Gals' Guide

A Night With Boca Means Cool Stuff for YOU!$5,000 For Your Healthy Living Goal

Happy Hump Day Chicas,

( This cool kit can be yours, scroll down for how!)

I didn't even bother to blow dry my hair this morning. I let it go au natural and you know what - I'm digging it.  I'm used to my new job, routine, schedule and as a result, have a terrific perk for you.

One of the clients our team works with is Boca Burger. Last week, I attended a fantastic spa night hosted by Boca and my co-workers. Bucktown's Spa Soak hosted us for a night of manis, pedis, massages, a hearty spread of Boca burgers and healthy sides.  If you haven't guessed it, the entire evening was about relaxing, while evaporating the stresses of the day away.

Happy Holidays, Ladies!

On this  December 25, I wanted to send a quick note to you.

I hope you've been celebrating with friends and family. Whatever holiday or traditions you celebrate, this time of year is important in remembering what matters and how those cute shoes in the store window probably won't change your life:)

Thanks for being in MY life and sharing YOUR stories with me. There's a heckuva lot coming in 2009, so stay tuned!

Feeling Stressed This Holiday Season? Think about Therapy at the Northwestern Family Institute

Do you have great insurance? I thought I did, but let’s be honest. These days, who isn’t substantially aware of the rising costs of living compared to the value of what we’re actually getting? For me, 2008 brought many exciting, but stressful surprises and, like many of you, I function at my best when I feel in control and can compartmentalize my exciting and exhausting life. Unfortunately, when I decided to seek professional counseling to ease the stress, I learned that even with insurance, I’d need to spend $500 of my own money on a therapist before my insurance would step in to cover a portion of the counseling costs. Enter Northwestern Family Institute.

Home Remedy Tip for the Common Cold

Green tea and some cognac. I don't know what it does or why, but it's been a miracle concoction for me these last few days.

Stay warm, all!

When Your Body Says Slow Down, Listen

It's been proven that women can multi-task better than men. I once heard that a woman can keep track of up to 17 things in her mind at ONE time. We can be on the bus en route to work, planning our dinner, remembering to hand wash our bras, all while texting the cute guy we saw at the coffee shop the other afternoon.  This ability to multi-task is a blessing, but can also be a curse.

Let me tell you right now: No one gets an award for trying to be 'Superwoman'

Autism Heroes Event: November 14

I bring this to you on behalf of a fellow GG reader.  Autism is one of those conditions that continues to effect more and more kids every year -one of my cousins is autistic. Luckily, we know more now than we did in the 80s - but we have a long way to go.  Details:

Join Host Gary Fencik at the First Annual Autism Speaks Heroes Ball, Friday, 11/14/08 at the Ravenswood Billboard Factory (4043 N. Ravenswood Ave).

Join other heroes who are uniting to find a cure for autism. This unique event features Ross Bon & the Mighty Blue Kings, premium open bar, fantastic food, silent auction (Aspen ski trip, sports tickets, rare autographed merchandise), and more!

VIP cocktail reception 7:30pm ($125); main event 8:30pm ($80 advance; $100 door). 100% of proceeds benefit the Chicago Chapter of Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to finding a cure for autism. Autism affects 1:150 children today, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Visit www.heroes-ball.org today to buy tickets, make a donation, nominate an autism hero, or learn more. Be a Hero: Support the Autism Speaks Heroes Ball today!

A Morning with My New Gynecologist Lessons, Tips and Some More Facts for You

Hi Chicas,

If you've read this for the past few years, you must know I love going to the doctor. I ask a slew of questions, ask for diagrams, etc. With my marriage came a new insurance plan, which meant I had to find a new doctor. I was bummed to leave Dr. Murthy at the Women's Group of Northwestern, but satisfied with my 1st visit to Dr. Regina Belmonte, another Northwestern gal. Thank you to Dr. Scola, my internist, for recommending Dr. Belmonte. (Ladies, feel free to use any of the docs I just mentioned, they rock.)

After waiting a while for my appointment (the doc had an emergency - things happen, so I got over the ants in my pants), Dr. Belmonte brought me into her office, closed the door and we had a chat - bonus.

I don't mind the exam rooms, but for a 1st time patient, I thrive on privacy, closed doors and being comfortable telling your doctor about your life. Here are some fun facts I thought I'd throw your way...

Have You Read 'Skinny Bitch'?My Slow Progression to Limiting My Meat Intake

When I was a little girl, my family used to spend summers in my father's village.  I used to visit his aunt, who had a farm full of chickens.  I had a pet chicken and would play with her everyday, feeding her, squaking with her and walking around the farm like a mini chicken.  One day, I was sitting at the family dinner and asked where my pet chicken was. The table stirred, my mother looked uncomfortable and my aunt said, 'On your plate'.

In the last year, I've been researching meat. How it's made, where it comes from, preservatives, etc. Organic versus natural, the works. I put my foot down and I no longer buy any meat unless it's a free range or organic. I'm spending more money, but not eating as much. I also don't buy any fish that is farm raised. When I go out to eat, I do everything possible to order vegetarian - unless I know where the meat comes from.

I think I may be ready to experiment with the next step - slowly phasing out meat.