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!!!!)

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!

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! 

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.

Rockit with Project Rescue Chicago

Tonight we invite you to come out and support Project Rescue Chicago at Rockit in Wrigleyville! Project Rescue is an all-breed dog rescue based in Lincoln Park.  Alison, one of our planners, volunteers with them as a dog walker and event planner.  Tonight, PRC is hosting their most recent event at Rockit.

$20 gets you in the door and includes:

*$10 donation to PRC
*Wine and snacks
*Entry into the raffle

Bring your friends, family, coworkers, and well-behaved dogs!  The event begins at 6:30.  For more information, check out the PRC website.  When you support PRC, you support their mission:

We believe all dogs, no matter their breed or background, deserve the chance to live as pets. At PRC, we have made it our mission to prepare our rescue dogs for this opportunity through socialization with dogs and people, an introduction to good manners and basic obedience, and proper vet care. In addition, we feel it is just as important to empower our adopters with the tools necessary to continue what we have begun and strive to remain a resource to them for years to come!

And you support dogs like Joe (pictured above), who was shot because he wandered into the wrong yard.  Rest assured, Joe is in good hands now!

Taste of Lincoln

The Summer Festival Season continues!! 

This week's event: The Taste of Lincoln Avenue

One of the city's largest and most popular summer celebrations, the Taste of Lincoln Avenue will be celebrating its 27th year in 2010.

Taste of Lincoln Avenue began as a small neighborhood fundraiser and has grown to become the second largest street festival in the region. The event features 350 vendors and more than 40 music acts on five stages. Every music genre is represented: from blues and country to rock and folk. There's also a one-block kids' area with entertainment, pony rides, a petting zoo and much more!

Music highlights include the Freddy Jones Band, Journey Unauthorized, Otis Clay, Soul Asylum and Harper.


July 24 : 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

July 25 : 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Price: $7-$10 donation

For More Information and a Schedule of Events (including a listing of all musical acts on all stages) Click 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?!

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!

St. Patrick's Day March 17th

St. Patty's day is almost upon us (we still can't believe how fast this year has gone), and we want you to be prepared!  There are so many great ways to celebrate, even if you aren't Irish. Because the holiday falls on a weekday this year, the big parade falls on the Saturday prior (March 13th).

The Downtown Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade begins at noon on Saturday, March 13th.  But get there early to see the river died green. Or if you can't be there in person, check out this awesome stop motion video of the river changing its hue.



The South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Fest will also take place on Saturday, March 13th with activities for guests all ages.  Events will include food and live entertainment, as well as an array of contests.  Please see the above link for more information on the festivities.

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!

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.

Dinner and A Movie

Photo: Chicago Bites

We love all types of events here at WGIC. Big ones, little ones, and all those in between.  Most of the time all the hype surrounds big events because they're the ones that require the most time and effort. But what if you just want to go out with a few of your girlfriends or a night with your buddies? OR what about a low-key bachelor/bachelorette party? Or birthday/aniversary celebrations?

Well, do we have a suggestion for you.  We got this great idea from Chicago Bites (@ChicagoBites) and think it's fabulous:  Good food, cocktails and a movie - ALL in the same place!

Check out the great review that Chicago Bites posted on their blog not too long ago about the
Kerasotes ShowPlace ICON.

Christkindlmarket

Searching for fun activities in Chicago during the Christmas season? Have family and/or friends in town? Sightseeing yourself? Looking for a bit of culture!?  Well we've got just the event for you!

Christkindlmarket

Inspired by the Christkindlsmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which began in 1545, the Christkindlmarket Chicago brings a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to Chicago. Chicago's largest open-air Christmas festival was first held on Pioneer Court in 1996. By special invitation of Mayor Richard M. Daley, Christkindlmarket Chicago moved to Daley Plaza in 1997 and has become a staple event on the plaza ever since. Together with the support of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events (M.O.S.E.), Christkindlmarket Chicago has grown to become one of the most popular winter attractions in the heart of the city.

Days:     open daily until Christmas Eve

Times:  Sun. - Thurs.: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

                Fri. + Sat.: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Location: Daley Plaza between Washington (Clark & Dearborn Street)

Admission: FREE!

List of Vendors: Christkindlmarket Vendors

Gallery: Christkindlmarket Photos

Lifestyle Center Preview Party Tonight

The TEAMiFIT/PHD Lifestyle Center Preview Party is TONIGHT from 5:30pm to 9:00pm at 676 N LaSalle. The event is open to the public and FREE - so bring your friends!

WGIC couldn't be more excited; we had such a blast during the planning process and met so many great people. We are so proud of Amy Leffel of TEAMiFIT and Doc Rob of PHD - you guys did an amazing job pulling this together!

Join us if you can and enjoy great music, dancing, messages by Massage Envy, Larabars, Sambazon, hot shaves by Halo, food by Cocoro and Cousin's IV, live Zumba demos, and SO much more.

Come check out the space for workout classes - OR - for your next event!

Be sure to check back here soon for pictures and the Event Recap.

Boulevard Lakefront Tour

As you know WGIC planner, Katie Karakosta, is participating in the Boulevard Lakefront Tour today! She will be biking 25 miles on a route that features Beverly's Longwood Drive, the Major Taylor Trail, many bungalow neighborhoods, historic Pullman, a rest stop at Pullman's Hotel Florence.

Boulevard Lakefront Tour proceeds benefit the Active Transportation Aliance, Chicagoland's voice for better biking, walking and transit.


Leave Katie a comment and wish her luck!

(check back soon for pictures!)

Celebrate the Fork

WGIC has the pleasure of attending a cooking party tonight to celebrate the Fork! How cute!
The party is being thrown by Savor Agency and will be held at Bespoke Cuisine.





Check back tomorrow to see how it went!