Valentine Gifts - 2011

Valentine gifts2011

JOURNALW E D N E S D A Y

REVIEWF O R E S T P A R K

2 February 2, 2011 Valentine Gifts

1120 PLEASANT STREET • OAK PARK, IL 60302

708.848.4250 • www.BarclaysAmericanGrille.com

CARLETON HOTEL Valentine’s PackageTreat your Valentine to a special night!

Package includes: Deluxe King Room plus Champagne & Chocolates in your room upon arrival.Available February 4 through February 14. $99 based on double occupancy plus applicable taxes.

1110 PLEASANT STREET • OAK PARK, IL 60302

708.848.5000 • www.CarletonHotel.com

1120 PLEASANT STREET OAK PARK IL 60302

VALENTINE’S SPECIALSJumbo Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer

White wine and spice poached, served with horseradish cocktail sauce and lemon wedge........$13

Swordfish Oscar Wood-grilled swordfish topped with jumbo lump crab meat and bearnaise sauce

with mushroom caps, bordelaise sauce and asparagus tips........$27

Roasted Coldwater Lobster Tail8-10 oz tail, butter basted and oven roasted served on a bed of Wisconsin wild rice

and fresh vegetables with drawn butter and lemon........$40

Chateau Briand Wood-grilled beef tenderloin for 2 people, grilled and sliced, served with herbed

mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, bordelaise sauce and bearnaise........$50

Heart-Shaped Cheesecake for TwoStrawberry glaze, whipped cream and fresh berries.........$13

CARLETON HOTEL Valentine’s Package

Love is... Jewelry 40% off* *Some exclusions apply

Thurs Feb 3 Thru

Sun Feb 6

Clothing Accessories Treasures

131 N Oak Park Ave Oak Park 708-445-9360

Winter Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 - 7

Sunday 11 - 5

For Valentine's DayFor every $100

Gift Card purchase,Get a $25 Bonus

Gift Card!Offer good through

Feb. 14, 2011

Get any salon service with Stephanie in February and treat a friend to that

same service free of charge. All services by Stephanie, and by appointment only.

To reserve your experience, call 708.366.3100.

Stephanie with her mentor Stephanie Kocielski, Artistic Director for Paul Mitchell

A 2-for-1 Treat!

James AnthonySalon and Day Spa

708.366.3100 fax 708.366.3196

7607 Lake Street • River Forest

February 2, 2011 3Valentine Gifts

Valentine’s Day has long been my favorite day of the year. A day solely dedi-cated to the expression of love? What a delight! It’s as

though Cupid set down his quiver and I accidentally tripped over it and stepped on all of his arrows, being poked by every head.

Admittedly, I am not your text-book case of a hopeless romantic. A passionate pragmatic, perhaps. I adopted the tactical theory, long ago, that this day was not just for romantic love and intimate companions only.

I personally consider Valen-tine’s Day a day to sprinkle a little extra love on all cherished relations in my life: my family, my friends, my partner, even coworkers and the stu-dents I worked with for years. No one is left untouched by this holiday of hearts. One can scoff and pass it off as another commercial holiday, or one can seize this splendid op-portunity.

Valentine’s Day gives us a tug, reminding us to slow down because often we are swept up by life’s frenetic pace. It gently nudges us to set aside just one evening for a date night (just the two of you, without the kids, gasp!); to send an old friend a beautiful bouquet of blossoms; to mail a note of appreciation the

good old-fashioned way, with a lick and a stamp (think Charlie Brown Valentine’s Special); or to satiate a special someone’s sweet tooth with an unexpected box of tasty truffl es.

One of my favorite role models who shaped my views on love said, “It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that mat-ters.” So no act of kind-ness is too small this Valentine’s Day. Whether you express your tender

emotions with a one-of-a-kind antique piece, a bouquet of fl owers, or a glit-tering gem, you’ll surely warm their heart.

If you’re not sure where to start, then take a peek inside this year’s Gift Guide. A mag-nifi cent menagerie of unique gifts awaits: tokens of love that will make her swoon and make him dizzy with delight. All items can be found right here in town at one of our independent neighborhood retailers, all mer-chandise has been personally selected from the shelves of our charming local boutiques.

If you decide to prepare a romantic dinner for two, suffuse your home with the aura of

romance with a set of scented crimson and lavender candles from Bramble. Tongue tied? Allow Pablo Neruda to help: recite a sensuous poem from Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair found at The Book Table. If you’re searching for a present for the partner who has it all, you’ll fi nd a treasure trove of amorous offerings, including a unique ring, at Gem Jewelry Boutique. And sweet treats? Well, my long-held, deep-seated belief is that everyone always has room in their life for chocolate. La Mai-son Bon Bon offers fi ne domestic and imported confections.

Whether you’re celebrating abiding love or whether you just bumped into a fresh new romance,

you’ll fi nd gifts at every price point and for the most discerning of spirits. You’ll fi nd some-thing new, something old (vintage, that is), something red, and something blue. Not far from your front door, there are endless choices for your beloved.

So an annual commemoration celebrating love tickles me. It provides a pleasant poke, sometimes needed, to love the one you’re with. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Staff Shopping Editor Christina PippinManager of Internet and Technology Graham JohnstonWeb Content Manager Evan O’BrienOnline Editor Sandi PedersenStaff Photographer J. GeilEditorial Design Manager Rebecca Lomax Editorial Designers Jamie Sebold, Mark TataraAdvertising Production Manager Philip SoellAdvertising Design Manager Andrew MeadAdvertising Designers Stephanie Ansel, Elisha-Rio Apilado, Debbie BeckerDisplay Advertising Manager Marc StopeckDisplay Advertising Sales Dawn Ferencak, Missy Laurell Display Advertising Coordinator Bridget OptholtCirculation Manager Kathy HansenDistribution Coordinator Alan MajeskiCirculation Associates Mike Braam, Carlos VillanuevaPublisher Dan HaleyVP/Director of Operations Andrew Johnston

Published by Wednesday Journal, Inc., 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 Phone: 708/524-8300

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CHRISTINAPIPPIN

OAKPARK.COMShopping and

fashion bloggerPop the question, Turkish diamond ring, $1250, Gem Jewelry Boutique

Sprinkle some extra love around this year

ON THE COVER: Pretty as a rose, prices vary, Carriage Flowers

CarefulPeach Boutique 1024 North Boulevard 708-383-3066 [email protected]

Whoever your Valentine may be,we’ve got something

just Peachy.

Jewelry, gourmet goodies, bath and body, and oh so muchmore.

Only at the Peach.


30 E. Burlington • Downtown Riverside

Call (708) 442-4387Hours: Tues-Fri 12pm-6pm • Sat. 10am-3pm

Whooo do you think abouton Valentine’s Day?

Fragrant Soaps & Lotions

Candles & IncenseJewelry

Art GlassPurses & Scarves

Come to

Glass Framesfor your sweetheart!

Nothing says “I Love You” like a handmade gift.

Sign up today!

IN THE OAK PARK ARTS DISTRICT

Open 6 days a week - closed Weds.

For AdultsBasic Stringing

Knotting

Earwires and Dangles

For KidsBasic Stringing

Ages 6+, $15

These classes will help you make that special gift:

Roses are RedViolets are Blue

Happy Valentine’s Day!From us to you


Be still mybeating heart

Love 101, The Dictionary of Love, $7.50, The Book Table

“If raindrops were kisses, I’d send you showers” quote etched into copper and molten glass art tile, $110, Filoni

All You Need is Love mug, $11, Wonderwall Muisc Shoppe & Emporium

Crimson serving dish with spoon, $24, Team Blonde

Champagne, anyone? Handcrafted from vintage recycled cans, $48, Art Gecko, Ltd.

Smitten with this mitten for two, $9, Oak Park Women’s Exchange

February 2, 2011 5

All You Need isLove mug, $11,WonderwallME

LoW

Handcrafted silver ring, $150, American Artworks Gallery

Handmade red and white glass bead necklace, $50, Bead In Hand

Hearts are

trump

Arcade Jewelers51 E Burlington, Riverside • (708) 442-8110

Tue & Thu : 11-7 • Wed, Fri & Sat : 11-5Open Sunday the 13th & Valentine’s Day 11am-5pm

TMTMINARIS U S H I

WE DELIVER!

FASTFRESHSUSHI

FASTFRESHSUSHI

FASTFRESHSUSHI

708-583-2300 inarisushi.com

6 February 2, 2011 Valentine Gifts February 2, 2011 7Valentine GiftsValentine Gifts6 February 2, 2011 fts

A profusion ofpink blossoms

Lettre d’ Amour necklace, $37, Careful Peach Boutique

French décor plate, $10.99, Divine Consign

A rose by any other name, Vintage inspired brooch, $1.50, Animal Care League

A good heart, Valentine’s card, $9, Careful Peach Boutique

Kings Porcelain Manufactory from Berlin teacup set, $39, Careful Peach Boutique

A fl ower that won’t wilt, silk pin, $11, Camille et Famille

Suitors take note, Dropping of the handkerchief, $10, Bramble

White chocolates, $20, La Maison Bon Bon

Care for a drink? Pink tumblers, $27 each, Careful Peach Boutique

Perfectly pretty pearls and pink stone earrings, $112, Nora’s Shoe Shop

Petal pink wine glasses, $4 each, Animal Care League

Charming Victorian candy dish, $37.50, Krenek’s Antiques

You’re my cup of tea, Royal Staff ord fl oral teacup and saucer, $14.29, Divine Consign

Love at fi rst bite, Box of chocolates, Starting at $16, La Maison Bon Bon

Getting fresh, Tulips and kale, prices vary by bouquet, D. Michael Floral Design

Pretty in pink, Vegetable ivory ring, $22, Team Blonde American Artworks

Gallery7314 Madison, Forest Park708-557-1761

Ananas109 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park708-524-8585

Animal Care League1011 Garfi eld, Oak Park708-848-8155AnimalCareLeague.org

Arcade Jewelers51 E. Burlington, Riverside708-442-8110ArcadeJewelers.net

Baubo’s Garden7234 Madison #5, Forest Park708-771-8900BaubosGarden.com

Bead In Hand145 Harrison, Oak Park708-848-1761BeadInHand.com

The Book Table1045 Lake, Oak Park708-386-9800TheBookTable.com

Bramble115 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park708-306-6800Bramble.biz

Camille et Famille7418 Madison, Forest Park708-771-1111

Careful Peach Boutique1024 North Boulevard, Oak Park708-383-3066CarefulPeach.com

Croix131 N. Marion, Oak Park708-524-9200CarefulPeach.com

Divine Consign111 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park708-386-3366DivineConsignOakPark.com

Filoni131 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park708-445-9360

Fitzgerald’s Fine Stationary1100 W. Lake Street, Oak Park708-445-8077FitzgeraldsStationery.com

Flavour Cooking School7401 Madison, Forest Park708-488-0808FlavourCookingSchool.com

Gem - A Jewelry Boutique108 N. Marion, Oak Park708-386-8400GemJewelryBoutique.com

House Red7403 Madison, Forest Park708-771-7733House-Red.com

Krenek’s Antiques7501 Madison, Forest Park708-366-1242

La Maison De Bonbon 7353 Madison, Forest Park708-366-0777

Muse106 N. Marion, Oak Park708-948-7052MuseOakPark.com

Nora’s Shoe Shop103 North Oak Park Ave., Oak Park708-524-5740NorasShoeShop.com

Oak Park Women’s Exchange839 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park(708) 848-4693opwe.org

Old School Records7446 Madison # 1, Forest Park(708) 366-7588

Sanem’s134 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park708-254-5450

Team Blonde7442 W. Madison, Forest Park(708) 771-5590TeamBlonde.com

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

6 February 2, 2011 Valentine Gifts February 2, 2011 7Valentine GiftsValentine Gifts6 February 2, 2011 fts

A profusion ofpink blossoms

Lettre d’ Amour necklace, $37, Careful Peach Boutique

French décor plate, $10.99, Divine Consign

A rose by any other name, Vintage inspired brooch, $1.50, Animal Care League

A good heart, Valentine’s card, $9, Careful Peach Boutique

Kings Porcelain Manufactory from Berlin teacup set, $39, Careful Peach Boutique

A fl ower that won’t wilt, silk pin, $11, Camille et Famille

Suitors take note, Dropping of the handkerchief, $10, Bramble

White chocolates, $20, La Maison Bon Bon

Care for a drink? Pink tumblers, $27 each, Careful Peach Boutique

Perfectly pretty pearls and pink stone earrings, $112, Nora’s Shoe Shop

Petal pink wine glasses, $4 each, Animal Care League

Charming Victorian candy dish, $37.50, Krenek’s Antiques

You’re my cup of tea, Royal Staff ord fl oral teacup and saucer, $14.29, Divine Consign

Love at fi rst bite, Box of chocolates, Starting at $16, La Maison Bon Bon

Getting fresh, Tulips and kale, prices vary by bouquet, D. Michael Floral Design

Pretty in pink, Vegetable ivory ring, $22, Team Blonde American Artworks

Gallery7314 Madison, Forest Park708-557-1761

Ananas109 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park708-524-8585

Animal Care League1011 Garfi eld, Oak Park708-848-8155AnimalCareLeague.org

Arcade Jewelers51 E. Burlington, Riverside708-442-8110ArcadeJewelers.net

Baubo’s Garden7234 Madison #5, Forest Park708-771-8900BaubosGarden.com

Bead In Hand145 Harrison, Oak Park708-848-1761BeadInHand.com

The Book Table1045 Lake, Oak Park708-386-9800TheBookTable.com

Bramble115 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park708-306-6800Bramble.biz

Camille et Famille7418 Madison, Forest Park708-771-1111

Careful Peach Boutique1024 North Boulevard, Oak Park708-383-3066CarefulPeach.com

Croix131 N. Marion, Oak Park708-524-9200CarefulPeach.com

Divine Consign111 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park708-386-3366DivineConsignOakPark.com

Filoni131 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park708-445-9360

Fitzgerald’s Fine Stationary1100 W. Lake Street, Oak Park708-445-8077FitzgeraldsStationery.com

Flavour Cooking School7401 Madison, Forest Park708-488-0808FlavourCookingSchool.com

Gem - A Jewelry Boutique108 N. Marion, Oak Park708-386-8400GemJewelryBoutique.com

House Red7403 Madison, Forest Park708-771-7733House-Red.com

Krenek’s Antiques7501 Madison, Forest Park708-366-1242

La Maison De Bonbon 7353 Madison, Forest Park708-366-0777

Muse106 N. Marion, Oak Park708-948-7052MuseOakPark.com

Nora’s Shoe Shop103 North Oak Park Ave., Oak Park708-524-5740NorasShoeShop.com

Oak Park Women’s Exchange839 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park(708) 848-4693opwe.org

Old School Records7446 Madison # 1, Forest Park(708) 366-7588

Sanem’s134 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park708-254-5450

Team Blonde7442 W. Madison, Forest Park(708) 771-5590TeamBlonde.com

SHOPPING DIRECTORY


It was over 20 years ago when Nick Kitsos, out with friends in a neigh-borhood pub, ran into Laura for the fi rst time. He was the drummer in a band, and she was a student,

working as a waitress at a restaurant in Chicago.

Forget the age-old line, what’s your sign? Nick had an even better line for Laura, asking her if she would like to manage his band, after having just met her. All these years later, the humor of this fl agrant pick-up line is not lost on either.

After frequent run-ins in their neighborhood and a few telephone conversations, Nick and Laura had their fi rst date on St. Patrick’s Day. As an art student, Laura related to Nick’s sense of humor, his inher-ent creativity and natural musical talent, and her sensitivity, kindness, and beauty struck Nick. To this day, his ability to make her laugh is still apparent.

Three months after their fi rst date, Laura was on her way to pick up Nick at the airport from an overseas gig

in Brazil. It was this night that they stopped to chat about a life together. Nine months later, on a winter’s night, they were married. Nick and Laura now have two beautiful boys, both musically inclined, both pos-sessing the ability to make Laura and Nick laugh the way Nick did one fate-ful night twenty years ago.

For a night out on the town, Nick and Laura enjoy Maya Del Sol, and for the perfect shimmering bauble, Gem Jewelry Boutique is the place to meet your every ornamental need.

Craig and Debbie Burgess: Fanning the fl ame of love

Craig Burgess is a fi refi ghter and paramedic with the Oak Park Fire Department. Thirty-two years ago, a small spark in his life grew into a fl ame that he didn’t attempt to squelch.

Debbie and Craig’s fi rst meeting was a blind date in 1979. Although their evening was spent taking in the Fourth of July fi reworks, there were no sparks for these two. Craig was outgoing and Debbie quiet and shy, and on this particular night opposites did not attract.

Six months later they bumped into each other unexpectedly at a party, and Craig was pleasantly surprised. So pleasant was the surprise that Craig called Debbie afterwards and asked her out. He admired her listening skills, and over the years would come to appreciate her loyalty, as well as her supportive nature. Debbie was moved by his compassion and understanding.

After dating for four years, Craig asked Debbie’s father for her hand in marriage. In customary tradition, Craig got down on one knee and asked Debbie to spend the rest of her life with him. In May of 2011, the introvert and the extrovert will be celebrating 28 years of fi reworks together, with three grown children, one grandchild, and another due in May.

Craig enjoys picking up a greeting card for his sweet-ie, and the perfect place to fi nd a love note? Fitzgerald’s Fine Stationary.

Sanem and Mike D’Angelo: Love at fi rst sight

Mike D’Angelo saw Sanem for the fi rst time when she walked into the dining hall at Benedictine University. He was immedi-ately smitten. “I saw her from across the room and wondered to myself, ‘Who’s that

beautiful woman?’ ” Mike vividly remembers their fi rst date. “I re-

member it like it was yesterday. When she sipped the vinegar out of her empty salad bowl, I knew she was going to be my wife.” Sanem laughs with a twinkle in her eye, “Oh my, I really did that, didn’t I!”

Throughout their courtship, Mike admired Sanem’s ability to put every situation into perspective and offer honest advice. “She can brighten my worst day with just a small smile.” When it came time to pop the question, Mike plotted the perfect romantic moment.

On vacation in Turkey in 2006, Sanem shares, “Mike and I were on our way to dinner with my fam-ily, and Mike insisted we stop to take pictures of the countryside. My dad, knowing what was about to hap-pen, agreed and pulled over at the top of a hill. The next thing I knew Mike was on his knee asking me to be with him for the rest of our lives! It was amazing!” They were married in 2007.

When it’s time to dine out, Mike and Sanem love Cucina Paradiso. Flowers from D. Michaels bring a smile to Sanem’s face, and of course, Sanem’s Bou-tique offers the perfect gift to make any gal swoon.

Karin and Bob Crain: When love comes to town

It was the 1980s when Karin was renting a fi rst-fl oor studio on Oak Park Avenue. Her landlord told her there’d be a new neighbor moving in, a nice guy whom she shouldn’t be afraid of. But it was Bob Crain, a self-professed bachelor, who soon found

himself wondering about the ruckus on the other side of his apartment wall.

It turns out Karin’s mischievous cats were inciting her shoe-throwing abilities. Bob’s curiosity about this plucky young lady soon evolved into a meaningful friendship. While their fi rst movie, the German war movie Das Boot, did not inspire a romantic atmosphere, it did create the setting for a genuine bond that grew over the next three years.

Bob fell in love with the caring and empa-thetic heart that defi nes Karin, and Karin was touched by Bob’s loving personality and

how great he was with children. As their friend-ship grew stronger, so did their love for one another, and eventually they came to the decision together that they wanted to unite in marriage. Each felt the other was a kindred spirit; each was drawn to the other. This Febru-ary marks the 24th anniversary of these once friendly neighbors taking their vows to become man and wife.

Bob and Karin celebrate special occasions and an-niversaries at La Majada on Harrison Street. Flowers from Carriage Flowers delight his honey.

Nick and Laura Kitsos: The perfect pick up line

Love stories


My blue valentine

“Our love can not be measured by the number of words we share.” Mulan Kundra quote etched into copper and molten glass art tile, $110, Filoni

A true treasure, sapphire and diamond ring, $425, Krenek’s Antiques

French wind up watch, enamel with inlaid coral and turquoise, $680, Arcade Jewelers

I’d like to get to know you, Table Topics game, $25.95, Flavour Cooking School

February 2, 2011 9

Handcrafted true blue candy dish, $35, Camille et Famille

Dial my heart, leather bound address book, $64, Bramble

Handmade glass paperweight, $46, Camille et Famille

7020 West Cermak Road 708-788-9200Berwyn, IL 60402 www.jwjewelers.com

VALENTINE’S DAY

February 14th

Your Gift A crystallized heart compact mirror with any $100 Swarovski purchaseY


100 s. marion st. oak park, il | 708.725.7200 | marionstreetcheesemarket.com

HOW DO I LOVE THEE?

LET ME COUNT THE WAYS:local Handmade Chocolates

Fine WineArtisinal Cheese

Craft BeersGift Baskets

—or—a delectable four course menu

for twoValentine’s day weekend

(Friday 2/11 thru monday 2/14)

FirstFirst

New Location. Same Great Service! Come visit us at 10423 W. Cermak, Westchester, IL

One ½ block West of Mannheim

Palmer Florist, Inc.10423 W. Cermak, Westchester, IL • One ½ block West of Mannheim

708.531.9800 • 1.800.637.0356 • www.palmerflorist.com

Let us help you make it a Happy Valentine's Day!

Teddy Bear and Valentine's Heart Balloon

For only $6.99with all Floral Purchases

15% off All Flower Arrangementsfor the month of February

Mention this ad to get discount Cannot combine with any other floral special

Thank you Thananfor supporting us for all these years and come visit us at our new location!

1117 W. Lake St.

Oak Park, IL

(708) 386-4638

FREEChain with Purchase

of Any Pendant

Offer Expires

2-14-11

Eco-Friendly Jeweler

Repairs, Recreations

& Custom Design

We Buy Gold &

Your Gently Used

Watches & Treasures

Love is…

February 2, 2011 11Valentine Gifts February 2, 2011 11

Sugar, spice and

everything nice

A library of mini exotic chocolate bars, $24, House Red

Cast pewter budding leaf spoon for sugar, tea, or coff ee, $19, Flavour Cooking School Woo him, Pablo

Neruda’s Twenty Poems and a Song of Despair, $10.25, The Book Table

Hungry heart, boxed chocolates, $17, Marion Street Cheese Market

A romantic dinner, set of six salad plates, $55, Flavour Cooking School

A fi ne wine, Pampana Negroamaro, $15, House Red

OAK PARK JEWELERS101 S. MARION STREET OAK PARK

708-383-9695www.oakparkjewelers.com

We will be open onValentine’s Day

Monday, February 14th

OAK PARK 101 S M

Wrap & Tissue

Handmade Cards

Children’s Valentines

Plates & Napkins

Gift Bags

1100 Lake Street Oak Park, Illinois 60301 708-445-8077

MTWF 10-7 TH 10-9 Sat 10-6 Sun 12-4www.fitzgeraldsstationery.com

Personalized Stationery in 24 hours

Your Community. Your Web site.

Your “Night-out” Resource.


Did you know Divine Consign now offers upholsering and custom draperies?

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Valentine Gifts - 2011