For Fun

BLOG – Clever Copycats Try to Cash in on “The Great Illinois Corn Flake”

Will the Real “Great Illinois Corn Flake” Please Stand Up?

The latest $200,444 bid for the giant Illinois shaped corn flake being offered for sale on Ebay has inspired some impostors. There are dozens of “Great Illinois Cornflake” lookalikes and related items now being offered for sale on Ebay. You can check it out by clicking on this link. You’ll find a seller offering a “Great Illinois Corn Flake T-Shirt” for $5,000,

a Great Illinois Corn Flake display frame for $24.00,

a piece of torn paper in the shape of “The Great Illinois Corn Flake” for $0.01,

and, perhaps my favorite, a very eloquent and poignant Corn Flake Sign from Illinois for $99.99.

 

PS…I admit that I actually dumped some of our corn flakes on my desk last night to see if I could find any cool and unusual shapes.  Nothing interesting…they all look the same.  Maybe we ARE onto something super special here.

Great Illinois Corn Flake Bid Surpasses $200,000.00

Well…there now appears to be a buyer willing to pay nearly a quarter of a million dollars for that giant Illinois shaped corn flake on Ebay found by a Virginia girl in her box of Kellog’s Frosted Flakes. Two nights ago, there were ten bidders and the leader was at $56.00. Today, there are 31 people who are competing for the corn flake and the current winning bid is at a whopping $200,300.00. That’s “Two-Hundred-Thousand-and-Three-Hundred-Dollars.” Is this a joke? Let’s take another look at the goods because I really don’t get it:
Here it is. A corn flake, for crying out loud! I have a seller in the city who would be thrilled to get $200,300 for her condo listed in Lakeview. What about a college education? Could there possibly be a corn flake on the face of this earth as valuable? As economists weigh in daily on our so-called “Recession” and the Fed prepares today to slash interest rates, yet again. As the home forclosure rate escalates and the subprime market continues to ravage Wall Street’s biggest securities firms, WHO is prepared to pay $200,300.00 for a corn flake? It’s the million dollar question and I hope we’ll soon find out. There’s only one day, 22 hours and 1 minute left for bidding. If you want to see this for yourself, here’s the link on Ebay. Believe me, we’ll be watching.

Bids on the Rise and Time Running Out in Sale of “The Great Illinois Corn Flake”

Food prices may be escalating, but this one takes the cake and proves that there’s truly a buyer for everything.

There are now TEN bidders competing to purchase a giant Illinois-shaped corn flake being sold on Ebay by a 15-year-old Virginia girl. The winning bid tonight is a whopping $56.00!

The seller says she discovered “The Great Illinois Corn Flake” as she prepared to take a bite out of her Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes. She says the flake was almost in her mouth when she plucked the edible heirloom from her spoon just in the nick of time. The flake measures two inches long by 1-and three-eighths inches wide and dwarfs a dime, according to the photo posted on Ebay.

“This is a must have item for any Illinois lover, collector of food lookalikes, or anyone who desires a unique conversation item!” The sales pitch on Ebay is to-the-point and it’s apparently working.

The seller swears the flake “has undergone no alterations” to its shape. Until they finalize the winning bid, they’ve wrapped the corn flake in cotton and placed it safely in a jewelry box with their other valuables. No word on how they plan to package the “Great Illinois Corn Flake” to protect it in the mail, but they are offering free shipping to Illinois.

If you want take a shot at purchasing “The Great Illinois Flake,” you’d better hurry up. There are only three days left to place your bid here on Ebay. But if you think you might flake out, it’s buyer beware. According to Ebay, the return policy is not specified. We’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Tags: The Great Illinois Corn Flake, Weird Ebay Items, Illinois Lovers, Foold Lookalike Collectors, Winning Bidder, Rising Food Prices, Ebay

Top 10 Ways I Convinced My Husband to Move to the Suburbs

I want to take a quick second to apologize for the recent absence of new blog posts here on BurbFeeder.com. I have achieved something monumental in the past couple of weeks that was several years in the making.

To start, let’s go back to February 2nd of 2005. It was a frigid, snowy Chicago Winter night. Too preoccupied to be cold and too rushed to be nervous, I dashed out of a listing appointment and raced to make a first date at a restaurant called Boka in Chicago. We said our “nice to meet you’s,” shared a couple of drinks and started to get to know each other. One year later we were engaged. Two years later we were married. Three years later, here we are. Within the past week, we’ve swapped our city digs for life in suburbia; the result of a major campaign on my part to convince my husband Bill that Barrington might be just as hip and happening as our old hood, Chicago’s Lincoln Square.

The task was far from easy. What could I possibly say to get a downtown dude to consent to leaving the daily city stimulants for life in the burbs? I appealed to his appetite, his pet peeves and his love of sports, of course. Here are the top ten ways I sold him on suburbia:

#10. Bike Paths and Forest Preserves - Lakefront, Shmakefront.
Who needs to dodge the running, biking and rollerblading
masses that swarm the shores of Lake Michigan?
#9. Thank You Express Train – A 45 Minute trip on the Metra will
transport us right back into the heart of the hustle and bustle.
Plus… no more long platform waits and stop-and-go commutes on
the drafty old EL
#8. Showed Him the Door – To the Basement of our New House
He always told me he wanted his own space to watch football,
keep his tools and hang is sports paraphernalia - Honey, Have at it!
#7. Goodbye Davis, Hello Catlow - Another neighborhood movie theater in our new neck of the woods
#6. Found Him a Place to Play Hoops - Signed Him Up at Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center
#5. Wooed Him at Wool Street Grill - The closest sports bar & frosty
beverage are just a few blocks away
#4. Filled Him With Boloney at Boloney’s Sandwich Shop in
Barrington – He keeps asking me if I’m in the mood for a Sandwich
#3. Mayor Daley Made it Easier – Chicago’s Real Estate Transfer Tax
and Sales Tax are reason enough to say sayonara to the city
#2. Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm - A great way to get our city friends to
to pile their kids in the car and pay us a Fall visit.
#1.  Hello Baby –  We found out we’re expecting our first child – just in
nick of time. Our baby is due in September and will love
the back yard and space here that would have cost so much more in any
of our favorite Chicago neighborhoods.

I sit, as I write, surrounded by unpacked boxes and giant balls of shriveled shrink wrap. The great irony is that since we’ve moved to the suburbs, business for me has picked up immensely in the city. I’m driving down there almost every day to show properties, connect with clients and check on listings. I’m happy to have so many reasons to go back. Bill is not the only one transitioning. We’re getting used to the new pace and change of scenery; new neighbors, new streets, parking places everywhere and far fewer sirens. Even a trip to good old Jewel feels a little foreign.

I’ve had so many clients who’ve made this move before me. Some who have shared my husband’s sense of major life change and even loss. It helps that we’re still so close to our favorite city and our friends. We’re settling, unpacking and adapting, one Boloney’s bite at a time.

Written by:
Liz Luby – REALTOR
The Luby Group – Coldwell Banker
Phone: 847-691-3150
Fax: 847-512-5466
Website: TheLubyGroup.com
Blog: BurbFeeder.com

50 Ways to Schmooze Your Lover – Valentine Values in Barrington*

If you haven’t found something for your Valentine yet, never fear. We’ve compiled a list of 50 ways to score some big points with your significant other, without leaving Barrington. Please feel free to add your two cents by offering some romantic ideas of your own. Anyone can leave a comment on this blog, just by clicking HERE and filling out the comments box at the very bottom of our Valentine post under idea number 50. In the meantime, here we go. Get ready for loads of ideas that will keep your main squeeze longing for your love.
1. TRUE LOVE TRIFECTA - Dinner for two at Francescas Famiglia, 12 Long Stem Roses from The Barrington Flower Shop and a Massage for one at Massage Movement – all for $250. Contact Francesca’s for details • 847-277-1027 - 100 E. Station Street, Barrington, IL MiaFrancesca.com • The Barrington Flower Shop 201 S. Cook Street, Barrington, IL BarringtonFlowerShop.com • Massage Movement 847-304-5112 202 S. Cook Street, Suite 206, Barrington, IL • MassageMovement.com
2. DO SOMETHING SWEET – Tempt your lover’s taste buds at The Barrington Chocolate and Ice Cream Shoppe. Dive into a decadent brownie sundae, taste a sampling of gourmet truffles, pick your favorite flavors or share a plate of freshly made chocolate covered strawberries. The Barrington Chocolate and Ice Cream Shoppe • 847-381-9973 • 140 S. Cook Street, Barrington, IL
3. DAZZLE WITH DIAMONDS – M.J. Miller & Company, Inc. is offering 14% off all heart shaped jewelry for the first 14 purchasers from February 14th through the 16th plus a complimentary box of chocolates • 847-381-7900 • 123 West Main Street, Barrington, IL 60010
4. CHAMPAIGN TOAST – Surprise your sweetie at home with a custom gift basket filled with flutes, Champaign and chocolate from Kelley’s Cellars – Small ($35.00+), Medium ($50.00+) or Large ($75.00+) • 847.842.WINE (9463) • 100 E. Station Street Suite 160 • KelleyCellars.com
5. A FRENCH AFFAIR – The Barrington Country Bistro has arranged a little Mood Music this Valentine’s Day. A musician with an accordion will be playing French music in the dining room starting at about 7PM. For Reservations call 847-842-1300 • 700 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL • BarringtonCountryBistro.com
6. TABLESIDE SERENADE – For a little romantic guitar with your dinner, head over to Brass Restaurant and Brewery Company where, for $75 per couple, they’re offering an appetizer, soup or salad, choice of three featured entrees, dessert and a Champaign toast. • 847.765.1200 • 105 Hollywood Boulevard, South Barrington, IL • BrassRestaurantAndBrewery.com
7. BARBERSHOP QUARTET - If you prefer the harmonies of a classic Barbershop Quartet, the Millrose Restaurant and Brewing Co may be your date destination this Valentine’s Day. The quartet will serenade the dining rooms between 6PM and 7:30PM on February 14th. They’re also dressing up the tables with fancy white linens and rose petals topped with complimentary chocolate covered strawberries for dessert. • 847.382.7673 • 45 South Barrington Road, South Barrington, IL 60010
8. NOW PLAYING AT THE CATLOW - Atonement – Catlow Showtimes Special Promotion: The Catlow Theater and Boloney’s Sandwich Shoppe. The theater is offering 2 movie tickets and a gourmet bag of carmel, cheese or mixed popcorn to anyone who purchases a $25.00 gift certificate at Boloney’s Sandwich Shop. For more information, contact Roberta at 847-381-0645, visit Boloney’s Website at Boloneys.com or the Catlow Theater’s website at TheCatlow.com
9. NOW PLAYING AT THE AMC SOUTH BARRINGTON - 27 Dresses, Atonement, Fool’s Gold & Juno, to name a few. AMC South Barrington Showtimes • 847-765-2262 • 175 Studio Dr South Barrington, IL 60010 •
10. FLOWER POWER - Check out the selection online at the Barrington’s Fresh Flower Market. They’ve designed a variety of themed bouquets with names like “Cupid’s Kiss” and “Lady in Red” • 888-381-7800 • 122 Main Street • BarringtonFreshFlowerMarket.com
11. PASQUESI’S PICK YOUR OWN BOUQUET – For the first time ever, this Valentine’s Day Pasquesi Home and Gardens is offering a selection of freshly cut flowers for last minute Valentine’s shoppers who want to give a gift with a little hand-picked personality. They’ve ordered special shipments of a variety of flowers for customers to create assorted bouquets. They’ll offer the flowers through Valentine’s Day, while supplies last. The prices range from $6.99 to $39.99. Plus, their entire floral department and all indoor plants are 25% off through February 17th. Pasquesi Home and Gardens • 847.381.5511 • 990 W. Northwest Highway Barrington, IL 60010 • Pasquesi.com
12. TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS - The Barrington Flower Shop has a bunch of Valentine’s Day specials. Pick up 12 long-stem roses for $85.00, a bubble bowl of mixed tulips for $55.00 or a clear square vase with red rocks and white dendrobium orchids for $50.00 • 800-382-4090 • 201 S. Cook Street, Barrington, IL • BarringtonFlowerShop.com
13. HEART SHAPED PIZZA - Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria puts a little romance into their pies. Finished with pepperoni, sausage or your favorite pizza toppings, this is one delivery that will delight your valentine. Lou Malnati’s in Lake Zurich delivers anywhere in Barrington. One heart shaped pizza is the size of a small deep dish and perfect for two. It’ll cost about $10.00, plus more for extra toppings. Delivery is an additional $2.50. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria • 847-550-8800 • 1225 Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL
14. HEART SHAPED CHEESECAKE - If pizza’s not your thing, Lou Malnatis will deliver a heart shaped Eli’s Cheesecake. The white chocolate cheesecake filling sits on a chocolate crust and is finished with a delicious raspberry topping. The special delivery costs about $8.00.
15. LOVE POTION – The Baristas at Starbucks are serving “The Coffee of Love” this week. Sip the flavors of Verona while you share a chocolate cupcake, marble pound cake or delicious toffee almond bar • 847-842-8048 • 125 South Hough Street, Barrington, IL
16. PASSIONATE PASTRIES - Sugar gets sensual at Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie. Share tastes of some very luscious, very velvety & very special chocolaty sweets created especially for Valentine’s Day. You’ll find the food of the Gods at the Foundry. They’re all natural, with no artificial ingredients. • 847-304-8278 • 710 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL 60010 • DiscoverAmbrosia.com
17. CUPID’S COOKIES - Clarke’s Bakery and Deli is offering chocolate dipped or red dipped heart shaped cookies, decadent strawberries dripped in white or dark chocolate and chocolate or vanilla petit fours • 847-381-5113 • 455 West Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL 60010
18. A CASUAL AFFAIR - The Onion Pub & Brewery is cooking up a special Valentine’s Day Menu with appetizer specials, surf and turf, unique desserts & drink specials • 847-381-7308 • 22N221 Pepper Road, Lake Barrington, IL • OnionPub.com
19. MASSAGE A TROIS – Buy two massages, get one for free at Massage Movement. It’s a $255 value for $170. Massage Movement • 847-304-5112 • 202 South Cook Street, Suite 206, Barrington, IL • MassageMovement.com.
20. PLEASED TO PAMPER -Xanadu Day Spa $200 Valentine’s Day Package – Dark Chocolate Facial, Rose Manicure and Pedicure and Aromatherapy Massage • 847-382-5555 • 109 South Cook Street, Barrington, Illinois • DayinXanadu.com
21. BREAKFAST IN BED – French toast, fruit juice or plain old toast and cereal. Beat your Baby out of bed and surprise her with breakfast between the sheets. For an extra touch, surprise him or her by bringing out the best china and silverware. Top it off with a flower and a little love note and, voila, bon appetit mon petit chou.
22. BREAK OUT THE BUBBLES -Shock your soul mate by setting up a luxury spa at home with fresh towels, fine smelling soaps and a tub full of fragrant froth. For a few fancy touches, visit Yves Delorme at the Foundry • 847-381-6005 • 700 West Northwest Hwy. • YvesDelorme.com
23. GET PHYSICAL AT GOOD SHEPHERD - From February 6th through the 15th, get $5.00 off for a one hour massage gift certificate or $5.00 off a single session of UV tanning. Or…sign up for duet pilates, anytime.  Session: 2 people – 1 coach  for 1 hour is $65.00. 847-620-4500 • 1301 S. Barrington Road, Barrington, IL • AdvocateHealth.com
24. TRIP TO THE TROPICS - Tropical Smoothie Cafe – The Tropical Smoothie Café just opened in Barrington this month by Staples at 500 N. Hough Street. They’re celebrating Valentine’s Day by offering guests a free 24 Ounce Smoothie with the purchase of a wrap, sandwich or salad from February 14th through February 16th. Take a break from the sub-zero temperatures and the snow by being transported to the tropics in this brightly colored café accented by bamboo and thatched roof. • TropicalSmoothie.com
25. TSHIRT TATTOOS – Bring in a T-shirt and fill in the blank to create your own custom tattoo that comes off with the wash. “Hot Mama” – “Main Squeeze” – whatever your moniker, Cricket Classics will embroider a tattoo on your T-shirt with the name of your choosing for $16.00. Cricket Classics • 847.277-7440 • 200 S Cook Street. Barrington, IL
26. GET COOKING - Sign up for a hands-on couple’s cooking class at Cucina Della Rosa Cooking School. For $75 a person, you’ll learn to cook up a five course feast. The chef instructor, Mary Rose Hoover, specializes in Italian fare and teaches classes out of the kitchen studio at McCauley Design • 847-650-9463 • 211 Park Avenue, Barrington, IL • MaryRoseCooks.com
27. TRUE LOVE’S TAKE-OUT - For a little Gourmet Grab-and-Go, stop by La Pomme de Pin & pick up a meal made in someone else’s home. This week’s dinners to-go include whole roasted chickens and roasted veggies, chorizo stuffed chilies, pork mole & chicken stuffed tamales. For dessert bring home a bag of “Love Cakes” or frosted heart-shaped sugar cookies. Open from 10-7PM • 847-382-0753 • 114 Applebee, Barrington, IL 60010 • PommeFoods.com
28. ROMANTIC READS – If your love bug is a book worm, drop by the bookstore or library and pick up a classic romance novel like Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice or Wuthering Heights – BarringtonAreaLibrary.org
29. VALENTINE VIDEOS – Hit the movie store and rent some romantic classics. Here are a few that might help bring back that lovin feeling: Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffanys, When Harry Met Sally, Dirty Dancing, You’ve Got Mail, Moonstruck, Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair to Remember, Ghost, Titanic, Doctor Zhivago, Pretty Woman – Hollywood Video • 847-842-9807 • 106 North Northwest Highway Barrington, IL • HollywoodVideo.com

FOR YOUR MAN

30. BUY YOUR HOTTIE A HOT DOG - Woodies Chicago Style Hot Dogs and Papa Joe’s are adding a little sizzle to their menus with 10% off all menu items from Valentine’s Day through the end of February • 847-381-6766 • 232 East Main Street, Barrington, IL 60010
31. LOVE AT THE CAR WASH - Even Fast Eddie’s Car Wash has a romantic side. They’re offering two Valentine’s specials through February 17th. Purchase a $100 gift card and receive an additional $25.00 complimentary gift card or purchase a $50.00 gift card and receive a $10.00 complimentary gift card. • 847-381-0530 • 330 W. Northwest Highway
32. TEASE HIM WITH TOOLS - Surprise him with that cordless drill or power saw he’s always wanted or build a beautiful bouquet of wrenches, hammers and screwdrivers Barrington • Ace Hardware • 847-381-1037 • 189 West Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL
33. SING HIS PRAISES - It might be tough, but find a way to compliment him on something he did – & express your thanks in song – karaoke style. Some options: “Let’s Get it On,” “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,” or “Wild Thing”.
34. RADIO ROMANCE – If you’re like us, you might not want to admit it. But let’s be honest, sometimes it’s hard to turn the dial during those sappy dedication radio shows. Whether it’s Casey Kasem, Delilah or John Symon’s “Love Notes” on Chicago’s WLIT, there’s something shamefully addictive about listening to other people’s love shout-outs. You can make your own love requests and dedications by calling Chicago’s own John Symon’s “Love Notes” 7-9PM Daily at the WLIT Request Line, (312) 591-9548 (W-L-I-T) • “Love Notes” or Delilah’s request line at 1-888-6Delilah • RadioDelilah.com.
35. LOVE ALARM – Here’s a trick that’ll scare the pants off of your partner, in a loving way. Pick up a battery powered alarm clock, attach a love note, set the alarm for a special yet strategic time and plant it in a secret spot in your lover’s car, office or briefcase. If you take time to make time, you’ll end up with one surprise that he or she will never forget…and will hopefully forgive you for later.
36. PASSIONATE PROSE – Swap your keyboard for a calligraphy pen & send your sweetie a hand-written love note. For a surprise twist, pack it with their lunch, tuck it into their coat pocket, hide it in their hat, let her find it in the freezer, in his favorite box of cereal or plant it on their car seat.
37. ROSES ARE RED – To really win some brownie points, put on your poet’s hat and pen a Valentine verse or two. Click Here for tips on How to Write a Love Poem. Need to find words that rhyme with love, hottie or cupcake??? check out RhymeZone.com
38. PHOTO FINESSE - The folks at Wolf Camera in Barrington will help you create your own bound coffee table books. Bring in your favorite photos and you can assemble each page, including captions, with prices ranging from $6.99 to $75. They’ll make a 24′x36′ poster out of your favorite photo and have it ready in an hour. Or…they’ll etch your photo into a crystal heart for only $21.99 • (847) 277-7852 • 105 S Cook St. Barrington, IL • Wolf Camera
39. CUDDLE BUNNY – Wrap up with your Romeo in a blanket designed with a favorite photo image of the two of you. Pick a picture from a special trip, moment or occasion to help keep your memories close while you curl up on the couch. Go to RitzPix.com & find the throw blanket priced at $119.95.
40. SUCKER FACE - Put your main squeeze’s mug on the face of a large cherry flavored lollipop to create one sweet licker. All you have to do is upload the photo at RitzPix.com, drag the picture over the lollipop image and place your order. Each lolli is extra large (almost 4in) & the cost for six suckers is only $32.99 • RitzPix.com
41. PHOTO JEWELRY - For another nifty photo trick, use a favorite picture to design a piece of jewelry that will be sure to make her smile. Create your own photo necklace ($39.95) or bracelet ($89.95) at RitzPix.com, and voila, you’ll have a gift that’s so personal, it’s perfect.
42. MUSICAL MEMENTOS - Consolidated Music in Barrington hosts their biggest sale of the year each Valentine’s week. They’re offering special prices on their instruments, accessories & music books. You can even sign your little loved ones up for private lessons on almost all instruments for $20 per half hour. The store owner says it’s just one way they like to show their love for their customers. • 847-381-0164 • 420 W. Northwest Highway • Consolidated Music
43. MY VINYL VALENTINE - Dig out your records of yesteryear, unearth that old record player, turn the lights down low and let the turntable work its magic. You might find that those oldies are just what the love doctor ordered.
44. COME ON BABY LIGHT MY FIRE - Turn up the heat and create a little ambiance with a fireside picnic at home. Set the stage with a few candles, spread out a blanket and pillows and spark up the fireplace – just like they do in the movies. You might get a laugh because it’s JUST THAT CHEEZY. But it’s also easy, cheap and it’s the thought that counts.
45. GIFTS THAT KEEP GIVING – For every $100 you spend at GWhiz Gift Shop, you’ll get a $20 Spa Vargas gift certificate. Purchase a gift card online at ShopGWhiz.com and email it to your honey today for a quick and easy option. For kids, buy three Webkinz and receive a Lil’ Kinz Google Webkin FOR FREE • (847) 304-0255 • 724 W. Northwest Highway, The Foundry, Barrington, IL • ShopGWhiz.com
46. FOR YOUR FABULOUS FEMME – Drop by Angelina on Station Street, mention “The Luby Group’s” Valentine blog post and ask for a 20% off coupon (restrictions apply) • 847-382-6802 • 123 Station Street, Barrington, Illinois 60010 • ShopAngelina.com
47. WOOL STREET WOOERY - Come in from the cold at Wool Street Grill and Sports Bar, mention “The Luby Group’s” Valentine blog post and receive a complimentary cup of soup or chili through the end of February • 847-304-0313 • 128 Wool Street, Barrington, IL 60010 • WoolStreetGrill.com
48. PUPPY LOVE – February is National Dental Pet Care Month. Give you pooch a little lovin’ this Valentine’s day with a trip to the Doggie Dentist. Barrington Animal Hospital is offering $40 off your dog’s dental cleaning in February plus a free toothbrush & a sample of poultry or beef flavored toothpaste – YUM. Call 847-381-8100 for more info.
49. SURPRISE ATTIRE -
We’ll leave this one to your own imagination…Sometimes the best present is your presence.
AND FINALLY…OUR LAST IDEA… FOR VALENTINE’S DAY, 2008…
50. HUG YOUR REALTOR - Because we finally made it to number 50…and we’re fresh out of ideas. 
Please feel free to add any ideas of your own by filling out the message box below: 

Happy Valentine’s Day from The Luby Group!
*All offers subject to change at the discretion of individual business owners.
Tags: Valentine Ideas, Barrington, Values, Francesdas Famiglia, Barrington Flower Shop, Massage Movement, Barrington Ice Cream and Chocolate Shoppe, M.J. Miller & Company, Kelley Cellars, Barrington Country Bistro, Brass Restaurant and Brewery, Millrose Restaurant, Catlow Theater, Boloneys Sandwich Shop, AMC South Barrington 30, Barrington Fresh Flower Market, Pasquesi Home and Gardens, Barrington Flower Shop, Lou Malnati’s, Eli’s Cheescake, Starbucks, Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie, Clarke’s Bakery and Deli, The Onion Pub and Brewery, Xanadu Day Spa, Good Shepherd Health and Fitness, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Cricket Classics, McCauley Design, Cucina Della Rosa Cooking School, La Pomme de Pin, Woodie’s Chicago Style Hotdogs, Papa Joe’s, Fast Eddie’s Car Wash, Wolf Camera, Consolidated Music, G Whiz, Spa Vargas, Angelina, Wool Street Grill

What to Say to a Group of REALTORS About Internet Marketing? – “Blogs in Plain English” to the Rescue

 I just received an all-office email from our office administrator, Sandy.  Here was her first point:

1. Tomorrow, Friday, December 14, Liz Luby will be talking to the “Build a Better Agent” group regarding E-marketing.  All are invited!!

***** Excuse my while I freak out. *****

I used to be a wanna-be actress appearing in plays and musicals.  I tested my skills on the Lincoln-Douglas Debate team in High School.  (Boy was that a disaster!)  I attended summer school at Northwestern University to learn the art of extemporaneous speaking.  (You would be embarrassed for me if you saw the fruits of that labor, but I did learn to twirl my pencil around my thumb.)  I graduated from College with a Broadcast Journalism degree, spent almost ten years as a radio DJ, TV news reporter and even took a job as an “Anchor Person” for a few years in a small Iowa market.  (One of these days I’ll dig out and dust off my blooper tapes or my fascinating report about that two headed pig.)  But something funny has happened to me since then.  I can’t explain how it started, but somewhere along the line I caught this horrible case of stage fright.  Today I tremble and lose sleep over the thought of speaking in front of people.  When our manager asked me to discuss internet marketing strategies with the other agents in our office I thought, ok, why not?  It’s nice of him to ask.  I haven’t been blogging for very long, but I can speak with some authority about websites and marketing properties online.  I can at least talk about the stuff I’m learning, right? Well, I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.  I understand there will be a few hecklers in the room, thanks to my dear mother, and business partner, Suzanne.  Will I survive?  Probably.  Will I freeze, say “duh” or run out of the room?  It could happen.  Will I speak in tongues or start to swear?  It’s quite possible. I’m not going to let my phobias interfere here, but I do know that I have an emergency escape plan.  It’s like a little YouTube parachute. When the beads of sweat show up, I’ll just play Common Craft’s video explaining Blogs in Plain English.  The video is about three minutes long. I’m hopeful that will be enough time for me to get a grip.

Click on the center arrow to play the “Blogs in Plain English” Video:

Ice Surrender in Cuba Marsh

I was on Cuba Road driving to a client’s house in Deer Park today to deliver a key and a Christmas gift. On the way, I unexpectedly traveled through a glistening crystal forest. The sunlight was illuminating the remnants of yesterday’s rain, skipping through the treetops. For a moment, I felt like a trespasser in this fragile, foreign yet familiar land. The wheels of my car turned and crunched their way into Cuba Marsh. The air was as sharp as my icy steps as I stomped through snow and jagged frozen weeds to get closer. Every living thing I found had been shocked into submission and buried beneath layers of wintry glass. I hurried, with my camera, knowing that the passing minutes plus the heat of the sun would melt away this temporary place. Surrounded by cracks and splashes of disappearing ice, I jumped back into my car, cranked the heat and continued on my way. I think I’ll return in the Spring to catch up with this new neighbor.

Tags: Lake County, Barrington, Deer Park, Illinois, Cuba Road, Cuba Marsh, Winter Weather, Ice Trees, The Luby Group, Liz Luby, Photography

Waterfront Weekend Getaway on 153′ Stretch of Big Green Lake in Wisconsin – Less than 3 Hours from Chicago!

The Waterfront Views Speak Volumes

Less than Three Hours From Chicago
W2107 Irving Park Road
Green Lake, Wisconsin

List Price: $2,650,000 – PRICE JUST REDUCED!

Unbelievable Opportunity and less than a 3 hr. drive from Chicago. Truly breathtaking in any season. This home is located on beautiful Irving Park Road, has a heavily wooded, secluded driveway and only 1.5 mi. from town in beautiful Green Lake, Wisconsin. Fantastic family home with enough room for vacations and holidays for the whole family! Situated on a wooded acre that boasts 153 feet of North Shore lake front property. This 7 bedroom, 6.5 bath classic lake house has a gourmet kitchen, private office, workout room, and vaulted wood-beamed ceilings in kitchen, great room and bedrooms; 9 ft. w/b stone fireplace in the family room w/ wet bar, 2 car attached plus 2 car detached garage. Too much more to mention! This peaceful setting is truly sensational- sure to make lifelong memories on the finest shore of the best boating, swimming and fishing lake in Wisconsin. Call Susan Prokos at 224-639-0227 for more information or to schedule a private showing. For more photos & virtual tours, please visit TheLubyGroup.com.

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Tags: Real Estate, Homes For Sale, Waterfront, Frontage Property, Green Lake, Wisconsin, Marina, Boating, Swimming, Fishing, Wooded Lake Lot

What Does This Video Have to Do With Real Estate?

Absolutely Nothing! But it made us laugh. Have a great weekend, Liz

PS…Kan man ha roligare? means “Can you have any more fun?” It is Swedish

Who Gets BANNED from Starbucks?

I’m addicted to my grande skim latte just as much as the next person, but there’s something so amusing about watching Starbucks servers deal with this singing intruder.  Wouldn’t it be fun to see this guy’s antics in our neigborhood? – GENIUS. Have a great weekend, Liz

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