Four years ago, my former professor/mentor said to me, “You know one thing that I never saw coming? Wearing t-shirts with random sayings on them. I just don’t get it.” And, we had a great laugh about it. But, in all actuality, tees with catchphrases or eye-grabbing logos/designs have virtually cemented themselves in our society. I mean, how many different versions of Obama shirts exist in the world? From school pride to peaceful demonstrations, here [...]

Entrepreneur and beauty maven, Bobbi Brown, is involved in many charitable causes, including Dress for Success. She recently chatted with Forbes.com to discuss how she balances her career with giving back, and why it’s important for women to make a difference. Here’s an excerpt: Why did you want to get involved? Just look at what I do for a living and who I am as a person. I can help a woman take care of [...]

On July 7th, Banana Republic (744 N. Michigan Avenue) will host a private shopping event from 7-9p to benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Guests will receive 25% off their purchase and Banana Republic will also donate 5% to AFC! To join the festivities, you will need the coupon at the right. Just click on it, print it out, and bring it to the store with you. As the event will be catered, make sure [...]

Like most of the world, I was completely in shock while watching the coverage of Michael Jackson unfold. When the first tweet appeared, it was like someone kicked me. And, as I literally became stuck on Twitter, a little piece of my heart kept breaking and breaking until I couldn’t do anything else but dance. And dance. And dance. I cranked the MJ playlist on my iPod from 2:30 in the afternoon until I left [...]

Another great jewelry find via Twitter! The Jessica Matrasko Jewelry collection is not only beautiful but it’s creative as well! Jessica often uses stones, leaves, minerals and other natural elements to feature, often times preserving the items in 24k gold. Her designs are all named after a friend or family member who has inspired her, and she regularly donates proceeds from certain items to charitable organizations. Take the beautiful necklace below…Twenty percent of the proceeds [...]

This Friday, ULTA will host 16 scholarship winners at the unofficial flagship store on Chicago’s State Street (114 S. State). High school students from across the country had the opportunity to write an essay discussing what the words “enrich, empower, and enlighten” meant to them. The awardees will receive a $5000 scholarship and are being flown to Chicago to join ULTA CEO, Lyn Kirby, for a luncheon and an afternoon of celebration. The students in [...]

Hey, guys…I’m a day behind with the service opps, but here you go! Have fun Sat, 6/27: Head on over to Humboldt Park to help plant, weed, water, and organize the Campbell community garden from 10a-12p! Click here for details! Sat, 6/27: South Siders, come on out to Jackson Park and help cut brush, seed, and plant native species in Bobolink Meadow and Woods and on Wooded Island from 10a-1p! Click here for details! If [...]

Historically, children from lower socio-economic backgrounds have less opportunities than their counterparts. There’s no question about that. However, just because something is true, doesn’t mean that it can’t be changed. All it takes is a little opportunity, some dedication, and great talent. Founded in 1981 in New York City, the All Stars Project is a nonprofit “dedicated to promoting human development through the use of an innovative performance-based model.” The program creates educational and performing [...]

First Lady Michelle Obama attended the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in San Francisco yesterday to speak to attendees and encourage them to remain active in their communities. In addition, her keynote marked the official rollout of the “United We Serve” campaign, a summerlong initiative promoting community service. You can read more about the initiative in my Examiner article. Here’s a video of the First Lady discussing “United We Serve.” [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZaBHgj6jYE] -kb

Love your pooch and think she deserves her own closet of couture? Luckily for you (and she), this is “Pets in Paris” week at Le Dress (1741 W. Division). The shop, best known for its collection of great dresses, is encouraging you to bring your doggy into the store to shop for doggy dresses! Yes, you heard me! Fifty percent of pet purchase proceeds, along with 15 percent of proceeds from Le Dress house-brand sales, [...]