Ombre Cakes



One trend I'm loving right now (and really have for a while now) is using many shades of one color, or ombré. While still picking two or three main colors for your wedding or event, try singling out one of those hues and varying the saturation.  Purple is a really great color to try this with, as is green. Below are some pictures of cakes that have incorporated this design technique, just fantastic!!



This was the inspiration cake for this post, sort of! I saw a larger version

(4 tiers by [NineCakes.com]) in the Spring 2011 'The Knot' Mag. The one

pictured above is [Maggie Austin].

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! [pretty little wedding things]

[pretty little wedding things]

 Try using textures with your hues. This adds a dramatic elegance.

[Martha Stewart Weddings] If you're adventurous, click source link
for the recipe!

This is one of my favorites. Simple, yet fabulous!
[Madly Stylish Events]

Love the apple! Shapes can also contribute and
help tie in a fabulous theme [Half Baked, Miso Bakes]

GORGEOUS
[pretty little wedding things]

   

If you're really creative, you can even
ombré the inside! [Style Me Pretty]



 
Try the ombré trend for BM dresses or even florals!  What color do you think this technique would look best in?  






What's Happening, Chicago (August 16)
1. Free Movie Tuesday, Sixteen Candles @ 7pm
2. Museum of Contemporary Art Farmers Market, Tuesdays 7am-3pm

FLASH

It only takes 0.1 seconds...are you ready?

WGIC is proud to be donating decor, including gorgeous florals from Chicago Flower Company, to the upcoming FLASH event, hosted by Dr. Steven H. Dayan.  Ticket proceeds benefit the Enhance Foundation http://www.enhancefoundation.org/.

Learn revolutionary ways to feel your best whenever the camera flashes. With exclusive insight from artist, surgeon and professor Steven H. Dayan, MD, FACS, discover ways to create a powerful first impression that teases the subconscious mind

An event of beauty and luxury you won’t want to miss!


August 18th, 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Elysian hotel 11 E Walton

For more information on the event and Dr. Dayan, to purchase tickets or for a list of what your $25 donation includes, CLICK HERE (or you can always email us, we will gladly direct you where to go!).  For the official invite, CLICK HERE





Hope to see you all there,

First Festival Weekend!

Because it's the first real festival weekend and because (fingers crossed) the temperature will consistently be above 65...we decided to dedicate today's post to this weekends festivals; see below!


June 4-5: June Jam
Showcasing the Arts to Engage & Inspire. Marking the end of the school year, the fifth annual Roscoe Village fest, held partially on the grounds of Audubon School, expands this year to feature two days of interactive rides, exhibits, live music and food.

Other links/information:
Metromix
Schedule


June 4-5: Do Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale

 

Other Links/Information:
Metromix

Event Overview
Line-Up
Price: $5 Donation



June 4-5: 57th Street Art Fair (FREE)
More than 250 artists showcase glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, wood, ceramics and fiber at the 63rd annual event, billed as the oldest juried art fair in the Midwest. The event is alcohol free and is Chicago’s oldest juried art fair in the streets of the historic Hyde Park neighborhood


Other Links/Information:
Metromix
History
Artist Search


June 4-5: SausageFest (NEW FEST! Formerly Lake View Music Fest)
The 10th annual event, formerly the Lake View Music Fest, just outside Wrigley Field gets a slight rebranding but still features live music, arts and craft vendors and food from area restaurants, specifically encased meats. Vendors include Bobak's Sausage Company, Paulina Meat Market, Chicago's Dog House, Murphy's Bleachers, Notolli & Son Italian Sausage Shop and Greek Delights.

Other Links/Information:
Metromix
For a list of vendors and festival line-up, click HERE

HAPPY FESTIVALLING (it's a word!!!!)

Makentake, etsy.com

I LOVE etsy.com, as I know many, many of you do as well.  I recently purchased a birthday banner from Jennifer Anderson of Makentake.  She was so great to work with, nice, knowledgeable, and super helpful.  I'm super excited to see how the Birthday Banner for an upcoming event turns out; I'll keep y'all posted :)

Broke-Ass Bride Needs our Help!

I love reading the Broke-Ass Bride blog (it's funny, helpful, novel, gorgeous, etc.!!), so when I read Dana's post today I was shocked (not to mention saddened).   Dana is suffering from the serious autoimmune disease, Uveitis AND a very rare deep-tissue form of a disease called Granuloma Annulare.

Read all about her condition and what she, and friends, are doing to help manage the overwhelming medical bills here and here.

Any amount you can donate, is very much appreciated!

WGIC on Etsy.com

Planning fabulous events gives us at WGIC the wonderful opportunity to exercise and express our creative sides.  And as much as I love Etsy.com, before yesterday it never dawned on me to put some of the items I've created for said fabulous events up on the equally fabulous site.

Well that all changed when I was rummaging through a storage closet yesterday and came across a few extra letters I created for Nayomi's First Birthday Party last Spring.  Because the letters make great, personalized favors for any child's birthday party we decided to make them available to everyone!  Visit our new 'Store' and view our Lovely Letters at Etsy.com to personalize your very own.

Don't have a birthday party coming up - don't worry - you can spell out your child's name for their bedroom/bathroom/playroom, spell your Family Name on the mantel or have just a first initial hanging from a bedroom door.

They're great for all over the house!

Love from the Thumb

I cannot stress how much I LOVE these guest book ideas. Holy Moly, cute!  I found these via celebrityweddingreporter.com and what a great way to change up the boring (albiet, traditional) old guest books that usually end up sitting on a shelf collecting dust.

Just can't get enough!

Two ways to buy: (1) As a Kit: includes a small tree print (of any deisign), a 4 pad ink set, customized display box, a fine tip marker, as well as a "Love Your Family Wreath" (Perfect for a shower or after wedding brunch!) - starting at $50.00 or (2) Just a Tree, starting at just $23.00. 

All trees printed on 30# paper, unless otherwise specified (see below!).



Kits inclue 4-pack Ink Set and fine tip marker



Small, Medium and Large sizes available

 

Love birds!! Sitting in a tree. CUTE!



Actual piece of wood, not paper - awesome!

 

Room for 50-100 Names, depending on how much you sqwish!

The best part is, instead of throwing a book on a shelf, you can frame these peices of 'art love' for everyone to see and for you and your significant other to admire for years to come. If purchased with a kit, Ricky and Ashley will aslo send you a 'how to' on how to frame your beautiful tree.

Check out all the styles, sizes and photos on etsy.com via Love from the Thumb.

Happy Casimir Pulaski Day!

As some of you may already know today is Casimir Pulaski Day, which honors a man who is considered a war hero in both the United States and in Poland.

We decided to share some background/info/stats/interesting information about Mr. Casimir Pulaski and his Special Day:

*Casimir Pulaski Day was declared in 1997 by the Illinois General Assembly

*The holiday is celebrated on the first Monday in March

*The holiday seeks to honor the heritage of Polish-Americans

*Chicago has the largest Polish population outside of Warsaw

*Casimir was believed to have been the person who saved General George Washington’s life in 1777.

*Casimir is known for his contributions to the U.S. military in the American Revolution by training its soldiers and cavalry.


*Pulaski died from wounds suffered at the Siege of Savannah on October 9, 1779.


*Chicago Public Schools, Cook County government offices, the Chicago Public Library, Springfield Public Schools, and state-wide public and private schools close on this holiday.



Hope all the chilies enjoyed their day off! Happy Pulaski Day y'all!

Invite Spotlight - Foosie Design

We love Having an early Spring wedding? Looking for simple, yet chic paper products to accent your big day?
Then our Spotlight Design is perfect for you.  The maggie & bradley features gorgeous curves with a soft, yet rustic look.  If you're planning an outdoor wedding in the mountains, these would be perfect!

[Source]


We can help you with all customizing; from your font colors to the weight of the paper, all for FREE!  If you are in need of Save-the-Dates, Place Cards, Menu Cards, Invites, etc. for your upcoming wedding, check out our website and click 'wedding'.





What's Happening, Chicago?    (February 26)
       1. International Kennel Club of Chicago - Show Times

Event Recap - Summer 2010 Series (3 of 3)

Steven Gross
Real Life Weddings

We know it's well into late winter and a whole new year, but we're still tickled to see these pictures! Thanks Nara and Raj :)

All photos by Steven Gross of Real Life Weddings







Steve Gross
Real Life Weddings





Steven Gross
Real Life Weddings





Steven Gross
Real Life Weddings





What's Happening in Chicago today?

We're starting a new feature here at WGIC, called 'What's Happening, Chicago?'.

At the end of 2-3 posts per week we'll include information about local parties, concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the city.  Let us know what you think.

Have an event you want us to include? Email us.

What's Happening, Chicago  (February 24)

       1. Ke$ha, House of Blues @ 6:30pm - Tickets

       2. Restaurant Week

Chicago Restaurant Week 2011

We love attending different events throughout the area, and one of our favorites is here, Restaurant Week!  Presented by the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, this year's event highlights over 200 restaurants offering special prix fixe menus around $22 for lunch and $33 to $44 for dinner.

While this isn't a traditional event (one day, one location), it is something that's fun to be a part of and something fantastic about our city. 

Chicago is known for it's delicious diversity and what better way to find a new favorite hot spot?!  Check out the Restaurant Week Blog for daily updates and reviews, look over participating restaurants' Menus and make your Reservations today.


Guten Appetit!

2011 Festival Schedule - It's Here!

[Source]

The 2011 Chicago Summer Festival schedule has been posted, and we're finding it hard to focus on anything else these days!

Who doesn't love a hot, sticky weekend with tons of places to go and foods to eat?!  Or being outside, enjoying all our great city has to offer?

It all kicks off with the Cinco de Mayo Festival May 6-8th. Check out the full list of festival dates HERE, and mark your calendars for some fantastic summer nights.

Happy ALMOST Summer-time everyone!

How To: Tissue Paper Flowers

Saving money is hard to do. But throwing a beautiful event does not mean having to break the bank. There are many ways to save a few dollar$ and impress your guests. We do have to admit, most of the time this does means putting in a little extra elbow grease - but that's the fun part!

One great way to remain under budget, fake flowers. Most hear fake, anything, and cringe. Not the case with Tissue Paper flowers. With so many different patterns, colors and sizes to mix and match, (as we like to say) the possibilities are endless. And with 100% recycled paper now available, you can honor your budget and our planet!

Supplies You'll Need

1.  Tissue Paper

2. Green Wire (stem)

3. Scissors

Here's our 'How To' to Perfectly Festive Flowers

1. Fold one piece of Tissue Paper accordion-style, each fold roughly 1'' thick

2. depending on the size of flower you want, cut accordion strip into segments (flowers shown are 4 segments per sheet of Tissue Paper)

3. Cut two 1/2'' slits in the middle of each segment

4. String thin wire through slits of paper, fold wire in half and twist wire to form 'stem'

5. Separate folds of the Tissue Paper using your fingertips in a back and forth pattern, molding into a beautiful flower

Happy President's Day

[Source]

Presidents' Day, originally known as Washington's Birthday, falls on the third Monday of February.  We hope you all have the day off and are enjoying our great city.




Events Happening Around Chicago (February 21)
         
          1.  Parkway Drive Preform - 5:30pm, House of Blues

Suggestion Saturday: Robot City Workshop

[Source]

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

[Source]

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

[Source]

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.

[Source]

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.

[Source]

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!