Bling Club Social Blog

The Sisterhood of Makeover in 30 Days!

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:04:42 PDT

Summer is here everybody! I am so excited to be out and about in my little floral dress and hitting all the outdoor cafes and farmer markets!

Also announcing my intention to improve my health to the next level, or should I say, to stay abreast of any distractions, like too much ice-cream, sweets in general, and that oily yummy bacon!

My work is fabulous, I am truly enjoying the breathing business that I am involved in and staying committed with as well.

Do you know being involved in and committed with are two different mindsets?

I have to say I am involved with a few of my favourite companies' products, like Willow House (love the smart home accessories and decor tips they have), Dove Chocolate Discoveries (the chocolatini and raspberry daiquries are to be included in every GNO possible), Gigi Hill Bags (no girl should leave the house without it, fabulous organizing system within a lovely purse, bags, you name it they got it!).

My makeover 101 is solely from this wonderful company, Agel! I am taking a thirty days challenge to improve my health, lose a few inches with their FIT and GRN product (www.Agel.com), also to improve my skin complexion with their GLO and the natural Ageless skincare line. I will be documenting my progress, taking pictures, and sharing it with all of you after one month's time. Yes, this is rather a bold participation, but I have been taking their products since 2010 Spring, and there is only good things happening!

Anybody want to join in the Sisterhood of Makeover in 30 Days, send me a speedmail at bcsn@blingclubsocial.com...quick, quick!

Cheers,
Anne Haywood Smith
The Bling Girl
"Celebrate & Live Live!"
annehaywood.com

Bling News March 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:54:35 PST

Message from Anne

A laid-back Good Life! This will be a dream come true for a lot of us. I saw this comment in one of my “to-reads”, and it spurred up a bit of a pondering moment! Are we as a general community satisfied with where we are, what we do, and have we accomplished a laid-back good life?

How laid-back do we need to be to feel it? What is a good life?

I can only speak for myself for now. I feel comfortable when I skip checking my emails, answering the phones, stop my connection with the tech and cyber world for a day, Skip the social networking, spend some quality time talking with my family near or far. Call a good friend and chat for hours! Walk my dog or try a new recipe.

Sometimes just working with my jewelry designs, matching the gemstones and pearls, playing around with new techniques gives me the feeling of a laid-back good life. Traveling, yes, just get out there in a foreign country, don’t really need to join any good deal tours, and all that fuss, just buy a ticket and go! So amazing what that can do to you. Two ways to it really, you either was totally grateful that your mini-vacation is over and the solitaire is no longer, or you absolutely savour the independence day you have set forth for yourself. LOL

Obviously, I am only talking about myself. For a lot of people, this could be dreadful, being alone and going somewhere foreign, so kidding me!

Re-establishing the human interactions, face to face communications, setting a date and be there without double checking our phones for messages on cancellation – ahhh – the good old days. Accountability in the good old days before the booming technology, people really do not have the means to cancel an appointment last minute unless they just do not show up. But that is only if you want to put your friendship to the test!

There are so many levels of what we feel is a laid-back good life. What is yours?
Contact Us! Via our website: www.BlingClubSocial.com

Chicago Civic Opera House

Classic Chinese dance, music, performance in Chicago by the Shen Yun Performing Arts on April 10 and 11.
American Ballet Theatre – Swan Lake on April 14 to 18.

Want to be a Food writer?

Do you like food, travel, and sharing your experience with each other? Check out the Loyola University Chicago – class starts on May 1 to 22, four Saturdays on Food Writing: After Gourmet. I might see you there!

Where are the DSA Parties in April?

Reinvent Yourself (New Looks & Flavors for Spring)

Saturday, April 3, 2010, 2:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Infuse Yoga Spa
2536 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614

Get a new look & taste some new flavors for a new take on life this spring!

Taste delicious, healthy treats with featured grapeseed oils from Wildtree and indulgent chocolate with Dove Chocolate Discoveries.

Shed your old skin with spa exfoliants & new makeup looks by Arbonne International and refresh your wardrobe with the new spring jewelry collection by Anne Haywood Design.
Free sampling, raffle, social networking & more!

(Please arrive on time to be entered into the raffle.)

Spring Fling – Hair and Fashion Luncheon

Featuring Neiman Marcus Fashions

Sunday, April 25, 2010 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cotillion Banquets, Palatine.

Contact Anne for tickets - $30 each includes entrance & full 3 course lunch

Contact Us to post your parties and events via www.blingclubsocial.com Find Sponsors and Product info: contact bcsn@blingclubsocial.com

An Impromptu St. Patrick’s Day Mixer – bring your best pet friends with you!

Bring the kids and your dog or adopt one of ours! (Your dog must be non-aggressive, spayed or neutered, and up to date on
vaccinations) and come join us for an afternoon of fun! We will BBQ outside in our 10,000 sq. ft. lot (weather permitting) otherwise we will use it for FREE parking and be inside of 4,000 sq. ft. space.

Things you can bring: If you can bring a dish (appetizer, side, entree or side) for 10 people that'd be great! We also will need paper plates, plastic utensils, cups, napkins, condiments, ice, soda, beer or whatever booze you want to bring! As a donation to the shelter, maybe 1 bottle of bleach or a $10 cash donation...we go through bleach like hotcakes!

We also have a huge bandstage so if any of you musically- inclined folks or bands out there want to bust out a set, feel free!

This will be a very casual environment and everyone of all ages, single, married, kids and dogs, are all welcome! Our shelter dogs would LOVE some human interaction with you, other dogs and/or kids.

Can't make the event? A modest $10 donation will allow us to feed the homeless pets and continue to provide them shelter.
So many heating (gas), electric and water bills!

Donation info: www.loveyourpetservice.com/pages/donations.htm

What are the "KNOTS" of having another piece of jewellery?

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:10:56 PST

Spring is almost here, just hold your breath for a little longer! With all the florals anticipation, I am already creating my Summer collection for the preview trunk shows in Spring! Time is really ahead of us and it is never too early to start planning our accessories needs.

The "KNOTS" fascinates me. I have been working on varies techniques and still trying to incorporate all that I have to offer into my Summer collection. This is a light kind of jewellery where you can wear it all the time without feeling the weight on you while it gives a really bold and sophisticated impression.

You might ask, what is so fascinating about "KNOTS"? My Summer collection, "Expressions of Knots" is built on the basics of both Celtic and Chinese knotting techniques. Of course being a designer, I want to also include Macrame and all the fun things I can do, but this only complicates the design and make it unattractive. Less is more, and I can't wait to tell you more at my showcases this Spring.

See you at the Lambs Farm Spring Show at Arlington Park!
Dates: April 16, 17 and 18, 2010 Booth#109

Bling News – February 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:01:55 PST

Message from Anne

Six more weeks of winter, I think I might have to start some yoga to calm myself down a bit. Talking about Yoga, our Yoga Guru, Andrea of Infuse Yoga Spa will be offering our members a bunch of great events. We will definitely await with fond anticipation – well, I am not very good at yoga, balance, but like many health enthusiast, my willingness to try anything that is good for me is unlimited – Did I share this great “good eat” to you yet?

Good Eats
Honey Cheerios 2 Tbsp (Tablespoons)
Mascarpone Cheese 1 to 2 Tbsp
Hershey’s chocolate syrup Dribbles Baby Dribbles

Feel warm and fuzzy all over for V-Day!
(50 sit ups x three sets after one hour of indulgence, please!)

We love and want Chocolate!

Can’t fight the enemy, join them! No, just kidding, Chocolate is always my friend. Check out my true love at www.dovechocolatediscoveries.com/welovechocolate

Results from our poll
Our first poll have generated a “Close to Call” result! Hmmm…sounded fairly familiar ;)
Topic of considerations is: What should our Bling Club Women's Grant be put to use for?
a. Continued job training
b. Business start up
c. Support animal rescue
d. Children education
Result: A and C have the same percentage of poll and most people agreed upon.

BMW Group Award for Intercultural Commitment – Prize total € 25,000

The BMW Group is looking for innovative projects and dedicated, visionary individuals worldwide – to establish a lasting connection between people of different cultural, religious, and language backgrounds. Read on to find out all you need to know about the goal, submission requirements and the schedule as well as background information on the selection process, the individual awards and the central idea of partnership the award represents.

Global Summit of Women - May 20 – 22 – This year is in Beijing, China
Sign up here: http://www.globewomen.org/summit/Summit.htm

This is not E-bay ! It’s first rsvp gets FREE facial from Magan S.

Contact Magan now, there can only be one lucky winner! Offer only for this month.
http://www.meetup.com/PHD-Party-Hosts-Direct/members/7993509/

Want to read more about Bling Club Social Network of Women? Join now. Our upcoming members’ exclusive will be available February 14!

Catch up with a few friends!

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:43:28 PST

Bling News – January 2010

Message from Anne

Hi Friends and Members,

I am on “Delay Mode” this winter – apologies for the delay distribution of Bling News. Before anyone can blink their eyes, it will be February already. What have you done lately? I have been catching up with friends! So happy to hear from a few friends whom I have not been in touch with for some time. Also, our Bling Club Social Chicago members have been getting more involved in the "Champion" role, hosting gatherings at their area! We do have a lot of great events and projects installed for the upcoming months.
Ladies, got your New Year resolutions down yet? I know so far I have tried the “Bender Ball”, Stepper and Cycling like a hampster daily, eating more fruits but still keeping up with my chocolate and mascarpone, the continuous endeavour to success!!!!! Whew!

HAITI RESCUE EFFORTS

Many organizations have worked hard to put together efforts to the Haiti Rescue and many of us have made generous donations to these organizations. Before you decide where you want to donate your money to, please research carefully and don't become a victim of fraud. Feel free to send in organization contacts or sites for our readers for reference. A few in mind are WorldVision, RedCross, Salvation Army...

LADIES, DON’T BE BASHFUL, LEARN A FEW MOVES!
Learn Self-Defense Moves

When: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 5:30 PM

Price: $35.00 per person

Where:
Port Edwards
Algonquin Rd & Harrison Street On The Fox River
Algonquin, IL 60102
847-658-5441

We are excited to have Linda Azarela teach the group self-defense moves. Linda feels it is imperative that women and children know how to defend themselves in all situations.

Linda has been certified in Tae Kwon Do and holds a second-degree black belt. She has taught karate and ballroom dancing. Linda also instructs ballroom dancing to many folks who want to do special dances at their wedding receptions.

She is the CEO of Azarela Commercial Driving School and has two locations. One in W Dundee and the other in Elgin. She has recently written a book called: Learn How to DRIVE and SURVIVE which will be on the book shelves the end of February 2010.

You will have the opportunity to practice these moves after the dinner.

Bring plenty of business cards as there will be lots of networking before, during and after the meeting!
RSVP to Robin Braga http://www.meetup.com/Women-s-Leadership-Network/calendar/12366397/

PET LOVERS IN FEBRUARY

That's Amore! Winter Social & Benefit Party for Homeless Pets Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 (8 PM to 1 AM) Love Your Pet, Inc.
2414 W. 14th St.
Chicago, IL 60608

Join us for an evening of jazz, blues and soul from talented local artists and help raise funds for a good cause! $10 door admission includes 4 hours of live music and DJs including Harlan Flo, Visionaire Band, E. Que Soul, DJ Black Juice, and more.
Showcase: Pet parade of our adoptable pets at 11 PM!
Beverages ($1-$3) and buffet-style food plates ($5) featuring pizza by Damenzos will be available throughout the evening.
This is an all-ages event. Valid ID required for alcoholic beverages.
No re-entry, outside beverages, food, coats, smoking, or pets permitted inside Mandatory coat check: $2 (includes a take-home goody bag) Fenced in parking: $5 or limited street parking available Proceeds benefit Love Your Pet Rescue, a no-kill shelter for homeless pets Can’t make the event? Please consider making a donation to our animals in need. Thank you. Contact: Julie http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoREDClub/members/2411534/

GO GET IT!

Chicago Northwest Career Fair

Date: Wednesday, February 17

Location: Wellington Banquets and Restaurant
2121 S Arlington Heights Rd
Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

For a list of attending companies, click the link below and fill out the brief registration form:

http://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/career_fairs/details/IL/Chicago_Northwest/February/17/2010/

Bring at least 15 resumes to the event!

CHECK IT OUT!

http://storiesofmultiplepets.com/

www.YouSwoop.com

http://www.sparkplugging.com/

Join www.BlingClubSocial.com for free to reach our niche group of dynamic network of women.

Warm up to our Winter Wonderland!

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:37:15 PST

Our first snow fall, light and delicate snowflakes floating in the air, so pretty until it really hit us with that plummetted cold temperature on December 10th. Aah, I remember that day, it was just yesterday when I was with my PHD team at our first Holiday Bazaar. Everyone was full of positive energy despite the fact that we have less than favourable number of guests visiting us that day. Everybody get to meet each other and we made a good first impression. For those who are scratching their heads wondering what on earth I am talking about, check out my new group: http://www.meetup.com/PHD-Party-Hosts-Direct/

Our December newsletter will be short and sweet!

Do you like Cavalier King Charles?

NBC5 Chicago is going to air a piece on Autumn and Guinness, 2 - 9 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniels who because of their age and that they need to be adopted together, have been difficult to adopt out. The piece will air in the 5am and 6am hours this coming Monday. If something unforeseen comes up in the news, they will air the following day. Keep your fingers crossed that this helps us find them a great forever home!
Bobbie Klimkowski
Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue
www.gccavalierrescue.org

The Pet Finder/Animal Rescue Site Challenge has started again from Sept. 14 to Dec. Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue was right up near the top for the state of IL during the Spring Challenge even though it is one of the smallest groups. Let's see if by enlisting the help of friends and relatives we can be the State winner this time. The URL for voting is:

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3

We are listed under Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue and the state is IL. No need to put in the city. Thanks to everyone; please make this vote part of your daily routine.

Some ideas for this Holiday Season!

The Lit Lounge is a intimate lounge on the north side of Chicao. Pink Christmas is all about spending the holiday with your old friends while you make new friends. This after work is going to be loaded with great fun and entertainment. Here is what you can expect!

1. Secret Santa ( you bring an ornament and get one from someone else in a fun secretive gift exchange game) (OPTIONAL, you do not have to but if you would like to please indicate yes or no when you rsvp) 2. A Visit from the sexy side of Santa Clause 3. Dance Music 4. Shopping from local vendors for those unique last minute shopping gifts you need to pick up 5. $5 martinis 6. Entertainment by Aurora Sextion (look her up on you tube) and her friends in a "Baton" Style Drag Queen Show (Divas Ball
Entertainment)

ALL THIS... AND NO COVER to get in ladies!!!

RSVP accordingly! Contact Cynthia Velez (User ID: user 7013696)- meetup.com

Lit Lounge is accessible to the 90/94 expressway and is off of Ashland Ave.

Party with a Cause in mind!
Holiday Party on Friday, December 18, 2009 at Mango Restaurant in Niles, Illlinois to benefit nonprofit organization. Door opens at 6:00pm. Ticket is $15 including buffet and a complementary glass of Champagne. There will be Special Dance Performances by the dancers of Chicago between 8:00 - 9:00pm. Everyone is welcome to dance till dawn on Latin Music and socialize with new friends.

For more info and to see our flyer please click the link:
http://www.missiongreenlight.org/Dance%20Registration.htm

Questions, contact: Rafi Munim
Email: missiongreenlight@gmail.com

General Interest for everyone
** Disney World twins with Swindon **
The Wiltshire town of Swindon is selected to become the world's first community to twin with Disney World.
< http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/england/wiltshire/8399996.stm >

Art Anyone?
10 Chancery Lane Gallery – Hong Kong
http://www.10chancerylanegallery.com/home/

Saturday Gallery Tours

RIVER NORTH and WEST LOOP GALLERY TOURS Meet for coffee at a local Starbucks and join us for our complimentary tour, led by a gallery owner or representative, of 4 area galleries. Galleries mount new exhibitions about every 6 weeks, so tours are never the same, even if you attend every week!

Each tour, organized by the CADA, takes you on a different journey to some of Chicago's finest art galleries each week. Maps will be provided and the gallery owners will be delighted to answer questions and offer insights into the latest exhibits. Tours do not take place on major holiday weekends, they are complimentary, and they take place rain or shine. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
http://www.chicagoartdealers.org/about.asp

Note: Bling Club Social does not endorse any of the information published. All of the information broadcasted are meant for your reference only. Bling Club Social will not be liable for any misconception and legal obligations at all.

Weblinks: To view, copy and paste to your browser. Thanks!

Let's start Buzzing!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:18:18 PST

The Nature of Diamonds
Through March 28, 2010The Field Museum, Chicago. Unlocks the unique properties of diamonds and explores the gem in its natural state, from mine to market. Combines ancient manuscripts, multimedia, and fine diamond jewelry.

Spread the Magic of Christmas - Adopt A Family Program
Glen Ellyn Junior Woman’s Club & Salvation Army will distribute Christmas Baskets full of gifts and food to local families in need.
§ Purchase gifts
§ Donate money
§ Volunteer your time
Contact Gretchen GretchN68@aol.com or 630.690.6292 before December 1st for more information & details.

We need individuals, families, businesses, organizations, or anyone with a giving heart to help fill our Christmas Baskets with love!

More information about Christmas Baskets …

- What does it mean to “adopt” a family? A family that is “adopted” is given new gifts for each person in the family. Those gifts are guided by a list of needs/wishes the family provides (along with sizes, etc.). The needs will range from basic clothing necessities to household goods and linens. We have families that range from very small to very large and we will help you find the family that best fits your budget. We also have Seniors that need to be adopted.

- Who adopts the families? Individuals, families, organizations, playgroups, neighborhoods, businesses, etc. We can tailor a family for any group/individual.

- What is included in the “basket”? The word basket doesn’t quite do justice to what our adopted families receive! Along with the new gifts that are purchased for the families, our local schools do a HUGE toy drive, so every child receives at least one new toy or gift card. In addition, The Salvation Army partners with us so that each family receives basic nonperishable pantry items and fresh ingredients for a complete holiday meal … turkey included! When the baskets are finally put together, it is usually several large boxes that are delivered.

- Who delivers to the families? Volunteers! Anyone who would like to bring joy to a family is welcome to be a part of our delivery team. Many groups that adopt a family also choose to deliver personally – though this is by no means a requirement! Our local volunteer Fire Department is one of our largest donors – they deliver all morning long for us!

- Where do these families live? All of our adopted families are local. The families must live within the boundaries of our Glen Ellyn School Districts.

- How are the families identified? School social workers help us identify families in need, and each family is required to apply to our program. Those applications are then reviewed and confirmed. We have the capacity to service approximately 150 families and 20 Seniors; we anticipate maxing our capacity again this year.

- What are other ways to help this program? We need volunteers to help us wrap the toys from the toy drive, organize and sort out the food products, assemble the “baskets” (boxes), and deliver to the families.

- Where is the location? Parkview Community Church (764 St. Charles Rd, Glen Ellyn – in front of Ackerman Park) has graciously offered us the use of their facility.

- What are the dates?

BEFORE Dec. 1st contact Gretchen to adopt a family (GretchN68@aol.com)
Thursday, Dec. 10th 7am – 7pm: Gifts dropped off, toys wrapped, food organized
and “baskets” assembled @ Parkview Community Church
Saturday, Dec. 12th 9am: Baskets delivered to families

ESL Program at North Central College of Naperville, IL
Welcome English learners from all over the world. The main ages of the students would be between 15-25. But older students will be considered as well. North Central realize that there may be community members who may have relatives back home looking for short-term ESL programs in the area. They issue I-20s for F-1 student visas for students to come for the summer. Their program is all of July and a week in August, but the students could potentially stay in the U.S. from 30 days before the program to 60 days after, if the families wanted them to. Students could stay with local families or in our dorms.

Here is the link! 2010 fees are to be updated with in the month.
http://northcentralcollege.edu/x35237.xml

Food Festivals at Copernicus Center of Chicago, IL
The Beautiful Copernicus Center Theater at
5216 W. Lawrence Ave in Chicago is now home to The Food Feastivals, kicking off on Tuesday, November 17th from 6:00- 9:30pm. The Feastivals will feature samplings at food vendor tables, as well as wine, beer, and alcohol tastings. The Feastivals will center around multiple food & cooking programs on various topics, recipes, and food related themes. There will be spa treatments, crafts, ladies accessories, kitchen gadgets, state of the art cookware, an underground dining table, public food competitions, and the excellent Magic Frank Blues Band will perform at each event. Every month the Feastivals will change its food theme & topics along with a different charitable cause to be supported. This is the largest known cooking class event of its kind anywhere in North America.
Visit www.thefeastivals.com for contacts, ticket info, details, applications, and future events. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us by email at helene@copernicusfdn.org.

New Bar and Lounge - Serenity Lounge of Woodale, IL
Thursdays everything in the bar is between $2-$5, Fridays $2 domestic beers and a manager special- as well as a free buffet every Fri from 5-7pm. Visit www.serenity-lounge.com

Christmas World Gift & Craft Fair at the Renaissance Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL
November 20 - Friday, Noon to 8:00 p.m.; 21 - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; 22 - Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list! Exhibits from a 5 state area!
Contact Anne at bcsn@blingclubsocial.com for discount admission coupons.

Be part of our Bling Club Social by joining today at www.BlingClubSocial.com First 100 joiners enjoy free membership with us. All proceeds will be put towards Bling Club Women's Grant. Stay tune to more information in 2010!

Join our Bling Club Social Buzz Blog to feel the buzz or submit your listing for broadcasting to our Network of Women and Friends! Contact us at bcsn@blingclubsocial.com