A Few of our Favorite Things – 2021 Edition
If you’ve been following us, you know we like to highlight a few of our favorite things toward the end of each year. Everyone in the office contributes to the blog article and we all look forward to sharing our own “finds” for the year.
The favorites can include anything from architectural products we used and places we visited, to our favorite music concerts and tools. This year’s collection is no exception. We’re sure you’ll find lots to love in our 2021 version of A Few of Our Favorite Things.
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We’ll start off this year’s blog post with some amazing tools.
CADD Drawings and computerized milling machines for complex cabinetry
Cabinetry makers and carpenters can manufacture parts from CADD drawings, utilizing computerized (CNC) milling machines. The combination of CADD drawings and computerized milling machines makes the process of creating very complex shapes, such as elliptical curves, simpler. Learn how CNC machines work here: https://dtsuk.co.uk/uncategorized/what-is-a-cnc-milling-machine/.
The combination of CADD drawings and computerized milling machines makes the process of creating very complex shapes, such as elliptical curves simpler.
Sheryl recommends the next two software products that she uses to manage our Lost Island Theme Park project:
PlanGrid construction productivity software
PlanGrid is comprehensive field and project management software. It allows us to organize construction plans and complete tasks from anywhere on the jobsite. PlanGrid is accessible on desktop, phone, and tablet.
SmartSheet software for collaboration and work management
SmartSheet is a dynamic workspace that empowers teams to manage projects, automate workflows, and rapidly build new solutions. It allows us to assign tasks, track task progress, manage calendars, store documents, and more.
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Here are a few of the terrific architectural products we used this year:
Ann Sacks tile
Ann Sacks is synonymous with luxury tile. The brand makes stunning ceramic, glass, porcelain, mosaic, concrete, specialty, stone, and terra cotta products. Bob says, “They’re so much more vibrant and animated than other tiles and we find the photos just don’t do it justice.” See actual products and meet with knowledgeable reps at their showroom at the Chicago Merchandise Mart and at Kohler, WI and you’ll be impressed.
Azek trim and moulding are made of polymer, a lumber substitute that doesn’t require the maintenance of wood. The product is durable, insect- and moisture-resistant, attractive, paintable, and light weight. It can be used indoors and outdoors for trim, casings, beadboard, sills, and crowns.
Octopus Octolam plastic laminate
Octolam high-pressure laminate (HPL) decorative surfacing materials comes from Canada in decorative finishes that rival the look of metal. We specified the copper plastic laminate with an acid wash on a client’s casework for a distinctive, sophisticated look.
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Here are some lovely home products we’ve selected and given as gifts:
Costco floral offers a variety of bouquets and seasonal flowers, including giant poinsettia plants during the holiday season. Sheryl brightened our conference room for the holidays with a big, festive poinsettia. Late in December, it’s still going strong!
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Shop at Taliesin West, showcases good design and has beautiful items year-round, including books, home décor, and art. Their glassware was on our Christmas list, but supplies were limited, and they ran out before we could place our order. A portion of the proceeds from the shop helps preserve and maintain Wright’s homes.
Harney & Sons offers a remarkable array of high quality teas, including hot cinnamon spice black tea. Give it a try – no sugar needed. Although we have a wide range of teas at the office coffee bar, Harney’s hot cinnamon spice is a clear favorite.
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We end this year’s version of A Few of Our Favorite Things with some food and fun:
Live Concerts
The historic terra cotta and brick Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, IL was designed as a movie and live theatre venue. Today, the beautifully restored venue hosts public concerts, comedy shows, dance performances, and private events in a beautiful venue, close to home. Check out their upcoming events here.
Held annually in Union Park in Chicago, Pitchfork Music Festival features three days of music by alternative rock, hip hop, electronica, and dance music artists and bands. Ernesto says to check back here in the spring of 2022 to see the lineup.
SummerFest, on Lake Michigan’s shores in Milwaukee, is the world’s largest music festival and takes place annually over three weekends in June and July. For Jovan, it’s a must-do every year, and it’s only an hour from the office. The acts include “the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites”, including 2021 acts, Guns N’ Roses, Miley Cyrus, and Black Pumas. Check out the 2022 lineup here.
Libertyville Farmer’s Market vendors
Located just one short block from our office in Cook Park, Libertyville’s Farmer’s Market makes Thursdays everyone’s favorite day of the week. Here are our favorite vendors:
Taste Katich Breads and you’ll know why we’re big fans. Their fresh products, “Created by hand. Baked with love.” are addictive and their service is friendly. Many of us stop by their booth on Milwaukee Avenue on a weekly basis. Try their delicious almond croissants and weekly bread specials.
Lunch on Thursdays often includes a walk over to the Farmer’s Market for delicious, hot Olano’s Empanadas. At $6 each, our favs are the chicken and veggie empanadas. Their food truck also offers beef, pork, dessert, and even breakfast empanadas too. Pre-orders and delivery are also available.
Wishing you a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2022!
