The nose knows. Vote for the most creative florist, soothing aromatherapist, or other purveyor of ode-worthy odors.
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Clint Paton and Marta Kenar A.Vision
Clint Paton and Marta Kenar opened up A.Vision, a one-stop shop in the Ukranian Village for wine and flowers. They have a knack for sophisticated pairings like peonies and pinots. Read More
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Originally published on June 25, 2007
Catch the Drift
A.Vision
Your sense of smell is impeccable. From bake sales to bad breath, you’re a spot-on sniffer.
Especially when it comes to flowers and wine. What can you say? Your nose just knows.
For serious olfactory overload, head to A.Vision, a newly opened storefront in the heart of the Ukrainian Village. Take a deep breath when you step inside: You’ll find everything from peonies to pinots.
The bottles-and-blooms shop reeks of understated elegance — wines, displayed along exposed brick walls, come from Oregon, Argentina, France, and Australia. Your nostrils will run wild for the flowers, an unusual collection from Costa Rica, Hawaii, and New Zealand.
They do same-day delivery, pairing bottles with bouquets. Best of all, it’s totally affordable (not to mention insanely impressive) as a gift for your friends or yourself.
Please don’t turn up your nose at the knowing staff.
That would really stink.
A.Vision, 910 North Damen Avenue, at Iowa Street (773-227-5700 or avisionchicago.com). -
Hillary Thieling Sparkle Queen
Mom-cum-entrepreneur Hillary Thieling heads up ecofriendly Sparkle Queen cleaning service. Her staff uses 100 percent plant-based, biodegradable, nontoxic products to make your home spick-and-span. Read More
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Originally published on September 11, 2007
It’s Easy Being Clean
Sparkle Queen Green Residential Cleaning Service
You’re missing the clean gene. You leave the bed unmade, laundry unfolded (better than dirty), and nasty dishes piled sky-high in the sink.
The inspiration to Swiffer or Hoover doesn’t strike until things start turning green.
Which is precisely why the Sparkle Queen cleaning service is right for your pad. Using 100 percent plant-based, naturally mined, biodegradable and nontoxic products, the ecofriendly team will swoop in and suppress your mess faster than you can say “chlorofluorocarbon.”
Their cleaning arsenal is stocked with natural solutions, like pH-balanced soap derived from coconut, olive, and pine oil to buff wood floors and a chalk-and-soap powder to scrub sinks and porcelain.
The Queens charge by the hour for the first visit and then adjust the price based on square footage and number of bedrooms and bathrooms. It may cost a little more than other services.
But the results will have you squeaking clean.
Sparkle Queen (773-832-4895 or sparklequeen.com). -
Lizz Gallagher and Karen Rzesutko Escape 2 Fitness
You can't escape the fact that Lizz Gallagher and Karen Rzesutko have it made. Their company, Escape 2 Fitness, provides at-home trainers, nutritionists, and masseurs, so you can stay on your game without leaving your nest. Read More
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Originally published on May 21, 2007
The Great Escape
Escape 2 Fitness
Choose Your Adventure
You’re at the gym, in line for the water fountain (anything to keep you from exercise). The weight cage is unoccupied. Do you enter it?
If YES (confront your greatest fear: veiny chests), turn to page 2.
If NO (reclaim flab for the masses), turn to page 4.Page 4: Your triceps flap in the breeze of the treadmill runner next to you. Will you do anything about it?
If YES, turn to page 6. If NO, page 7.
Page 6: You want to get in shape. Just not at the gym. You remember hearing about highly trained Escape 2 Fitness professionals who come to your park, office, or couch to motivate you and make you sweat. Do you give them a call?
If YES (start stretching), turn to page 12.
If NO (wrong answer), turn to page 12.Page 12: Good news! Personal training, Pilates, nutrition, and massage therapy brought to your doorstep. Buy a package and work out with friends for extra motivation.
The choice is easy.
Stop weighting around.
Escape 2 Fitness (312-222-1414 or escape2fitness.com). Mention this email to get $20 off individual sessions or $75 off a package.