What a Great Summer!

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What a Great Summer

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What a Great Summer

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Ivana and John

Looking for the Clementine blog? We’ve Moved! Find us at our new home: www.clementinechicago.com

The Clementine Custom Events blog (Clementine Chicago) has moved to a new home at www.clementinechicago.com.

See all the recent posts, tips, tricks and more from Clementine here…

Ideas that Really Warm You Up

I’m not going to lie, as I write this new post I’m under a lot of covers!  I hate being cold in the winter.  I was just catching up on my daily wedding reading when this “real wedding” from Martha Stewart Weddings, really caught my eye. 

 

The bride and groom served hot chocolate and hot apple cider as the guests arrived for the ceremony.  Each cup was customized special for their wedding. 

I think these place cards are so cute and go perfectly with the winter, rustic theme.  Using large, sturdy branches to hold the place cards  is an easy and cost effective idea. 

These mini cupcakes look fantastic in this branch cupcake stand.  The bare branches really set the tone and fit in with the rest of the wedding decor. 

The bride and groom gave all the male guests antique flasks and all the female guests soft, warm, winter boots (found at Target).  If you can’t afford to give all the guests such items, these are great ideas for the bridal party gifts.  The girls would look so cute in their wedding dresses and boots! 

These centerpieces are certainly perfect for a winter wedding.  I really love the use of fresh floral and the deep blue linens. It helps to create a fresh and bright looking table, even on a cold, snowy day.

I have to admit, I do feel much warmer after talking about all these great ideas!  Now all I need is some cozy winter boots and a cup of hot chocolate and I’d  be good to go!

Tuesday Tip: Check out Indie Wed

I am so excited for Indie Wed.  It’s the first of its kind in the midwest and it is totally my cup of tea!  So many awesome, unique vendors to check out.  I’ll be there walking around and enjoying everything.  Here is all the info you need. 

Saturday, January 30th, 2010
from 11am-5pm
at the Showroom at the Ravenswood Event Center
4025 N. Ravenswood Ave
Chicago Illinois
Indie Wed will feature:

*54 amazing vendors from the Midwest and beyond
*musical performances and fashion shows
*swag bags for the first 50 pre-sale ticket-purchasers (sold out)
*swag bags for the first 25 people in line
*and much more

click here to buy your tickets – only $10 each or $15 for two. 

I hope this great event fits in your busy schedule this weekend!  If you do go…place a comment to this post and let everyone know how it was!

Spread the Love

I happen to be a real softy for Valentine’s Day; I love it!  Not just for my husband, but also for the love of my friends and family too.  Do something special this year for the ones you love.  It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money either and here are a few ideas.

These cookies are a fantastic gift idea for anyone special in your life.  You can order these from Sugar Mama in Palos Heights, IL  708-935-2613.  Think ahead and make sure to place your order before  Feb 6th! All cookies are $1.85 each, bagged with ribbon is an extra $.25 per cookie. 

 

   

Have a romantic night at home with you special someone.  You can cook a nice dinner for two and drink delicious wine.  After dinner snuggle up with a big cup of hot coco and homemade cookies for dessert.  All these items can be found at Crate and Barrel. 

Have fun with Valentine’s Day….I know a lot of people think it’s a cheesy holiday but it’s something to really look forward to during the cold winter months! 

What are some of your favorite Valentine’s traditions?

Year Round Nature

Venues with a view are in high demand.  So many of my client’s put windows at the top of their venue wish list.  Fortunately Chicago has many fantastic venues with a great view and The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is one of my favorites.  

 The Nature Museum has many great features including indoor and outdoor access.  The ravine (top left photo) is stunning and perfect for an outdoor ceremony or cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  The ravine has nice shade so your guests will not get too hot. 

 

The Nature Museum also has a huge terrace on the 2nd floor that can be 100% open air and can seat up to 200 guests.   You can also tent the terrace  for year round events.  When the terrace is tented you can seat up to 300 guests.  (This photo was taken by Sarah Alair) 

   

The South Gallery has floor to ceiling windows and is spectaular year round.  In the summer and fall the surrounding trees are in bloom and rich with colors.  In the winter the branches from the trees and snow on the ground create a very cool, romantic look.  Pair it with branches for your floral and you have an instant theme.  (This photo was taken by Becky Hill) 

 

The Nature Museum has breathtaking views of Lincoln Park and North Pond.  The museum also features  the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven; which your guests are able to enjoy during cocktail hour.  Consider this unique venue for your wedding ceremony and reception or your next social/corporate event! 

This Week’s Tuesday Tip: Get Fit

January is the perfect month to get started with a healthy new you!  So many people set New Years resolutions to get fit and to live a healthy lifestyle.  Hiring a personal trainer focused on your goals can help you stay motivated. 

Mindy Frakes is a certified personal trainer and she is fantastic!  She will whip you into shape in the privacy of your own home. 

“Let me help you be the BEST you can be!  In home personal training with a focus on weight loss, muscle tone, and flexibility.  No more excuses, I will bring fitness to you!”

 

 

This couple has a small gym in their condo building but Mindy can work wonders in your living room.  She will bring work out equipment with her….all you really need is some free weights.  It is fun to work out together!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Here are some tips from Mindy:

1) BE REALISTIC – Losing weight and getting in shape is part of a healthy life style, so don’t make it unhealthy by trying to lose too much weight too quickly!  A healthy steady loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week is what you should strive for.

2) SET A DEADLINE – All it takes is some simple math to figure out how much you can lose by your wedding date. 30 pounds?  Leave at least 6 months….. 15 pounds?  Leave at least 3 months.  Make shorter goals within the big picture to track your progress

3) WRITE IT DOWN – Seeing everything in front of you makes it all real.  Write down EVERYTHING, what you eat, how you feel, how much exercise you’re getting, ect….. 

4) UP THE ANTE – Increase your intensity of your cardio and strength training weekly.  Brides shouldn’t be afraid of increasing their weight load.  This is required in order to challenge your body and take it past the plateau.   Increasing strength training does not equal a masculine physique

5) CHANGE YOUR MIND – Think of exercise as calming.  With all the chaos that comes with being a bride, take comfort in the fact that you can control how your body will look in your fabulous dress on your big day!   Work hard and you can do this!!!!!

***** SMILE –  Get enough sleep, exercise intensely,  eat well balanced meals, and enjoy this time.  Keeping a well balanced life will make you a happy glowing bride!

Call Mindy at 773-914-4508 to set up your assessment today

 

“The first session is a consultation between trainer and client. It will consist of a question and answer portion to ensure the client’s fitness goals, concerns, and needs are assessed.  Once assessed we will start to make a personalized plan of action to get you where you want to be as quick as possible!”

Private Lesson

1 session = $60

Buy 10 or more sessions price is reduced to $55

 

Duo training – Train with a friend or your Fiancé

 1 session = $80

 Buy 10 or more = $75

Small group – 3-5 participants

 1 session = $25 per client

 **All sessions are 60 minutes long