A topic I do not think is discussed nearly enough is how important it is to always be bettering yourself as the years pass by.   I do not believe January is the only time you can reflect and better yourself, but I figured why not begin the new year by reminding ourselves that having goals gives us purpose in turn creating inner happiness.

I began to notice recently that the people around me are aging and I wanted to learn the mourners Kaddish (a Jewish prayer recited in memory of the deceased) so I could say it with confidence if the need arose.  I had wanted to do this for many years but had never made the time for it.  My goal was to be able to read and understand the Hebrew letters, vowels and how they sound when placed together.  I accomplished this goal in a very fast period of time.  I expected I would need a few months to do this, but I found that when I dedicated about 15-20 minutes per day to sounding out letters and then words, it eventually all came to me, I am hoping to eventually be able to recite it from memory.  I committed to saying it every day since one of my dearest friends and a treasured family member who happened to be a Rabbi passed away.  It has been 2 months and I can recite it with great confidence, ease and speed.

Take whatever it is you want to learn and break it down into parts and then print out or look at a calendar and plan out what you will do day by day to accomplish learning this new thing.

*JAJ TIP* When deciding how it is you want to better yourself make sure it is something that interests you and/or is something you have wanted to learn for a while.  When the desire is great, you will find yourself more willing to follow through with the learning process.

*ORGANIZATION TIP* Get a note pad or print out what you are wanting to learn.  Lay it out as if you are taking a class and place assignments in a list with dates to accomplish them next to that.  Start with small increments of time daily and build up if needed.  Having this structure will set you up for success.

*TECH TIP* The internet has changed the game as far as learning new things.  You can research using www.google.com to your hearts content, and if you are more of a visual learner www.youtube.com has one, many or even hundreds of videos that will teach you what you are wanting to learn.

Enjoy a better you!

Last year we decided it would be fun to go see our favorite touring group Cirque Du Soleil’s show “‘Twas the Night Before” at the Chicago Theater on Christmas Eve.  Based off the poem “A Visit From Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke Moore this enchanting show is about a young girl who rediscovers the joys of Christmas. 

“‘Twas the Night Before” captures all things Christmas like snow, reindeer, candy canes, Elves and of course Santa.  Our daughter loves all things Cirque du Soleil and says this show could be her favorite.  This 85 minute show had no intermission, but was entertaining enough that none of us even noticed the time.  Keep in mind for the cost of the tickets you may want to hold off on attending with kids under the age of five years old.  They will appreciate it more, and be better able to handle all of the audio and visual stimulation at an older age.

Cirque, like a circus, tours as circuses do visiting different cities season after season.  Click the link below to see if the show will be coming to a town near you.  I highly recommend seeing this as it is festive and sure to get you in the mood for the Holidays.  The colors, music and acrobatics are sure to entertain and amuse all.

*COMPANIES I PROMOTE*  It is more fun to go to a show when you have something new to wear.  This is one of my favorite places that has perfect options for kids at a reasonable price. https://lolaandtheboys.com/

*JAJ TIP* I recommend seeing this show in the early afternoon, it is a show best enjoyed in the daytime.  Leaving you plenty of time to rest up and plan for a dinner later in the day.  ‘Tis the Season.

*PLANNING TIP* Go to https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/twas-the-night-before to learn more and purchase tickets.  ENJOY!

I created these blog posts as a way to better myself by improving my writing, to help others benefit from my services by teaching some of my tricks and tips, and to learn some new things.  So in the spirit of learning something new I decided to do some research on Diwali.  I have always had friends that celebrated the holiday but never knew much about it.

Happy Diwali!  Which in talking to my friend I found is pronounced Divali, as there is no “w” in their alphabet.  Lasting 5-6 days Diwali is the Festival of Lights that celebrates the spiritual victory of light over evil. This Hindu Religious Festival relies on the lunisolar calendar and starts on October 31st this year.  I learned it is common for people to hang string lights and light clay oil lamps as tradition as light is the theme of this celebration. One of the neatest traditions I learned about in talking to my friend is that they celebrate with fireworks on the third night.  Sweets, colorful clothes, feasts and gifts are also all a part of this celebration of life.

Since Diwali celebrates knowledge over ignorance it seemed to make sense to educate myself and others about a holiday with customs we may know nothing about.  I hope in reading this I was able to teach you some new things.

*JAJ TIP* Check out  https://store.usps.com/store/product/diwali-stamps-S_588804 to order stamps for any cards you may want to send friends or family for the holiday.

*PLANNING TIP* Since most places will not have public display’s of fireworks for Diwali, you can buy fireworks that are safe for the holiday.  Check out https://fireworks.com/specials-and-offers/online-coupons  for savings and locations near you.

*SHOPPING TIP* Stores like Home Goods have a special section catering to holidays like this so be sure to ask a sales associate when visiting.

I recently purchased tickets as a gift for my family to see Blue Man Group.  When you do not know what to get someone for an important occasion I like to gift what I call “Experiences”.  Making memories with people you love can be the most treasured gifts of all.  Trips, Comedy Clubs, Music Venues, Plays, Operas, Sporting Events, the list of options you can select from when looking to get an “Experience” for your loved one is endless.

This was my second time seeing Blue Man Group, the show was still as unique and humorous as I remember it being.  I would recommend that if you do not want to get wet you buy seats behind the Poncho Section as you will get wet, it is impossible not to.  If you like music this will be a treat for you, the sounds/music they make is so unique and fun to listen to.  Go in with an open mind as this is not your traditional show.

*ENTERTAINMENT TIP* This show is good for all ages.  Kids, Parents and grandparents were all enjoying the show.  It can be loud but they hand out Ear Plugs upon arrival for your comfort and ear safety.

*PLANNING TIPS*  When looking to purchase tickets consider seating.  I love aisle seats so I can get up as often as needed and so kids can sit there and see if they have someone tall in front of them. Also, there is no food at this show so plan to eat before or after the performance.

*TECH TIP*  Google Blue Man Group Coupon Code to see if you can locate any ticket savings.  Then go to https://www.briarstreetbroadway.com/ to purchase your “Experience”.  ENJOY!!!

In keeping with last month’s blog about planning I want to transition into Fall Fine-tuning.  We don’t have to make Spring the only time that we clean out our closets, drawers, etc.  Make time in the fall to clean out files, clothes, pictures, makeup, books, sporting gear and equipment or whatever needs thinning out.  Try donating books to a local school or library.  Clothing is always needed, try finding a place that will help clothe people looking for work like Dress for Success, it is such a good feeling to help others succeed in life.  A place like Boys and Girls Clubs is a wonderful place to donate toys, books or craft supplies.  Local churches or Temple’s are another place to consider when making donations of used or slightly used items.  This will get you in the spirit of giving just in time for the holidays to begin.

*JAJ TIP*  If it is too overwhelming for you to start a project like this, contact Just Ask Jen or a local organizer to come in and help you through the process.  I get anxiety when it comes to getting rid of clothes, if this is the case for you have a personal shopper or close friend come and help thin out your closet.

*ORGANIZATION TIP*  Keep a small space in your closets/cabinets to put items that you are deciding whether to keep, donate or toss.  If you do not use these items for an extended period of time, ask yourself “will I need/use this anytime soon?”

*TECH TIP*  Another option/idea is to Download an app like Poshmark to sell used or unused items. You can then put the money towards new or updated items.

This time of year can be overwhelming.  As summer ends and the holidays ramp up, going from the fun carefree days of summer back to the grueling days of work and/or school can seem daunting.  At times, it can seem impossible to manage it all.  In an effort to curb your anxiety I suggest you start planning at the beginning of August so upon your return to your daily routine you feel organized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.  Another option is to get fall planning done before summer starts, like in May for example.  In some instances that may not be possible but when it is it can be an amazing time saver.  For example, at the middle of the year I like to look ahead to the second half and note all birthdays and occasions so I can start gathering ideas, gifts, cards, etc.  Do not feel like you have to do it all, Just Ask Jen is always here to lighten the load. 

*COMPANIES I PROMOTE* Just Ask Jen can be your personal concierge, contact us today to make your life easier.

*JAJ TIP* Print out or buy a paper calendar, this makes it easier to see what you have planned and when you are free.

*TECH TIP* Online searching is a great way to brainstorm for future task/event ideas.  Use the notes app on your phone to keep a list of ideas as you come across them.  I like to sort my notes by title as if they are folders.  I use the top line like a folder tab so I can easily find things I am searching for or adding to.

I have now been to two Teatro ZinZanni shows in Chicago. Love Chaos & Dinner is their newest show. The first time was amazing. The second time did not disappoint either.  With raunchy humor, acrobatics and a touch of magic there was something for everyone.

As you enter the Cambria hotel from Randolph street in Chicago’s theater district you are transported to a tent within a high rise hotel.

The space is cozy as you are escorted to your table. You will indulge in spirits and food over the next couple of hours as your senses are delighted by the incredible entertainers.

Your ticket includes the meal and the show. You can upgrade items if you wish. And come prepared to be part of the show. Especially if you are in the front row. The quick witted banter they had with audience members had everyone laughing hysterically.

*TECH TIP*  You can get tickets online here https://zinzanni.com/chicago/

*ORGANIZATION TIP*  To make the evening more fun, find something fabulous and wear it!  Whether it be something sparkly for the ladies or something dapper for the guys it is always more fun when you dress the part.

*JAJ TIP*  If you are planning to drive you can prepay for parking at a discounted rate here https://www.iparkit.com/locations/theatre-district-parking?start=2024-03-14T19:30:00.000Z&end=2024-03-14T20:30:00.000Z&timezone=America%2FChicago

Do you have credit cards with rewards that you can use for travel, gift cards, merchandise and other miscellaneous perks?  I feel like most people do and maybe do not know about it, have never used it, or could never figure out how to use it. As a concierge it is my job to offer you the service of assessing if you have these benefits and if so helping you to use them.  I, myself, was looking to plan a fun overnight and it prompted me to look into my own rewards.  Summer is the perfect time to look at this and start rewarding yourself.

You should be able to use your points by simply logging into your account and finding the Rewards option.  Some companies have phone numbers you can call to have a specialist book/use your benefits for you, keep in mind that fees may apply. 

When using your rewards be wise and look to see if it cost you more than just paying for the same thing.  A lot of the time it is not worth wasting the points. I find it most useful when I want to do something extra nice or exclusive.

Have fun exploring your reward options, and have even more fun using them.

*JAJ TIP*  I prefer to use my points for Travel.  It always feels more like I am rewarding myself  by going somewhere fun and making memories with my family. 

*ORGANIZATION TIP*  Take a look at the reward site and look at all of the benefits they offer.  Would you prefer gift cards, items, or points applied to a purchase price.  Planning this out ensures that you will get the most from your benefits.

*TECH TIP*  If you have multiple cards with benefits it is wise to login to the accounts and assess if the points being used are equal, you may find one uses less points for the same benefit.

The end of the school year is quickly approaching and if you are a parent like me you either have planned or are planning your summertime activities.  When it comes to camp choices you have a variety of options.  You can do sleep away camp or day camp, in-state or out-of-state, and the options for type of camp seems to be endless these days.  There are language camps, religious camps, sports camps, arts camps, and the list goes on and on.  Just pick your child’s desired interest and start searching.

The last few years I have found that to keep it fun I change it up by planning half of the summer at one camp and the other half at a different camp.  Be sure to look to your local Park District for their offerings. They usually have a large selection of options and may even offer discounts for residents.

The goal is to change it up, make it different and more fun than the school year.  Finding camps catered to your child’s passions will bring them joy, build confidence, and hopefully help them create friendships that will last a lifetime.

*JAJ TIP*  Camp can be super expensive so be sure to plan early, offerings come out in March most times, so you can take advantage of the Early Enroll discounts leaving you with more money for other things.

*ORGANIZATION TIP*  Whether its packing a snack/lunch for the day or packing bags to go away, I recommend making a list of items needed and preparing the night before so all that needs to be done is bag and go.  For sleep-away start planning what to pack in March in case you need to order items with your camper’s name on them, this allows time to get and exchange if needed.

*TECH TIP*  Do a general internet search using keywords “camp”, year, zip code and type of camp. Www.summercamps.com is a good place to start looking for camps, then you can further search as you come across other ideas.

For a limited time Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach Florida has added a big top to their parking lot.  I highly recommend this all ages show!  And if you can afford to I also highly recommend getting VIP Tickets.  Premium seating, beverages and cocktails, food, popcorn, meet and greet with the performers, souvenirs and private restrooms were all included in this ticket’s price. This was a true VIP experience which I find is rare these days.

Cirque is a favorite of mine and this show was another stunner.  Every production is unique and always has amazing acrobatics, creative costumes, humor and set design that is out of this world.  Echo “explores the delicate balance between people, animals and the world we all share”.  The show had a cube that was a true masterpiece.  Every part of the show incorporated it and transformed how it looked and what it was being used for.  Whether it be the performers resembling different animals, or gigantic characters doing their thing there was something for everyone to enjoy.  This show was about 2 hours and five minutes with an intermission midway through, it was the perfect length keeping everyone interested.

If you are looking to have your senses delighted look no further, this outing will create memories that will last a lifetime.

*TECH TIP*  Purchase your tickets from this site https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/echo and remember the show ends April 21st, so act fast!

*ORGANIZATION TIP*  When planning your excursion think of who you want to go with, how you want to get there and if you want to make it an afternoon or evening outing.  With small children you may want to go to the afternoon show so they are sure to enjoy.

*JAJ TIP*  When you enter be sure to get a picture of you and your group in front of the Step-And-Repeat this will make for the best keepsake picture.