As part of the Green Drinks event, Urban Sustainable Design Studio students will present some Chicago sustainable inititives.

Rejuvestate.org members have attended some of these events at Jefferson Tap in Chicago's Fulton River District Neighborhood. It is a night of networking with likeminded people and good content. If you are interested, please check it out this upcoming Tuesday.

Presentation/Discussion (6:30-7:30pm)

Now in its 7th year, the Urban Sustainable Design Studio has established itself a primer pre-professional program for aspiring sustainability practitioners. Join the ten bright, intrepid, and highly motivated sustainable innovators as they present the culmination of their projects to you, the enthusiastic, appropriately critical, and genuinely curious public.

This year’s group hails from as near as Wicker Park, and as far away as Montreal Canada, and comes from a variety of backgrounds, including architects, urban planners, industrial engineer, public artists and environmental studies undergraduate. Their projects were undertaken for a range of clients and involved developing in-depth understanding and viable solutions to challenging issues. They have worked on:

• Revitalizing a vacant lot

• Understanding the barriers to building a green market in 47th ward • Developing a protocol for designers working across communities

• Strategizing and implementing a plan to eliminate the use of plastic bags in Chicago.

We are creating a engaged and informed community. Recently, a round table discussion occurred in the River North neighborhood. Five local sustainable thinkers & professionals got together to get to know eachother better and discuss the topic: " How do you define Home? " and " How do you nuture/care for the Home?" It was a morning full of connection, learning, and business generation brainstorming. If you or someone you know might be interested in joining us for the next discussion, please contact Lynn Reidl.

Positive Connections at the Chicago Yacht Club... Thanks to all who attended our event on Sustainable Home Design!

Despite the crazy rainy weather, your contributions, energy, and encouragement at our Rejuvestate.org event was much appreciated. We're sorry for the crazy weather the night of our event and hoped you enjoyed yourselves. We now have our pictures back from that night and have included them at the bottom as a link.

In the near future, we have planned various smaller coffee and/or lunch meetings in order to keep the conversation going. We hope to further the connection and collaboration on sustainable home design, real estate, and sustainable business practices. Connect with us if you are interested !

Below, I have supplied the information for easy access to people who helped sponsor the event. If you want to connect with any one of the sponsors or guests, let me know.

Sponsors:

Homeowners Club Of America: Offering a cost free benefit worth about 2 k to home sellers/purchasers http://www.hcaperks.com/

Wintrust Mortgage: The Mecum-Colucci Team. Wintrust Mortgage is here to provide you with the resources and knowledge you need to make the best financial decisions for you and your family. We are dedicated to finding the right product for you to help realize your dreams. rmecum@wintrustmortgage.com

Blissful Home Products: Our mission is to change the way people clean, making it a positive and uplifting experience. We do this by using pure, therapeutic grade essential oils that create a sense of bliss with each spray www.blissfulhomeproducts.com

Solar So Simple: Solar So Simple is a leader in the Chicago area for installing solar energy systems in residential and commercial buildings.

http://solarsosimple.com/

Rejuvestate.org hosts Sustainable Home Design Event http://www.flickr.com/photos/24690546@N08/sets/72157620417658465/

I'm reminded of a quote by Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. "

Seth Godin speaks at the TED conference

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/seth_godin_on_the_tribes_we_lead.html

Check out our pictures and if you are on facebook, make sure to tag yourself and your friends.

Thanks for helping create a successful event. The event sold out! We appreciate your support. Check out the speakers info and sites, if you didn't make it last Wednesday !

Again, thanks to the organizers: Nicole Price, Abby Tillman, and Lynn Reidl

Also, thanks to our sponsors: Sandy Grason, author and life coach

Kimberly Smiles Dentistry

Crave Cuisine

Real Living Helios Realty

Wright Learning Institute

Around Chicago by Nicole Price

Chicago Chocolate Tours

Dana Siragusa, Attorney at Law

Exciting networking event submissions, charity events & job opportunities are welcome. For inclusion, kindly send me brief *text* listings for events by Sunday including date, time, event name, location, address, cost and e-mail or URL if more information is needed. Job opportunity submission guidelines are detailed below.

Around Chicago is published as a complimentary service to Chicago's fabulous Events and Hospitality Industry. Please feel free to forward it to friends and colleagues in its entirety.

Please do connect with me on Facebook and/or LinkedIn, if we're not already connected.

Happy Networking, -Nicole

Q U O T E F O R T H E W E E K . . .

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

- Unknown -

T H E E V E N T S . . .

** TELL THEM YOU READ ABOUT IT IN AROUND CHICAGO!

FEBRUARY 2009

FEATURED LISTING!

Wednesday 2/25: RejuvEstate Positive Connection Conference sponsored by Around Chicago - Getting Motivated Through Inspired Action. (152 W. Superior). 6-9pm. A portion of the proceeds donated to a local Chicago charity. Tickets required ($15 in advance). Click for details.

Thursday 2/26: Networking For A Cause & YPC February Networking Event @ Fado Irish Pub (100 W. Grand). 6-8pm. Tickets required (complimentary). Click to register.

Friday 2/27: The Associates Board of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Presents a February Fundraising Event @ Underground (56 W. Illinois). Tickets required ($30 at the door). www.uccrfassociates.org

MARCH 2009

Monday 3/2: The Meetings and Hospitality Industry's St. Pat's Bash @ Fado Irish Pub (100 W. Grand). 5-7:30pm. RSVP required. www.hereschicago.com

Tuesday 3/3: YPC's Business Dinner Etiquette @ Midtown Kitchen + Bar (203 N. LaSalle). 6-9pm. Tickets required. ($25 members/$50 non-members). Click for info.

Thursday 3/5: March MarketingMasters Luncheon Seminar @ the Standard Club (320 South Plymouth Court). 11am-3pm. Tickets required ($45-$65). Click for info.

Thursday 3/5: MPI-CAC's Golf Clinic @ TopGolf USA (699 W. Thorndale Ave., Wood Dale, IL 60191). 4:15-6pm. Tickets required. Click to RSVP.

Tuesday 3/10: YPC's Second City Social Event @ Second City (1616 N. Wells). 5:30-9:30pm. Tickets required. ($20) Click for info.

Wednesday 3/11: CCTB's Annual Meeting of Membership @ McCormick Place West. 11am. Tickets required ($100+). RSVP required by 2/25. Click to register.

Thursday 3/12: Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Exchange @ The Merchandise Mart. 5-7pm. Mini tradeshow featuring Chamber members. Tickets required ($25-40). Click for info.

Wednesday 3/18: Connecting over Cocktails benefiting the Crisis Center for South Suburbia @ the Mid-American Club (200 E. Randolph). 5:30-7:30pm. RSVP required to kathryn.trent@ourclub.com. www.crisisctr.org

Wednesday 3/18: Business Marketing Association Keeping Marketing Accountable in a Recession @ the Standard Club (320 South Plymouth Court). 8-9:30am. Tickets required ($25-35). Click for info.

Thursday 3/19: GNMAA March Membership Luncheon @ Doubletree Chicago Magnificent Mile. 11:15am. Tickets required ($55-70). Click to register.

Thursday 3/19: Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast @ Office Depot (6 S. State Street). 7:30-9am. Complimentary. Click for info.

Thursday 3/19: Dream Glam Shopping Event benefiting Dreams for Kids Children's Charity @ Aniko Salon & Spa (1109 S Wabash). 5-9pm. Featuring Chic Gems. Please RSVP by 3/16 by calling 312-431-1573. www.dreamsforkids.org

Thursday 3/19: GNMAA March Membership Connection @ Tiffany Kim Institute. Tickets required. www.gnmaa.com

Monday 3/23: MPI-CAC Educational Program "Project Management Essentials" @ Trump International Hotel. 12:45-5:30pm. Tickets required ($60-80). Click for information.

April events listed starting in March.

J O B O P P O R T U N I T I E S . . . ** TELL THEM YOU READ ABOUT IT IN AROUND CHICAGO!

Please send job listings to share!

For inclusion: Please send me a *brief* text listing by Sunday including the below information. Listings will run for two weeks, unless otherwise requested.

Job Title & Experience Required Company Name/Location Contact Name with a Phone # or E-mail (or other way to apply, if applicable) Website

For inclusion: Please send me a brief text listing by Sunday (three sentences max, please) including the title or type of job you are seeking, years of experience & your preferred industry, and I'll post it here (anonymously, of course!!). When someone replies with an appropriate job, I'll forward it to you. Listings will run for two weeks, unless otherwise requested.

We have great people on this list and some are looking for new opportunities!

* * AROUND CHICAGO ONLINE & ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES COMING SOON!! * * Thanks for reading!

Nicole Price, Editor/Publisher, Around Chicago © 2009 Around Chicago. All rights reserved. Around Chicago may be forwarded to interested persons in its entirety only. If you wish to use it in any other way, you must obtain prior written permission of the publisher. Included listings of events are at the publisher's discretion. Published by Nicole Price

We welcome you to click on the link at the top of this page to get daily updates on Chicago's real estate industry and homeownership tips.

It is a sort of "daily affirmation".... words of wisdom....successful thoughts....It is a way to bring more positive experiences in your life...through ideas to change thought process. What does it have to do with the real estate market? Generally, positive belief in yourself brings confidence, goal attainment, success and happiness.

When the goal of the buyer and seller is to remain harmonious, the transaction will run smoothly. When the seller gives easy access for showings, inspections, and all the appropriate paperwork, the buyer will feel that the transaction is moving in the right direction. Honesty and responsibility is key factor in getting all facilitators and parties involved to create a smooth and successful transition.

Today is a historical day for the United States of America and the World. I encourage each of you to make it a historical day for you by saying ‘YES I CAN’ and living your dream. Believe in YOU, love YOU, admire YOU, and simply be part of the change you want to see in the world by living your highest self.

Support the new administration by being your best self that is filled with love. Support the new administration by personal demonstration of a person who gentle with themselves and others. A person who chooses love over fear, allowance over tolerance, and chooses to put a smile on another’s face rather than a frown.

Today, I invite you to spend a moment:

Thanking the past administration as you are a person who is kind and loving. You are a person who knows there is no room for hatred and fear in your heart. You are a person who appreciates everyone even if they differ from your own views.

To send loving, hopeful, and compassionate thoughts to the new administration along with the conviction that you will be part of the change.

To love big, dream big, and serve big.

In forgiveness of yourself for any limiting believes and judgments you’ve held about yourself or others.

Mostly, I invite you to say ‘YES I CAN’ and begin to empower yourself to live your best life. If we all live an authentic life, just IMAGINE what that would mean to us, our family, our friends, our community, our state, our country, and our world. Simply, just imagine!!

I send each of you a big hug today as I know I CAN and I WILL be a part of the change as I already AM.

As a believer in positive attitude and law of attraction, Lynn Reidl invites you to become a member of Positive Focus!

Interested in living life fulfilled?

Do you want to surround yourself with people who lift you up and inspire you?

Become part of the growing Positive Focus Community as we embark on this fantastic journey called life and look forward to a physical space in Chicago. Come to our events, visit our website and most importantly, each day, focus on the positive.

This group is a extra step in the direction of living a life with people who are like-minded. Check it out! http://www.positive-focus.com/

When the goal of the buyer and seller is to remain harmonious, the transaction will run smoothly. When the seller gives easy access for showings, inspections, and all the appropriate paperwork, the buyer will feel that the transaction is moving in the right direction. Honesty and responsibility is key factor in getting all facilitators and parties involved to create a smooth and successful transition.

Can you tell me what properties in Chicago are focused on the improving the environment or the Green movement? Answer provided by Lynn Reidl, Chicago Realtor

Being an "urban dweller" helps our environment. Think about it...the more energy efficent areas where people live in close proximity...well it saves land. Chicago continues to work on its issues to help protect our environment but as a people we are helping our earth by living on less land. Plus we get all the cultural diversity and creativty the city can provide as a bonus!

One property that is helping the Green movement is the Emerald new construction project due to build by 2008 in the West Loop.

Some homes have partial solar power...some buildings promote better environment friendly products that are bio-degradable, etc.

And there are plans in the works for more parks and roof greening throughout Chicago based on a campaign by Mayor Daily. For more info on the city's programs....email us via the contact us page.

Hi everyone, Thought you would like this story. It came from a fellow member of the 100 day reality challenge. Remember you help the sales process with your thoughts. Make sure your Realtor does as well !! Think positive and expect that at the right time and right price, your home will sell !! :) Warm Regards, Lynn Reidl, Realtor, e-PRO Real Living Helios Realty www.positivemarketinteraction.com "I taught my mother the LOA, she used it,and it worked! My parents have been trying to sell their house since 2005. The market in their area has been really tough for home sellers. The fact that they maintain 3 mortgages (Florida home, Mass. home, and RV) has prevented her from considering retirement. When I was visiting two weeks ago, she was going on about how they'll never sell their house, she doesnt see an end of paying the 3 mortgages....actually she was saying it "if I can just sell that house..." but the feeling she was portraying was not hopeful. So I told her about the LOA principles, made her a 30-second vision video with homeselling intentions...she has been watchign the video and making positive statements regarding selling the house. Well, the house is not currently on the market. They had been taking it on and off the market according to realtor advice and because it is exhausting to maintain a house (with three dogs and sometimes litters) for showings. Regardless, can you believe less than two weeks after my mom's intentions began...a manifestation occurred? The realtor called them and said a family was looking to buy a home in their neighborhood. So the family saw the house, wished the living room was a little bigger could still potentially purchase it! How cool is that! After almost 3 years without even a serious offer, they may sell their house after 2 weeks of LOA in place. WOW. That really motivates me as I wrap up season 2 and prepare for season 3. I have total faith that the LOA really, really works. Early into this season, I was telling co-workers a little bit about the challenge and how I was attracting more money because of my intentions. One (negative) person at the table commented that it was coincidence and that the $10 found in my jacket pocket just shows I should have kept better track of my money in the first place. I still believed he was wrong, but part of me listened, you know? Well, the more manifestations happen and the bigger the manifestations are, the less I even listen to "those people". I am excited for the next manifestation to come to light. :) "

Posted by Bob Bowman. Review his blog for more of the same.

The Two Methods To Generate Home Equity Are Not Equal

Home equity is created in one of two ways (assuming increasing home value and a non-negatively amortizing first mortgage).

In the first method of creating equity, the homeowner pays down the principal balance on the mortgage. This increases the difference between what is owed on the home and what the home is worth.

In the second method of creating equity, a home's value increases over time. This increases the difference between what is owed on the home and what the home is worth.

Because both methods create equity, homeowners often confuse the two. In Method #1, the homeowner takes dollars from a paycheck that have already been taxed and places them "on deposit" with the home. The money can only be recaptured when the homeowner sells the home or remortgages.

In Method #2, the home itself creates value. The extra "dollars-on-paper" can be paid as real dollars when the homeowner sells the home or remortgages.

The differences are subtle, but important. Method #1 depletes the homeowner's personal funds to "create" equity and that means that no new wealth is created. Method #2 uses no personal funds at all.

When considering your personal mortgage plan, remember that principal paydown and home appreciation are not equals with respect to building equity.

posted by Bob Bowman at 10:17 AM 0 comments Monday, February 05, 2007