Holiday Offerings and December Specials at Chicago French Market

Children’s Holiday Cookie Decorating, Dec. 4
Bring your children and get in the holiday spirit with FREE cookie decorating at Chicago French Market this Saturday, Dec. 4, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Stop by the market common area for some creativity, cookies and fun!


Wine Tasting at Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine
Join Pastoral 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9 for a complimentary wine tasting of the Omrah Unoaked Chardonnay from Australia, the Hedges CMS Red Blend from Washington State and the Robert Sinskey POV Meritage from California.


This December Pastoral celebrates the “12 Days of Pastoral,” its way of giving back to customers and the community through random acts of kindness. On each day beginning Saturday, Dec. 11 through Friday, Dec. 24, one lucky, random Pastoral customer receives a gift from Pastoral. Contact Pastoral at Chicago French Market for details at (312) 454-2200.


Seafood and Meat Specials at City Fresh Market
City Fresh Market is offering a number of seafood and meat specials at Chicago French Market, now through Saturday, Dec. 11.

Seafood selections include Whole Rainbow Trout $3.99/lb., Tilapia Filet $3.99/lb., Smoked Salmon $9.99/lb. and Steelhead Salmon $7.99/lb. Meat specials include Hot Italian Sausage $2.49/lb., Panko Parmesan Breaded Chicken Breast $4.49/lb., Chimichurri Marinated Pork Tenderloin $7.99/lb. and All Natural Texas Rib-Eye Steak $11.99/lb. Call-in orders are welcome at (312) 575-0230.

December Specials and Kosher Items at Fumare Meats & Deli
Fumare Meats & Deli has a number of December specials including Smoked Pheasant $9.99/lb, Smoked Goose Breast $23.99/lb., Goose Liver Sausage $13.99/lb., Swedish Potato Sausage $6.89/lb. and Andouille Sausage $8.99/lb. Fumare is now taking orders for holiday get-togethers. Whether it’s a large client presentation, or simple gathering of family and friends, Fumare is the perfect solution.


Fumare recognized a need in the downtown Chicago area for kosher products. Last month, Fumare began offering pre-packaged kosher items including coffee cake, fresh breads, salmon and more. Be sure to call Fumare before your visit to see what the day’s kosher offerings are. Stop by or call Fumare Meats & Deli at Chicago French Market at (312) 930-4220.

Warm up with Free Mexican Coffee at Buen Apetito
Receive a free cup of imported Mexican coffee with a breakfast purchase at Buen Apetito Taqueria. Known for its fresh, top quality ingredients, Buen Apetito’s breakfast offerings include a Breakfast Burrito, chorizo and egg or veggie filled wrapped in option of flour, spinach, tomato basil, southwest chili, whole grain or wheat tortilla ($6.25); Scrambled Eggs with Spanish Potatoes and Tortillas ($5.25); Chorizo Tacos with scrambled eggs and spicy Mexican sausage ($6.25); Huevos Rancheros with eggs sunny-side up or over-easy with Mexican ranchero sauce ($5.50); and a Spanish Omelet with green pepper and tomato ($5.50).


Also try Buen Apetito’s authentic Mexican hot chocolate ($2). Contact Buen Apetito at Chicago French Market with questions at (312) 234-9600.


Holiday Fruit Baskets at Produce Express
Produce Express is accepting orders for custom-made and grab-and-go fruit baskets for the holidays. All baskets are $25, and orders can be placed at Produce Express.


Stop by Produce Express for one of their new, freshly-made salads featuring housemade vinaigrettes. The farm-fresh vendor is also now offering grab-and-go fruit salads. Contact Produce Express at Chicago French Market for details at (312) 454-4540.

Holiday Treats at Delightful Pastries
Delightful Pastries, specializing in authentic European pastries, offers a number of seasonal pies, cakes and goodies for holiday parties or hostess gifts. Selections include Pecan Pie ($24), Banana Cream Pie ($24), Italian Ricotta Cheesecake ($25), Chocolate Mousse Mississippi Mud Pie ($35), Cookie Tray ($30) and more. Savory treats include Potato Pie ($30), Vegetable Quiche ($42), Spinach Lamb Pie ($56) as well as a number of traditional Polish savory items.


Another promotion at Delightful Pastries includes a free Lemon-Cranberry bar with the purchase of three bars. (variety of flavors). Place holiday orders at Delightful Pastries’ Chicago French Market location at (312) 234-9644.


Free Cookies at Sweet Miss Giving’s
Pre-order holiday gifts from Sweet Miss Giving’s for pick up at Chicago French Market, and receive one free cookie of your choice. Offer valid for orders of $25 or more. Contact Sweet Miss Giving’s at (312) 575-0212.


Buche de Noel from Vanille Patisserie
Award-winning Vanille Patisserie offers traditional holiday Buche de Noel in mocha or red velvet flavors $40 each. A modern Buche de Noel (entremets style) with Chocolate Mousse, Vanilla Bean Cream and Chocolate Cake is also $40.The yule log treats serve 10-12 people each.


Also for the holidays, Vanille Patisserie offers Galette Des Rois, a crispy puff pastry filled with baked almond cream with a French trinket inside, and a golden paper crown $30. Serves 8-10 people. Other selections include 24-piece assorted Petit Four Box ($32), White Chocolate Peppermint Bar ($9/bag) and Vanilla Bean Sugar ($8 8 oz jar, $22 1 lb.). Contact Vanille Patisserie to place an order (312) 575-9963.

It’s Christmas. Don’t forget the Chocolate!
Delight your special someone this holiday season with a box of luscious, hand-made chocolates from Canady le Chocolatier. Christmas chocolate suggestions include Amerena Ganache, Crème’ de Tiramisu, Pistachio Truffles, Red Pepper Truffles, Mint Truffles and Cheesecake Truffles. Contact Canady Le Chocolatier at Chicago French Market to order in-person or at (312) 454-8700.

Happy Holidays from Gramp’s Gourmet Foods

Gramp’s Gourmet Foods, specializing in gourmet pickles, suggests Gramp’s Sour Dill Pickles and Gramp’s Pickled Beets this holiday season. Gramp’s Gourmet Foods will make specialized gift baskets, perfect for teachers, stocking stuffers or hostess gifts.

It is Gramp’s goal to create unique handcrafted foods that evoke memories of family, fun and simpler times. Contact Gramp’s Gourmet Foods at Chicago French Market for more information at www.chicagofrenchmarket.com/vendor/gramps_gourmet_foods.  

Holiday Hours at the Market
On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, Chicago French Market is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The market is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.


About Chicago French Market
Chicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese, wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, specialty drinks, flowers, prepared meals and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market’s diverse group of local vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located within the new MetraMarket development at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets). For more information, visit http://www.chicagofrenchmarket.com/.

November and Holiday Tastings and Specials at Chicago French Market

Beaujolais Nouveau Party at the Market, November 18

Chicago French Market upholds the tradition of Beaujolais Nouveau in which, at midnight on the third Thursday of November, France erupts in a massive celebration honoring the unveiling of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine. The Beaujolais Nouveau party at Chicago French Market takes place 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 18.

Enjoy the 2010 release of Beaujolais Nouveau, a six week old red wine produced in the Beaujolais region of France, amidst a backdrop of live accordion music by Pat Spaeth. Along with the wine, samplings of international charcuterie, cheese and desserts are served. The party is complimentary for all those who attend and the first 200 participants receive a reusable Chicago French Market tote bag.

Those who are 21 years old and up (with a valid ID) may enjoy a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau, but all are welcome to an evening of music, food tasting and fun. Stop by the 27 Chicago French Market vendors and check out the variety of foods and items offered.

November Tastings at Delightful Pastries
Stop by Delightful Pastries every Friday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to get a jump on holiday treats. On Friday, Nov. 12 and Nov. 19, Delightful Pastries offers free samples of its delicious sourdough breads, brownies, bars, macaroons and kolaczki, and homemade triple berry preserves.

Delightful Pastries offers a number of seasonal pies and pastries, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. Pie selections include Apple Caramel Pie, Honey Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie and Key Lime Pie, all made with an all butter crust ($20-$24). Delightful Pastries also features a Mini pastries Tray with an assortment of éclairs, fruit tarts, cream puffs, financiers, mini tortes, tiramisu and more ($40). Other Thanksgiving selections include Cranberry Angel Food Cake, Cranberry Bread Pudding, Cranberry Orange Relish and Potato Pie ($7.99-$30). Orders may be placed by contacting the Chicago French Market location at (312) 234-9644.

Weekly Specials at City Fresh Market
City Fresh Market, known for its fresh poultry, fish and grass-fed beef offers specials now through Saturday, November 13. Specials include Fresh Chicken Cordon Bleu, all natural chicken breast filled with black forest ham and Swiss cheese ($4.49 ea); Stuffed Pork Loin, fresh pork loin filled with spinach and feta cheese ($5.49/pound); Scottish Salmon Fillet ($11.99/pound); Live or Freshly Steamed Whole Lobster ($19.99 ea.); and Fresh Deep Fried Breaded Shrimp ($8.99/pound). Note, that requests for steamed lobster must be placed in advance.

Contact the Chicago French Market location of City Fresh Market to place orders, or call (312) 575-0230.

Demos at Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

On Thursday, November 11, attend a demonstration 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. by Quince and Apple, a husband and wife team based out of Madison, WI who make small batch preserves.


On Wednesday, November 17, enjoy a demo by Willie Lehner of Bleu Mont Dairy in Wisconsin. Attendees will taste a cheese called Alpine Renegade, as well as three-year cheddar. The demo is 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.


Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine is also accepting pre-orders for Thanksgiving, including its Cranberry Pecan bread which is only seasonally available. The loaves can be baked for pick up Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 22 through Nov. 24. Beautiful and delicious artisan cheese trays and food-friendly wines are also available, and perfect for holiday parties.


All catering orders need to be placed 48 hours in advance. Contact Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine at its Chicago French Market location at (312) 454-2200 for more information.

Thanksgiving Pies at Vanille Patisserie
Award-winning Vanille Patisserie offers pumpkin pie topped with cinnamon whipped cream for those with a sweet-tooth. Pre-pay from now until November 15 and get a discounted price of $18 per pie. After November 15, pies return to the regular price of $24. Place an order by calling (312) 575-9963 or visit Vanille Patisserie at Chicago French Market.

Sweet Miss Giving’s Fall and Holiday Gifting

Sweeten up a holiday party with catering from Sweet Miss Giving’s or a special gift box. Seasonal gift ideas include Recipe in a Jar, all that’s needed for a perfect batch of Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Cookies ($15); Cupcake Sampler of one dozen cupcakes ($36); Handmade Chocolates, one dozen rich and delicious handmade chocolate truffles ($18); Perfect Cookies and Perfect Brownies ($25-$30); and SMG Samplers featuring a variety of Sweet Miss Giving’s indulgent brownies, biscotti, Mountain Mix nuts, homemade Hot Cocoa mix, and more ($60-$70).

Holiday gift ideas may be ordered at Sweet Miss Giving’s Chicago French Market location. Call (312) 575-0212 for more information, and learn how to ship most holiday gift orders.

Holiday Centerpieces from Les Fleurs
Right now Les Fleurs is featuring autumn bouquets with colorful arrangements of mums, sunflowers and more ($8-18).


Les Fleurs is now accepting pre-orders for holiday arrangements and centerpieces. Items may be ordered by phone or in-person at the Chicago French Market location. Holiday centerpieces range $30 an up. Call Les Fleurs at (312) 463-1111.

Pumpkin Butter Latte at Lavazza Espression
Save the season with Lavazza Espression’s Pumpkin Butter Latte, a comforting blend of artisan crafted pumpkin butter, steamed milk and smooth espresso. Warm your hands with this seasonal specialty for just $3.45. Contact Lavazza Espression at (312) 207-0500.

Rush Hour Concerts in the Market

Every Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy complimentary music from a local artist. This Friday, November 12, hear authentic French bistro accordion artist Pat Spaeth. On Friday, November 19, listen to the eclectic acoustic stylings of Jenny Bienemann. There will not be a rush hour concert on Friday, November 26 due to the holiday weekend.

Announcing Free Wi-Fi at the Market
Chicago French Market is pleased to announce that it now has complimentary Wi-Fi for market patrons to use while they enjoy offerings from their favorite vendors.

About Chicago French Market
Chicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese, wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, specialty drinks, flowers, prepared meals and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market’s diverse group of local vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located within the new MetraMarket development at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets). For more information, visit www.chicagofrenchmarket.com.

The Perfect Holiday Gift for the Person Who Has Everything

Lasik - It's the gift of visual freedom that will be treasured for a lifetime

It's never too early to start thinking about the holidays. This holiday season, gift-givers can give the gift of visual freedom with a Lasik Laser Vision Correction procedure from Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center (5201 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago, 773-774-2102; 2010 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 121, Arlington Heights, Ill., 847-621-0633). Many patients have traveled far and wide to work with Dr. Golden of Doctors for Visual Freedom, in fact, he has had patients from across the country and as far away as Europe and Japan.

With no financing for two years, no down payment, and complimentary follow-up exams, the procedure is not only an affordable gift, but also saves the recipient thousands of dollars over time, with the need to pay for glasses and contacts eliminated. Vision improves immediately after the procedure. Half the population wears glasses or contact lenses, and most people with moderate vision problems can spend $400 or more on a good pair of glasses. Over time, this will likely add up to far more than the initial investment in Lasik surgery. It is estimated the average person spends between $30,000 and $60,000 on eyecare in their lifetime.

Read one client's Lasik story below.

Visual Freedom - A Christmas Gift

Bianca Jusino, a 20 year-old college student, is getting her Christmas present early this year. Her mother is making it possible for her to have the vision correction surgery she needs to fully enjoy the rest of her life.

Bianca's vision problems are not unusual. She is extremely nearsighted, and without her glasses or contacts she must hold things only a few inches away to be able to see them clearly.

Olga Matise, Bianca's mom, has long worried about her daughter's overuse of contact lenses.

"I am always telling Bianca to take her contacts out. It can't be good for her to wear them for such long periods of time. She puts them on first thing in the morning and then doesn't want to take them out until the end of the night," Olga commented. "I have even found her sleeping in them."

"I know that Bianca doesn't find her contact lenses comfortable, but she is just too vain to take them out," Olga added.

Bianca is going to have Lasik at Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center in Chicago and Arlington Heights, Ill., the same place her mother had a PRK laser treatment just a few months ago. At the time, Olga was not considered a good Lasik candidate after receiving her complimentary comprehensive evaluation at Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center, but was a perfect candidate for PRK, a different laser procedure.

"I remember receiving the most thorough eye examination of my life from Dr. Mark Golden," said Olga. "He spent a lot of time making sure he knew everything there was to know about me and my eyes. When the testing was over, I learned that I had a thin cornea and for maximum safety, it would be best for me to have the PRK procedure. It was a piece of cake and took less than 10 minutes. When I sat up from the operating table, I could see. It was incredible!"

After her own testing, Bianca found out she is a perfect candidate for the very latest Lasik procedure. She's thrilled and looks forward to the day she can see clearly without the need for her contact lenses or glasses.

Olga's happy, too.

"With no financing for two years, we can easily afford it," she said. "Besides, Bianca promised not to ask for anything else this Christmas."

"I'll believe it when I see it!" she added.

About Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center

Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center has two offices - one in Chicago and one in Arlington Heights, and limits its care to those interested in Refractive Surgery. Learn more about Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center at http://www.doctorsforvisualfreedom.com/.

About Mark Golden, MD, FACS, FICS

Dr. Golden is a board-certified ophthalmologist and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons where he holds the role of one of its Vice Presdients. He has more than two decades of experience performing refractive surgery and was one of the earliest pioneers in the field of Lasik Laser Vision Correction. He personally has performed more than 22,000 Laser Procedures, operating on pilots, truck drivers, professional athletes, eye doctors and their families, malpractice attorneys and even his own wife. He started teaching the flap-making process to international surgeons starting in 1993 before US FDA approval, and after US approval of the laser, trained hundreds of surgeons in the techniques of Lasik and helped open laser centers throughout the United States. He is a well-known teacher and has lectured extensively at ophthalmology and optometry meetings held by organizations including the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the International Society of Refractive Surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Optometric Association (AOA). Dr. Golden can be contacted by calling (877) 855-5961 or info@doctorsforvisualfreedom.com.

About Lasik Laser Vision Correction

Lasik is an outpatient surgical procedure that reduces or eliminates a person's need for glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is an acronym for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis which works by changing the shape of the cornea. An instrument is used to make a flap or opening in the cornea, and then the Excimer laser precisely reshapes the cornea so that light is then focused properly in the eye. The corneal flap is then replaced and in most cases, patients have excellent vision the day following the procedure. This life-changing procedure was developed as a combination of an older procedure called Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) which made a flap with the precision of the Excimer laser in 1993 by a Greek ophthalmologist by the name of Ioannis Pallikaris. This allowed the longer healing of the Excimer laser procedure Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) to use the precision of the laser but to eliminate most of the discomfort and the extended healing.

PRK is a laser technique that uses the same laser as used in Lasik, but instead of making a flap, the top skin of the cornea is removed and the laser treatment starts on the top of the cornea. This is then allowed to heal. PRK in its early days was associated with substantial discomfort when healing and a significant risk of scarring. Today, Dr. Golden's PRK patients rarely complain of any discomfort at all. Their vision is identical, once healed, to Lasik patients, but their healing takes a little longer. Overall, PRK is a safer procedure than Lasik with the estimated risk of blindness estimated at one in 10 million. Scarring is prevented with medication at the time of surgery.

Modern Laser Vision Correction uses advanced measuring systems called WaveFront analysis to measure and then treat each patient's visual system with precision not available with early technology. It uses a set of mathematical formulas to measure the aberrations in each person's visual system with 25 times more precision than can be performed with the usual means for measuring glasses and is distinct to each person as is their own fingerprint. With WaveFront technology, 85% of patients state that they have significantly less glare at night postoperatively than pre-surgery and many patients now achieve better vision than they ever could with their best pair of glasses or contact lenses.

Unbeatable Oyster Deals and Holiday Treats from Pappadeaux

Dont' miss Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen's upcoming dining deals! Pappadeaux introduces Texas Gulf oyster specials, an unbeatable dining deal in Westmont and Arlington Heights. Starting November 4, get a Half Dozen of Oysters for $2.95, and a Full Dozen of Oysters for just $3.95. Add on ½ dozen shrimp for $3.95; add ½ stone crab claws for $7.95; or add on boiled shrimp and stone crab for $11.95. The best part? These deals last through March 2010, so there is plenty of time to indulge in oysters.

Thanksgiving Sweets from Pappadeaux
Thanksgiving is around the corner! Let Pappadeaux provide dessert with the its signature Sweet Potato Pecan Pie, available for purchase just in time for the holiday feast. Pre-order begins November 2, and pick-up runs November 20-25. Each pie is $14.94; purchase a second pie for just $9.95. To order, call Pappadeaux in Arlington Heights at (847) 228-9551 or Westmont at (630) 455-9846.

Dining Card Deals
The holidays are coming, and it’s time to think about who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. There’s no better way to treat loved ones on the “nice” list than with a dining card to Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Starting November 1, receive a complimentary $10 gift card good for future dining for every $50 gift card purchased.

Lobster Dining Deals
Don’t forget about Pappadeaux’s unbeatable lobster specials. Lotsa Lobster features six different delicious 1lb. live Maine lobster entrées, running through November 29 (available while supplies last). The entrées include: Laughing Lobster ($19.95); Stuffed Lobster ($19.95); Angry Lobster ($19.95); Cheesy Lobster ($19.95); N’Awlins Lobster ($19.95); and Lobster in a Pot ($22.95). All Lotsa Lobster entrées are served with tasty garlic bread and a dinner salad, or Caesar salad can be added for an additional $2.95. If a Guest purchases one of the six lobster dishes, add an additional split lobster of the same type for $6.95.

Pappadeaux also offers All-U-Can-Eat live Maine lobster every Wednesday after 5 p.m. while supplies last ($44.95). All-U-Can-Eat lobster ends November 25 (available while supplies last), price subject to change, and is for dine-in only.

Holiday Parties and Events at Pappadeaux
It's never to early to start planning the next holiday party or company event, and both Chicago-area Papapdeaux locations offer unique event space just right for parties of all sizes. In Arlington Heights, Pappadeaux’s private event space features six different rooms, each with a unique, festive theme. The Deluxe Salon accommodates 110 and has a private bar; the Mezzanine is excellent for parties of up to 90 people; the Port and Starboard Salons are more intimate, with a capacity of 35; the large Promenade can host 90; and the Sportsman’s Lounge features space for 40, as well as a fully-stocked bar. For events, contact event planner Pam Basilicata at (847) 228-9551 or e-mail at pbasilicata@pappas.com.

In Westmont, Pappadeaux's private event space features four different areas, each with a unique, festive theme. The outdoor Patio accommodates 45; use the Bayou Room for parties of up to 50; the intimate Wine Room seats 12; and the lively Cabernet Room features space for 20. Contact event coordinator Lindsay Uyeda at (630) 455-9846 or e-mail at luyeda@pappas.com.

For more information on Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, visit http://www.pappadeaux.com/. Follow Pappadeax on Twitter and become a Fan on Facebook.

MORE Introduces new Margarita Cupcake on WGN TV

Still trying to figure out what to serve your party guests this holiday season? MORE owner, Patty Rothman, was on WGN TV's "Lunchbreak" today with a special cupcake recipe that's sure to please. Rothman helped WGN reporter Dina Bair prepare MORE's new Margarita Cupcake and gave her tips on perfecting her frosting technique. On hand were several of MORE's other flavors, including their signature "MORE" cupcake, a moist chocolate cake with a housemade marshmallow filling (a guaranteed show-stopper).

Want to steal the show at your next party? Check out MORE's Margarita cupcake recipe here. MORE's cupcakes range from $3.50-$4.25 each, or $39.50-$49.50/dozen. MORE also offers flights of six MOREsels, including the new Cocktail Flight and Sunday Morning Flight, which make perfect hostess gifts. Call MORE at (312) 951-0001 to place your holiday order today!

ASLF Online Store Now Open

Just in time for the holidays, A Silver Lining Foundation's new online store is open for business. Holiday shoppers rejoice!

Looking for clothes? ASLF's popular "Save the Girls" t-shirt can now be purchased online. The tee comes in two colors and a variety of sizes.

Need some bling? ASLF has jewelry-lovers covered, with its signature spiral logo featured on two varieties of necklace: there's the sterling silver version, and the timeless diamond version.

And don't forget the holiday tunes. The ASLF store also offers autographed copies of Chicago's own Ron Hawking's holiday CD, "Christmas." Visit Ron Hawking's web site here: http://www.ronhawking.com/.

Visit ASLF's online store here: https://www.asilverliningfoundation.org/store/index.php. All proceeds from the store support The Buy A Mom A Mammogram program, and other ASLF programs. For more information on ASLF, visit http://www.asilverliningfoundation.org/.

Photo credit: Image Bank

Holiday Shopping at Your Fingertips

Dreading the long list of holiday gifts you have to buy? Does your gift shopping list keep getting longer and longer? Avoid the crowds and hassles of Black Friday, and shop online at CharityBlast.com, a website that provides exceptional discounts at online stores. The best part? CharityBlast donates up to 30% of your purchase to the charity of your choice-- in this case, A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF).

ASLF's mission is to ensure dignified, respectful and equal access to quality cancer education and services for all, by creating meaningful partnerships with community, advocacy and healthcare organizations. ASLF gives gifts year-round through its Buy A Mom A Mammogram program, which provides no-cost breast cancer screening mammograms to underinsured and uninsured patients.

CharityBlast gives discounts at online stores like Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Dell, Delta Airlines, Harry & David, Macy's, Old Navy, Staples, The Body Shop, Travelocity and more. That can cover just about anyone on any list. Santa, if you're reading this, take note.

Use this special link to shop for ASLF on CharityBlast.

ASLF has given back-- now it's time to give back to ASLF. And it's just a few mouseclicks away. No crowded mall parking lots for you!

For more information on ASLF, please visit www.asilverliningfoundation.org.

Meet Bon Appétit Editor Barbara Fairchild

Barbara Fairchild Reception and Bon Appétit Booksigning Thursday, 10/16, 6:30-8:30 Old Town Spice House For all of you Bon Appétit junkies, here are two opportunities for some face time with the magazine's editor Barbara Fairchild. Please join Patty Erd and her crew at The Spice House in Old Town for a fabulous reception featuring tastings from the brand new Bon Appétit cookbook, Fast Easy Fresh - 1,100 Quick Dishes for Everynight Cooking. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and Barbara Fairchild will be with sigining books until 8 p.m. Here's your chance to chat with her about her recipes and writing. While the event is complimentary and sponsored by The Spice House, please do rsvp to 312 274 0378 or by email to spices@thespicehouse.com so that they can prepare enough goodies. Don't miss this special evening. A personalized book by someone of this caliber makes a brilliant holiday gift. For more infomation, please visit The Spice House website. Event Info 1512 North Wells Street Chicago, Illinois 60610 Thursday, October 16 6:30-8:00 pm But wait, there's more... Barbara Fairchild at The Green City Market For those who can't attend The Spice House reception in Old Town, Barbara Fairchild will also be appearing at the Green City Market in Lincoln Park on Saturday, October 18 from 9:30 - 11:30 am. For every book purchased there, The Spice House will donate $5.00 to the Green City Market. Come pick up a book and all the fresh, seasonal produce you'll need for delicious culinary inspiration. Event Info The Green City Market South end of Lincoln Park between Stockton and Clark Saturday, October 18 9:30 - 11:30 am