Hipster Gone Glam

Ready.... SET... go! Our new set is officially in.

Since we started the show we've had several sets come and go, but this year (2014) we are finally doing a custom design "Whitney Style!" My goal with this project was to have an updated look and add a warm feel to our set.

My husband and I did a project last fall that was the inspiration behind our new studio design. We decided to put wood paneling on an accent wall in our home. This wall is now the first thing everyone notices when they come in to visit and a favorite talking point when people describe our homestead. I wanted to to take this "wood wall" idea into the studio, but this was a much bigger task than our home project so I needed to bring in the experts.

Home project: We used laminate flooring, nails and trim to create this wood wall look.

We found RX Made a Chicago nonprofit for this project. Their mission is to create more local jobs, source materials from local businesses, and support the local art and design community. They are truly amazing at what they do and I am proud to be working with them. Each project they create or help with, has a custom feel and edgy look. They are featured on a WGN segment once a week and also have been in several national magazines.

When I met with the team at RX Made they walked me through a few easy steps we would need to do:

1. Look around and see what you really like.
2. Send us pictures of your ideas.
3. Give us 2 weeks to create it.
4. Come to the shop, to fire the first nail!

All of those steps especially the last one helped me feel that this project really is an extension of the show.  Just as we work hard on having great guests come on each week, our set should be fabulous too! Once we completed everything above we called our friends at STI Movers to help us get the "wood wall creation" from the city to our studio in Evanston, ECTV.

In recent fashion article my personal style has been in called "hipster gone glam." I wanted to carry out my fashion look onto our set and that's when I found Modern Classics Furniture. So we had rustic from the walls (hipster feel)... but now it was time for the glam! We ordered 3 white leather chairs and 2 swanky metal side tables. Who could ask for more?

Our new furniture from Modern Classics.

We get the furniture in later this week and start shooting the next. I am proud to say we finally look very 2014! We will have pictures of the final product soon.

The Power of a Thank You Note

“No matter how old you are or what position you hold, never forget the power of a hand-written thank you note.”

— Whitney Reynolds

Rarely do I quote myself, but today I did because this lesson is so true. When I was child my parents always had me write thank you notes right after the holidays or birthdays. I grew up finding this practice time consuming and didn't fully understand the power behind the cards I was sending.

Last year (2013) I went back to NYC to visit Good Morning America, my old stomping grounds. I was talking with the crew after the show, when one of the camera operators stopped and said something very special. He said, "In my years here at GMA, there are a lot of interns that come through and rarely do I remember them. You stood out after your time here, because of the thank you note you wrote me, I think still have it." After he said that I was slightly stunned because that was over 7 years ago. To think about the power that thank you note had was so incredible to me. From that point on I decided to thank people who have made a difference in my life. My show would not be where it is today without some of these folks and it's time to give thanks.

I truly believe that gratitude leads to joy!

Now Playing in 12 Chicago Bars

The Whitney Reynolds Show is kicking off on WYCC (PBS Channel 20) Saturday March 15th! Since this is the day that most Chicagoans celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the parade and different event around town, we decided to take part. We have 12 bars on tap to play the show at 4 PM and are giving away over $500 in prizes to fans who watch.

Here's how to win: Watch the show at 4 PM, TWEET (@W3whitney), INSTAGRAM (Whitney_Reynolds) and POST to our Facebook Fan page a picture of you watching with the hashtag #WhitneyReynoldsPBS.

So celebrate with us this weekend yet keep the party going every Saturday at 4 PM on WYCC.

How I Got the Pregnancy Glow

I haven't written a "how to" paper since college... But with a title like this I bet you couldn't help but click it. So here goes: How to Get The Pregnancy Glow.

According to ask dot com The Pregnancy Glow is:  A shine manifest in pregnant women brought on by hormonal changes. Furthermore, increased volume of blood during pregnancy causes the cheeks to take on an attractive blush, because of the many blood vessels just below the skin's surface. Atop this redness, the increased secretions of the oil glands give the skin a waxy sheen.

YES I got the glow...  NO I am not pregnant.... So how did I do it?

At Home Treatment: Two months before our wedding I was having brunch with one of my dear friends Lori Bakker, who sells skin care products for Rodan and Fields. She said as my wedding gift she'd love to give me a glow.  The next week she dropped off a 4 step skin lightening treatment called "Reverse." By the end of the week my skin felt fresh and look bright.

My Secret Spa Weapon:  The in home products paired with my professional monthly Leah Chavie Spa visits were the perfect combo. Leading up to the wedding we did several different treatments to get me aisle ready. For the actual wedding day we pulled out the big guns (what I call my secret weapon) for glowing skin... We did the CryoStem Cell Therapy. This treatment peaks on the third day and trust me you will be glowing!

So there you have it, my tricks of the trade! You don't need to have a bun in the oven to get an amazing glow. Here's a few more skin secrets you might find helpful.

1. My dentist Dr. Silberman now does Botox. Who would of thought you can go get your teeth cleaned, leave with a whiter smile and less wrinkles.

2. To get a totally flawless look (like the pic above) get your makeup done! My makeup artist at K. Paige Salon knows how to hide anything that might come my way. I think it's an easy way to feel and look like a rock star.

3. Everyone looks better with a tan. Do it the safe and natural way with Celebrity Skin. They have different shades to match everyone's skin tone.

Pinch Me Please Giveaway

It is go time for everyone at The Whitney Reynolds Show. We are getting ready to launch on WYCC-PBS Chicago on March 15th. Since we are kicking things off on the Saturday that Chicago celebrates St. Patrick's Day, we are giving away $500 in prizes to a "Lucky Viewer" and a sponsorship to the "Greenest Bar!" Here's how to win the "Pinch Me Please" giveaway:

1. Lucky Viewer- Wear green and take a picture with your TV on at 4 PM watching The Whitney Reynolds Show. Tweet your picture to @W3whitney for you chance to win $500.

2. Green Bar Owners- Simply have The Whitney Reynolds Show on at 4 PM on March 15th at your bar. Take a picture of the TV and get social with it! Post it to The Whitney Reynolds Show fan page and tweet @W3whitney. This will enter you in to win a FREE show sponsorship.

We will be announcing the winners on Monday the 17th however the party doesn't stop there! Our show will air every Saturday at 4 PM on Channel 20 and our new Summer Series will kick off May 3rd with Magic Johnson. Some of our topics include: Youth Of Our Future, Online Predators, Foster Care, Diabetes and Austism. We have stacked this current season with celebrities who are making a difference and helping those around them. We will have several upcoming promotions with our new season including a meet and greet with Whitney, so stay social!

My Husband Wears the Pants & the Apron

Meet David (my husband) the inspiration behind today's post. The first time David cooked for me he made "potato chip green beans." The name really sums it up, it was a dish that consisted of canned green beans and crunched up potato chips. So how did that guy transform into the chef he is today? We both had to let go over our old way of thinking. Although we joke around about him wearing the apron, this was a sensitive topic when we first got married. I never wanted to be considered a bad cook and I also had it in my mind that it is the woman's job to be in kitchen.

According to www.HealthGuidance.org my thought process behind the wife's duties vs the husband's wasn't too far off from some of the old fashion stereotypes they found. Here's some examples:

WOMEN-

• Women are supposed to have "clean jobs" such as secretaries, teachers, and librarians
• The best women are stay at home moms
• Women are supposed to cook and do housework
• Women are responsible for raising children
• Women do not have technical skills
• Women are meant to be the damsel in distress; never the hero
• Women are never in charge

MEN-

• All men enjoy working on cars
• Men are not nurses, they are doctors
• Men do "dirty jobs" such as construction and mechanics
• Men do not do housework and they are not responsible for taking care of children
• Men play sports
• Men enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking
• Men do not cook, sew, or do crafts

After reading these, I realized we had it all wrong and it's time to break this old way of thinking. Some of my favorite chefs are men and some of the strongest leaders are women. It is a powerful thing when we start embracing our whole self. That is exactly what David did. I love that he can wear the pants and the apron! What stereotypes are you holding on to? It's time to let those go and start embracing yourself for who you are today!

Now that I got your mind thinking and your taste buds going, here's the RECIPE to David's dish.

Cooking In Lakeview

This was the first time I've had TV cameras in my house and the third time I've set fire in my kitchen. We welcomed Celebrity Chef Judson Todd Allen to my Lakeview home to teach us how to cook healthy for our upcoming Diabetes show.

Why Judson: Born and raised in the Chatham Community of Chicago, Illinois, Judson Todd Allen was introduced to flavorful foods at a very young age. His grandfather, who he was named after, ignited this insatiable thirst of “all things food” in him. Growing up in Louisiana, Judson’s grandfather’s Creole traditions and style of cooking influenced his culinary point of view today. Judson  struggled with weight for a large part of his life and experienced a significant 70 plus pound weight gain during his college years. With the convenience of drive-thru windows and the abundance of “all you can eat” dorm food, Judson’s love for food was not only evident in his passion for cooking but also eating. After graduation, he decided it was time to apply his advanced knowledge in food science and nutrition and thus began his personal journey toward adopting a healthy lifestyle change. With a palate that craved flavorful cuisine, Judson created recipes that highlighted his favorite foods infusing them with a healthier twist, all while providing an eating experience. Over a 2-year period, he was able to loose over 100 pounds, dispelling the myth that healthy food is boring and unpalatable. Judson was able to bring life, creativity and flavor to healthy cuisine and began introducing this concept to others.

On the show Judson is cooking his healthy flavorful version of "chicken chili." Even though we did see smoke it the kitchen it was not Judsons or my fault... just an old blender.  Make sure to watch The Whitney Reynolds Show's Diabetes special in May on WYCC.

Pediatric Cancer Needs More Attention

Who doesn't like to jump around for a good cause? The picture below is a very typical evening when Action Booth is involved. This pic was taken last month when I emceed The Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation party.

Even though everyone at the event was cutting up in the photo booth, we were all there for a very serious cause. Pediatric Cancer is under funded and unfamiliar to most people. The Bear Necessities Foundation helps kids and families impacted by pediatric cancer and also helps fund research. The reality is, kids are losing their lives every year to pediatric cancer and medical bills for those families are piling up. Kathleen Casey (the founder of Bear Necessities) saw these needs first hand after her son Barret lost his 5 and half year battle to pediatric cancer.  Not only did she see the need, but she also acted on it. Today the foundation is really moving and shaking things up in Chicago.  Each year they are growing and their mission is coming to life! Their events are fun and really have people "JUMPING" around for a good cause!

Have a family member who lost their battle to cancer? CLICK HERE for my KissFm interview with Camp Kesem (a summer camp designed to help kids who have lost someone to cancer).

One Cup Of Coffee Changed Me Forever

Our first text and date

“One cup of coffee, changed my life forever!”

After watching our “Save The Date” you know we met at a coffee shop. Little did we realize,  one cup of coffee would change our lives forever.  We probably should have met prior, however timing is everything and on September 26, 2012 the stars aligned.

I walked into Caribou and ordered a coffee and sat down right next to David. My computer had a tendency of dying so when I went to hook in my cord, a nice young gent asked if he could help (David). After talking for half an hour we decided to exchange numbers and it was time to get back to work. As soon as that curly-haired boy walked out of the coffee shop, I decided to background check him and after he was cleared, I shot him a text. That night we went on a 3 hour walk and went on our first official date that weekend.

Coffee had an extra “perk” that day.

Never Work a Day in Your Life

Welcome to my blog..... Here you will see how I manage work/life/friends/fashion and more! I will share my secrets of the city and introduce you to some of the best folks I know! Here's some random facts about me and my show.

• I am 5 foot 1 inch
• I started the show at 23 years old
• I have a dog named Puffy Doo-Little
• I only dated my husband 6 months
• Our show airs in 2 markets
• I am originally from Oklahoma
• My stylist Katie Schuppler picks out my outfits
• I am a hipster at heart
• I play the piano
• I am learning how to juggle
• We want to be a national by the time I'm 30 (Two more years)

If you can't tell I believe in dreaming with your eyes wide open!  Who says you need to find the work/life balance... When you love what you, you'll never work a day in your life!

Cheers!

-Whitney