Vince Camuto Jerrell Bootie in grey

These are my first pair of Vince Camuto shoes, and I am impressed! The hidden platform and stiletto heel make this shoe so flattering on the arch (“perfectly angled” as another reviewer mentioned) yet still comfortable for walking. The shoe opening lays flat against my ankle without any gaping, which is great for wearing with skinny/straight jeans as well as skirts. The back zipper is functional and decorative. The dark grey flannel proves to be versatile, and the stiletto heel adds a touch of shine…great for fall/winter.

I’m really glad that Nordstrom carries small sizes because even size 5 can sometimes be too big for my feet. Based on the reviews mentioning that these run 1/2 a size small, I didn’t need to order a size 4.5. Size 5 fits comfortably with or without thin socks. I got these during the Anniversary Sale, and they fit so well that I ordered additional pairs in black leather (a bit loose so will be returning) and ruby suede. I’ve found my new favorite boots!

Fit rating: Runs small

Width rating: True to size (medium)

Star rating: 5 out of 5

with Micaya, hip hop instructor and choreographer

Micaya, the instructor and choreographer, gets such joy from watching her students grow on stage. As a dancer, I get joy from challenging my body, learning choreography, and sharing it to the best of my ability. The audience might get joy from watching and cheering on their friends, and one had an interesting takeaway:

I actually learned something that night, relative to my [sports] game. All that practicing, when it’s tourney time, all I did was waste my time being nervous about whom I had to play. Like a dancer, after all the practice, the time on the stage should be pure enjoyment, and that’s how I’ll play from now on.

Wow. That is exactly what the dancers tried to convey to the audience…our joy in dancing. Thank you to everyone that came to Mission in the Mix 2011 and for words of encouragement from those that weren’t able to make it. I appreciate your support!

Beginner Workshop and assistant instructors

PAM’S CHICAGO TRIP MAP – includes places mentioned below

PUBLIC TRANSIT

When taking public transportation in Chicago, NEVER pay with cash because you’ll pay $2.25 per trip, no transfers. I highly recommend the 1-day Fun Pass (at select locations, not many locals know about this) if you’re taking more than 2 bus/train rides in a 24-hour period or the refillable Transit Card (at any train station) if taking only 1 or 2 bus/train rides in a day. Plan ahead to save cash (I wish I had).

Unlimited-Ride Passes – activated on first use, passes allow unlimited rides for the specified time.
1-day: $5.75
3-day: $14
7-day: $23

Transit Cards – full fare with Chicago Card, Chicago Card Plus, and Transit Cards, allow value to be added

Fares
1st ride: $2.00 (bus); $2.25 (rail)
1st transfer: 25 cents
2nd transfer: FREE

Buy transit cards and passes from vending machines at various stations, select retail locations, CTA Headquarters, or online.

DINING

Fogo de Chao (Latin American, Brazilian, Steakhouses)
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River North

Fogo de Chao Brazilian BBQ

Note: Go for lunch on a weekday, as it’s half price for the same menu.

Gibsons Steakhouse & Bar (Steakhouses, Italian)
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Note: Shares kitchen with Hugo’s Frog Bar, less wait at Hugo’s Frog Bar

Gino’s East (Pizza)
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River East
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River North

Giordano’s (Pizza)
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Neighborhood: The Loop

Giordano's special

Note: Thicker, crispier crust

Harold’s Chicken Shack (Fried Chicken)
Neighborhood: South Loop
Note: One of Obama’s favorites

Hot Doug’s (Hot Dogs)
Neighborhoods: Avondale
Note: Featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations; try duck fat fries and foie gras dog

Hugo’s Frog Bar (Seafood, Steakhouses)
Neighborhood: Near North Side

seafood dinner - stuffed lobster, crab cakes, salmon

raspberry sorbet, mud pie, chocolate mousse...and a quarter for size comparison

Note: Shares a kitchen with Gibsons Steakhouse

Joy Yee’s Noodles (Pan-Asian Cuisine)
Neighborhood: Chinatown

soft-shell crab and curry over rice

Note: HUGE bubble drinks, curry soft shell crab bowl

Kuma’s Corner (Pubs, Burgers)
Neighborhood: Avondale

Lawry’s The Prime Rib (Steakhouses)
Neighborhood: Near North Side

Lou Malnati’s (Pizza)
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River North
Neighborhood: South Loop

sausage with roma tomatoes and spinach

Note: Thinner crust; better filling

Meli Cafe & Juice Bar (Breakfast & Brunch)
Neighborhoods: West Loop, Near West Side, Greektown

strawberry French toast

Note: Brunch and fresh juices

Portillo’s Hot Dogs (Hot dogs, American)
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River North

beef n cheddar croissant

Note: Order the beef n cheddar croissant

RL Restaurant (Polo cafe; American)
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Note: Good for a brunch break from walking/shopping the Magnificent Mile

Volare (Italian)
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Note: MUST make reservations; otherwise they get very snippy at you and make you wait an hour. The food is really good, and it’s really romantic.

OTHER FOOD & DRINKS

Andy’s Jazz Club & Restaurant (Jazz & Blues)
Neighborhood: Near North Side

Artist’s Cafe
Neighborhood: The Loop
Note: Portions are really big, and they make their own French fries. It’s across the street and a few blocks down from the AIC.

Berry Chill (Frozen Yogurt)
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Note: Late hours at this location. Mon-Thu 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat 8am-2am, Sun 8am-11pm.
Neighborhood: The Loop

frozen yogurt and color-changing spoon

Billy Goat Tavern (Dive Bars, Burgers)
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Magnificent Mile
Note: Famous dive that’s just one block from the Magnificent Mile and open after all the shops close. Tour buses and bachelorette parties stop here.

Caribou Coffee (Coffee & Tea)
Neighborhood: The Loop

Garrett Popcorn Shops (Specialty Food)
Neighborhood: The Loop
Note: Chicago mix is half caramel, half cheddar; caramel with macadamia nut is my favorite

Green Mill Cocktail Lounge (Jazz & Blues)
Neighborhood: Uptown

Kingston Mines Chicago Blues (Jazz & Blues)
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul

Mario’s Italian Lemonade (Italian Ice)
Neighborhood: University Village

Vosges Haut-Chocolat (Chocolatiers, Coffee & Tea)
Neighborhood: Near North Side (North Bridge Mall)
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul

gourmet chocolate bars

Note: Variety of unique gourmet chocolate blends; coffee and hot chocolate served.

SIGHTSEEING

Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Cruise (Tours)
Neighborhood: Near North Side

architectural boat tour

Note: MUST for first-timers and locals that haven’t taken the river tour

Adler Planetarium (Museums, Venues, Education)
Neighborhood: Near Southside
Note: Walk towards the planetarium at night for a sick view of the skyline.

Art Institute of Chicago (Museums)
Neighborhood: The Loop
Nore: Free after 5pm on Thu & Fri
The Modern Wing
Neighborhood: The Loop
Note: The biggest addition to the city’s cultural scene – opened May 16, 2009. Designed by star architect Renzo Piano, it will increase the museum’s size by one-third and provide a stunning showcase for the institute’s collection of modern art. A highlight of the design is the pedestrian bridge leading to Millennium Park, which will connect the museum to the park’s vibrant energy.

Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park (Parks)
Neighborhood: South Loop

Buckingham Fountain

Note: Fountain in opening credits of Married with Children

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (Museums, Landmarks)
City: Oak Park
Note: Entry into the museum is by guided tour only; guided tour length: 45-60 min. The Midwest’s greatest architect started out in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, and his house, now a museum with guided tours, gives a first-hand look at his genius and his influence. The surrounding neighborhood, where Wright’s Prairie-style homes sit side-by-side with rambling Victorian villas, is an eye-opening lesson in architectural history.

Millennium Park (Parks; Behind the Art Institute)
Neighborhood: The Loop

Cloud Gate with Chicago skyline in reflection

Note: Look for the Frank Gehry-designed amphitheater (Jay Pritzker Pavilion), interactive Crown Fountain by Jaume Plensa, Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture on AT&T Plaza, and contemporary Lurie Garden. If it’s warm, people will sit on the boardwalk and stick their feet in the stream.

Signature Lounge (96th Floor of John Hancock Center; Landmarks)
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Magnificent Mile, Streeterville

view from women's lounge

Note: Get a drink and skip admission; free view from women’s restroom

Willis Tower Skydeck Ledge (103rd Floor of Willis Tower; Landmarks)
Neighborhood: The Loop
Note: Opened July 2009. Enter Skydeck on Jackson Blvd

Wrigley Field (Stadiums)
Neighborhood: Lakeview

TIPS FROM FROMMER’S CHICAGO

Find out why the Loop is so named by hopping a Brown Line elevated train (or “the El,” for short). Watch the city unfold as the train crosses the Chicago River and screeches past downtown high-rises. Half the fun is peeping into the windows of offices and homes as you speed by (don’t feel guilty – we all do it).

It really is cooler – meteorologically and metaphorically – by the lake, and we Chicagoans treat the Lake Michigan waterfront as our personal playground. Miles of parkland hug the shoreline; walk to Monroe Harbor for picture-perfect views of the downtown or join active Lincoln Park singles for biking or jogging farther north. For an even better look at the city, get out on the water. At Navy Pier, you can board a vessel that’s just your speed, from a powerboat to a tall-masted schooner.

Exploring Millennium Park: This downtown park, carved out of the northwest corner of Grant Park, is Chicago’s newest great showcase (and it’s an easy walk from downtown hotels). While the Pritzker Music Pavilion, designed by Frank Gehry, is the highest-profile attraction, the park’s two main sculptures have quickly become local favorites. Cloud Gate, by British sculptor Anish Kapoor, looks like a giant silver kidney bean; watch your reflection bend and distort as you walk around and underneath. The Crown Fountain, designed by Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa, is framed by two giant video screens that project faces of ordinary Chicagoans; it looks a little creepy at first, but watch the kids splashing in the shallow water and you’ll soon realize that this is public art at its best.

Credit Card Fees

Amex Blue Cash
- Foreign Currency Fee: 2% of purchase

Capital One Visa/MC – travel
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0%

Nordstrom Visa
- Foreign Currency Fee: 1% of purchase

Schwab Bank Invest First Visa
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0%
- Must have linked Schwab One brokerage account for cash back rewards

Wells Fargo Visa (along with most other Visa and MasterCard)
- Foreign Currency Fee: 3% of purchase

ATM Fees

HSBC Checking – info
- ATM Fee: $1.50 at International HSBC ATMs (didn’t get charged in Hong Kong)
- Foreign Currency Fee: 3% (didn’t get charged in Hong Kong)
- ATM/Debit card does NOT work with any other ATM networks

Chase Checking – fees
- ATM Fee: $0 from Chase and WaMu
- Foreign Currency Fee: 3% of transaction
- Monthly Service Fee: $6, waived with direct deposit or 5 debit card purchases

Wells Fargo Basic Checking – fees
- ATM Fee: $5.00 from Wells Fargo (keep in mind that this is in addition to the International ATM surcharge)
- Foreign Currency Fee: 3% of transaction (seems standard)
- Monthly Service Fee: $5, waived with direct deposit or minimum $1,000 balance
- ATM/Debit card works with Plus, Star, and Interlink networks

Based on the three choices above, I thought that WaMu would’ve been the best so I walked into Chase branch during lunch break. WaMu had closed my account due to inactivity, and they wouldn’t be able to issue a new ATM card before the weekend. So to satisfy client needs, the banker referred me to First Republic Bank for the following:

First Republic ATM Rebate Checking – info
- ATM Fee: $0
- Foreign Currency Fee: 0% (absorbed by First Republic rather than passed to customer)
- Foreign ATM Surcharge: refunded
- Instant Temporary ATM card
- Monthly Service Fee: $15, waived with minimum $2,500 average balance
- ATM/Debit card works with Star, Plus, and NYCE networks

Currency Exchange

Exchange USD for foreign currency prior to travel in order to lock in exchange rates at time of purchase. Check with your bank as most banks charge customers a Foreign Currency Fee of 5% for the conversion.

Travelers Cheques

Travelers cheques can be ordered in foreign currency (rate locked at purchase) or USD to be converted overseas (current rate when cashed) and can be replaced within 24 hours if lost of stolen. Bank may or may not charge a fee for travelers cheques.

Disclaimer: This information comes from researching fee-free travel options. I do not endorse one financial institution over another as I am an equal opportunity customer. I also do not claim to be an expert in bank fees or foreign currency and will not be held responsible for misinformation. I hope you find this information useful. Use at your own discretion.

2009 is here.  I don’t make resolutions.  I do set and re-set goals throughout the year.  Looking back at the ones set for 2008 and cutting & pasting outstanding goals:

• Be on time. still working on this one
  
• Sleep earlier. getting 6-8 hours of sleep/night would be good for me
  
• Do what I say I’ll do. aside from the previous two, I’ve done pretty well here but can still improve
• Study & take the Series 7 exam. yikes…requires a great deal of focus & commitment outside of work
  

Adding on for 2009:

• Save money. already cut down on travel…need to cut down on shopping
  
• Invest time. reading the Bible and building relationships
  
• Practice patience & tact. be more compassionate and caring towards others
  

Life is a journey, and I’m a work in progress.