Lisa Predko's Blog

Crains has done it again!  This time they sent us to Bucktown to photograph the super sweet owner of Virtu boutique, Julie Horowitz Jackson.  With her photography background, we had plenty to chat about, and admittedly, it was hard to leave her shop that day!  Virtu is an awesome place to finish up your holiday shopping! Although I was tempted by a super cute little black clutch for myself (perfect for rock shows with just enough room for ID, cash and lip gloss!  hmmm, maybe I should go back…), the holiday spirit hit me when I saw the handmade brushkin ornaments!  One of my family members recently relocated a family of chipmunks from his house, and emailed us photos of each one before he transported them!  I can’t wait to give him the much quieter and less destructive brushkin chipmunk!  Check him out below-so cute!!!

When Chicago Magazine called me and asked if they could feature my handsome hubby, Robbie Vasquez, and I in an article about places people like to go in their neighborhood, I of course had to say yes!  I’m always happy to give shout outs to cool places like Fly Right Gifts, Tastee Freeze, and one of my favorites, Mariachi Sundays at Lalo’s!  I was even more excited when I found out our photographer was going to be my friend, Andreas Larsson!  Thank you Andreas for a fun shoot, ice cream for breakfast, AND the super cool iPhone case that matches my sparkly shoes!  Here’s an outtake from our fun morning:

The above photo made me think of this amazing photo of my parents-I think I smile a little like my mom!:)

And, as I started this post, even when I’m not the photographer, I want to be the photographer:

Here’s Mr. Larsson, in action!

Look for us out in this weeks issue of Time Out Chicago to see some snazzy outfits you could be wearing to your next holiday party!  We had the pleasure of working with some super cool actors from The House Theatre of Chicago who are currently performing The Nutcracker, buy your tix before it’s too late!  Some super fun extras for you here:

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Dear Crain’s Chicago Business,

Let me count the ways in which we love you!  Thank you for sending us out on another super fun assignment!

Starting at the Green City farmers Market, we were all a little worried about how photos were going to turn out because of the expected rain.  We met Vicki Westerhoff of Genesis Growers and Peter Klein from Seedling Orchard who were both super awesome!  Crain’s and I talked about the additional options on how to cover our bases and my favorite was to head up to South Haven to shoot Peter at the orchard.  Later that day, I had dinner with a girlfriend at a restaurant in Oak Park and my salad had a Seedling vinaigrette!  Yes, yes, I know it’s a small world, but this to me was a sign that we were indeed MEANT to go the orchard!  Lucky for us, Crain’s agreed, the weather was good, Peter was willing, and the road-trip began!  Thanks to Peter for showing us around, giving us some tasty fruit, and letting me pick my first apple ever (ladybug included!)!  Also, check out the photo of Sarah standing in the doorway of the old barbershop-Peter’s trying to save it, if you can help him, you should contact him!:)

XOXO

lisa

check out more photos under the jump!

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