New Years Eve, a night to look back and reflect on 2010 in all it’s glory- the good, the bad, and the times we drink to forget. So light up the fireworks and grab the sparklers because here in Chicago we party like it’s 1999 every day. Cheers!

In need of a last minute hostess gift? What about the timeless and often dismissed fruitcake? Emily Smith, Chief Baking Officer of Sweet Cake’s Bakery in Ukrainian Village provides a way for locals to purchase a gift of fruitcake that is actually edible- and has customers raving about as the standout on the holiday treat menu. 

“I’ve never had a job and I don’t want one,” photographer Jeff Kauck says with a laugh. It’s not entirely true, of course, as Kauck has built a successful career based on his expertise behind the camera. To him, however, it has never felt like work; instead, it’s an expression of passion for his subjects in the food world and his love for what he does. Kauck’s food and still life photography has graced the pages of national magazines, cookbooks, and been the part of national advertising campaigns and packaging for over the last 20 years. It has garnered numerous accolades, including a James Beard nomination for his work on The Spiaggia Cookbook, as well as a Cleo Award, one of the advertising industry’s highest honors. Among the many books for which he has contributed his distinctive photography are The Salpicón Cookbook: Contemporary Mexican Cuisine; Stonewall Kitchen Harvest; Wine Bar Food: Mediterranean Flavors to Crave With Wines to Match; Williams-Sonoma Mastering: Soups & Stews; and Chocolate and Vanilla. Today, Jeff is the go-to person for world renowned chefs who want to capture their cuisine on camera. For years he has built relationships with some of the city’s most beloved culinary masterminds including Ryan Poli of Perennial, Grant Achatz of Alinea, Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia and Shawn McClain.

From Adidas to Puma to tear-away pants, athletic apparel has been as much a fashion trend as it has been functional. Through the years, the style has evolved from baggy to tight to yoga and back again so finding the right fit for the sport inspires as much confidence as the actual exercise itself. Because let’s face it- if you’re working out you might as well look good doing it.

From reality stars to political rockstars, Chicago has been the home or birthplace to some of the most influential individuals in America. Between the killer arts, theatre, food, cultural scene and down-to-earth Midwest charm-who wouldn’t want to call it home (minus the weather)?

Graham Elliot. Two buzz words in the food frenzy that is the Chicago gastropub scene. You may know him from his namesake Michelin star restaurant, Graham Elliot. Or from his role on judging Fox’s MasterChef. Or maybe it was the lobster corndogs at Lollapalloza. Either way, GE is taking over the town and his new spot grahamwich is as approachable and playful as ever.

With days off around the holidays, how are you going to pass time in the winter wonderland? Here are some suggestions to get pampered, enjoy time with your loved ones, sip and share some cheer.

Sarah Vargo developed Maven after working at some of the nation’s top talent agencies and promotional companies. She started her career at International Creative Management (ICM) as an Assistant to a Talent Agent in Concerts. After gaining experience at ICM, she worked for boutique agencies where she was able to put her skills to test through talent buying, concert promotion and media planning. As the Marketing Director of Le Passage, she worked closely with Rockit Ranch Productions who currently own and operate The Underground and Rockit Bar and Grill. She coordinated fashion shows, charity events, sponsorships, and created trendy concepts and ideas. Clients such as Playboy, Ford Models, Elite Models, Gen Art, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Scene, Chicago Social, music video editor AVIDDIVA and many others complete her A-List projects throughout her career. Sarah was a contributor to the NBC 5 Street Team and was the Promotions Director for “24/7 Chicago,” an entertainment show on NBC. She is on the Board of Directors for Active Chicago, a non-profit that sponsors the extra-curricular activities for children in need. Sarah is also on the planning committee for the 20th Annual Celebrity Chef Gala benefiting Meals on Wheels. Sarah consults and supports Chicago Non-Profit and Adiango Consulting, which are organizations that promote local charities.

“The soul of politeness is not a question of rules but of tranquility, humility, and simplicity. And in the taking of tea it finds perhaps its most perfect expression.” -Ms. Dorothea Johnson, Director of Protocol School of Washington, in her book Tea and Etiquette. Across cultural lines, high tea is an accepted and refined mini-break during the day. Combining sweets with savories, it is a time-honored tradition accessible for the royals to the regulars. Pinkies up.