April 30, 2009

Take an art break

Filed under: Design & Art — Tags: , , , — lidia @ 2:35 pm
laura_postcard_front1

© Laura Berger

It’s almost Friday, you’ve had a long week, you’re ready to hit the couch. But wait: wouldn’t you rather unwind by looking at fabulous art, talking to fellow art lovers and perhaps partaking in a glass of wine? Then stop by Fill in the Blank Gallery for the opening reception of my friend Laura Berger. Into the Out “New works by Laura Berger” kicks off TOMORROW and runs all month.

Fill in the Blank Gallery is at 5038 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL. The Opening Reception is Friday, May 1st, 7:00-11:00 pm

April 29, 2009

The spiritual side of entrepreneurship

Filed under: Education,Small Business — Tags: , , , — lidia @ 2:05 pm
Istria, Croatia

Istria, Croatia

With the daily barrage of news detailing economic downturns and communicable diseases, people seem to need something positive, something to believe in. The topic of spirituality has come up before in the bright spot (see the post on meditation). And since I’ve resumed my yoga and meditation practice, it will likely come up again. However, I’m pleased to see the topic being even more widespread—reaching the business community.

This Friday, the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center is presenting a workshop called The Spiritual Dimensions of Entrepreneurship. What is a “spiritual entrepreneur”? Someone who is not only “fully aware of the business and the external environment of corporations, but also, of itself.” In other words, they actually care about the people they affect, as well as those who help them achieve success. In this age of layoffs, pension losses and general big-business negativity, a few spiritual entrepreneurs would be a welcome thing.

April 23, 2009

What the kids are designing these days…

Filed under: Design & Art — Tags: , , — lidia @ 4:59 pm

fashionshow09

Need some creative inspiration, or a fresh way of thinking? You’re bound to get it at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s 75th Annual Fashion Show. See 200+ innovative garments designed by the SAIC Fashion Design students.

The event takes place today and tomorrow at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the Loop.

April 15, 2009

Join us for Neighborhood Networking on Monday!

Filed under: Networking — Tags: , , , — lidia @ 5:12 pm

neighborhood-networking-logo-no-tagJoin us after work on Monday to meet a nearby business owner or make connections in a different neighborhood — as well as sample appetizers from a local favorite for BBQ, Smokin’ Woody’s. Great raffle prizes too!

Mon, Apr. 20th from 5-7:30 pm at Smokin’ Woody’s, 4160 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL.

Tickets: $10 in advance / $12 at the door. Purchase tickets here.

Bring lots of business cards and/or promo materials. Share this invite with fellow business owners and friends.

Hosted by Lidia Varesco Design & Elizabeth L. Miranda of Mercury Organizing Professionals

For updated information visit our blog.

April 14, 2009

Picturehouse Chicago 2009 on Thu, Apr 16

Filed under: Design & Art — Tags: , , , — lidia @ 10:56 pm

If you research or buy stock photography, you don’t want to miss this free event. Picturehouse Chicago takes place Thursday at the River East Art Center in Chicago and will feature 40+ stock photo agencies. Register and see who will be exhibiting here.

April 13, 2009

Boost your brain power…

Filed under: Health & Wellness,Small Business — Tags: , , — lidia @ 9:53 pm
View of Japanese Garden at Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden

No, it’s not a new SuperFood or vitamin… it’s meditation. Personally, I always leave my twice-weekly yoga class with a clearer mind, but now I know there’s a reason for it: our class-ending meditation. According to this recent article from Yoga Journal, meditation can help your brain work better. They note that people who meditate regularly have a better capacity for perception, awareness and efficiency in processing information. All important functions for the small business owner especially. So when you feel challenged throughout your work day, try a few quiet deep breaths. And perhaps you can get a tax write-off on that yoga class…

April 10, 2009

Step away from the computer…

Filed under: Design & Art,Education — Tags: , , , , — lidia @ 4:15 am

lvbookAre you in a blog-Tweet-Facebook coma? Staring at spreadsheets all day? The remedy: detach yourself from the computer and head to the Columbia College Chicago Center for Book & Paper Arts to sign up for a summer workshop. As a CCCCBPA alumna (that’s my handiwork at right), I can attest to the transformative feeling that comes along with making a book by hand. Plus all that sewing and gluing will help to uncramp your keyboard-weary fingers. In addition to bookbinding, you can also take a class in papermaking or printing.

April 8, 2009

Celebrate spring and get out of your office…

Filed under: Education,Networking,Small Business — Tags: , , — lidia @ 6:32 pm

new-button

Check out our brand new Events page featuring upcoming Chicago-area business workshops, networking events and professional development opportunities. And of course, some fun stuff for when you’re not working. The list is updated weekly.

Hosting an event? Send us the details and well add it to our list.

April 6, 2009

Green up your brand

Filed under: Branding,Green — Tags: , , , — lidia @ 7:06 pm

Starting a new business with a green focus? Need a strategic plan for your existing green business? The Chicago Center for Green Technology is holding a workshop called Positioning Your Brand: Why Go Green? Tomorrow from 6-8 pm at the Center, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd. Visit the website for info on other upcoming green business workshops.

April 3, 2009

O.J. gone awry…

Filed under: Branding,Design & Art — Tags: , , — lidia @ 9:49 pm

tropicana040209After experiencing my own frustration with the new Tropicana orange juice packaging (where the heck is the one I usually buy??) I started following online discussions from others who are displeased with the design. Here’s proof of how your brand can make or break a sale.