Today I interviewed Author Lenore Skenazy for the 5pm news on Fox 29 Philadelphia. The topic “why are so many kids not walking or riding their bikes to school.” Skenazy thinks Children today over coddled and spoiled and should be more independent. She says it’s a far cry from when she was young and children would feel less stressed and lose more weight if they were not driven by their parents. It took me back to when I was a child growing up in New York City. I took a bus or rode the subway. The subway certainly made me more independent but at times it was scary. Skenazy says there is an unwarranted fear among parents today when it comes to safety. Certainly times have changed and children have way more toys, gadgets, activities, busy busy lives. I’m not sure walking or riding a bike to school would be practical? They could relieve stress by playing sports, walking the dog, or having more downtown than activities to rush to. On the other hand if a school is nearby and the kids walked together it might be beneficial. Let me know what you think?
Chicago Charity Cook Book
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of my friend Susan Pallant , and her two co-chairs Meher Ali-Owens and Karen Pulver, a new cook book, “Food In The City,” is out and it will benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital. Susan, a licensed counselor, eating disorder specialist and creator of the company “Mindset, ” along with her co-chairs and The Children’s Service Board, an auxiliary of Children’s Memorial Hospital, have been working on compiling the recipes for a long time and as close as I am to Susan, even I don’t know all the secrets. She’s a wonderful cook and she’s testing many of the recipes, so I am sure they are delicious. She did reveal there is a “Suprise Brownie” recipe. The book is filled with all types of yummy choices. A real bonus is a special chapter called, “Chef in the City, featuring user-friendly recipes from 25 Chicago celebrity chefs. “Food In The City” goes on Sale Friday September 10th at the “Fashion Night Out Festivities” at Water Tower and at Northbrook Court. It costs 20 dollars and all the proceeds go to the hospital. If you want more information about the cookbook, contact Lauren Pedi, Senior Development Officer, Children’s Memorial Foundation, Children’s Memorial Hospital, at 773.880.8106
Back To Fall, Back To Bargains.
With Labor Day quickly approaching, and children returning to school, one thing is certain, Fall can not be far behind. So, instead of lamenting the shortening of days and cooler temperatures, I have decided to look no further than my mailbox to see what September brings. In this down economy I am excited to see that some smart business people are offering deals and a way to turn my closet into cash. Barbara Conn, Founder of BagAmbition.com, the Chicago based luxury handbag consignment website is getting ready to relaunch her site. I’m a fan because Conn has already sold two bags for me and she is seeing a demand for her product increase as ladies love their handbags and to shop. According to Conn her customers are reacting to what Fashion Editors are predicting for Fall. “My customers have read the magazines, and are definitely ready for Fall fashions and some are looking for classics from Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta, as well as current trends from Marc Jacobs and Prada.” Bag Ambition is also keeping up with the times. According to Conn the new site offers a lot more. “Technology moves so quickly, and we want to continue to bring our customers and consignors a site that is fast, easy to navigate, visually intriguing, and secure. As with all retail environments, our site will be loaded with new arrivals from all of your favorite designers.” Conn isn’t discouraged by recent consumer spending reports, retail woes, or the latest economic indicators. She predicts things will pick up this Fall. Ready or not, September is here!