Suggestion Saturday: Robot City Workshop

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What: A Robot Workshop! A place where you can take your child to learn about the intricacies of a working machine. Learn about and build your very own robot with the expert help of a friendly staff. Robot City sells kits and parts if you prefer to build on your own. They also host 13 after school programs throughout the Chicagoland area. For more information, check out their website http://robotcityworkshop.com/

Where: 3226 N Sheffield. Closest intersection: Belmont and Sheffield (near Brown and Red Belmont stops).

When: After school to keep your kiddos occupied, their next birthday*, or just a day with dad (or mom, uncle, grandma, or cousin!).  *Robot City Workshop is a great idea if your child has a winter birthday and you're looking for something to do indoors.

Who: Ages 5-?? (suggested up to 13 years of age). Any younger and you're really just building the Robot for them.

Why: Expanding the minds of young children in different ways is always a positive thing. Change the typical, routine balloons and cake birthday party and opt for an interactive adventure with a prize much better than a goody bag full of candy - your very own ROBOT!

Bears vs. Packers 2011 - EPIC

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If you live in or around the Chicago area and know anything at all about football, then you are most likely aware of the HUGE NFC Championship game coming up this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.  The Bears and the Packers are the oldest teams in the NFL, both joining in 1919 - we'll just pretend the Arizona Cardinals don't exist for the sake of this post! And as Chicago's oldest rival, the Packers present our boys in Blue and Orange with a tough challenge out on the field.  BUT, more importantly, this game presents all hosts with an even bigger challenge - planning one great Football Party (two if you're from Chicago, because we're obviously going to the Super Bowl)!

If you need assistance with party ideas: fool proof/simple recipes, decor, venues (if you want to go all out), football etiquette, what to do with the kiddos, etc. Just give us a jingle, or use our Ask A Planner feature. 

Go Bears!!!

Beers and Tears Tuesday

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With the new season of The Biggest Loser returning to NBC (7pm), our Beers and Tears Tuesday events are back!!  As many of you might know, we invite a few friends over (everyone is responsible for the Spirit of their choice AND a light appetizer - though the level of healthiness varies from week to week :)), we laugh and cry with our favorite contestants, talk about the mystery players and the new trainers. 

But the best part about our B&TT's is that we make an event out of it.  It gets all us girls together once a week in a easygoing, fun way where we can forget about work and just enjoy each other's company. And this got us thinking about some other fun ways to break up the work week.

Here are our thoughts:

TV Tonight: Don't like Biggest Loser? Pick another show. The Bachelor always provides some good gossip opportunities.  Jersey Shore. Real Housewives. Are your friends more serious, what about Law & Order: SVU? Just pick something you all like and boom - an event is born.

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Award Show: Is every week too often for you? What about once a month for an award show?  While these shows are rarely during the week, this might work better for you and your friends. Dish about what everyone is wearing, who's showing up with who or even take bets on who's going to win. Make it extra fancy, dress and pour some champagne.

Game Night: Pick a night that works for every one's schedule, pick a place (same house each week, alternate, or even pick a restaurant with a small event space (more times than not they won't charge you if you eat/drink while playing)), and find a few board games. It's that easy.  You can even change up the theme every week: did you grow up in the 80's? Try Trouble, Operation, Connect Four, Battle Ship, or GIRL TALK!! Trivial Pursuit is always a good mind-bender and who doesn't love Monopoly or Scrabble?  Visit Boardgamegeek.com for more games than you'll know what to do with.

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New Recipe Night: Everyone has to make dinner, right. Well, you might as well make it together! Leave your kiddos with the hubby tonight and start to enjoy cooking again. Exchange recipes, techniques, appliances, and laughs. Try that new Barefoot Contessa or Giada de Laurentiis recipe.

All suggestions/ideas above are fun, low-budget ways to host events without breaking the bank (with the exception perhaps of Game Night at a restaurant).  Have you started an economical event tradition? Share it with us below! 

MLK Day

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day today we wanted to leave you with one of our favorite quotes from the inspirational, influential man himself:

"Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Dr. King also frequently asked 'what are you doing for others?' What better way to celebrate this amazing life than to give back.  Choose a cause that means something to you, and go for it.  Do you love animals, children, an eco-friendly world? Then make it happen.

Love one another, spread peace and spread acceptance. Have a great day, everyone!

Suggestion Saturday: Helen Ficalora Jewelery

What: So cute Gold and Platinum charms (rings and bracelets also available). The designer's focus on technique sets her apart from other contemporary designers. Ficalora's jewelry is more than adornment; it brings to life her philosophy of harmony with the environment.  Pictured above are the adorable Alpha Charms. Tulips, crowns, starfish and many other designs are also available.

When: These charms are great for bridesmaids gifts, mother-of the bride/groom gifts, birthdays, anniversaries, or even just because! And with the purchase of a few select designs a portion of the proceeds go towards some great charities (we love this!)

Where: Ficalora has a store located in Lincoln Park at 2014 N. Halsted (Near the Armitage Brown line stop). All designs are also available online at helenficalora.com. (773) 883-2014 Hours: Mon- Fri 11am- 7pm, Sat 11am- 5pm, Sun closed

Who: These wonderfully designed charms are great for Moms, Friends, Girlfriends, Sisters, Wives, Daughters, and really any special lady in your life. You can add a charm every year for a birthday or add one for every child you have!

Why: To show someone in your life you think they're special! :)

Happy New Year!

We hope everyone had a great holiday and a wonderful New Year's celebration. Here at WGIC it was a busy,busy holiday season.  And we're very happy to announce, we're back to blogging!

Look forward to Suggestion Saturdays, Beers and Tears Tuesday reminders (and other great low-budget 'event' ideas), Wedding Wednesdays, Event Recaps, event ideas, 'Ask a Planner,' and many more great posts.

Happy 2011, Everyone!

Elfster.com

We love this idea.  Almost everyone is involved in at least one Secret Santa give-away each year. Whether it's for work or the family, it's almost inevitable!

Well this year, we've found a way to make the gift giving as easy as pie.  Elfster.com is the online Secret Santa mecca.  Just enter everyone's name and email address and click DRAW and the program RANDOMLY matches names.  With everyone being so busy these days, having an online version of SS is uber convenient!

Benefits of Elfster.com

1. You can post links to your 'wish list' so your Secret Santa has no trouble finding what you really want this year 

2. You can anonymously ask your gift recipient questions to help you buy

3. You can FB Connect. Meaning you can post to Elfster.com through Facebook and even use your Facebook profile picture as your Elfster.com photo.

4. Names are stored and can be used again next year - saves you the time and hassle of re-entering information

5. It's FREE!!

6. It's Green! No paper pieces being wasted to pull names :)  Every little bit helps.

Start your own Elfster community at Elfster.com today!

2010 Holiday Train - It's Magical

If you've never seen (or even heard of) Chicago's Holiday Train,

don't worry, you are not alone.

While it isn't really an 'event' per se, it is one more reason to love Chicago! For the past several year's now the city has decked out one 'floating' el train in twinkle lights, garland, and candy canes and calls it the Holiday Train.  And this year is no different.  What started a few days after Thanksgiving (as in all year's past), has become a lovely holiday tradition for us locals.  And while many have yet to see this spectacle in person, those who have had the pleasure have nothing but great things to say. The Holiday Train, running through December 22nd (CLICK HERE for the full schedule), is "...just magical" says one rider.  "Sure made this Grinch smile," says another! 

We have to agree. Nothing gets you in the Holiday spirit like Santa waving to the boarding passengers from his sleigh on an open-air flatcar that carries his reindeer and decorated holiday trees.  Sure brightened our day! Take your kids, take your grandmother, take yourself...just make sure you see the Holiday Train this year. You won't be disappointed!

Days to Christmas: 18



Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving to all of our readers, clients, friends and family! We hope you are having a wonderful day with your loved ones. This year, we are so grateful to our family and friends for their support, for our amazing clients who allowed us to share their biggest celebrations with them, and our amazing partners and vendors who make work so much fun! Thank you all!

Happy Veteran's Day!

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Happy Veteran's Day to everyone who has served to make the United States a safe and free place to live. We are forever grateful for your service in the military.  And to our dear friends serving (again) in Afghanistan, come home soon and come home safe! We can't wait to see you again soon!

The Great Bridal Expo

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The Great Bridal Expo is coming to Chicago this Sunday. It will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (5440 N River Road), starting at noon.  Bridal expos can be overwhelming to the newly enegaged, but they can also be a great start to wedding planning.  It's a great opportunity to gather information about an array of vendors in one afternoon. Plus, there are tons of freebies at wedding expos. My friend won a free engagement photo session at a bridal expo!

For more information on the expo, check out the official website.

Ask a Planner: Wedding Colors

Hi!

My fiance and I are getting married next August. I am having a bit of a hard time choosing a colour scheme, and I'm wondering if you could send me a few ideas! I really love purple. My favourite is probably warm plum purple.

Please help! :)
Thanks,
Emily

Our Response:

Hi Emily,

We predict the colors for 2011 will be bold; considering your love for purple, here are our ideas:

Idea #1: We've always loved Purple and Silver/Gray together, it's sharp and modern. Throw in a few Light Blue (or Light Pink) accents and you've got an elegant, crisp look.  Add shimmer or crystals to really make your wedding shine!

 Idea #2: For a summer wedding we think deep plum and mint would be beautiful. Add accents of Chocolate or Cream (or both) and viola! Instant beauty.  What we love most about these colors is that you can bring in many natural details such as cork, tree branches, or burlap.

 Idea #3: If you really love purple, try Plum and Lavender (or Lilac) together. Each purple helps to accent the other and make the white really pop. Bring in sparkle, shimmer or crystals here as well to create a dream wedding.  

Idea #4: Lastly, and you might think we're crazy, but Deep Purple (or even a Lavender) and Orange is something we're really into right now. We say, go ahead, be bold :) Do something different, something no one would have thought of, something that will make everyone remember your big day!

We hope this helps, Emily!



Have a question about your upcoming wedding or event.  Need color ideas, timeline or venue advice?  Just visit our Ask a Planner page and we'll give you our best industry opinions.

Sean and Felicia: Engagement and 'Save the Date' video

Being Florida Gators ourselves, this video duo really makes us smile.  Provided by Belvedere Films.

Sean and Felicia, while both from Miami, fell in love in Gainesville.  Their engagement and 'Save the Date' video both highlight some of the best parts of our favorite town in Florida: Ginnie Springs, the 'Wall', and Florida Field!

Enjoy :)

                                

felicia marie + sean: save the date from Belvedere Films on Vimeo.

Also, don't forget to watch the Proposal Video! So cute.

Twist on a Wishing Tree

We recently posted about Wishing Trees, and the other day came across this super cute idea on one of our favorite blogs, 100 Layer Cake.  We had to share. It highlights just how creative you really can get.

The wedding was set in the mountains of Wyoming with an Earthly yet elegant feel.  And their version of a Wishing Tree fit right in.  Check out more pictures from this beautiful wedding HERE.

Event Recap - Summer 2010 Series (2 of 3)

Chelsey's and Pat's August Wedding!!!

All photography done by Bill and Karen Peary of Peary Photography 

SO CUTE!

Flowers were done by Joanne at FlowersFlowers

The wedding took place in Evanston, which made for a gorgeous backdrop for pictures!

Floor to ceiling windows on three of the four walls in the Monaco Ballroom of the DoubleTree Chicago North Shore provided a great backdrop with both sunset and city views.

Chelsey made her own favors from test tubes (Pat is a chemist) and M&M's! ADORABLE

I had such a great time helping to coordinate the day of Chelsey's and Pat's wedding, and wish them all the best in their new future together!!

Happy Halloween!

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Happy Halloween! We hope your holiday is full of treats and few tricks! 

Suggestion Saturday: Foosie Design

We're so proud to offer Foosie Design Paper Products here at WGIC that we've decided to feature them on this week's Suggestion Saturday.


What: A consciously creative paper company that offers recycled paper products great for your wedding, for holiday cards, and for your baby announcements.  Foosie Design offers everything you need for your wedding from Save-the-Dates to Table Numbers to Escort Cards.  We're big fans of cohesive, economical events - and Foosie makes it possible.  With free customization available, we can tailor any of the designs to fit your wedding perfectly!

When: Recently have a baby? Planning a wedding? Holiday greeting card list getting pretty long?  If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then it's the perfect time for Foosie!  Proofs are available within 2-4 business days.

Where: Get them here! Contact us for a personal quote.  Check out the basic designs HERE.

Who: Brides, New mothers, anyone that wants adorable holiday cards.


Why: To customize your event and remain a Social(ly Responsibly) Butterfly!

Spooky Contest

One of our favorite clients came to us not too long ago with a very special request.  A friend of hers will be holding a 40th Birthday celebration for her husband; a birthday (and party) that falls the day before Halloween.  How fun, right!?  Our client's friend had the great idea to have a costume contest to spice things up - that's where we come in.  We were given the wonderful task of creating a Ballot Box and Ballots for said, creepy contest. 

The theme of the party is old Paris; decor colors being black and purple, with hints of an earthy orange.  We love Halloween here at WGIC (the party possibilities are just endless and so Spooktakularly (yes, it's a word!) delightful), so we couldn't wait to take on the project.

AND, we couldn't wait to share with you, enjoy!  (Please excuse our far-from-perfect photography skills)

Need paper products of some sort, design ideas or assembly help?  Give us a call and we'll develop something special, just for you!

Think Pink!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and even though the month is almost over it doesn't mean the giving/awareness has to be.  Thinking pink also got us thinking about about a great new trend we're seeing at weddings these days: Donations in lieu of wedding gifts or wedding favors.

We love this idea here at WGIC because it's not only green (eliminating the packaging and wrapping of the more traditional gifts given), it's inspiring.  The economy has hit everyone hard in the last few years including very needy charitable organizations.  Research shows when we give of ourselves, life satisfaction, self-realization and physical health is significantly improved.  So in our eyes it's a win/win!

Another great byproduct of asking your guests to donate to your favorite charity (is there a cause you feel strongly about? The prevention of cruelty to animals, Breast Cancer Awareness, feeding the hungry, bringing clean water to those without...) you give each guest the option to choose an amount that works for their current situation.  With many struggling to just make ends meet, this is a great benefit. 

If you prefer to be the ones making the charitable donation in your guests honor (in lieu of traditional favors), consider this great website we found, TisBest Philanthropy. 
It works like a gift card, except that instead of using it to buy stuff in a store, the recipient spends it to support a charity of their choice. You are the donor and your recipient chooses the charity!


How it works:
1) You buy a Charity Gift Card online. TisBest Philanthropy holds your donation in a specific bank account.

2) You give the Charity Gift Card as a favor, (made from 100% recycled content, or course! And you can even upload your own photo on the cards - how fun!).

3) Your gift recipient visits the TisBest Philanthropy website and chooses a charity to receive your donation.
 

Whether you and your partner choose to make the donations or you leave that to your guests, giving to others is always great in our eyes.  What a great way to have your wedding really make a positive impact on the world!  

Happy Donating!