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!!!!)

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!

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!

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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!

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!!!

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



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.

Chicagoween

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Looking for something to do with the kiddos for Halloween, or have guests in town?  The 14th annual Chicagoween is here.  Daley plaza is often transformed for the holiday season, and Halloween is no exception.  As in years past, Daley plaza becomes Franken Plaza complete with prizes, give-aways, hayrides, a performance by Midnight Circus and a costume contest (Oct. 30th 11am-1pm).

Have a contest you know will be a big hit?  CLICK HERE to officially enter the Chicagoween Monster Bash Costume Showcase and Contest.  Want the full schedule of events, CLICK HERE.

And the best part - it's all FREE1!

Franken Plaza (Daley Plaza) is located at:
              50 W. Washington St.
              Chicago, IL 60602
 
 
Have a Spooooktacular time!!

Suggestion Saturday: Farmer's Market

If you haven't been to a farmer's market lately, you are really missing out.  With markets set up in more than 20 neighborhoods across Chicago, five days a week, you're always able to find a market near by. 

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What: Chicago Farmer's Market

When: 5 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) from May 1st to October 31st

Where: In neighborhoods across the city; For a complete list, check out the official website here

Who: Anyone! Farmer's Markets are perfect for the entire family. Bring the kids, bring your dog, bring your friends. 

Why: The farmer's market is a great place to find fresh, local produce, baked goods, and more.  Planning a dinner party? Check out the market for the freshest ingredients. Need a gift for your sweetheart? Bring home a bouquet of gorgeous flowers.  Searching for a thank you gift for a hostess? Pick up a jar of local honey or potted herbs as a thank you.

Check out your local farmer's market this week. And if you've used farmer's market products to help with an event, send us an email at info@wevegotitchicago.com to share your story.

Suggestion Saturday: Yelp Summerfest Chicago

Check out Yelp's Summerfest Chicago next Friday for a taste (and sip) of what Chicago has to offer!

What: Yelp Summerfest Chicago 2010

When: Friday, August 6th 8:00-10:00 pm

Where: Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N Knox Ave)

Who: Anyone in the Yelp community, though with tons of brews to try, we think this is a 21+ kind of event

Why: Who doesn't love to try new things? Summerfest is a free event where you can try tons of brews and food from your favorite Chicago vendors and from new ones you haven't heard of before.  For more info, check out the official page here.

I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot!

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This weekend the Chicago History Museum celebrates wedding styles through the decades in the Windy City with I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot!  The event takes place on Saturday, May 22nd and opens to the public at noon. Here's a brief description of the event from the website:

The Museum's vast costume collection includes a stunning array of wedding attire—for brides, grooms, bridesmaids, and more—that reveals 150 years of fashion favored by Chicago couples. I Do presents forty-five dresses, plus accessories, corsets, men’s attire, and—after June 24—the winning dress of the FashioNext competition.

For more information on the exhibit, check out the website.

Tulips on the Magnificent Mile!

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If you haven't made it down to the Magnificent Mile lately, you only have a couple weeks left to check out the beautiful Tulips in bloom.  This amazing annual event livens up Chicago just as spring is arriving. It's breath-taking to see all the beautiful blossoms in an array of colors. And there's several Tulip-themed events planned for the month. Check out the official website for more information.

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Through this weekend only, you can check out the floral carpet, a true site to see! Or visit the Floral market, open every Thursday-Sunday for the rest of the month.

TGI Festival Season!

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This weekend Chicago kicks off festival season.  Summer may still be weeks away, but this is the official first day for us! For more information on these festivals visit the Metro Mix Chicago Festival Guide 2010.  Here's a list of the major festivals this season:

12th Annual Mayor Daley’s Kids & Kites

May 1

14 th Annual Celtic Fest Chicago

May 8-9 new location

26th Annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival

June 5-6

27th Annual Chicago Blues Festival

June 11-13

Bike to Work Rally

June 18

30th Annual Taste of Chicago

June 25-July 4

18th Annual Race to Taste

June 27

4th of July Fireworks Displays

July 4

52nd Annual Chicago Air and Water Show

August 14-15

32nd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival

September 4-5

22nd Annual ¡Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival

September 17-18 new location

20th Annual Chicago Country Music Festival

October 8-9 new location

What festivals are you planning on attending in 2010? We want to hear about your experiences. Leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite Chicago festival!

Not For Tourists: Chicago

Wednesday is the release party for the 2010 Not For Tourists Chicago Guidebook.  This book is great for so many people: long-time residents, college students, people who just moved here, people thinking about moving to Chicago, and yes, even tourists.  It's a great way to learn about all of the uniques neighborhoods Chicago has to offer and all of the amazing hidden treasures in each place.  NFT Chicago also makes a great gift, or you can just keep it for yourself!

For more info, check out the NFT webpage.  If you bring the ad, you can even get a FREE copy of the Chicago 2010 book. How sweet is that?!

Cakegirls Needs Your Help!

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A little over a week ago, the Cakegirls shop succumbed to a fire.  Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the shop is gone, destroyed. Nothing was salvageable.  As small business owners ourselves, we know how devastating this must be for Brenda and Mary. While we sympathize, we cannot begin to imagine what they must be going through. Our hearts go out to you. We wish you a speedy recovery through this.

Here's where you come in.  Visit the Cakegirls website, where you can purchase a Cakegirls t-shirt for just $20. Proceeds from the shirts will suplement the income of the shop employees while they rebuild.

For those of you not familiar with Cakegirls, if you've ever seen Food Network Challenge, you've probably seen Brenda and Mary. They are a sister team from Chicago and make some amazing cakes. Challenge is one of my favorite shows to watch, and I particularly love when they are competing. Their work is amazing, and they've won a couple times.  Their website doesn't have their portfolio on it right now, but check back again soon to see their impressive body of work.

Chicago Chef Week

It's time for Chicago Chef Week (running from March 22 - March 28) and we couldn't be more excited! If you're not familiar, Chicago Chef Week features 34 (amount varies by year) area restaurants that offer a special, preset lunch and dinner menu for $20 and $30 respectively. You choose from 2-3 options for each course (each restaurant offers between 3-5 courses), and some even pair beer or wine with the meal!

Chicago Chef Week is a great way to try out great, casual fine dining restaurants on a fixed budget. Check out the website chicagochefweek.com for links to menus to pick your favorite!

We liked: Mercadito (Lunch Menu - Dinner Menu). Just looking at the menu makes us salivate! Make your reservation NOW!

Bike the Drive

Have you dreamed of biking Lake Shore Drive without worrying about speeding, careless drivers?  Have you wanted to take in the beauty of Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan without worrying about keeping pace in a bike race or watching out for motor vehicles? Then this is your opportunity!  On Sunday, May 30th, you'll have your chance at the MB Financial Bank's Bike the Drive fundraiser for the Active Transportation Alliance.

Sign up online today to enjoy a $5 discount. The discount ends today, but registration is still possible for a while longer.  Or take advantage of a great opportunity to save $22 by registering for the Gold Package which include Bike the Drive, the Lakefront Boulevard Tour and a one year membership to the Active Transportation Alliance, complete with all the member benefits!

This is a great way to get active, see your city and kick-off your summer the right way! Plus, we love that it encourages people to opt for Earth-friendly modes of transportation!

Will you be participating in Bike the Drive or the Lakefront Boulevard Tour? Tell us about your favorite bike path through or around the city. Or share with us your favorite way to kick-off the summer!

Groupon

For those of you that subscribe to Groupon in the city of Chicago, today's deal is for one of our favorite places (and a recently featured Suggestion Saturday), 1154 Lill!


The Groupon deal will only run today and is good for $25 toward $50 Worth of Custom Handbags and More at 1154 Lill Studio.


Check it out, the deal is on!

TGI . . . Free!

Let's face it, being a fabulous party planner / gracious hostess takes a lot out of you (and you're wallet).  Every now and then we all deserve a much-needed break. Why not head on over to ChicaGO and find something cheap, even free, to do this weekend. Brought to you by the Office of Tourism for Chicago, ChicaGO gives you the low-down on all the great deals around town on food, entertainment, attractions and more. 

Or click on their freebies link to find places (like museums, etc) that are always free or have free admission days.  This is a great opportunity to see a side of your city you may not have seen in a long time. So call in sick, let the kids play hooky, and head out on the town to see Chicago as the tourists see it.