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October 30, 2008
 Friday at Zapwater Communications is a whole different day than any other day of the week. Being the only intern in on Fridays, I get a special insight into the company. From everyone eating lunch together in the conference room and learning about the escapades from the night before to numerous Starbucks runs to stay awake and progress reports. Some days turn crazy, some days calm, depending on the week or night before.
Being in the office on “casual” Friday helps me enjoy where I work and the people I work with. No, not because everyone is so laid back (though that is a positive), but because I actually get to know them on a personal level and realize that… Okay, yeah, I am a college graduate and unpaid intern but I have plenty of time ahead of me to accomplish the things I want to do. Everyone at Zapwater is young and enthusiastic about what they do day in and day out. As long as I am enjoying what I do, and as happy as everyone else in the office, the money doesn’t matter. Getting good experience and being in an environment that fosters excitement and enthusiasm will benefit me more in the long run.
Oh and the events! Whether it’s the Singles Party at Crimson Lounge or the Fashion Show at Chasalla or the Grand Opening of the Sheraton Chicago Northbrook, it is rewarding to see all of the hard work done at Zapwater put into action. Recently I have been working closely with Annie and Susie for the Grand Opening of the Sheraton Chicago Northbrook earlier this week I got to see it all come to fruition. Seeing the numerous people arrive that I have worked to get to attend and perform at the event will be extremely rewarding.
Having only been here for about two months, there have been all kinds of great experiences and hopes for more to come!
Nicole Pitkin
Intern
October 28, 2008
Well, Brian and I finally did it! We officially tied the knot this past Saturday the 25th. Over the past few months I have shared blogs about my K.Amato wedding jewelry and fabulous Rene Caovilla shoes. Despite a major wardrobe malfunction that included part of my dress being re-sent from the designer that kept me gritting me teeth ‘til the end, we managed to pull off the destination wedding we had hoped for all along.
We originally planned a large wedding in Chicago, but as we got deeper into the details we realized that a smaller intimate setting better reflected our personalities. Although we initially disappointed our parents with the MUCH trimmed down invite list, I think we were forgiven as the wine flowed under the warm blue skies of Sonoma, California. Thank you to all those who came out and shared in the celebration. Brian and I had the best weekend of our lives and couldn’t be happier!
Mayra Camara
CFO
October 21, 2008
On a gloomy day at the offices of Zapwater Communications, Allison and I daydreamed about sitting poolside in Vegas with margaritas, recounting stories from the night before. The upcoming Vegas birthday celebration of Allison’s cousin, Ben, was all the motivation we needed to turn that dream into reality. Within minutes…okay, seconds… of realizing she had a legitimate reason to make the trek to Sin City, Allison had convinced me to join her.
I hadn’t been to Vegas a.k.a. the City of Lights a.k.a. Sin City since I was 12 years old. Although this trip would not involve two nights with the family in the Excalibur hotel or water ballet recitals with floaties (to prevent an accidental drowning) in the hotel pool, I thought it would probably still be worth my while. When noon on Friday, October 10th finally arrived, it was off to Vicki’s for pedicures then straight to the airport for these two ladies!
Seven hours later we were landing at the airport with the strip in view. I might have missed it, but the woman in the seat next to me yelled “THAT’S THE STRIP!” multiple times. At our hotel, the Luxor (the world’s largest pyramid!), we met up with two of Allison’s friends. Emily “I thought it was an extension of the bench” Dritz and Andrea “I name my outfits” Blake joined us from Denver and Los Angeles, respectively. Our first night took us to Tao. To answer my little sister’s question: “isn’t that where all the celebrities go,” answer: Yes! We were with them.
Tao was an amazing blur of dance parties to Rihanna, Britney and T.I. and some unexpected spills. At 3:30 a.m. we decided to head back to our hotel room and conserve our energy for night two. On this night, Andrea “I name my oufits” Hunt introduced us to “Vegas,” a yellow and black glittery number saved only for the craziest of nights. And that’s when we knew… Saturday night was going to be, as they say, “off the chain.”
Susan Schreiber
Publicist  Thanks Susie, I’ll take it from here. As Susie said, we all knew Saturday night was going to be a night for the record books. After a three-hour fashion show in the hotel room where each one of us tried on 17 outfits (no joke), we headed out for what was going to be a great night. Susie, Emily “I thought it was an extension of the bench” Dritz, Andrea “I name my outfits” Blake and I met up with my cousin Ben for a late dinner for twelve at Ago in the Hard Rock Hotel. Just as I was biting into my chicken breast (which almost came alive and danced on the table), none other than Kardinal Offishall sat down next to me at the dinner table. We proceeded to discuss my love for his hit single, “Dangerous,” and Boxing Day, a Toronto tradition similar to our Black Friday. Who knew Kardinal Offishall was a shop-a-holic and such a sucker for a good deal!
With tummies full, we were ready to party! The whole group headed into Body English to dance the night away. With four tables all to ourselves in the center of the club, we were living the life with Sal Masekela, Clinton Sparks, my cuzo Ben and the whole Smashtime crew…get familiar! Clinton kept everybody in the club moving…I don’t think I stopped dancing for 3 hours! Kardinal Offishall performed and Ben and Sal represented on stage. The night was topped off with a lovely “Happy Birthday” serenade to Ben sung by the entire club…such a baller.
By Sunday the four of us were sleep deprived and Vegas’d out, but we still managed to hit up Pure in Ceasers Palace, and dropped some coin on the slots. On Monday morning, Emily “I thought it was an extension of the bench” Dritz rolled out of bed and onto her plane back to Denver. Andrea “I name my outfits” Blake drove back to Los Angeles in a total haze, stopping only to take a photograph of an actual eagle’s tear. And then there were two. I don’t think Susie or I remember the flight home to Chicago.
As we parted ways in the cab line at O’Hare International Airport, Susie and I looked at each other, laughed a little, and agreed (in the words of Ryan Schekler) that’s when we knew…this trip to Vegas…was the best trip…we have ever had.
Allison Evans
Director of Business Development
October 17, 2008
Holly Winter, no I am not joking, that really will be my new, ever-so-seasonal name come this Saturday. With only a few days left until the circus begins, I am almost ready for what this weekend will have in store for me (the Zapwater girls will be on wedding patrol, a shout out to Allison for her program cutting skills, helping me stay sane for the last hours of single life). After a crazy work week last week, The Brixton Group open house and fashion show, as well as the Dress & Dash fall runway show at Crimson, I am looking forward to the most important event of my life…our (I like to include Michael so I don’t seem like a Carrie Bradshaw-esque bride, we all remember the scene with Miranda) wedding. So, you might be wondering, how does a wedding and work mix? It’s all relative, but I think the breaking point came last week when I was going through an RSVP list and thought, what about the programs and favors? Or, it could have been when I started to tear up from excitement at a work event when people started to point out the big day was looming. Maybe it was way back when my veil arrived and I paraded around the office like a five year old. It’s hard to tell. All I know is that I would never have it made this far without a true bridezilla moment if it wasn’t for such a fun, understanding, supportive and amazing group of co-workers. And, if Mayra wasn’t taking the plunge, I don’t know what I would have done, she is the Paper Source Diva! I have felt like Kelly Edwards, the queen of all things chic and DIY, for months…that’s what happens when you are working on a budget.
Now all the hard work will finally pay off, I have never been so excited or anxious for an event! Stay tuned for a recap and photos, this is going to be a good one!
Holly Almost Winter (aka, the human snow globe or snowflake, take your pick)
Publicist
October 15, 2008
As summer has faded away, I have found myself looking for a new cocktail to replace the frosty beers and chilled margaritas I enjoyed all summer long (in moderation, of course). Lately is seems that regardless of red or white, this season wine is the word here at Zapwater Communications.
This fall The Abbey Resort in Fontana, WI will be hosting After the Crush Wine and Dine Series. Renowned chefs and vintners from around the globe will be visiting The Abbey Resort to share with guests their knowledge about cuisine and wine from different regions of the world. Italian, French, Spanish and even Pacific Northwestern wine and cuisine will be featured in this four-weekend series that starts on October 24th. In addition to the fabulous food and wine, guests can also take in the breathtaking foliage Lake Geneva is famous for.
If you can’t sneak away for a weekend retreat but still are looking for that perfect vintage, look no further than Chicago’s own Underground for Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest’s third annual “Cheers to the Children” wine tasting event. Proceeds’ from the event, to be held on Thursday November 6th, will benefit Starlight’s mission in helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Guests will be able to mix and mingle as they sip and swirl a variety of wines and nibble on tasty hors d’oeuvres. Tickets for “Cheers to the Children” are available for $45 in advance though the Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest website or, if available, $60 at the door. Both these events will not only help you to relax and enjoy fall, but also help you look a little wiser in the world of wine. Cheers!
Emma Richards
Intern
October 9, 2008
There is something about the Fall that brings a smile to my face and the occasional tear to my eye, from the cool breeze of course. Chicago summers are fantastic, but Chicago in the FALL cannot be overlooked. Walking around downtown, breathing the fresh crisp air and snuggling up to that special someone.
What is there not to love about the Fall? Not only is the weather great, not too hot and not too cold, but lets not forget the FASHION and the FUN. The store windows change like the color of the leaves when Fall comes around. There is excitement that builds as you walk down the city streets and observe the changing of the trends and styles. Fall is the gateway to winter, you must pass through it to enter the next season. Fall Fashion is the gatekeeper, letting us know what to look for as we make our journey. I could go on and on about the season, fashion, and the fun! I think that Zapwater clients, le Dress and Crimson Lounge, feel the same way about the Fall as I do. Tonight, Crimson Lounge is hosting the Dress and Dash Fall Fashion Show where attendees can view the latest fall fashions from le Dress, Chicago’s dress only destination and haberdash, the city’s men’s shop. This event is for chic guys and ladies ready to rock this season’s hottest trends.
No matter what your interests, there is fun to be had and beauty to be seen all around the city during this time of year! I hope I was able to spread some Fall joy and I look forward to seeing you around town .
Ashley Plaetzer
Intern
October 7, 2008
So, this blog entry came out of realizing I was signing a lot of emails with my initials (K.A.) and noticing that K.A. is not only an acronym for “Kick-Ass,” but also the abbreviations for two of my favorite clients: K.Amato and Katherine Anne.
A long-time Zapwater client, jewelry designer Kristen Amato is my kind of client (and she has great initials to boot). She creates affordable yet fashionable earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings that are totally trendy yet completely classic. A former chemistry major from the University of Illinois, Kristen is a big fan of initials (formulas to fashion) as you can tell with the Monroe necklace. Another great K.A. and account the entire office enjoys sampling is rising confectionery company Katherine Anne Confections. Handmade from only natural, local, or organic ingredients by Katherine Duncan, the traditional truffles and classic caramels are a perfect present anytime of year. I’m particularly partial to the Toasted Coconut Rum truffles which are being featured with Kilo Kai Rum at the Sweetest Single party at Crimson Lounge on Wednesday, October 15th hosted by Attorney Tamara Holder. So if your initials are K.A. and you’re looking for a PR agency, just note I’ll most likely work on your account just because we both have the same “Kick-Ass” initials.
Kiran Advani
Vice President, Lifestyle
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Friday at Zapwater Communications is a whole different day than any other day of the week. Being the only intern in on Fridays, I get a special insight into the company. From everyone eating lunch together in the conference room and learning about the escapades from the night before to numerous Starbucks runs to stay awake and progress reports. Some days turn crazy, some days calm, depending on the week or night before.
