWN!

The best way to overcome the fear of failing is to reflect on your life experiences. Take five minutes and journal on your past failures. Reflect and realize that your failures have yet to take you down—it’s unlikely that they will do so in the future.

MAKE THEM SMALL!

Every journey starts with a single step. Figure out what your intimidating goal is and break it down into smaller, fallible steps. Make small asks of a coworker or mentor. Reach out to someone new to network with. Keep increasing the risk to minimize the leap. You’ll build up your failure callouses soon enough!

M A K E T H E M C R E A T I V E ! The best way to fail is with art. Take a painting or dancing class! Bring a friend! Make a night of it! There’s no failure in creativity, only opportunity. BEGIN NOW!

The scariest part of failing is anticipating it. Once you face that fear of failure and look it in the face you’ll be surprised at what you’re willing to take on next. I spent three months roving the Chicago stand-up open-mic scene without a punchline (and loving every minute of it!). However you go about confronting failure—begin doing it now.

K E Y S T O B U I L D I N G C O U R A G E O U S R A D I C A L C H A N G E I N YO U R L I F E by denise wilmer barreto

Arm yourself with the courage to enact sustainable change in your life when you need it most. Here are two ways to do it.

B E L I E V E W H Y C H A N G E I S N E C E S S A RY

Change as a noun is the act of becoming different, while the verb change is to make or become different. Change is impossible without courage. In fact, leaving is one of the hardest acts we face as humans. Familiarity outweighs desire. Sameness outweighs new. No matter how shiny “the new” is in front of us, the uncertainty scares most people from stepping out toward it. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Dream” spoke of change in our country. While we may not have entirely achieved it yet, that’s because change is hard. However, we can all agree on the initial inspiration that put us on the path toward a dream. Without Dr. King, we’d likely have none of the progress we’ve had in this country since his speech almost 60 years ago. That took tremendous courage. Your life is no different. You have to radically identify why you want to change and what is not working for you anymore. You have to say it out loud. Journal it. Share it with a trusted confidante. With no compelling why, you will keep doing what you’re doing.

G E T C R Y S TA L C L E A R O N T H E G O A L

Once you have the why, you must lay out a clear and concise definition of what you desire. Drawing on Dr. King again, his dream was simply summarized as desiring a United States where all people are valued at the same level, regardless their skin color. The end. There were many additional details to substantiate that summary but that is the gist of his dream. What is your dream? To be an entrepreneur? To get promoted to VP? To run a 10K? To live in a warm climate? Be courageous enough to get really specific in what you want—no matter how outrageous it may be in your mind. The second and most decisive step toward major change is an audacious objective. And again, that requires courage.

To learn more about Denise Wilmer Barreto, please visit relationshipsmatternow.com

wise words

3 CS IN LIFE— CHOICE, CHANCE, CHANGE: YO U M U S T M A K E T H E CHOICE T O TA K E A C H A N C E I F YO U WA N T A N Y T H I N G I N YO U R L I F E TO CHANGE.

Dig deep, be courageous. Identify your why and crystallize your goal. We will see you at the finish line.

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self care

HEART S PA C E S and decision time by michele heather

During the day we each do so much for others it can be difficult to take time for ourselves. This time for ourselves, or me time, is so important. It allows for the feelings of self love, peace, and sound decision making to emerge. And it only takes a moment. For self love/live space, breathe in as deep as you can and exhale, breath in as deep as you can and exhale, one more time breathe in as deep as you can and exhale.

and H E A L

Take your hands and put them over each other and then over the middle of your chest. Feel the balance, centeredness, and self love start to happen. What a great moment.

CONNECT

In just a few short steps this can be expanded to a decision making tool. When making a decision many people make a grid or list of the pros and cons. For example, making a large purchase:

Rose quartz is a powerful healing crystal known for opening, healing, and activating the heart chakra. Here are our picks for rocking the stone in style.

PROS

CONS

Saves time in my life

Bulky item and takes up space

Saves electric compared to current item

Must re-organize my space (dual pro and con)

Continue the list as far as makes sense. When the list is finished, try to put it away for 24 hours to lessen emotional attachment. Then try this exercise. Read the list out loud, if possible. Put your hands over each other like before and then over your mid-section and breathe. Read again. Now place your hands over each other and then over the middle of your chest and breathe. Read once again. Now place your hands over each other and then on your forehead and breathe. This will help you be more balanced in your decision making. These steps can also be imagined so that you can do this in a meeting or public spaced. If the decision does not feel balanced, repeat the process. P.S. The reason the hands are put over the middle of the chest as opposed to the heart is so that the love will spread in a straight line up and down the body. 22

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PA L O M A â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S S U G A R S TA C K S R I N G

Originally designed by Paloma Picasso with luscious colors, this ring is made to be stacked or worn alone. In 18 carat rose gold with a rose quartz. $ 1 , 6 0 0 , T I F FA N Y. C O M

MODULAR PENDULUM

Pendulums can be used in many ways to promote healing by tuning into the movement of electromagnetic energy around the body. $ 3 4 , R U BY R O O M . C O M

MALA NECKLACE

This strand of meditation beads can be worn as a necklace with rhodonite and rose quartz beads. $ 6 0 , E T S Y. C O M / S H O P / L J G C A N D L E S

LANA STUD EARRINGS

Clusters of rose quartz set in goldplated frame with vintage-inspired elegance. $ 4 8 , N A K A M O L . C O M

3 WOMEN OWNED BOOK STORES

Building wealth takes hard work and passion. So should managing it.

by sam letscher

Buying your books from local, independent, women-owned bookstores is so important. These spaces are critical to supporting our local literary and book-loving communities but are becoming more and more difficult to keep open as Amazon dominates book sales. Local bookstores are also a treasure trove when it comes to finding interesting events to keep you entertained (and indoors) during our long Chicago winters. Because it’s Bossy’s mission to help you find women-owned businesses to support with your dollars, we want to shine a spotlight on a few indie bookstores that warrant a visit.

SEMICOLON BOOKSTORE & G A L L E RY

Semicolon celebrated its opening in 2019 and is currently Chicago’s only black woman-owned bookstore. The main floor showcases a well-curated selection of books with a focus on local authors and a diverse collection of children’s books. The basement is a full gallery space featuring emerging visual artists of color with a new artist in residence every month. 515 NORTH HALSTED STREET, SEMICOLONCHI.COM

WOMEN & CHILDREN FIRST

Women & Children First has been a Chicago institution since 1979, celebrating their 40th anniversary last summer. They’re one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country with more than 30,000 titles, including an impressive collection of LGBTQIA+ literature. They always have a full calendar of book launch parties, author conversations, story times for kids, and more. 5 2 3 3 N O R T H C L A R K S T R E E T, W O M E N A N D C H I L D R E N F I R S T.C O M

Wealth Management | Investment Planning | Retirement

As successful as you are, we know there’s still more you want to do. We’ve been helping our clients for more than 125 years, caring for more than $1.4 trillion of their hard-earned assets. Find out why so many people trust our Financial Advisors to help them manage their wealth with the care it deserves. Call us today. Jeffrey Simon, CFP®, MBA Financial Advisor 150 W Campbell St Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Direct: (847) 870-4695 jeff.simon@wellsfargoadvisors.com www.jeffreycsimon.com Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee

MAY Lose Value

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2015 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR-0219-03813 IHA-6666983

T H A N K YO U T O

VOLUMES BOOKCAFE

What’s better than an indie bookstore? An indie bookcafe! Volumes not only lovingly curates shelves of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, kids books, and more, but they also have a full coffee bar serving espresso drinks alongside a local beer and wine list. Run by two sisters, it’s been a Wicker Park staple since 2016 and now there’s a brand new outpost on Michigan Avenue bringing their tried and true indie bookstore vibe downtown. 1 4 7 4 N O R T H M I LWA U K E E AV E N U E A N D 9 0 0 N ORTH MIC H IGA N AVE N U E , VOL U M E S B OOKS.CO M

Sam Letscher is founder of Bossy Chicago. Learn more at bossychicgo.com.

AS A SPONSOR TO CURATED CHICAGO’S THRIVE AND DRIVE FOR WOMEN’S DAY AT THE 2020 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW curated

women to watch DIANA GUTIERREZ Reporter, The Jam TV Show, WCIU.

W H A T I N S P I R E S YO U ? The fact that marginalized communities don’t get their stories told is what got me into journalism. Very often journalists/ reporters get stuck on statistics and facts and forget to ask those affected how they feel. That’s what keeps me going—knowing I can change that perspective one story at a time.

W H A T I S T H E B E S T A D V I C E YO U H AV E R E C E I V E D ? W H O WA S I T F R O M ?

Kenny McReynolds, the sports director at WCIU-TV, told me I should ask myself, after a day at work, if I had done everything I could to be the best I could be. If the answer was yes, take that as a pat on the back, because we need affirmations, especially in this business. If the answer was no, learn and never forget. Always remember we have another day to do it all over.

W H E R E D O S E E YO U R S E L F O R C O M PA N Y / O R G A N I Z A T I O N I N 3 Y E A R S F R O M N O W ? That’s the beauty of my career. You never

know where journalism can take you. I can move to a different city, a different country, all because of an opportunity.

W H A T A D V I C E D O YO U H AV E F O R O T H E R S W H O A R E I N T E R E S T E D I N P U R S U I N G A S I M I L A R PA T H ? You have to be

willing to take a risk, and those risks come in different sizes. A risk could be as small as having the courage to knock on someone’s door to get a story or it could be as big as leaving your hometown for the opportunity of a lifetime. If you want to stand out in the TV world, you have to be the same person you are on-air, in-person. Viewers can see right through phoniness and they truly value someone who is genuine. Enjoy what you do, always remind yourself why you do what you do, and never take anything for granted!

HER TOP FIVE u MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

The perfect place for an afternoon escape.

u PILSEN Although the neighborhood has

changed, the rich culture and people remain.

u CHICAGO SKYLINE I’ve traveled to many cities and countries, there is no skyline like ours.

u CHRISTKINDLMARKET It’s not Christmas without this market.

u MICHIGAN AVENUE Looking for a plush

experience for no cost, take a stroll down the Mag Mile and enjoy!

P E G GY O ’ F L A H E R T Y Co-Founder & CCO, Mavely

W H O I N S P I R E S YO U ?

Women with grit and spunk who follow their passion and live in their strengths inspire me on a daily basis.

W H E N D I D YO U K N O W YO U R PA S S I O N ?

From a young age I was an entrepreneur. It stemmed from my mother who loved being home to raise 10 children and yet taught me the value of creating your own income stream. My seven older sisters taught me to follow my passion.

W H A T I S T H E B E S T A D V I C E YO U H AV E R E C E I V E D ? W H O WA S I T F R O M ? “There are some things you learn best in calm and some in the storm.”—Willa Cather

W H A T D O E S B A L A N C E M E A N T O YO U ? Balance in life happens more in some phases of life than it does in others. In the start-up of my fourth business, balance doesn’t exist. However, I make choices of where to spend my time. Family, health, and the business take the priority. 24

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Learn more about Peggy and Mavely. Visit mavely.life.

e z a cr

CBD

Over the last few years Cannabidiol, a.k.a.CBD has become a hot topic. CBD is a compound found in the hemp plant and marijuana. In 2018, Congress removed CBD from the list of illegal drugs… and the craze began.

by tavi johnson

WHERE TO GET THE GOODS AND WHAT TO GET

young American CBD cocktails

Logan Square 2545 North Kedzie Avenue

Protein Bar & Kitchen Shakes or Coffee

Warm Belly Bakery CBD cookies

west loop | 1148 West Monroe Street

Chicago Health Foods CBD oil and selection of CBD baked goods

gold coast | 22 West Maple Street

CBD should not be confused with THC. THC and CBD are both components in marijuana. However, THC is the psychoactive component that gives you the loopy effect. CBD is the non-psychoactive component that relaxes you. CBD is used on its own for various reasons. Research has shown it helps the body function more efficiently and eases symptoms from arthritis to headaches, to seizures, stress, and sleeplessness. Instances have been reported where CBD helped cancer patients reduce the size of their tumors. Since becoming legal, CBD has popped up all over Chicago’s restaurant scene. The tasteless plant is being added to cocktails and even some food items. One restaurant was making CBD Donuts! But the trend is moving into the mainstream and gourmet—James Beard semi-finalist Chef Brian Jupiter of Frontier Restaurant featured a seven course CBD-infused menu. However, to really benefit from the effects of CBD you have to be consistent and take it every day versus just a random night out cocktail. Only time will tell if CBD will be a menu mainstay, but for now it’s popularity is growing.

hello

Tavi Johnson is a Chicago food and lifestyle blogger located in Chicago, visit her at chiataglance.com or follow on social media @Chiataglance

LEGALIZED MARIJUANA Doubt you missed the big news, but January 1, 2020 ushered in a new era of legalized marijuana for Illinois— becoming the eleventh state to allow recreational use of the green stuff. Here is what you need to know:

1. There is a limit. Customers can buy up to

30 grams of cannabis flower or its equivalent in other forms. Medical marijuana card holders can purchase up to 2.5 ounces.

2. you’ll get carded. You will need to bring an I.D. You must be 21 years old and approved dispensaries will be scanning customers’ information. 3. Do your research. If you are new to marijuana or the various types available, i.e. gummies, drops, pens—either do your research before you buy or ask questions from the pros at the dispensaries. 4. Limited availability. Only 11 dispensary licenses were granted as of

January 1 in the city of Chicago, so you may need to travel to find your greenery. Another 15 or so are in nearby suburbs. The number of licenses granted is expected to increase over time.

To find out more information or find the full list of dispensaries, visit potguide.com/illinois/

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cover

DEFIANCE AND THE POWER OF

d o o h r siste

here is a great quote from this article from this article yes.

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OPPOSITE PAGE: Katrina Markoff and Julie Smolyansky shot on location at Beatnik in West Town by photographer, Heather Talbert.

Two women who were drawn to one another, learn how the power of friendship can make miracles happen. When one’s husband is fighting for his life, it is her strength that pulls him through with support of those closest to her. Those women just happen to be two leading women in Chicago. Here’s their story you haven’t heard before.

The power of friendship is real. We have all read reports about people with strong healthy relationships living longer. They withstand hardships more easily and are more likely to survive illnesses. There is an interconnectedness between us all—it is vital to humanity and the quality of our lives. Never before have we heard a story quite as powerful as the one Curated Chicago heard as we sat down with Katrina Markoff and Julie Smolyansky. You may know their names. Their stories have been told many times before. They are very accomplished women. Julie is the CEO of Lifeway Foods, a kefir-based health food company that she took over at the age 27 after the untimely death of her father. She also has championed women through founding a non-profit and producing documentaries on issues such as rape. Katrina Markoff is the founder and CEO of Vosges Haut Chocolat—the luxury confectionery with retail locations around the city and in O’Hare, not to mention a thriving online business. She has built an empire from her love of chocolate and daring flavor combinations. What you don’t know about these two women is their friendship and the power of it. As Julie was taking the reins of her company, she had read about Katrina. She was another woman coming up in the food industry in Chicago, she was about the same age, and she defying the odds. Julie had been told by investors to sell her company and bow out—she was too young to run the company (and possibly too female). Katrina had been told she couldn’t possibly sell never-heard-before-flavor-combination chocolates for four times what other companies were—it was a pipe dream, they said. Time would tell and prove the naysayers wrong. Today, they are both heading up international businesses from Chicago that have not only defied expectations but changed their industries forever. But let’s get back to how Julie was drawn to Katrina through newspaper articles because once they met a friendship was sparked immediately. Through the years they have been through life events together like any friends do... they got married, they had their children, they celebrated with one another, had super bowl parties together, they had girls’ nights out, and experimented in the kitchen together—can you say chocolate-covered grasshoppers! Until one day in early 2019, something happened that would changes their lives forever. Katrina had been on vacation with her two young children when she got a phone call—the kind of phone call you never want to get. Back in Chicago, her husband was unexpectedly very sick, at Northwestern, and likely would not make it through the night. Katrina rushed home to be by his side. When she got there, the doctors told her that the odds of his survival were literally zero. No one had ever, as far as they knew, been able to recover from the infection he had contracted and the damage that had been done. They told her to prepare for the end. However, she would not take this as fact.

Her determination and as she puts it “her defiance”, which served her well so far (remember she was told she couldn’t possibly have a chocolate company do what she had envisioned). She did not take the doctors words for truth. For her, it was the opposite, there was no way he wasn’t going to pull through. Over the course the next following days and weeks... her husband stabilized, but was in a coma. Hundreds of people rallied around Katrina, her family, and her husband’s bedside. Family, friends, and people from around the world came. Katrina did everything she could to bring healing to her husband. She insisted the hospital get certain drugs and treatment for her him, albeit unconventional. She had energy healers visit and put crystals around the room. People came and sang to him. There were vigils at his bedside around the clock. He was never alone. They surrounded him with so much love and energy so that he wouldn’t slip away. And he didn’t. The one person that was there day-in-and day-out was Julie. She was there for Katrina, believing in her defiance, supporting her, and doing all she could to make sure Katrina’s husband would survive. Katrina says she couldn’t have done it without Julie, and being there through it all was the only thing Julie knew to do. It is times of great adversity that you know who your friends are. There is no doubt that this life-changing time bonded these women together far beyond the strength of their relationship. Katrina’s husband did, in fact, pull through. He recalls Julie and the other visitors being there with him when he was in his coma in psychedelic form. At the time he knew they were there with him and he remembers it vividly today. He is still recovering, but there is no doubt that his wife’s determination and love, with the support she had from everyone around, especially Julie, is the reason he defied the odds. Katrina’s husband’s recovery is far from over. It will be a life-long challenge, but one that has been met with so much optimism, hope, and joy that it is contagious. His story will certainly be told, but for now we have the story of his wife and how she made a miracle happen. And she couldn’t have done without her steely determination and support from others, especially Julie. As Katrina and Julie told us the story, one things was apparent. These women were sisters. There is a saying, that you have the family you were born into and then family you chose. Or in their case, the family you were drawn to. These women are inexplicably tied together through their life experiences and the sheer energy they create when they are together. They light up a room, they draw you in, they make you believe that anything is possible when you have your best friend by your side. And they made the impossible happen.

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SPRING ST YLE

curated list SPRING SHINE The high shine trend is an

unexpected twist this season. Wear as much or as little as you wish—from a full length sequin dress to a touch of sheen with a compact handbag. Rich velvets, eye catching sequins, and the sexy shine of faux leather... katie schuppler

GLOSSED-UP TRENCH COAT

A great trench can be hard to find, but this one looks great slipped over a dress or with a pair of jeans as you run around in the dreary weather. $ 2 0 8 , R A I N S .C O M

APRIA ONE-SHOULDER LEATHER DRESS

One-shoulder leather dress offers edgy sophistication with cap sleeve, side ruching, and asymmetrical hem. $ 9 1 5 , I N T E R M I X .C O M

FA U X L E A T H E R L E G G I N G S

Liquid leggings are now a staple piece for casual wear and going out! These will make you feel your best while being so very on-trend. $ 9 8 , S PA N X .C O M

VA N I T Y C A S E B A G

If you aren’t looking to go full force with this spring trend then a chic structured accessory is the best way to rock it. $ 4 , 4 0 0 , C H A N E L .C O M

FA U X S T R E T C H PA T E N T L E A T H E R S K I R T

A little bit of sexy and sleek is what comes with this piece. Beautiful when paired with a silk blouse and a pair of classic pumps. $ 9 8 , W E A R C O M M A N D O.C O M

SAINT LAURENT LEATHER SHORTS

These belted black patent-leather shorts are perfect for a night out. $ 2 , 8 5 0 , N E T- A - P O R T E R .C O M

SO KATE BOOTIE

This chic, sleek booty is an updated version of the Pigalle style with gold lamé piping for a sophisticated and vertiginous look. $ 1 , 0 9 5 , L O U B O U T I N .C O M

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Katie Schuppler is a Chicago personal style consultant, learn more about her at fashionstylingchicago.com

curated list SPRING

ST YLE

STRUCTURED FUN This season is all about fresh prints, unique details, and structured silhouettes contrasting bold colors with tried-and-true neutrals to create classically fresh looks that are both easy and fun to wear. jeannine benoit adams

GUILHERMINA EMBELLISHED SLIDES

An unexpected pop to liven up any outfit. Pair these gorgeous slides with a monochrome neutral look for the perfect pop of color! $135, ANTHROPOLOGIE.COM

SERPUI BLAIR WICKER SATCHEL

Raffia is having a major moment this season, and the structured shape of this satchel is perfect for dressing up any look. $299, BLOOMINGDALES.COM

CAPRICE DECADENT US PINEAPPLE EARRING

The easiest everyday earring in a fresh minty hue. More exciting than your go-to studs, but perfectly appropriate for the office. $138, CAPRICEDECADENTUS.COM

H&M REVERSIBLE BOMBER JACKET

Fresh florals in one of our favorite jacket shapes. Take your bomber right into Spring with this reversible jacket thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all business on one side and a whole lot of fun on the other! $ 5 0 , H M .C O M

GANNI POLKA-DOT GEORGETTE TOP

A bold print in the most feminine of silhouettes. Dress it down with denim and a black pump, or dress it up tucked in to your favorite pencil skirt for a chic and sleek look. $ 1 5 0 , M O D A O P E R A N D I .C O M

NINA RICCI WIDE-LEG TROUSERS

Tailored in a wide-leg silhouette, these trousers have sharp front pleats and a flattering high waist. The clean lines create the illusion of longer legs. $ 1 , 1 5 0 , S A K S F I F T H AV E N U E .C O M

LILIA SPORT LUXURY DARLA ROUND BAG

Jeannine Benoit Adams is the founder of Ready Pretty. Learn more about her at readypretty.com

This uniquely shaped bag in classic black makes your work commute a whole lot more chic. We love how form meets function with this work to workout bag with separate compartments for your gym shoes, laptop and more! $ 2 3 0 , L I L I A S P O R T L U X U RY. C O M

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SPRING ST YLE

curated list STATEMENT FASHION

Use your style to empower other women—whether its emblazoned with a bold saying or made fairly by women—and let your dollars support what you believe. Here are

CUPITOL

some of our feminist favorites. kendra chaplin

D A Y T O T E I N D I G O M A D E BY F R E E W O M E N

This designed in Chicago, made in India line includes it’s motto “Made by Free Women” on all it’s items including dyed tote with leather strap. $ 5 5 , C A U S E G E A R .C O M

SUSU CORAL CLUTCH

This brand of woven accessories are created by indigenous women of the ethnic Colombian Wayúu group promoting a sustainable lifestyle with a Fair Trade philosophy for the artisans. $ 2 6 0 , S U S U A C C E S S O R I E S .C O M

T R I - M O O N C U F F C O B A LT

From a fair trade cooperative in India, Mata Traders carries this handcrafted Tri-Moon cuff bracelet is enamel and brass. $ 2 6 , M A TA T R A D E R S .C O M

BLACK GIRL MAGIC + CHICAGO GIRL

These super soft tees from Chic Shirt Shop are just the tip of the iceberg for the collection. $ 2 5 - 5 0 , C H I C S H I R T S H O P.C O M

B A BY P O N C H O

Two momprenuers curated a collection of luxe cotton apparel and home goods from Turkey that support fair trade practices, amongst them this sweet poncho for your little one. $ 4 0 , V I A S E V E N .C O M

THE OLIVIA SKIRT

Brazilian-born Chicagoan, Silvana Favaretto, envisioned a brand that embraced femininity while giving back and inspiring women and girls. $ 1 2 3 , T H E T U L L E P R O J E C T.C O M

BLUE GIRL GANG EARRINGS

These handmade acrylic dangling gems stand out, speak up and turn heads from the fine purveyor of feminist flare, Dasha Guyton, founder of Feminist Speakeasy. $ 3 0 , F E M I N I S T S P E A K E A S Y. C O M 30

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curated list SPRING

ST YLE

BLUE CHAPEAU

STANDARD ESSENTIALS If you can’t wear at least

five different ways don’t buy it. Add vibrancy and patterns with these six pieces hold down your spring wardrobe for this season and more to come. lydia endora thompson

Rolling with this year’s color of the year “Classic Blue” you can brighten your spring wardrobe with a new crown. Made of high quality fabrics in an show stopping assortment of colors you can purchase these adjustable crowns to complete your look. $ 9 5 , T H E - L O O K E .C O M

BABATON CONTOUR LONG S L E E V E B O DY S U I T

Style square neckline bodysuit with the Leopard Satin Skirt and you can enjoy a sleek contemporary look only the bold can pull off. Made from highstretch jersey and an easy snap closure it’s promised to hold you tight all day long. $ 5 8 , A R I T Z I A .C O M

FA U X S U E D E C O A T

Bright and relaxed is the way to go this season with a faux suede jacket. Paired with an all black ensemble underneath and your favorite heels can keep this as an everyday spring look. $ 4 9 . 9 0 , Z A R A .C O M

P L E A T E D G O L D L E O PA R D S K I R T This spring prints and color are making a turn for the best. You enjoy a statement skirt paired with a bodysuit for an easy look or with a free flowing blouse when it’s time for that thing at the office. $ 4 9 . 9 9 , H M .C O M

3 M E M B R O I D E R E D S TA C K E D LOGO CREW NECK

Represent Chicago in a major way with a crewneck you’ll want to wear again. From Hyde Park’s Sir & Madame boutique you can feel the love in the flat flock stitching on this all cotton essential piece. Pair it with statement skirt and a dope jacket for a casual and sporty look. $ 1 6 5 , S I R A N D M A D A M E .C O M

HOUNDSTOOTH SET

A sleek tailored pant and jacket made from houndstooth jacquard, this fitted jacket can add a touch of super woman to your spring closet. $930 AND $1825, U S .V I C T O R I A B E C K H A M .C O M Lydia Endora Thompson is founder of Brocade Textiles, a member’s only co-working space for Fashion Designers. To learn more, visit brocadetextiles.com

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creative catering

Sensitive +Sweet THE

Artistic

SIDE

Katie O’s Food Carnival, a truly unique brand created by celebrity chef, culinary artist and woman owner in 2016. Artist Chef Katie O’Reilly launched her name internationally when she began her weekly 30 minute television show airing on Google, roku and Apple TV on four different networks. With over seven seasons and nearly 100 original episodes, Katie teaches millions of viewers how to cook healthy and fresh dishes with the most beautiful and artistic presentations that impress your friends and family while you enjoy your gathering. Simple done perfectly, pure and natural ingredients provide the brightest flavors and colors. Chef Katie O, has since written and published an Amazon #1 best selling cookbook, developed a product line of vegetarian and vegan gluten-free soups, and still personally custom designs menus and caters to her clients. “When people ask how I got into catering and food? I have only one answer, it was born in me. My earliest four year old memory is of how I loved to play in the mud on a rainy day making cakes and pies and decorating them with the nature I could collect. I feel such a deep passion toward creating food that people love and knowing I’ve chosen only the best ingredients.”

Chicago native Penny Shack obtained her culinary diploma at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France. After traveling all over the world to taste the best desserts, she couldn’t wait to return to the US and share her passion. Having allergies of her own but loving desserts, she wanted to find the tastiest and healthiest way to make sure no one has to skip sweets. So she started Penny’s Pastries to meet the needs of those who love sweet baked goods but also have food sensitivities and allergies like herself. Her business is entirely custom baked goods that are suited to whatever your food sensitivities may be. Creamy carrot cake, deep dark chocolatey brownies, a chewy granola bar studded with almonds and cranberries. You thought it wasn’t possible to indulge your sweet tooth without triggering an allergy attack. Being completely custom—from vegan to gluten-free to diabetic— no matter your diet restrictions, they create luscious decadent desserts you won’t want to share and no one will miss the gluten or dairy. Plus it’s all organic too! So, whatever your sweet tooth desires, no matter how sensitive you are to certain ingredients, they have you covered! Learn more about Penny and Penny’s Pastries at pennyspastries.com.

Learn more about Katie, please visit ktofoodcarnival.com.

a touch of southern charm Veah V. Larde, owner of Two Sisters Catering, was taught the recipes of her family’s southern heritage by her mother who was born and raised in the Delta of Mississippi.

Baking from scratch is her passion whether its her signature desserts, full dishes, or flavorful gravies and sauces. Everything is made without preservatives and she never compromises on flavors to increase the shelf life of her creations. And just as home cooked food is, her catered spreads are always customized to those she is serving—whether it’s a wedding or box lunch for the office! Learn more about Veah and Two Sisters Catering, please visit twosiscatering.com.

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in the kitchen

PENNYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GLUTEN-FREE BANANA BREAD 3 ripe bananas (approx 1.5 cups) 1 tsp vanilla 1 egg 3 TBS coconut oil 1/4 cup cane sugar 1/4 packed brown sugar 3.5 tsp baking powder 3/4 tsp Salt 1 tsp cinnamon 3/4 cup milk (can use dairy free) 1 1/4 cup almond flour 1 1/4 cup gluten free flour

Visit my shop! curatedchicago.threadless.com

Preheat Oven to 350*. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray. Mash bananas. Mix all ingredients through almond milk with the banana. Last, add in the flours. Stir until just combined. Bake for about an hour or until a toothpick comes out clean! Let cool completely before cutting.

SHARE WITH US! Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on your menu? What recipe are you dying to try? Where are your favorite hidden gems in Chicago? Do you have any great tips and ideas you want to share? Get Curated! curatedchicago.com/share

Then open your own! artistshops.com curated

HOME ST YLE

curated list

arcel Page of Marcel Page Photography. M @marcelpagephotography / MarcelPagePhotography.com

B A M B O O A N YO N E ?

One thing is for sure, they (those that create furniture) don’t make furniture like they used to. And if you happen upon furniture of good quality, said furniture is super expensive and sometimes still not the top-notch quality from back in the day. Wicker, rattan, and even bamboo furniture is lightweight, transcends any decade, and worth some coin (if you wanted to resale those pieces).

S TA T E M E N T C U R TA I N S

Doorway curtains allow your quirkiness to shine. There’s no need to stick to traditional fabric curtains. Like in the 90s/2000s, these curtains can be beaded, which makes a “beautiful” sound every time you enter a room or closet. Beaded curtains can be made of wood, bamboo, or plastic molded in various shapes. You can keep the beading colors soft or opt for those that glow in the dark.

FRINGE BENEFITS

THROWBACK DESIGN Now that we’ve started a new

decade, here’s a look at trends from past decades that have stood the test of time and/or made their way back into the mainstream. tiffany brooks

Fringe is one of those trends that can be associated with any time period and with any room in your home. Whether it’s a lamp shade, base of a couch, or curtain, fringe is one of those interior design ideas that hasn’t gone away and won’t anytime soon.

FLUFF AND FLORAL

Remember the time of furry and fluffy everything? From furry pens to notebooks to even cord phones, so much fluff everywhere. After decades, fluffy accessories are still around and very much thriving. Throwing a furry pillow on your couch or bed will add a touch of texture. Floral prints will outlive all of us. Florals are perfect for any season between spring and winter. Florals can be anywhere in your home and on any surface you can think of. There was a time when floral walls were paired with floral couches. Let’s not overdo it in this decade. An accent wall with floral wallpaper is acceptable, or cover a side table with a beautiful floral arrangement.

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P R I M A RY C O L O R S F O R T H E W I N

If you skipped Art 101 in college, allow me to teach you something. The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. Combined, these colors create other colors such as green, orange, and purple. Said colors happen to be the secondary colors. The ‘90s/early 2000s were defined by bold colors. But these colors aren’t stuck in a time capsule. Primary colors are an excellent accent wall or accent piece in any room. For more information, please visit tiffanybrooks.com.

T R U LY C L E A N CLEANING HACKS

home

Using products such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to preserve the environment while getting your home sparkling and refreshed! by val oliveira

Making an Eco-Friendly All-Purpose cleaner

In an empty spray bottle fill two fingers worth of non-toxic dish soap, then add 10 drops of eucalyptus oil and fill the rest of the bottle with water. It’s that easy!

C leaning Shower Walls Apply a good amount of your

newly made all-purpose cleaner to your shower walls to remove soap scum. Sprinkle with baking soda and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes then scrub off.

Make your Own Vinegar Glass Cleaner

Fill a spray bottle with 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water, which will leave your mirrors spotless.

Cleaning your fridge You can also use vinegar and water to

clean both interior and exterior areas of your refrigerator. In addition, to prevent mildew you can apply undiluted vinegar on a cloth and wipe the internal area of the fridge for prevention.

Make your own deodorizing room spray In an empty spray bottle add 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 3-5 drops of your favorite type of essential oil and then fill with water for an amazing healthy room spray!

Cleaning your stovetop The best way to clean a stovetop is to use baking soda on a damp sponge with a splash of vinegar to remove all food residue.

Make your own fabric softener Vinegar, baking soda, and an essential oil of your choice is an amazing option that will leave your clothes feeling incredibly soft. You might never go back to purchasing softener again.

For more information about Val and Val’s Services, visit valsservices.com.

THE TRUTH Not all water is created equal. In fact studies have proven that bottled water is no safer or cleaner than tap water. With 1500 plastic bottle being consumed every second - it is no wonder it takes 1000 years for the plastic to degrade! Enough is enough! It’s time to meet a healthier option. Meet the Kangen Water lifestyle! Make your water healthy, alkaline, antioxidant drinking water that’s rich in minerals and purged of impurities, right in your own home! Change Your Water - Change Your Life!® LET’S TALK! Michelle Mark www.Hydr8YourLife.com

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k o k g n a B

escapes

F R O M I N S TA G R A M T O I N S I D E R

As I’ve scrolled through my Instagram over the years, I have always been struck by the beauty and culture that can be captured in a single image of Bangkok. I recently had the opportunity to make my dream a reality and finally take a trip to one of the most vibrant and unique destinations in Southeast Asia. by beth rosen

Bangkok is the capital and most densely populated city in Thailand. My husband and I stayed at the Peninsula Bangkok, which is stunningly located right on Chao Phraya River. This scenic river flows through the heart of Bangkok and is convenient for boat transportation as well as sightseeing. The riverside boasts a bounty of fascinating temples on its banks, quaint pop-up floating markets, and a ride through the hustle and bustle of local activity as the river is used to transport products and services. A cruise on the river offered a unique perspective of Bangkok’s major landmarks, as well as seeing the city light up as the night crept in. The first landmark we visited was the most famous one in the city— The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keaw. The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and was the spiritual home of the Thai King and Royal court as well as the administrative seat of government for 150 years. Among the several breathtaking buildings within the palace complex is the Wat Phra Keaw, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is highly renowned and dates back to the 14th century. We learned that the Emerald Buddha is said to be carved from a single block of jade! Since The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha are considered Thailand’s most sacred site, it is important to know that a strict dress code applies for visitor entry. If you are planning a visit, make sure to double check what dress codes are required for each landmark. The basic rule for both men and women when touring temples is to cover your knees and shoulders. There are many impressive temples to visit while in Thailand, but the two that are must-sees are the Wat Arun and the Wat Pho. Wat Arun, nicknamed the Temple of the Dawn, is an iconic temple that is located along the west bank of the Chao Phraya river. The temple is uniquely different than the other temples because of its intricate design and colorfully decorated spires. Wat Pho is one of the largest temples in the city and is famed for its reclining Buddha—which is giant! The Buddha is over 150 feet long and is covered in gold leaf. If that is not fascinating enough, there are 108 bronze bowls lining the walls into the temple to represent the 108 positive actions the Buddha completed on his way to achieving perfection. You can buy coins before you enter the temple so that you can drop one into each of the bronze bowls if you desire—which I did!

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After seeing the sites, my husband and I decided to make our way to Khao San Road, also known as “backpacker ghetto.” Students and tourists from around the world come to visit the affordable bars, clubs, and restaurants. We decided to take a Tuk Tuk there, and I was absolutely shocked by the massive traffic jams on the roads—I thought that Chicago had bad traffic! I quickly learned that Bangkok’s congestive traffic is legendary and that taking a Tuk Tuk in these conditions is not ideal. In case you are not familiar, a Tuk Tuk is a small-capacity three-wheel vehicle that operates as an open-air taxi. While it was fun to experience their local way of getting around, it was a ride filled with fumes that could not be ignored due to the congestion. I would try out a Tuk Tuk if you have a short distance to travel and if you find a good fit, as they can be easy tourist traps or scams for visitors that take the first ride they are offered. Once I had a moment to catch my breath—literally—we toured around Khao San Road and also hopped over to see some of the Bangkok sky bars. The sky bars offer an incredible view of the beautiful skyline, and I’d recommend checking one of them out around dusk to see the sunset sprawl over the city. There are many amazing and delicious foods to try in Thailand. A few delicacies I tasted were catfish, sweet steamed buns, curries, sticky rice and the various fresh fruits and veggies available. One fruit to note is durian, which has been named the “king of fruits” for its distinctive large size, strong odor, and medieval looking thorn-covered rind. To some it is also known as

FROM OUR PARTNER

Top WORLD Events of 2020

worth the trip

Unbelievably, we’ve entered 2020 and there’s a lot to look forward to this year. Adventure travel, explorations off-the-beaten-path, exotic wellness getaways, and new ways to experience old standbys such as Italy and Hawaii have been on the rise. And as more value is placed on unique travel experiences, one of the biggest trends is event-centric travel. These are a few notable travel-worthy events to look forward to this year. by Kathy Schutz

Saborea Puerto Rico

Aimed at food connoisseurs, Saborea Puerto Rico is positioning the island as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Held annually for over a decade, visitors to Saborea Puerto Rico have the opportunity to attend many tastings and cooking demonstrations at some of Puerto Rico’s best restaurants. Along with the numerous tastings and learning about the culinary heritage of Puerto Rico, visitors can also attend several energetic musical and cultural performances. Held April 2-5, 2020.

Oberammergau Passion Play Every 10 years,

the worlds smelliest fruit. There are even local areas that have put up signs completely banning the fruit from being consumed there. I brought some durian candy home for my kids—they are not fans. Last but not least, there are plenty of Thai massage locations all over the city. While we were in the birthplace of the Thai massage, I decided I would take a pass on getting one. They are different than traditional massages because they work you out and stretch your body in various positions that you may have never tried before. They can make you a bit sore, but it is said that the afterglow of a Thai massage will give you a sense of balance and an invigorated feeling. Although I did not get a massage, I still left Bangkok with the feeling of a calm and balanced mind, body, and spirit. I truly felt rejuvenated and am so happy to be able to share the experience with you all.

! t i ob ok ENCHANTED WELLNESS TRIP

SANTA FE AND TAOS, NEW MEXICO

MAY 14-18, 2020

Led by Kathy Schutz

the Bavarian town of Oberammergau puts on a rendition of the final hours of Jesus’ life. The tradition dates to the 1630s, when villagers vowed to put on the play if God would spare them from the devastation brought on by an outbreak of bubonic plague. The plague subsided, and the people of Oberammergau kept their word. This year will see five performances a week from May 16 to October 4, 2020.

Euro 2020

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the European Championship soccer tournament, UEFA is holding Euro 2020 in 12 cities across 12 countries as opposed to the traditional one or two host countries. Turkey and Italy will kick off in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on June 12 to open the tournament, with the final taking place July 12 at London’s Wembley stadium. In all, 24 national teams will compete for the top spot.

Tokyo Olympics More than 11,000 athletes are expected to compete in the Tokyo Games, which take place July 24-August 9, 2020. After hosting the 1964 games, the Japanese capital is poised to put on “the most innovative games ever organized, and will rest on three fundamental principles to transform the world: striving for your personal best (achieving your personal best); accepting one another (unity in diversity); and passing on a legacy for the future (connecting to tomorrow).”

Dubai Expo

Beginning on October 20, 2020 and continuing into April 2021, the exposition will focus on opportunity, mobility and sustainability. The event will include more than 200 food and beverage stands with delicacies from all over the world. The first Emirati opera will perform, bringing to life the history of the United Arab Emirates. More than 100 global innovators will share their ideas about building a more sustainable world as part of the expo’s goal: “connecting minds, creating the future.” To learn more about Kathy, please visit kathryntheodoretravel.com

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your tribe

x o b d san

SHARING THE

How choosing collaboration instead of competition resulted in a different kind of networking group for women by denise schmidt and jean lavallie

In 2012, a small group of women entrepreneurs decided to focus on creating a culture that put people before product. Since that time, they’ve grown to over 5,500 community members with the same mantra: “No Mean Girls Allowed!”

DENISE SCHMIDT AND JEAN LAVALLIE. PHOTO BY BECKY MOKELKE PHOTOGRPAHY.

JEAN LAVALLIE NEVER KNEW NETWORKING EXISTED.

A former home-schooling mom, Jean returned to the work force after her kids were grown as a marketing representative for a wellness product she used and believed in. When she ran out of family and friends LAST YEAR, to talk to, she was stumped. She loved her product, WOMEN-OWNED but didn’t know how to bring it to more people BUSINESSES GENERATED who could benefit from it. “Networking” wasn’t something that she was familiar with. As a matMO RE T H A N $ 1 . 7 T RI L L I O N ter of fact, she now says “I couldn’t believe that IN REVENUE. you could just go into a room full of strangers What if we could and talk about your business!” What Jean found, double that with a though, was an atmosphere of competition and small mindset transactional thinking that left her cold. It was all about the numbers (how many leads and referrals did shift? you give me this week?) and nothing about knowing the person you were trying to help. She knew that it didn’t fit her or the women she knew. So she created an alternative—Women Entrepreneurs Secrets of Success (WESOS).

DO WOMEN DO BUSINESS DIFFERENTLY THAN MEN? “In certain ways, I think we do,” said

The Top 3 Secrets Of Collaborative Success 1. Be your authentic self. Create relationships that aren’t based on the next transaction and focus on the connection instead. Doing business with people involves more than a price tag. Who you are is as important as what you do or sell. 2. Share resources. Life isn’t pie - you won’t run out of opportunities because you collaborate or share your talents. Working together exponentially increases your potential to serve a group of clients you might never have met on your own. 3. Show up as a source of support in your community. Whether it is commenting on a social media post or attending an event or product launch, be there for other entrepreneurs. Every owner of a business, at one time or another, wonders if it’s worth it. Women consistently say the pressure of “doing it all” can be daunting. Be a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen. Get involved and show you genuinely care. 38

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Denise Schmidt, WESOS Chief Operating Officer. “We tend to be more relationship focused in our sales process and less specifically transactional in our approach. Honoring that allows for a fundamental shift in networking. WESOS approaches networking from a collaborative perspective. Our vision of networking is different because women do business differently. We brainstorm, partner, and collaborate naturally. Everyone has unique strengths and talents. We believe that we all become more successful and more profitable by working and learning together.”

THE STRENGTHS OF A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH Collaboration is really “Networking– The Advanced Class.” The scarcity mentality that can develop in a sales environment can stop collaboration in it’s tracks.” If you close a sale, that means I’ve missed one” can be an idea that keeps you stuck in a rut. Once you get past that fear based thought pattern, you begin to see that collaborative networking is really about exponential exposure. Creating a relationship with someone makes them far more likely to think of you for the right client for you instead of simply passing a business card with a wish of “Good luck!” And creating a collaborative presentation or mingled sales opportunity may be with a client you would never have met without a partner. INTENTION IS EVERYTHING When she founded WESOS, Jean knew that it was vitally important to set the tone for everything interaction that came in the future. It’s the same with collaboration. Begin with your goal in mind and set an intention for the interaction before you start. According to Jean, “Our guiding principles are Authentic Relationships, Shared Resources and Mutual Support. If we aren’t meeting those goals, it’s time to step back and reevaluate.” SET YOUR STANDARDS HIGH “We live by the No Mean Girls creed.” said Denise. “Our way

of networking isn’t for everyone. We understand that it won’t fit all goals and needs. That’s OK. There is a group for everyone!” Be sure to find your own way of determining if a connection is right for you. Hold those people with whom you collaborate to a standard that makes you comfortable. Pay attention to the red flags you see. Remember that having an intention to share the sandbox doesn’t mean you need to stay in it with the mean kid who throws sand! But it could bring you an amazing partner in success when everyone is focused on the same goal.

THE 2020 NISSAN ALTIMA

INTELLIGENT

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

Give winter the cold shoulder.

Winter doesn’t always play nice. No big deal. You have the 2020 Nissan Altima with available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. 1 It’s technology that can instantly adapt to changing weather conditions, giving you power where you need it most. This is instant confidence. This is Nissan Intelligent Mobility. Check out the 2020 Nissan Altima with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and the latest in Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies at the Auto Show. 2 Then experience them for yourself at your local Nissan store and shop ChooseNissan.com ¹Intelligent All-Wheel Drive cannot prevent collisions or provide enhanced traction in all conditions. Always monitor traffic and weather conditions. ²Availability of features vary by vehicle model year, model, trim level, packaging and options.