NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 www.fw-chicago.com
CHICAGO TASTEMAKERS GIVE THEIR TIPS ON HOW TO
celebrate with style INTRO TO COVER STORY GOES HERE.
BEST GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST HOLIDAY DÉCOR MADE EASY THE JOFFREY NUTCRACKER’S FINAL SEASON NO PLUS ONE, NO PROBLEM
‘tis the season
Purchase with Purpose
TM
YShop [why shop]: An online store oering a curated selection of goods and services with a portion of every purchase beneďŹ tting YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. Find holiday gifts from Akira, Amazing Cosmetics, Mia Bossi, Shred415, t+j designs and more!
www.yshop.org
from the editor
g n i r o n o H n o i t i d tra
I’m a firm believer that the holidays aren’t just for kids, age-old family recipes should always have a place on the dinner table, and you can never have too many blowouts between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. What can I say? I love tradition—and consistency—which is going to be one of the main themes of FW-Chicago.com in 2016. If you follow us online, then you’re well aware of our Soulful Sunday feature, a weekly dose of inspiration from busy Chicago women who still manage to stay balanced no matter what their career—or life—throws their way. It didn’t take long for this fun, anecdotal quick hit to become a reader favorite, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading and posting your submissions. But the success of this series got me thinking: Of course people like it. It’s about real women and provides advice on something we constantly need help with. Bingo. With that in mind, we’ve also instituted a new Wealth Wednesday feature that provides money advice and tips from (you guessed it) real Chicago women. Power Lunch Thursdays is a spin-off from a piece in our premiere issue—suggested eateries where business is the main dish on the table. And this is just the beginning. Trust me, you’ll look forward to these new features like a big, beautifully wrapped present each and every week of the year. Women empowering other women? Best. Gift. Ever. Have a suggestion for one of our regular features? Email me: Rebecca@fw-chicago.com
Rebecca Taras-Lee Managing Editor
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IN THIS ISSUE NO PLUS ONE, NO PROBLEM
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Chicago-based relationship expert Bela Gandhi shares advice on how to survive the holiday party scene when you are single.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Our editors and contributors pick their favorite gifts for every person on your list.
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holiday 101
Decorate, dress, and celebrate tradition with ease this season, thanks to event planner Tom Kehoe, stylist Mel Muoio, and Macy’s Andrea Schwartz, who share their insights into the holiday season. Plus, a closer look at Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker.
FIT AND FESTIVE Fitness expert Stephanie Mansour shares 8 tips for staying in shape and feeling good through the holidays without having to pass up the cheese tray.
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all things jolly!
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Our favorite entertaining expert Marc Seivers gives us his favorite ideas for bringing the spirit of the season into your home. A little spice and everything nice!
e s e n i ch t u o e k ta It might be a cliché, but we like the idea of skipping out on a traditional holiday meal and going out for Chinese and a late movie. With that in mind, here are four of our favorite Chinese restaurants in the city.
DEE’S MANDARIN & SUSHI LOUNGE
Located in Lincoln Park, this cozy and romantic spot is a neighborhood favorite for Chinese fare with a side of ambience. 1114 West Armitage Avenue 773.477.1500.
SUN WAH BBQ
The Beijing Duck Feast is what draws fans from all over the city to this Uptown staple. Brought to your table and carved, the duck is served in two presentations. 5039 North Broadway 773.769.1254.
LAO HUNAN
If you like it spicy, Chinatown’s Lao Hunan is a must-try destination. The Dry Chili Fish Fillet is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. 2230 South Wentworth Avenue 312.842.7888.
PHOENIX
Another Chinatown resto is the go-to spot for dim sum. The gorgeous dining room is a good excuse to linger long after the last bite. 2131 South Archer Avenue 312.328.0848. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
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, e n o s u l p no m e l b o r p no How to stay positive when dealing with the end of a relationship during the holidays? Breakups are always hard and they can be even lonelier during the holiday season. Understanding and accepting this is step one. It’s normal to feel those sad and longing feelings when you see mistletoe and happy couples holiday shopping together. To stay positive, know yourself and what you need to feel good! If you like to be active, make plans to keep yourself out and about, spending time with people that make you happiest. Having great platonic relationships can be super satisfying and can cheer you up! And, volunteering is a great thing to do with friends. It will get you out, meeting new people, and giving back to the community—which makes everyone feel better!
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Let’s face it: the end of a relationship can be unpleasant, regardless of the date on the calendar. The wall-to-wall festivities of the holiday season make it especially difficult to deal with a breakup. Chicago-based relationship expert Bela Gandhi shares some advice on how to survive the season, when you don’t have a “plus one” for that New Year’s Eve party. Interview by Jennifer Smith Tapp
What is the best strategy for navigating the holiday party scene?
and every hour that passes brings you closer to the sun “shining” on you again.
Say yes to everything! You will always have more fun when you’re hanging with your besties—and getting out of your yoga pants or PJs feels great. Even if you’re sad, put on your happiest face, as smiling will help better your mood. My best trick is putting on awesome happy music that makes you want to shake your booty. Whoop up your makeup—bring the cat eye out a little further, wear red lipstick, add something sparkly—you’ll feel better even before you walk out the door. Go to these events with your “elevator” people—friends who elevate your mood and bring you up! Leave the energy vampire/ Debbie Downer friends back at the ranch.
Should the fact that it is the holiday season play a part in the timing of the breakup?
Why are the holidays a particularly difficult time to deal with a breakup? Breaking up around the holidays is really tough for a number of reasons. You no longer have a “plus one” to bring to holiday parties/work events. You are sad, during the “most wonderful time of the year!” And everything you see at the stores will potentially remind you of your ex. Remember that sadness is the first step to healing,
Ending a relationship is never easy, and the December holidays are one of the biggest breakup times of the year. It’s a tough decision about doing it before or after the holidays—you’re in a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” type of situation. If you do it before, they’ll say, “How could you do this before the holidays?” And if you wait, it could elicit, “How could this be? We JUST spent the holidays together and everything was GREAT!” A factor in deciding to do it before is that people think about “misleading” their significant others by bringing them home for the holidays. And buying a gift for someone you’re going to end things with is also awkward—again, because you don’t want to lead them on. fw
Bela Gandhi is the CEO and founder of Smart Dating Academy, a fullservice personal consulting firm that provides successful professionals with dating coaching, image consulting, and online dating consulting. Learn more at smartdatingacademy.com.
The Joffrey Ballet | Photo by: Cheryl Mann
FINAL YEAR OF ROBERT JOFFREY’S
Nutcracker
CELEBRATING
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DECEMBER 4–27 | TICKETS START AT $32 | JOFFREY.ORG/NUTCRACKER | 800.982.2787 NUTCRACKER CORPORATE PRESENTING SPONSOR
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Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation 50 East Congress Parkway, Chicago
e d i u g t f i g y a d i l ho RINGLY SMART RING $195+ The most fashionable wearable technology that connects to your phone and notifies you about the things that matter most. Put your phone away and enjoy the moment. Includes box with charging cable and available in several colors and finishes. Available at neimanmarcus.com.
HELIX HEADPHONES $199 In the chicest way possible, Helix has solved the problem of the unruly earbud. The wearable cuff connects wirelessly to any music device and can be worn as a bracelet for storage. We are pretty much on board with anything that leads a double life as an accessory. Available for pre-order at ashleychloe.com.
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO TEAL AND BRONZE BOWL $75 For an executive, this stunning handblown glass bowl could be a modern take on the desktop candy dish. Made and decorated in the Czech Republic, the bowl is accented with hand-applied metal. Available at artinstituteshop.org.
FIG & OLIVE: THE CUISINE OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA” COOKBOOK , ASSOULINE BOOKS $50
Photo Credit for book cover: Harold Gottschalk.
Treat the foodies in your life to a lavish cookbook filled with more than sixty simple recipes that are drawn from the Fig & Olive kitchen and Francine Halasz’s dinner table. Available at assouline.com.
TOMMASOMADE KITCHEN BOARD IN BLACK WALNUT $65 Tommasomade uses locally-sourced hardwoods responsibly and carefully collected from throughout the Chicago area. Use this kitchen board for serving and presentation, as well as cutting and other kitchen tasks. Available at tommasomade.com.
MICHAEL ARAM WHITE ORCHID 6-COMPARTMENT PLATE $275 For those with elegant entertaining on their wish-list, this six-compartment dish is perfect for cocktail nuts, colorful candies, olives, and more. An ideal piece for the ultimate hostess. Available at saksfifthavenue.com.
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PINK THINK CSTYLE BRACELET $100 Young girls who like their jewelry with a side of high-tech will love finding the Pink Think CStyle bracelet under the tree this year. Sleek and stylish, the CStyle bracelet is a programmable wearable that teaches basic coding skills. It comes with an app that programs a variety of features, including colored lights based on time and body temperature, as well as settings to allow the lights on the bracelet to blink and fade. Available at thepinkthink.org.
PSYCHOBABY PERSONALIZED GIFTS
Notice Notice is the spot for chic and wearable women’s apparel along with gifts for everyone from the new baby to grandma. At holiday time Notice becomes the place to explore for fun and interesting items for under and on top of the tree. 5028 N. Clark, Chicago; 2112 Central, Evanston; 202 S. Cook, Barrington, 872.208.3483
If there is one thing that kids love, it is anything with their name on it—marking it as theirs and theirs alone. Local brand Psychobaby has some fabulous gifts for kids. We personally love the pillowcases ($24) and the lunch bags with the Chicago flag ($22). Available at psychobabyonline.com.
Wulfka Clothing for Goddesses. Office meets casual in this collection of cozy sweaters and flattering frocks that can be dressed up or down. Brandish a bold holiday look or discover the perfect cocoon cardigan for the fashionista on your list. Made in our Logan Square studio. www.Wulfka.com, 773.793.0968
Urban Pooch Training and Fitness Center Where Every Dog is a Champion! Give the gift of Fitness and Love to your favorite Pooch and Parent for this holiday. Choose from a fun variety of training and fitness classes, including Agility, FitPAWS, Small Dog Daycare (under 25 lbs), Open Gym, Obedience, Nose Work, and Puppy Pre-School—many classes you won’t find anywhere else. Gift Cards available. www.UrbanPoochTraining.com, 5400 N Damen Avenue, 773.961.8880
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marc
SIEVERS
savvy cooking • entertaining • life-styling TM
entertain expertly Planning, styling, and design of your home entertaining spaces—tailored to your needs and occasion BY APPOINTMENT
marc j. sievers +1.312.344.3710
marcsievers.com
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RIBBON NAPKIN RINGS
DECK YOUR HOME WITH
s g n i h t l l a jolly! Written & Photographed by Marc J. Sievers
During the holidays, time can play a huge role when it comes to finishing the little details. The ideas here will help set the mood for a festive soirée and still leave time to bake those 21 dozen decorated cookies you planned on giving out to your friends and colleagues this year—remember that idea you had after a bottle of wine and endless hours on Pinterest? I believe that each and every day should be festive, stylish, and simple. The holidays should be even more so. I want to spend as much time as I can celebrating and entertaining my friends, family, and clients. With these simple ideas here you will be able to join the party and deck your home with all things jolly. fw For more home entertaining tips and to learn more about Marc, visit marcsievers.com.
Classic white cotton napkins get a festive and glamorous makeover with the addition of tartan plaid ribbon tied in a big bow, then adorned with sprigs of fresh rosemary and crystal chandelier prisms.
CINNAMON BUNDLES Cinnamon sticks tied in little bundles with velvet ribbon are the perfect addition to the doorknob of a powder room, around a wine bottle for a host/hostess gift, or even hung on your Christmas tree. A little spice and everything nice!
PEPPERMINT HURRICANES Plain glass hurricanes and unscented white pillar candles turn into a winter wonderland with peppermint candies and regular coarse Kosher salt, which takes on a snow-like effect.
SILVER TRAY WITH CARDS A silver tray filled with holiday cards set atop a coffee table is the chicest way to both display and contain all of those “fa la la” greetings!
BOW-TIED FLUTES Transform everyday stemmed glassware with the addition of tiny red velvet bows for instant holiday cheer.
See all of these ideas and more online at fw-chicago.com/holiday-decor
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Fit and Festive 8 WAYS TO ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS WITHOUT GOING COMPLETELY OFF THE RAILS Perhaps even more challenging than finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list is avoiding the creeping addition of a few pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. We tapped fitness expert STEPHANIE MANSOUR for her top tips to help you stay fit and confident, without having to pass up the cheese tray.
By Rebecca Taras-Lee
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Eat protein every few hours. It will keep your blood-sugar levels stabilized and keep you from craving fattening foods at holiday parties!
Enjoy tasting your favorite foods instead of gorging on them. Sample things and don’t feel restricted. Enjoy the foods that you look forward to in moderation.
Plan gift-wrapping and shopping ahead of time. Put this in your calendar and give yourself enough padding time for long lines, traffic, etc.
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Take a look at your calendar at the beginning of each week and pencil in your workouts. Research shows that just five minutes of exercise boosts your body image and self-esteem, so this is an essential part of your holiday season. Just like a doctor’s appointment, you’ll have to actively cancel or delete this from your schedule, so if you choose to skip it, it’ll make you think twice.
Schedule in some “me” time. A massage, a relaxing yoga class, or a pedicure as a gift to yourself over the holidays reminds yourself that you’re important and a priority will make you feel good!
Load up on protein, fruits, and veggies. It will to curb your sweet tooth when it comes to desserts at holiday parties. Remember, if you are hungry, your body physically craves sugars and carbs for energy. Avoid this by hitting the veggie tray and protein-filled appetizers first.
4 Stick to clear liquors. Stay away from creamy drinks or beverages with artificial sweeteners; and use water, soda water, juice, or fresh limes and lemons as mixers.
8 Remember that a 30-minute workout at a high intensity is better than doing 60 minutes of cardio. Combine strength training with cardio and do exercises back to back to get the biggest bang for your minute! It’s easier to schedule in and it will pay off! fw
Stephanie Mansour is a health and fitness expert and weight-loss coach for women. She regularly shares her knowledge on NBC Chicago and has appeared on Dr. Oz and CNN. Join her free Challenges and get more information at stepitupwithsteph.com.
YOUR GUIDE TO THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR By Rebecca Taras-Lee
You have big ambitions for the holidays. You have Pinterest boards full of prospective projects, plus a 25-step recipe for a gingerbread house (read: weekend project). But, let’s be honest. Sometimes, once the big soirée or family get-together actually rolls around, your aspirations fizzle as quickly as the champagne punch you were planning on making. We believe that the most wonderful time of the year shouldn’t be taxing. So we brought in Chicago tastemakers to give their tips on how to make the most of the holiday season. Think of this as our gift to you. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
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the entertainer TOM KEHOE PRESIDENT OF KEHOE DESIGNS
EASY YET TASTEFUL HOLIDAY DÉCOR Simply adding gold and bronze finishes and decorative accessories will make any home more glamorous, as these metallic hues will add a striking effect to any room. This year we really like playful faux taxidermy deer-head statues in gold used in place of a picture on the wall. Add assorted faceted vases and glittered candles in gold trimmed hurricanes to add a little sparkle. A HIGH-IMPACT HOLIDAY TABLE A real easy fix is to dress your holiday table with a fabulous runner. Think of textures such as white feathers, gold beading, or a jewel-toned plaid. Add brightly-colored chargers, tinted water and wine glasses (such as amber or teal), unusual heirloom collectibles nestled between holiday ornaments, candies, and simple evergreen garlands. Another idea is to incorporate vintage wine glasses and champagne flutes as candle holders for a shine effect that lasts all night. RAISING THE BAR Along with a great mobile, mini bar cart
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If you’re looking for an event with a serious Midas touch, Kehoe is your man. The party prince has earned a reputation as one of the best event production leaders in Chicago—and beyond—due to his mad creativity and robust team of pros who help make magic happen. The latest feather in Kehoe’s cap is the opening of his very own event space, The Geraghty, where our stunning holiday cover shoot took place. Swap that candy cane in your hand for a pen because you’re going to want to take down all the advice Kehoe has to offer. stocked with the season’s best, one of my favorite go-to ideas is to turn a bathroom into a champagne bar. Fill your bathtub with ice and bottles of champagne and put a serving tray over your sink to stack the glasses. The kicker is to have a bartender in the space to open and serve, for that oh-so sexyyet-classy mood. SERVING UP THE PERFECT PARTY Nothing is more important than a well-thought-out sideboard or buffet. As a unique experience, line up shot glasses filled with homemade chili; add skewered cornbread and aged Wisconsin cheddar cubes for that single-serving approach. Your buffet should have combinations of bite-size comfort finger food with a twist. For dessert, pie pops are a fun and fresh culinary perspective that makes the experience so much more memorable. fw
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the stylist MEL MUOIO STYLIST AND STYLE DIRECTOR FOR LEVY RESTAURANTS When it comes to getting style advice, just one look at Muoio and you know you’re in the right hands. The sartorial superstar has lived and worked all over the U.S. and Europe, but she’s also one of the most in-demand stylists right here in Chicago. Not only has she been responsible for styling countless photo shoots, she’s also the hospitality style director for Levy Restaurants, which means she’s dressing the staff (uniforms), as well as the various venues—from food to furniture. FINDING THE KEY LOOKS THIS SEASON One key style we are seeing is the “interiors” look, where you may see wallpaper print on a dress, coat, or top. Another would be pieces with accents of velvet and suede.
GOING FROM OFFICE TO OFFICE PARTY Start with a versatile dress and then switch to a pair of pointed heels. Add a festive statement necklace and a stylish clutch.
BEYOND THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS Try a navy blue velvet fitted sport coat. You can throw it over a dress or wear it with jeans, heels, a white tee, and a long necklace with jewel tones for a casual look. COMPLETING HOLIDAY LOOK For accessories, choose lots of gold and jewel tones—think emerald, sapphire, and ruby. Try a great long necklace that you READ MORE ON PAGE 17 >
the traditionalist ANDREA SCHWARTZ VICE PRESIDENT OF MEDIA RELATIONS AND CAUSE MARKETING, MACY’S NORTH CENTRAL REGION Schwartz oversees everything from Macy’s Cause Marketing campaigns to celebrity appearances, but the most anticipated event she and her team are responsible for is the lighting of the iconic Great Tree in the historic Walnut Room, which goes hand-in-hand with the decorated windows that draw locals and tourists alike. Schwartz has seen this annual tradition reinvent itself several times—but it hasn’t lost an ounce of holiday spirit. Here, Schwartz tells us what it takes to make the magic happen. READ MORE ON PAGE 17 > NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
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the classic THE NUTCRACKER When you go to see The Nutcracker this holiday season, it will be the last time The Joffrey Ballet will be performing the seasonal classic as conceived by Robert Joffrey. Here, a little history lesson on the origins of the ballet and the version envisioned by Robert Joffrey. The original production of The Nutcracker premiered on December 17, 1892, at the Maryinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia. The ballet was suggested by the Russian director Alexandrovitch Vsevolojsky as a collaboration between the well-known French choreographer Marius Petipa and famous composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Vsevolojsky suggested they work together to create a ballet based on the French version of a German children’s story, written by Alexandre Dumas senior. The original German tale was E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
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Together with his assistant, ballet master Lev Ivanov, Petipa began creating the steps in August of 1892. When Petipa got sick before finishing the ballet, Ivanov took over to complete the choreography, marking the beginning of The Nutcracker’s celebrated history. Robert Joffrey’s version of The Nutcracker is based on the ballets’ first presentation in America by the Ballet Russ De Monte Carlo in 1940, which was Alexandra Fedorova’s restating of the original Petipa version. Using this performance as inspiration, Joffrey created the first truly
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American Nutcracker nearly half a century later, with the help of the company’s co-founder and world-class choreographer Gerald Arpino. On December 10, 1987, The Joffrey Ballet presented its first production of The Nutcracker at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City, IA. This world premiere was followed in the same month by performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the New York City Center. According to a review in The New York Times, the Joffrey’s production of The Nutcracker was something to write home about.
The Nutcracker is now staged throughout America and incorporates American traditions. So while it is a relatively new version, Joffrey’s Nutcracker plays an important role in the ballet’s history by combining old and new elements within a uniquely American setting. fw Conceived and Directed by Robert Joffrey. Choreography for Waltz of the Snowflakes and Waltz of the Flowers after the choreography of Gerald Arpino Featured dancers: Victoria Jaiani and Rory Hohenstein
< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15, ANDREA SCHWARTZ
CREATING THE MAGIC The vision for the holiday decorations in our stores is a collaborative effort of the highly creative, talented people on our Visual and Special Productions teams. The process begins a year out—looking at the trends and celebrations such as the 65th anniversary of Charles Schultz’s Peanuts, which will be highlighted in one of our display windows this year. For 2015, the 108th annual Great Tree will be decked out in gold—a primary trend this year for the holidays.
< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15, MEL MUOIO
can add to a tee or to your dress, minimal but layered gold rings, and a heritage bracelet from your mom or granny to make you feel special during the holidays. PIECES THAT OUTLAST THE HOLIDAY A great traditional color to consider is navy blue, if you accessorize with green during the holidays. But post-holidays, if you pair it with classic gold accessories, it carries you past the eggnog season. Other items to consider would be suede leggings, a long knit sweater tunic, a velvet jacket, and chambray mixed with a plaid skirt or plaid cigarette pants. fw
Photographed by Petya Shalamanova at The Geraghty. On Andrea Schwartz: Green Sequined Dress by Badgley Mischka, available at Rent the Runway, 710 North Wabash. On Tom Kehoe: Velvet Jacket, Ralph Lauren. On Mel Muoio: Gown by Osman, available at Rent the Runway, 710 North Wabash.
TRIMMING THE GREAT TREE It takes a small army of talented engineers, electricians, construction workers, and visual designers to complete the full look of the Great Tree, as well as the animated holiday windows. More than 3,000 ornaments and 6,000 LED lights adorn the tree. It takes three full days to construct the 45-foot tree, beginning from the top down. The tree “hangs’ in the Walnut Room rather than stands, in order to alleviate some of the weight on the Tiffany ceiling that is immediately below the Walnut Room (best views of the ceiling are from the cosmetics department). DESIGNING WINDOWS FULL OF WONDER The talent behind the curtains is Roya Sullivan, award-winning designer and Macy’s National Director of Window Presentation. The 48th annual animated holiday window display on State Street is “Santa’s Journey to the Stars,” which combines the wonder of modern technology with stunning visual elements and a dose of nostalgia. Spectators will be able to watch the story unfold chapter-by-chapter in animated form with the assistance of high-definition video monitors set within each window. MORE HOLIDAY MAGIC IN STORE The magic of Macy’s Believe campaign returns for the eighth year to celebrate the season’s spirit of generosity and goodwill, all while benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation. “Believers” of all ages can bring their stamped letters to Santa to their local Macy’s store, or send a letter by visiting macys.com/believe. fw
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