Candid Candace

GLAMOURCON 2009 IS A 70'S CELEBRATION!

Glamourcon is a convention celebrating the glamour arts and has every type and stripe of pinups from past and present as well as pinup art and photography. This year at the Crowne Plaza O'Hare, it was dominated by dozens of Playboy Playmates – especially a strong contingent from the 70's (Golden Age of Playboy). My fellow Playmates this year included Patti McGuire Connors (Playmate of the Year 1977), Sondra Theodore (Hef's former girlfriend and Playmate for July 1977), Sylvie Garant (November 1979), Laura Lyons (former Jet Bunny on Hef's plane, Chicago Bunny of the Year in 1975 and Playmate for February 1976), Janet Lupo (November 1975) and Monica Tidwell (November 1973 Playmate, who had an off-Broadway show called “Mind Game.”) Among other Playmates attending were this year's Playmate of the Year Ida Ljungvist, Julie Cialini (Playmate of the Year 1995), Summer Altice (August 2000), DeDe Lind (August 1967) and Cathy St. George (August 1982). There were also a mother/daughter set of Playmates: Gale Olson (August 1968) and her daughter Crystal McCahill (May 2009). One of the original playmates after Marilyn Monroe – Dolores Del Monte (March 1954) – was there too. Hef had purchased her photo from the same calendar company as Marilyn. This event had a lot of firsts and one of them was having the oldest attendee, Herbert Lakin, at 97 years of age. One fan even brought the back plate from Bally’s famous Playboy pinball machine for Patti and Sondra (whose likenesses appear there) to sign and another fan/friend, Larry Armstrong, had the original copper plate of DeDe Lind's centerfold that he had bought on Ebay! Wil Rivers, a long-time fan, has only missed one show out of 47 and it was great to see him there again this year. My friends from the 70's were all in a row and we had a blast. It was so much fun to see so many fans who love and know the wonderful history of Playboy. Thanks to Bob Schultz for keeping the dream alive via Glamourcon. The next event will be in November in L.A. so I hope to see you all there! Photos from top left: Patti McGuire Connors with her iconic Bally pinball machine; Sylvie Garant, Patti McGuire Connors, me, Laura Lyons, Monica Tidwell, Janet Lupo and DeDe Lind; Summer Altice; with Playmate of the Year Ida Ljunvist; Dolores Del Monte; Cathy St. George; Bridget; Larry Armstrong; Chuck with Playboy's Shanthi and Rob Wilson; Crystal McCahill and Gale Olson. For more photos from this event, click here!   
 
Chicago Now’s official launch was Monday, August 10th, but the rooftop launch party was Wednesday for four of their top bloggers. It was my first time seeing a game from this unique vantage point. I was so honored to be among the four bloggers invited and the best part was our live interview on WGN TV! Fellow bloggers included Kevin O’Neil (CTA Tattler), Billy Dec (A Chicago Thing) and Julie DiCaro (A League of Her Own). Julie blogged live throughout the game and even had to shield her eyes from the sun to type with one hand….huge kudos to her! Wow! At first, it was thrilling and then as the seats started filling up and the crowd turned testy over the seat shortage, we left. And thank goodness we did—at least we didn’t see the Cubbies get slaughtered. Anyway, Chicago Now has 75 bloggers and is promoted as the “Huffington Post meets Facebook.” They have every manner of blogger and Chicago Tribune’s editor of digital media, Bill Adee, said, “We think of it as an online town square for the Chicago of right now.” I am thrilled to be a part of this August group and hope you all tune in early and often to www.ChicagoNow.com. Photos from top left: Chicago Now boss Jimmy Greenfield with bloggers Billy Dec, Juli DiCaro, me and Kevin O'Neil; view from the rooftop; scenes from three rooftop parties; Jimmy Greenfield and Kevin O'Neil.
 
Resale goes upscale when one of Bravo’s Real Housewives, Alex McCord, comes to Chicago on Wednesday, August 26th to celebrate the opening of Second Time Around from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 823 W. Armitage. Second Time Around is an upscale consignment store which started in Boston. Chicago will be their first location beyond the East Coast, where there are 19 stores. Alex is also reaching out to some of her celeb friends including "Project Runway" stars to help her open the store in style. Michigan Avenue Magazine is the sponsor of this event along with Moet Chandon, Berry Chill and Belvedere Black Raspberry and I am a co-host along with Celeb TV’s Kelli Zink and Ryan Preuett. There will be cocktails and fabulous hors d’oeuvres from The Entertaining Company as well as a lot of press so come camera-ready! Space is limited so RSVP ASAP to [email protected]or by calling 773-698-6260. (BTW, a unique aspect of Second Time Around is the fact that you can request the proceeds of your donations go to your favorite charity…I LOVE this!) Photos from top right: Alex McCord; Second Time Around on Newbury Street in Boston.
 
The Chicago Dancing Festival has begun! Tuesday night featured “New Voices” at the Harris Theater and features “Modern Masters” Thursday. “Modern Masters” is full but you can try to get seats via their stand-by process (just visit the Harris Theater Box Office at noon and they will provide you with a stand-by voucher while supplies last and voucher holders may be granted a seat should any reserved ticket holder not be present at the time of the seating). On Saturday, August 22nd, the culmination of the week’s festivities will be the “Celebration of American Dance” at the Pritzker Pavillion in Millennium Park. No tickets are required for any of the performances but it is suggested that you arrive early at the time of the seating.  The after-party Thursday night begins at the Palmer House at 9:30 p.m. in Potter’s Lounge. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and will include an all-star lineup of dancers from some of the country’s most acclaimed dance companies. Hope to see you there!! Photos: scenes from past Chicago Dancing Festivals.
 
This summer has been a delightful mix of outdoor activities and one of the best parts of living in Chicago is having that beautiful lake to play on! We were fortunate to be invited out on Cary’d Away - Ann and Kevin Dwyer’s yacht - for an evening cruise and dinner at the Chicago Yacht Club. We were joined by long-time friends Terry (Whitey) Pearson, Kathy Peterson (who flew in from NY), Marissa Rudman, Diane Gottlieb and Mike Wilkie. It was the perfect summer night and the city never looked better. There is nothing better than spending time with old friends and I thank you Ann and Kevin for bringing us all together again! Love you! Photos from top left: Marissa Rudman, Whitey Pearson, me, Kathy Peterson and hostess Ann Dwyer; Mike Wilkie and Kevin Dwyer; Whitey Pearson, Kathy Peterson and Ann Dwyer; Diane Gottlieb and Marissa Rudman. For more photos from this fantastic evening, click here! 
 
Another fun summer soiree was hosted by Diane and Sandy Whitely. They had a stellar guest list with over 40 friends and since Sandy worked at NBC for over 33 years, there were a lot of guests from the station there too such as Anna Davlantes, Paul Nagano, Kim Vatis, Susan Ellefson and her hubby Bryan Kurtz, Stanley Paul and Cynthia Olson, Candace Corr, BJ Jones (Artistic Director of Northlight Theater), Brenda Sexton, Todd Lizak, Lydia and Francois Alouf, Evie and Herb Glieberman, Audrey and Len Rubin, Daniele and Dan Roberts, Jack Frost and Fantashia Hauss and her handsome boyfriend Simone Ortolani. Their wonderful summer menu created by Finesse Cuisine offered peach Bellinis, mini Angus burgers, yellow split pea veggie burgers, rosemary marinated lamb loin, beef tartar on brown butter biscuits and frozen goat cheese mousse with crushed sunflowers and caramelized honey. The chef even picked herbs from Diane and Sandy’s garden to add to the selections! I know this party won’t soon be forgotten! Can’t wait for the next one, Diane and Sandy! Photos from top left: Candace Corr, hostess Diane Whitely and BJ Jones; Anna Davlantes; Paul Nagano, host Sandy Whitely and NBC anchor Kim Vatis; Fantashia Hauss and Simone Ortolani; Thomas Monahan with Lydia and Francis Alouf; Susan Ellefson and Bryan Kurtz; Brenda Sexton and Tom Lizak. For more photos from this great party, click here!
 
The American Craft Exposition is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a preview party on Thursday, August 27th. This event, which runs from August 28th through August 30th, will raise money for breast and ovarian cancer research and will showcase exhibitors in many different areas including basketry, ceramics, emerging artists, furniture, glass, leather, jewelry and furniture among others. The event will be held at the Henry Crown pavilion on the campus of Northwestern University. Tickets for the Collector’s Hour from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. are $150 and includes admission to the three day expo. Tickets for the Benefit Preview party from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. are $100. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to www.americancraftexpo.org or call 847-570-5095. Over the past 10 years, they have raised over $4.5 million for ground breaking research but this year will be one of their most challenging with the deflated economy. I hope you can come out and support this worthy cause AND have some fun! Photos: creations for the American Craft Exposition.
 
I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of CandidCandace. This video, if you’re anything like me, will make you rethink your dog training capabilities! Have a great week!
 
Love,
Candace :)

P.S. Since this is CandidCandace’s One Year Anniversary (time sure flies when you’re having fun!), I am taking the week off to celebrate! I will “see” you all on Tuesday, September 1st but to contact me anytime, please e-mail [email protected].

SERVICE CLUB’S “DAY ON THE TERRACE” FASHION SHOW BEST EVER!

Thirty-five years ago, the “Day on the Terrace” consisted of sandwiches and lemonade and was created by Hazel Barr as a get-together for members of the Service Club of Chicago. As Hazel remarked, “we just sat there.” And since we all know Hazel is not one to just “sit there,” she planned something different along the way…the next event included a fashion show around someone’s glorious pool which proved to be a lot more exciting. It was so exciting and well received; in fact, that it grew and grew to become what it is today…..one of the best fashion shows around. It all began with a fortuitous lunch at RL in 1999. Hazel was sitting with a group of friends when in walked Greg Hyder, the catering director for the Peninsula. The hotel was just going up and Greg wanted Hazel to don a hard hat and come take a look. She immediately zeroed in on the terrace and told Greg, “I want to be the first one to have a fashion show there.” And the rest, as they say, is history. On Monday, August 3rd, Hazel chaired one of the best fashion shows around using a multitude of talented designers and top-of- the-line retailers. The show has now moved indoors which makes it a lot cooler for sure and this year show producer/member Tracy Tarantino even called for a rehearsal! The first one ever as I recall and it made all the difference. Everyone was more relaxed and knew exactly what they needed to do. The table décor, as always, was by the fabulous Tom Kehoe and the event co-chairs were Sherry Valukas and Felicia Winiecki. Greg Hyder’s scrumptious menu plan included chilled cucumber gazpacho with baby romaine and veggie salad with Greek yogurt and dill dressing, crispy seared chicken and a “twisted” carrot cake for dessert. The event was perfect from beginning to end. Eighteen designers and retailers showed their incredible collections to wild applause. Participants included J. Mendel, Maria Pinto, Ralph Lauren Kids, Paul Stewart, Dismero, Escada, Luca Luca, Macy’s 28 Shop, Loreta Corsetti, Quinton D’Alexander, Sylwia, Yolanda Lorente, Contessa Bottega, 5p1t, Elizabeth M, Lulu’s at the Belle Kay, Neiman Marcus and Starr Couture. Happy guests included JoAnn Nathan, Deirdre Nardi, Dori Wilson, Peggy Lombardo, Kathy Piccone, Diana Chavez, Ray Drymalski, Bonni Gross, Beverly Blettner, Zarada Gowenlock and Marci Holzer. Male models for the Paul Stuart segment were David Brandt, Greg Hyder, Tom Kehoe, Bill Martay, Stanley Paul, Skip Grisham and Jerry Lasky. The Service Club of Chicago was founded in 1890 and is one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in the city. Every dollar raised goes directly to local charities. For more information, visit

www.serviceclubofchicago.org. (Extra event photos by John Reilly Photography, Steve Starr, Teresa Potasiak and John McMahan.) Photos from top right: Suzanne LeMignot and Yvette Cusack; Gerri Shute, Kristina McGrath, Rebecca Besser and Toni Canada; Felecia Winiecki, Hazel Barr, Mary Lasky and Martha Wallace; Wendy Krimmins, Tina Koegel and Ann Wallace; Sharyl Mackey, Mary Pat Burns and Laura Foxman; SC President Peggy Martay, Dusty Stemer and Holly Barr; Lori Daniels, Stacie McClane and Cindy Burns; Quentin Schumacher and Sherrill Bodine in LuLu's at the Belle Kay; Lynn McMahan and Susanna Negovan; Cheryl Bollinger with designer Elizabeth M; Tom Kehoe and Jean Antoniou; Bunky Cushing with Ralph Lauren Kids; Sheryl Dyer, Sylwia and Cindy Mancillas; Kristina McGrath and Sherry Valukas. For more photos from this memorable event, click here!
 
Brenda Sexton scored another coup hosting the premier of one of the most entertaining films around, “Julie & Julia.” Even though Roger Ebert gave this film only 2 ½ stars, I think it’s much more deserving of 3 ½. Not only does it include the top actress of our time, Meryl Streep, but she also channels Julia Child seamlessly and with astounding accuracy. And let’s talk about the food scenes! OMG! Believe me, you come away starving hungry from this film so be forewarned. The movie’s food stylist, Susan Spungen, said this was the hardest she’s had to work on a film since the food was, in fact, a co-star. Food in films in the past have relied on half-cooked turkeys coated with motor oil, ice cream carved from Crisco and fruit made of plastic. In this film, not only did the food have to be believable, it had to be Julia Child-worthy which was no small feat. Julia Child’s first lunch in Paris centered around Dover sole expertly prepared swimming in butter sauce and, as she wrote in her memoir, it was “the most exciting meal of my life.”  You will agree when you see Streep’s appreciation of the dish. This film will send you rushing to the kitchen to look for your dusty copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Bon appétit! Over a dozen top chefs as well as numerous foodies enjoyed the film and also the wonderful after-party at Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at the Medinah Temple. Top chefs included Gale Gand and Rick Tramonto (Tru), Carrie Nahabedian (Naha), Stephanie Izard (winner of Bravo’s Top Chef), Shelley Young (Chopping Block), Bruno Abate (Tocco & Follia), Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate), Suzy Crofton, (Crofton on Wells), Rick Gresh (Primehouse), Kevin Hickey (Four Seasons and Mary Beth Licconi (Les Nomades). Other guests included Christie Hefner, Billy Marovitz, Linda Johnson Rice and darling daughter Alexa, Sun-Times CEO Jeremy Halbrech and Publisher John Barron, Bloomie’s VP of Marketing and GM Carolyn Edward, NBC’s LeeAnn Trotter, CBS’s Suzanne LeMignot, Chamber of Commerce head Jerry Roper, Common Threads’ Linda O’Keefe, Robin Berger, Dan Uslan, Pat Brickhouse, Shia Kapos, Neil Kirby, Susan Ellefson, Bryan Kurtz, Kimberly Burt, Peggy Lanigan, Susanna Negovan, Tiffani Kim and Brad Griffith, Ken Cook, Renee Ferguson, Debbie Marchese, Diane and Sandy Whiteley and Margaret O’Connor and Michael O’Meara. (Expert pics by Mitchell Canoff.) Photos from top right: Mary Beth Liccioni and Gale Gand; Renee Ferguson and LeeAnn Trotter; Christie Hefner, Billy Marovitz, Joan Steele and Bruno Abate; Debbie Marchese, Marijo Gordon and Gale Leahy; John Barron, Tiffani Kim and Brad Griffith; Brenda Sexton and Ken Cook; with Linda O'Keefe of Common Threads; Linda and Nick O'Keefe, Wei Fraser and Amanda Puck; Susan Ellefson and Diane Whitley; Dan Tucker (Sushi Samba Rio chef); with Bruno Abate; Jerry Roper, Erin Walsh, Neil Kirby and Brenda Sexton.
 
This year’s Glamourcon promises to be one of the best ever thanks to the first-time participation of numerous Playboy Playmates! Appearing for the first time at this event at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare on Saturday and Sunday, August 15th and 16th, are Patti Connors (1977 Playmate of the Year), Sondra Theodore (July 1977 Playmate and Hef’s former girlfriend), Sylvie Garant (November 1979), Ida Ljungvist (2009 Playmate of the Year), Laura Lyons (February 1976) and Monica Tidwell (November 1973 and the primary producer of the off-Broadway hit “Mind Game”). Other Playmates attending are Summer Altice (August 2000), Cassandra Lynn (February 2006), Tiffany Taylor (November 1998), DeDe Lind (August 1967), Cathy St. George (August 1982) and Dolores Del Monte (one of the first original Playmates from March 1954). This will be like a Playmate Reunion for me since I was a bunny in Chicago with Laura Lyons, did numerous Playmate promotions with Sylvie Garant and one of my BFFs is Patti! We can’t wait to get together and reminisce about our days in the Hutch and our Playmate years. This is the 47th Glamourcon and has been run expertly from coast to coast by Bob Schultz. The event is celebrity driven and features dozens of Playboy Playmates from five decades as well as many other past and present glamour and pin up models. Glamourcon runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday—hope to see you there!!! For more info, visit http://www.glamourcon.com/shows.html. (BTW, a recent “tweet” from Hef: “Had a further conversation with son Cooper who is interested in a future with Playboy after college.” I hope Cooper has his pipe polished! Photos from top right: Patti McGuire Connors; Playmate Sondra Theodore with Hef; Candace Collins Jordan (hey, that's me!); Cathy St. George; Laura Lyons; Playmate of the Year Ida Ljungvist; Marston and Cooper Hefner. For a preview of some more Glamourcon 2009 attendees, click here!
 
And now more news from my gallivanting friends! Joffrey Women’s Board President, Christine Ott, just spent a delightful weekend in the Hamptons with her book club friends. They flew there in style aboard a private jet and had a great time as the photo attests! Welcome back COS! Photo: Kathy Iatarola, Denise Favia, Julie Floodstrand, Christine Ott and Terry Ryan. 
 
We’re counting down to the Joffrey’s Couture & Cocktails event! It’s 45 days until the main event! Get your tickets now for VIP seating! Call Julia at 312-386-8921. :) Photo: Couture & Cocktails invite.

That’s all for this week! Hope you’re enjoying the hot, hot days of summer and I will leave you with some delightful scenes of Michigan this past weekend...
 
Love,
Candace :)

JOFFREY’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS KICK-OFF PARTY ROCKS NEIMAN MARCUS!

Neiman Marcus hosted an overflow crowd for the Joffrey Ballet’s Kick-Off Party for “Couture & Cocktails” Wednesday night. Over 200 people crowded into the Zodiac Room to meet the event’s star designer, Pamella DeVos of Pamella Roland designs. She is a beautiful blond with a charm to match and was so gracious to all of the guests…never tiring of taking photos and greeting everyone warmly. Pamella is a Midwesterner from Grand Rapids, Mich., so it’s not a surprise that she is so down to earth. She had her whole family in tow on this evening including her mom, daughter Sydney and even her new Maltese mix puppy, Manolo (yes, named after the shoe!) There were wonderful hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, of course! The informal modeling of her chic designs had everyone oohing and aahing! CS magazine’s Graham Kostic interviewed Pamella, Neiman Marcus GM Wendy Krimmins, and PR director Tina Koegel, told the crowd how happy they are with our collaboration. And so are WE! We are thrilled to have Pamella as our featured designer this year for Couture & Cocktails and I know the show will be over the top AMAZING! It will be held in the majestic lobby of the Palmer House, our underwriting partners, on Friday, September 25th, and is the first time a fashion show will be held here. The décor will be by Jonathan Ryan of “A Perfect Event” and I don’t want to spoil the surprise but I will tell you that it will be unlike anything Chicago has ever seen before. I had heard so many wonderful things about Pamella and I didn’t think anyone could live up to the accolades but she certainly did and surpassed them at that. Everyone in attendance was very excited and when the DJ ramped up the music, no one wanted to leave… It was a fantastic party with an incredible mix of fashionistas, friends and fun-lovers including NBC honcho Larry Wert, Kenneth Marks (Pamella’s director of sales and marketing), Steve Kemble (who flew in all the way from Dallas for the party), David Brandt, Dennis Chaffee, Julie Allen, Lydia and Francois Alouf, Marybeth Brandabur, Vicky Holdren, Margie Habermann, Sheryl Dyer, Executive Director Christopher Conway, Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, Kate Benson and Dick Johnson, Jay Franke, Sophie Bross, Rebecca Besser, Liz Ryan, Donna Kleinman, Cindy Burns, Sharyl Mackey, Ellen Wesley, Felicia and Curt Winiecki, Dana Hokin Garvey, Cynthia HolBrooke, Barbara Glass, Marci Holzer, Ed Howlett, Greg Hyder, Hazel and Warren Barr, Deirdre Nardi, Suzie Glickman, Lynne Bredfeldt, Lisa Malkin, Caryn Kraff, Lynn McMahan, WB President Christine Ott, Kate and Leslie Zentner, Dori Wilson, Angela Rose, Robin Berger, Lauren Besser, Linda Johnson Rice, George Fuller, Connie and Katherine Saville, Martha Wallace, Patrick Plante, Paul Iacono, Alan Sax, Bob Golant, Laura Baron, Chris Long, Julie Johnson, Gail and Bruce Mertz, Cynthia Pacholik, Nico Rodriguez, Charles Lord (who will be doing the model’s hair for the show) and his partner Ricardo Santiago, Courtney Shea, Brenda Sexton, Joyce Wippman, Kimberly Gleeson and Dr. Steven Stryker, Aaron Scott, Andrew Mann, Frank Paul,  Liz Sharp and Celeb TV’s Kelli Zink. And of course, our glorious dancers!!! If the enthusiasm from this party is an indicator for the main event then you better mark your calendars now! There will be room for everyone but only 200 VIP seats available along the runway. For tickets and more info, please call Julia Jankowski at 312-386-8921. I already have my dress! :) (Thanks to Caitlin Saville and Bob Carl for being the official photogs.) Photos from top left: co-founder Helen Melchior, Pamella DeVos, me, Kenneth Marks and Pamella's sister Sharyl; Pamella with the dancers; Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and WB member Joyce Wippman; Sydney and Pamella DeVos with Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway; Pamella Roland's designs; Graham Kostic interviewing Pamella; WB president Christine Ott, Liz Ryan and Sophie Bross; Neiman's GM Wendy Krimmins; Cindy Burns, me, Linda Johnson Rice and George Fuller; Leslie Hindman, Chris Long and Lydia Alouf; Lisa Malkin, Margie Habermann, Kimberly Gleeson and Dr. Steven Stryker; Kate and Leslie Zentner with Dori Wilson; Ellen Wesley, Martha Wallace and Sharyl Mackey; co-chair Sheryl Dyer and C & C producer Lisa Marie McComb; Mary Ann Murphy, co-chair Rebecca Besser, Donna Kleinman, Robin Berger, Liz Ryan and Sophie Bross; Helen, David Brandt, me and Dennis Chaffee; Hazel Barr, Steve Kemble and Sheryl Dyer. For more photos from this event, click here!
 
There’s a lot going on in Chicago in the world of dance including the upcoming Chicago Dancing Festival coming to Millenium Park on Tuesday August 18 through Saturday, August 22nd. Renowned choreographer and Chicago native Lar Lubovitch and highly esteemed Chicago dancer, Jay Franke, founded this event in 2007 as a non-profit whose mission is to bring the best of dance to Chicago. Last year the festival attracted an audience of more than 13,000 to this free celebration and this year there will be dancers from 16 of the country’s greatest companies sharing the stage including the Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard St. Dance Chicago, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Step Afrika, Chicago Human Rhythm Project and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company among many others as well as exciting guest artists from the New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the American Ballet Theatre. The celebration kicks off Tuesday, August 18th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Theater with “New Voices,” on the 19th there will be a lecture/discussion of “Artists Up Close” at the MCA Stage and on Thursday, August 20th, at the Harris is “Modern Masters.” The event culminates on Saturday, August 22nd, with “A Celebration of American Dance” under the stars at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park. For complete event info, please go to www.ChicagoDancingFestival.com. I hope to see you ALL there! :) Photos from top left: dancing under the stars, artists at Chicago Dancing Festival; Lar Lubovitch Dance Company.
 
Everyone has their version of “Housewives” these days and the BIG party hosted by Michigan Avenue Magazine the other evening was no exception! Gorgeous gals who graced the pages for their “Surreal Housewives” issue included Lynn McMahan, Julie Lampert, Whitney Lasky, Trevian Kutti and Kristina McGrath. It was a very attractive crowd that gathered at the Four Seasons this week to celebrate. Publisher Dan Uslan introduced editor-in-chief Susanna Negovan, whom he described as someone “who makes him look so good.” Then Susanna introduced the glamour girls who each spoke and thanked their friends and hubbies for being so supportive. The bank of photogs snapped away as the girls were introduced and I know you will see many beautiful shots in the magazines very soon. This is the magazine’s third year anniversary and, according to Dan, the biggest issue so far. No matter what may come of the hoopla over the possibility of a “Housewives” or “Windy City Wives” show in Chicago, one thing is certain…..we sure love to talk about it! I know it would be a HUGE success considering the amount of interest being shown. Housewives Unite! We have the POWER! Good luck to all of the participants and may the best “wife” win!!! :) Chic guests at this blowout included Jerry Kleiner, Marisa Molinari, Greg Zgnonena, NBC Street Team boss Marcus Riley, Oprah makeup guru Reggie Wells, Mary Ann Murphy, Caryn Kraff, Quentin Schumacher, Rebecca Besser, Patrick Plante, Vonita Reescer, Mamie Walton, Gale Gottlieb, Justin Polera, George Fuller, Dennis Minkle, Hazel and Warren Barr, Bob Zec, Stanley Paul, Sherrill Bodine, Laurie Davis, Secretary of State Jesse White, Toni Canada, Netjet’s Jeannie and Donn Seidholz, Andrea and Laura Schwartz, Julee White, Lee Tadin, Catie Keough and her sister Colleen Kelly among MANY more! Photos from top right: Trevian Kutti, Lynn McMahan, Julie Lampert and Kristina McGrath (photo courtesy of Getty Images); Mike McGrath, Tony Canada, Hazel Barr and Kristina McGrath; Lynn McMahan; with the boys; Jeannie and Donn Seidholz; Laurie Davis and Sherrill Bodine; Jerry Kleiner, Elise Jones; Ashley Jung; Tonya Stevenson and Diane McGrath; Caryn Kraff, DeDe Lubeznik, Lee Tadin and Mary Ann Murphy. For more photos from this event, click here! 
 
Every year around this town my BFF from high school, Susie Sager, and her daughter Natalie come to Chicago for a mother/daughter weekend. Chuck and I always try to take them to the newest and hottest spots so for dinner Friday we ate at Jerry Kleiner’s 33 Club and Saturday we had drinks at Roof at the Wit Hotel but the highlight of the trip was dinner at Sunda—Billy Dec’s latest venture. It was sports night at Sunda because all in one room, there were A-Rod, Blackhawks former great Jeremy Roenick, Derek Jeter, Chris Getz (Sox second baseman), Gordon Beckham (Sox third baseman), Mark Teixeira (Yankee designated hitter) and Mr. October himself, Reggie Jackson. Thanks for the memories Billy Dec!! It was quite the night! Photos from top left: Natalie Sager with A-Rod; White Sox players Chris Getz and Gordon Beckham and friends with Michelle, Sandy Caspariello and Natalie; Reggie Jackson with Natalie and me.
 
On Wednesday, August 5th, the Stimulus Social Club will host their monthly event at Market at 1113 W. Randolph. This club consists of a network of socially conscious professionals in the Chicago area who choose to give back while having fun. They meet the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at a new venue, benefitting a new charity and always new faces. This month’s designated charity is Chicago 2016 (2016 Olympics). For only $10 you can mix and mingle with like minded friends for good causes. Executive hosts are Kim Lichenstein, Nadia Wetzel, Betsy Helmkamp, Megan Richards, Monica Canellis, Marissa Rudman, Katy Wilson and Kristen Tischhauser. RSVP to [email protected]. Photos from top right: gathering for a drink with the Stimulus Social Club; Market's fantastic rooftop.
 
A BIG congrats to the Palmer House for the honor of being named one of the top 101 hotel suites in the world by Elite Traveler magazine!!! It is the only Chicago hotel to be included in the world-wide selection and I couldn’t be happier for them!! Palmer House GM Dean Lane said, “To have the Palmer House ranked with the Royal Suite of the Plaza in New York; The Eden Rock, St. Barth’s in the West Indies; The Maestro suite of the Dolder Grand, Switzerland and the Presidential Suite of the Mandarin Oriental in Tokyo is quite a badge of honor. We are very proud.” AND SO ARE WE!! The 3,700-square-foot, 11-room Penthouse was designed by Forrest Perkins, Inc. of Washington, D.C. and is sumptuous to say the least with exotic woods, lush fabrics and lavish amenities. (Coincidentally, the Penthouse will be included in one of the live auction packages for Couture & Cocktails! Yet another reason to come on Sept. 25th!!) Congrats to our gorgeous Palmer House for this much deserved honor!!! Photos from top right: penthouse dining room; penthouse bathroom. 
 
I hope you are all enjoying each and every day of our glorious summer in the city!  I know we are! Have a great week and I’ll “see” you next Tuesday. :) 
 
Love,
Candace :)
 
P.S. We have had tons of baby birds in our backyard recently including five robins, two cardinals and three baby kestrels (sparrow hawks)! Life is good when there is birdsong. :) Photo: one of the kestrels in our yard.