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.

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

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

2.

3.

4.

10. FLOWER POWER -

13.

14.

16.

19.

20. PLEASED TO PAMPER -

23.

26.

28. ROMANTIC READS

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

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:

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

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.

Click Here for the List Price and Property Details

Click Here for Virtual Tours and Additional Photos

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

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