behind the shoot: 5411 empanadas

Ironically, it was a ‘roadblock’ to growing a small business that forced 5411 to find a solution— one which created the first empanadas food truck in Chicago.

Specialty food trucks have redefined the old breakfast and lunch take-away versions found at industrial or construction sites—starting on the West Coast and in New York just a few years ago, food trucks have helped small catering businesses get off the ground by keeping overhead low and mobility high.

Created by three Argentine friends—Mariano, Andrés and Nicolás—each with a wildly different profession before leaving them to pursue a dream. But they kept two key aspects—the savory flavors and the telephone connection to their home—54 is the country code for Argentina and 11 is the area code for Buenos Aires.

Word-of-mouth is one of their favorite elements of being a small food business—ironically— and how we learned about 5411 in the first place. So share the news, it’s good business.

google catalogs

Go green his holiday season with Google Catalogs—simply subscribe to paperless versions of favorite catalogs and be notified as new issues become available.

Go to Google Catalogs to download the app, browse and shop on any mobile tablet device—featured this week is the CB2 Holiday catalog!

animal rescue: alley

Nicknames: Alleyoopers, Ganoopie, Ganoopers, Little Monkey.
Favorite snack: Anything and everything—especially if it’s outside—loves veggies.
Favorite toy:  Our other dog Ed, and the first toy in her new home—a small plastic dog with an enormous head… that she’s half-chewed off.
Talent Show: She doesn’t have ANY!  Sits a little crooked when asked about 10 times.
How she was ‘discovered’: On July 3rd we drove into our alley and this little dog was looking lost—and scared of the fireworks—but adorable. We posted pictures, walked door-to-door, but no one claimed her. Our other two dogs adapted to her immediately—well almost—and my husband swears I pulled the signs down! But she’s part of our family now and there couldn’t be a happier goofier dog.

Cat and dog adoption fast facts:
…approximately 4 million pet dogs and cats are euthanized each year due to overpopulation.
…25% of pet dogs euthanized in animal shelters are purebred.
…adopting a dog or cat from the Humane Society, ASPCA—any rescue group—can save their life.
…and, being a pet owner can add years to your life too.
To find your next pet, check out adoptapet.com

animal rescue: lola

Nicknames: Little Legs, Lola Pants.
Likes: the park in Chicago just south of 31st Street beach—lots of open space and it’s her favorite view of the skyline…playing fetch in Humboldt Park, sleeping in…
‘Pet’ peeves: Getting her teeth brushed.
Guilty pleasure: Old Mother Hubbard’s Organic Char Tar biscuits…and fresh tomatoes.
Talent Show: she’ll roll over and “flop like a fish” for a treat.
Before she became famous: Lola was spotted at a local Anti-Cruelty Society—she came with lots of attitude, which is still with her today.

Cat and dog adoption fast facts:
…approximately 4 million pet dogs and cats are euthanized each year due to overpopulation.
…25% of pet dogs euthanized in animal shelters are purebred.
…adopting a dog or cat from the Humane Society, ASPCA—any rescue group—can save their life.
…and, being a pet owner can add years to your life too.
To find your next pet, check out adoptapet.com

animal rescue: thatcher

Nicknames: Honey Badger, Tootsie, Miss Maggie Thatcher.
Likes: Taking naps, sleeping, playing fetch, eating, lying around—did I mention sleeping?
‘Pet’ peeves: When you open garbage bags and getting out of the car—she loves car rides, but hates when they’re over.
Favorite toy: BALLS, BALLS, BALLS and chew-toys. She loves to chase balls and anything that she can chew on.
Favorite napping spot: Anywhere!—but mostly on her Union Jack blanket on the couch.
Guilty pleasure: She loves all treats, so we haven’t discovered her favorite yet.
Talent Show: She really doesn’t do any tricks yet unless you call sleeping and taking naps an admirable trick. She can fall asleep just about anywhere!
Before she became famous: Thatcher was saved by an amazing group here in Chicago called the Chicago English Bulldog Rescue. Read all about her rescue here.

Cat and dog adoption fast facts:
…approximately 4 million pet dogs and cats are euthanized each year due to overpopulation.
…25% of pet dogs euthanized in animal shelters are purebred.
…adopting a dog or cat from the Humane Society, ASPCA—any rescue group—can save their life.
…and, being a pet owner can add years to your life too.
To find your next pet, check out adoptapet.com