Wednesday, May 25, 2011

2 for Tuesdays: Hot Diggity Dawg

Today we'd like to be a bit of a "homer" and salute our kinda town, Chicago.

The Windy City has been "sweating" a bit having to face the Miami Heat in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

Whether the Chicago Bulls weather the Miami Heat or not, South Beach, although having a lot of "hot dogs", doesn't have THE Chicago Hot Dog.

It is almost cliched to talk about the Chicago Hot Dog. But it is cliched because it true!

Although not technically a Chicago Hot Dog (we spy some ketchup on it--quelle horreur!) pull your money out of the Hot Dog Yummy Pocket at SuperDawg or Hot Doug's and get the respect that only someone carrying a hot dog coin purse deserves.

Hot Dog Yummy Pocket
Hot Dog Yummy Pocket
$5.00 
Let us be frank, this little pouch looks good enough to eat! 

And here's hoping that the Chicago Bulls, like the venerable Chicago Hot Dog, are big wieners!

Want a wallet that shows your Chicago pride but is a bit more practical? Then we have a wallet with plenty of Rahm for your credit cards, cash and ID's-- The Chicago Flag Men's Wallet.


Chicago Flag Men's Wallet 
$16.00
A billfold you'll want to carry Daley.

Made from recycled plastic bags from by the non-profit organization CONSERVE, the wallet is tough, colorful and built-to-last. Just like Chicago.
Without the meat.

Speaking of tough, Chicago vegans...
Chicago's very own, Common, has come under some fire of late.
We'd like to take a step back and focus on Common the artist.
We are partial to the smooth "Chi-City".
But for sheer "get us riled up about Chicago" Kanye West's "Homecoming" is it!











Common and Kanye tend to rap about, er, mature topics.
What about your little Chicagoan?

Check out Laura Doherty's ode to encased meat "Hot Dog" from her 2009 album Kids in the City.











With a Laura's excellent musicianship and clever lyrics, not to mention a very catchy chorus, it is a song that kids will love (and parents too).

And, we bet it makes you hungry.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

2 For Tuesdays: Magnetic Personality


Lately we've come across a lot of rare earth magnets being used in unusual and interesting ways. We especially like when magnets are used as a building block for a child's imagination (or the creativity of a grown up kid!).

We love everything about the Tegu 8 Piece Pocket Pouch - Natural Honduran Hardwood Blocks right down to the cute, little felt pouch.


Tegu 8 Piece Pocket Pouch - Natural Honduran Hardwood
Availability: In stock.
$28.00

From Tegu

Tegu blocks are made by safely embedding magnets invisibly inside each block. 

They have created a video feed where a "genius" will take requests on what to build with the blocks at http://live.tegu.com/home.

 

The Buckyballs are 216 powerful Rare Earth magnetic balls that can be shaped, molded, torn apart and snapped together in UNLIMITED WAYS.
Buckyballs Magnetic Desktoy

Buckyballs Magnetic Desktoy
Availability: In stock.
$29.95
From Zoomdoggle

Mash them for stress-relief, mold them for fun, make sculptures and shapes. Once you pick them up, you won't be able to put them down. Please note: Buckyballs are not recommended for any children.
People of a certain age may remember when certain Executive Desk Toys were all the rage. It seems like Trent Reznor does. Check out Nine Inch Nails fascinating video for Only to see a truly artistic and inspired use of retro office accessories.




The subtly sublime "Magnet's Coil" from Sebadoh's 1994 album Bakesale features one of our favorite magnet metaphors "I've gotta find a way to loosen up. I'm wound tighter than a magnet's coil". 



Seems like Lou Barlow could use some Buckyballs!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

2 For Tuesdays: Cocktailia


Lately, we've been about all things cocktail. Our eCommerce Manager, Stephanie Edwards, has been blogging about the perfect cocktail for her '40's and was featured on the great new daily web talk show, hosted by Dave Holmes, called A Drink With Dave.

We've been testing a lot of cocktails, both classic and new recipes. The debate is never-ending... some say the simple highball is mixed drink perfection, while others think the more ingredients in a cocktail, the better. But there is one thing that everyone can agree on--if you are going to make a drink, mix it up and serve your cocktails in style!


Graffiti Cocktail Shaker
Yes, there is an art to making the perfect drink. And when you're ready to paint the town, grab the Graffiti Cocktail Shaker from Kikkerland. This is great for the hipster, the artist or the oldster who remembers when spray paint was used to paint lawn furniture and tagging was what you did to make someone "it".





 
One Too Many Kit
And while we don't endorse over-imbibing, we know it happens. So does Urban Aid. That's why they created the One Too Many Kit. It contains all the items you need to survive a hangover in a cute little tin. This makes a great little gift for a bachelorette party or for the start of a night out on the town with the girls.







If you are ready for some cocktails, you need the right music--Lounge Music. But to us "lounge" always makes us think about the late, lamented Chicago institution Lounge Ax.

No Depression by Uncle Tupelo
Speaking of lament, a regular band at Lounge Ax was Uncle Tupelo. Their groundbreaking album, "No Depression", was re-released in 2003 with a live, acoustic version of "Whiskey Bottle". We defy you to listen to their sad and brilliant lament and not have a tear in your beer.

Peel by The Coctails
Chicago's own, The Coctails, played Lounge Ax's final show in 2000. We think the sublime pop gem "Miss Maple" is the perfect soundtrack while you're mixing up a Sidecar.

Just add ice, shake, pour and ENJOY.

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

New Feature: 2 for Tuesdays

We at Urbangeneralstore.com have always fancied ourselves DJs. Be it "radio shows" made on cassette tape recorders in the 1980's, mix CDs for friends in the 1990's or trying to bring a smile (or a chuckle) to the ladies behind the counter at ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL with our in-store music.

It is with this love of all things music that we present "2 For Tuesdays"--New Products from Urbangeneralstore.com and Old (and some new) Tunes we love.



Since Mother's Day is THIS Sunday, May 8, we are going to kick this off with All Things Mom.

Our hot seller is the I Love Mom" Gold Necklace with Large White Pearl by Dogeared. It is $46 and is in stock, ready to ship or available for Free In-Store Pick-Up in Chicago at ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE.




Maybe your mom is a little less sparkly and a little more flowery. We have just the gift for her--the Pinks Blooms-in-a-Bag from Potting Shed Creations for just $8.95. Order this perennial kit today.







We'd like to dedicate these two awesome songs, with very different messages to Mother, to our moms.  Who are, like these songs, each beautiful in their own way. ENJOY.


Wednesday, April 27, 2011

MOM recommends the GurglePot for Mother's Day



Mother's Day is Sunday, May 8
Want to send your mom the perfect gift? The Urbangeneralstore.com MoM's (Masters of Merchandise) can help you. The Masters of Merchandise are an experienced (and picky) team of product testers and reviewers who pick their favorite items from Urban General Store. 

This month's Mom's Picks feature the hottest Mother's Day gifts. Shop now.

Each gift is packed and sent with a complimentary handwritten gift card (if message is indicated). Decorative gift wrap is available for just $3.95 per order!

Live in Chicago? If you shop now online at urbangeneralstore.com, you can select "Free In-Store Pickup" as a shipping option. You can pick up your items at ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood at 4723 N. Lincoln Avenue. Orders placed now through Saturday, May 7, at 5pm (CST) will be available the next day in the store after 10:00am (including Sunday, May 8).

See our website or contact mom@urbangeneralstore.com with any questions.

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Urban Bacon Store II: The Return of the Bacon

 

Some sequels are even BETTER than the originals...

The Empire Strikes Back, The Godfather II, Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo and Urban Bacon Store II. 

Bacon is hot, still. In fact, it is sizzling. We know you just can't get enough of that pork-y stuff. So in celebration of all that is good in the world (read: BACON), we are offering 10% off our novelty bacon products.

Visit our Urban Bacon Store today. Shop for all your bacon needs (and other gifts) then view your shopping bag. Enter promo code "BACON2" and get 10% off all your bacon items.* Have any questions? Email the Masters of Merchandise (MoM@urbangeneralstore.com).

*The Swine Print: Valid online only, on in-stock merchandise, now through April 30, 2011. Limit one use per customer. Bacon image courtesy of Accoutrements.


Baconfest Chicago 2011

Baconfest Chicago 2011
UrbanBaconStore.com









ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE is excited to once again be a vendor at Baconfest Chicago 2011. The event is sold out, but we will be posting photos, recipes and, er, chewing the fat on ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE's Facebook Page or on Twitter (@enjoychicago). Like or follow us today to join the fun.

Friday, April 01, 2011

April Fool's Day is like our holy day of obligation...

that's why we were SO excited to be featured in Time Out Chicago!

Photo by Andrew Nawrocki courtesy Time Out Chicago



















Becca can't believe that she came out as a vegetarian.
Steph can't believe that she was quoted saying "fart".
Alisa can't believe that people can recognize her in the store without her novelty jumbo mustache.

But seriously, our sincere, non-jokey, thanks to Jessica Herman, Andrew Nawrocki and Kevin Aeh at Time Out Chicago