Where to Watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Chicago

Where will you be watching the 2014 FIFA World Cup? We've caught soccer fever in the MDPR office and are spilling our two favorite restaurants in Chicago to catch all the action.

In you're rooting for Spain (or just love Spanish food), come experience the games at Black Bull in Wicker Park. With the addition of new HD TVs throughout the restaurant and patio, and amazing daily food and beverage specials, this authentic Spanish tapas spot is the place to be for FIFA.

Black Bull will be open for every game, seven days a week. This hidden gem is the perfect spot to relax and watch the evening games after work or during your lunch break with a sangria and amazing food.

If you are near the Loop or in River North, Pearl Tavern is the spot for you.

Pearl Tavern will be playing every game with live sound and the kitchen is dishing out a FIFA inspired menu with festive dishes from seven different countries. Whether you're in the mood for Argentinian empanadas, Mexican fish tacos, or Italian calamari, we can guarantee there is a tasty treat for everyone!

Circ-Cell Day at Leah Chavie Skincare

After all of the ups and downs in temperature this past week, our skin is feeling a little out of wack. A facial sounds like just the thing to get our skin glowing again.

If you're in the same boat, you won't want to miss Circ-Cell Day at Leah Chavie Skincare Center and Boutique on May 20th. Leah and her team will be at both locations performing Circ-Cell's Advanced Infusion Therapy facials. Afterwards, you'll get to meet with a Circ-Cell rep to receive skincare tips and product recommendations.

The Advanced Infusion Therapy facial leaves skin hydrated, visibly plump, evenly toned and erases visible signs of aging and sun damage without any painful lasers. During the treatment, tiny surgical-grade microneedles are used to create pathways in the skin, stimulating the body’s own healing responses to improve skin density. These pathways are then infused with Circ-Cell’s Age-
Defying Density Solution for maximum product efficacy.

The treatment lasts 40 minutes and appointments are filling up fast! Call 773-327-7051 or email info@leahchavie.com to reserve your spot!

Casual Friday Pop-Up Shop Now Open

If you can't get a hold of the MDPR team this afternoon, we apologize. We're indulging in some much-needed retail therapy at Casual Friday's new pop-up shop!

You probably recognize the space at 1872 N. Damen in Bucktown as the former home of Von Z. Founder Jenna Zielbauer closed the boutique's doors to focus on growing her wildly popular apparel line Casual Friday.

The line is comprised of a stylish spin on everyday basics available in ten colors. Jenna coined the phrase "comforchic" to describe the shirts and we can attest that these are the comfiest tees we've ever come across!

We also fell in love with the eighty relatable phrases such as, "In Case of Emergency Please Save my Shoes," "Wirkin for a Birkin," and "Caffeine Cupcakes and Chanel." Check out more of their chic shirts on Instagram at @CasualFridayApparel.

The pop-up will be open through July 26. After that, stay tuned because Casual Friday will be holding monthly pop-ups throughout the city. You can also shop online at casualfridayshop.com. 

TeaGschwendner Lakeview Grand Opening

We were in tea heaven last Monday at the grand opening of TeaGschwendner's new Lakeview location at 557 W. Diversey. The store is home to over 250 varieties of organic, loose leaf teas from around the world.

To celebrate, TeaGschwendner held a private tasting event of their best-selling spring teas for twenty tea lovers. The bright and inviting space was perfect to unwind for afternoon tea.

Trays of sweet confections by Sugar Hills Bakery complimented the sweet drinks with flavors like Cream Caramel and Fruit Paradise. Cranberry Mango iced tea was another crowd favorite, although we'll wait until it warms up again to brew that one!

President Agnes Rapacz played tea trivia with the crowd and educated everyone on the art of brewing tea. Guests couldn't get enough of the delicious flavors and left with shopping bags filled to the brim.

One of our favorite things about the new location is their Tea2Go service. Pop in anytime throughout the day and they'll brew your favorite tea for you, or curl up with your favorite book and stay a while in the seating area in the front of the store.

Store hours are Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tea tastings will be held every third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

#BelliesInBloom Brunch

Are you a stylish mommy-to-be? Join us for the first #BelliesInBloom brunch this Saturday co-hosted by Mia Bossi and Monica+Andy!

Find a sitter or drop the kids off with the grandparents because this event is for mommies only. Get to know other chic moms while enjoying a delicious brunch (and mimosas of course!) at Chicago Waffles.

Between courses, get ready to soak up style tips from bump-style specialist Heidi Best of BECLOTHESMINDED and beauty 101 from Chicago’s top esthetician Leah Chavie of Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique.

The best part? One lucky mom will leave with a new Mia Bossi diaper bag!

Space is limited so please RSVP to rsvp@monikadixonpr.com.

A Look Inside Dolce & Gabbana’s New Oak Street Location

Chicago’s Oak Street has been gifted with yet another precious gem—Dolce & Gabbana. The luxurious new store radiates opulence and Italian elegance. We were thrilled to receive an exclusive glimpse of the new boutique!

The second we walked in we felt like we were in sunny Milan, not gloomy Chicago. Every little detail in the store radiates luxury and encompasses the Italian brand’s authenticity. The stones used to lay the boutique’s floor were brought all the way from the glamorous Italian island of Sicily and the opulent burgundy velvet, which is unique to their boutiques, is prevalent throughout the store.

The boutique features the newest runway pieces that are feminine with a unique Dolce & Gabbana twist, as well as “oh –so-gorgeous” jewelry and accessories. We wanted it all! As the saying goes: the best things in life are free, and the second best are very expensive.

Our preview ended with even more exciting news. Have you ever looked at the Dolce & Gabbana campaigns that feature beautiful Italian families and wondered how amazing it would be if you could be in it? Well dreams do come true!

This year Dolce & Gabbana is hosting the #DGFamily project to demonstrate their belief in the values of a strong family. All you have to do is go on their website, submit your family photo, and voila, you are part of the D&G family.

By Eva Zakarauskaite

Citizen Stone Launches New Website and Blog

Get your wallets ready, Citizen Stone’s website is here!

 

With a focus on artisan-crafted goods, natural ingredients and beautiful aesthetics, the site will quickly become your go-to for all things eye-catching and practical. Shoppers can easily browse an eclectic selection of housewares, beauty and lifestyle products.

After filling up your shopping cart, check out Citizen Stone’s new blog Olive & Arrow. Olive & Arrow embodies the Citizen Stone’s team’s passion for all things entertaining, design, beauty, travel and style. Daily posts entice readers with insight on design trends, DIY ideas, travel guides, recipes and much more.

In addition to daily blog posts, customers can look forward to new merchandise added weekly. If you prefer to shop in person, the Citizen Stone showroom will remain open and customers may shop on an appointment only basis.

In Need of Weekend Plans?

It’s that time of the week again and since there are no sub-zero temperatures in the forecast, even more reason to get out of the house this weekend! From concerts to cooking classes to St. Patty’s Day festivities, we have compiled a list of noteworthy events and fun activities to fill up your planner!

Thursday:

Bourbon Bracket (Bub City) All Day

Spark Chicago's Third Annual Sugar Rush Benefit (171 W. Randolph) 6pm-9pm

Elements Girls’ Night Out (Bloomingdales’s, 900 N. Michigan) 6pm-8pm

Imagine Dragons (Allstate Arena) 7pm

Friday:

Demi Lovato (Allstate Arena) 7:30pm

Borris Powell “Freedom” Show (108 N. State St.) 8pm-12am

Women in Travel Summit (17 E. Monroe) 7pm-12am

Rock of Ages (Bank of America Theatre) 7:30pm

Saturday:

Chicago Flower and Garden Show (Navy Pier) All Day

St. Pat’s Trolley Crawl (Lion Head Pub, 2251 N. Lincoln) 8am

Tap O’ The Morn’ (400 N. State St.) 8am-12pm

Spectacle Lunatique (2120 S. Jefferson St.) 8pm-2am

Sunday:

Nick Sturms (Bub City) 12pm-1:30pm, 2pm-3pm

Columbia College Big Band with Special Guest Petet Saxe (Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Ct.) 4pm and 8pm

The Irishman Cooking Class (4747 N. Lincoln) 5pm-7pm

Drop-In Improv Class (Donny’s Skybox Theatre, 1608 N. Wells) 6pm

How are you spending your St. Patrick’s Day? Share us by leaving a comment or by tweeting us at @MonikaDixonPR!

By Marisa Coulter, MDPR Contributor

I Fly First Class Supports the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

In need of a vacation or a flight in a pinch? Book through luxury travel concierge I Fly First Class and do your part in supporting the fight against pediatric cancer!

During the month of March, I Fly First Class, will be donating $30 for every ticket sold to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Bear Necessities’ mission is to eliminate pediatric cancer and to provide hope and support to those who are touched by it.

I Fly First class offers discounted business class and first class airfare on all major airlines that fly to Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. If you're planning an international trip for pleasure of business, take advantage of this unique opportunity to help brighten a sick child's day.

It's Time to #GetPlanty

The day we have been waiting for is approaching soon! We're excited to announce the new date for Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen Goes Planty, hosted by Alexis Cozzini of Citizen Stone and Jessica Murnane of One Part Plant, is Tuesday, March 25 from 5-10 pm!

We can not wait to dive into the world of plant-based dining and you can be among the first to sample new menu items exclusively crafted by Doc B’s Executive Chef Ed Mcintosh. From the Housemade Guacamole and Herbed Vegetable Chips to the California Kale Salad, we can’t decide which dish we are more excited for!

Come hungry and ready to #GetPlanty! Tickets for Get Planty are available for $40 and can be purchased on Eventbrite (getplanty.eventbrite.com). RSVP early to make sure you snag your seat.

Beat the Cold This Weekend

With all of the amazing events this weekend, even the cold can’t keep you at home! Between charity events, comedy shows and music, the city is overflowing with fun and entertaining possibilities. Not sure which events to choose? Let us help with a list of noteworthy events that should be added to your weekend calendar!

Thursday:

Thresholds Charity Poker Tournament 2014 (315 N. LaSalle) 5pm

L.K. Bennett Styling and Shopping Event (900 N Michigan) 6pm-8pm

LUNAFEST (360 N. State) 6pm-9pm

Corey Cox (Bub City) 10pm

Friday:

Tickled Pink for Bright Pink (108 N. State) 7pm-12am

PAWS Chicago's 8th annual Animal Magnetism Event (816 W. Erie) 8pm

Wayne Brady (Chicago Theatre) 8pm

Ballroom Dance Party (3868 N. Lincoln) 8pm

Carnival 2014 (325 W. Huron) 11pm-2am

Saturday:

Being a Chef: Fat Tuesday (810 N. Dearborn) 10am-1pm

Broadway in Chicago Historic Theater Tour (24 W. Randolph) 11am

NHL Stadium Series (Soldier Field) 7pm

CHICAGO (Bank of America Theatre) 8pm

Sunday:

Chicago Polar Plunge (1600 N. Lakeshore, North Ave. Beach) 10am

Texas Independence Day at Bub City (Bub City) 11am

Chicago Jazz Composers Collective (Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway Ave.) 2pm-4pm

Cheeky + Untitled Red Carpet Oscar Bash (111 W. Kinzie) 6pm-12am

What are your favorite ways to spend your weekend? Share them with us by leaving a comment or by tweeting us at @MonikaDixonPR!

By Marisa Coulter, MDPR Contributor

How to Turn Your Instagram Name Into a Link

We have a few favorite Instagram accounts that we check on a daily basis. During one routine 'gram session we noticed something odd. When typing one person's name, two caret symbols showed up before and after their name. 

After looking at their profile, we noticed their name was actually a link. Thinking this must be a fluke, we dug through forums and discovered you can make your Instagram name linkable. As any social media manager knows, the more opportunities you give users to click through to your content, the better. 

Here's how it's done:

1. Click edit your profile. Add the caret symbols before and after your name. For example, MDPR is now ^MDPR^ 

Hit done.

2. Your name should turn into a link within a few minutes. The caret symbols only show up when you type someone's name in search, not your actual profile.

3. The link will go to the address you have in your profile. For example, MDPR links to monikadixonpr.com.

Do you have any other tips on driving traffic with Instagram? Leave a comment!

By Allison Sickert, MDPR Publicist 

Brighten Up Your Weekend

Don’t let this drab weather strand you inside this weekend when our beautiful city has plenty of events to offer! Start by brightening up your weekend with Get Planty at Doc B’s and then see where our list of fun-filled events will take you.

Thursday:

Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen Goes Planty (Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen, 100 E. Walton) 5-10pm

Concert for a Cause (House of Blues Chicago) 7-11pm

Phantom of the Opera (Cadillac Palace Theatre) 7:30pm

32 Below (Bub City) 10pm

Friday:

Gypsy (Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier) 7:30pm

Jason Aldean with Florida Georgia Line (US Cellular Coliseum, Bloomington, IL) 7:30pm

Frank Catalano Sextet (Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway Ave.) 9pm-1am

Second City’s 102nd Mainstage Revue (Second City) 11pm

Saturday:

Country Brunch (Bub City) 10am-3pm

Makeup for the Museum (Edith Hart Boutique, 1917 N. Damen Ave.) 1-5pm

The Field of Screams Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt (Field Museum) 1:30pm

Sushi Workshop at The Chopping Block (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza) 7pm

Sunday:

The Nosh Chicago (Logan Square Farmers Market Grassy Knoll) 10am-3pm

Christopher Wool Exhibition (Art Institute Chicago) 10:30am-5pm

CHICAGO The Musical Brunch (Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St.) 11am-4pm

Ice Skating at Lincoln Park Zoo (Lincoln Park Zoo) 12pm-8pm

What fun events are on your agenda for the weekend? Share them with us by leaving a comment or by tweeting us at @MonikaDixonPR!

By Marissa Coulter, MDPR Contributor

Find Your Pearl

Valentine’s Day can be a lonely holiday for those not in a relationship. Thankfully, we’ve got the perfect place to enjoy a stress-free Valentine’s Day and perhaps meet that special someone!

Stop by Pearl Tavern to Find Your Pearl and enjoy 1930s inspired evenings on February 14^th and 15^th. The evening will commence at 9 p.m. (both nights) and keep swinging until close.

Dolls bring your dames and gentlemen bring your fellas, all will enjoy a night of lighthearted fun. With a nostalgic selection of music, décor and cocktails, there’s no telling what the night could bring. Gentlemen, break the ice and bring the lucky lady that catches your eye a creative 30s inspired cocktail. May we recommend the Angry Mermaid?

 Be sure to arrive early to grab the best seats in the house! Don’t miss out on this 30s style soirée and a night to mingle with Chicago’s most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. 

Join the event on Genuine Entertainment Chicago’s, Find Your Pearl event page and get ready to have a ball! 

App Updates

Working in social media requires us to be up-to-date on the new apps and tech trends the minute they come out. We love testing out new apps in the office. After much downloading and debating, these are the ones we’ve decided are worth adding to your phone.

• Paper — Paper is Facebook’s newest iPhone app. Paper acts as an alternative to the original Facebook app. Users can updates from their friends and browse through a variety of other sections. Paper pulls content from big-name publications as well as small blogs to give people the option to read up on topics like sports, tech and cooking.
• Checkout 51— Every Thursday this app releases 16-30 new offers from brands including SC Johnson, Kellogg’s and Mondelez. Shoppers can then purchase items at any store or online retailer and upload their receipt to the app for a credit. Once you have accumulated a $20 credit on your profile, you can be issued a check or wait until the amount reaches a higher balance.

• Waterlogue — Waterlogue acts as your own personal painter. This app can take your pictures and turn them into beautifully intricate watercolor masterpieces. With a large variety of presets, you are now able to put a new spin on an ordinary looking picture.

• Find. Eat. Drink. — Unlike other restaurant apps, Find. Eat. Drink. does not base its reviews on those fueled by overly excited or disgruntled customers. Find. Eat. Drink. enables you to search for restaurants that have been reviewed by chefs, bartenders and those that are familiar with the industry. 

What apps do you find yourself using the most? Let us know by leaving a comment or by tweeting us at @MonikaDixonPR!

By Marisa Coulter, MDPR Contributor

We're Hiring a Social Media Manager!

THIS  POSiTION HAS BEEN FILLED. Exciting news! We're looking for a skilled, enthusiastic Social Media Manager to join the MDPR Team immediately. If you think you are a good fit for the position and would like to apply, please email your resume and at least one writing sample to emily@monikadixonpr.com with the subject 'Social Media Manager'. Please include a brief cover letter in the body of the email explaining why you are a qualified applicant and why you would like to work at MDPR. We look forward to hearing from YOU soon!

Monika Dixon Public Relations creates integrated marketing communication programs using the client’s business objective as a foundation.

MDPR implements custom marketing and social media strategies specifically tailored to clients’ unique needs. Leveraging expertise in media relations, promotional event planning, strategic marketing, and experience in the lifestyle and retail industries, MDPR brings an extensive network into play to generate dynamic results in name recognition and brand awareness.

Monika Dixon Public Relations is seeking an experienced Social Media Manager (SMM). The SMM will develop, strategize, create and execute the social mediapresence for the MDPR company accounts as well as 6+ clients on multiple platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. This includes the creation of written content as well as accompanying graphics/images. All strategy, campaigns, contests, promotions, editorial calendars and daily content are the responsibility of the SMM to be approved by MDPR's CEO. The SMM will maintain and build the social presence of MDPR clients with engaging, relevant content as well as constant interaction with clients' social communities and potential customers. The SMM will be in constant contact with clients to discuss new social media pitches, strategies, etc, so candidate must be comfortable communicating ideas via email or face-to-face. Creativity is key, because the SMM works almost independently to constantly create fresh, engaging content for a range of clients in a range of fields on a daily basis. The SMM will also contribute to MDPR's blog and various client blogs and will be involved in various other MDPR projects, including event coordination and live posting from events. Passion for social media is a must!
Requirements:
-At least 6 months of professional social media experience
-Bachelors degree in communications, public relations or related field
-Strong writing and editing skills
-Ability to multitask, juggle many projects at one time and to handle unexpected work at moment's notice
-Very independent worker who is self-motivated
-Creative thinker who can execute ideas both through copy and graphics
-Graphic design experience (Photoshop is a plus)
-Must know the best practices for various social media networks and stay current with changing trends and technologies
-Willingness to work outside of office hours when needed and attend client events
-Extremely well-versed in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and other social media platforms
-Previous experience with email marketing tools like Constant Contact
-Versed in Blogger in order to contribute to MDPR blog and client blogs
-Effective communicator
-Experience analyzing and reporting social media metrics
-Previous experience within the lifestyle industry is a plus
-Familiar with Eventbrite.com and WordPress to update MDPR website
-Must be available to occasionally attend evening and weekend events

Escape from Chiberia

According to the forecast, there's no end in sight to this deep freeze. It's looking like the perfect time for a last-minute getaway to a hot, tropical local.

The only problem is last-minute airfare usually costs an arm and a leg, or so we thought. I Fly First Class just introduced their steeply discounted business class and first class tickets to Chicago, keeping our vacation dreams alive!

I Fly First Class specializes in finding ridculously cheap first class tickets at the last minute (we're talking 40-50% off normal fares). You could decide you want to leave this weekend and have your flight booked this afternoon.

Seeing as it's summer in the southern hemisphere, an African safari or a trek around the Indonesian islands sounds like heaven! I Fly First Class offers discounted airfare on all major airlines that fly to Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. No itinerary is too complex for their experienced staff of travel experts.

If you're flying international for business rather than pleasure, you can still take advantage of their services. Travelers who book business class tickets through I Fly First Class generally save 20-30% off normal fares.

Now if you'll excuse us, we've got some packing to do.