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!

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! :)

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!

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.

Suggestion Saturday - Foosie Design

As many of you know, WGIC has partnered with Erin over at Foosie Design to bring our customers her brilliant and adorable work.  We wanted to highlight Erin's work on our Suggestion Saturday AND announce a great summer deal!!

What: Paper products from designer, Erin Frano of Foosie Design.  WGIC carries ten (10) separate Wedding designs ("Maggie and Bradley" suite pictured above - like everything but the font, don't worry you can change that for FREE. Same goes for the colors, we can tailor them to your color scheme at NO CHARGE!!), each include the following products:
■Save the Date & Envelope (single, double-sided or post card)
■Return address labels
■Wedding Invitations & Envelope
■Reply Postcards (single or double-sided)
■Invitation Inserts (single or double-sided)
■Programs (assembled or unassembled)
■Menu Cards
■Place cards
■Table Numbers
■Personalized Stickers (for envelopes, welcome baskets, etc.)
■Thank You Cards & Envelopes (note cards or folded). 

 *PLEASE NOTE* these products do not come in a set. You can pick one, two or all from the list above, it's entirely up to you!

Why: Because ■Foosie Design Stationery is printed on FSC-certified papers containing 100% post consumer recycled fiber, that is manufactured entirely with 100% certified renewable energy, made carbon neutral, and processed chlorine free. ■Foosie Design Stationery is printed with an energy star efficient digital printer, using recycled toner cartridges. ■Any off-cut paper left behind after a print run is re-used as scrap paper, made into informal note cards, or recycled. ■Rather than having a scheduled FedEx pick-up, Foosie Design makes daily runs via bike to the local FedEx hub to minimize the amount of fuel waste produced during the shipping process. ■And because they are unique, affordable, and fun. I love when all paper products for a wedding match (not only invites, but tables numbers, place cards, thank you notes, programs, menu cards, etc.).  It just makes the event look more put together and classic.
When: WGIC carries both the Wedding line and the Baby line. Erin has also graciously offered to customize a wedding invite and transform it into a shower or bachelorette invite (or really any event that needs an invitation will do!). So any time is a good time for a Foosie Design!
Who: This one is easy, ANYONE!
Where: Foosie Design Headquarters (Erin Frano!) are located in Oregon and brought to you locally by WGIC. Call or email us today to set up an appointment to see (and touch) all 10 Wedding Suites and/or the Baby Collection.

Summer Deal: We're ready to turn up the heat Chicago, and offer you 20% off what Foosie calls 'Event Decor.'  That means everything but the Wedding Invites!! Act fast, because as you natives know, summer in Chicago doesn't last long.

Suggestion Saturday - JoAnn Fabrics

This may seem odd for a Suggestion Saturday, but the possibilities are endless for what can be created with supplies from JoAnns!

What: Craft store with supplies ranging from thread and sewing machines to fake flowers, paint and scrapbooking materials.
Where: Closest one to us is in Riverfront Plaza, 2639 N Elston (just north of the Damen/Fullerton intersection).  But check here for the one closest to you.
When: I find stuff at JoAnn's for every single event. Sometimes it's something very small, and other times the entire event comes together with materials I've purchased from this store! Try making a 'Build Your Own Garden' kit for a kid's party, or letter favors to personalize your gifts, or even making your own invitations.  Ribbon dresses up any annoucement, put together a gift basket for friends coming in town, or for your upcoming wedding.
Why: Because it's always fun to be creative - and you never know what great idea you can come up with...and they always have sales!
Who: All Agesa

Suggestion Saturday - DuChamp Restaurant

Suggestion Saturday is back! We've been busy here at WGIC and unfortunately Suggestion Saturday took a hit...but fear not, it has returned!

DuChamp Restaurant: Affordable Outdoor Fine Dining

What: Bucktown's finest. A collaboration between chef Michael Taus and the guys behind Lumen (Jason Freiman, Peter Gogarty and Nick Podesta), DuChamp features delicious food with a French twist. All very reasonably priced, and artfully presented.

Where: 2118 North Damen Avenue (Just north of Armitage on Damen) - (773) 235-6435

When: While the indoor space is small, the outdoor patio more than makes up for it. We suggest visiting during the summer months.

Why: We are currently planning a 30th birthday party at DuChamp.  It's a small, intimate get together with passed hor' devours (personal sized ice cream sandwiches included!) and a drink package.  With long, over-sized tables, the patio is also great for rehearsal dinners or a pre-bachelorette party dinner.

Who: For our event the guest list includes all adults and we'd suggest keeping it that way for yours. Good for first dates, birthday bashes, or just an evening with the girls!

Suggestion Saturday: Cortland's Garage

Party at Cortland's Garage

Looking for a hot spot for your bachelor/bachelorette party? Or maybe to celebrate your engagement, or birthday, or job promotion?


What: Local Bucktown bar with great food and drink specials and private rooms for your next big or small event. Mouthwatering food is prepared by professional chef, Jim August (Cortland's was honored with #10 burger in all of Chicago by Chicago Magazine Sept, 2009), and can be ordered in platters for larger events. Already have a venue for your event, but need a place for the recap the next day? Try Cortland's Hangover Brunch, complete with a $5 Build your own Bloody Mary Bar and $5 Mimosas. Believe us, the brunch menu is DELISH!

Where: 1645 West Cortland Street (773.862.7877)

Why: To celebrate, commiserate, eat or even nurse a hangover!

When: We would say anytime.  Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are the best for larger, more rowdy events, but if you're looking to keep it low-key any other day would work.  Sundays are also great with the Bloody Mary Bar at your disposal!

Who: Anyone over 21

Suggestion Saturday: Daffodils Flower Shop

With Spring not so far away, our minds are on: Daffodils

What: 'Daffodils' Flower & Gift Shop

Where:  1935 W Armitage Ave (Bucktown, just east of Damen) 773.276.1000

Why: Because of their quality.  WGIC has used Daffodils several times for events (and even a few times for personal bouquets) and we've never been disappointed. The owner, Michelle, is very helpful and always willing to work with a fixed budget; and she's super creative with her arrangements. You won't be disappointed!

When: For your next event or just to brighten your day! Their flowers are always fresh and beautiful. 

Who: Anyone, anytime!

Suggestion Saturday: Bleeding Heart Bakery

We're sorry for the late post today: but it's definitely worth the wait! - check out the

Where: 1955 West Belmont Avenue (Damen and Belmont) 773.327.6934

What: Local, organic and sustainable Punk Rock Bakery.

Why: Number one, because their treats are delicious. Number two, they're a green business: they use local, organic and sustainable ingredients to provide amazing and thought provoking pastry. Number three, they consider everyone: vegan versions are available for many of their popular treats (and they're just as good, too)

When: Anytime desert is needed. They do wedding cakes, cupcakes, cake balls, brownies, muffins, you name it. If you're thinking of a desert table, this would be a great spread. Do you have to consider gluten free guests? No problem, they do that too.  We're actually going there tomorrow to pick up some vegan brownies for a Thank You gift for a friend!  

Who: For Everyone, vegan or otherwise.

Suggestion Saturday: 1154 Lill

Customize with 1154 Lill

Where: 904 W. Armitage (west Bucktown/Lincoln Park)

What: A Custom Handbag shop! You choose your style bag, color and types of fabrics, and viola! Throw a party in your own home, order online, or visit the store - the choice is yours! And all bags are sewn and assembled right here in Chicago! How great!

Why: Because what woman doesn't need another purse? Choose from pre-made designs, or get crafty and create one all your own. Mix and match colors and fabrics. Make a make-up bag or a duffle!

When: When isn't a good time to go to 1154 Lill is probably a better question! We love this idea for brides who are looking to spend some quality time with and give something special to their bridesmaids. They're in your wedding for a reason, right? So show them with a beautifully personal and down right adorable event and gift. We also recommend 1154 Lill for just about any other occasion: young woman's birthday party (ages 12-16), woman's birthday party, low-key bachelorette party, or just because you and your girlfriends need a new, fabulous bag!

Who: For the ladies, young and old!

Suggestion Saturday: Vosges

V is for Vosges - Haut Chocolat

Where: 951 W. Armitage (at Sheffield) in Lincoln Park

What: Chocolate heaven!

Why: Because who doesn't love chocolate? Gift boxes are available in all different sizes, from 2 or 4 pieces to 32; perfect for any size or type of event. Hand pick your flavors or let the experts do the work. Because they are committed to helping preserve our planet (see below). And because edible favors always provide less waste!

When: We feel any time is a good time for chocolate, but the great thing about Vosges is that they have a great event space inside the Lincoln Park boutique location. With an amazingly ornate 12 seat table in the middle of the space and a full kitchen in the back (did I mention they do shakes and coffee drinks too! YUM!), this is a perfect place for a low-key bachelorette party, classy birthday get together, or just a fun night with the girls! If you're just interested in favors for your events, don't worry they do that too.

Who: We suggest going with your girl friends to nibble quality chocolate and sip champagne, but we don't completely rule out the boys. With many fun (and delicious) aphrodisiac-infused options, having a couples event could be fun!!

Another reason to love them (in their own words)!!

MANUFACTURING GREEN
— We are powered by wind! Vosges Haut-Chocolat is proud to announce that our chocolate is produced using 100% renewable energy. Our boutiques in Chicago, New York and Las Vegas also run on 100% renewable energy. Learn more at www.renewablechoice.com.

PACKAGING GREEN
— At Vosges we are continuously sourcing sustainable and biodegradable options for our packaging.

— All of our candy bar boxes and folding cartons are made from 100% recycled paperboard and are recyclable.
— We use PLA (a plastic made from cornstarch that is compostable) for any plastic boxes and lids.
— We use paper that is at least 10% post consumer/recycled for all printed materials, including press folders, insert cards and wraps. Whenever possible, we use vegetable and soy based inks for printing.
— Our purple boxes are made from 100% recycled material.

And because of all that, they get our

Social(ly Responsible) Butterfly stamp of approval!

Suggestion Saturday: Galleria UNICO

Galleria UNICO is a small, intimate venue located in the heart of the loop

at 44 East Superior Street. 

In their own words

 "Galleria Unico is an exciting commercial and private event space, established to provide clients with with an intimate alternative in today's contemporary, corporate, and domestic environments. Opened by Dominic Gaziano & Corey Sanford, with experience exceeding 15 years in the Events & Entertainment Industry, we believe we have the creative and administrative recipe to meet any clients needs and expectations."

Lighting/Music:
Galleria Unico can be equipped with onsite technitions to assist in all your AV needs. Complimentary Wi Fi and phone access is also available.  For events larger than 20 guests they recommend one of their House DJ's or a remote sound system provided by their partner Music Masters Entertainment.

Other Services:
UNICO is equipped with all kinds of furnishings, Tables & Chairs, Draipery, Linens, Audio Visual, Entertainment, Video, Photography, Catering, Valet, Staff, and more. Visit their website for more information on pricing, available dates, floorplans, and more!

Suggestion Saturday: Introduction

We're starting something new here at the WGIC Blog - and it's called:

Suggestion Saturdays 

What

A spotlight on an local area business that we think is worth checking out.  This can be a restaurant, venue space, hotel, paper store, etc.

When

Every Saturday

Why

We have some good ideas, and we're good at sharing

Where

 Right here!! 

So check back every Saturday, starting next Saturday, January 30th.