Reflection- This is Three
I am in one of those complete nostalgic moods. THREE YEARS how can this be? Well with this refection it came with huge amount of gratitude and inspiration. So, I must share!
Three years and a few days ago I was in the worse pain and was so ready to meet these babies. I had issues towards the end of my pregnancy and ended up in and out of the hospital. I remember so clearly my desire (and the doctors) to hold them full term, but my body felt other wise. I kept repeating that through this pain was going to come something so beautiful. AND IT DID!
On July 29, 2016 we welcome Marlowe and Acher! I want to remind you, no matter what season you are in, the best is ALWAYS yet come! Stay course and get ready.
PS- Highlights from our celebration are below! XO -Whit
Chicago Change Agents
The Whitney Reynolds Show was so excited to get behind and support Esperanza this past weekend. They are working hard to support people with special needs, LISTEN BELOW
Welcome to Chicago- Ocean Prime
TWRS would like to welcome a new yummy hot spot to Chicago- Ocean Prime! Love seeing our city expand with new businesses and flavor!
I'm a Mazda Mom. Join Me!
I am a #MazdaMom and want you to join me! With twins we must double everything... even our vehicle. DOUBLE THE SIZE. DOUBLE THE SAFETY. Twinning can be for you too!
Join me this Thursday at the Mazda CX-5 Launch Party. Get behind the wheel of your next family vehicle. Details below.
A Weekend To Remember (TWRS Gala, 3-0 & Gender Reveal)
My Team (Left- Camera Art Cohen, Supervising Producer Sheryl Rosen, Executive Producer/ Host ME-Whitney Reynolds, PR Janiece Noel, Director Gary Brook, Assistant TD Dennis King). PHOTO CREDIT- RAY THOMPSON/ DRESS- Teri Jon Dresses
This past weekend was the first ever "A Night With The Whitney Reynolds Show" Gala! It was extremely special because our family, friends and viewers had a chance to come together and get to know the show better. We featured topics close to heart and also raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Cherry on top- it was my big 3-0 birthday and at 9 PM we found out our twins' genders with everyone who attended.
We had the most amazing food vendors in Chicago bring their favorite dishes. BIG THANKS to- Johnny Van's Smokehouse, Kitty O'Sheas, Heartfelt Catering, Beef and Barley, Kenmare Catering, Rachel Rosenberg Arbonne Treats, Reggies Live, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Goddess and Grocer. Take a look at my 30th birthday cake provided by Windy City Savories and Sweets!
PHOTO CREDIT- RAY THOMPSON
The live piano music was flowing thanks to David Rothstein and the flower arrangements from Stems made the evening complete. On each table we featured topics that have aired on our show over the years. Some of them included Domestic Violence, Fear and Cancer. This whole event was a chance for our 250 guests to understand what we are all about and that is: creating a show that provokes positive change through tough topics.
PHOTO CREDIT- RAY THOMPSON
Since the event fell so close to our 20 week ultrasound (2 days before) we decided not to find out the genders until the gala. At 9 PM we called everyone to the front and unwrapped two boxes with our twins' genders. WATCH- https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyReynoldsW3/videos/vb.9203122/10102604877591313/?type=3&theater
PHOTO CREDIT- RAY THOMPSON
PHOTO CREDIT- ANDREA PLECKO
As you can see from the pictures above we are OVER THE MOON for our little Twin A- Marlowe McKinnley Heiner and Twin B- David Acheson Heiner III "Acher." It was special to share this moment with everyone who attended.
We rounded out the night with raising just shy of $3,000 for LLS and announced our new season coming to Lakeshore PBS April 25th at 6:30 PM.
This was an evening I will cherish forever and it wouldn't have been possible without support from all our sponsors (especially Volvo Of Oak Park), my loving husband and each of YOU.
XOXO,
Whitney
(Don't forget to get your ticket for our next live event on April 30th. Sit in our studio audience by requesting tickets to tickets@thewhitneyreynoldsshow.com).
Celebration Time- Gala & New Season
We're doing the "HAPPY DANCE"
Time to celebrate our first gala and new season!
In just 3 weeks The Whitney Reynolds Show will be hosting its first gala! This will be a night to find out about topics close to heart and also raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Get your tickets HERE!
Also mark you calendars for the new spring/ summer season of our show, coming out April 25th in Chicago. Make sure to watch Lakeshore PBS at 6:30 PM every Monday. Coming up this season:
- Sex Trafficking
- Life And Laughter
- Open Adoption
- Women Entrepreneurs
- Coaching Off The Field
- Following Your Intuition
GALA SPONSORS
Adding Two More to The Team!
WE ARE ADDING TO THE TEAM - and this time it's internally. Being a Talk Show Host it's hard for me to keep my mouth shut. We have kept this news on lock down since mid December and I must say this has been a difficult task. Now that we are out of the first trimester we had to share the news - WE ARE PREGNANT.... WITH TWINS!
TWINS - Yes, we were just as shocked. Growing up I was surrounded by twins on both of my parent's sides (3 sets to be exact). We found out we were pregnant pretty early on and according to several blogs this could have been because the hormone level with twins is stronger. Going into our first ultrasound we were just hoping for a strong heartbeat and then we were told, "there's two!"
DUE DATE - My Twinspirations (follow us on Instagram) are due in early August and WE CAN'T WAIT! Coming up on April 30th we will be taping a live studio audience show on "Parenting." Tickets will be given out for the audience at our April 2nd Gala. We hope to see you at both!
PARENTING 101 - Please give us your parenting tips because trust us, we need your help! TWEET @WhitneyReynolds. Thanks in advance for all your love and support. The best truly is yet to come! Don't forget to hashtag #VolvoFamily.
OUTTAKES- Get the full story in video form HERE! (www.volvooakpark.com)
Happy Holidays From Our Home To Yours
Happy Holidays from our {NEW} home to yours! I just love this time of the year and all the traditions that come with it. One of my Christmas must is creating a holiday card that makes our friends and family laugh. This year we decided to feature our new home and favorite child Miss Puffy Doo-Little (AKA- Santa Paws).
In all seriousness, we hope you have a very MERRY AND BRIGHT HOLIDAY & like I say every year, THE BEST IS YET TO COME (believe it and receive it)! Thanks for another great year for The Whitney Reynolds Show and see you in 2016!
WATCH ALL OUR 2015 SHOW HERE!
Sweet Home Chicago
Welcome to our new home! Earlier this month we made a big decision, to buy our future family home. We started the journey back in February and finally in June found the house of our dreams. Sure, some of you are thinking yeah yeah, you bought a home, what's the big deal? Well for Dave (my husband) and I this was a decision to officially plant our roots in Chicago. We are so excited to call this city our home. Today, I will be giving you a look at our house and also the tips I learned along the way. ENJOY!
My parents joke that every two years I move and even though their statement is true, I am happy to say this will be our home for many years to come. During the search process we decided our "MUST HAVES" and then worked our way down. His were: Price point, bedrooms and location. Mine were: School district and layout. I'd say we both got what we wanted.
Okay enough with the small talk- Let the tour begin!
Living room
First stop our, living room. When people walk through our front door I want them to feel the love and also right at home. I wanted to create a space that was inviting and hip. First thing we did was clean the windows. We lucked out with great natural light throughout the house, however, the windows needed a good cleaning. Once we were in the house for a few days we realized our couch was not enough and needed to fill the space a little bit more. Shoes aside, I am a bargain shopper so I went online to my favorite stores and sought out the best sale (and that's when we got the chairs). Eventually, we will be having a custom mantle and gas fireplace put in.
We couldn't leave out the fun details. I try to have a story with our house accessories. The flower in the picture below was not only created by one of my best girlfriends but it also was part of our centerpieces at our wedding. This glass sculpture is not only a statement but it's also a big party of our story!
Anna Lou Glass
White Cabinet done by Petronella Designs
The Dining Room- This is probably my favorite room for a number of reasons but I'd say my main one: It's where all the conversations happen. I love nothing more than to sit around the table and gab. This room is right off the kitchen and is great for entertaining guests and Chef Dave. In the kitchen we went with stainless steel appliances. We knew we were going to need more cabinet space when we moved in, so we had a custom piece (picture above) created by Nellie Fuder of Petronella-Designs. She makes pieces to fit any style and budget. I will definitely be having more of her collection around my house in years to come! We needed a focal point in the room and luckily with a few clicks on Craigslist I found this painting for only $35.00! The light fixture in this room was given to us by dear friends and I think it is the cherry on top!
Every house should have one wallpapered room and this will be our main floor powder room. I've heard wallpapering is tough to do, so for this task we will be bringing in the experts. Okay let's head upstairs.
My art collection
The Caribou chalk board Dave proposed on.
Greetings from our second floor-
I have always wanted to have what I call, "A museum wall." One location to show off my art collection and we decided to do this upstairs (picture above). On this floor we also have our master bedroom/bath and what will one day be the nursery and this kids bathroom. Right now the extra room is serving as Dave's office. The chalkboard in the picture above is from the Caribou Coffee where I met Dave. Six months later we went in to that same coffee shop and on this board were the words "WILL YOU MARRY ME!" We had to keep it!
The Master Bedroom
The master bedroom was a little overwhelming to me when we first moved in, because of its size. One of the first things I learned with buying this house is: It's fun to fill it up and change things over time. Not everything must be done overnight! The inspiration behind this room came from the Pottery Barn bed spread, I purchased the day we closed. The master bath is huge but needs updating; we are looking forward to putting in a steam shower and double sink.
To conclude our tour we will finish in the basement- On this floor we have our laundry room, a guest room, a full bathroom, bonus room and storage. My home office for the show and my jewelry line is is in the main room. I am surrounded by inspirational thoughts, articles and keepsakes. I finally have the space I need to be creative at home! In the guest bedroom on this level we have a bedroom ready for guests.
Below I have some tips to highly consider when moving-
1. STI Movers were a huge help to us during this whole process. And something I loved about them is their effort to Go Green. They have reusable eco-friendly boxes. All you have to do is order them, then the company will deliver them right to your doorstep. They help you move your boxes to your new location, and the best part is when you’re done they come and take the boxes away for you. No longer will you be stuck with big bulky cardboard boxes wondering what on earth you’re going to do with them. I may be a little biased, but I most definitely have to recommend them for your next move. www.stimovers.com
2. This may seem like an obvious statement, but, take some time before you start packing to get organized. Plan out what sections of your house you’re going to pack at what times, this way you don’t feel overwhelmed by the amount of packing required of you. If you try and do it all at once you’ll only regret it later on. By spending all of your energy on packing up your entire house in one swoop you’ll burn out and lose all motivation to unpack in your new house. This leads to what I like to call the year-long-move. It may take you one week to move to a whole new house, but unpacking is still part of the process.
3. Once you find the house you want to buy, get a good inspector. GS & TJ Services did a fantastic job making sure our house was safe and ready for us. Leon (the owner) walked us through potential issues and things that needed to get fixed. This is very important because you will get stuck with problems the previous owner created...As Dave would say, fight for the dollars and cents on the front end. Leon was great to work with: www.illinoisinspectors.com.
4. One of my favorite tips for moving is this “life hack” for switching closets. Instead of taking everything off their individual hangers and packing them into boxes, only to unpack them and rehang them one-by-one, two words: garbage bag. While your clothes are still hanging in the closet, take a garbage bag and scoop up a section of your clothes into the bag. Finally, tie the bag around the hangers so that the tops of them are sticking out. This way you’ll have a handle for your bag of clothes and you can easily transition them from one closet to the next.
Finally, even if you dread moving more than anything else in life, try and find some enjoyment out of the process. This is a life event you’re going to remember always. It’s the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new. Whether you’re moving across the country for a job or you’re moving down the street, old memories are to be archived and the prospects of new memories await you. So take a moment and take a deep breath before you allow yourself to be overcome by stress.
Change really can be a beautiful thing! <3
My Secret Jewelry Stash
The secret is out, last week we launched our jewelry line: Accessory Mercado By Whitney Reynolds. Now you can get the looks I rock on air and in everyday life. Nothing on the site is over $50.00 and as welcome gift we are giving everyone 10% off (code: hello10).
xoxo,
Whitney
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chicago Talk Show Host, Whitney Reynolds Acquires Jewelry Line, Accessory Mercado
Power Couple Whitney Reynolds and David Heiner to Heighten Well-Known Jewelry Brand
(Chicago, IL) - October 30th, 2014 - Whitney Reynolds, Host and Executive Producer of PBS’ The Whitney Reynolds Show officially launches jewelry company, Accessory Mercado by Whitney Reynolds with husband, David Heiner. The Chicago starlet embarked upon the jewelry business because of her love of jewelry and the desire to bring easy stylish pieces reasonably to women everywhere. The line features collections of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings serving in both fashion and function.
The husband and wife team acquired Accessory Mercado because everyone loves jewelry. AM by Whitney Reynolds will provide style, ease and confidence at a reasonable cost. High style shouldn’t be unaffordable and it’s the accessories that can accentuate a look. The goal for AM is to continue its excellence and grow collections for every occasion - day, night and even bridal. Whitney will be showcasing the jewelry on and off the air. "My talk show is all about making a difference in the lives of my viewers. It was time to take that one step further. Why not launch a jewelry line that's affordable and can help grow confidence and style? Now women can get the looks I wear on set at an affordable price. Being raised in the South and planting my roots in the Midwest, I understand that all women have different styles and taste. We want to be the go-to destination for something wonderful to suit every personality" -Whitney Reynolds
Whitney is passionate about women in business. Now with two operations, she will be even more inspiring. “Whitney looked beautiful wearing the jewelry over the last year, so it was logical for us to get more involved with the brand…And, knowing Whitney and I, it made more sense for us to really take it over and grow the brand even more. The pieces are colorful, fun, classy and really versatile for different uses. My personal goal is to make it “man-friendly” to help enable people like me to buy special gifts for their wife, friends, Mom and Grandma. What’s better than making those important people feel special while keeping it affordable and cost conscious? Being a software guy, I am going to work to develop a “jewelry as a service,” I call it JaaS. It would be a monthly delivery of jewelry to your recipients homes. Kinda like if I received a 6-pack of beer every month and didn’t know what day or what kind was coming.”-David Heiner
Accessory Mercado by Whitney Reynolds is available online today at http://accessorymercado.com. Accessory Mercado’s Preview Party will be October 30th, 2014 at K. Paige Salon (956 Webster, Chicago, IL) from 7:00 to 9:00PM. Media attendance and coverage confirmation can direct to janiece@jnoelpr.com. Mark calendars for unbelievable early Black Friday deals starting on November 14th, 2014.
Whitney's Wedding Hits The TV Circuit
Whitney and David's spread in TCW Magazine
This week I'm all about the love. David and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary on November 2nd. In honor of this incredible event, we're giving you a peak inside the ceremony on "I DO Chicago Style" airing on CANTV Channel19.
This beautiful display of the events and planning leading up to our big day is in two parts. I sit down and interview all the wonderful people involved, giving you future lovebirds ideas on how to effectively plan and budget for your wedding day. You can find the listings below.
David and I also had an amazing write up on our first year as newly weds by The Nest Blog. They asked us about our best moments this past year. It's a great read. You can find it at the interview by click the link. (http://blog.thenest.com/2014/10/29/happy-first-anniversary-talk-show-host-whitney-reynolds-heiner/)
Be sure to check both of those out. You can keep up with me on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter @W3Whitney. Share this fabulous occasion on Pinterest. Most importantly, remember to make time to value the love that comes in your life. It will build you up to greater heights.
WATCH I DO Chicago Style on the following dates and times.
-Thu, Nov 06, 2014 08:30 pm TV19 I DO Chicago Style: pt1 How to Plan a Wedding Chicago Style
-Fri, Nov 07, 2014 03:30 pm TV19 I DO Chicago Style: pt1 How to Plan a Wedding Chicago Style
-Thu, Nov 13, 2014 08:30 pm TV19 I DO Chicago Style: pt2 How to Plan a Wedding Chicago Style
-Fri, Nov 14, 2014 03:30 pm TV19 I DO Chicago Style: pt2 How to Plan a Wedding Chicago Style
-Sat, Nov 22, 2014 05:00 pm TV19 I DO Chicago Style: pt1 How to Plan a Wedding Chicago Style
-Sat, Nov 29, 2014 05:00 pm TV19 I DO Chicago Style: pt2 How to Plan a Wedding Chicago Style
I Do, Chicago Style- Hits The TV circuit
Whitney and David's wedding spread in TCW Magazine
The Whitney Reynolds Show presents: I Do, Chicago Style.
Almost one year from the "I Do's," Whitney and her wedding team are breaking down the "to do's." This two hour wedding special gives you an inside look at how to do a wedding, Chicago style. The picture above is just a snapshot on what will be covered in the show.
Check your local listing for when and where to watch in Chicago. Plus this fall the show will hit several more market, so stay tuned and check back!
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.