I hope you all had a Merry & Bright holiday! We celebrated Christmas by seeing the "Hobbit "! This 3-D extravaganza was just what we needed to start off our day in a magical way! Later that night, we enjoyed 
a delicious dinner at our new Gold Coast condo surrounded by candlelight and the glow from our Jaclyn Smith faux Christmas tree (don't laugh)!. We ate too much and I won't even mention the wine aspect. Anyway, I'm looking forward to 2014 and can't wait to see what 
the future holds. I'll be co-hosting a party with Vincent Anzalone and Lonnie Rodriguez (Genuine Entertainment) at Public Chicago after attending a friend's house party on the river. Chuck and I have been very blessed and are so grateful for our friends because, let's face it, connecting 
is what it's all about. I started wondering what some of our town's busiest people will be up to for New Year's Eve and what their resolutions might be for the coming year. And then I thought you might be interested too so, voila, a blog post was born! There are a 
LOT of people missing from this list so please forgive me if you're one of them. Many weren't able to respond until it was too late and I only have so much space. We all know ANYONE reading this blog is a Mover & Shaker anyway! LOL! I hope you enjoy hearing about everyone's exciting plans. I know I was very inspired by some of these resolutions, too. (I've added mine at the end). Thank you for reading Candid Candace and I hope to bring you even more exciting news in 2014 plus a brand new look so stay tuned.
And, if you're not already a subscriber, please sign in here! (My blog is completely spam-free and you can opt out at any time, but I hope you won't!)
So here's what the Movers & Shakers are up to for New Year's Eve (in no particular order):
HOWARD TULLMAN (Serial entrepreneur/CEO 1871/philanthropist): I'll be spending Xmas and New Years with friends in Israel before starting my new job as CEO of 1871. My 2014 resolution is "Eat less, sleep less, do more".
CORRI McFADDEN (Founder E-DropOff.com): This will be my first NYE Pregnant in Sequin so no drinks for me :) Spiro and I announced on Christmas we will be expecting our first baby in July 2014, with that my resolution is to start working 
the F-Bomb slowly out of my vocabulary :)
BENJAMIN COTTRELL (Life Stylist): NYE Plans: Throwing a good ol fashion sexy NYE Party at Parliament Night Club, which will include a pyrotechnics light show! NYE Resolutions: I don't particularly like "resolutions" so every year I set an objective. My objective for 2014 is to 
take every one of my amazing resources I have collected over the years out of my back pocket and use them strongly!
MARC BROOKS (President/CEO Hyde Park Hospitality): I'm writing you from Cairo, Egypt. I'm here with my family visiting the Pyramids among other things. I'll be in Istanbul, Turkey for New Year's Eve. We'll hit 3 continents alone on this trip ;-)
I'm not a big resolution person but if I had to pick one or two I would say "live 
everyday like its your last" and "always set goals and strive toward them for failure is the fog thru which we glimpse triumph".
WALTER JACOBSON: (Legendary newscaster/author): We'll be spending our eve with friends for dinner at an inn in Indiana. My resolution is to give the Cubs one more chance...then, after 65 years of blind faith, never think of them again.
GREG CAMERON (Executive Director for The Joffrey Ballet): Greg (Thompson) and I will spend New Year's eve with our friends Eric and Marco at their home in Evanston - a highlight of the evening will be a tasting of Rose Champagnes. One of my resolutions is to read Sasha Anwalt's (1996) "The Joffrey Ballet - Robert Joffrey And The Making of An American Dance Company." As Ashley, the Joffrey team, and I begin planning for the 20th anniversary of the Company calling Chicago home (2015) and the 60th anniversary of the Company (2016) - understanding the past will help to inform our future. Reading printed books tops my list of resolutions - beyond my cherished morning rituals with - The Tribune, Sun-Times, New York Times, 
and Wall Street Journal I want to read a minimum of one book a month! I also resolve to be an engaged and focused board member - Young Women's LeadershipCharterSchool, Arts Alliance Illinois, and 3Arts.
JESSICA ZWEIG (Co-Founder CheekyChicago.com): This is the first time in five years CheekyChicago isn't hosting a NYE event. It was a conscious decision -- we really wanted to enjoy ourselves this year and do whatever we personally want to do. And this year, I wanted to be surrounded by my closest friends and great food. So, I'll be celebrating at NoMI Lounge at a dinner with my best friends. In the later hours, NoMI Lounge is transforming to "NoMI Lodge," where DJ Megan will spin and champagne will flow. We're also staying at the hotel, so chances of me being in bed by 12:01 are pretty high and I couldn't be more excited about that.
NATALIE MARTINEZ (Reporter/on-air talent NBC Chicago): I will probably be covering (once again) New Year's celebrations all over town. Remember last year at Untitled? This year I hope to get the same assignment. As for celebrations afterwards, I hope to meet up with my fiance after my 10pm live shot and have an hour and half of REAL FUN before the clock strikes midnight! As for the New Year, my goal and hope is to live it happily and stay healthy. We are starting the year off with a wedding in Key West (my husband Flavio is Brazilian) where our two families will have a chance to finally meet! For 12 years, yes twelve, we've been going back and forth between Brazil and Chicago. So, here we are, 12 years after meeting in Turks and Caicos.....we're walking down the sandy aisle in Islamorada, Florida on January 18th...just 50 close friends and family. My resolution is to slow down a little. Less squeezing in so many things into a day. More enjoying.... Specifically 
enjoying married life!
HELEN MELCHIOR (Fundraiser/ Co-founder of The Joffrey Ballet's Couture & Cocktails): New Year's Eve will find me at home, cooking for dear friends and celebrating that we will HAVE a new year! As I lost two important friends in 2013, I resolve to be kind and to surround myself with people who share the importance of that quality. I hope to avoid unnecessary conflict, love my friends and family, be sustained by memories and offer help to those who are facing adversity.
MARGARET O'CONNOR (Founder/Owner Marcon Consulting) : I'll be crossing the International Date Line and will miss December 31 completely. I'll board a plane on Monday evening for Australia and arrives in Sydney the morning of January 1. Then I'll visit my family in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. Michael and our dog, Molly will be rocking NYE in Chicago. I resolve to spend more time with my family and friends, continue to help build and make viable a charity endeavor that I'm working on with some other friends and help my clients reach their goals and beyond. My top 
resolution is to dedicate more time writing and working on a personal project.
MARCUS RILEY (President, National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences): This year I'm getting it "in" the night before at the Eve of the Eve bash at Union Station. Logistically, I always find it easier to navigate the city on that night, and that party is traditionally a good one. NYE will be spent with close friends at a house party, but first, I may do a drive-by to catch the Gold Coast Allstars at the Chop Shop, 1st Ward and/or Genuine Entertainment's Public Hotel bash. In 2014, I resolve to be 10 minutes early -- for every meeting,
appointment, reservation, or anywhere else I'm scheduled to be.
ROB MORHAIM (Executive Producer "You & Me This Morning" on WCIU-TV): I resolve that in 2014 I won't produce television shows which include the names of any Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, Amanda Bynes or Lindsay Lohan. I certainly hope this 
resolution lasts longer than the one I always make to cut down on chocolate. But I can't make any promises...
DIANA JEWELL (Author/Founder Silver Sisters Worldwide): New Year's Eve will find me celebrating at a gala combo birthday party/New Year's Eve party for a lovely gal. And my New Year's resolution is to actively participate in charity work. I've never been truly involved, and I mean to 
do just that
DAN USLAN (Publisher Michigan Avenue Magazine): Every year my wife Sharon studies the movies nominated for Best Picture for the Golden Globes and we have a marathon to watch them. On 
New Years Eve we'll be doing just that, getting in as many as we can. Then we have a low key dinner with friends!
CHRISTOPHER CLINTON CONWAY (Philanthropic Counsel): I have two resolutions: 1. Drink more water (I hate water!). 2. Stay OFF 1stdibs!!
ANDREA SCHWARTZ (VP Media Relations and Cause Marketing Macy's North and Midwest Regions): Steve and I are going to a wedding at Gibson's on NYE. Couldn't happen at a better venue for Dec 31. For the coming year, I resolve to be more organized and efficient in all that I do -- in work and life - and I want to plan get togethers with friends. Of course, this year will be all about planning Steve's and my wedding set for 
May 23, 2015. We are so excited!!!
VAL WARNER (Co-Host "Windy City LIVE!): I turn the big 4-0 this year so my new years's resolution is to be in the best physical shape I have ever been in my life. I would also love to get business matters in order. Finally...I would love to do my part 
to get WCL to a bigger stage...whatever that may be.
HAZEL BARR (Socialite/Philanthropist): I am staying at home with Warren and counting my blessings!
MICHAEL KUTZA (Founder Chicago International Film Festival): I'll be attending the last New 
Years Eve performance of "Follies" Here in Palm Springs . It's the stage show where every show girl is 58, 65 or up to 86 and still can sing and dance. Fabulous!!! Show closing this year after 29 years! Resolutions? Me! Same as always doing something significant to make Chicago a better place...
LESLIE HINDMAN (Founder Leslie Hindman Auctioneers): Mike (Sneed), Dorothy Collin, Mary Lou (Gorno) and I are 
meeting Richard Tomlinson and Anne for New Year’s Eve in Berlin….I can’t remember the name of the restaurant but it’s somewhere spectacular that Richard picked out. His two awesome college aged sons are joining us. They’re darling kids! I look forward to getting together for some quiet time in the New Year!
My resolution is to spend more time with close 
friends…..to be more balanced.....
DENISE TOMASELLO (Chicago Cabaret Queen): We will be going to the Drake hotel new years eve and my resolutions are to start working out again ( after three years break lol ) and to resume my cabaret career which has been on hold for the last few years !!!!! 2014 I will be celebrating 40 years in show business !!!! And 
to hug and kiss my mom more she's 88 !!!!
DC CRENSHAW: My NYE plans are to have a few cocktails at home with my family and watch the ball drop on TV. As usual, I'll probably fall asleep before midnight and miss the entire thing! My NY resolutions are to travel to visit family and friends more often, improve aspects of my overall wellness, and to focus on a starting a 
couple of new projects that I've been sitting on for a while.
HEATHER FARLEY INGRAM (Saks Fifth Avenue Personal Shopper): Bruce and I will be hosting a small group of close friends on New Year's Eve at our home in Lakeview. Champagne and Rum Chatta will be chilled and flowing! :) In 2014 I vow to enjoy my family and give back to those less fortunate. Laugh often and love deeply!! Oh, and use my kitchen appliances 
more often!
KERRIE KENNEDY MUDD (Editorial Director, Sheridan Road Magazine at JWC Media).: My resolution for 2014 is to start and end each day with a positive attitude. To quote Walt Whitman: “Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.”
On New Year's Eve, I'm taking my daughter to a ballet class, my son to a movie, and then I'm having a late dinner with my husband at Michigan Shores Club.
KRISTINA McGRATH (Philanthropist/McGrath Lexus): We have been spending the Holidays in Utah for 22 years. It's a magical place that carries beautiful memories for our family. We host a New Years Eve party that will consist of 100 people. It has grown substantially, over the years.
At the strike of midnight, our family will gather for a group hug with the deep understanding of how Blessed we are. My identical twin sister (Korinna Isselhardt) and I make a New Year resolution for each other every year. It's a great learning tool to receive "feedback", on how you can improve yourself. My personal resolution for 2014 is: Don't expect people to be perfect. If you put yourself in their shoes, you'll find they did the best they could.
JENNIFER SUTTON BRIEVA (Director of Operations for SCE (Susan Crown Exchange, Inc.) : For New Years Eve us newlyweds decided to do something a little different. We do dinners and events all throughout the year so we decided to do something outside the box - at The Music Box! Their Spectacular Moulin Rouge (Baz Luhrmann, 2001) sounded perfect for us - and of course right up my alley as a film buff! There will be food and drink before and after the showing of the film as well as additional live entertainment including Burlesque - such fun! It was an easy sell to Joaquin who is a huge romantic. We both love the story and the music...songs from Elton John, Queen, Madonna, The Police and more! For my resolution, I would like to travel more this year with Joaquin – see the world together. First stop is Hawaii in February. Neither of us have ever been!
MARK ROSCOE (Fab Fashion Designer): In 2014, I will be reevaluating my eating habits and workout regime, or the lack thereof. Ironically, I just bit into a turtle from Fannie May... for breakfast no less...I still have four days until the new year...small steps!!! Other New Year's resolutions include: 1. Giving back to those who are less fortunate; 2. Surrounding myself with people who share the same positive energy levels; and 3. Continuing to do things that bring me joy which includes sharing my creative vision and designs on a broader scale. I think I can accomplish those resolutions. Although, giving up the turtles may be a tough one! Ok...so what do the "real cool people" do on New Year's Eve? Well, I'm taking my 85 year old Father out to dinner and then we're coming home to watch a movie on the couch until he falls asleep on my shoulder. I know...the "glamorous life" of a fashion designer, right? I wouldn't trade that moment for anything in the world! So 
there you have it...It may not be exciting enough to include in your columns, but it's what this mover, shaker and cool person is doing next week!.
ROSEMARY FANTI (Artist/Illustrator Extraordinaire): I will be illustrating the guests during one of Chicago's most provocative parties at The Everleigh Social Club in the West Loop with lots of 'tastefully' nude/lingerie-laden ladies and guests.
STANLEY PAUL (Society Orchestra Leader): I am 
looking forward to bringing in the New Year at the Woman’s Athletic Club and getting ready, after playing New Year’s day at the Union League Club for a few months of sun in Palm Springs (can’t wait!) Here’s hoping 2014 will be as good as 2013, I couldn’t ask for anything more, I’ve been truly blessed.
PEACH CARR(Project Runway winner/Fashion Designer): We will 
be hosting our annual dinner party for some of our fabulous and fashionable friends...our guests must arrive as a "Ghost of Collections Past." This involves digging deep into that cedar closet to find an article of clothing which was once red-hot, but now is cringe-worthy. We see a significant amount of tragic pieces form the 80's. I also steal from the Fashion Police and we play "Starlet or Streetwalker" with a collection of magazine photos from the year. My New Year's Resolution: As a designer I am constantly evolving...in 2013, I left tennis wear behind and took giant steps into sportswear and evening. This year my resolution is to take a fearless leap over to the edgy side with Peach Carr Designs. 2014 
will bring a little "Edward Scissor Hands-meets Audrey Hepburn" feel to my collections. Hmmmmm......
TOM KEHOE (Founder/owner Kehoe Designs): I am so excited to be celebrating the new year in Pasadena, California, to watch my niece perform on the Michigan State Dance team in the Rose Bowl game and parade!! Can't wait to see it all, especially watching the parade in person. I am not a believer in New Years resolutions as I continually set new goals, 
improve my life and educate myself all year long.
AMY TARA KOCH (Author/Fashion Expert): I am with my family and sisters family at Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. We are getting Joes stone crab takeout, swimming when it's dark out (kids love this), getting ice cream sundaes from room service and hoping to stay up until midnight to welcome 
new year. Glammy family affair!
TOM DREESEN (Legendary Comedian): In my 45 years in show business I have performed on New Years Eve in at least 40 of them. This year I am going to stay home curl up on the couch and watch some movies that Screen Actors Guild sent to me for consideration of my vote. Hope you truly enjoy your evening and that 2014 will be your best year ever.
ELYSABETH ALFANO (Creator of "Fear No Art" and "The Dinner Party"): New Year’s Eve Plans - -hearing female rapper DESSA at Lincoln Hall. She will be on The Dinner Party with me on January 20th at City Winery, so I can’t wait! New Year’s Eve Resolution is the same every year: Do my very best in every way: with every person, in every relationship, in every job, so that I can live my life with peace of mind.
CATIE KEOGH (Host/ Executive Producer of 
24/7 City Secrets on NBC5): My New Year's resolution is to travel to foreign lands I have never been, to find more time to play Barbies with my daughter and less time checking social media, to take my parents out to lunch more often and talk about everything from organizing my closets with my mom to discovering new wines my Dad finds at Jewel for under $10. I am going to try and make more dinners for my husband that are not prepackaged and agree with him once in awhile when he tells me I am spending too much at Starbucks... but most importantly I am going to thank God for the life He has given me and count my blessings each and every day! For NYE, we're going to our LakeHouse on Lake Michigan and having a small party with friends…I am in the city all the time for work and it's nice to get away and watch the city from across the lake once in awhile.
BORRIS POWELL (Beloved Fashion Designer)This year, I've decided to stay in 
on New Years. I'm spending it at a home with about 15 to 20 close friends. I've been feeling the need of quality versus quantity lately. You know, less is more? Things have shifted so much for me in the last 3 years and I want to ring in the new year with just a few close friends as I embark on what will be one of the best years of my life so far. We'll see where the night takes us after midnight if at all. But the most important hours for me will be the 9 to midnight and
I don't see myself fighting for space and or a drink at the bar this year. I hope that isn't a sign of me growing boring. LOL I'll work up until around 8pm on NYE and then head over. There's no surprise there. I'm not making any resolution this year because I feel as if I've stayed the course without setting anything the previous year. For me, I believe in pushing myself daily and setting goals daily to keep me on track every step of the way. I'm just strange like that. I've never been the person to set a holiday goal. I'm running 
everyday all all day...
SHERREN LEIGH (President/Publisher, Today's Chicago Woman (TCW): What's so special about being divorced and solo, is that married couples from the past include you in their activities. I'm celebrating New Year's Eve with Susan and Joel Carlins - and his birthday - with his close friends Sue and Don Mazzoni, Carol and Dominic DiFrisco, and a few other couples. My 
resolution is to read more fiction and more books on history.
DINA BAIR (Emmy Award-winning WGN News Anchor/Medical Reporter): My New Year's is the same every year... Spend time with my children and my parents in Florida, with fireworks over the water. As for hopes for 2014, I hope to learn something new, raise more money for charity than in 2013, and 
enjoy time with my kids. After facing cancer, time with loved ones and making a difference take top priority!
HERMENE HARTMANN (President of ABLE/ Publisher of N'DIGO Magazine): For New's Year Eve I am going to be at the show at The Black Ensemble Theater. My resolution is to do a TV show in 2014, NDIGO NOW.
KATHLEEN HENSON (Founder of Award-Winning Henson Consulting Group): 
We spent many years doing the fun late night out drinking and dancing with our friends at cool places like Studio Paris. For something different this year, Mike and I plan to take our 5 kids downtown and surprise them with a stay at the Embassy Suites to swim and, after, go out for a fun dinner. We plan to watch the midnight fireworks at Navy Pier and then go out for New Year's brunch at either Bub City or HUB 51. My resolution this year is to spend more time in the moment and stress less. I like to say "It always gets done" and I want to enjoy the little moments in my day 
that make my life so interesting and certainly never dull.
MICHAEL PERICH (Founder CAMP Cosmetics): My plans for NYE is to be asleep by midnight! Two wise women once told me that only trouble can be found after midnight. My resolution is to take CAMP Cosmetics to the next level!
RYAN CHIAVERINI (Co-Host "Windy City LIVE!): I'll be 
at Toby Keith's bar in Rosemont as part of the ABC 7 countdown show. I'm still working on a resolution....I keep putting it off....maybe it should be to stop procrastinating!
NIKKI LYNETTE (Recording artist/ Writer for Red Eye Chicago): For NYE I'm planning to attend 
Entrepreneur's Eve with my bestie Keisha Howard. We went last year and it was dope, so we wanna relive it. And my resolution is to make more time for myself, I'm working on an album titled "Respect My Disrespect" that will be released in 2014 and it's dominating all of my time. But I think it wouldn't be terrible to squeeze a bit 
of playtime in there, too!
RJ MELMAN: It's all work for me. I will be at our restaurants and nightclubs that night.
AMY GUTH (GM RedEye/Metromix): For New Year's Eve, I'm throwing a party at home. I really love NYE— there's something so inspiring and motivating about that "clean slate" feeling. Plus, I love throwing parties and making fancy hors d'oeuvres. As for a 
resolution, I've decided to make 2014 my fittest year yet and really focus on health and fitness on all levels through new approaches, more activities, new challenges and new skills. I've gotten a jumpstart by recently starting krav maga— it's a tough martial art, and it mercilessly whips participants into the best shape of their lives while teaching some amazing defense skills. I've decided to be pretty public about my big undertaking through my website (amyguth.com) and with hashtag #FittestYearYet on social networks to help keep me accountable.
MARIA PAPPAS (Chicago Cook County Treasurer): I just completed my yoga teacher training .......simply for my own edification at the moment. My New Year's resolution: Don't talk to people who aren't listening.
JULIE DiCARO(Community Manager at Chicago Tribune'sChicagoNow): For NYE, I'm hanging out at 
an 80's party thrown by friends out in the western suburbs. My resolution is to be less on my phone and more present when I 'm with family and friends. :)
ARI BENDERSKY (Director of Content AbesMarket.com/ Local Food Writer): This year, as we've done nearly every year for the 
last decade, we're getting together with close friends for a delicious lobster feast. We always bring Hoppin' John, a black-eyed pea dish from my partner Drew Harris' Southern roots, to bring good luck for the coming year. Since we go out so much during the rest of the year, we love having an intimate dinner party with good friends, good food and good wine instead of dealing with the mess of the masses! As for resolutions, I don't tend to make them since I prefer to tackle challenges throughout the year. But if I were to hone in on anything, it would be to dedicate myself to writing more -- creatively speaking -- reading more books and trying to detox from social media and my iPhone more at home. Basically, I want to focus on being more present. And most importantly, Drew and I got engaged on Christmas!!!
JAIME LAURITA (Celebrity Chef/Entrepreneur): My partner, Rich Lane, and I have recently sold our home in Barrington and moved to Bucktown. We are 
pinching ourselves on a daily basis because we are so excited to be in the city again; exploring all the restaurants, boutique stores and shops in the area. We feel plugged in, now that we are in Chicago. Last year I hosted a bunch of charity events and this year I will continue to focus my energy on helping others. Our New Year's Eve plans are to finally investigate Eataly. As you know, I have an Italian food and wine line of products already in stores like Mariano's, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Binny's, so I would love to have my line in unique locations like Eataly. We will finish off the night and ring in the New Year with new friends in our neighborhood. Rich is expanding his photography and would love to seek bigger opportunities for his artwork in the city of Chicago.
LYNNE JORDAN (Singer/Entertainer/DIVA with a heart): My NYE plans: My band and I (Lynne Jordan & the Shivers) will be performing at The Casino in 
Chicago. It's a private party but I have performed at the Casino for many years and I know some of the membership quite well. I'm very excited about this night! Before showtime, I'll be relaxing and watching the Telly! On Jan 1st, I'm performing with the Shivers at City Winery Chicago for "A Dance Party." I'm bringing in the ten piece band and we are going to make the show feel like a New Year's (Eve) Celebration minus the countdown! My resolutions: I have adapted a healthy lifestyle as regards to food and I want to continue to lose weight. (I have lost 27 pounds so far).
MONIKA DIXON (Founder Monika Dixon PR): I'll be ringing in the NY with my 
friends and some family at Public Chicago! Here's my NY resolutions: 1. Try to be more awesome then last year (lol); 2. Spend more time outside; 3. Pretend that I like drinking water; 4. I will give up chocolates totally. 100%. Completely. Honestly....; 5. When I hear a funny joke I will not reply, "LOL... LOL!"; 6. I will no longer interfere with my husband when he's watching a game of golf; 7. I will stop using the word "inappropriate." I promise to stick to these resolutions for more than a week (even though I never do). :-)
NICOLE KANE KNEPPER (Author/ blogger for Chicago Now "Moms Who Drink and Swear"): I rarely make resolutions, but I do set goals. This year my goals 
are to learn 25 conversational phrases in Klingon; to strive for balance and mindfulness - everyday; to spend as much time with my kids as they will tolerate; continue making evil plans and stuff, and last, but certainly not least, to finish my second book! New Years Eve at the Kneppers! Whooooo Hoooooo! My husband and I will be catering to a group of teenage boys and grade school girls. We are having an epic game tournament here at the house. We will be eating a mega shit ton of Portillo's beef and other goodies, while talking trash and kicking ass. It's the most excited I've been about New Year's Eve in a very long time.
KATHLEEN CASEY (Founder Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation): 
For NYE, I plan on watching the fireworks at the Naples, Florida, pier with my honey then heading home for board games and fondue with our daughter. We like a peaceful night to bring in the New Year. My resolutions: Always to keep others in mind and try to be the best person I can be in any situation. It's easy to forget these things in the hustle and bustle of our lives.
KATIE McLENAGHAN (Fervent Fundraiser): Jason and I are going to the Music Box Theater on Southport for their NYE event which includes cocktails/apps, a burlesque show, screening of "Moulin Rouge" and a champagne toast and dessert at midnight! My NYE resolutions are to run more races and raise more money for Bear Necessities :-); write more letters (which is becoming a lost art that I want to save!) and spend more quality one on one time with friends.
JEANNE SPARROW (Co-host WCIU's "You & Me This Morning"): I wanted to do 
something different this year, so I'm going to the Redmoon Theatre's NYE party at their new space in Pilsen... Like everything else they do, it looks like they've got a really creative celebration planned. I don't really have any new resolutions this year other than the same ones I've been focused on for the last few years (with varying degrees of success! LOL)... building the success of "You & Me This Morning" and living a balanced, healthy, stress-free life with time to travel and spend quality time with family & friends. I'll get 
there one day! :)
MELISSA FORMAN (Co-host WCIU's "You & Me This Morning"): I will be here in the magnificent Riviera Nayarit (near Puerta Vallarta) trying not to gain 10lbs at the all you can eat buffet! But while I'm also doing that, I will be reminding myself that even if I DID, nothing matters more than the health and well being of my four beautiful kids and my family. This year I will "eat" up with gusto and 
drink in the moments that matter the most.
TIM SMITHE (Chief Marketing Officer for Walter E. Smithe Furniture): We are taking our kids to Tahiti Nui, the bar in the movie the Descendants with George Clooney, for a New Year's Eve luau. Then fireworks on HanaleiBay.
JOYCELYN WINNECKE (Vice President/Associate Editor Chicago Tribune): I'll be cooking with good friends -- my favorite 
thing to do. We're making a boneless pork loin with fig sauce and roasted cauliflower. My resolution list is ridiculously long, so I'll share just one: Do a good deed every day.
ALEXIS COZZINI (Owner Citizen Stone): My plans are not too exciting but Craig and I are looking forward to them- staying in and 
ringing in the New Year with Taco Tuesday, ha! Mexican is our favorite, so I'm making a feast! Craig is always at the restaurant (Doc B's Fresh Kitchen) so we never have time to relax together. Tuesday will definitely be a treat for us. My resolutions is to maintain a healthy, happy, and productive lifestyle!
TONI CANADA (Chief Operating Officer for Franciscan Medical Specialists): We're having a small dinner party 
at home. As for resolutions.............looking forward to blazing a new trail in 2014!
TONY KARMAN (President/Director EXPO Chicago): My wife and I will join my dear friend Kurt Elling (and his wife and our goddaughter) at the Northlight Theatre (he 
will also be at the Green Mill this weekend). Resolutions….spend more time with friends and family and (of course) work harder to ensure a great EXPO CHICAGO/14!
LEAH CHAVIE (Leah Chavie Skincare): This New Year's Eve will be spent with Jack. We're attending Leslie Tcheupdjian's (lipo doc daughter) house party. It should be fun and full 
of laughter ! My resolution personally is to become as strong and fit physically and celebrate my body as I turn 40 in 2014 .Professionally my resolution is to fine tune and continue to brand our company . Our on line store has been a major project so the completion and launch of that will be
exciting!
DAVID BRANDT (Kehoe Designs): I'm hosting a NYE party with about 30 guests. My NYE resolution, fall in love.
SALLY SCHWARTZ (Founder Randolph Street Market): Reid and I are spending the night at the Peninsula and 
believe it or not we are going to fast and forgo food and mini bar! We're doing the gym, spa treatments and waking up to a healthy 2014! Resolutions: To listen more and talk less (my daughter will be very happy if I can 
achieve this!)
REBECCA BESSER (Philanthropist): I plan on spending New Year's Eve on a beautiful beach with my family. My resolution is to continue to support Miseracordia and help it reach its goals.
PAUL IACONO (President; Chicago Dowel Co., Inc).: I was hoping to get away somewhere warm for New 
Year's Eve, but I think I'm going to save that for Jan/Feb. Will probably hit one of several parties going on around town. Or, I might spend it at home with a few friends. Even thought it's tomorrow, it's just too early to say! Resolutions: Now that I've got myself settled, get back to the gym! (In Feb! Jan is just 
too soon) :)
WHITNEY LASKY (Fundraiser/Charity volunteer, proud mom): I'm rounding out my 6th year of sobriety but champagne-filled holidays never seem to lose their luster, believe me! Right now I'm being eaten alive by no-see-ums, mosquitos and I'm pretty sure, based on the welt on my arm, a spider or two as I'm volunteering with Habitat for Humanity just north of Ft Pierce, Florida. My resolutions for 2014 include being kinder to myself, connecting more with friends and launching "The Girlfriends" podcast and website as we start production on a pilot in February. Girlfriends hit the road meeting new girlfriends from our mobile makeover RV!
ROBERT MILLS (Founder Watch312 and 305.com, President Ohio and Illinois Centers for Broadcasting and MiamiMediaSchool): I don't generally go 
out on "amateur" night but am glad others find excitement on this night. My resolution is to encourage good will towards men and women and peace on earth!
JP ANDERSON (Editor-in-Chief Michigan Avenue Magazine): After the busy excitement of the past few weeks, I'll be living out my dream of the perfect New 
Year's Eve, which is a mellow night of cooking at home with friends. And with the cold snap this NYE, you can bet the menu will be comfort food all the way: red wine-braised short ribs, roasted potatoes, a green veggies and, of course, many bottles of bubbly! My resolutions are simple this year: To be the best son, brother, uncle, and great-uncle to 
my family. To be at my physical peak--stronger, faster, fitter, and healthier. To take time for quiet and reflection. To give back to others and to this great city of ours. And to continue to strive for greatness in all areas of my life.
Thank you all for being a part of my world! My resolutions for 2014 include learning to relax; 
taking life a step at a time and enjoying the little things. I want to spend more time with my husband and my friends and their kids. I want to send more letters and not just emails. I want to learn how to write (with a pen) again. I want to travel more and learn something new everyday. I want to continue my French lessons 
(with my awesome former teacher Erwan Sorel) and use my skills in France. I want to spend more time with 
books; collecting and going to Book Fairs with Chuck. I want to exercise again on a regular basis. I want to do more TV and make my internet show a must-see for viewers. I want to learn how to read a teleprompter like Jeanne and Melissa. I want to laugh more and worry less. And lastly, I want/hope you will all continue to enjoy my blog, my Tribune column and my Watch312 internet show. I hope 2014 is our best year yet!
Love, as always,
Candace
[email protected]
