I’m sure you’ve experienced the near fanatical dog lover. In which case you understand that they’re  their own breed.  So in the event that you are a passionate North Shore dog owner and lover  –   this is your opportunity to spread the love by ooohing and ahhhing over those considered “Best In Show” at the International Kennel Club of Chicago show this weekend.

I’ve never been to a dog show live and in person BUT I have been absolutely mesmerized by the Westminster Dog Show. This year’s winner was GCH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind” a.k.a. “Hickory,” a Scottish Deerhound. Amused by his long name I had to check him out myself.

Here are the details for this weekend’s event:  Saturday and Sunday  from 8:00 AM -5:00 PM at McCormick Place. Adults $18 and Kids Under 12 get in for free. Click here for complete information and to get a discount ($2.00 off coupon).

If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t seen the movie Best In Show… watch it tonight as a warm up. I still howl just thinking about it. Woof!

Technorati Tags: North Shore Dog Owners, International Kennel Club, Best In Show

You’d have to be blind not to notice Optima Old Orchard Woods from the Edens — and you’d also have to be blind not to notice the 20% savings. As of today, there are only 42 units left available — all in the Maple Tower. There’s even better news… if you purchase before the end of April you’re apt to receive even greater prices reductions.

Pricing for a one bedroom at Optima Old Orchard starts at $174,640 with two bedroom condos priced at $263,760. Three bedroom condos start at $409,240 and penthouse residences begin at $665,000.

I’ve been in a few of these units myself and they’re clean and modern. You’ll find interior finishes like window treatments, a washer/dryer, private balcony or rooftop sky garden, hardwood floors, stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite counter tops and stone bath tile and surround are standard. Some of the units also include a ventless gas fireplace.

Stop by to check out the furnished models at Optima Old Orchard in Skokie on weekdays from 10am to 6pm, Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 11am to 5pm.

Technorati Tags: Optima Old Orchards Woods, Skokie Condos, North Shore Condos

I am about to admit to you, one of my most safely guarded secrets. I love the watching the Oscar. I love it so much I put the “event” in my calendar and
look forward to parking myself on the couch in time for the pre-show red carpet
hoopla. I”ve been to only one good Oscar party where people actually watched
but I would rather be at home so I don’t have to ask people to shhhsh.

This year is a little different. I noticed my Oscar guilt coming on last year with the reality of the record low unemployment rates, record high foreclosure rates and the craziness of world affairs. Something didn’t feel right about getting sucked into the pomp and glam, but on the other hand, why should we stop celebrating or honoring great performances.

I will still watch. Probably in my pajamas. And, I will still ooh and ahhh. Still star struck over Halle Barry. However, the fantasy life of Hollywood will not be the same. The celebrity bubble feels more like suds than bubbly and the whole event seems to have taken on a greater “I’m in denial of reality” tone. Help me please…have I become too grown up to run away for an evening?

Few things are more satisfying than the weekend nap. Its Saturday or Sunday and you’re productive in the  morning –you get in a workout, have some time with the kids, run carpool and then BAM the feeling of fatigue creeps up like tequila. You’re under the slumber spell.

That’s exactly what happened to me today. I was in high gear, ready for action and ready  to get some work done after a super busy earlier party of the day — then  boom, — OUT fast on the couch. I just couldn’t fight it.  The weekend nap is about as intoxicating and as irresistible as the smell of the Cinnabon kiosk in the airport. Warm, delicious and oozing with yumminess. It calls you  and in the moments just before you’re committed  you fall  limp hostage to the lure of the takeover.

Today’s nap was only 49 minutes but worth far more than the two lattes it would have cost me to stay up and crank it out Now I am back — rested, relaxed and ready.

If you’ve got big thumbs, ah, you might want to re-think the iphone and you will definitely want to ding the idea of the iPhone Nano.
This little device launch is still all the buzz but according to Product-Reviews.net its gonna happen.

Apple likes little and so do we consumers. But while the trend for Apple is liiiputian the question might be who are they designing for – Kids? Midgets? Petite ladies with thin delicate digits?

From a business standpoint, the iPhone Nano would help level the playing field among the tweens and teens addicted to the Android – especially with the promise of an edge to edge screen and lower price point.

Hmmm half the size but potentially double the hassle. I’m sticking with the big honker I have, and my fingers are tiny!