Ox&Pen

Ready for the ultimate tip of the holiday season? Here goes.

Have you ever seen a beautifully-wrapped gift? I’m not just talking about when the ribbon matches the paper and the card. I’m talking about the type of gift that is presented so amazingly that it becomes the most talked-about gift, even if it’s a pair of socks in a room full of iPads.

Win the gift wrap contest this year.

We’ve all seen those gifts, but who has ever had the time (or the creativity) to be the person to give such a work of art? Good news. There’s a service that can help you win the gift wrap contest (yes, it’s always a contest) this holiday season.

Boon is what happens when the holiday boards on Pinterest team up with a personal assistant to become the ultimate professional service—professional gift wrapping. Turn over your packaging and wrapping responsibilities to the experts at Boon; you won’t be disappointed with the masterpieces that come back to you. Plus you’ll save time. How much? You’ll save so much time that you can go back to daydreaming about the day you’ll actually build that United States-shaped bookshelf you’ve been eyeing.

The icing on the cake? When everyone oohs and ahhs over your gifts, go ahead and tell them it was you and your craftiness that made it happen; Boon’s gift to you is keeping everything a secret and letting you take credit.

Just for Ox&Pen members: 20% off any service at Boon.

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Arguably Chicago’s second biggest holiday this week (not sure if anything can trump Lincoln’s birthday in this city), it’s Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for ways to sweeten up the day and evening beyond the glut of candy sure to be found in your office kitchen, we suggest treating yourself (or a loved one) to something special at one of Chicago’s many unique, local merchants. Here are a few West Loop favorites:

Wine, cheese and hospitality
You’ve probably read about Vera in Chicago Magazine, the Sun-Times and countless other publications that have given the Spanish wine bar one of many

Vera Cheese Bar & Dining Room

gushing reviews. The warm and inviting décor and the seasonally rotating wines alongside Spanish sharable plates make Vera a perfect spot for couples or groups of friends sharing an evening of fine dining.

Create your own Little Italy
Dining in? Stop by the family-run J.P. Graziano on Randolph, just west of Halsted, for the city’s finest selection of Italian meats, cheeses, bread and dessert. Pick up some Prosciutto de Parma, fresh mozzarella, hot sopresatta, aged Manchengo and fresh Italian bread for a dining experience rivaled only by a fresh meal on the streets of Florence.

Pamper yourself
You deserve it. Whether the past few weeks at work have been draining or you just need something to get you through the latest cold spell, check out HM Day Spa on Madison and treat yourself to the gift of relaxation. A haven for reflection and inner discovery, everything at this brand new facility is designed to give you the ultimate spa experience.

Put some spring in your style
You can’t quite feel it yet, but spring is right around the corner. Ditch those dismal grays and get ready for warmer weather by brightening up your wardrobe. Ladies, check out Tribeca on Madison for the latest colorful apparel handpicked from the runways of the hottest designers. Gentlemen, visit Entourage Man at Halsted and Washington where you’ll find the latest pieces that facilitate “style beyond desire.”

No matter who you’re with, enjoy the day as you explore the great establishments the West Loop has to offer.

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