This past year has been trying but, we're still here, so there's much to be grateful for. I love seeing events cautiously return and was so happy to hug my friends again, even though this new variant is taking us back a step. Crime is off the charts with no end in sight but, I'm still hopeful this city will survive and thrive. I'm thrilled to see so many new restaurants opening up. Alex Dana just opened his 9th restaurant, this time in Millennium Park, and Gibsons Restaurant Group has partnered with Michelin starred Chef Jose Andres in some exciting new ventures which will keep our city on top of the foodie chain. On a sad note, we lost a 40-year institution, Yoshi's Cafe, in Lakeview. But, despite some
setbacks, this holiday season has never been brighter, literally speaking. Rosemont debuted its AMAZE Light Festival this year with over 1 million lights in Impact Field. Six Flags' Holiday in the Park returned this year with both in-person and drive-thru options and, again, millions of lights. Navy Pier hosted Light Up the Lake inside Festival Hall and the
Botanic Garden's Lightscapes was a sell-out. Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic, at 40 years young, was the area's longest-running lights event. Lincoln Park Zoo's Zoolights is expected to bring in nearly $2.5 million this year for its bottom line and Morton Arboretum's Illumination surpassed 200,000 visitors this year. Yes, the city has never shined brighter, hopefully it will be a harbinger of good things to come for us next year. Shine on Chi! We're all rooting for YOU!
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On Saturday night, November 12, the Drake Hotel was packed with 550 party-goers and 60 of their four-legged friends, to celebrate PAWS Chicago's 20th anniversary and its triumphant Fur Ball return. After a long pandemic hiatus, guests were thrilled to be back together again to raise funds for PAWS, the area's largest No-Kill animal
shelter. Co-chaired by Scott and Nancy Santi, the black-tie event was a sell-out with both the Gold Coast Room and the Grand Ballroom filled to the brim with guests and a lot of tail-wagging
canines, many dressed to the nines. We saw pups in tuxes, tutus and sparkly coats on rhinestone-studded leashes and everyone seemed to be having a great time!
Upon arrival, supporters enjoyed cocktails in the French Room and the sounds of Guitarra Azul. Programs in both ballrooms were hosted by media personalities, Jake Hamilton and Sylvia Perez
in the Gold Coast Room and Natalie Bomke in the Grand Ballroom. The program consisted of the presentation of adoptable dogs, which garnered oohs and ahhs from the crowd. Tinsley Mortimer,
of the Real Housewives of New York City, went home with an adorable 3-pound Chihuahua which completed her family of two other rescue poodles. Paula Fasseas, PAWS founder, thanked the crowd and shared that since the organization's inception, the killing of homeless pets in Chicago has decreased by 91%, but she noted "there was still much more work to be done." Popular auctioneer David Goodman had the crowd digging deep into their pockets for live auction prizes that included a
countryside villa in Barcelona for a week for 8 people (sold four times at $25K each); a truffle dinner for 9 prepared by Chef Fabio Viviani (sold for $17K); box seats at Elton John's Final Tour for 10 (sold for $21K) and 8
days in St. Barth at a private villa for 6 PLUS a fly-in on a G-7 (sold for $40K). Following a buffet dinner, the live auction and a fund-a-cause, guests returned to the French Room to enjoy live music from Maggie Speaks (the band was underwritten by longtime supporters Melissa and Michael Canning). The event was sponsored by ITW, A. Marek Fine Jewelry and Wayne and Nan Kocourek.
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The Service Club of Chicago;s annual gala, “Our Kind of Town CHICAGO….. And All That Jazz!," held on November 5th, was a successful night celebrating the organization’s 131st year of serving the greater
Chicagoland community. Nearly 250 guests donned their finest black-tie attire and filled the gorgeously renovated Grand Ballroom of The Four Seasons Chicago. Event co-chairs Melinda Jakovich-Lagrange, Lyn Z. McKeaney and Heather Spyra welcomed guests to the cocktail reception highlighted by a phenomenal silent auction featuring items such as designer handbags, stay-cations, and travel options. Guests were eager to greet the gala’s celebrity emcee, John O’Hurley, of Seinfeld and Broadway fame, who dazzled the audience
by performing a number from the hit play CHICAGO, where he had performed as Billy Flynn. The fabulous sounds of The Gold Coast All Stars and the majestic vision from Kehoe Designs warmed up the Ballroom. In welcoming the audience, the SC president, Sherrill Bodine, heralded the return of the
“live” gala after a virtual event in 2020 and thanked all those present for truly “making a difference in the lives of others." In between courses, a live auction featured items such as Super Bowl 2022 tickets and fabulous experiences in France and Naples! An open call for donations was preceded by a knock-out video highlighting agencies that have benefited from the group’s Philanthropic Grant Fund, which is the gala's significant purpose. Raffle winners were pulled and then guests packed the dance floor. The Service Club Gala is always the largest fundraiser the group hosts every year, providing primary funding for its Philanthropic Grant program. This year’s event raised over $475,000.
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The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI) hosted its 6th annual REV UP CHICAGO, a fashion show and scholarship award ceremony at Perillo Exotic Cars. Challenges from Covid-19 led to a hybrid in-person event and watch party of the pre-recorded fashion show. Designers included: Elda de la Rosa Couture, Lauren Lein, Ltd., Laurie Borsé, Rebellion, STAM and Swap & Strut. This 
year’s winner for the Designer in Residence Award went to
Blair Goldman. The 1st place tuition scholarship winner is Irving Castañeda, the 2nd place tuition scholarship winner is Adilene Villalpando. Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails from Glenfiddich while sampling appetizers from Taqueria Chingon. It was a night of pampering with hair and make-up touch ups and a nail bar provided by Tricoci Salon & Spa. Special thanks to sponsors, Joe and Pat Perillo, who have been supporters of REV UP CHICAGO since its inception. I was so proud to serve as emcee and
have Chicago Star Media as the media sponsor. A special thank you to Gold Sponsors: Sherrill Bodine, Lauren and Thomas Cavanaugh, Susan Gohl, Caroline and Brian Joss, Scott Schroeder, Erica and Michael Strama, Xochil and Tim Scheer, Stanley Paul Foundation and Maria
Vathis. This event raised $20,000 for the philanthropic arm of the Apparel Industry Foundation, Inc. (AIFI), a 501c3 charity. The Apparel Industry Board is the only official organization in Illinois specifically dedicated to the needs of the sewn products industry. AIBI nurtures and supports designers based in Greater Chicago and is constantly developing new programs to better serve and promote the industry as a whole. View the event below, which offered both live-stream and in-person viewing.
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Union League Boys & Girls Clubs, a nonprofit serving the after-school needs of over 15,000 youth from under-served neighborhoods, hosted Leaders in the Making Gala, its 44th annual
benefit, on November 6 at the Union League Club of Chicago. This black-tie gala honored the
accomplishments of its young membership and raised funds for its continued youth development programs. “Traditionally, the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs gala has been a celebration of those who stand by the Clubs throughout the darkest of times, from its donors to its staff, with last year’s event honoring the individuals and corporations that assisted in distributing over 250,000 meals and providing a safe space during COVID. This year, they highlighted those who bring the most meaning to the 102-
year-old nonprofit—its 15,000 youth members,” said Gala Chairman, Union League Boys & Girls Clubs Trustee and rising philanthropist Celine Fitzgerald. “These bright and tenacious
Chicago youth are truly the city’s Leaders in the Making.” The gala returned to the Union League Club following a virtual version in 2020 and attracted over 300 guests, occupying three floors of this elegant private club. The evening began with cocktails and a silent auction as well as a performance by a Luminarts jazz duet. After dinner, a “Fund the Mission” paddle raise and an after party followed with DJ and desserts. Gala sponsors included The Fitzgerald Family Foundation, Bernardi Securities, BMO Harris Bank, James Gillespie, The Shade Family Foundation, Chioros Properties, Mary & Lionel Go, Lauren & Andrew Jones, Peak Construction and Rothschild. Since its founding on December 26, 1919, as a foundation of
the Union League Club of Chicago, Union League Boys
& Girls Clubs have been serving youth in neighborhoods with the highest hardship index in Chicago; providing quality programming centered on academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles. Today, Union League Boys & Girls Clubs serve over 15,000 youth members at ten well-equipped and professionally staffed inner-city Clubs that bring
effective after-school programming to youth in the Pilsen, West Town, Humboldt Park, Bucktown, South Lawndale and Englewood communities. In addition to its Club sites, the non-profit also serves Court-detained youth assigned to Chicago’s Juvenile Temporary Detention Program and manages its own 247-acre summer camp in southern Wisconsin where Club youth have a chance to enjoy supervised outdoor activities not easily accessible in an urban environment. ULBGC recently announced it will open seven new school-based Club sites thanks to a five-year, $1.4 million annual grant from the national Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding organization.
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Beloved fashion designer Barbara Bates celebrated her 35th anniversary with a jam-packed show spotlighting her newest collection. During the runway presentation, live music was performed by the youth of Chicago West Side Community Music Center with
many Chicago notables and celebs coming out to celebrate this milestone occasion. Actress Lisa Raye and gospel singer BeBe Winans were celebrity models. Throughout the years Bates has dressed many celebs including Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Harvey, Bernie Mac, Whitney Houston and so many more! Self taught designer Barbara has also been known for her fight against breast cancer and has raised over $500,000 for Mt. Sinai hospital in support of breast cancer patients. And, for over a decade, she has provided free prom gowns for Chicago's in-need high school seniors and most recently provided thousands of masks during Covid for Chicago's police officers. Congrats, with love Barbara!
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At Navy Pier's "Light Up the Lake" debut attraction, now through January 2, a magical wonderland awaits, all enclosed within the warm, inviting Festival Hall. First off, being enclosed is a big plus for families with kids who want to keep them comfortable and warm during our cold winters. Another plus is the carpeting, very 
thoughtful for one and all AND it provides traction for the kiddos as they dart around the sparkling exhibits–lighted ornaments, ginormous teddy bears, Christmas boxes, tunnels of lights, a 3-story Christmas tree and more. It was so heartwarming to see so many families out enjoying themselves after a long period of isolation. Couples walking hand in hand and taking photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children 
squealing with delight on the mini-train tooling around Christmas cottages. Adults sipping spiked hot chocolate and enjoying a variety of delicious foods–funnel cakes, loaded latkes, smoked brisket sandwiches, cotton candy, funnel cake sundaes, beer, tequila cocktails, pastrami-spiced turkey sandwiches and so much more. There's even a cookie decorating kit for the kids! As we wandered throughout the 170,000-square-foot space, we felt the spirit of Christmas that is alive and well here. We sat for a while by the ice-skating rink watching as skaters, with varying levels of talent, swooped around to the sounds of the holidays. Beyond the rink, picnic tables were set up for dining with large fireplaces projected on screens above the tables. Thank you Navy Pier for all you do for the city of Chicago and its vital tourism trade. You are always thinking of ways to make us smile. (www.NavyPier.org)
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The historic Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, celebrated its 150th anniversary December 8. A ceremony and celebration took place in the hotel's grand lobby before a crowd of fans, friends and media. The event honored both the milestone anniversary and National Brownie Day (paying homage to the original brownie recipe that was invented at the hotel). The lobby came alive with digital projections of historic photos along the walls, a gallery of never-before-seen historic artifacts and a proclamation from the Mayor Lori Lightfoot declaring today to be "Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel Day in Chicago, in celebration of 150 years of history, elegance and hospitality." The State of Illinois also issued a proclamation honoring the hotel. The Palmer House first opened on September 26, 1871. The hotel began as an extravagant wedding gift from Potter Palmer to his bride Bertha Honore and was 
immediately regarded as one of the most luxurious hotels in Chicago. Speakers included Michael Edwards, president/CEO Chicago Loop Alliance, Greg Cameron, president/CEO of The Joffrey Ballet and Chairman
of the State Street Commission, and Larry Horowitz, executive director of the Historic Hotels of America and Dean Lane, Palmer House General Manager, who thanked the attendees and praised his staff, who speak 25 languages. He shared some of the many firsts the hotel is known for: 1) The first fire-proof building. Potter challenged anyone to start a fire in its guest rooms. 2) The first hotel to install Alexander Graham Bell's original telephone in every guest room. 3) The first use of the "vertical steam railroad," which would later become the elevator. 4) The first
hotel to use Edison's modern light-bulb in every guest room. 5) The birthplace of the original chocolate fudge brownie. Lane spoke about some of the many proud moments in the history of the hotel. In 1879, Bertha Palmer's sister Ida was married to President Ulysses S.
Grant. The hotel hosted a banquet dubbed "the greatest banquet in American history" to commemorate the return of the President's trip around the world. Mark Twain, a friend of the Palmers, served as emcee. (Twain's beer stein from this event was on display on the mezzanine as was Bertha's French Haviland China that was used and is valued at $30,000 per place setting, among many other items.) (Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel, 17 E. Monroe, www.hilton.com, 312.726.7500)
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The Service Club of Chicago's annual holiday luncheon, “A Cool Yule," was held on December 1 at The University Club. On this day, Cathedral Hall was decorated to the nines for the holidays reminding me a bit of Hogwart's
School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. No witches though, only angels donating their time and money to good causes. Under the Great Tree, guests gathered early to sing holiday carols and shop an amazing array of local vendors. Veteran co-chairs Lezley Hodes and Karen Peters welcomed all and, along with President Sherrill Bodine and songstress Denise Tomasello, led the audience in their annual “verse by table” rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas. As her term nears an end, Bodine said “This is
my last big event, and I hope you all know how proud and grateful I am for each of you – and for the work that we accomplish together." (Jean Antoniou is the incoming president). The luncheon had taken a virtual,
online turn in 2020, and all the guests were thrilled to be back together in-person. Every year, the luncheon chooses a charity for the guests to provide gifts for to herald the giving spirit. The crowd of nearly 200 arrived off the elevators carrying basketballs, coloring books and an assortment of toys, all to benefit Kids Above All, a nonprofit which has been caring for children in need since 1894. The Holiday Luncheon supports the valuable work of The Service Club of Chicago and allows its programs to grow and expand. This year’s event raised over $60,000 — another record high set for the year.
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Big thanks to Fox-32's Sylvia Perez for having me back to discuss fabulous things to do for the holidays! Check out the video below for my festive tips for family fun!
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Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue hosted the Service Club of Chicago recently for a fun-filled White Elephant Party (this is the game where you pick a number and then choose a gift, which can be stolen by another party-goer.) Let me just say Sheree Schimmer had a lot of trouble
holding on to her gifts! The intimate party was by-invite-only and consisted of past event chairs and co-chairs. I offered welcoming remarks before all the merriment began. Neiman's GM Wendy Krimins and Tina Koegel, Brand Experience Manager, both thanked the ladies for their longtime support. I think this relationship is perfect because both entities focus on giving back. It was a perfect holiday party with good friends who seem like family.
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Dreams for Kids continued its 33rd year of giving on December 15 when community leaders met at GCE Lab School to carry on the tradition of hosting its annual toy and comfort drive, Holiday for Hope, benefiting Chicago families in need, which was in jeopardy of being discontinued amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, over 1200 toys, coats, gloves, and
blankets have been donated and will be distributed across Chicago thanks to program partners Jesse White (IL 
Secretary of State); Sam Hill (Shoot Your Best Shot); Jakhil Jackson (a 14-year-old with his own nonprofit, Project I Am); Annie McAveeney (Fill a Hart for Kids). In July, GCE Lab School took on Dreams for Kids’ Holiday for Hope drive and social entrepreneurship program, Dream Leaders, a youth leadership and service-learning program.
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The Union League Holiday Fashion Show took place on December 1, expertly produced again by ZZAZZ Productions (Tracey Tarantino & Team–Nancy Long, fashion coordinator; Natalie Roppo, production coordinator) who have been a part of this event for years.
The show took place in the club's elegant Grand Ballroom where 200 guests enjoyed lunch, specialty vendors (on a different floor) and one of the most beautiful backdrops I've ever seen for an event, a snow-filled, wintry scene that made the fashion segments by Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, Max Mara at Bloomingdale's, Anne Fontaine, York Furrier, St. John Boutique, Contessa Bottega and Mira Couture pop right off the stage. Congrats to ZZAZZ and to the philanthropic ladies of the ULCC. (Thanks for including me Tracey!)
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On another bright fashion note, ZZAZZ Productions also produced one of the largest shows in the Chicagoland area, Mistletoe Medley, for the Infant Welfare Society-Oakbrook Chapter on November 30. The event was a sell-out in the Drury Lane Ballroom where guests enjoyed a lengthy shopping experience
from a variety of amazing vendors before sitting down to lunch. The tables were decorated with festive, glowing floral centerpieces made by Chapter volunteers that were available for sale following the event (they were a sell-out too!) Tracey Tarantino utilized her largest cast of models yet for this grand show including a very well-
behaved poodle named Theodore. To kick off the afternoon, Oak Brook Chapter co-presidents Linda Layland and Marge Tresley welcomed guests. Allison Rosati returned as the much-loved emcee. I was honored to walk in the show along with NBC Chicago Today co-hosts Matt Rodrigues and Cortney Hall. Fabulous runway fashions were presented by Neiman Marcus Oak Brook, York Furrier, 
Mira Couture, Max Mara, Sandro, Red E Mas, Lepa Boutique, St. John, Elda de la Rosa and Ted Baker. Since 1911, The Infant Welfare Society has been providing love and support for children and their families in under-served communities. The Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago provides a variety of services including prenatal care, dental, adult health, optometry, counseling services as well as The Child-Centered Health & Advanced Therapies (CHAT) program.
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Special thanks to NBC Chicago Today show co-hosts Matt Rodrigues and Cortney Hall for having me on to chat about a few of my favorite "Gifts that Give Back"! All of the items appeared in Chicago Star's first holiday issue (read it here) and all of them donated a portion of proceeds back to a nonprofit. I presented a beautiful Chicago Lighthouse clock; a PAWS Chicago desk calendar; beautiful ornaments from Mary, Mary Gifts (706 N. Dearborn) where a portion of the sale of any musical ornament benefited Allegrezza; a Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation stuffed teddy bear and a beautiful cookbook from Eli's Cheesecake, where a portion of the sales supported Cure Epilepsy during the month of December (Epilepsy Awareness Month). Please enjoy the segment below!
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LOVE IS IN THE AIR! Linda Yu became the proud Mother of the Bride when her beautiful daughter Francesca Ling married Oct. 17 at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena. In attendance at this glamorous wedding were the Father of the Bride, Dr. Richard Baer, and the Chicago contingent Sylvia Perez, Tracey Tarantino and Ji Suk Yi, among others. Linda's beautiful gown was created by Peach Carr and makeup was by Chicago's Alex Galasinao. Kudos to all and long may you love! (Thanks Kup!)
Another happy wedding occurred on November 14 in Chicago when former Chicago Bear star and full-time philanthropist Israel Idonije wed his love, Jatnna Toribio. It was an intimate ceremony with a small group of friends that culminated in a dramatic photo shoot atop the LondonHouse by Gregoire Jules. Again, love WINS!!!
And it was a fabulous, surprise engagement for Alex Antoniou and her love Matt Silkaitas! He got down on one knee atop the Ever Restaurant on December 18 and popped the question. The whole family celebrated together afterwards.
And, on December, Becca Smith (darling daughter of Jim
Smith and Greg Hyder), tied the knot with Alex Maas. The wedding was supposed to take place at the zoo but, thanks to Covid, had to be dialed back to an intimate ceremony for 22 at the groom's lavish family home in Inverness. The couple plan to celebrate with more family and friends when the pandemic is over.
Kudos to the Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Dr. ! Their new Lodge experience has guests and locals all abuzz! Conceived by Wayne Harth with drop-dead ski chalet decor by Tom Kehoe Designs, the hotel will be attracting eyeballs and ski bunnies for sure! It's first experience was a welcome and introduction to this new concept. The latest event was to
feature drag queen Mimi Marks and Tommy Holl, The Real Elf, but Covid changed the plans. It was still a total delight with lots of familiar faces who enjoyed flaming egg nog, a drag performance by another talented queen, hors d'oeuvres and lots of fun photo opps, including a "moose" out front. Please pop in and check out the cozy atmosphere which is just what we all need right about now. And, look for more experiences coming up that I will happily share across my social. Congrats to all and thanks for looking out for us Fairmont! _______________________________________________________________________
More than 300 guests gathered at the Four Seasons Chicago for the 4th annual Hoosier Ball to benefit the Lyon Family Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Partygoers donned extravagant masquerade masks while sipping on fabulous cocktails and noshing on
items from the decadent raw bar, dim sum stations and Italian inspired fare all while enjoying the beats from DJ Matt Roan. Special host Bill Rancic joined Lyon Family Foundation Executive Director, Alexandra Lyon Singer, to lead the live auction featuring exotic trips, luxury art and exclusive private dinners sponsored by Ferrari Lake Forest. A performance by Elan Artists rounded out the evening as guests took to the blackjack, roulette and poker tables and enjoyed handcrafted desserts by the Four Seasons acclaimed Chef Juan Gutierrez. The event raised nearly $500,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
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Holiday parties were NOT put on hold again this year, thank goodness! Paul Iacono celebrated with his friends at the Underground Cocktail Lounge. About 60 guests enjoyed a live performance, cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, Santa and, of course, SNOWgirls! The room was so festive and perfect for a holiday party (56 W. Illinois). Seen on the scene were Dr. Joaquin Brieva and his Jennifer, Kadmiel and Whitney Christmas, Diane and Quintin Primo, Rhonda Sanderson, John Amato, Julie and Brian Barrish, Julia Jacobs, Lori Allen, Sherry Lea Holson, Rochelle Trotter, April Schwartz, Patrick Sheahan, Todd Hatoff, Frank Jeffrey and so many others. On another note, our Paul will be honored with the William J. Casey Hope Award from Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation at its Bear Tie Ball on Saturday, June 4. (This is the highest honor the nonprofit awards)(Better get your
tickets early as I know this will be a sell-out!) (Photo by Kristan Lieb)
Another party of note was the intimate soiree thrown by award-winning WBBM Newsradio host, Lisa Fielding. Her charming home, complete with a panoramic balcony that overlooked the skyline, was decorated to the hilt–every nook and cranny held something festive. Her fabulous vintage jukebox played every Christmas song and, as the evening wore on, I'm told karaoke reigned supreme. She is the ultimate host and we were grateful to be included.
Last year, her popular holiday party had to be canceled due to Covid.
A holiday party amid the palms was thrown by the fabulous Leslie Hindman at her beautiful new home in Palm Beach. Friends traveled from near and far to join her to celebrate both her birthday AND the season. One night, guests enjoyed dinner at the oh-so exclusive Club Colette, where she is a member and on another night, Palm Beach celeb Kim Renk invited Leslie's guests to her family's palatial estate to enjoy cocktails. Traveling from Chicago were friends Mike Sneed, Bill Zwecker, Tom Gorman, Tom Hackett and Tom McGuire, Lynn Martin and so many others.
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Another love story! Robert Murphy ("Murph in the
Morning") and his Cheryl Larsen made it official! (I will not use the phrase "finally", even though they have been together since 1986.) They tied the knot on Oct. 9 in a small private ceremony (she wore a magnificent gown by Elda de la Rosa) on the banks of the Big Sable river in NW Michigan where their cabin once stood. Murph said he "became emotional when she said those three little words, 'It's about time!" He added, "They didn't want to rush into anything."…LOL! The perfect pair are now Mr. & Mrs.!
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I hope you're reading, enjoying, subscribing, advertising and sharing the exciting Chicago Star! If I say so myself, we are en fuego! So much exciting content that is inspiring and uplifting as well as news
you can use! AND, I've been promoted to Associate Publisher and am grateful to Robert Feder for sharing the news (read it here)! In our latest January issue, we share "Words of Wisdom" to move you into the New Year with some hope; Get Cookin' With…La Scarola's Joey and Armando; Ask Candid Candace advice column; Jon Cohn's "new year,
new attitude" column; Bridget McGuire's thoughtful "greatest generation" article, our top picks for things to do/where to go/what to see; City Seen spotlighting PAWS Chicago's elegant Fur Ball; safety tips you need to know amid our crime surge; pandemic learning how to's; changes for home design in 2022 and SOOOO much more! I hope you're a subscriber (if not, please sign up here!) We can't wait to share all the fun we have planned for 2022 with you, including Staycation Week in February to help promote all of our top hotels and their latest offerings! (For more info, click here). Join the family!
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really celebrate like we wanted to. This means our tree and decor will be staying up a LOT longer this year! I hope my neighbors across the street are fans of the holidays! I also felt like
the season just shot by–everything seemed to be over before it had even begun. Maybe I waited too long to put up my decorations. I know the paper is taking up a lot of my time now so my schedule has definitely changed but I just feel like this year has been a blur. I'm hoping to make (and keep) some New Year resolutions: Don't sweat the small stuff (and believe me, everything is "small stuff" unless it's your loved ones' health); Make yourself your number one priority (if you're not in a good place, nothing else will be either); Carve out time to read more (for fun); When the 
And, most of all, I thank you from the bottom of my heart–for sticking with my little blog and me. Your support means the world and I plan on sharing a lot more fun and positivity in 2022 with YOU!
Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
P.S. And, as always, something to leave you with a smile!
![Goca_flyer[1]](https://i0.wp.com/candidcandace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/mt_imported_image_1757751458.jpg "Goca_flyer[1]")
