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!