Happy Thanksgiving - Impact Tip

I am off to the backwoods of KY to visit my grandparents so I won't have any access to my Internet and limited access to my phone so I am doing my Impact Tip early this week.

There are so many easy ways to reduce waste on Thanksgiving:

1. Don't use plastic and disposable plates and utensils, I know doing the dishes isn't that much fun but you will save a lot of waste!

2. Don't throw those left overs away, send them with family or donate them to a
homeless shelter.

3. Compose any food scraps leftover from cooking the meal

4. Recycle as much of the packaging as possible and help your guests located the recycling bins to help you

5. If you are going out of town, don't forget to turn down your thermostat

6. Buy in bulk! It saves packaging waste and trips to the store.

Really these are things you can do everyday, but sometimes when there is many times the number of people in our homes at the holidays we skip it to save time but this is the time it is more important to remember. To set a good example and to reduce the huge amounts of garbage going out this holiday season.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving and I will be back on Monday to help you with whatever you need!

Here are some pictures of my nephew Peter from when we went to the arboretum a few weeks ago. I love fall, leaves, food, family...I am thankful for it all!

Impact Tip - Green caterer

I know I have mentioned Greg Christian before but I went to one of their Green Catering Challenges last night at the Ivy Room and it was a real treat! They are Chicago's first zero waste kitchen which they were able to get fully into place this year. Zero waste means that all materials, packaging, food waste, everything is either recycled or composted with the help of Chicago's Resource Center.

The Green catering challenge is a fun way for people to compete with the help of Greg's chefs for the fastest green meal with no waste. I think this is a great way to demonstrate how cooking green doesn't have to take longer or be more complicated.

I am happy to be working with them for a couple weddings next year and really encourage all my brides getting married at locations where they need their own catering to check out Greg Christian Catering. They are a fun and eclectic staff that will be sure to meet your needs and do it without waste! That is a gift to yourself and your guests!

David and Yan

I had the pleasure of spending some time with David and Yan on Friday before they had their official civil ceremony. They had a great wedding in July in Singapore but welcomed friends and family from their home town of Chicago after their civil ceremony. I spent some time with them beforehand taking pictures in their new home town!

Molly shoots Sara and Steve's wedding

Steve and Sara were so thrilled the day had finally arrived, it was sweet to walk into Sara's hotel room and see her hanging out on the couch with her friends with a glass of wine. The days go so fast, but it was awesome to see Sara's soak it in and enjoy the moments. I loved their first meeting in their suite, and running out side to get some great city pic's. Sara and Steve got just what they wanted each other, and a fun party that everyone enjoyed!

Impact Tip - Green spa in Chicago offers prenatal classes and baby services and much, much more!

I am so excited to talk about this new spa that I learned about from my friend Amanda who just posted this on her blog. I have so many brides from the past few years that are now expecting or just had a baby that I think would love this information! As well as all my eco-minded clients who may be in need of a good massage while planning their weddings!

The Soulistic Spa is a green certified spa and fitness studio offering many classes and classic spa treatments located at 805 N Milwaukee Ave, Suite 200. One thing I found particularly interesting was that they also have many prenatal treatments and classes and baby massage classes. I think massage is a great holistic approach to many health problems that can be aggravated by stress.

Their website is very detailed and lists all the information you need to see what classes and treatments fit your schedule and lifestyle best. I am definitely going to be checking it out as I have been looking for a new massage place now that I am in the city.

Molly Shoots Kristen & Oliver's Engagement Session

It was a beautiful day this last Sunday at the Arboretum, with Kristen and Oliver. They are such a cute couple, and I loved hearing about their story of how they met. The romance of the guy from Notre Dame and the girl from the all girls school. I am looking forward to their wedding this next June.

Off to Kentucky

After a long and fun wedding season, I have an early break and I am headed to KY to climb before it gets too cold! I will be back on Monday so if you need me before then, please leave a message or an email and thank you for your patience as I recoup! There will be no Impact Tip this week so try and think of one and send it to me and I might use it on my blog!

I will be sure to take some pics and in the meantime...go VOTE! :)

Danielle and Bola

Danielle and Bola were my last big wedding for awhile and it was such a wonderful way to close out the busy season. They were so much fun and full of love and their story was amazing to witness and share.

Portraits: Morton Arboretum
Reception: Arrowhead
DJ: Sounds Abound