Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings, Inc.

Professional choreographer and wedding shoe designer, Angela Nuran,

will guide couples through simple rules and basic steps to turn

the agony of “de-feet” into the thrill of dance victory.

Monday, October 5th

White Chicago | 222 W. Huron Street

6:30 PM Champagne Welcome
Followed by 90 a minute dance class

Early registration is $50 per couple until September 25th.  Thereafter, $65 per couple.

Space is limited
Register by calling 773.929.7422 or email theleftbank@sbcglobal.net

No, not the kind you drink … Well, I actually do love to drink tea but I am talking about “High Tea,”  you know, the traditional English kind!  Nothing makes me feel more girlie and spoiled than having High Tea.  I even treated myself to an extra special High Tea at Harrod’s while on a short trip to London a couple of weeks ago.

Alas, I digress.

High Tea is a wonderful tradition of feminism and elegance.  It is a great way to spend some time with your girlfriends and feel pampered and extra special.  Now imagine combining it with wedding planning.  Well, CS Brides and The Palmer House are hosting just such an event on Thursday, September 17th from 4 pm – 6 pm.

The event will be showcased in The Palmer House’s newly renovated ballrooms (can we say fabulous?!) and you will be able to see the latest trends from Macy’s Bridal Salon.

Oh Indulgence!

You do have to purchase tickets to this event so make sure to call 312.917.3404 to reserve your spot.

Oh and all attending brides are eligible to win a two night stay at the Palmer House!

Pleasing a three year old princess is a big task!  We think this beautiful garden party did the trick, though.  The birthday girl’s only request was that we use the color yellow.  We did a little combo of yellow and shades of pink.  These beautiful pink peonies were from The Oak Park Farmers Market and we thought they would look great in some old jelly jars we had lying around.  And of course, no child’s birthday party would be complete without balloons.

Because this event was designed to please our smallest guests we thought it would be fun to put all the drinks inside a radio flyer wagon and, in our constant effort to be eco-friendly, the goodie bags were reusable.  The bags were, of course, labeled for each child with age-appropriate gifts inside, including a fantastic book, card games, stickers and tons of other birthday party must-haves.

The children had top notch entertainment from Ms. Tracey and Her Story Telling Glasses.  This is not your average storyteller (you know, the kind that read a book to the kids).  Tracey is an oracle storyteller and she is completely amazing.  The kids are transformed into whatever world she takes them.  Imagine seeing 20 little faces completely transfixed on one woman, and her bag of tricks!!

Of course no party is complete without cake, or in this case, cup cakes from Sweet Mandy B’s in downtown Chicago. As requested, we had some cup cakes with yellow frosting which the birthday girl claimed for herself.  And to top the afternoon off we finished with an ice cream sundae bar from Forest Park’s own The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor.  They brought several of their homemade flavors (made with organic milk) and tons of toppings. They even had fun hats for the kids.  I love The Brown Cow!!

Overall I would say it was a smashing success … Ahhh, to be three again!

Give me MORE!!!

I love my job.  There are very few professions where you get treated to such exceptional pleasures as gourmet cupcakes!  The entire office was giggly and gushy when MORE delivered their cupcakes.  We spent the first five minutes glassy-eyed over the pure beauty of them.  These are not just delicious treats, they are works of art.  I cannot imagine the hours and talent it took to make these beautiful things – and we were about to destroy them.

Destroy them we did, and thank goodness because they were so delightful and delicious!  Each cupcake is stuffed with a different filling sure to delight your taste buds.  We sampled nine different flavors and no one was able to select a favorite, they were all just too good. And to think, MORE offers more than 50 unique frosting flavors that are carefully paired with one of 25 different cupcake batter recipes; each cupcake offering has its own carefully crafted flavor profile and personality.  MORE is also the originator of the savory cupcake, while not for everyone they are really fun to experience and they may just blow your mind.  Consider this … Brie and champagne, BLT, and foie gras and cherry, as well as a line of cocktail-inspired cupcakes. These savory cakes stay true to the cupcake experience with unique and delicious flavor profiles.

MORE is a cupcake boutique that elevates the cupcake to new heights of decadence, showcasing lavish flavor combinations and couture styling. The MORE cupcakes shed the traditional swirls and sprinkles you are used to. These cupcakes have evolved into a sophisticated and luxurious indulgence to be coveted — the ultimate statement of style.  You can experience MORE for yourself at 1 East Delaware (State and Delaware,) in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood.  They offer pick up and delivery if you want a large order and, of course, they do special events and weddings.  Truly a fun way to make a unique and creative statement at your wedding or extra special occasion!