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CHICAGO BEARS ISRAEL IDONIJE AND JERRY AZUMAH “LAUGH OUT LOUD” FOR CHARITY

…PLUS RICHARD DENT SHARES A SECRET, NORTHWESTERN STUDENTS’ EARTH SAVING PROJECT, CRYSTAL’S BIG HEART, NICOLE’S BRIDAL TIPS, A HOMETOWN DESSERT FIT FOR A PRESIDENT, PAMELLA AND DAN MAKE SOME PLANS, A SECRET PARTY (WELL, NOT ANYMORE!), THE LYRIC TAKES YOU TO PARIS, WOMEN DRIVING EXCELLENCE AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
1 - Co-hosts Jerry Azumah and Israel IdonijeA cold and rainy night didn’t keep the crowds from packing the house at the hot River North nightclub, Untitled, for the second annual Laugh Out Loud comedy show on January 29th. Chicago Bear Israel Idonije and former all-pro Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah teamed up to benefit 2 - Leon Rogerstheir respective charities for a night that included some of the top comedic talent around. Jerry’s charity, the Azumah Student Assistance Program (ASAP) Foundation, develops innovative and unique programs and charity events designed to raise funds for 3 - Glam girls at Untitleddisadvantaged students. Israel’s charity, the Israel Idonije Foundation, inspires underserved communities by providing 4 - Basketball great Antoine Walkerprograms focused on social and emotional life skills. Together, these great superstars created an evening that all those in attendance won’t soon forget. By the end of the night, my sides hurt from 5 - Ali Claytonlaughing so much at the show’s co-hosts WGCI’s Leon Rogers and Brian Babylon, along with featured comedians Damon Williams (of BET’s "Comic View" who also served as the opening act for the 6 - Kelley Speck (R) and cute friendlegendary Kings of Hollywood Comedy Tour), Adrienne Irmer (Perri’s darling daughter), Ali Clayton, Tony Scolfied, Ron Baker, Jr. (handsome brother of Ryan), Mitch Hurley, Erica Clark and Willie Lynch. The fun-filled 7 - Ron Baker, Jr.night began with a VIP reception in the club’s exclusive bar area behind the main stage. Here, guests got a chance to meet the hosts and mingle with the comedians as well as enjoy a fabulous buffet. I covered the event for 9 - Damon WilliamsCandid Candace Chicago (on Watch312.com) so stay tuned for all of the evening’s fun captured on video as well as great interviews with the hosts and the many sports stars in attendance. Seen on the scene were Antoine Walker, Trista Phillips, Jason McKee, 8 - Idonije Foundation’s Kendra Fogarty and Sharbel ShamoonKelley Speck, Erica Clark, Nina Chantelle, Les Coney, Alayna and DC Crenshaw, KISS-FM’s Angi Taylor and Saran Dunmore to name a few. To learn more about these wonderful charities, please visit www.israelidonije.org and www.theasapfoundation.org. Congrats Izzy and Jerry and thanks for all you do to make the world a better place. 🙂 (To see more pics from this fun-filled evening, please click here!)

 
1 - Richard Dent & Fred MitchellLegendary Chicago Bear, 1985 Super Bowl MVP and Class of 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Richard Dent was the featured guest speaker at the Union League Club reception and luncheon held on January 29th. Richard was there to discuss his RJ, Shiloh & DeEtta Jonesbook, "Blood, Sweat & Bears," written with veteran Chicago Tribune sportswriter Fred Mitchell. After lunch, Fred interviewed Richard as he recounted stories in the book and playing football for the fiercest, most dominant defense in NFL history AND playing the game before violent helmet-to-helmet 3 - Richard giving his speech at Pro Football Hall of Fametackles were forbidden. He spoke about growing up in a family with nine kids and having a mother who did whatever it took to make ends meet. Richard asked the audience, “How many of you have seen the movie, ‘The Help’? That was my mom and she made the best 4 - Fred Mitchell, Margaret O'Connor, Sheila Dorman, Richard Dentbiscuits around.” Fred fielded questions from the crowd and as the luncheon came to a close, Richard shared this with the audience, “You are the first to know I will be carrying the Vince Lombardi trophy onto the field at Sunday’s Super Bowl game!” Two 5 - Richard and his son RJ at the premiere of The Karate Kidguests at the luncheon who sat with Richard and Fred at the Author’s table were Sheila Dorman (Sr. VP and COO of Northern Trust) and Margaret O’Connor (the producer of Richard’s pre-induction Hall of Fame celebration at Carnivale for 450 people). Sheila and Margaret also traveled to Canton, Ohio, for Richard’s induction into the Hall of 6Fame in August 2011. (Our beloved photog Steve Starr also made the trip and would be so pleased to know that his photograph of Richard’s children RJ and Shiloh and long-time girlfriend DeEtta Jones is in the book). To purchase "Blood, Sweat & Bears!", please click here!
 
1 - Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky congratulates NU studentsWater is one of the most important elements on earth and an exciting new documentary, “Water Pressures,” a film that features Northwestern University students and desert villagers in water-distressed Rajasthan, India, 3 - “Water Pressures” executive producer-director Bill Natalewill premiere on March 20th at the Wilmette Theater (1122 Central Ave).  Produced by Artistic Circles’ Ann Feldman, the film is hosted by "Entourage" star Adrian Grenier and directed  by Bill Natale (executive producer for Illinois Centers for Broadcasting and Watch312.com), 2 - On location in Rajasthan, Indiawho also served as the associate producer of the doc. The story demonstrates how understanding, education and collaboration can lead to sustainable solutions, particularly between developing and developed countries. Based on the relationships created by the documentary, Northwestern is now setting up a research site in the desert at the Jal Bhagirathi Foundation to study and 5 - Rajasthan, Indiaassist with desalination and water-related diseases. “Water Pressures” premiered at the Chicago 4 - NU students attend forum on global water crisis at NU CampusSouth Asian Film Festival, winning merit awards for a video for social change. It has been translated into Hindi with plans to be broadcast in India as well as on public TV stations nationwide beginning March 20. “Water Pressures” is presented by WTTW Chicago and will be nationally distributed by American Public Television. Enjoy this three-minute trailer and congrats to all involved for creating this eye-opening film!
 
Astrologer Jolie EvansI don’t know how many of you consult an astrologer from time to time but I have a wonderful woman who even gives readings over the phone based on your info! Jolie Evans has been in the business for a long, long time and her reading for me from last year was so precise that I just had to share her info with you! Anyone interested, please email jolieevans@live.com and tell her Candid Candace sent you! 🙂
 
Nicole Jacob DelehantyHuge congrats to one of my very favorite makeup artists, Nicole Jacob Delehanty! She is featured in this month’s issue of Town & Country Weddings, which showcases hair and makeup pros who travel to destination weddings. Anyone lucky enough to nab Nicole will certainly look her very best on her special day! Congrats to this gorgeous, Scan0001talented new mom who looks more beautiful than ever! Here are her five top tips for wedding makeup: 1.) Wear individual fake lashes, they draw attention to the eye 2.) Add shimmer to foundation for a natural luminous healthy glow, 3.) Enhance your features but don't mask your face with makeup, 4.) Bronzer is super important all the time – heathy color, and 5.) Light pink see through lip gloss is feminine and beautiful! (Unless of course you prefer Candid Candace Coral from CAMP Cosmetics, LOL!) For wedding makeup inquiries, please call Cathy at 312-961-6588 and to book appointments for makeup or brows, contact the Paul Rehder Salon at 312-943-7404. 

Hef and CrystalHef’s leading lady, Crystal Harris Hefner, is auctioning off her wedding dress from their nuptials in honor of Hef’s longtime and much-loved assistant, Mary O’Connor, who recently passed away. Given that Mary was responsible for helping H
ef and Crystal reconcile and eventually marry, Crystal has decided to put her pink, strapless, mermaid-style Romona Keveza gown up for auction along with her Aruna Seth pumps to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. (This is the disease that recently claimed Mary’s life.) The auction ends February 11th. Click here to bid! What a loving gesture Crystal!

 
Dan and Pamella DeVos (Roland)Stylish fashion designer Pamella Roland – who has been the featured designer for The Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails – will be spending more time in Chicago and wants her husband Dan to stay busy! Daniel DeVos, son of billionaire Richard DeVos of Grand Rapids, Michigan, just opened a Ford Dealership west of McCormick Place at 2401 S. Michigan Ave. Since buying a home downtown, Pamella hopes to spend more time in the Windy City and we  couldn't be happier to hear this good news! Welcome to Chicago, Pamella and Dan!!
 
1 - The Schulmans and their Eli’s Cheesecake at the InauguralMore Chicagoans making a national impact include the delightful owners of Eli’s Cheesecake, Maureen and Marc Schulman: This year marks the fourth inaugural cake that Eli’s has been invited to create! Both of former 2 - Kori, Haley and Elana Schulman at the Inaugural Balls wearing LuLu’s at the Belle KayPresident Bill Clinton’s inaugurals and President Obama’s 2009 Commander-in-Chief Ball all had giant Eli’s cheesecakes! This year’s 500-pound creation was served at the Staff Ball after Tony Bennett 3 - Eli’s Executive Pastry Chef Laurel Boger places the Statue of Freedom atop the edible Capitol Dome (all chocolate chip cheesecake)and Lady Gaga performed. The President, First Lady, Vice President and Second Lady were also in attendance. Maureen says, “It was a cheesecake frenzy!” The cake also appeared on the Jumbotron much to the delight of the Schulmans! Also in attendance were Eli’s executive pastry chef 4 - Marc Schulman looks on as Inaugural CEO Stephen Kerrigan (front) and Inaug. Exec. Dir. David Cusack cut the cakeLaurel Boger (who decorated the big cake in the kitchen of the Washington Convention Center), Schulman daughters Haley, Kori and Elana (who all wore glam dresses and 5 - Pep rally with Eli’s bakers before the cheesecake left for Washington, DC.exquisite jewelry from LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, no doubt styled by its chic owner Laurie Davis). What a thrilling opportunity for this Chicago institution, Eli’s Cheesecake!! Congrats to Maureen, Marc and all the little Schulmans! 
 
Women Driving Excellence invite finalI’m so excited to be a featured speaker for Women Driving Excellence, an inaugural event at the Chicago Auto Show on February 12th. In celebration of "women who start, accelerate
, fuel and steer others to strive for excellence," MJ Tam and Beth Rosen (ChicagonistaLIVE social talk show), Monika Dixon, Debi Lilly, Elisa All, Jill Saltzman, Saya Hillman along with the Chicago Tribune, Red Eye and Cars.com will partner to co-host this exciting event. Featured speakers/honorees include Corri McFadden (eDrop-Off founder), Genevieve Thiers (founder of Sittercity.com), Luvvie Ajayi (AwesomelyLuvvie.com), Anupa Singla (Chicago Now blogger and former CLTV news broadcaster), Karen Weigert (City of Chicago Chief Sustainability Officer) and ME! 🙂 Giveaways will be offered throughout the event and will include iPad Minis, spa services, hotel stays and many more! The day’s thrilling activities will begin at 10 a.m. – to see all details and to RSVP, please click here! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

 

1 - With Sargent McCormick (2nd from R) with friends at Pump Room

With Sargent McCormick (2nd from R) with friends at Pump Room

I received a very unusual invite for the 108th Twelfth Night Masquerade. What the hell is this, you ask? I know, I asked myself the same question so I googled it: It turns out this is a very exclusive party (by invite only and, by this I mean only you and not your spouse or a plus-one which irritated me to no end). However, my natural curiosity got the best of me so I just had to go. From what I discovered, this event was founded in 1905 by Bill Gamble (of Procter & Gamble fame) and his high-society cohorts, who banded together to break up the doldrums of winter in Chicago by inaugurating the Widow & Widowers Ball. From the start, it was a party with an irreverent twist: Gamble and company drew up a list of all the couples in their social circles, decided which member of each couple they deemed the most fun and invited that person alone to attend the ball. By 1920, this rule was relaxed – no doubt because of the outrage from the other partner – and the name was changed to The Twelfth Night Masquerade. Billy Gamble died in 1921 but the party continues as his lasting legacy to Chicago social life. Twelfth Night 2 - Clemente Dadoo from the University of Chicago and Thomas Love from Northwesternhas been a fixture on the Chicago social calendar for more than a century and for many remains a family tradition with current guests, their parents and even their grandparents in attendance. In order to receive an invite, you must be known to the Committee of Twelve. Oh, and the evening was also a celebration of charming Sargent McCormick’s 30th birthday. 🙂 I could only attend the pre-party cocktail get-together at the Pump Room but the party hit its zenith later with 600 guests in costume in the Gold Coast Room of the Drake Hotel. No press allowed…oops, there goes next year’s invite! 😉 Their motto: Let good taste prevail to no avail. Their rule: No equestrians or mounted pedestrians. 
 
Ladybug_Bash_final-01-19-13I love this event that benefits Atia’s Project Ladybug.  On March 23rd, HGTV host and “hottie-with-a-heart” Dina Manzo will host the third annual Ladybug Bash to benefit Comer Children’s Hospital at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington St. Tickets begin at $65 and will help raise awareness for this non-profit which aims to ease the struggles of childhood cancer. Please come out for the fun and be inspired by this great cause!
 
Lyric Save the DateThe Lyric Opera wants to take you to Paris! On February 9th, the Lyric will present the Fantasy of the Opera: Midnight in Paris. The Civic Opera house will be transformed into 1920’s Paris with the lower-level Opera Club morphing into the Moulin Rouge, the foyer and mezzanine levels will become the “Streets of Paris” with French gourmet Lyric venue scenesamplings and spectacles, the Cabaret will showcase stars of the Lyric’s winter productions performing non-opera repertoire and will include singers Jamie Barton, David Cangelosi, Elizabeth Futral, Amanda Majeski, Ana Maria Martinez, Lucas Meachem, Albina Shagimuratova and Andrea Silvestrilli. Event chairman Courtney Rosen (who will be wearing a chic gown by Atelier Azza) promises this will be a very unique experience! Dance music will be provided by big band Rendezvous! For tickets, beginning at $275 and more info, please click here! Ooh la la!
 
1 - Lynne Jordan sings Nina Simone wearing a chic gown by designer Reggie NewportCongrats to beloved cabaret star Lynne Jordan and her hot band, The Shivers!  Her sell-out show, which channeled Nina Simone, was a huge hit at City Winery last month and her recent show at Davenport’s, a tribute to Janis Joplin, was also a 2 - Lynne Jordan & the Shivers at City Winerysell-out! There's nothing this woman can’t sing and Roger Ebert said so in a recent tweet to his almost 800,000 followers! Don’t miss another show from this Chicago treasure!
 
Win black history eventThe Black History Month Innovation Panel will be hosted by the Women’s Innovation Network on February 19th at the International House at the University of Chicago. Panelists will include beloved PR queen Dori Wilson (Dori Wilson Public Relations), Jetta Bates (award-winning marketing expert and creator of JettaSetting), Makeba Kedem-Dubose (artist, curator and art educator) and Dawgelene Sangster (author and founder of Think Royally Inc.). Moderator, and another Chicago treasure, will be NBC’s LeeAnn Trotter. For tickets and more info, please click here.
 
2007 champion Dan PonceDancing with Chicago Celebrities is an annual star-studded charity ball presented by Arthur Murray to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer. Over the last seven years, the ball has raised more than $800K which has been donated to deserving charities who champion this cause. The 8th Annual Dancing with Chicago Celebrities will take place March 8th Val Warnerat the Hyatt Regency and will include beloved WGN’s Dina Bair (I’ve seen this woman dance at Newsapalooza and I hope the other competitors are rehearsing NOW!), WBBM-TV’s Pam Jones, ’06 champion Chef Rick Bayless, ’12 MVP Kim Vatis (NBC5) and ’12 champion and former Chicago Bear Desmond Clark, NBC’s Stefan Holt, WGN’s Frank Holland, ABC’s Michelle Gallardo, Miss Illinois Megan Ervin, former Chicago Bear Anthony Adams and Christina Filiaggi (WLS-AM Radio 890). For tickets and more info, please click here
 
CFCA_775The Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) will celebrate its 24th annual Awards Show on February 9th at the Muvico Theaters in Rosemont, located at 9701 Bryn Mawr Ave. Nadine Velazquez and Joe Perillo will emcee and award-winning actress Jane Lynch will receive the Comedia Extraordinaire Award at 7:30 p.m. at the theater. Net proceeds will support the 2013 Emerging Film Makers Award for Columbia College Chicago film students. For tickets and more info, please click here!

 
Jenny McCarthyI love it that Playboy glamour girl and perpetually fit Jenny McCarthy (40!), loves Chicago’s delicious Giordano’s pizza…and stuffed pie at that! In a recent cover story article in Shape Magazine, she says she gets her Windy City fix by having it shipped to LA when Giordano's signshe craves a taste from home. She said, “There’s this place in Chicago called Giordano’s which has the best deep-dish pizza in the world. It’s my therapist, my best friend and my boyfriend on Friday nights.” I doubt that she’s ever very lonely but nice to know she loves one of Chicago’s many legendary institutions!
 
AdlerThe Adler Planetarium will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a reception hosted by new president Dr. Michelle Larson and chairman of the board, John Estey, on February 7th. The night under the stars will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Adler’s Sky Pavilion followed by a program honoring featured speaker and New York Dava SobelTimes best-selling author of “Galileo’s DaughterDava Sobel. Cynthia Ballew is event chair with co-chairs Nancy Temple (WB President), Linda Celesia, Caroline Becker Joss, Lisa Lewis, Erika Bartelstein, Pamela Pohl, Mihra Seta and Linda Gerstman. (For tickets and more info, please visit www.adlerplanetarium.org.)

 
Candid Candace Coral Lipstick-CAMP CosmeticsSpecial thanks to the Sun-Times Splash editor, and all-around great peep, Susanna Negovan for including my CAMP Cosmetics Candid Candace lipstick in Sunday’s fab section! This color is a great cure for the winter doldrums – hope you agree and buy it here!!! Me at Windy City Live(Wink wink!)
 
I’m so happy that Chicago’s social whirl has picked up! There's so much to do and so many great events planned! Tune into "Windy City Live" on February 25th, when I’ll share my top picks for March! 🙂
 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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A MEMORY-MAKING YEAR: THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND PARTIES OF 2012

…PLUS A NOT-2-B MISSED FAMILY VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY, CHARITY POKER TOURNEY, PLAYBOY LEGEND OPENS PHOTO STUDIO, RANDOLPH STREET MARKET MAGIC, DRIVING FASHION FORWARD, WATCH312 HAS A NEW SISTER, AH CHOO FOR KATHLEEN & JOFFREY BALLET, MAKING MUSIC AT THE VISUAL SOUND AWARDS, ELYSABETH/RESTAURANTS/CHEFS ON HUFFPO, WRISTWISHES MAKE FASHION FUN FOR CHARITY, WHO’S THE NEW HONOREE FOR THE STANLEY PAUL FOUNDATION/AIBI?, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!!!


Candace Jordan in January Playboy with Al PacinoJanuary is a time for reflection and appreciating the memories of your past while anticipating those of the future. This year has included so many highlights that I don’t know where to begin but let me first say, I so appreciate your support during these past four years of Candid Candace! My first blog, written on August 25, 2008, was a labor of love and remains so to this day. It’s a privilege and a thrill for me to cover so many great events and
Co-chairing the Joffrey Ballet’s largest fundraiser with Helen Melchiorhappenings that go on in this wonderful city as well as so many dynamic Chicagoans who do so much good for so many. Please stay tuned for some exciting changes that I hope you will like on Candid Candace and NOW, take a look at some of my favorite photos from 2012 and the people, places and events that inspired me this year here!


Lynn Sage Party logoMark your calendars for the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Be My Valentine Family Event on February 10th. Cupid will fill our hearts once again at this fun-filled event at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel, located at 160 E. Pearson St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The afternoon will include a brunch buffet, kiddie’s Valentine activities, DJs and dancing, a performance by actors from the Zebra and Lion from the Emmy Award-winning television show Green Screen Adventures, and a special concert by award-winning
Co-chairs Jennifer Meyers and Julie Lampertchildren’s musician Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Lighting up the room “pink” will be Justin Jacobson and Platinum Events. Other activities will include sweet treat decorating and tips from Sweet Mandy B’s, ELTIF Designs bead bar for all jewelry making enthusiasts, makeovers from Sweet and Sassy, an Abt Electronics video arcade room, and family fun entertainment from Harris Kal Productions. Guests will
Green Screem Adventuresalso have a chance to win fabulous prizes from the silent auction and raffle. This event will be co-chaired by Julie Lampert and Jennifer Meyers, with proceeds benefitting the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. Tickets are $85 for adults and $65 for children in advance or $100 for adults and $80 for children at the door. Tickets are available by ordering online at www.lynnsage.org or calling 312-926-7133. 

 

COS Poker Tournament logoTime to “ante up” and put on your best poker face for the 8th Annual Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. Charity Poker Championship on February 7th at the River East Art Center, located at 435 E. Illinois. Dan Bernstein from WSCR “The Score” (AM 670) will return as emcee for this No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em tournament. Players of all skill levels will compete for more than $15K in prizes including the coveted grand prize to compete at the 2013 World Series of Poker’s Main Event in Las Vegas (a $10K value) and other prizes! So please, bring your best card skills to
Dan Bernstein, the Scorehelp offer camp experiences and educational programs for children with cancer. Not a card shark? Then just come for the party that includes an open bar and a buffet provided by Marcello’s Father & Son Restaurant. (They also happen to have the BEST broasted chicken in the world!) For more info, please visit www.onestepcamp.org or call 312.924.4220.

 

Randolph Street MarketChicago Vintage Market pioneer Sally Schwartz is thrilled to announce Randolph Street Market’s second annual Wonderful Winter Markets return in February and March, bringing vintage aficionados some of the best winter shopping events in Chicago. The February show (February 2nd and 3rd) will focus on "Passions & Vanities," highlighting gems, couture, art, antiques and
Sally Schwartzother endearing vices with chili, cold beer & a Super Bowl big screen TV lounge! Something for everyone! Katya & the Nude Sketch Salon returns so come and get immortalized in your own charcoal drawing. It’s the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for you and the love of your life! As always, there will be free downtown furniture deliveries and a re-upholstery station along with the addition of several Chicago-based foodie vendors and relaxation specialists to treat guests to the finer things in life! There will be 90+ vendors at each market selling art, antiques, fashion, knick-knacks, furniture and more. Show times are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 2nd and
PBS' Market Warriors3rd and March 23rd and 24th at Plumber’s Hall, located at 1340 W. Washington St. Discounted tickets ($8) are available in advance and general admission ($10), students with ID ($3 or $5) are available at the gate. Children 12 and under free. For tickets and more info, visit randolphstreetmarket.com. This is my favorite market in town…see YOU there! (Loved seeing Randolph Street Market featured on PBS’ “Market Warriors” recently, too!)

 

2013 LAUNCH logoAutohaus on Edens
has partnered with the Columbia College Fashion Department to host Launch 2013: Driving Fashion Forward on March 10th. This spring fashion preview event will feature some of the North Shore’s finest boutiques along with a student design competition. The show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions, will spotlight 2013 spring fashions and trends from Shelle Jewelers, Frances Heffernan and Jolie Femme among many others. The lucky winner of the student design competition will receive a $5K scholarship (courtesy of Autohaus on Edens) to put toward a semester in school OR to launch their own collection! An exciting raffle will also offer a lucky guest the opportunity to win a getaway to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week complete with travel, lodging and VIP fashion show tickets!!! For event tickets ($75 or VIP with reserved runway seating for $100) and more info, please click here

 

1I’m so excited to share some exciting news from Robert Mills, founder of Chicago’s online network (and the home of my show “Candid Candace Chicago”), Watch312.com: Bob has expanded his reach to Chicago’s hot sister city – MIAMI – so please help me welcome Watch305.com! With eight shows, Watch 305.com is your source for everything Miami! On their shows, you'll learn survival skills from Miami
2 - With Watch312 and 305 founder Bob Millsnatives, search for the best burger in town, get caught up in shameless hidden camera pranks, gain in-depth looks into the lives of athletes, acquire sex tips from professional sex therapists and witness a city ruled by artists, comedians, fashionistas and night crawlers. Because a lot of their content will be
3 - Watch305 Producer Andres Roviracreated on a live video kiosk located in Mary Brickell Village, anyone can become part of the interactive experience by answering trivia questions and winning prizes. Producer Andres Rovira says, “Miami is an animal of a city and it is our job to tell its stories. From the creative depths of the Art District, to the fist-pounding nightlife of South Beach, there's a show about almost everything, for almost anyone. So pick a show, and become part of the fun, here in The Magic City.” Now you’ll get a sneak peek into the BEST of TWO cities! Take a look and become a fan, too! 

 

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?embedCode=80MXRxNjocb_sDFvDd0EiG7mLT1QD6B8&height=360&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=640&deepLinkEmbedCode=80MXRxNjocb_sDFvDd0EiG7mLT1QD6B8

And don’t miss all of MY New Year’s Eve party fun on Watch312.com below! 

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?embedCode=NpZW45ODr7scXYhNe-gk_TG2EO99JWru&height=326&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=490&deepLinkEmbedCode=NpZW45ODr7scXYhNe-gk_TG2EO99JWru


1 - Winning artists Metis and AynzliMore than 400 guests gathered for the inaugural Visual Sound Awards to recognize marketing and advertising campaigns, TV shows and films that have utilized music in the most successful and creative ways to drive value for Music Dealers’ global brand and entertainment partners, while
2 - Winning artists Zyme and Salme Dahlstromshowcasing the profound impact these projects have had on the emerging artists whose music is featured in the campaigns. The evening kicked off with an awards ceremony, during which The Visual Sound Awards winners were announced, and continued into the night with an after party featuring live performances by Music Dealers artists Metis, Greg Corner of Kill Hannah, Ghosthouse and Dot Dot Dot that brought down the house. Music Dealers clients change
3 - Mili Marcetic and Tara Flocco-event co-producersemerging musicians lives every day. Behind all of these Visual Sound Awards
6 - Coca-Cola winner Zoe Stainsbynominees and winners – be it a web or TV advertisement, or even an experiential activation – are real artists, whose life’s passion is creating music. And because Music Dealers clients chose to enhance their campaigns with music produced by these artists, they have been able to fund national tours, record new albums and build their professional teams – propelling their careers to the next level, all with the money generated from these placements. In his Visual Sound Award acceptance speech, Music Dealers artist and the new sound of Coke Zero's "Make It Possible" global ad campaign, Metis, said "The song we created with Music Dealers for the Coke Zero
4 - Brandon Smith and Ben Pritzkercampaign was truly a catalyst that catapulted my music career. It led to multiple record deal offers and so many other opportunities, and it all started with Music Dealers
5 - Ghosthousebelieving in us from an early stage and Coke giving us the global platform." Check out all of the Visual Sound Awards winning campaigns here! And congrats to ALL! (To see ALL event pics, pleases click here!)

 

Jimmy Choo Invite_1.31.2013Please join new Joffrey Ballet Women’s Board member and uber-PR specialist Kathleen Henson (Henson Consulting) on January 31st when she hosts a very fashionable fete at “her favorite place to shop on Oak Street” – Jimmy Choo. Enjoy a “first look”
Kathleen Hensonat Choo’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection with a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s event going to the Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet. You can also head over there before 1/31 and still support the Joffrey through a pre-sale…just be sure to mention the Joffrey! There’s truly no better incentive to buy a new pair of shoes (or two or three!) to go with your spring gala gowns. (The Joffrey Spring Gala is April 19th.) You can RSVP directly to the store at Chicago@JimmyChoo.com

 

1 - Jeff CohenHave you ever wanted to have your photo taken by a PLAYBOY LEGEND? Well, now’s your chance: Former Executive Editor & Publisher of Playboy Special Editions Jeff Cohen has just opened Jeff Cohen Creative, a photography, design and consulting studio in the newly-revitalized Ravinia
2 - Cohen couple photoDistrict of Highland Park. Located on the main thoroughfare at 485 Roger Williams Ave., Jeff is down the street from Billy Corgan's Madame ZuZu's Tea House, Merlo's fabulous Italian eatery and next door to Abigail's American Bistro. With a string of black and white portrait photos hung on a clothesline in the studio window, he’s already
3 - With Jeff at a Playboy lingerie partyattracting a lot of attention and for Valentine’s Day, he is launching a couples portrait promotion. Jeff says, “So many households have family photos with everyone together but very few have just mom and dad sans kids. So here's a chance for Mr. and Mrs. or Mr. and Mr. or Mrs. and Mrs., etc. to do something special for each other.” Jeff will work together with each twosome in the studio and deliver a fun, candid and personal black and white portrait.
With Jeff at Playboy party in the 70’s(Gift certificates are available.) And for his senior customers, he has a special deal if they combine their ages (i.e., for every year that total is over 120, he’ll reduce the portrait price by $1 so a 65-year-old woman with her 70-year-old partner knocks the price down by $15). For more information and/or to schedule a session, please contact jeffcohencreative@gmail.com or call 847.347-2509. You’ll be glad you did! I can vouch for Jeff since we have done many photo sessions together for Playboy that, sadly, I can’t share here! 😉

 

Elysabeth AlfanoWhat a great article in the Huffington Post by author/director/producer extraordinaire, Elysabeth Alfano! Loved the idea “Chicago is Known for its Fantastic Food: 19 Creatives Name Their Favorite Restaurants.” Get great restaurant and chef recommendations from Chicagoans who include SNL’s Nora Dunn, actress Susan Messing, musician Dennis de Young, NPR’s Peter Sagal,
HuffPostMediaGroupLogoclassical musician George Lepauw, Goodman Theatre’s Robert Falls, artist Ellen Sandor, MCA’s Naomi Beckwith and Marilyn and Larry Fields, XRT’s Lin Brehmer, rocker Jon Langford, Chicago Children’s Choir’s Josephine Lee, author Scott Turow, Expo Chicago’s Tony Karman and MOI among others! Thanks so much for including me and keep up the great work, Elysabeth!!!

 

World Festival 2013 Save the DateMark your calendars NOW for the 7th Chicago World Festival benefitting the 10th anniversary of Common Threads! Join founders Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro along with celebrity chefs from around the world on March
Small Threads by Caitlin Saville4th at Soldier Field! I’m thrilled to be co-chairing this beloved event with dynamos Jon Harris (Hillshire) and Mindy Mackenzie (Beam Global)! Tickets start at $250; for more info, please click here


Wrist WishesI’ve always loved wearing multiple bracelets as a style statement and am so honored that Wrist Wishes created a Candid Candace bracelet that will support some of my favorite organizations that include PAWS Chicago, Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Children’s, the Service Club of Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet and Young at Heart Pet Rescue. These charming
Nicole Lynee LaCross--founder Wrist Wishesbracelets were created by Nicole LaCross and were inspired by her mom who had been diagnosed with cancer and was intended to bring “shining little glimmers of hope into the lives of all who wrap them around their wrists.” Wrist Wishes retail for $10 each with $2 from every purchase going directly to the charity that is represented by your bracelet. (There are many Chicago charities to choose from.) Please check them out here and be stylish AND supportive!

 

1And last but not least, I’m so thrilled to be the 2013 Honoree for the Stanley Paul Foundation/Apparel Industry Board’s (AIBI) fundraiser at the Casino on April 24th! It will be a fun night with friends and I hope you can join me…I AM SO EXCITED! For tickets ($200), please email aibi@aibi.com or call
2 - Event founder Stanley Paul with Hazel Barr, 2012 Honoree312.836.1041. The evening will benefit The Stanley Paul – Raelene Mittelman Fashion Design Scholarship Fund which was established in 1990 by Stanley Paul in honor of his sister, Raelene Mittelman. She was a great lover of fashion and had a strong belief that we must aid the future of fashion by aiding in the education of its students. I am SO honored and hope you can come!

Welcome to 2013! I hope this year turns out to be your best one yet and I hope your plans include reading Candid Candace!
 

Jessica AlbaLove,

Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
P.S. This is one of my favorite looks from the Golden Globes! Jessica Alba was FLAWLESS from head to toe – loved the Oscar gown, the $5.8 mil worth of
CAMP Cosmetics Candid Candace Lipstick PromoHarry Winston
jewels and the super-cool feathered Roger Vivier clutch! And wait…was she wearing CAMP Cosmetics' CANDID CANDACE LIPSTICK? (Also, did you notice that coral is poised to be THE hottest color for spring!? Stay ahead of the trend and buy it here now!)

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THE GRINCH DIDN’T STEAL XMAS AT THIS KANDY KANE BALL!

…PLUS SERVICE CLUB’S HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, WINGS HOSTS “SWEET HOME CHICAGO,” HUFFPO LOVES ELYSABETH, METROPOLITAN FAMILY SERVICES’ HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, STELLA SPEAKS, PET RESCUE NEWS, BBQ AND COUNTRY MUSIC AT BUB CITY, BACK IN PLAYBOY, ROE CONN WEARS CANDID CANDACE LIPSTICK ON “WINDY CITY LIVE,” KERRY WOOD’S WINTER WARM-UP, IS CRYSTAL A MRS.?, KRISTINA, KORINNA, MICHAELA AND LYNN HOST HOT HOLIDAY PARTIES, GIBSONS GIVES BACK AND SO MUCH MORE!
 

1 - Grinch (aka Aurora Sexton) and friendsThe annual Kandy Kane Ball is always a sell-out and this year (its 10th) was the best one yet! More than 1,000 partygoers descended on Joe’s Bar on Weed Street on December 8th for an event described as the
2 - Co-hosts Chris Draska, Brian Thompson, David Sacher, Mark Bell and Christian Habitzcity’s largest private toy drive. One of the event founders and organizers, Mark Bell, said, “The ticket for admission [$50] is purposefully set low in order for guests to focus their contribution on the mission of our event – TOYS! We’re all fortunate and blessed in many ways and it’s always important to give
3back to less fortunate individuals, particularly during the holiday season.” The semi-trailer truck was filled to the brim with toys by the end of the evening,
4 - Meredith Kaleciak,  Rob Lee, Kathryn Cole, Derrick Taylor and Monica Monroe Brandtmaking this year’s event the most successful ever! And I can sure see why: The fabulous theme by Derrick Taylor & Company was inspired by Dr. Seuss’ beloved classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The winter wonderland included holly “Who” wreaths, abstract “Who”
5Christmas trees, Grinch fingers made from cedar and 800 yards of lime green and candy apple red silk bunting that framed the stage where the Chicago Children’s Choir opened
6the evening singing holiday carols. Surprise guest, celebrity illusionist Aurora Sexton, then wowed the crowd as she posed for photos dressed as the Grinch. The band Sorry for Partying and hot DJ Sye Young (one of my favs) kept the crowd on their feet into the early hours while classic holiday films played on 20 plasma screen TVs throughout the
7 - DJ Sye Young (left) and friendrooms. Father Jeremiah Boland of Holy Family Church was on hand to help distribute thousands of toys and bikes to multiple charities that included Catholic Charities of Chicago, Pediatric Unit of U of I Medical Center, Rush
8 - Chicago Children’s Choir performs as the Grinch looks onMedical Center, Kellen Shelter, West Side Employment Outreach and St. Anthony’s Hospital Community Outreach as well as to families who suffered during Hurricane Sandy. Congrats to some of the Kandy Kane Ball elves
9 - With friends at Kandy Kane Ballwho included Brian Thompson, Chris Draska, David Sacher, Christian Habitz, Mark Bell and so many others who bring this party with a purpose to life in such grand style! Mark your calendars now for next year’s event – it’s one of my favorite holiday parties and you will love it, too! (To see more pics from this fun event, please click here!)

 
 

1 - Hazel Barr, elf and event chair Sheree ValukasEvery year, the Service Club of Chicago hosts a delightful Holiday Luncheon at the University Club. This year’s theme – “12 Days of Christmas” – brought out almost 200 attendees to this
2 - Chicago Gay Men’s Chorusglorious venue at 76 E. Monroe. The room was beautifully decorated with a 20-foot Christmas tree that glowed beneath the dramatic stained glass window. An elf and an angel welcomed guests to the organization’s largest holiday luncheon yet with a champagne reception.
3 - Hazel Barr, Al Menotti, Peggy Jester and Elizabeth BertucciNumerous vendors participated making holiday shopping easy and fun, all for a good cause: There was vintage jewelry and clothing from Lulu’s at the Belle Kay, fabulous furs from Hinsdale Furriers, a
4 - Hazel Barr, Sheree Valukas, Cheryl Bollinger and Cookie Cohenvariety of gifts from Mary Mary and toys for our four-legged friends from Tails in the City. Other vendors included Aleksandra, Beijing Boutique, Elsa Johnson, Lisa Cotton Collection, Reginald, Inc., Toria Rose
5 - Mother McAuley High School choirand Joelle Nadine. All of the shops donated 15 percent back to the Service Club of their sales that day. Members were also requested to bring gifts to benefit Mount St. Joseph, home to 121 special ladies with developmental and physical disabilities. The
5 - SC President Vonita Reescer and Elyse Leavyluncheon feast, chaired by SC member Sheree Valukas, included roasted butternut squash and cider soup and Amish chicken with lemon caper sauce. For dessert, a delicious chocolate crumble cake with chocolate sauce and raspberries was served. The festive tables were decorated with poinsettias
6 - Millicent Holmes, Shana Jones, Sally Jo Morris, Eileen Weinberg and Sherrill Bodineand holiday greenery. The melodic sounds of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus filled the room with guests joining in singing the “12 Days of Christmas.” The Service Club is one of the city’s oldest charitable organizations; founded in
8 - Sheryl Dyer and Sharyl Mackey1890, they have continually served the welfare, civic, educational and cultural needs of Chicago and surrounding communities. Its policy of giving is to assist, improve and initiate new
7 - Simona Garcia, Jennifer Lane, Karen Peters, cute friend and Ellen Wesleyprograms via its grant program and 100 percent of all funds raised goes directly to charity. For more info, please visit www.ServiceClubofChicago.org. (Check out more pics here!) 

 

1 - John and Rita Canning with Jim O’Connor and Monsignor Kenneth VeloLed by honorary co-chairs Cece and Tom Ricketts and event co-chairs Anna Bilton and Meghan Norton, volunteers for WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger) raised a record
2 - Honorary Co-Chairs Cece and Tom Ricketts with John Canning and WINGS Board Chair Rita Canning$610,000 at the not-for-profit organization’s ninth annual Sweet Home Chicago fundraiser on December 9th, at the Four Seasons Hotel. Since it started in 2004, Sweet
3 - Ellen O’Connor with her grandchildren Reagan and Caroline ColeHome Chicago has become one of the city’s most successful brunch fundraisers and this year’s benefit brings the total bottom line to more than $4 million to help support WINGS Safe House. More than 480 people (approximately half children) enjoyed a delicious brunch,
5 - Clara Ricketts, age 7decorated gingerbread houses, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, stopped for family portraits by photographer Curtis Newborn, enjoyed balloon artists dressed as clowns and danced to a concert by Ralph’s World. Proceeds support WINGS’ domestic violence shelters, programs and services for women and children in the Chicago
4 - Wendy, Caroline, Sarah, Benjamin and Steve Backerarea. Ninety-eight percent of its operating budget is funded by corporations, foundations and individuals, as well as WINGS three northwest suburban resale shops. Guests in attendance included WINGS Board Chair Rita Canning with husband John, Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Ellen and Jim O’Connor and their grandchildren Reagan Cole and Caroline Cole, and the Wendy and Steve Backer family. For more info, please visit www.wingsprogram.com. (Photos by Waldemar Reichert.)


Elysabeth Drink 1Congrats are in order for my beautiful friend/whirling dervish/columnist/filmmaker/human dynamo Elysabeth Alfano! Not only does she have TWO hit shows – “Fear No Art,” a great show that demystifies the art world with all of the
Huffington Post logomovers and shakers (and the cutest host) ANDThe Dinner Party,” where Elysabeth mixes it up with our town’s most notables/celebs during a fabulous dinner prepared by top notch chefs WITH entertainment – but she was also chosen this year as one of HuffPo
The Dinner Party LogoChicago
’s 25 top bloggers! I’m tired just reading this but there really is nothing this talented woman can’t do and I’m so happy to see her doing it ALL in such grand style! Both of her shows are must-sees; don’t miss a segment – see
Elysabeth interviewing artist on Fear No Artthem all! Her most recent column for the Huffington Post includes holiday gift and stocking stuffer ideas from 15 of “Chicago’s Most Creatives”…not sure how I fit in this category but I’m honored to be included!

 

1 - Tony Hunter & Kirk JamesGenerous sponsors and guests helped Metropolitan Family Services raise a whopping $1,187,000 at its 31st Annual Holiday Celebration, held December 1st at the Hilton Chicago.
2 - Glenda Williamson, Alfrieda Davis, Kenneth Little, Katrina Cavens, Jeshaiah CampbellThe Gerst Family
was honored as Metropolitan’s Family of the Year for its many contributions to the organization. All event expenses were generously underwritten by an anonymous donor. (Nice!) That means all event proceeds will support the Metropolitan’s programs and
3 - Ric Estrada & Merle Goldblatt Cohenservices, which provide hope and opportunity to more than 53,000 Chicago-area
4 - LizVeth Mendezfamilies and individuals each year. More than 700 guests came out to enjoy the Holiday Celebration, which was emceed by Chicago Tribune Co. publisher and CEO Tony Hunter. The event featured various entertainment and activities including vocalists Liane Williams and Markiyla Moore, Sammie Torres and His Latin Ensemble and the Calumet Center Community Schools Choir. There were also live and silent auctions, a wine raffle featuring select vintages and a Holiday Giving Tree raffle. (Tree raffle proceeds benefitted Metropolitan’s
5 - Metropolitan Family Services Holiday Celebration at Hilton ChicagoUpward Bound program, which prepares first-generation college students to successfully enter college; click here to see a short video that shows how Metropolitan helps youth in the Upward Bound program to realize their dreams.) Visit www.metrofamily.org for more and view pictures here

 

 


Sage-logoThe Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Be My Valentine Family Event will be on February 10th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel, located at 160 E. Pearson. The fun-filled event will feature a family brunch buffet, Valentine’s activities
2 - Valentine's kids partyfor children and a special concert by award-winning children’s musician Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Lighting the room “pink” will be Justin Jacobson and Platinum Events, who will also be providing fantastic DJ entertainment for dancing, dancing, dancing! Other activities will include sweet treat decorating and tips from Sweet
3 - Valentines day kids partyMandy B’s, ELTIF Designs
bead bar for all jewelry making enthusiasts, make-overs from Sweet and Sassy, an Abt Electronics video arcade room and family fun entertainment from Harris Kal Productions. The Be My
4 - Valentine's day kids partyValentine Family Event is co-chaired by Julie Lampert and Jennifer Meyers and all proceeds benefit the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. Expect this event to be a sell-out so get your tickets now: Tickets are $85 for adults and $65 for children in advance and $100 for adults and $80 for children at the door. Tickets are available by ordering online at www.lynnsage.org or by calling 312-926-7133. Hope to see you there!

 

StellaFosterFor all of you who miss the “voice of reason” Stella Foster, here are some of her thoughts on all of the violence that’s occurring in our country now. Thanks for allowing me to share this with my readers, Stella: “Given all these ‘Bloody Weekends’ that this city is now noted for, the best you can do out here in your everyday lives is try to not become a
Chicago-crimestatistic. Blacks killing blacks will not stop because self-hatred is a real issue in the black community. The overwhelming cases of shootings in Chicago has created a runaway train most likely filled with violence -prone children from unwed teens, who never should have had babies in the first place. Babies cannot raise babies and when this society became so tolerant and seem to embrace and celebrate unwed girls and boys having babies all willy nilly, babies become susceptible to gangs taking over their lives early in life and the result is what u c
Scoreboardbigrunning wild in our streets with no heart! The decline of morality in this country along with the daily images of sex and violence will continue to cause sadness . So try not to become a stat by staying ever alert and pay attention to who you are around when you have to venture into the dangerous streets of Chicago and the burbs! If there were no bullets, guns would not be in demand!”
WE MISS YOU STELLA!

 

YAH infoGreat news and congrats to Chicagoland’s senior pet adoption option Young at Heart Pet Rescue on its recent purchase of eight acres of beautiful land in unincorporated Woodstock. This property will eventually become a serene oasis for senior dogs and cats (seven years and older) in need of rescue and will include an adoption center, sanctuary and grounds designed specifically with
2 - Toby (Image from story by Scott Craven)these pets in mind. I love this charity that has placed more than 520 senior pets into loving homes this year. Executive Director Dawn Kemper shared this delightful holiday story written by Scott Craven called “Toby and the Christmas Ring.” Read the story here (with a box of tissue nearby) and find out more about this wonderful charity!   

 

Pet Rescue Chicago logoAnd speaking of pet rescues, don’t miss Freezin’ for a Reason, a benefit for Project Rescue Chicago on January 5th at Foster Avenue Beach (located at 5200 N. Lake Shore in Andersonville) beginning with a 10:15 a.m. check-in and photos. Every year, Chicagoans are
Contactreminded of just how lucky they are to have a warm place to call home every night but many homeless dogs and puppies don’t have this luxury. It is in honor of these animals that Project Rescue Chicago (PRC) is throwing its first fundraiser of 2013. Join fellow animal lovers and take the plunge for charity! A PRC founder Bridgid Nolan said, “We like to have a good time out on the lake and at the bar afterwards but I’m most excited about helping the
Pet Rescue Chicago imagedogs in need. This fundraiser will provide resources for many shelter animals.” To register (there is a $25 fee) and for more info, please click here or call Project Rescue Chicago at 312-623-0939. I’ll be cheering you on from the shore…brrrrrrrr. 🙂

 

Happy to be back!Thanks so much to “Windy City Live” for having me back on! It was a delightful surprise to find out when I arrived at the studios that not only would I be doing my event segment but that I had also been included in Host Chat! Never mind the terror I felt for not having read the newspapers that morning, I was still pumped albeit a bit quiet during the segment! LOL! I especially loved seeing Ryan applying my CAMP Cosmetics’ Candid Candace lipstick to his
Jeremy Roenick tries on Candid Candace lipstick on WCIUfellow co-host, Roe Conn! Real men do wear Candid Candace! Remember, hockey great Jeremy Roenick also wore it on WCIU’s “You and Me This Morning” not long ago?! Maybe I need to come up with a new unisex color…perhaps Candid Candace Manly Mango? If you missed the segment, see below – it was really cute! (Thanks to Amie Hana for the great photos used during the segment, too!)

 

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Bub City by Anjali Pinto--InteriorHuge congrats to the Melman siblings for yet another restaurant coup! RJ, Jerrod and Molly, in conjunction with partners Chef Doug Psaltis and mixologist Paul McGee, have created their own destination for country music lovers to enjoy a cocktail, grab a bite and have some fun! With Joe’s Bar on Weed Street partners Ed Warm and Tom DeSanto in the mix, guests can expect to see some of country music’s top emerging talent perform on the venue’s
Whiskey Bar by Anjali Pinto16-foot stage positioned at the center of the 4,500-square-foot space. BBQ-focused Bub City is located at 435 N. Clark and serves signature items that include slow-smoked bone-in short ribs, baby back ribs, Carolina-style pulled pork and a shellfish bar. Large groups can enjoy the “Whole Pork Picnic” featuring slow-smoked pork shoulder served with four sides – I can’t wait to try it! BBQ, beer, bourbon and the best of country music comes to River North! Yee haw!

 

Candace Jordan in January Playboy with Al PacinoWoot! Woot! Thanks to Playboy for including me in its January 2013 issue! It seems that my interview with legendary actor Al Pacino drew some interest from Hef! Thanks to Mila Samokhina for the fab photo and to the Chicago International Film Festival for making a dream come true! And speaking of
Crystal HefnerPlayboy
, under the draw-your-own-conclusions category, I came across Hef’s fiance’s (Crystal Harris) Twitter page and it seems there has been a name change to Crystal Hefner! If true, I wish them both a world of happiness!! 

 
 

3Don’t miss the Wood Family Foundation’s second annual Woody’s Winter Warm-Up at Harry Caray’s at Navy Pier on January 18th. Retired Cubs great Kerry Wood and glam wife
2 - Ryan Dempster as Harry CaraySarah
have invited past and present Cubs along with other sports stars and celebs to this wonderful event benefitting their foundation that supports children in need in the Chicagoland area. There will be a dinner buffet, amazing silent auction laden with sports memorabilia (last year, Ernie Banks’ signed bat and
1 - Sarah and Kerry Woodjersey was snagged by Beam VP Tom Strehle), open bar, raffle, photo ops and so much more! For tickets ($150) and more info, please click here!

 

Untitled NYE inviteDon’t forget to join me on NYE for Chicago Empire, an event named as one of the “top NYE parties in Chicago” by the Huffington Post! I will be doing the countdown with NBC’s Marcus Riley at Untitled, located at 111 W.
Gold Coast All StarsKinzie. Six floors of fun will include the Gold Coast All Stars, Mr. Robotic, VH1 reality star “JRL” Justin Ross Lee and so much more! Tickets begin at $125 for this sure-to-be-fabulous production from Platinum Events’ Justin Jacobson!

 

GRG's Kathy O'Malley Piccone and Steve LombardoThe Gibsons Restaurant Group not only serves up delicious food but, it also has a very strong charitable bent, too! For the past five years, John Colletti and Kathy O’Malley Piccone, along with dozens of darling helpers, host “Gibsons New Year: New Friends, Full Bellies, Warm Feet” in partnership with Chicago Catholic
Gibsons RestaurantCharities
. You can help by donating gifts of warmth such as hats, socks, gloves and scarves to Gibsons Restaurant, located at 1028 N. Rush St. They will be serving more than 400 less fortunate individuals at the restaurant on New Year’s Day. Kind hearts and good food for charity – LOVE these peeps! 🙂

 

1 - Hosts Kristina McGrath and Korinna IsselhardtYou couldn’t imagine a more elegant holiday party than the one recently hosted by glamorous and charitable twins Kristina McGrath and Korinna Isselhardt at the McGrath home in the
2 - Danielle Guzman, Julie Lampert, Tracey Tarantino and Rosemary FantiGold Coast. More than 100 equally glam friends turned out in force to celebrate the holidays in grand style at this gorgeous condo in the former Playboy building. As soon as the elevator doors opened onto their floor, you knew you were in for a most delightful, festive evening filled with friends. Serving elves offered up specialty cocktails, a bountiful dinner buffet and
3 - A bevy of beautiesphotographer Christoper Free was on hand snapping
4 - Mike McGrath surrounded by friendsshots of friends wearing various types of holiday headgear and there was magnificent décor everywhere you looked. I loved their clever idea of asking friends to bring a beauty-related gift under $50. These gifts then served
5 - Mike and Kristina share a special momentas the guests’ goody bags as they left the party – just brilliant! I was still there (ahem) when Kristina’s handsome
5 - Julianne Glatz, Gayle Anthony, Jennifer Sutton and Heather Ingramand loving husband Mike came home after his own night out with friends. As he embraced her, I heard him ask, “Are you happy?” I’m sure this was Santa disguised as Mike McGrath! Ho! Ho! Ho! (View more fun and festive pics here!) 


With Jan Flanagan and hosts Michaela Parrillo and LynnMcMahan at their Casino holiday teaIt was a winter wonderland theme for guests at the holiday luncheon recently co-hosted by beautiful ladies Michaela Parrillo and Lynn McMahan. The room at the Casino had a cozy fire roaring, elegantly appointed tables all done in sparkling shades of winter white, liveried waiters offering tea service and tiny sandwiches of smoked salmon, brie and apple, cucumber, tomato and egg salad, profiteroles filled with chicken salad and gluten free rice paper chicken salad wrap. Decadent desserts included white and dark chocolate dipped strawberries, petit
59682_4319466937206_1765034435_nfours, tea cookies and miniature lemon meringue tarts. Michaela and Lynn had planned some surprises including asking guests to sing-a-long to the “12 Days of Christmas.” It was a lovely afternoon with the most beautiful décor I’ve seen: Even the tablecloths looked like they were dipped in fairy dust and were imported by Lynn from a faraway place, of course! If you know these two ladies, you know that every detail was attended to! Guests left with gifts topped with crystal snowflakes that held the perfect Chanel lip gloss inside. Love these girls and loved being part of their special day!

 

Happy Holidays from the JordansThat’s it for this week and I hope you’re not too frenzied as we near Christmas and the end of the year. I'm also glad the Mayans were wrong… 🙂

 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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CHICAGO WELCOMES BURBERRY AND DEL FRISCO’S WITH PACKED PARTIES!

…PLUS THE SPLENDOR OF IMPERIAL RUSSIA AT BOTANIC GARDEN, NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY SUGGESTIONS, FINE ARTS BUILDING’S HOLIDAY PARTY, INDIE FILM FEST, BOYS & GIRLS CLUB GALA, CAMP COSMETICS CAMPAIGN HITS THE MAGS AND SO MUCH MORE!


1 - Burberry on opening nightIt was going to be a BIG night with two hotly anticipated grand openings on November 29th with Burberry and the hot new restaurant on Oak Street, Del Frisco’s. Let’s start with the former: I believe Burberry’s “Art of the
2 - Gregg Zgonena, Ford’s Nancy Tennicott, David Sanchez and friendsTrench
” campaign began back in October…at least this was when I was contacted. I know of more than 50 local Chicagoans who were photographed for this photo exhibition intended to herald and publicize the opening of
3 - Monika Dixon (2nd from L), STATUS’ Yana Nirshberg and friendsBurberry’s largest store in the country outside of New York. The email read, “This autumn, Burberry is launching its new flagship store on Michigan Avenue and celebrating Burberry in Chicago by hosting an event on Thursday, November 29th,
4 - WCL’s Jessie Kalin in her trench picwith Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey. This event will be a local celebration of our global platform, www.artofthetrench.com, and will feature images of influential Chicagoans on Burberry's digital platform as well as in a physical incarnation of the luxury brand's
5 - Chai Lee and Shannon O’Briensite in store. We would like to invite you to participate in this project and photograph you for Art of the Trench.” HELL YES! COUNT ME IN! It was a fun photo shoot with a photographer who I already knew, loved and admired – Amy Creyer. Her popular
6 - DJ Kid Colorwebsite www.ChicagoStreetStyle.com is a must read and her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, in W Magazine and on MTV. It was a rainy day but it made the atmosphere for the shoot even better on film so I
7 - Best friendswas happy even if the weather was less than perfect. Now that I’ve seen all of the images (see them here), the one thing that stands out (besides the people, of course) is how gorgeous our city is. From the back alleys to the side streets to the historical monuments, every photo looks like a piece of artwork with Chicago as the star. Everyone looked so
8 - Carrie Lannon in her trench picpowerful in their photos too…most were not the usual smiley images that we Midwesterners are so fond of but rather true portraits of people in the “city that works.” I’m so proud to be a part of this campaign but moreover, just so proud of our city and all of the people
9 - Dennis Minkel, Katie McLenaghan and Ryan Beshelin it. They were determined to keep this campaign top secret until the week of the grand opening and they succeeded. It's fun and exciting to see all of the images popping up around town now. The opening was one of the splashiest I’ve seen
10 - Victor Skrebneskiin a loooooonnnnng time! The new five-story space was brought to life with a distinctly British mix of music with guests experiencing an immersive physical and digital experience.
11 - Carl Barat and the Libertines with Billy Zane in foregroundModel/performers emulated the sound of rain throughout the space as images were projected onto the walls of every floor. Live music for the evening was provided by British musician Carl Barat and his band played their little hearts out on the main floor with the performance projected on all
12 - Kevin Aeh in his trench picof the levels so guests wouldn’t miss a moment. DJ Matt Roan, an “Art of the Trench” subject, followed with more hot music. Opened earlier this month, the Chicago flagship store (which
13 - Charlie Barnettpurportedly cost $10 million to build) will blur the brand’s physical and digital worlds through the Burberry Retail Theatre concept which will enable broadcast of live events and global synchronized content that can be played on the store’s interior digital screens. Additionally, the store offers the first physical representation of Burberry Bespoke, a concept that allows customers to create their own trench coat by selecting the
14 - Billy Zane and Amir Attaiecut, the fabric, the color and then navigating through options that include bronze-studded sleeves, bridle leather cuff straps, mink linings and shearling collars. Step by step, the screen
15 - Michel Desjardins, Marianne Strokirk and Pierre Desyassembles the virtual trench coat as specified and the real-life version arrives in four to eight weeks from Burberry's factory in Yorkshire, England (though the leather trenches are dispatched from Italy). The
16 - Chef Art Smith and Chucktag displays a special limited-edition number, plus a designation in block letters: “Bespoke.” (Prices for the custom trenches start at about $1,800; luxe features such as leather
Marc Brooks (R) and friendssleeves and mink linings run the price up as high as $8,800. Trench coats from Burberry's off-the-rack collections start at about $700 and range up to about $6,000.) The store also
Dr. Alex and Dusty Stemeroffers the first Burberry beauty in-store consultation counter in America – this is what you call one stop shopping, my friends! This exciting evening ended with a striking display of lights
Christopher Cooper and Paul Iaconoand digital projections amidst a sea of confetti that illuminated the iconic Burberry check on the store’s exterior façade, officially switching on the new Michigan Avenue site! In celebration of the
19 - Luca Lanzetta in his trench picopening, the Burberry Foundation is partnering with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to create $2.2 million in funding to support the Chicago Hive Learning Network. This new funding,
20 - Joan Colmar and Helen Melchior$1.7 million and $500,000 from the MacArthur and Burberry foundations respectively, will be used to inspire young people in Chicago, creating new innovative educational experiences designed to nurture their skills and creative confidence. (To see more party pics, please click here!) Welcome to Chicago, BURBERRY!!!


1 - Monsignor Ken Velo, Troy Smith, Alderman Brendan Reilly, DF Regional Mngr.Ray Kasperski, Josh HaleFollowing this sensory overload, we headed to 58 E. Oak St. for the Del Frisco’s grand opening. Cars were backed up down the street as the valets scrambled to keep pace
2 - Juanita Jordan and Chef Anthony Reyeswith the arriving guests. Located in the old Esquire Theater space, this multi-level dining experience seats over 500! With an 11,000-bottle wine cellar, it was a marvel to behold and guests could see it from every floor since it “floated” in the center of the building. Glistening
3 - Regional Manager Ray Kasperski and CEO Mark Mednanskybars, sparkling oversized crystal light fixtures, friendly service and dark wood appointments created an atmosphere that I’m sure will become a magnet for locals and out-of-towners alike. Chef de Cuisine
Carlos Romano and Kerry ShorrAnthony Reyes
’ extensive menu includes their famous steaks and chops plus a “Wagyu Longbone,” which is a 32-ounce ribeye for $89. Other dishes include bacon-wrapped scallops, crab cakes, cheesesteak eggrolls and a gorgeous “Shellfish Plateau” for two
5 - Jerry and Shari Michaels, Leonard Goldbergfor $75. On this night, the seafood bar was a sight to see with enormous ice sculptures flanking each end of a table that was overflowing with every sort of shellfish imaginable! I saw a lot of familiar, happy faces on this night and I’m pretty sure we will all be meeting there
6 - Bob Loquercio, Larry Wert and Veronica Zepedaagain very soon! Del Frisco’s donated $10K to its charity, the Big Shoulders Fund, which provides support to
7 - With Donna Grant and Jess Altierithe Catholic schools in the neediest areas of inner-city Chicago. All this and charitable, too…can’t beat this combo! General Manager Troy Smith and Private Dining Coordinator Anna Saavedra must be so excited! (Open for lunch and dinner – call 312.888.2499 to make a reservation!)


1 - Co-chairs Alicia Crawford and Gail MillerThe Splendor of Imperial Russia was the theme for the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society’s recent All Aboard! party. Co-chaired by Gail Miller and Alicia
2 - Patrick Kearney, Emily Betts Susanin, Sean SusaninCrawford
, the evening began with a cocktail reception complemented by a caviar and vodka bar (my kind of party!) decorated with ice sculptures. The Russian mood was further enhanced by a performance
3 - Dr. Lawrence Becker and Nicole Williams, Robert and Linda Sullivanby Golosa, a Russian singing ensemble. Guests dined in sumptuous recreations of three Imperial palaces including The Catherine Palace; Peterhof, where Peter the Great exhibited
4 - The Catherine Palace dining roomhis love of fountains and all things gold; and The Winter Palace, that featured rich décor and the shimmer of ice. (Dramatic décor by Jody, Inc.) Set in and among the garden’s 10,000-square-foot indoor winter exhibition of garden scale trains, winter flora and 80
5 - Karen and Jack MacKayiconic Chicago landmarks, the evening set the tone for celebrating the season. Jewell Events Catering prepared a delicious menu which featured such passed
6 - Susan Green, Janice Beck, Jennifer Martay, Valerie Foradashors d’oeuvres as truffled golden beet and goat cheese on cracker bread, petit crepe beggars’ purses with wild mushrooms, very petite filet of salmon, a
7 - Jane Irwin and Bob Romopear and walnut sandwich and truffled pate on brioche toast. The Woman’s Board is in its second year of “Growing The Future,” a $1 million pledge to the Chicago Botanic Garden. All
8 - Barbara and Richard MetzlerAboard! raised $300,000 to support the Garden’s Green Youth Farm and Windy City Harvest community gardening programs. For more info about Garden programs and events, please call 847.835.5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org. (Photos by Robin Carlson.)


3I hope you can join me and NBC’s Marcus Riley when we co-host the New Year’s Eve Countdown for Chicago Empire 2013 on December 31st, beginning at 9 p.m. at Untitled, located at 111 W. Kinzie. Produced by Platinum Events, this black tie optional event will feature a performance by The Gold Coast All Stars with Chicago native turned LA superstar Mr. Robotic jamming out hits, while Platinum DJs Flaco and Wags spin all night! VH1 reality star and NY socialite “JRL” (Justin Ross Lee) and
2 - Justin Jacobson and Shannon WilliamsMORE will also be there! Toast in the New Year with six rooms, a premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and a midnight toast! If you know Platinum Events’ Justin Jacobson, you know this will be one fantastic party! (For tickets and more info on packages, please click here!


Cheeky Party inviteCheeky Chicago
and Vertigo Sky Lounge, located at 2 W. Erie, will be toasting the New Year with a Winter White Party. Beginning at 9 p.m., enjoy appetizers from Argent raw bar and specialty cocktails while dancing to the high energy sounds of DJ Mister Wolf on Chicago’s only year-round rooftop patio! Countdown the seconds until 2013 on a 12-foot screen while enjoying festive party favors, passed late night bites and a complimentary toast at midnight! (Tickets range from $125 to $200; to purchase tickets and obtain more info, please click here!)


NYEAn Evening of Opulence” is the theme for a grand New Year’s Eve party presented by Genuine Entertainment and PR maven Monika Dixon at N9NE Steakhouse, located at 440 W. Randolph St. Beginning at 9 p.m., the evening will include an open bar, award-winning food and a decadent dessert buffet. DJ Madrid will keep the crowd fueled for fun! For tickets and more info, please click here!

 

Fine Arts BuildingIf you haven’t had a chance to visit the Fine Arts Building during their holiday celebration (A Night at the Fine Arts Building), then you’ve been missing out on a lot of fun and holiday cheer! On Friday, December 14th, from 5 to 10 p.m. at 410 S. Michigan Ave., this legendary building’s 10 floors will be
Santa4teeming with entertainment by the artists of the building as well as from the Flat Iron Building and will include tap dancing, symphony, spoken word, opera, jazz, ballet, theatre recitals, chamber music, modern music, visual arts and so much more! (For more info, please visit www.nightatthefab.com.)

 

1 - Filmmakers Eric Gulbrandsen (L) and Josh Orr with actress Carissa Leandra BrownThe Indie Incubator Film Fest, billed as a “night of kick-ass short films from regional filmmakers,” was recently held at Mother’s on Division. I was thrilled to be there to support two of
2the coolest filmmakers I know, partners Josh Orr and Eric Gulbrandsen. Their short film series features three- to five-minute genre films and are not to be missed! Inspired in part by Rod Serling’s “Twilight Zone” series, their two latest segments are chilling and creative. On
3this night, more than 23 films were screened, with Josh and Eric WINNING for “Best Scare” for their first film, “Terms and Conditions.” Follow them on Facebook here. I can’t wait to see their NEXT film! Congrats and good luck, Josh and Eric!


1 - Louise LaRue, Martha Martin and Melanie MartinThe 35th annual Boys & Girls Club Gala was held at the Union League Club on November 3rd. These clubs provide 11,000 kids in Chicago’s inner city with academic, arts and athletic afterschool programs. Over the past 35 years, the clubs
2 - Club One Chairman Michael Chioros and wife Lyndahave raised more than $3 million and benefitted more than 250,000 kids ages 6 to 18. This year’s gala, which raised $200,000, included silent and live auctions, a sit-down dinner and dancing to the Al Sophia Orchestra. Congrats! (Photos by Steve Starr, RIP.)


1 - Camp adI’m so excited about the new ad campaign for CAMP Cosmetics, which is hitting magazines around town this month. I love seeing the ad in TCW Magazine as well as Michigan Avenue
2 - Camp founder Michael PerichMagazine
! Darling CAMP founder Michael Perich also has a great article about his philosophy and company on page 35 (TCW Mag) so don’t miss it! I’m thrilled to be a part of this excitement with
3my new Candid Candace lipstick! I hope you like it and I hope you buy it…it’s the shade I’ve always looked for and could never find! The whole CAMP line, which includes skin care and everything else you can think of, is fantastic, too! Color me coral! You can see the video from the shoot below! (Campaign photo by Amie Hana.)

 

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1


LoResCCClogoAnd speaking of TCW Magazine, I’m thrilled to announce our online partnership which will include all of my “Candid Candace Chicago” shows on Watch312.com! So, make sure to check it out online here as well as on Watch312.com!

 

Mila on ReclamaA big GET WELL WISH goes out to beloved photog Mila Samokhina. A recent health scare landed her in Skokie Hospital but she is back home now in the loving care of handsome husband, Arthur, and her daughter, glam-girl-about town Elena Samokhina. Love and get well soon – we all miss you! (Here is a photo of Mila being celebrated on the cover of Reclama! Much deserved, Mila Pila!)


Steve Starr Face of News InviteI hope you’re all in the holiday spirit right about now and I hope you will send me some images of your festive décor so I can add them next week! Here’s a link to mine as well as this link to Debi Lilly’s beautiful A Perfect Event E-Magazine, which is filled with the most fabulous images, recipes and décor ideas! Congrats, Debi – love this and YOU! Have a great week and I hope to see you back here soon!


Love, as always,

Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet for this wonderful Memorial Celebration of the life and legacy of Steve Starr on 12/12/12, please do it soon! The space at the John B. Murphy Auditorium only holds 325 and you won’t want to miss this! Beginning at 6 p.m. for a VIP reception, the evening will include entertainment, Steve’s remarkable “Face of the News” photo exhibition, cocktails, food from our town’s top restaurants and so much more! There will be some wonderful surprises, too! (For tickets and more info, please click here!


IMG_2757P.P.S. Jennifer Hudson and Jamar Rogers of “The Voice” were at the House of Blues last night for Michigan Avenue Magazine’s second cover party for Jennifer! Stay tuned for my “Candid Candace Chicago” coverage coming next week on Watch312.com!

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Filed under Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Television, Web/Tech, Weblogs

THE STELLABRATION CONTINUES AT GENE & GEORGETTI’S!

…PLUS EXPO CHICAGO HIGHLIGHTS, DEBI LILLY "LET'S THEM EAT CAKE", THE SKY IS FALLING AT HERITAGE AUCTIONS, SARAH’S RED MOON PARTY, FCACC’S FURRY FUN, LUNA NEGRA’S NOCHE DE LUNA GALA, MITCH CANOFF’S BIG NIGHT, CAMP COSMETICS, MICH MAG AND VS CHICAGO MAG PHOTO SHOOTS, NEWCITY STYLE, WRIST WISHES FOR CHARITY AND SO MUCH MORE!

Blog 1 - Stella with Nina Mariano, Dori Wilson, Dominic DiFrisco, Merri Dee and Marion DurpettiGene & Georgetti’s, one of my favorite restaurants in town, hosted a party for one of my favorite people in town, Stella Foster. Held upstairs in the Fireplace Room (which is so cozy, it makes you cry), more than Blog 2 - Warner Saunders and wife Sadako with Tony Durpetti30 close friends came together to celebrate this Chicago icon. The cocktails flowed along with the most delicious food that included sausage and peppers, chicken, lamb chops, beef tenderloin, shrimp cocktail, Blog 3 - Susan Wexler-Mazzoni, Stella and Carole Loverde DiFriscocake, their world famous spumoni and so much more. Guests took turns sharing their thoughts. Warner Saunders said, “I’m going to quote Shakespeare when I say it is the summer of our discontent to have Stella leaving. There has been no Blog 4 - Gene & Georgetti’s Fireplace Roomone in this city who has done it quite like her – a combination of news and kindness and whenever she shoots an arrow of criticism, she makes sure the tip is coated in honey.” The always eloquent Dominic Regina Daniels, Angela Thompson, Vera ChittyDiFrisco said, “Stella, as you know, means star and you have illuminated our city and we love and honor you. What you do is prove that America is not so much a melting pot but more a beautiful mosaic. We are not homogenized; in fact, Blog 6 - Stella with Alison Rosatiwe make up that mosaic with our different cultures and religions and we come together and celebrate that standing together.” NBC5’s Alison Rosati said, “Thank you for being so kind, authentic and genuine and for really knowing the Suzanne LeMignot, Stella and Judge Arnette Hubbardpeople that you write about. I pray that God will bring you whatever is meant for you and thank you for having such a beautiful heart. You are Stellalicious!” Stella spoke last and her memory amazed me. She went around the room and spoke lovingly about each and every guest – she even knew their kids’ names and grandkids! Friends included Dori Wilson, Marion and Tony Durpetti, Michelle Durpetti, Abe and Angela Michael Foster, Vera Chitty, ChuckThompson, Dominic and Carole DiFrisco, Sadako and Warner Saunders, Nina Mariano, Celeste and Bill Van Dahm, Susan Wexler-Mazzoni and Don Mazzoni, Channel 2’s Suzanne LeMignot, Joann Serpico, Tony Romanucci, Dr. Maria Ashley, Lou Rago, Group love for Stella!Merri Dee, Vince SanFillipo, Shell Reyes, Regina Daniels, Michael Foster, Vera Chitty, Michelle Molise and Lynn and Richard Ciota among others. I sure hope she doesn’t stay “retired” for long! “I know I can be replaced, but I cannot be duplicated,” said Stella….amen to that!

Blog 1 - Dramatic space designed by architect Jeanne GangEXPO Chicago brought its world-class art show back to town after an eight-year hiatus and more than 3,000 attendees couldn’t have been happier! I'd been to one at the Merchandise Mart in an earlier incarnation and Blog 2 - David Manilow (“Check Please” creator) and Mary Kenneyagree with the event planners, that it wasn’t the place to be. Important art needs to be seen in a dramatic space and nothing could’ve been more exciting than being at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall for the opening night event, Vernissage. Benefitting the Museum of Contemporary Art, this Blog 3 - Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architectsnight included art, sculpture, photographs, large-scale installations and so much more. Vernissage – a French term for art openings – means “varnishing day” and evokes the energy and excitement that surround the opening of this major art event. Vernissage first began in 1982 as the opening celebration for the Chicago Blog 4 - Carl Hammer of Carl Hammer Gallery prepares his boothIntl. Art Fair. Over the years (1982 – 2004), the MCA welcomed more than 40,000 guests who enjoyed what became one of Chicago’s most sought out and influential art events of the year. Co-chairs for opening night included MCA trustee Jennifer Aubrey and MCA Women’s Board Blog 5 - Elysabeth Alfano, Nicole Nelson and Sven Asmusmember Marilyn Fields. Ms. Aubrey, known for her keen eye and exquisite taste, is the creative director for local jeweler, Sidney Garber. Ms. Fields is a long-time MCA supporter Blog 6 - Abby Geha and Carly Levitonand is a notable collector of contemporary art. Tony Karman, president and director of EXPO Chicago, attracted more than 100 major dealers to the fair including Anthony Meier Fine Arts, Richard Gray Blog 7Gallery, David Zwirner, Landau Fine Art Gallery, Kavi Gupta and Annely Juda Fine Art Gallery (where the Mayor was seen browsing). Top restaurants served up their tastiest fare with Marc Brooks’ Park 52 being a Blog 8standout with its crawfish etouffee. The night raised more than $375K for the MCA and I can’t wait to see it return next year! Seen on the scene were Mayor Rahm Emanuel (honorary chair) and wife Amy Rule, MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn, critic and Chi
cago native Jerry Saltz, actor Billy Zane, artists Theaster Gates and Dawoud Bay,  M.K. Pritzker, MCA Trustees including Sara Blog 9 - Dr. Lauren Streicher and friendAlbrecht, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky, Liza and Marc Brooks, Lois and Steve Eisen, Larry Fields, King Harris, Penny Pritzker, Cari Sacks, Helen and Sam Zell, Sven Asmus,  Elysabeth Alfano (“The Dinner Party”), Nc1Martha and Rich Melman, Chef Michael Kornick, Grant DePorter, Randy Zweiban, Carol Prins and John Hart, Gregg Zgonena and Chicago Look’s Isa Giallorenzo among others. (To view more pics from this amazing evening, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Debi Lilly hosts her eMag Launch PartyDebi Lilly is a nationally-renowned event planning expert based in Chicago. She is the founder and president of A Perfect Event – one of Chicago's most successful special event companies with a faithful (and famous) Blog 2 - Graham Kostic and Debifollowing, including Oprah Winfrey! She regularly appears on “The Nate Berkus Show” with delightful party planning tips and now, for her own eMag Launch Party recently, her jewel box of a store Blog 3 - Rachel Schwanz and Matt Woodburn(located at 3050 N. Lincoln) was transformed into Versailles' 18th century France with the theme “Marie Antoinette Champagne and Let Them Eat Cake Fete”! Imagine vanilla pink champagne cakes paired with vanilla moscato cakes filled with luscious champagne sabayon Blog 4 - Debi with husband Mike Springer, daughter Lilly and Parkerand this was just for starters! There was even a real-life Marie Antoinette perched atop the elaborate sweets table saying “Let them eat cake”…and everyone happily obeyed! Even the cocktails were reminiscent of something Louis XVI would serve! The Blog 5 - Kimberly Huynh, Jody Bedrick, Leilani Mesavisuals were astounding (as only Debi Lilly and her team can do) and what a perfect Launch Party for her latest creation, A Perfect Event eMagazine! We were Blog 6 - Debi with Pam Rose (Swirlz Cupcakes owner)happily transported to an elegant and most stylish place in time! Congrats to my Francophile friend, who continues to amaze us ALL!! (Additional photos by Steve Starr…and to see ALL party pics, please click here!)

Blog 1I’m a great lover of antiques – my husband says I collect so many things that the only thing left that he can afford to collect are toothpicks…LOL! Sadly, things are so expensive nowadays that my collecting efforts are nonexistent but I do love to keep abreast of the auctions and see what’s going on out there. Of Blog 2 - Barringer meteorite crater near Flagstaff, Arizonacourse, my favorite auction house in the world is Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, but sometimes I receive catalogs from places I’ve never done business with but which are still very interesting. On October 14th, in New York at the Fletcher Sinclair Mansion, Heritage Auctions will host the largest meteorite auction ever! Some 125 meteorites will be offered. You can buy the Blog 3largest piece of the moon – four pounds – ever offered to the public (estimated to sell for $340K+); a large slice from the most famous meteorite in the world, the Williamette, which is housed at the Rose Planetarium/American Museum of Natural History (est. $85K-$110K) or a small meteorite Blog 4 - Herbie Hancock at 2011 Grammy Awardsthat fell in 1492 and was later chained up in a church so it couldn’t fly back into the sky (estimate $4K-$5K). A number of these rarities and novelties are from the Macovich Collection, which is curated by NY’s own “meteorite man” Darryl Pitt and is considered one of the largest and most important private collections in the world. This auction also coincides with Blog 5 - Gibeon meteorite for auctionthe 20th Anniversary of the Peekskill fireball – the most videotaped meteorite descent of all time – which burnished its legacy by puncturing a Chevy Malibu in its final act just 30 miles outside of Manhattan (estimated to sell for $45K). A special highlight of the auction will be a meteorite from a piece of the planet Mars that legendary recording artist Herbie Hancock had in his pocket during a gala performance at The Kennedy Center last fall for Blog 6 - Barringer craterthe Thelonious Monk Institute. This bit of Mars, along with Hancock, were “gazed upon” by the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright and Aretha Franklin, among others. (One hundred percent of the auction proceeds of this lot go to The Monk Institute, which is devoted to nurturing musical excellence. For more info on this fascinating event, please click here

Blog 1 - Pamela Crutchfield, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano (LN Artistic Dirctor), Joanna Naftali (LN Executive Director)Speaking of the moon (how ‘bout that segue?), Luna Negra Dance Theater’s Board of Directors and Gala Host Committee including co-chairs Kristin Conley and Jennifer Edgcomb, Blog 2 - Jennifer Edgcomb (co-chair), Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, Kristen Conley (co-chair)Executive Director Joanna Naftali and handsome Artistic Director Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, kicked off their
2012-2013 season and saluted Hispanic Heritage Month with the annual Noche de Luna Gala on September 13th. More Blog 3 - Jocelyn Stoller, Pamela Crutchfield (Honoree), Helen Melchior, Abby McCormick O’Neilthan 400 attendees helped raise over $234K to support the on-going work of Luna Negra as a springboard for Latino contemporary choreographers. At the Gala, the company Blog 4 - Luna Negra dancers Veronica Guadalupe and Nigel Campbellpresented its Luna de Honor Award to Pamela Crutchfield, who has been a tremendous advocate for the company for many years. Chicago Community Trust was also presented with a Luna de Honor Award for its ongoing support. The Blog 5 - Marty Castro (The Chicago Community Trust board member), Joanna Naftali and Gustavo Sansanoevening, which took place at Venue SIX10, began with a cocktail reception where guests could admire the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and enjoy improvised performances by the LN dancers throughout the Blog 6 - Jorge Solis (LN board president), Joanna Naftali and Monica Cervantesspace. The crowd then entered the Feinberg Theater to enjoy a performance of LN repertory excerpts, including work by Sansano, Argentinian choreographer Asun Noales and Brazilian choreographer Fernando Blog 7 - Fernando Melo, Veronica Guadalupe and Ken SliwaMelo. Following a dinner by Wolfgang Puck Catering, guests enjoyed dancing to the sounds of Latin band Son de la Habana in the delightful Kehoe designed space. For more info about the fantastic dance company, please visit www.lunanegra.org. (Photos by Cheryl Mann…to view more pics, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Sarah singing with Kate MurrayI’ve been to quite a few birthday celebrations in my day but none quite as interesting and creative as Sarah Beardsley’s which was held at the Red Moon Theater Company warehouse! I’d never been Blog 2 - Dr. Chris Randolph, Sarah, Andreas Zafiridis, his guest Whitneyto this Wonka-esque spot before but I sure won’t ever forget it! As we wound our way around the large building to the back entrance, whimsical characters directed us to the entrance which was lit by two spotlights. Once you Blog 3 - Joffrey Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, Chris Long and Brian Johnsonentered the space, there was a riot of activity – lights flashing, bubble-blowing DJs, cranes lit with Christmas lighting, spiral moss-covered spinning cones, mountains of food as art, a huge bar, a large space cleared for dancing Blog 4 - Chuck, Margaret O’Connor and Joffrey Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conwayand lots and lots of Sarah’s friends. No one really knew what to expect since the invite had no mention of a birthday but I ferreted out this info at the party. I should’ve known something Blog 5 - Rebecca Besser and Dr. Lauren Streicherlike this was afoot when she climbed onstage to happily belt out tunes with the band The Breakfast Club with girlfriend Kate Murray! Attendees included Dr. Lauren Streicher and husband Jason Brett, Becky and Scott Etzler, Dr. Chris Blog 6 - Lyric Opera’s Magda Krance (R) and friendRandolph, Susan and Joe Credle, her lifelong friends Mary Jo Fasan and Cindy Lucaccioni, Helen Melchior, Christopher Clinton Conway, Ashley Wheater and Brian Johnson, Jan Melk, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Chris Long, Lyn McKeaney, Magda Krance, Rebecca Besser, Andreas Zafiridis, Janet Owen and Brian Smith among many others.  Congrats and Happy Birthday Sarah! (Additional pics by Glenn Kaupert…click here to view more fun pics!)

Blog 1 - Chicago Fire's Teri Reeves, Chicagolicious's Valincia Saulsberry, and Mallory SabianI love events that benefit our four-legged friends and the amazing Big Night Celebrity Chefs Benefit, hosted by Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control, did just that on an Blog 2 - Animal Control Officer Williams, Jesse Campbell of The Voice, dog Jojoexciting evening on September 19th. Guests mixed and mingled under the fabulous Tiffany Dome of Preston Bradley Hall in the Cultural Center while renowned Chef Jackie Shen, along with a dozen of her Blog 3 - RL manager Rich Varnes with Zarada Gowenlockwell-known celebrity chef friends, prepared delicious dishes. As the Geof Bradfield Trio played, guests enjoyed specialty drinks such as the Cosmopoodlitan and the Muttini! A live auction Blog 4 - Exec Director Chicago Animal Care and Control Sandra Alfred, volunteer Carolyn Quinnincluded diamond jewelry from Sidney Garber and a dinner in-home prepared by Chef Shen. For the past 11 years, FCACC has been dedicated to caring for animals from babies who have to be bottle-fed, to animals with injuries to elderly animals who just need someone to love and care for them. (To learn more, please visit www.fcass.org and check out more photos here!)
 
Mitch CanoffMitchell Canoff is one helluva photographer and his friends want you to know it so we’re hosting a wonderful, love-filled exhibition of his work at Paris Club on Monday, October 8th from 5 to 8 p.m. Host committee members include the Melman family, Judy and Mitchell Canoff inviteHoward Tullman, Suzie and Ross Glickman, Sugar Rautbord, Cheryl Sloan and Chris “Hambone” Cameron among others. A percentage of photography sales will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The night, which will also be Mitch’s 70th birthday party, will include a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and music by Lilianna Wosko. (RSVP to mitchellcanoff@comcast.net and visit www.mitchellcanoffphotography.com for more info.)
 
FOC Ball inviteA reminder! Friends of Conservation (FOC) will celebrate its 30th anniversary, on Friday, October 12th with “Chicago Celebrates the Whole Wild World.” The Conservation Ball, founded by Reute Butler and her family, will 17-chicago-inside-harold-washington-library_tcm7-14163feature silent and live auctions, dinner, and a thrilling wildlife exposition. Paul Iacono is super-sizing this event (it will be at Harold Washington Library Winter Garden, located 400 S. State St.) so you won’t want to miss it! Tickets are $350 for general admission and $250 for guests 35 or younger.  Hope to see you there!

Blog 1 - CAMP cosmetics founder Michael PerichSo many thanks to CAMP Cosmetics and founder Michael Perich, who I mentioned in an earlier posting as honoring me with my very own lipstick, “Candid Candace Coral.” We shot the Blog 2 - Photographer Amie Hanacampaign this week with photographer Amie Hana at her beautiful home in Lindenhurst – she has her very own lake right outside her doorstep and the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful! I was even more honored that Michigan Avenue Magazine sent OnAirr videographer Peter Lambrinatos to capture the session for its “behind the scenes” online content. Congrats to Blog 3Michael on his wonderful cosmetics line which is botanically-extract based. He launched his career working for some of the biggest makeup and skin care names in the business Blog 4 - With Michaelwhile living in Chicago. As his clientele portfolio grew so did his recognition: He’s been seen on FOX, WGN and CBS to name a few. In 2003, he decided to embark on his own unique business venture and CAMP COSMETICS – whose slogan is “Women are beautiful…We make them pretty” – was created. On Blog 5May 1, 2004, Michael officially opened CAMP COSMETICS with his first store location in Glen Ellyn; with its mixture of modern minimalistic décor and stainless steel, the store has a chic vibe that attracts women from all over Chicago. I’m thrilled to be the face of this fabulous cosmetics company and hope you get a chance to try it for yourselves!  🙂

Blog 1 - With VS Chicago Magazine’s Olga RudaI was also honored to be included as the cover feature story for VS Chicago Magazine, the premier Russian language luxury lifestyle magazine in Blog 2 - Neiman’s Wendy Krimins, Cynthia Holbrook and Tina Koegelthe United States. Based in Chicago, they are the go-to source covering a variety of topics for all Eastern European communities. I had a delightful interview with marketing and advertising manager Olga Ruda and journalist Natalie Berezovska and I hope you’ll enjoy it in the October Blog 3issue. Pierre Burnaugh shot the cover with wardrobe courtesy of Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue (thank you, Tina Koegel and Cynthia Holbrook!!!) and Adelaide on Wells Street. I’m lusting after the black J. Mendel dress from Neiman’s!

Chicago Look's Isa GiallorenzoMore big thanks go out to fashion blogger Isa Giallorenzo for featuring me in her NewCity style column. If you aren’t aware of her blog, “Chicago Looks,” then you’re missing out on some great street style fashions! Congrats Isa and keep up the good work!

That’s it for this week! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it! As always, please send me any suggestions or comments (good or bad) and I will try to implement them. My goal is to keep you entertained, informed and grateful to live in this great city like me! 🙂

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Wrist Wishes logoP.S. I just love this “gift with heart” idea from Wrist Wishes! WW was created by Nicole LaCross as a way to combine her love of fashion with her love of charity and she succeeded on both counts. Built on the concept of shining little glimmers of hope into the lives of all who wrap them around their Wrist wishes imagewrists, these organdy ribbons include charms representing Animal Abuse, Childhood Cancer Awareness, Heart Disease, Fashion For a Cure and many more. Aside from adding a pop of color and style to any outfit, WW donates $2 from every purchase ($10) directly to the charity represented by your bracelet. Congrats Nicole!!! (To buy YOURS, please click here!)

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GLAMORAMA’S FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA BENEFITS RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE!

…PLUS HOTEL LINCOLN’S GRAND OPENING, LINCOLN PARK ZOO’S GARDEN PARTY, WATCH312.COM’S GLAMORAMA VIDEO COVERAGE, CHICAGO AIR & WATER SHOW PARTIES, “OUT IN THE PARK” AT SIX FLAGS, TUESDAY WANTS YOU AT PAWS CHICAGO, MOVE OVER REVLON – CAMP IS COMING AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Meg & Liz, Robin Thicke, Janae and LaTressa McVey and friendIt was a cornucopia of exciting visuals, fabulous fashions, glamazon models, great people watching and the best after-party around: Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama wowed the crowds again this year at Blog 2 - Laura Schwartz, Nick Noonan, Amy Heidemann, Andrea Schwartz, Dr. Steve Strykerthe Harris Theater on August 10th. This new venue provided a different feel to the show with a smaller stage, which (thankfully!) didn’t affect the quality or excitement level in the least and the Rooftop at Blog 3Millennium Park proved to be one of the BEST after-party venues thus far! The show (expertly produced by Myron Johnson), and themed “The British Invasion: The Music Then. The Fashion Now,” Blog 4opened with Macy’s I Heart Radio contest winners, Meg & Liz. These two 19-year-old fraternal twins from Nashville became YouTube sensations when their cover songs and original pop anthems racked up 160 million views. Their Blog 5 - YouTube sensations Meg & Lizlatest hit, “Are You Happy Now?” an anti-bullying song, features Meg’s soulful acoustic guitar alongside her sister Liz’s soaring vocals. The chart topping duo Karmin also performed – they too shot to fame through their collection of YouTube cover songs, only theirs featured the rapid fire rapping of Amy Heidemann alongside her musician/singer/fiancé, Nick Blog 6 - Marco Foster, Nicole Townsend, Paul IaconoNoonan. They ignited the web when they posted a cover of Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now” on YouTube; the clip went viral, Ellen Degeneres called and the rest is history! (They even had the honor of introducing this year’s Ronald McDonald Host Family, Janae McVey, and her mom, LaTressa.) Headliner Robin Thicke taught himself to play piano at the age of 12 and by Blog 7 - Macy’s Jeffrey Gennette, Janae LaVey, Macy’s Martine Reardon, LaTressa McVey, Doug Porter21, had written and produced songs on over 20 gold and platinum albums for Michael Jackson, Marc Blog 8 - Gretchen Klotz, Fabrice Calmels, Elena Samokhina and Corinne MelchiorAnthony, Pink, Christina Aguilera and others. Macy’s fall fashions featured collections from Tommy Hilfiger, Jean Paul Gaultier, Material Girl, Sean John, Bar III, Rachel Roy and Donna Karan; always a crowd pleaser, the Diesel underwear segment did NOT disappoint this year with hunky male models sporting Beefeater hats, police helmets and billy clubs, House of Lords wigs and, of course, underwe
ar! The segment opened with Blog 9 - Macy’s Robin Hall with British Invasion Dancers (Bailey Munoz, Will, Charlize and cute friend)the guys lined up atop a London bus, tearing off their shirts and marching down stairs towards the appreciative audience. The Blog 10 - Liz Kores, Kamal Bosamia, Lauren Rapisandyoung British Invasion dancers included some favorites from last year like Bailey Munoz (aka BailRok), who Cee-Lo Green famously lifted over his head in last year’s finale. The after-party on the Rooftop of Millennium Park was over-the-top spectacular with British touches everywhere you looked. The “Windsor Terrace’s” champagne lounge featured Blog 11 - Diesel underwear, yeah!the “Queen’s jewels” in a Lucite case while the “Piccadilly Circus” section offered Lancome makeup touchups and a photo booth with props. Delicious food was everywhere you looked Blog 12 - Headliner Robin Thickewith specialty drinks offered at all 18 Patron bars! Attendees included Andrea Schwartz with Dr. Steven Stryker, Martine Reardon, Robin Reibel, Jeff Ganette, Doug Porter, Christina Thomas, Paul Heubener, Kamal Bosamia, Fabrice Calmels, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Sheila Musolino, David Sanchez, Rachel Schwanz, Corinne Melchior, Blog 13 - Robin Reibel and Andrea SchwartzGretchen Klotz, Billy Dec, Ken Norgan, Jose Conforme, Marcus Riley, Nicole Townsend, Marco Foster, Laura Schwartz, Justin Jacobson, Dori Wilson, Sherren Leigh, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Toni Canada, Gale Gottlieb, Carol Gibson, Blog 14 - With Deborah Brown, Tarrah Cooper and friendCamille Britton, Lynn McMahan, Rebecca Besser, Joan Colmar, Kathleen Henson, Michelle Durpetti, Stephanie Kroll, Heather Ingram, Kathy O’Malley, Katie Cahnmann, Quenten Schumacher, Katie McLenaghan, John Blog 16 - Lynn McMahan, Rebecca Besser and Gale GottliebBourgeois, Donna Pecci, Marcellas Reynolds, Samantha Lurie, Stephanie Teymourian, Sara Jahn, Ami York, Joanne Lee Paul, Tee Lam Dubois, Marketa Kazdova and Sadhna and Narmda Kumar. All of the dancers, models and performers travel to all four cities – Blog 15Minneapolis, Chicago, L.A. and San Francisco. For the fourth year, Glamorama benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. To date, this event has raised more than $750K for this charity to support the Blog 17building of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House which officially opened on June 26th! During the past 13 years, this event has raised more Blog 17 - Confetti-filled finalethan $2 million for Chicagoland charities. See below for an incredible Watch312.com video documenting this historic event! (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr.)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&height=360&embedCode=9tdTJwNTqrT3sRVib6ovXa5x86KyMdQ5&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

Blog 1 - Boka Groups’ Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm with Mary Todd and Abe LincolnChicago's newest boutique hotel, Hotel Lincoln, hosted its official Grand Opening Party at 1816 N. Clark on Thursday, August 16th. Hundreds of locals and hotel guests partied on three floors including the J. Blog 2 - Chicago Tribune’s Luis Gomez (2nd from L) and Emerald-Jane Hunter (R) with friendsParker Rooftop, which has one of the best views in the city. Looking out over Lincoln Park, the zoo and lagoons with the lake beyond is a sight not to be missed! Even Mary Todd Blog 3 - RMHC’s Alli Turner, her cute hubby and Lesley Prizant-Goodmanand Abe Lincoln were on hand to greet guests as they entered. Neon wristbands allowed party-goers all-access into this charming hotel located at the crossroads of Lincoln, Clark and Wells. Conveniently located near the Lincoln Park Zoo, Green City Blog 4 - Perennial Virant’s Jason Dohmann and Boka Group VP Ian GoldbergMarket, Second City and Steppenwolf Theatre Company, this 12-story hotel has 184 rooms that begin reasonably at $179 a night. Dining specials can even be ordered up from restaurant hotspot, Perennial Virant, whose beloved food and beverage director Jason Dohmann was on hand on this special night greeting guests with a smile and a hug. Congrats to BOKA Group restaurant owners Kevin Blog 5 - Deborah Chapman (L) and friendsBoehm and Rob Katz and Joie de Vivre Hotel Group for this terrific addition to the neighborhood. Guests seen on the scene included Marlaine Selip, Cindy Patrasso, Emerald-Jane Hunter and Ji Suk Yi from “Windy City Blog 6 - Christopher Dovalina and Jennifer SuttonLive,” Andrea Schwartz, Scott Bobek, Julianne Glatz, the Landon twins, Laura Schwartz, Charley Jordan, Jennifer Sutton, Deborah Chapman, Lesley Prizant Goodman, Alli Turner, Luis Gomez, Patrick Parkey and Blog 7 - The Landon Twins and Scott Bobek with friendsMitchell Obstfeld. I'm so happy to see that horrible "Days Inn" sign disappear! For more info on Hotel Lincoln, please click here!! (P.S. The Hotel Lincoln is pet-friendly AND charitable, with a $1 donation per room being donated to PAWS Chicago – more than $4,800 has been donated to date, thanks to Deborah Chapman!) Check out more fun party pics here!

Blog 1 - Verdant lagoon vistaLincoln Park Zoo’s second annual Wine & Wildflowers Garden Party was a casually elegant affair in the zoo’s gardens with almost 350 people enjoying this August 1st event that included a wine tasting, mingling and Blog 2 - Brian Houck, Troy Baresel, Judy Keller, Kevin Bellleisurely strolls through the pristine grounds of this urban oasis. Strains of bluegrass music from the Bubbly Creek Bluegrass Band, which could be heard over the Hope B. McCormick swan pond, delighted Blog 3 - Houck discusses the future of the gardensattendees who feasted on Southern favorites including an upscale selection of brisket and pork barbecue bites from Tigerlily Events, deviled eggs topped with smoky bacon and chicken salad tartlettes. Wine Blog 4 - Guests dressed for upscale barbecue themestations included selections from sponsors Apothic Wines, Martin Codax, William Hill Estate Winery and Wirtz Beverage Illinois. Tours throughout the night highlighted striking garden displays of purple fall anemone, tardiva Blog 5 - Lovely ladieshydrangeas and dinner plate hibiscus. Senior VP of Facilities Troy Baresel and Director of Horticulture Brian Houck gave guests an exclusive sneak peek at what lies ahead for the Gardens at Lincoln Park Zoo. Their aim is to create a garden for all seasons that preserves the historic character of the Zoo’s grounds. Founded in 1868, our zoo is one of the country’s only free, privately-managed zoos. (Click here to view more pics!)

Blog 1 - Host Mike Wilkie and Terry LeontiosThe Chicago Air & Water Show is one of my favorite events every summer – Chuck and I always love seeing the rehearsals the day before when the planes fly right over our deck and terrify the Chihuahuas! And although Blog 2 - (Front) Tess, Jamie Gaballa, Whitey Pearson, (top) Charles Herrick and Chuckmuch is written about the show itself, I love the viewing parties thrown across the city to celebrate! I know the newly opened Hotel Lincoln hosted an event as did friends Michael Wilkie and Kristina and Mike McGrath. Wilkie's penthouse home – Blog 3 - Mr. and Mrs. Paul Episcope and friendhigh atop 1500 N. Lake Shore – is, in my opinion, the best perch from which to view these amazing feats of daring since the planes are right at eye level from the 24th floor. His beautiful home was formerly owned Blog 4 - Hosts Mike and Kristina McGrath with Richard (Dickie) Parrilloby an heir of Morton Salt so you can imagine the grandeur. Kristina and Mike McGrath's home holds a special sense of place for me since they live at the Palmolive Building, formerly Playboy headquarters. Their Blog 5 - The “1500 Penthouse Pals”h
ome on the 22nd floor was formerly the editorial department where I spent a lot of my time in earlier years so I felt right at home in their luxurious space with two grand outdoor patios…one with a putting green! Partygoers included Blog 6 - Hostess Kristina McGrath (R), twin sis Korinna Isselhardt (L) & Gayle AnthonySonya Jackson, Korinna Isselhardt (Kristina's darling twin sis), Hazel and Warren Barr, Lynn and John McMahan, Michaela and Dick Parrillo, Susanna Negovan, Sherrill and John Bodine, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Uslan, Gayle and Jim Anthony, Sherren Leigh, Sugar Rautbord, Rebecca Besser, Toni and Rick Canada and Julee White. A gorgeous lakefront, world-class aerial displays and great friends to see it all with – Chicago is MY kind of town! (To see all party pics, please click here!)

TPAN bannerI’ve been fortunate to have attended quite a few unique events in my time but this is one clever idea for a party! An all new private LGBT event benefitting TPAN will feature rides, live music and a party-like atmosphere: “Out in the Park” will be at Out in the Park inviteSix Flags Great America on Saturday, September 8th from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. The park will be closed to the general public for this event, where more than 3,000 guests are expected to attend. Attendees will enjoy DJs Matthew Harvat and Phil DaBeatz, who will be spinning simultaneously as a team. A limited number of bus tickets will be available departing from Uptown on Montrose Avenue, one block west of Broadway. Buses will depart at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., all returning at 1 a.m. Blog 1 - ICB Executive Director Bill Natale and Congressman Danny DavisTickets in advance are $35, which includes admission to the park all day long, free parking and admission to this private event. (For tickets, visit sixflags.com using promo code OUT2012 and for bus ticket info, please visit gaysixflagschicago.com or call 773.878.5323.)

Congrats to the students of the Illinois Center for Broadcasting, who donated their time and efforts for Congressman Blog 2 - ICB student Kiera CobbDanny Davis’ recent Back to School Parade & Picnic. Twelve students happily assisted seniors by serving meals, helping them on and off of buses and with games. The kids gave back to the Blog 3 - ICB’s Ashley Stevensoncommunity in the spirit that won ICB the 2012 ACCSC Award (Accrediting Commission Career Schools & Colleges) that OICB Prez Bob Mills will be receiving in San Diego this September. They beat out more than 1,400 schools and 250,000 college kids in garnering this award so congrats to the students and to ICB on this major honor!

Friends for the Cure logoFriends for the Cure is a dynamic group of associates who have been working together since 2003 to help raise money for research to cure diabetes. The founder, Margery Teller (one of Crain’s “100 Most Influential Women”), will bring together more than 700 celebrants on Saturday, September 15th from 7 p.m. until midnight at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 220 E. Chicago Ave. The night will include strolling musicians, performing artists, DJs and an extensive silent auction that will include a pair of weekend stays at the Langham Hotels in Boston and Pasadena, among many other exciting items. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100. (To purchase tickets, please visit www.diabetes.org/friends.)

Oak-Brook-Polo-Club-season4I’m sad to report that Chicago Beach Polo won’t be returning to North Avenue Beach this year but the good news for polo buffs is that it is alive and well in Oak Brook! Last Sunday was the first of four polo events this year. Remaining dates are August 26th, September 2nd and September 9th and games are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. For more info, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com.

Social Gravity logoSocial Gravity, a network connecting people and businesses that share common causes and goals with the nonprofits they support, will be hosting a networking and fundraising happy hour on Friday, August 24th, at the Redhead Piano Bar, located at 16 W. Ontario St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Social Gravity founder Randy Shipley explains, “This event will raise money for  MyPlea.orgMyPlea.org, an innovative new online charitable organization dedicated to helping those in need on an individual case by case basis.” (Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more info, please contact Sarah Vargo via phone at 224.622.1759 or email at sarah@maven-chicago.com.)

August2012-RSM-lgMy favorite market, Randolph Street Market, returns to 1340 W. Washington on August 25th and 26th! America’s largest and liveliest urban antiques market offers more than eight acres of indoor and outdoor shopping plus some of the best food vendors in Chicago! It also offers free downtown furniture deliveries, a trolley from Water Tower Place and is very pet-friendly! Hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Remember, early Saturday shopping will benefit Chicago House! (For more info, please click here.) 

Tues6If you’re in the market for a 10-month-old Pointer pup, read no further and get over to PAWS Chicago NOW! Tuesday is an affectionate girl who loves to fetch and is anxious to bring so much life and energy to her new family! She is good on leash Tues7and walks and would probably make a great running partner, too! She sits on command and will need lots of exercise, structure, love and training. If you think you qualify for this bundle of love, contact Sarah Ahlberg at sahlberg@PawsChicago.org.

Blog 1 - Camp Cosmetics founder Michael PerichIt came out of the blue: I didn’t even know the guy and had never heard of Camp Cosmetics but when owner Michael Perich contacted me about creating my own lipstick, I had dreams Blog 2of Elizabeth Taylor and her Diamonds fragrance! Well, a dream for sure but what fun to have my own special coral color named “Candid Candace” and, best of all, getting to donate a portion of the proceeds to PAWS Chicago! He is a dedicated makeup artist with a salon filled with Blog 3 - Photo by Amie Hanalike-minded professionals who believe in their slogan “Women are beautiful…we make them pretty.” My signature color sells for $19.50 and can be ordered by phoning Camp Cosmetics at Blog 4630.545.0240 or visiting the store at 480A N. Main St. in Glen Ellyn. I am sooooo excited! 🙂 (Photo courtesy of Amie Hana.)

Thanks for being here and I hope to see you next week – same time, same place! I hope you’re enjoying this glorious weather that makes Chicago the most delightful city in the world!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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