Food Finder Pro

Front-end: Illustrator / Photoshop / XD

Food Finder Pro Food Finder Pro is a food finding app that utilizes the latest cutting edge technologies to track inventory of thousands of healthy foods and establishments that provide users with vegan and allergy friendly alternatives that are currently in stock. I worked with a small business to come up with some GUI’s based on provided specifications. The client wanted to see a mood board, design/icon library and made alterations to some of the design elements in the latest build.

Tradition Pub

Front-end: WordPress, Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe XD

Tradition Pub is a gastro pub located in the heart of the business district in Chicago. This site was created from the ground up using WordPress, Photoshop, Adobe XD for mockups and Illustrator for print menu branding. I was also setup and managed their social media profiles on Yelp, Google, Open table etc. In addition to the technical parts, I also shot most of the website photography such as internal views, drink items, etc. This freelance project required UX research to get the right menu design to work with the dimly lit gastro pub environment. Additionally, the site had a WCAG plugin that helped me to configure the site with special-needs usability in mind.

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Total Rewards Benefit Site

Front-end / Back-End: Toolkit, HTML, CSS, Wireframes, Javascript

Your Total Rewards sites are enterprise level benefit sites where employees can visit to check the current status of their company benefits. These sites are configured using a series of calculations and statements that display data that allows certain users to view specific content and restricts that same content for other users. These sites are enterprise level in size and require several ongoing team meetings and spec/wireframe reviews with clients in order to launch successfully. I configured dozens of these sites for names such as Citigroup, Walgreens, The Federal Reserve, Luxxxotica and others.

Additionally, I helped to launch email campaigns for these clients by converting mockups to HTML and testing before launching the campaign.

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Jay County, IN

Front-end: Photoshop, WordPress, XD, UX Usability

Jay County website is a government county website located in the state of Indiana. This site was built on WordPress using photoshop for graphics and Adobe XD for client mockups. Several design / direction meetings were required to get the direction and detail approved.

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Treasurer Website & Media

Front-end: Photoshop, HTML, CSS, CMS, PowerPoint, Social Media, Video (Premiere)

I worked on a contract to revamp the treasurer’s website and social media campaigns to drive traffic to the various treasurer sites and increase property tax revenues as well as community visibility. I addition to working on media presence, I also attended various functions and acted as a photographer for staff events.

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WCAG Accessibility projects

Front-end: WordPress, HTML, Javascript, EqualWeb, UX Research, UX Accessibility, Configuration, Product Lead.

In an effort to increase website accessibility, I worked to add WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to insurance business websites so that individuals with disabilities can still access all company information. In addition to integrating the technology and negotiating fees, I also conducted user research to determine what features were most important to them when accessing a site.

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Corner Indy

Front-end: WordPress, HTML, Photoshop, Illustrator, UX Design

The Corner Bar Indy is a layout that I created after working with a restaurant in Indianapolis to create a site for them. This was done on a freelance basis and required a few mockups and design changes. Ultimately, the client loved the retro look of the icons and typewriter font after wanting to see design changes on earlier versions. Attached is the approved mockup that eventually went on to be the client business website. I worked with the client over the phone along with her project manager, gathered requirements, provided a mockup and updated the

site on the host server. I used some stock icons and customized others to have the same look

Love for Chicago.com

Front-end: WordPress, HTML, Photoshop, Photography, Blog, Client Visits, Ad Revenue.

Love for Chicago was a WordPress blog / social media influencer page that I created several years ago as a virtual magazine about social happenings in the city of Chicago. The blog was highly trafficked and featured several Chicago-based contributors for content generation. Other content was auto-generated. It was sustained via ad revenue and through website management of the featured businesses.

Linkedin

Resume

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Food Finder Pro

Front-end: Illustrator / Photoshop / XD

Food Finder Pro Food Finder Pro is a food finding app that utilizes the latest cutting edge technologies to track inventory of thousands of healthy foods and establishments that provide users with vegan and allergy friendly alternatives that are currently in stock. I worked with a small business to come up with some GUI’s based on provided specifications. The client wanted to see a mood board, design/icon library and made alterations to some of the design elements in the latest build.

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Tradition Pub

Front-end: WordPress, Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe XD

Tradition Pub is a gastro pub located in the heart of the business district in Chicago. This site was created from the ground up using WordPress, Photoshop, Adobe XD for mockups and Illustrator for print menu branding. I was also setup and managed their social media profiles on Yelp, Google, Open table etc. In addition to the technical parts, I also shot most of the website photography such as internal views, drink items, etc. This freelance project required UX research to get the right menu design to work with the dimly lit gastro pub environment. Additionally, the site had a WCAG plugin that helped me to configure the site with special-needs usability in mind.

---

Total Rewards Benefit Site

Front-end / Back-End: Toolkit, HTML, CSS, Wireframes, Javascript

Your Total Rewards sites are enterprise level benefit sites where employees can visit to check the current status of their company benefits. These sites are configured using a series of calculations and statements that display data that allows certain users to view specific content and restricts that same content for other users. These sites are enterprise level in size and require several ongoing team meetings and spec/wireframe reviews with clients in order to launch successfully. I configured dozens of these sites for names such as Citigroup, Walgreens, The Federal Reserve, Luxxxotica and others.

Additionally, I helped to launch email campaigns for these clients by converting mockups to HTML and testing before launching the campaign.

---

Jay County, IN

Front-end: Photoshop, WordPress, XD, UX Usability

Jay County website is a government county website located in the state of Indiana. This site was built on WordPress using photoshop for graphics and Adobe XD for client mockups. Several design / direction meetings were required to get the direction and detail approved.

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Treasurer Website & Media

Front-end: Photoshop, HTML, CSS, CMS, PowerPoint, Social Media, Video (Premiere)

I worked on a contract to revamp the treasurer’s website and social media campaigns to drive traffic to the various treasurer sites and increase property tax revenues as well as community visibility. I addition to working on media presence, I also attended various functions and acted as a photographer for staff events.

---

WCAG Accessibility projects

Front-end: WordPress, HTML, Javascript, EqualWeb, UX Research, UX Accessibility, Configuration, Product Lead.

In an effort to increase website accessibility, I worked to add WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to insurance business websites so that individuals with disabilities can still access all company information. In addition to integrating the technology and negotiating fees, I also conducted user research to determine what features were most important to them when accessing a site.

---

Corner Indy

Front-end: WordPress, HTML, Photoshop, Illustrator, UX Design

The Corner Bar Indy is a layout that I created after working with a restaurant in Indianapolis to create a site for them. This was done on a freelance basis and required a few mockups and design changes. Ultimately, the client loved the retro look of the icons and typewriter font after wanting to see design changes on earlier versions. Attached is the approved mockup that eventually went on to be the client business website. I worked with the client over the phone along with her project manager, gathered requirements, provided a mockup and updated the

site on the host server. I used some stock icons and customized others to have the same look

Love for Chicago.com

Front-end: WordPress, HTML, Photoshop, Photography, Blog, Client Visits, Ad Revenue.

Love for Chicago was a WordPress blog / social media influencer page that I created several years ago as a virtual magazine about social happenings in the city of Chicago. The blog was highly trafficked and featured several Chicago-based contributors for content generation. Other content was auto-generated. It was sustained via ad revenue and through website management of the featured businesses.

If passing through the perfume section of Macy’s without spritzing yourself with a few free samples seems unthinkable, if your bathroom sink is cluttered with old perfume bottles (because that Britney Spears perfume may smell like liquified cotton candy, but you’ll be damned if you toss anything you spent your hard-earned allowance money on), and if you can’t walk into Bath & Body Works without impulse buying seasonally scented lotions – then congratulations, you’re a fragrance junkie.  Welcome to the club!

Luckily for us fragrance lovers in Chicago, there’s a place called the Aroma Workshop to call home.  The Aroma Workshop is the perfect blend between chemistry and artistry where you can create your own custom perfume that is unique to you!  The walls are lined with fragrance oils from four different categories: citrus, floral, fruity, and mysterious.   The lovely employees at the store will ask you to smell about thirty different oils and then pick out ten that you love. From there, you begin to mix and match until you find the combination that is perfectly you! Once you name your signature scent they’ll even keep it on file so you can stock up on more or even add your perfume to their unscented lotions, body washes, etc.  This experience is not only adorably fun, but a very personal expression of who you are.

Audrey Harrington, just one of their passionate & knowledgable employees, beautifully explains the sentiment of the Aroma Workshop as “the most interesting way of making someone feel special”, and it’s easy to see why.  Not very many fun activities are quite as intimate as this one.  “The certain smells a person likes can really reflect their personality.  For example, a very energetic and upbeat person will probably like fresh, fruity scents.” She continues, “Your perfume speaks to you.  Every note is of something you love.  Everyone is so different.”

The Aroma Workshop is a sweet, lighthearted way to spend the afternoon and the product isn’t something you can get anywhere else.  They also offer house blends and aromatherapy, and offer “scent events” where you & your friends can have the whole store to yourselves.  So indulge your sense of smell and, for the love of perfume, check out the Aroma Workshop!

Roger

A few steps from the Lawrence Red Line train stop, and a few doors down from the Green Mill Jazz Club sits one of Uptown’s most delicious hidden gems for Mexican cuisine – Fiesta Mexicana.

Here are five reasons it’s amazing;

Chicken Fajita via Fiesta Mexicana by @photosbyLaRon

1.) The food is delicious.
Now I’m not much of an adventurous eater, but my chicken fajita was fantastic. The wait was less than 10 minutes, yet my chicken was warm and fresh and the fixings were chilled and fresh.

2.) They serve beer in frosted glasses.
I don’t know about you but as a beer drinker, fewer things make me happier than a cold one inside of a frosted glass. The server made sure to keep them coming along with a nice fresh warm basket of tortilla chips.

3.) It’s literally a few steps away from the Green Mill Jazz Club.
So you can either enjoy some delicious Mexican cuisine before taking in some of the best live music in Chicago or vice versa.

4.) The complimentary shot at the end of the meal.
As a special thanks for dining with them, they bring you a shot of Kahlua and Cream to wash down your meal. I don’t know about you, but I love free!

5.) Location, Location, Location.
In addition to sitting a few steps down the Green Mill, it is also located near other awesome Uptown locations such as the Riviera Theater & The Aragon Ballroom as well as quite a few other bars and restaurants.

Make sure you stop by the next time you’re in Uptown!

LaRon
Editor

Girls Night Out in Chicago

A girls night out in Chicago is the perfect way to let go of all of the stresses of the work week! After dealing with all of the challenges that have been thrown at you lately, you’re probably more than ready to get together with your favorite friends to let loose. However, it doesn’t always end up being that easy! When you consider that most ladies have families or work schedules that take up most of their time, it becomes a bit harder to get
everyone together.

@pbchicago.com

Reserving a mode of professional transportation such as a limousine or a party bus is the perfect way to get everyone committed to a fun night out. It’s hard to say no when there’s a premium vehicle waiting with a professional chauffeur who is ready to whisk you around town! They aren’t just drivers either, with the right transportation company you’ll receive advice and wisdom similar to that of a concierge. It makes finding new spots extremely easy!

Limousines and party buses don’t have to break the bank, especially when you have multiple ladies coming together to enjoy each others company. Splitting the cost is a great tactic that makes for an easy per-person rate! Not to mention, stepping inside of a limo or party bus is much different than any local taxi or ride-share service. You’ll be greeted warmly and notice all of the fantastic features ready to enhance your experience on the road. It’s easy to have a great time when you’re surrounded by things like multi colored lighting, leather seating, television screens, audio systems with streaming abilities, and more.

Safety is never in question when you have a party bus along for the ride, and that’s the most important thing to consider when you’re planning a night out in Chicago that includes drinking. You’ll be able to hop from one bar to the next with supreme ease instead of pulling up directions and dealing with traffic or parking!

@pbchicago.com

You’ll be happy that you took the time to prepare for your girls night out by reserving a Chicago Party Bus. Whether you’re looking to enjoy local bars or check out fun activities like paint and wine, you’ll see that your experience is elevated in more ways than one.You’ll have a sense of freedom that is otherwise missing from your other celebrations, and that allows you to make fantastic memories with your favorite friends.

Post sponsored by pbchicago.com

LaRon
Contributor, LoveforCity.com / Chicago

5 New Chicago Restaurants

Anyone who is familiar with Chicago knows that there are constantly new eateries popping up around town, and that makes being a foodie that much more exciting. Here are five great options to choose from when you’re looking to try out somewhere new the next time you head out for dinner or drinks. If you need a way to get around town safely, be sure to consider using a professional transportation service such as Chicago Tour Buses.

Machine
@dinemachine
1846 W Division St
This is a unique restaurant that has an innovative craft cocktail program, and a flower shop! There’s a cocktail with sugar on top that you get to break with a hammer, similar to crème brûlée which is pretty fun. Their roasted chicken comes topped with truffle honey, and the short rib will fall apart in your mouth.

Ocean Prime
@oceanprime
87 E Wacker Dr
You can find this restaurant on the second floor of the London House hotel in Chicago. This makes for a great gathering spot if you happen to have friends or family visiting from out of town. There are some amazing happy hour specials on their extensive list of cocktails. Their specialties are steakhouse fare and seafood options, you also don’t want to skip dessert!

Joe’s Imports
@joesimports
813 W Fulton Market
This wine bar in the Fulton Market area has already been recognized by quality publications such as the Chicago Tribune. It’s a good idea to book a reservation, because this is an eatery that’s usually pretty busy. With dining options like duck egg raviolo, grilled octopus and snow crab, you really can’t go wrong with a visit to this new spot in the area.

Iron Age Korean Steakhouse
@ironagechi
1265 N Milwaukee Ave
If you’ve never been to a Korean steakhouse before, now is your chance! Here, you have the chance to get to grill your own meat in true DIY fashion. The Iron Age Soy Steak seems to be the most popular options here, as well as the dukboki (or spicy rice cake). The servers all have headsets to interact with one another, so the service is extremely speedy and efficient here.

copyright @dinemachine

Vajra
@vajrachicago
1329 W Chicago Ave
This new restaurant in the Noble Square area specializes in Himalayan, Nepalese, and Indian cuisine. We love the upscale atmosphere and authentic dishes here. Some of the local favorites include the kebabs, goat curry, biryani, tandoori venison, and butter chicken. There are a lot of vegetarian options, as well.

Post sponsored by partybuschicago.com

LaRon
LoveforChicago.com
Instagram: @webdesiigner
Instagram: @loveforchicago312

Link: 9 Love for Chicago featured businesses
Link: 5 Great Hyde Park Bars

Girls Night Out in Chicago

A girls night out in Chicago is the perfect way to let go of all of the stresses of the work week! After dealing with all of the challenges that have been thrown at you lately, you’re probably more than ready to get together with your favorite friends to let loose. However, it doesn’t always end up being that easy! When you consider that most ladies have families or work schedules that take up most of their time, it becomes a bit harder to get
everyone together.

@pbchicago.com

Reserving a mode of professional transportation such as a limousine or a party bus is the perfect way to get everyone committed to a fun night out. It’s hard to say no when there’s a premium vehicle waiting with a professional chauffeur who is ready to whisk you around town! They aren’t just drivers either, with the right transportation company you’ll receive advice and wisdom similar to that of a concierge. It makes finding new spots extremely easy!

Limousines and party buses don’t have to break the bank, especially when you have multiple ladies coming together to enjoy each others company. Splitting the cost is a great tactic that makes for an easy per-person rate! Not to mention, stepping inside of a limo or party bus is much different than any local taxi or ride-share service. You’ll be greeted warmly and notice all of the fantastic features ready to enhance your experience on the road. It’s easy to have a great time when you’re surrounded by things like multi colored lighting, leather seating, television screens, audio systems with streaming abilities, and more.

Safety is never in question when you have a party bus along for the ride, and that’s the most important thing to consider when you’re planning a night out in Chicago that includes drinking. You’ll be able to hop from one bar to the next with supreme ease instead of pulling up directions and dealing with traffic or parking!

@pbchicago.com

You’ll be happy that you took the time to prepare for your girls night out by reserving a Chicago Party Bus. Whether you’re looking to enjoy local bars or check out fun activities like paint and wine, you’ll see that your experience is elevated in more ways than one.You’ll have a sense of freedom that is otherwise missing from your other celebrations, and that allows you to make fantastic memories with your favorite friends.

Post sponsored by pbchicago.com

Steve Ek is an interesting character. He is an eccentric, a foodie, an artist… and the owner of an auto repair shop. His unique combination of personality is directly reflected in his work, making Ek Automotive the only one of its kind. With artwork ranging from painting, welding, refurbishing, and re-purposing lined across every wall of the shop, his customers experience MUCH more than an oil change.

Located in Edison Park, Ek Automotive is a jewel in the community. By hosting paint nights and gallery showings (free of charge, by the way!) Steve has proven that auto work doesn’t have to be a one stop shop—it can be an experience. Even more, Ek Automotive has transformed waiting for repairs into a relaxing getaway with its rooftop bistro.

Amazingly, in the midst of all the fun and inspiration, their quality of auto work has never been sacrificed. In fact, Ek Automotive just celebrated their 25th anniversary. Their loyal customer base comes from their honest and high quality auto repair and service. In the words of Steve Ek himself, “Ek Auto is setting the example of how automotive repair and service should be everywhere for everyone.”

He also said he wasn’t an Eric Clapton fan, but we’ll let that one slide. A shop that is truly imitable, Ek Automotive is a must-see Chicago spot.

Roger
Albany Park, Chicago

If you were around in the 80’s and early 90’s you probably remember Cheers.
It’s one of the most successful sitcoms of all times. Next month the Emmy Award-winning series is launching its national tour and Chicago is on the schedule. That’s right, Cheers is coming to Chicago! The Broadway Playhouse at the Water Tower Place to be exact.

Cheers Live on Stage Image

According to BroadwayinChicago.com, the production is based on the first season of Cheers. (Bummer for fans of Woody, Frasier, and Rebecca Howe!) It finds former baseball player & bar owner Sam Malone hiring newly single aspiring poet Diane Chambers to work in his pub. The cast also includes wise-cracking bartender Carla and frequent bar flies Norm and Cliff.

It’s sure to be a great time and bring out all of the die-hard Cheers fans in the city!
The Broadway Playhouse is located at the Water Tower Place.
175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611. It will run Sept. 20th through Oct. 23rd.

• Click here to get Cheers On Broadway tickets!

LaRon
Edgewater, Chicago
LoveforChicago.com
Instagram: @photosbylaron
Instagram: @loveforchicago312

Link: 9 Great Places to Visit in Chicago

Image credit. @devrinj

Sarah Bernhardt, the famous actress, once said, “I adore Chicago, it is the pulse of America.” Sarah’s words are timeless and so is the unique city of Chicago. Its charm is equally irresistible to both – the tourists and the natives. Let’s discover the treasures of Chicago.

Here are 8 things I love about the Windy City and I hope you will too!

1. Lake Michigan is BeautifulThe pristine water of Lake Michigan soothes one and all. It’s a treasure in more ways than one. Spending quality time at the beach is a Chicago pastime for locals and tourists alike. My favorite is Oak Street Beach!

2. The Bold ArchitectureMay it be the city’s contemporary and iconic skyline, Millennium Park, unbelievable street grids or movable bridges, Chicago can make any pair of eyes wonder at its architectural delights. Chicago natives and the tourists adore it alike. Take a walk downtown and look up.

3. Food & Food ToursFood lingers longer in the mind than on the tongue. A place is often valued for what it does to the taste buds and Chicago can surely do wonders. From the much-loved Chicago Style-dogs, to deep dish pizza, to the original

Chicago style pizza via Giordano’s

beef-laden ‘Portillo’ burgers and sandwiches, you can never have enough here. And that’s just the beginning. Nothing compares to Chicago’s tasteful “food tours” and “dine-arounds” that not only take you through food-paradise but also highlight a number of restaurants and menus for you to pick from. When food has a certain history, it becomes even more special.

4. Baseball History! Cubs/SoxWrigley Field: Home to the acclaimed Chicago Cubs, this cherished ballpark

boasts a scoreboard that dates back to the year 1937 and is operated manually. The Cubbies haven’t won a world series in over 100 years, but that doesn’t stop fans in Wrigleyville from being crazy about the Cubs or their admiration for Wrigley Field. It also doesn’t stop tourists from flocking to the field by the hundreds to get a glimpse at Cubbies history.

Comiskey Park:  (A.K.A. U.S. Cellular Field)With 3 World Championships, 6 Pennants, and 9 Playoff appearances, the White Sox have clearly proven to be the more successful team in the city in the category of world series wins in the last century. The ChiSox are the pride of the southside and after just a quick red line train ride to Sox/35th you can enjoy a great game.

5. The BeanOf course, it’s formally known as Cloud Gate, but everyone knows it as “The Bean.” Every trip to Chicago is not complete without a picture in front of this Chicago outdoor sculpture icon.

6. Air And Water ShowThis annual event that takes place in the month of August. There are tourists who plan their vacation especially during this time. The show lets you witness some real, goose-bump inducing ‘daredevil’ maneuvers by fighter planes. The performance is best seen from North Avenue Beach or a place overlooking the lake. It is a must see!

7. Boat RidesA relaxing boat ride on Lake Michigan with a fine view of Chicago’s skyline against the backdrop of the setting sun makes you fall in love with this city. The love is for keeps. It is a great way to enjoy a warm summer Chicago evening.

8. The Museums And Art GalleriesFrom the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to the Art Institute Of Chicago, there is a museum for everybody. The city caters to so many interests and attracts everyone young and old.

The world is full of places that have the power to make life seem worthwhile. Chicago is that powerful.

A Fan of ChicagoGold Coast, ChicagoContributor, LoveforChicago.com

Link: 12 Great Brunch Places in the CityLink: The 7 Weirdos You May Come Across In Wicker ParkLink: Chicago Kayak ToursBuy Our Stuff! Men’s Jackson Blue Line Tee