Happy Thanksgiving from MDE!
.Happy Thanksgiving from the MDE team!
.During this wonderful season of giving thanks, we got to thinking of everything that we are grateful for…our families, our friends, each other and our clients, of course! Honestly, we could go on and on about what we are grateful for…but we would so much rather share stories about the clients and people we love rather than talk about ourselves! We touched base with a few of our couples, and some dear friends (and fabulously successful women) of Michelle and asked them what they were most grateful for in their marriages…the answers were amazing! THANK you to our couples and THANK you to our friends for your time, insight, and honesty!
Candace Jordan – Candace is a constant source of inspiration for Michelle – she and her wonderful husband Chuck are beloved family friends and devoted regulars at Gene & Georgetti, Michelle’s family restaurant. Candace is an unstoppable force in her career (check out her FABULOUS blog!) , and seamlessly balances her demanding career and her marriage with grace and humor. We LOVE her! -“I’m most grateful to have found a soul-mate who is such an unbelievably perfect human being in every way. His integrity, sense of fairness, love, and intelligence are unmatched and I’m grateful he’s mine. AND he’s fun, too!” (photo courtesy of www.csavillephotography.co
Heather Landies Allen was our very first bride of 2011! She and her husband Mark are dear friends – we especially love how humor and affection are a part of their every day lives! Recently, she and her husband celebrated the arrival of their first child! Congratulations Heather and Mark! – “I am most grateful for my son Grady!” (photo courtesy of Carasco Photography)
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Paige Warner Ahtoong is a lifelong friend of Michelle, who celebrated her marriage to her husband Corey last year in Lake Tahoe and it was GORGEOUS! We are so excited for Paige and Corey as they will welcome their first child in the new year!!! We love you guys and are so excited for you!!!– “My best friend & companion, and our partnership. We are a team!” (photo courtesy of Paige)
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Nina Difrisco Mariano is a truly warm and fabulous woman, in addition to being a beloved friend of the family, she is also a constant source of inspiration to Michelle as she balances her marriage, family life and professional life with a smile – all the while looking FABULOUS!!! check out the AWESOME Mariano’s Fresh Markets opening all over Chicago! Mariano’s Fresh Markets – “TRUST!” (photo courtesy of Steve Starr)
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Christa Nodolf and her husband Scott were wedding clients from the 2012 season. Their beautiful Palmer House wedding took place in September of this year…This couple is just delightful and was such a joy to work with! – “Naturally there’s the obvious like our love & respect for one another – our communication, balance and trust. I am probably most grateful for the selflessness and gratitude my husband and I show to one another.” (photo courtesy of Carasco Photography)
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Lissa Druss Christman is many things to Michelle – mentor, beloved friend, and devoted regular at Michelle’s family restaurant, Gene & Georgetti…Lissa balances her hugely successful career and family with seeming aplomb and is constantly a source of inspiration to Michelle – “For a husband who understands me and the needs of my demanding career. Because my husband is a confident man he lets me be me. I am also thankful for a husband who is a wonderful father and family man.” (photo courtesy of Lissa)
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Dana Davison Grant and her husband Mike were clients of MDE during our 2011 season. Their lovely Galleria Marchetti Wedding was so much fun! These two are probably two of the nicest people ever and we are thrilled for them and wish them well in 2013 – many exciting things to come for these two!!!- “Marriage can be complicated and you have to work at it sometimes. One thing I am thankful for is that my husband Mike and I work together as a team. My husband is patient with me and he continuously makes me a better person. Our communication and honesty helps us to be a stronger couple everyday!” (photo courtesy of Fig Media)
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MDE’s Favorite Things This Fall
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We LOVE this time of year! Give us boots, sweaters and tights anyday! The smell of a pumpkin latte, the crisp fall air on our faces, the gorgeous colors of fall leaves…we LOVE it all…and to celebrate we have put together a list of our 5 FAVORITE items to incorporate into your Thanksgiving gathering!
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1. A WARM APPLE CIDER OR COLORFUL HOLIDAY PUNCH – Punch is BACK and it is packing! A gorgeous punch bowl can bring a honey, warm, sophisticated and DELICIOUS element to any holiday party!
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Apple-Pie Spiced Cider or Holiday Citrus Punch
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Both of these recipes were found on MarthaStewart.com
Another FABULOUSLY delicious favorite this fall? The new collection of Femme DU Coupe’s cocktail syrups!
With a background rooted in fashion, Femme DU Coupe‘s Curated Cocktail Syrups change with the season just as your wardrobe does. This collection is based on flavors and designers the Proprietress of Femme DU Coupe, Revae Schneider, has been inspired by this season. The bright floral nature of the BLUEBERRY LAVENDER that Stella McCartney’s fall collection reflects, combined with the spicy allure of the GINGER ZEST that emulates Alberta Ferretti’s beautiful yet somewhat revealing collection, and the warm comfort flavors of the WINTER SPICE just like pulling on that classic Ralph Lauren sweater, make for a well rounded collection to outfit any palate!
2. A CHOCOLATE FONDUE – no explanation needed here aside from YUM!
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Chocolate Fondue with Clementines, Candied Grapefruit Peel, & Glaceed Orange Slices
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This recipe was found on MarthaStewart.com
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3. A WARM CINNAMON AROMA – who doesn’t LOVE the welcomeing and warm scent of cinnamon on a crisp fall day??
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This recipe was found on ehow.com
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4. FESTIVE FAVORS – we just LOVE Truffle Truffle – from custom creations to browsing the delightfully delicious options in the store or online, these treats make for a fabulous hostess gift, holiday gift or party favor!
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“Crisp & Cozy” Caramels or “Crisp & Cozy” Truffles
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These delicious favors are made by our friends at Truffle Truffle
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5. FALL THEMED APPETIZERS – We are fortunate enough that in our line of work we work with some of the best caterers in the business here in Chicago – and we are constantly amazed at their creativity in creating seasonal culinary delights!
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Smoked Salmon Pinwheels, Creamy Pumpkin Pie Dip, & Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls
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All of these recipes were found on KitchenSimplicity.com
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