The first is OneWed, an excellent wedding planning resource and a really fun online destination for brides looking for new, exciting tips and also a little celebrity wedding planning gossip.  Heather was featured in the “savvy scoop” section of the OneWed Bridal Blog where her “Rule of Three” is discussed.   

The second is Northern Nuptials, a fantastic site for those of you looking to plan a destination wedding in Northern Michigan. The website is the most extensive listing of wedding sites, vendors and honeymoon locations in Northern Michigan.  It was really an honor for Heather to be asked to do their first guest editorial “how to make your guests feel at home during your destination wedding.”  The article and website have tons of details and information valid for lots of couples planning destination weddings, not just those in Michigan.

Be sure to check them out and don’t forget to let us know what you think!!

We thought the best thing to do was offer some free planning advice (free … Not a word I throw around often) on how to host a “Green” event.  Seriously, there are lots of things you can do to make your event a little more environment friendly ranging from the extreme (and often expensive) to the simple (sometimes free).

There are people out there that would tell you the number one way to cut back on your event’s eco footprint is to cut back on your guest count.  Yes, I agree that is a fact.  Actually, that is the number one way to cut back on your budget as well (my current and past brides are shaking their heads right now thinking “how many times have I heard that line before”).  But let’s assume that you have cut your list as much as possible and cannot bare the thought of removing anyone from your list.  Here are my suggestions to help your event stay as eco friendly as possible, there are plenty of low cost items, because no matter how much you love your Mother, you also love paying your mortgage!

1.) Ask your catering company to  not use any bottled water.  This will cut down on your bar costs as well as the amount of plastic and waste at your event.  In most places (especially Chicago) you probably have excellent tap water, so enjoy it!

2.) insure that your catering company recycles as much as they possibly can.  It only takes them a little extra time to recycle everything but it makes a serious impact on the environment.  You cannot imagine the amount of waste there is at a wedding.

3.) Provide transportation for your guests.  If they can “car pool” or take shuttles you provide, then there are far fewer cars out on the road.  Every driver counts!

4.)  Send Eco-Invites!  There are tons of companies out there producing recycled and eco friendly invitations.  Also consider sending evites for your rehearsal dinner and morning after brunch (sorry guys, I cannot get on board with sending electronic wedding invitations – call me old fashion).

Here are a few places to get recycled invitations but don’t forget to check locally as well! Shindig Invites and Invite Site.  There are a ton more but I like these two.  We even sell a selection of green invitations so just ask for them!

5.) Shop Local.  This can make a big difference!  The closer to home you shop the less fuel and energy go into getting items to you and your event.  Look for local jewelry and dress designers, work with local designers and printers.  Ask your caterer if they can find a local source for your food.  All of this can make a giant impact while keeping money in your community, now who does not need that?

6.) Have guests take home left over sweets or food.  Most catering companies are not allowed to let you donate left over food for health code reasons. In fact, most shelters and soup kitchens cannot take the food for the same reason, but that does not mean it should be thrown out or wasted!  Send it home with friends and family that are not traveling a long distance … Good sweets never go bad (at least not at my house, they don’t last that long!).

7.) Consider a green dress or a “designer Second”.  Here in Chicago I like to send people to Here Comes The Bride in Addison, or Wedding Belle’s in Barrington.  Not only are you making a good “green” decision but it is going to save some green in your pocket as well!  

You can also consider having your dress made with eco friendly fabrics, check out Olivia Luca,  Conscious Clothing (where they have tons of different things made out of hemp) and  Rawganique.

7.) Look for a LEED certified venues and hotels, they are hard to come by but they do exist.  In chicago you might want to check out  Hotel Felix, Hotel Arista, Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago Botanic Gardens, Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo (they have beautiful new wedding pavilions) or even any of the Chicago Park District locations!

Hotel Monaco Chicago, Hotel Burnham, Hotel Allegro Chicago, InterContinental Chicago, and the Talbott Hotel all recently received Green Seal certification, an environmental lodging standard with requirements in waste minimization, energyefficiency, water conservation, waste-water management, and green procurement.  Not bad choices either!

8.) Give some thought to your guest favors.  Our favorite is not giving one at all!  Instead consider making a donation to your favorite charity in honor of your guests.  They will love it and not have to drag anything home at the end of the night! 

If you simply must give an actual gift consider native seedlings, bamboo, or a plantable paper flower.

9.) Last but not least, simply consider the when and where!  If you are willing to have your event on a non traditional day (think Friday or Sunday) or at a non traditional time (breakfast, brunch or lunch) you will save tons of money and that is green all by itself!  One of my all time favorite events was a morning ceremony and brunch in W Chicago Lakeshore’s Altitude.

Just for fun here are some cool pictures from that event.

The coolest thing about The Enterprising Kitchen is that they provide workforce development and support services to women who are working toward self-sufficiency and economic independence. Within the context of a business where they manufacture natural soaps and spa products, women receive intensive workforce preparation and skills development including: paid employment, work and life skills training, individualized career planning, high school equivalency preparation, technology training, financial planning and a variety of other support services. Located in Chicago, the enterprise enables lower-income women who have been unemployed and underemployed to maximize their individual potential and move into sustainable employment after 6-12 months.

Only the finest ingredients and purest essential oils are used to ensure the best experience and value for customers. All products are manufactured in small batches onsite at the Chicago facility and each piece is signed by the woman who packages it. The Enterprising Kitchen represent the renewed ability for women participants to make better choices on the road to self-sufficiency as well as the opportunity for customers to choose to purchase these exceptional natural products, which directly support women. The Enterprising Kitchen is a member of the Fair Trade Federation. TEK products are sold in over 300 stores across the U.S., online and at TEK’s Chicago facility.

A few months back we were lucky enough to get a tour of the facility and meet some of the truly exceptional women who work on these amazing spa products.  It really is wonderful to walk through and see everything being made from scratch, smell the oils and sample to goods.  We had the hardest time choosing which item to put in the CS swag bag.  The body butter is as soft as silk and I swear you would love the bath salts but in the end we decided on the cold pressed soaps.  They smell amazing, last forever and really reflected the concept and image we wanted to present … “Wash away your worries with Greatest Expectations”.

Here are some pictures of The Enterprising Kitchen’s products.  If you are lucky enough to be attending the CS event please let us know how our give away measures up! 

Get inspired by other LILL brides. LILL Brides have designed custom handbags to coordinate with the bridesmaid dresses or to compliment the bridesmaid’s unique personality. With so many options available, you will be able to create perfect, one-of-a-kind bridal handbags for your special day. 

Call right away to make your appointment with a stylist.  This is a super fun thing to do with your bridal party and the end results totally rock!

If you have not been to LILL you really must check it out!

904 W. Armitage • Chicago, IL 60614

773.477.LILL (5455) 

 chicago@1154lill.com

Regular Retail Hours:
M  T  W  F  11-6:30     TH 11-8     SAT 11-6     SUN 12-5

** For the record, LILL always offers 10% off for bridal parties if you purchase five or more bags … and these bags are really fantastic!!

I am so excited to be able to share Darryl Norwood with you guys! He truly is fantastic and I just felt compelled to share him and his talents with you.  I hope you are all able to get healthy and have fun with Darryl like I have!  Be sure to read all the way to the bottom to see some special deals Darryl is offering the readers of this blog!!

Now I know drinking is not normally part of a “well balanced diet” but a glass of champagne never hurt anyone!

How long have you been training?

I have been training since 2000.

What made you get into personal training?

I have always been athletic.  I wrestled and played basketball in college but was too small to make the football team.  I always had people following me around asking questions and learning from me and I realized I was already training, so why not do it professionally

What kind of certifications do you have?

I have several certifications including, ISSA (Illinois Sports and Science Association) and Kick Boxing.  I am also stretch and CPR certified.  I am getting ready to  do sports agility certification.

For the record, I personally think the Stretch Certification is the one that pays off the most!  I think about that throughout my work outs and some days that is what gets me through – those stretches are the bomb!!

Where do you train?

I train at a club in Oak Park called B-Fit geared toward kids 8-18 and we also do one-on-one and group training there as well.  I am also able to come to your home or office. I am all about catering to my clients so just give me a date and time and I will be there!  I love to make house calls!

What your favorite thing about training?

I like helping people and I love to see the end result, the transformation.

Why do your clients stay with you?

I am a realist, I believe what you put in is what you get out of it.  But honestly, I really love what I do and I think it shows, it is a personal connection. 

What is your favorite healthy thing to eat?

I love grilled chicken.

What is your favorite unhealthy thing to eat?

Potato chips and beer – my two weakness!  Everyone has a weakness and the key is moderation and self control.

What’s the one movie you could watch over and over?

Independence Day with Will Smith.

What is your favorite band?

The Police.

This really is Darryl’s favorite band … Those of you who know me well may think he said it just for my benefit but alas he just has excellent taste.  Perhaps that is why we get along so well!

What is your favorite restaurant?

Table 52.

What is your favorite saying?

If it’s not hurtin’ it’s not workin’.

Be honest, what is your favorite thing about working with Heather from Greatest Expectations?

Outside of the coffee waiting for me when I get there, I truly enjoy our friendship.  It makes the “work out” seem like “play time”.

Darryl there is always a hot cup of coffee with lots of cream and sugar waiting for you at my house!

Here is a great picture of Darryl hard at work!!

Greatest Expectations Personal Training Special!!

Mention you saw Darryl on this and blog  and you get an extra special deal!!

Get your first session free at the location of your choice

Purchase a package of 10 or more session and get 5% off! (normal session price is $55 per person, per hour)

BRIDAL BOOT CAMP!!

Get your bridal party together and the Bride or Groom work out for free.  It is only $35 per additional person per session (at least three people required) or $25 per person per session (four or more people required)

LOVE BIRDS DISCOUNT!!

Bride and Groom work out together for $75 combined (a savings of $35 per session)

GROUP WORK OUTS!!

Two or three people $35 per session, per person

Four or more people $25 per session, per person

The 5% discount even applies to the above special rates!  These are some exceptional deals so don’t waste a second!

Call Darryl 312-485-0545 or 708-386-5011

Email Darryl trainerdarryl@gmail.com

Ok really, honestly, I feel like I know someone famous!! Teresa from Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique is a vendor we work with all the time (if you are an active reader of this blog you will know her name)!!  They make the most amazing cupcakes and while I have worked with Teresa since she first started doing special events cupcakes, she is now the owner of a fantastic little shop in the Loop and they are a smash success!!  Sugar Bliss does cupcakes for all types of events. We even used them for my four year olds birthday party last year (to the delight and enjoyment of the adults so relieved not to be eating a cupcake from Jewel).

She was invited to the White House for the signing of an Executive Order creating the White House Council on Women and Girls.

Below is the press release from The White House and also Teresa’s press release.  You can read even more directly from The White House.

President Obama today signed an Executive Order creating the White House Council on Women and Girls. The mission of the Council will be to provide a coordinated federal response to the challenges confronted by women and girls and to ensure that all Cabinet and Cabinet-level agencies consider how their policies and programs impact women and families. The Council will be chaired by Valerie Jarrett, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor, and will include as members cabinet-level federal agencies. The Executive Director of the Council will be Tina Tchen, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Public Liaison at the White House.

“The purpose of this Council is to ensure that American women and girls are treated fairly in all matters of public policy,” said President Obama. “My Administration has already made important progress toward that goal. I am proud that the first bill I signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act. But I want to be clear that issues like equal pay, family leave, child care and others are not just women’s issues, they are family issues and economic issues. Our progress in these areas is an important measure of whether we are truly fulfilling the promise of our democracy for all our people. I am confident that Valerie Jarrett and Tina Tchen will guide the Council wisely as its members address these important issues.”

The White House Council on Women and Girls will ensure that agencies across the federal government, not just a few offices, take into account the particular needs and concerns of women and girls. The Council will begin its work by asking each agency to analyze their current status and ensure that they are focused internally and externally on women.

In particular, the Council will work to enhance, support and coordinate the efforts of existing programs for women and girls. The Council will also work as a resource for each agency and the White House so that there is a comprehensive approach to the federal government’s policy on women and girls. The priorities will be carried out by working closely with the President’s Cabinet Secretaries and relevant agency offices that focus on women and families.

During its first year, the Council will also focus on the following areas:

• Improving women’s economic security by ensuring that each of the agencies is working to directly improve the economic status of women.
• Working with each agency to ensure that the administration evaluates and develops policies that establish a balance between work and family.
• Working hand-in-hand with the Vice President, the Justice Department’s Office of Violence Against Women and other government officials to find new ways to prevent violence against women, at home and abroad.
• Finally, the critical work of the Council will be to help build healthy families and improve women’s health care.

The White House Council on Women and Girls will meet regularly, and will serve as a forum for all involved agencies to focus on women.

Sugar Bliss Press Release

(CHICAGO) -Teresa Ging, the entrepreneur and baker behind Chicago’s fresh new Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique, was a guest at the White House on Wednesday, March 11, invited to take part in President Obama’s signing of an executive order to create a White House Council on Women and Girls.

Ging, a bright and savvy businesswoman who launched her first retail location in the Chicago Loop just two months ago, was in excellent company at the event, a celebration of International Women’s History Month. She was surrounded by senators, representatives and governmental advisors as well as the nation’s top female corporate and entrepreneurial talent, all chosen to attend for their exemplary work and achievements. 

The new Council on Women and Girls comprises heads of every Cabinet and Cabinet-level agency. “Its purpose is very simple: to ensure that each of the agencies in which they’re charged takes into account the needs of women and girls in the policies they draft, the programs they create, the legislation they support,” President Obama said in his address. He appointed former Chicagoan and senior administrator Valerie Jarrett to lead the council. Tina Tchen, another senior member of the White House staff, is the council’s executive director.

Ging knows well the career challenges women face; she successfully overcame hurdles of her own. Ging left a career in finance in 2006 to attend Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie program in Paris; when she returned to Chicago, she decided to pursue her entrepreneurial dream. “Because I was a woman, with a single income, a minority, and starting a business at a younger age, I faced obstacles at all stages of starting my business. But I just kept pushing forward and focusing on my goal…to ultimately open my own business and be successful.” 

Ging’s spirit and determination were acknowledged in Jarrett’s speech at the White House. “We are also joined by a successful small-business owner, Teresa Ging, the owner of Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique, from our hometown of Chicago. Teresa was helped along the way by the federally funded Women’s Business Development Center with counseling and financing,” Jarrett noted in her address.

Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique opened its first retail location in January 2009. The inviting, sophisticated shop at 115 N. Wabash Ave., between Macy’s and Millennium Park, serves fresh specialty cupcakes baked from scratch daily in the kitchen on-site, using only high quality, natural ingredients such as European cocoa, Nielsen Massey Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, and real strawberries, bananas and other fruit. Every extra-moist cupcake is decorated with the Sugar Bliss bloom, a blossom of rich, creamy frosting topped with a signature dot

The always-new menu includes breakfast cupcakes each morning and the famous Sugar Bliss frosting shot, a small cup with a Bliss bloom inside. Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique also offers mini cupcakes, 6-inch custom cakes, cupcake tiers, custom-colored frosting, cupcakes with custom logos and party-favor boxes. Guests can pair any treat with Sugar Bliss Signature Blend coffee, GuS Soda, milk, hot chocolate, tea or bottled water.  

Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique continues to offer delivery and catering services as well. Ging launched the catering and delivery side of the business in October 2007 and has expanded her client base with corporate customers, hotels, event and wedding planners and catering companies. Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique also has participated in a variety of local charity events, including Great Chef’s Tasting (United Cerebral Palsy) and Shopping for Wishes (Make-A-Wish Foundation), and will continue to contribute to Chicago charitable organizations. 

Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique is located at 115 N. Wabash Ave., at the intersection of Washington Street and Wabash in the Chicago Loop. Store hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Below is Teresa at The White House and a picture of the beautiful cupcakes she made for the  Inauguration.

Below is an extensive list of events, trunk shows and sales to help you find just the right thing for your wedding day!!

Stephen Yearick Trunk Show

March 13-14

At Dimitra’s Couture, 1011 N. Rush St. #3, 312.787.0920

For a gown fit for a princess, Stephen Yearick has exactly what you are looking for!

Renella De Fina Trunk Show

March 14-15

At Bella Bianca, 17W527 Roosevelt Rd., Oakbrook Terrace, 630.627.4027

Renella De Fina’s spring 2009 collection combines modern flair with the classic elegance of fine European silks and laces. Meet with a designer representative and receive special savings on your gown.  By appointment only. 

Francia Bridal Sample Sale

March 15-31

At Francia Bridal & Formal Wear Boutique, 47 S. Washington St., Hinsdale, 630.325.4100

From couture bridal gowns to chic bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride dresses, Francia Bridal offers 20 percent off all special orders. By appointment only. 

Weddings 826 Sale

March 16-22

At Weddings 826, 826 W. Armitage Ave., 1st Floor, 773.529.8871

Luck isn’t just for the Irish. Come try yours by drawing for a special discount and receive 5-15 percent off your purchase!

Erica Koesler Trunk Show

March 20-21

At I Do! I Do ! Wedding Accessories, 4704 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL, 773.907.8890

Amazing jewelry, headpieces, veils, and even, hats!! Here’s your chance to get gorgeous wedding accessories that don’t necessarily cost a fortune. Appointments preferred.

A tip from our friends at CS Brides: Mention CSBrides.com and earn 10% off a trunk show purchase.

Pronovias Trunk Show

March 27-28

At Dimitra’s Couture, 1011 N. Rush St. #3, 312.787.0920

Find the dress of your dreams in the Pronovias collection. Choose from elegantly modern, romantic or bohemian … What ever your style, Pronovias has a dress for you!

Veils and Vino at The Left Bank Jewelry

March 28-29

At The Left Bank Jewelry & Wedding Shoes, 1155 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, 773.929.7422

You already know this is one of our favorite spots … Don’t miss your chance to sip delicious wines served by Sommelier, J. Pinsler and become intoxicated by the gorgeous veil and jewelry accessory collection of Laura Jayne Bridal. Toronto based designer, Laura Patterson will personally be on-hand to showcase her luxurious veils, new hat trends and gorgeous bird cage veils, plus sophisticated hair gems and jewelry inpired by the latest trends. 

Brides will receive luxurious, Oscar-style swag bags filled with extraordinary gifts (Greatest Expectations has partnered with The Enterprising Kitchen for our extra special treat in the swag bag).

Thank you to CS Brides for allowing us to give away  free, VIP tickets to two of our lucky Brides and their guests!

We looking forward to seeing you there!

Proceeds to benefit the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

6pm-9pm.

Space is limited.

RSVP required by March 13th.

312-274-2508

Purchase tickets by going to www.csbrides.com

The gown is designed by Amanda Bonnell & Giselle Gophrani, this exclusive gown has layering options for two different looks, and alterations are included with the purchase.  Giselle (The infamous Dress Nurse and Designer) will be there from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

By Appointment Only 312.751.2222

I don’t have an image of this dress to show you because the event on Saturday is the big “unveiling”  … Once I get my hands on one I will update!!

Present the Renella De Fina, Ines Di Santo & Liancarlo Trunk Shows

RENELLA DE FINA 

March 13 & 14 | 10 AM – 6 PM
March 15 | 12 PM – 4 PM

INES DI SANTO 

March 27 & 28 | 10 AM – 6 PM
March 29 | 12 PM – 4 PM

LIANCARLO 

April 24 & 25 | 10 AM – 6 PM
April 26 | 12 PM – 4 PM

By appointment only 630.627.4027 don’t miss out!