Calling all film buffs

In a normal year attendance at the Sundance Film Festival is limited to an exclusive group of 1700, or so, biggies from the film industry.

But this is NOT a normal year.

This year the Sundance Film Festival is open to all U.S. audiences.

Yes, that means YOU & me.

The Sundance Film Festival that takes place in the upscale, remote ski town of Park City, Utah has shifted to a mostly virtual program with limited in-person events at satellite locations.

The 2021 Festival that takes place January 28 through February 3, is available for tickrt holders to watch from their living room couch, home theatre or even on an iPhone.

How to gain access

There are lots of choices and price points for viewing festival films including:

• A full festival pass (through January 22)
• A single-day pass (available until February 2)
• Tickets to individual screenings (available to February 2)
• An awards-winners pass on February 3

What to watch

Buzz-worthy offerings include:

Ahmir “Questlove”
Thompson’s feature directorial debut documentary “Summer of Soul (… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)”
“Passing,” the directing debut of actress Rebecca Hall starring Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga.

(Please note: these films are sold out but there are many other titles available):

There will also be live Q&A’s after each film’s premiere showing along with its series of free talks and events.

Special Explorer Passes for the New Frontier, Indie Series and Shorts sections, are available globally.

To purchase passes and learn more, click here.

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For the past four years, we’ve had the honor of planning the birthday celebration for Chicago micro influencers known as “The Heath Dolls”. In the past, planning has been fun but this year, left us feeling a bit overwhelmed due to the uncertainties of how to celebrate safely in our “new normal”. One thing we’ve all likely noticed, is many of our go to birthday establishments have closed due to the pandemic and or have drastically altered the way we can celebrate. That said, two questions remain for many parents.  What can we do safely? and Who can we call to help execute our plans?

Our number one suggestion is to forgo the crowds this year which worked out great for us. In honor of The Heath Dolls 4th birthday we decided on a Princess themed Tea Party. This is a theme one could easily host at home or a private venue. We also loved that it was fitting for as little as two guest and could even be a great mommy/daddy/ daughter celebration. Depending on the age of the child additional guest could include dolls and or stuffed animals.

Now once a theme is chosen, don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to figure everything out on your own. Ask friends and or family for referrals then begin researching the best people to hire. Our go to has always been to work with small businesses and with so many affected by the pandemic, what better time then now to support them. This year we teamed up with five local businesses who helped us eliminate our stress and bring our theme to life. You can check out each business below and consider hiring them for your next birthday celebration!

1. Location and Menu: Windy City Tea

We teamed up with small business owner and Tea connoisseur Phil Moy of Windy City Tea. Phil helped us curate the perfect tea party fixings with all the bells and whistles. The menu included scones, cucumber chicken salad, mini peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese and crackers and an assortment of fruit. After hosting over 3,000 tea lovers over the last three years at its Lombard location, Phil will be closing those doors and on a lookout for a new location with a new layout, new offerings and programs!  In the meantime, he’ll will be available to help you plan your tea parties at home, whether it’s advice on what teas to serve, preparation of finger sandwiches and scones, or share the experiences and knowledge he’s gained over the last three years. Also beginning  in March, Windy City Tea has plans to host tea parties at Paris Bistro, in Naperville.  Lookout for news on that offering at windycitytea.com or email [email protected] for any of your tea party needs!

2. Sweets: Peeka’s Sweet Treats

Sweets and Partys go hand and hand right? Of course they do! This is why we teamed up with Peeka’s Sweet Treats, Chicago’s number 1 destination for all your sweet needs. Owner Tupeeka Robinson put together the perfect sweets menu which included a custom princess birthday cake, dipped strawberries, mini rice crispy treats, mini pretzels, and dipped oreos. Peeka’s Sweet Treat specializes in sweets for any occasion and are laser focused on providing  high-quality service and customer satisfaction! Check out the website and set up a consult today by visiting https://www.peekassweettreats.com/

3. Decor- Mera Mera Design and Events

The backdrop to your party is one of the most important elements to bring any theme to life. This is why we teamed up with one of Chicagos highly recommended event planners Emera Richmond of Mera Mera Design and Events. Emera transformed our setting into a magical space fit for any princess. This included a room planning, custom backdrop and fixtures, sweets table setting and tea table setting. Mera Mera Design Inc is a full service design and event planing company based in the south suburbs of Chicago, servicing the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana areas. To learn more visit https://m.facebook.com/merameraevents/

4. Entertainment- Princess Party Chicago Inc

There is nothing more magical than having real life princess to help celebrate a child’s special day, which is why we teamed up with Chicago’s own Princess Party Chicago Inc. Disney Frozen princesses Anna and Elsa stopped by the intimate celebration singing hits from the original Frozen 1 and 2 movies including the popular  “let it go”. Their visit also included story time, dancing and photo ops with all the guest. Princess Party Chicago Inc also offers virtual calls with characters ranging from $20-$100 to anyone in the world, while in-person parties, starting at $175, can be done anywhere in the Chicagoland area! They offer princesses, superheroes, space characters, and other beloved favorites for your party/event. For more info or to book visit www.princesspartychicago.com/our-characters  or email them at [email protected]

5. Wardrobe- Fancy Like Mommy

Step six for the sake of the article but argumentively step 1 for The Heath Dolls who we know to be the Faces and CEO’s of Fancy Like Mommy shopping and lifestyle hub for girls. We strongly believe that the birthday child should look and feel their absolute best and Fancy Like Mommy by the Heath Dolls will help you them do just that. The company offers personal styling for any occasion and to match any theme. The Heath Dolls wore pastel two piece suits from the new Fashion Nova Kids collection paired with a vintage inspired princess tee and Nike air Jordans! Visit http://www.fancylikemommy.com or email [email protected] for more information on personal styling.