Tag Archives: Chinatown

OSCAR FUN AND FASHION AT THE GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER!

…PLUS PAWS’ ANIMAL MAGNETISM, SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY, CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION'S STREET STYLE, BEAR TIE BALL, 60 STYLISH CHICAGOANS, STELLA’S HONOR, NINA AND BOB'S BIG DAY, JACK IS ONE, MY LATEST WATCH312.COM AND MORE!
 
Blog 1 - 2012 co-chairsThe red carpet beckoned at the Gene Siskel Film Center for the only Academy Awards show in Chicago sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Movie Blog 2 - Tracey and Ray Samlow, Event Chairlovers came dressed to the nines on this night, many inspired by some of the nominated films. Host Amanda Puck was dressed in black and white from her favorite shop, Space 519, in honor of “The Artist” and guest Allan Caliman did the same and won “The Artist Look Alike” award on this night! Other inspired winners included Renny Blog 3 - Richard and Ellen Sandor (2nd from L) and friendsRhanna for “Marilyn Monroe Look Alike,” Jenna Plakut and Matthew Sullivan for “Power Couple,” Mila Samokhina for “Best Dressed Paparazzi,” Chris O’Dea for “Best Dressed Man,” Monika Rydz for “Best Dressed Woman,” Blog 4 - Ellen Kollar, Jean de St. Aubin and Tim KollarElena Samokhina for “Jessica Chastain Look Alike,” Jamie Sterle for “Zooey Deschanel Look Alike” and Emile Sile for “Morgan Freeman Look Alike.” It was a happy crowd with everyone hoping their favorites would win. The buffet dinner – Blog 5generously donated by MJ Catering – also gave a nod to the theme of the evening: Each dish was inspired by a film! There was Hawaiian salmon (“The Descendants”), thyme beef encroute (“Hugo”), roasted veggies (“Tree of Life”), southern style potato gratin (“The Help”) and asparagus and Blog 6 - A rapt audiencegruyere tart (“Midnight in Paris”). I loved seeing the movie going crowd so excited and it was contagious. I had my own personal favorites and they included “Hugo,” “Midnight in Paris” and “The Artist” and Chuck’s favorite was “Moneyball.” We both laughed so hard over “Bridesmaids” that it was ridiculous…actually, why don’t more Blog 7comedies get nominated? I think we should be throwing a little love their way right about now. And I have to say, as I watched the actual awards ceremony in one of the two state-of-the-art Blog 8theaters where the 84th Annual Academy Awards show was presented courtesy of ABC7 Chicago, that I had some other thoughts. First of all, we all get it…Angelina is gorgeous but that leg-throwing thing really disappointed me. This is a woman who should NOT be trying this hard. And, as Stella Foster so aptly put it Blog 9in the Sun-Times, “Angelina Jolie was elegant in black, but she could have kept that boney leg under wraps.” I love Stella, always telling it like it is! And now, here are my highlights: I Blog 10loved Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz’s booty shot when they were presenting…too awesome and both glam, glam, glam! I loved both the gowns but Diaz’s won in my opinion. When she came out to present and those feathers were flying in all the right Michael and Roopa Weberplaces, I was thrilled for her. I loved Billy Crystal from beginning to end. I am tired of nastiness, not only at awards shows but anywhere – life is hard enough…let’s try to be nice to each other! Funny can be nice, Blog 12as Billy has proven time and time again; I loved his comment about being in a theatre (“These are the places to laugh, to cry and to text.”), his comment about being at the “beautiful Chapter 11 Theatre…” and finally, “We have puppets and acrobats…we’re a Blog 13pony away from being a bar mitzvah.” Gene Siskel Film Center Executive Director Jean de St. Aubin said, “As Chicago’s premiere movie theater, we look forward every year to hosting the official Oscar party to celebrate achievements in Blog 14 - Joel Mangers and friend in Action Boothfilm. We’re thrilled to be sold out again and the crowd is so glamorous…it rivals the real red carpet.” Associate Director of Development Joel Mangers had this to say about the event: “Fun, sexy…everybody is having a Blog 15 - Mila and Elena Samokhinagreat time! It’s the most fun you can have outside of Hollywood!” I thought it was interesting, too, that the last baseball film nominated was “Field of Dreams.” I loved “Moneyball” (probably for all the wrong reasons!) and who could believe Sandra Bullock could speak German Mandarin Blog 16Chinese??!! Penelope Cruz was perfect from head to toe, as usual. I’m thrilled Meryl Streep won – 17 nominations and now three wins – and isn’t it refreshing that she is still so humble? I loved her speech and loved the fact that her first shout-out was to her beloved husband, Don Gummer, to whom she Blog 17 - Emcee Amanda Puck and Andrea Schwartzhas been married for 34 years. I also loved the Cirque du Soleil performance, although I think it was much more impactful in the theater than on TV as the standing ovation proved. It was a Blog 18real treat to cover this night at the Gene Siskel Film Center for my show, “Candid Candace Chicago,” on Watch312.com. We have the greatest crew and I want
to thank them all here now: Cameraman/editor Fred Jackson, producer Jill Bastian, editor Josh Orr, executive producer Bill Natale, producer John Basile and cameraman Brian Kaempen (Split Film Blog 19 - Lee Litas and her darling momProductions). I hope you enjoy this video as much as I enjoyed making it! 🙂 Congrats and thanks to the Gene Siskel Film Center for presenting such wonderful independent and international cinema, film festivals, cutting edge programs, premieres, retrospectives and classic films. Their next event will honor actress Reese Witherspoon on June 23rd at the Ritz-Carlton. Check here for more info. (Fab fotos by Mila Samokhina…click here for more!)

http://imgsrv.intertechmedia.com/image/flash_players/new_07062010/singleshot_video_16x9.swf?xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fplayer_xml.php%3FstationId%3D3301%26collectionId%3D1766%26stnPageId%3D12044321&styleXML=http://watch312.com/pages/wtc_PlayWindowPlayer_1766.xml&episodeXML=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fplayer_episode_xml.php%3FvideoEpisodeId%3D37724%26collectionId%3D1766%26stnPageId%3D12044321&emailFormURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Femail.php&embed=yes&autoPlay=no&mute=no&playerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fpages%2F12044321.php%3FcollectionId%3D1766

Blog 1 - Co-Chairs Ashley & Noah Pettit (their PAWS dog Arthur), Courtney & Eric WeilerPAWS Chicago’s Animal Magnetism Party attracted a fun-loving and fur-filled crowd of more than 300 people and 80 pets to their sixth annual event at Galleria Marchetti on February 17th. The evening Blog 2 - Hosts Angi Taylor & Brotha’ Fred with PAWS Founder & Chair, Paula Fasseas (center)was hosted by KISS FM’s Brotha Fred and Angi Taylor and included dinner, dancing, photo ops and a one-of-a-kind live and silent auction. Highlights included the chance to fly a military aircraft under the guidance of an expert instructor. The Blog 3 - Alexis Fasseas, Susan Monahan & Jamie McLaughlinaircraft was the North American SNJ-5, the Navy version of the T-6, which trained almost every allied fighter pilot during WWII and into the Korean War. This amazing package sold for only $550!!! Four premium seats for a Cubs game three rows behind Blog 4 - Guests hit the dance floorfirst base included a party bus to the game and sold for only $600. (Now you see another reason why you should be coming to these events: great auction deals!) A trip to NY with two VIP tickets to “The Late Blog 5Show with Jimmy Fallon” sold for $2,450. During the evening, Petco Foundation was honored for its extraordinary donations to PAWS Chicago’s Pet Food Bank and the GusMobile. This medical van visits Chicago’s low income communities offering free Blog 7 - Peter Fasseas with Lindsay & Chris Carlton and their adopted PAWS Chicago pooch Eloisespay/neuter services as well as medical care. PAWS will save 4,500 homeless cats and dogs this year and spay or neuter more than 18,000 pets, the majority free for families who can’t afford this on their own. “It is so inspiring to see so many young Nevena Zee and friendsprofessionals, passionate about helping Chicago’s homeless animals,” said PAWS founder Paula Fasseas. Guests seen on the scene included Paul Earle and Ellen Rudnick, Hank, Anne and Haleigh Bernbaum, Neal Lenhoff (who generously donated $2K during the Bid to Save Lives), Andrew Pitt, Kim Gleeson, Richard Doermer, Lindsay Walter, Chris Carlton, Dr. Steve Stryker and Andrea Schwartz. This event raised more than $90,000 and was co-chaired by Ashley and Noah Pettit and Courtney and Eric Weiler. (Check out additional event pics by Sparenga Photography here!)

Blog 1 - Hosts Patrycja Drozdek, Monika Dixon and Jennifer ChristensonI was thrilled to be a part of the recent Success is a Journey seminar hosted by JMP Global’s Monika Dixon, Jennifer Christianson and Patrycja Drozdek at Hotel 71. The room was packed with more than 200 guests Blog 2 - Keynote speaker James Tarantino and his wifeinterested in hearing about the success and personal development of the panelists who included keynote speaker James Tarantino, FanFueled’s Anderson Bell, Boka Group’s Kevin Boehm and fitness expert Andrea Metcalf. Monika Dixon said, “Success is not a destination…it is a journey. This understanding comes when something Blog 3 - Host Jennifer Christenson (R) and glam guesthappens in your life that shakes up the very core of your being. Our panelists discussed what it took and the moment that kept them motivated. Every time they overcame a challenge that was just beyond their reach of capabilities, it gave them a feeling of worth and of value. It is then that they realized the next step and Blog 4 - With Monika Dixon and speaker Anderson Bellfound themselves already looking ahead to the next horizon, just beyond their view, but still surrounded by the feelings of accomplishment for the current successes.” Couldn’t have said it better myself, Monika! All of the speakers shared amazing stories of their Blog 5 - Speaker Andrea Metcalf (R) and friendsuccesses and failures and how it changed them as people. Guests seen on the scene included Kamil Bartoszcze, Chris Foltz, Paul Iacono, Rachel Schwanz, Corinne Meier, Anthony Farinas, Kasia Jarosz, Ryan Blog 6 - Monika with Paul Iacono and Rachel SchwanzBeshel, Zoryana Yavorski, Lonnie Rodriguez, Nevsy Zee, Eva Pawlus, Alexandra Wilson, Patrick Meyn, Kara Moore, Patricia Bielecka, Ruth Diaz Fabiny and Nicole Townsend. Thanks so much for including me! See my speech below and to hear ALL of the speakers, please find their names on YouTube. (To view ALL event photos by Photo Affair Studios, please click here.)

Nena IvonAnd speaking of speakers, legendary fashionista Nena Ivon, along with partners Linda Heister and Jane Laidlow, have created their very own speaker’s bureau, the Chicago Speaker’s Bureau called TALKSCHIC! The intent of TALKCHIC! is to provide lifestyle speakers for spouse programs, women’s groups, executive business meetings, cruises, panels, etc. If you or someone you know are interested, please send a bio to Nena Ivon at 222 E. Pearson St., Suite 2305, Chicago, IL 60611. 

RTRFlyerLots of fun events coming up! You won’t want to miss the Red Pump Project on Saturday, March 24th at the Society Art Gallery at 2140 W. Fulton St. from 6 to 9 p.m. This event will be held in honor of National Women and Kim-Coles-229x300Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and will feature Kim Coles, actress, comedian and motivational speaker. This is the third annual Rock the Red Fashion Show, showcasing up and coming designers from around Chicago. So ladies, prepare to rock your red pumps and fellas, rock your red ties to bring attention and awareness to the impact that HIV/AIDS has on women and girls. Awareness is always in style! 

2012_SPRING_SCHOLARSHIP_EVENT-CFF-1-30-2012-woutThe Chicago Fashion Foundation is hosting its annual scholarship event on Wednesday, March 7th at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington from 6 to 9 p.m. “Street Style: Chicago Fashion through Chicago Communities” will showcase the work of 10 local fashion students Peach Carrwho will present looks representative of the signature street style of Chicago’s neighborhoods including Rogers Park, Chinatown, Andersonville and Ukrainian Village. The event will start with a cocktail reception in Preston Bradley Hall followed by the fashion show with three scholarships being awarded in the amounts of $500, $1,000 and Event Host Corri McFadden$5,000. I am thrilled to be a judge along with the always-darling Peach Carr (“Project Runway”), Jon Cotay (Akira founder), Catie Keogh (NBC’s “24/7”), Andrea Schwartz (Macy’s) and Diego Rocha (“Project Accessory”). E-Drop Off’s Corri McFadden will be the emcee for the evening. After the runway show, former winners will debut their spring collections while Too Faced Cosmetics recreates the runway beauty looks from the evening. Tickets are $25 for students, $35 for general admission and $55 for VIP (which includes a gift bag). Hope to see you all there! I will be filming for my Watch312.com show “Candid Candace Chicago” and would love to see your darling, fashionable faces on camera! For tickets and more info, please click here.

Rhythms_for_a_Reason_2.sflbPlease join me for the 2012 Bear Tie Ball benefitting Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation on Saturday, March 10th. This is always a wonderful event for a great cause and I hope you will all come! The event is called Rhythm for a Reason and that means they’re “gonna rattle the walls, shake a leg, and come together to make a difference in the lives of Roe and Barb Conn and Valerie Warnerchildren and families battling pediatric cancer.” The night will begin at 6 p.m. at the UIC Forum with beloved co-chairs Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto. Emcees for the evening will be Roe Conn and Val Warner from “Windy City Live.” Dining, dancing and awesome auctions all for a great cause! I hope to see you there! For tickets and more info, please click here! Black tie preferred but favorite musical era flair also encouraged!

And while we’re on the subject of Nina Mariano, please enjoy this sweet video of her and her hubby, Bob, along with members of Roundy’s management team ringing the bell for the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on February 10th! Only two conventional grocers have successfully gone public in the past 15 years – Dominick’s and Roundy’s – both of which were lead by the same CEO, Bob Mariano! Congrats, Nina and Bob! A much deserved honor!

TCW Mag coverA big thanks to TCW Magazine for including me in their “A-List – 60 Chicagoans of Style” feature! To see who was included, READ THE MAGAZINE or click here! 🙂

Stella FosterAnd last, but certainly not least, mark your calendars for yet another much deserved honor for Sun-Times super-scribe Stella Foster! The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans will be presenting her with their prestigious Dante Award at their luncheon on May 17th at Galleria Marchetti! Last year, Linda Yu received this award, as well as Stella’s mentor, Irv Kupcinet, years prior. Just love this girl who tells it like it is! For tickets and more info, please visit www.jccia.com. Congrats, Stella!!!

Well, as the NY Times says, “that’s all the news that’s fit to print” (although this isn’t really the case…I have lots more!). Just wait till next week! 🙂
 
Sharyl and Jackson MackeyLove,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Mike and Jackson MackeyP.S. I was so happy to attend the most incredible baby birthday party! Everyone I know was at Saddle & Cycle recently to toast Jackson Mackey’s first birthday. I don’t know if he’ll remember it but I sure will! The amazing décor was by Debi Lilly from A Perfect Event and will most certainly be appearing soon on a show near you! Just look at these pics and you’ll see why everyone was so happy to be a part of this little guy’s big day! Happy birthday, sweet Jack! 🙂

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS IN CHICAGO: GOODBYE 2011 – HELLO 2012!

…PLUS A PERFECT ANGEL, TOP HOLIDAY PARTIES, MY FAVORITE CHINESE FOOD IN THE CITY, PAWS’ “12 STRAYS OF CHRISTMAS,” JOFFREY HONORS, FUN WITH FRIENDS, PLUS GREAT RESTAURANTS AND MORE!
 
New-year-glitter-1The holidays are almost over and I hope they were happy and healthy! Now it’s countdown to New Year’s and a time to reflect on all we’re grateful for. Besides the obvious, the continued good health of my loved ones, I’m so very grateful for your continued support of this blog and will endeavor to make it even better in the coming year, so please stay tuned!
 
Blog 1 - Dick and Michaela ParrilloThere were so many great holiday parties around town that I don’t know where to start so let’s begin with one of the most elaborate and beautiful ones at the home of Michaela and Dick Parrillo. Their home, built on more than seven lots in Lincoln Park, is one Blog 2 - Kristina McGrath, Lynn McMahan, Dede Lubeznik, Debbie Marchese and Gail Leahyof the most dramatic ones in the city – you feel like you’re in France at a grand chateau when you pull up to their driveway! The elegant, ornate four-story home was designed by architect Thomas Beeby, who also designed the Harold Washington Library Center, the Harris Theater in Millennium Park and the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Building at the Art Institute. At more than 20,000 square feet, it Blog 3 - Beautiful table settingwas furnished by Michaela, a Francophile, in the French classical manner with fine imported antiques. It was a privilege to be invited to Blog 4 - Lynn McMahan, Hedwig Golant, Charlie Besser and Lee Lechowiczthis exclusive party with more than 60 friends. Every room was decorated differently with holiday décor that Michaela does herself. She began in November decorating the many Christmas trees with ornaments she’s been collecting since she was 20 Blog 5 - Chez Parrilloyears old. One tree was prettier than the next and rivaled the glamorous décor in the various rooms. The entryway had the most beautiful marble pattern I’d Blog 6 - Peter Schivarelli and glam friendever seen with a dramatic black wrought iron winding staircase. Guests first gathered in the wood paneled bar to mix and mingle before moving onto dinner in a magnificent dining room and library. Round tables were adorned with gilded holiday centerpieces and white Blog 7 -Jay Gottlieb, NAMESorchids and, as the Dom Perignon was served, guests gave toasts. First to speak was Bruce MacArthur who thanked the hosts followed by Charlie Besser and then Dick himself who laughingly welcomed his guests saying, Blog 8“It is nice to see so many of Michaela’s friends!” (Dick is CEO of United Auto Insurance Group and the recipient of the 2008 Ellis Island Medal of Honor.) The delicious dinner featured beef bourguignon and a beautiful dessert with a spun sugar Blog 9 - Rick Canada, Chuck and John McMahanChristmas tree on the plate! This party was something straight out of Town & Country – too bad for them and lucky for me that I get to cover it! Love and thanks to the Parrillos for including us and for being the host & hostess with the MOSTEST! Seen on the scene were Donna and Jon Kleinman, Susan and Bruce MacArthur, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Hedwig and Bob Golant, Toni Blog 10 - Hedwig Golant and Lee Lechowiczand Rick Canada, Lynn and John McMahan, Peter Schivarelli, Gretchen and Jay Jordan, Bill Parrillo, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Lyn McKeaney, Blog 11 - Gregory Pape, Dede Lubeznik and Caryn KraffRobin Berger and Mark Tebbe, Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Debbie Marchese, Mary Jo Gordon, Gale Leahy, Lee Lechowicz and Mike Tadin, Caryn and Lowell Kraff and Dede Lubeznik among many others. What a great way to celebrate the season in style! (Click HERE to view all pics!) 

Blog 1 - Supermodel Lily AldridgeSupermodel Lily Aldridge was destined for fame from the start. Born in LA in 1985 to famed British fashion photographer Alan Aldridge and Playboy Playmate Laura Lyons (my darling girlfriend), she hails from a fashion oriented family. Her dream was Blog 2 - Ruby and Lily Aldridge with mom Laura Lyonsalways to be a model and this dream came true at age eight when she was discovered at her school carnival. Her siblings include half-sister Saffron Aldridge (a multi-year face of Ralph Lauren in the ‘90s), half-brother Miles Aldridge (married to ‘90s supermodel Kristen McMenamy) and sister Ruby Aldridge (one of the faces of Blog 3 - Pic by Russell JamesMarc by Marc Jacobs who is already well on her way to fame as a budding supermodel herself). Mom Laura had quite a career herself with the Playboy Blog 4 - Caleb and Lily's weddingempire beginning with her Chicago Bunny of the Year honors in 1975. Her gatefold followed with her Playboy Playmate of the Month pictorial in February 1976 and as a Bunny/Playmate, she was known for leading the march for Bunny Rights in Chicago, which was highly publicized at the time. Like mother, like daughter, Lily’s career is growing by leaps and bounds…but instead of Bunny tails, she’s wearing Angel wings! She has been seen in spreads for Italian Vogue, Italian Elle, Glamour, L’Uomo Vogue, Teen Vogue and Cosmopolitan, among many other publications. At age 18, she Blog 5 - Laura Lyons as Chicago’s 1975 Bunny of the Yearappeared on the cover of Spanish Vogue. In 2009, she modeled in the Blog 8 - Lily in VS campaign by Russell JamesVictoria’s Secret Fashion Show for the first time and after several campaigns for the company, she earned her wings and became a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2010. This year, of the 38 Angels appearing in the show taped in early November at NYC’s Lexington Avenue Armory, Lily was featured as one of the highlights along with Miranda Kerr (wife of actor Orlando Bloom and who wore the $2.5 million “Fantasy Bra”), Skokie’s Erin Heatherton, Chanel Iman, Candice Swanepol and Adriana Lima. Blog 9 - Lily working the Red CarpetHer fairytale life is continuing with her marriage on May 12, 2011, to Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill at the luxurious San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California. In addition to modeling, Lily is also setting her sights on acting…I can’t wait to see her gorgeous face on the silver screen! (For more pics, please click HERE!)
 
Blog 1 - Tony Hu charms the ladiesIt is always a challenge deciding where to go in Chicago for special occasions since almost EVERY restaurant in town is a good choice. For our annual Girls Night Out Holiday Dinner, we wanted to do something completely Blog 2 - Sheila O’Grady and Tony Hudifferent, something with a Chinatown connection. This is where celebrity chef, restaurateur and dedicated community server Tony Hu entered the picture. Illinois Restaurant Association President Sheila O’Grady came up with this idea after writing a Blog 3 - Glam décor at Lao You Jufascinating article in TCW about Tony. His Tony Gourmet Group includes Lao Sze Chuan (2172 S. Archer Ave.), Lao Shanghai (2136 S. China Place), Lao Beijing (2138 S. Archer), Lao You Ju (2202 S. Wentworth) and Lao Hunan Blog 4 - Tony Hu of Tony Gourmet Group(2230 S. Wentworth). Sheila made reservations at Lao You Ju and, of course (knowing Sheila!) brought champagne but it was Tony himself who wowed the group with his extensive knowledge of food and wine and did I say charm? His charm alone Blog 5would attract a large clientele even if his food wasn’t fantastic, but it is! I highly recommend this group of restaurants. Each one offers a different flavor of China and Taiwan and it shows a part of our city’s dining scene that many people don’t often get a chance to experience. Ask for Tony…and be prepared to chat! 🙂
 
Blog 1 - Pen GM Maria Zec, Jean Antoniou and Mary Ann RoseAnother top dining experience can always be found at the Peninsula, but it was a very special occasion that warranted a cozy round table in a nook in the back corner of this Blog 2 - Zarada Gowenlock and Greg Hyderelegant room decorated (literally!) to the ceiling with magnificent holiday decor. It was dubbed the Special Friends Luncheon and I couldn’t have been more honored to be included with H
azel Barr, Amy Blog 3 - Mary Pat Burns and Amy WimerWimer, Mary Ann Rose, Zarada Gowenlock, Jean Antoniou, Mary Pat Burns
and Sheryl Dyer. GM Maria Zec and Catering Director Greg Hyder hosted and Chef Kai Lermen prepared a delectable menu that included Blog 4 - With Hazel Barr and Mary Pat Burnsstriped bass, butternut squash risotto with parmesan and the most delightful holiday dessert selections you’ve ever seen. Big plans are coming for the Pen…can’t say what, but Chicago will be thrilled! 🙂 (To view all pics, please click HERE!)

Blog 1 - Gayle Anthony, Julie Weindling and Donnie MadiaDonnie Madia’s Blackbird on Randolph still packs them in and it was a great treat to spend a night there with friends Gayle Anthony, her sister Julie Weindling and Paul Iacono. Another great evening was spent at Blog 2 - Rhonda Sanderson, Hedwig and Bob Golant at The SouthernJim Lasky’s The Southern on North Avenue (their fried chicken is to DIE for!) with friends Hedwig and Bob Golant, host Rhonda Sanderson, John Amato, Sheryl Dyer and Alan Sax. “I wonder what Piglet is doing," thought Winnie-the-Pooh, "I wish I were there to be doing it, too." (To view more pics, please click HERE!)

1011-Nut1I am so proud of The Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker! Have you heard the news? Goldstar, an online ticket seller, selected our Nutcracker as the country’s best-loved Nutcracker based on member reviews and ratings. The Joffrey’s Nut beat out more than 50 productions from around the country to earn this title! Additionally, they will receive a cash prize for their C & C invite, 9-15-2008educational programs. I am also thrilled to report that for the first time, the Joffrey’s “Couture & Cocktails” party has made Biz Bash's “Chicago’s Top 100 Events” list. Kudos to The Joffrey Ballet who is racking up more wins than Meryl Streep!

Bookcvr300dpiI know that holiday gift giving is over but that doesn’t mean a New Year’s gift is out of the question! My suggestion: Beth Aldrich’s fabulous and informative book, “Real Moms Love to Eat.” Aldrich says, “Diets make everyone feel tired, empty, Beth relaxing in the kitchenstressed and unfulfilled. In my book, I explain how to eat the foods we love with some tweaks – learning how to control indulgences, understanding why we crave what we do and how to still enjoy our dysfunctional food friends (salt, fat and sugar) all with just a little makeover.” Congrats Beth on a wonderful book that includes not only tasty recipes but an interesting life story along the way!

Blog 1Every year, the Illinois Education Foundation, which supports 250 scholars at colleges around the state, has an evening for these scholars called Suited for Success planned this year at Blog 2 - Bruce Wilson getting measuredthe Standard Club on January 21st. And even though this is a closed event for the young students, IEF needs your help in finding donations of new or gently used, current high-quality business/interview suits for men and women by January 14th. Davis Blog 3 - Leaders of tomorrow dressed for success!Imperial Cleaners has graciously donated the dry-cleaning for all donations and the tailoring has been donated by Brooks Brothers. Allen Edmonds and Lori’s are also donating Blog 4 - 2011 emcee Chris Gardner and Lewis Magersa new pair of shoes to each student! (Let’s make sure we patronize these charitable companies!) IEF empowers low-income, highly motivated community college students to succeed in school, in work and in life. Please help…this is a wonderful way to clean your closets for a wonderful cause! Donors can email suzannejfaber@gmail.com for pick-up and drop-off logistics. (Pics by J. Geil)

Blog 1 - US 99’s Julie DentChuck and I were so proud to be a part of PAWS’ “12 Strays of Christmas” adoption event which began on December 13th. Chicago personalities including Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, WGN’s Steve Sanders, Brotha Blog 2 - Disney radio’s DJ AngelaFred (host of Kiss FM’s morning show), US 99’s Lisa Dent, Sun-TimesElizabeth Hamel, WBBM news-radio’s Julie Mann (with niece Lauren), Radio Disney’s DJ Angela and Tribune reporter Bill Hageman and wife Dona joined together in an effort to find homes for dogs and cats at this time of the year. Leading Chicago area shelters with nearly 2,763 animals transferred from Chicago’s Animal Care & Control (ACC), PAWS Chicago has helped reach an all-time euthanasia low of 10,599 cats and dogs in 2010. The magnitude of Blog 3 - Cook County Sheriff Tom Dartthis progress is best seen when compared to the 26,394 animals euthanized there in 1997. With special holiday hours through the Blog 4 - WBBM radio’s Julie Mann and niece Laurenend of December, the PAWS website and the Adoption Center will feature a special group of animals available for adoption each day. As pets at the Adoption Center find new homes, PAWS Chicago will be able to take in more homeless dogs and cats, saving more lives. PAWS Chicago will be taking in extra animals from Chicago Animal Care & Control throughout the week to find as many homes as possible before the year is over. Please help the helpless at www.PAWSChicago.org. (For more pics, please click HERE!) 

Happy Everything!Thanks for being here and here’s a toast to 2012! I am wishing you all the best, biggest, brightest and happiest year ahead! May the best of this year be the worst of next!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

 

Blog 1 - Patti and Jimmy ConnorsP.S. Here’s what the Connors family “cooked” up for their Christmas Eve Dinner! I love these PEEPS! 🙂 If you would like to follow tennis great Jimmy Connors on Twitter, he’s got Blog 2 - He cooks!!!some cool insights into the world of sports – among other news! (For more pics, please click HERE!)

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