With Father's Day right around the corner, give your Dad the gift of style! My stylist Katie Schuppler is offering $50 off her styling packages until Sunday. Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there!
National Here We Come
We have exciting news to share in the June issue of TCW magazine. This fall we are taking the plunge towards national! The Whitney Reynolds Show is partnering with WYCC PBS Chicago to push our show to the nation.
We will continue to tape in Chicago, with the same format and dedication to making a difference. Our studio is feeling vibrant and beautiful thanks to Modern Classics Furniture and RX Made Chicago. Check out our new set coming this fall!
We made our announcement on on 103.5. KISS FM and TCW Magazine. Listen HERE! Although a lot of changes are in the works, The Whitney Reynolds Show is committed to always making a difference through each show. Thank you so much for all the support over the years. Who would have thought we would go online to prime time within four years.
25.8 Million People are Impacted by This Topic
According to ndep.nih.gov, 25.8 million of the worlds population has some from of diabetes-8.3 percent of the U.S. population. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent and treat the disease and with the help of professionals and experienced individuals.
This Saturday, Gail Myerson from the American Diabetes Association talks to us about the different forms and stages of diabetes. Jennifer McFee will also tell us more about the association and the social media work and awareness she does. The American Diabetes Association is an organization that works together to make the diagnosis of diabetes easier for those that are fighting. With an amazing community of educated professionals and caring individuals their website provides patients with tips and ways to help treat their body if diagnosed with diabetes. Besides treatment, the American Diabetes Association helps you prevent and protect yourself against possible diagnosis and ways to check if you are at risk. The amazing love that this community provides will make anyone's battle feel lesser.
Vicki Santo, widow of Cubs Hall of Fame player Ron Santo, will inform us on their foundation. The Ron and Vicki Santo Diabetic Alert Dog Foundation works to inform and educate people about diabetic alert dogs as well as raises funds to help people with Diabetes in their purchase of an alert dog. If you know of someone in need or to learn more about eligibility visit, http://www.ronsantofoundation.com.
To conclude Saturday's episode, Chef Judson Allen will take us on a trip to the market to find tasty and fresh ingredients to cook up an amazing meal! There are always great ideas for a delicious yet healthy meal! Click the contact link for his recipe.
Make sure to watch this Saturday at 4pm on PBS! We are a show dedicated to making a difference but we need your help too!
Community Influencers, We Need You
Shocking statistics show that the leading cause of youth deaths in Chicago is homicide. According to The Chicago Community Trust, there were 290 shootings involving Chicago youth between the years 2008 and 2009.
Reach Out Community Center is dedicated to helping the youth of Chicago through providing kids with the safe environment they need to grow both socially and academically. The center's goal is to improve the youth of Chicago's lives now so that they can benefit in the future.
Join Reach out Community Center at the Arlington Race Track and me on June 7th for their event "Build It Up At The Races." The ticket proceeds will be donated to Reach Out and the work they are doing to build the youth that will lead our future Chicago.
On June 7th we are off to the races! Join me and Reach Out Community Center for their fundraising event- Build It Up At The Races! We are giving away two tickets to this event for people who are giving back to their community. Here's how to win: 1. Like The Whitney Reynolds Show on Facebook 2. Message us an example of how you are giving back to the community. Winners will be announced on June 2nd. Not only will the event be fun and exciting, but the proceeds of your tickets will go to Reach Out and their work with Chicago youth. Purchase tickets here!
Talking Foster Care this Saturday on WYCC
According to childrensrights.org there are approximately 397,000 children that are involved in foster care in the United States alone. On a personal level, my family has been involved in the foster care system. I recently traveled back to my roots to visit two young boys that my parents welcomed into our home. I instantly fell in love and saw first hand what the foster care system does to benefit children like them.
As children of unfortunate events or broken homes, foster care provides them with loving families. Typically a child is in foster care for two years before they are adopted. As many people might think that it is more common for young children to be involved in the system, the most common ages range from 9 years old and up.
This Saturday Steve Pemberton, a success story of foster care, speaks to us about overcoming the odds. As a child impacted by foster care, Steve is now the Chief Diversity Officer and Divisional Vice-President for Walgreens. He has taken his past experiences from the system and throughout times of overcoming differences to write his memoir-A Chance In The World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home.
Steve has helped a Chicago run organization, called UCAN, in terms of being an inspiration to teens who have suffered from past traumas. UCAN's message is to empower youth that has suffered in the past and help them become the future leaders of our world. We learn more about UCAN and the personal story behind the organizations President and Chief Operating Officer, Zach Schrantz and Chief Executive Officer-Thomas C. Vanden Berk.
Our list of guests continue with singer and musician Michael McDermott. Author Stephen King calls Michael "One of the best songwriters in the world." We have him on the show featuring one of his songs "Lift Up Your Heart" written for foster care.
Make sure to watch this Saturday May 24th on WYCC PBS Chicago at 4 PM.
Taking the Plunge
My partner was Jordan from 103.5 KissFM
It was a windy overcast day on May 4th, when I was set to rappel off the side of the Wit Hotel in the heart of downtown Chicago. It was for an amazing cause (Respiratory Health Association) and also bragging rights, the one problem was getting over my fear for heights. My practice run did not go as well as planned, but I knew with all the friendly faces around me everything was going to be great.
When I stepped off the ledge and looked down 27 floors, I got scared and started to shake. The wind picked up but the adrenaline rush and support of the positive people around helped me feel courageous. In many ways, this event was similar to the battle of lung disease. Times can be scary and you can be unsure of the outcome, but with the support of the ones you love, the tough times seem possible to endure.
Join Skyline Plunge Chicago as they host another rappel adventure September 7th! Visit skylineplunge.org to get receive more information. Together we are dedicated to make a difference but they need your help in order to do so!
Discussing Autism, Saturday on WYCC
According to autismspeaks.org: Autism, the fastest-growing serious developmental disability, affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys, and those figures are continuing to grow.
Let’s educate and learn how we can help! Join us this Saturday as we sit down and talk to Julie Obradovic and WGN Radio Host Patti Vasquez, both mothers who have dealt with autism first hand.
We will see how autism is accommodated in the Chicago school system and talk to the teachers that are the everyday heroes in the classroom.
Finally, we talk to Tom Dempsey, the program administrator for Have Dreams. Tom tells us about the organization and what they are doing to help fight autism.
Join us this Saturday as we discuss ways that you can help in the fight against autism and how to spread awareness, because we are dedicated to make a difference but we need your help too!
Online Predators, What All Parents Should Know
Alicia Kozakiewicz didn’t know that she would be the victim of an online predator and was completely blindsided when this horrible occurrence happened to her. Using her traumatic experience to help others, Alicia has become a voice for fellow victims. She continues speaking to this day and travels to schools, news channels, and even Congress to talk about how to protect yourself online. She joins us on Saturday on WYCC at 4 pm to share more of her story and help educate us on the fight against Online Predators! This is an episode that all parents should watch.
After the interview we developed the show "Online Predators" we decided to followup with a self-defense segment. Below you will see tips from our protection expert.
Summer Series starts with Magic Johnson
Street violence is a growing epidemic. And within our city of Chicago alone guns are one of the leading causes of death. According to colorlines.com gun violence in Chicago led to 506 deaths in 2012. Not only that, but 44 of those devastating deaths were just in the month of January.
Our series premiere is an episode you do not want to miss as we take a heartfelt yet necessary approach towards breaking down inner city violence and how we can positively contribute to The Youth of Our Future.
Evanston mother, Carolyn Murray, is an anti-violence activist who is speaking out about her first hand experience with her son and a devastating encounter with gun violence. Carolyn talks to us about how her personal story is fueling her aspiration to educate others on gun violence.
Professional boxer of the lightweight division-David Diaz also joins us and discusses his recent work through the Clyde Park District in Cicero, Illinois. As a vision of athletic success, David is a great representation as to how hard work and dedication contributes to future achievements. As he uses his past experiences and knowledge, David wants to help the youth community to better themselves in order to provide for a prosperous future! To learn more about the Clyde Park District and their programs make sure to like them on Facebook.
Magic Johnson is also in the interview seat on The Youth of Our Future episode as we talk about Friends of Magic Johnson. The concept is “a network of individuals, foundations and companies whose mission is to provide students who are at risk or have dropped out, the resources and assistance to graduate from high school (Herald Sun online 2014).”
This episode is one that you will definitely want to watch as we have even more incredible guests and stories! Make sure you don’t miss The Youth of Our Future because together we are dedicated to make a difference but we need your help to do so!
Lots of Clothes, Tons of Shoes, One Little Closet
How to fit 28 years of clothing in one tiny closet.
After 6 months of wearing coats, snow boots and 3 layers at all times, I am officially over winter and ready for spring! This weekend I decided to bust out my pastels and put my summer clothes back in my closet. Living in the city has taught me a lot, especially when it comes to space and storage.
In our home we store our off season clothes in the basement. In the process of pulling out all my winter clothes and doing the seasonal shuffle, I realized I am a collector. I found shoes from college, dresses from high school and belts from my mother. I have a hard time letting go of things I feel could come back in style. Even though my closet is small now, I don't feel it will be that way forever. After 3 hours of trying to cram way too much into one little closet I thought I'd share how we made it all fit.
City living can be tough especially when it comes to space, here's my tricks of the trade!
- Plastic bins under the bed, are great for storage.
- Buy a functional dresser.
- If you have a basement turn it into an extra closet (Elfa is my friend)!
- Don't keep anything you haven't worn in 3 years.
- If it's been too tight for two seasons, ditch it!
- Get an entertainment center with extra drawers.
- Trunks work as decoration pieces and storage.
- Utilize the space above the dryer by adding shelves.
- Be creative when stacking shoes, there are many ways to hang them.
- Get stadium seating for your spices (aka elevated storage).
Fashion Forward Men
My husband David Heiner was recently featured in an article for fashion. It is amazing how much attention this piece got and made me realize that men are in to fashion too! So this one is for the fellas and all you women that want your men to dress a little sharper! Thanks Savvy Souk for featuring my hunk on "Man Mondays!"
Name: David Heiner
Age: 31
Birthplace: San Francisco, CA
Current City: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Account Executive at Voxware; Co-Owner of The Whitney Reynolds Show
His personal style: More fitted, less baggy; sometimes called “hipster”
Fashion icons: Anyone on the front of a gossip magazine (when they don’t want to be seen) wearing blue jeans and a V-neck shirt or the look of Mad Men
Pieces of clothing he can’t live without: See list below
Favorite places to shop: GAP and Sebastien Grey
Favorite restaurants: Summer House Santa Monica and Tank Noodle (loves Pho)
Favorite places to travel: Costa Rica
Fun Fact: Wears crocs around the house (his wife is not going to be happy with this shared information. Sorry Whitney!)
While creating my list of Man Mondays months ago, I thought David Heiner would be my “All American Man” in this series. Though he claims to be the laid back Lincoln Park guy that walks around in his favorite hoodie and v-neck shirt, David sure knows how to dress the part while attending events throughout the city – especially when his wife, Whitney Reynolds, host of The Whitney Reynolds Show, takes him out quite often to her evening soirées.
“My parents always made sure my dress clothes were nice while growing up. As I go out to places, I feel more aware of what I have to put on. This is determined by the event, the neighborhood and the overall environment.” Stated David.
David is a simple guy when it comes to fashion. He cares enough about fashion, but is confident that his closet inventory is all he needs. Here is what he lists as the key essential pieces to have:
1. Hoodie with a V-neck cotton shirt to wear under (mainly bright colors)
2. White button down shirt (he has about 20)
3. Nice jacket (to wear with button down shirt)
4. Dark skinny jeans
5. Colored denim (works for day and night)
6. Grey trousers (like navy, they match with almost everything)
7. Nice belts (dressy and casual); he will buy matching shoes and belt and the same time
8. Bow ties (O B V I O U S L Y)
9. Patterned socks
10. Canvas shoes
My favorite items on the list were bow ties and patterned socks. Both accessories. Both FUN. David works in a more conservative environment at Voxware where khaki pants and a white button down shirt is the typical look. “When a guy crosses his legs and sees lightning bolts on your socks, it can catch anyone’s eye. Little details like these can make all the difference in a simple plain outfit. It’s a good topic of conversation.” Stated David about patterned socks.
David may have more of the classic American style, but I must say for someone who does not spend much time and thought into fashion, he knows how to put an outfit together and not afraid to try something out of his comfort zone. He can bring the best out of a classic look by simply accessorizing. I mean…look at those boots!
When Shopping & Passion Collide
Moving to Chicago in 2009 I immediately knew this was a city I wanted to make a difference in. The love people have for Chicago runs deep and the pride they take in the city is undeniable. In January of 2013, I became the Spokesperson for Reach Out Community Center (ROCC), a non- profit on Chicago's West Side. Together we are working to spread awareness to help our Chicago youth and also create a safe space for after school activities. The land has been purchased and (ALMOST) everything is in place to start building, but this is where we need you. Over the next few months we will be teaming up with businesses across Chicagoland to raise funds to build.
I am excited to announce the first business to team up with us! Today Accessory Mercado is giving back 20% of ALL proceeds to ROCC. I have been rocking pieces from this hip, online, boutique on and off set for month and have been overwhelmed with all the compliments these shiny pieces receive. So remember to go online today and shop for a good cause.
Never have you ever looked so great while giving back to those who deserve it!
What I've Learned in 28 Years
I've learned more in my late 20's than ever before & I am going to tell you some of my top lessons! If only I could have written a letter to the "younger Whitney" and explained where we'd be in 2014.
Work: When I first started my career I was very competitive. One thing I've learned with age is there is beauty in EMPOWERMENT. "Girls Compete with one another and women empower each other." It's simply, be the best YOU! CHANGE... In the past, I always looked at change as a bad thing and this year it has proven to be the best news I could have received. In a few months we will be making a huge announcement and if it weren't for a little of change we would still be stuck in the past. Get ready for some exciting news and pumped up for major change!
Life: This year for lent I decided to take an hour a week and reflect on things/people I am thankful for. I am writing hand-written letters to people who have invested in my life and helped mold me into the woman I am today. What I discovered in this process is, GRATITUDE leads to JOY! A thankful heart = a joyful heart!
Love: In November of last year I got married to the love of my life and we decided to write our own vows. One of things I value about David is our differences. In my vows I promised, "Not to change him, rather GROW with him." I know that the David I married in November, will not be the same a year from now. Yes, we will still love each other, but we must remember to grow together. ACCEPT people for who they are and embrace the person they are becoming!
Take a moment today and think about your last year. It doesn't matter what birthday you are celebrating, embrace the lessons you have learned and try to make this year the best! That's my birthday wish for you!
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:
- Look around and see what you really like.
- Send us pictures of your ideas.
- Give us 2 weeks to create it.
- 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.”
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.