WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY!

Spring Savings!

2012-02-24T07:51:00.009-08:00

Spring is almost here! Isn't it? W3! sure hopes so...

With the hope of spring in the air, we want to help YOU save some money this upcoming season.

WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY knows that at the end of winter, especially a Chicago winter, people want to get away for a little vacation. That is why we have Steve Hara, from Hara Group Travel, on the show. He's going to tell us the best ways to search for your ideal getaway, whether it be a family vacation or a couple's escape, he knows how to help you find what you're looking for.

Kara Dykert and Cynthia Perry, from Events by Willow, join the W3! team, this weekend to show us how to make our homes and parties spring friendly. With their easy, do-it-yourself, projects you'll make all your friends jealous of your creative spring flair.

John Lernay, a certified public accountant, will help ease the stress and headaches taxes tend to create. He will teach us the best ways to file your taxes and tips to make the process less of a chore.

If you don't know what to do with your tax refund, don't worry. We have Skip Gianopulos, Senior Financial Advisor from Kovitz Investments, on the show to educate us on the best ways to spend your money.

This is a can't miss episode that will prepare you for spring.

Watch W3! EVERY Saturday and Sunday at 12pm on NBC Chicago Nonstop!***If you're not in the Chicagoland area check out www.weekendswithwhitney.com to never miss an episode! Also, for the latest news and updates follow us on at @WeekendsWhitney on Twitter!***

The Oscars...Chicago Style

2012-02-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

Join WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY at the Germania Place as we get ready for the Oscars...Chicago Style!

Reid Tillinghast, the president of Germania Place, will share the rich history of this important Chicago landmark with us all. This ballroom is located in the heart of the Gold Coast.

Shelly Becker and Molly Patoff, are two talented jewelers from 3 Hearts Boutique. These two sisters are going to show us the latest in luxurious and elegant jewelry, fit for The Oscars! Pay attention to this wonderful segment because it is their mission to make every woman feel like royalty.

That's not all - we have Rose Madel, the artistic director of Mandel Productions and founder of the Catwalk Clinic. She is on the show to discuss her signature style. Her style is the perfect blend of music and movement. Watch as we walk down the runway in gorgeous dresses that you can wear to The Oscars!

We're sure you'll enjoy this fun episode!

Watch W3! EVERY Saturday and Sunday at 12pm on NBC Chicago Nonstop !***If you're not in the Chicagoland area check out www.weekendswithwhitney.com to never miss an episode! Also, for the latest news and updates follow us on at @WeekendsWhitney on Twitter!***

Baby Boom

2012-02-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

To have a baby is one of the greatest joys ANYONE can experience.

WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY realizes how amazing...and difficult...child rearing can be. Which is why we dedicated this weekend's episode to all things baby!

Courtney Baros, from BEBYBABY, will be on our show to share what BEBY BABY can offer to mothers, fathers, and their babies! She spills all the best baby secrets including the best nursing bras for YOU, different types of baby carriers and safety information, plus the changes in CLOTH diapers, yes...cloth!

Chicago Parent Magazine discusses their publications and website with W3! this weekend. They also tell us how the magazine informs parents with articles on new products, advice, and the best places to go with your baby.

We also have Erin Krex from First Class Care, Inc. on the show. First Class Care, Inc. won the 2010 award for Agency of the Year from the Association of Premier Nanny Agencies - so we know we can trust their input. Erin shares tips on how to hire and keep the perfect nanny for your baby. Erin also explains the different types of care for your baby.

So, whether or not you have a baby this episode is packed full of useful information that you don't want to miss! Join us this Saturday at 12pm!

Love is in Full Bloom - Valentine's LIVE Show

2012-01-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY is SO excited for our next live show!

If you're going to be joining us in the audience we are so happy to be sharing this adventure with you. If not, don't worry you can catch all the excitement at www.weekendswithwhitney.com!

With Valentine's Day coming up we decided to do our show on the holiday of love! We have a lot of wonderful surprises that you won't want to miss!

Things start heating up on W3! when Howard Gordon, from "The Bachelor," comes on our show and a few lucky ladies compete for a date with Howard! This competition will be jam-packed with fun.

Moving along in our show, we know that love and marriage take a lot of work and we want to help keep the romance alive in YOUR relationship! Which is why we have a divorce attorney on the show to give tips on how to stay together. W3! wants to help you stay clear of the dreaded "D" word!

Also, don't miss the Brazilian dancers who entertain us while teaching us how to keep things "spicy" in our relationships! Remember, keep the FUN alive!

THAT'S NOT ALL! Stay tuned for a secret addition to our show that will leave you speechless!

We are so excited for LOVE IS IN FULL BLOOM, our Valentine's LIVE Show, and we can't wait to share this with our amazing fans!

Wipe Those Winter Blues AWAY

2012-01-24T08:26:00.001-08:00

WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY understands that winter can bring out the blues - that's why we dedicated an entire episode to helping YOU "Wipe Those Winter Blues Away!"

Dulce Fuentes, owner and operator of Bright Side Life Coaching, comes on our show to discuss certain disorders that directly relate to sadness during the winter months. Dulce will teach us all how to cope during winter and how we can fight off the blues!

The owner of Chicago Fun, Jeff Winkler, is going to give us all the best details on what we can do for fun around Chicago! Jeff is the person you want to be around during winter so you're in luck that we have him sharing all his great tips on how to have fun on winter days and nights!

Brooke Reynolds, from Community Options, Inc., is the host of the national Cupid's Chase 5k Run. She is going to tell us all about this great run that takes place on February 11th. While John Moloznik, the general manager of Fleet Feet Sports, is going to give us tips on how to get ready for a 5k race.

Last but not least Sal Amico, owner of Sal's Deli, is going to talk to us about certain foods that can help make us happy.

Wipe those winter blues away with W3! Join us this Saturday and Sunday to learn how to keep yourself happy through foods, exercise, and having fun during the winter months.

Watch W3! EVERY Saturday and Sunday at 12pm on NBC Chicago Nonstop !***If you're not in the Chicagoland area check out our WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY Podcast on iTunes or www.weekendswithwhitney.com to never miss an episode! Also, for the latest news and updates follow us on at @WeekendsWhitney on Twitter!***

Keeping Resolutions!

2012-01-19T09:17:00.000-08:00

Lots of people love to make New Year Resolutions. But, we’d bet that a lot of those people have trouble sticking to their goals after a few weeks.

WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY has been there! That’s why we wanted to do a show about keeping resolutions (specifically a healthy lifestyle). However, there are ideas packed into this episode that will motivate any one to keep on track - no matter your new goal!

W3! is proud to have JERRY and ESTELLA HAYES from THE BIGGEST LOSER on the show to teach realistic life changes that will make all of us healthier!

Jerry is the winner of the home prize on season 7. He and Estella know how to manage a busy life schedule while maintaining weight loss and health – who better to get advice from than someone who has been in your shoes?

We also have PATRICK CURTIS from Crossfit 847 on the show to teach us all workouts that we can do at home to stay fit and also a special workout to do at Crossfit 847!

Keep in mind that health is always a struggle no matter your weight or fitness level. Patrick, Jerry, and Estella will show us realistic life changes to make you a healthier person!

Health or weight loss not your goal? Don’t worry this show will get you in gear, whatever your goals may be!

Valentine's Day Prep

2012-01-14T07:39:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY wants to help you plan the perfect romantic night!

Jeff Lawler, Managing Partner at Geja's Restaurant of Chicago, will share Geja's history and it's Famous Valentine's Day Menu. This is a great example of a romantic and tasty restaurant to take your significant other to this holiday!

People wait in lines that reach all the way outside to ensure a seating at Geja's and we have Brian Weir, a patron of the restaurant who has visited with his wife, Nancy, around 120 times! Talk about a loyal customer. With customers like that you know Geja's is doing something right!

Kirby Matthews, General Manager and Wine Director of Geja's, will educate us on the very special wine list and what whine and champagne goes well with certain foods!

W3! will also be previewing the exciting VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL and Lincoln Hall on February 11, 2012! This is a can't miss!

Words From Whitney!

2012-01-14T07:11:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012! Although we are already 2 weeks in, I wanted to update you on the W3! vision for this year!

Next weekends show is called "Keeping Resolutions." We interviewed two people from The Biggest Loser, about ways they have stayed in shape after the show. They both said during their interview, that their success with staying in shape came from accountability. This has inspired me to share with my viewers, my personal W3!- 2012 goals!

After mulling over the many ways I could improve life this year I came up with my top 5.

1. Keep progressing towards the "WEEKDAYS with WHITNEY" 5 year plan- By 2016 I would like for W3! to be a household name when it comes to weekly talk tv.

2. Travel more- No kiddos yet for this girl, so this year I would like to travel to 4 new places in the U.S. and one overseas trip. (This weekend I hit the slopes in WI for the first time!)

3. Build lasting relationships- In the city we see dozens of new faces each day. I want to make a lasting imprint not only on my viewers, but also in the community. WEEKENDS with WHITNEY has a huge platform to impact lives and that's what we are going to do!

4. Be on time- So many times the late issue is caused by me cramming too much in one day. It's time for me to slow down enough to enjoy each meeting.

5. My main vision- LOVE MORE! Life is too short not to shine your light.

My closest friends and staff have known these 2012 goals for the last few weeks, however as my guests mentioned, it's important for accountability. Without my loyal W3! viewers 2011 would have been much different. I am learning more each week and want to thank you all for all the feedback and love.

Make sure to watch- "Keeping Resolutions" next week January 21st on NBC-Chicago Nonstop or on the home for W3!- www.weekendswithwhitney.com.

Look out 2012 here we come,

Whitney Reynolds

Kick Your Year Off Right!

2012-01-07T09:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY fans! We're ready to ring in the new year the right way!

We are so happy to start 2012 with such a loyal group of fans and to prove it we are airing, Kick Your Year Off Right - a show dedicated to helping you kick your year off on the right foot! We want YOU to start 2012 as happy as we are!

Good energy, style, health, and good food are sure to be on anyone’s resolution list this year and we have the experts on to share the best of the best!

Liz Erkenswick, (Chiropractic First), will tell us how to create good energy and keep it throughout the year!

While Anna Zenner, (K Paige Salon), shares the hottest new trends and tips on hair and makeup. Why stay with the 2011 look when you can update quickly to your 2012 style?

Aimee Duddles, (Balance Healing Center), will reboot our health by helping us release those pesky toxins from 2011! This is the perfect way to start fresh this new year.

Last, but certainly, not least we have Tony Kammaty (Founder of NORI SUSHI) and Pete, (NORI’s Exec. Chef) to demonstrate the health perks and benefits that eating sushi has on us all! Be sure to watch all the fun Tony and Pete have in W3!’s “Now, We’re Cooking Kitchen!”

So, join us and KICK YOUR YEAR OFF RIGHT with this amazing episode!

Year End Episode

2011-12-29T21:36:00.000-08:00

What an amazing year WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY has had and we owe it all to our guests and amazing fans!

Take a look back through our wonderful year in this upcoming episode!

This is your chance to watch the episodes you may have missed or just catch some of your favorite episodes again!

What better way to start 2012 then with the highlights from W3!'s 2011?

Be sure to watch this weekend and as always share your thoughts and comments with our facebook or twitter! We love to hear from you!

2011-12-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

WEEKENDS with WHITNEY's Hoiday Spectacular!

2011-12-10T06:48:00.001-08:00

WEEKENDS with WHITNEY is proud and excited to announce this Saturday and Sunday on NBC-Chicago lives will be changed! This year W3! decided to turn this holiday season into a chance to make a difference.

W3!'s Holiday Spectacular has been in the work for months and just last week (December 2nd) the crew taped an hour long show with a 300 person live audience. Throughout the episode you will see amazing things happen to the guests, the audience and hopefully the viewers as they watch at home.

For more info on this show or watch go to our website. Also feel free to post your thought to the W3! facebook fan page!

Remember W3!'s Holiday Spectacular airs every Saturday and Sunday from December 10th-26th on NBC-Chicago Nonstop!

Holiday Help

2011-12-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

The holidays are right around the corner and WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY put together a show to help you decorate for the holidays!

The holidays shouldn’t be so stressful. That’s why W3!’s guests use their talents to help you find the easiest way to decorate your home this season.

Allison, from Stems, will show you how to make the perfect centerpiece. While Mary Duke Grubbe, from Holiday Tablescapes, will help make your table look it’s best – year round!

Also, Dave Nolan, from HC Lights, teaches the best tricks and tips to putting up festive lighting outside your home.

That’s not all! Chris Hora, from Chant Restaurant, will prepare for us an Asian inspired global dish for the holiday in our W3! Now We’re Cooking Kitchen!

This season don’t wait until the last minute to figure out the best way to decorate your home inside and out.

Check out our latest episode to be prepared for the Holidays!

Thanksgiving Special

2011-11-23T07:18:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving being tomorrow WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY thought it was the perfect time to figure out what YOU are thankful for.

We know that our guests on the show this week, Myra Dela Vega, Dan Coyne, and Harvey Mysel, are all thankful for the gift of life!

Myra Dela Vega, Department Specialist for Jewel Osco, was in dire need of a kidney replacement.

No one would expect that Dan Coyne, Social Worker for CPS and regular shopper at Jewel Osco, would be just the person to save Myra’s life…but he was!

Myra and Dan’s story show us all that there truly are amazing people in this world who are not clouded by their own needs but instead think of other’s needs before their own.

W3! is proud of have Harvey on this weeks show, as well as Dan and Myra. Harvey is a kidney transplant recipient and Founder of the Living Kidney Donors Network. His non-profit organization offers workshops to help educate people in need of a kidney transplant.

Watch this inspiring episode with your loved ones this THANKSGIVING to see what it really means to be thankful.

Holiday Gifting

2011-11-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

It’s no wonder people go crazy for the Black Friday prices after Thanksgiving.

What better time to buy the gadget that you or someone you love wants this holiday?

But, maybe you’re in the group that doesn’t like the crowds or hustle and bustle of the day? If so, look no further.

Thanks to WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY’s amazing guests, this Saturday at noon, you will feel confident you’re getting your loved one the perfect present!

We have experts on cost-saving homemade/crafty gifts, to online shopping, to personal shoppers and more!

Tune in to W3! this weekend to get a better idea of gifts to give or to just get you in the gift giving mood!

Diabetes Awareness

2011-11-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

Total prevalence of diabetes (statistics from diabetes.org):

Total: 25.8 million children and adults in the United States—8.3% of the population—have diabetes. Diagnosed: 18.8 million people Undiagnosed: 7.0 million people Prediabetes: 79 million people* New Cases: 1.9 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older in 2010.

With these statistics it’s no wonder why WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY felt compelled to do a show on Diabetes Awareness!

If you don’t know much about Diabetes don’t worry, W3! and the experts will educate you about this disease. From symptoms, to how to manage the disease, and to better life style choices to help prevent diabetes altogether!

Check out our experts for this week’s episode below!

Dr. Louis Philipson, an active clinical endocrinologist, scientist and Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Chicago and Director of the Kovler Diabetes Center.

Lilly Jaffe, an eleven year old and Laurie Jaffe, her mother, will discuss Lilly’s success story with Diabetes.

Alicia Stahlberg, MS, RD, LD, and Principal of Ceres Connections. Alicia is going to help educate us on making food choices for a healthy lifestyle.

Sam Talbot, the Executive Chef at the Surf Lodge in Montauk & Imperial No. 9 in New York City. Sam was voted ‘Fan Favorite’ on Bravo’s “Top Chef” TV series and is also a diabetic committed to diabetes awareness.

Alzheimer’s

2011-11-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

This Saturday on NBC Chicago Nonstop WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY is sharing the facts about Alzheimer’s disease.

W3! knows this is a sensitive subject and one that many don’t understand. That’s why we asked the questions you are probably wondering!

For instance, have you ever wondered what the difference is between dementia and Alzheimer’s, or how one copes with a relative who has Alzheimer’s, or what’s being done to prevent/delay effects, and so many more need to know questions.

We have amazing guests in the studio from people who personally experience the disease, to owners of a company that provides activities to delay effects, to home care assistance of Chicago, and last but certainly not least the President and CEO of the National Alzheimer’s Association Chicago Chapter.

If you want to know more about the experts on our show you have to tune in this weekend to W3!!

FALL FUN: Fright Fest!

2011-11-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY loves Halloween and all the fun activities that come along with fall!

So, what better way to celebrate the season then enjoying FRIGHT FEST at Six Flags for a live taping?

Come along for the fun as we make caramel apples, learn amazing Halloween dances (THE THRILLER), talk about 'staycations', and much more!

Jennifer Dugan Savage, the communications manager at Six Flags Fright Fest, will give W3! the inside scoop on the haunted houses, creepy characters, rides, kid friendly activities, and even more!

Join W3! for a fun live taping as we enjoy everything FRIGHT FEST has to offer!

Watch W3! EVERY Saturday and Sunday at 12pm on NBC Chicago Nonstop !***If you're not in the Chicagoland area check out our WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY Podcast on iTunes or www.weekendswithwhitney.com to never miss an episode! Also, for the latest news and updates follow us on at @WeekendsWhitney on Twitter!***

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-11-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY is dedicated to educating men and women alike on the ins and outs of this terrible disease.

During our show we will discuss the importance of mammograms and various organizations who are devoted to raising money and helping in the fight against Breast Cancer.

We have a mother and daughter from the Brink Pink Organization, which exists to enlighten and empower high-risk women in their 20's, 30's, and 40's to take control of their breast and ovarian health by providing a platform of community outreach and education.

Also, from Walgreens we'll have Ms. Gordon who will educate us all on the walk of wellness program.

Last but certainly not least, we have Dr. Jan Jeske, a radiologist from North Shore University Health System in Evanston.

Be sure to tune in to W3! this Saturday and Sunday on NBC Chicago Nonstop!

Watch W3! EVERY Saturday and Sunday at 12pm on NBC Chicago Nonstop !***If you're not in the Chicagoland area check out our WEEKENDSwithWHITNEY Podcast on iTunes or www.weekendswithwhitney.com to never miss an episode! Also, for the latest news and updates follow us on at @WeekendsWhitney on Twitter!***