Le Prestige du Monde has had a very successful 2012 thanks to the diverse folks we've worked with. Some have gone through hoops and beyond to make some amazing things happen. What's more, the individuals mentioned are not only driven: they enjoy doing good while celebrating life.

The list was compiled based on individuals' interaction with their guests/audience/followers during society events, their cooperation with other industry and media folks to disseminate information and showcase their desired product, and the quality of final work produced.

These are our top picks of very special industry folk who hold a dear place in our hearts (and in the magic-making process).

1) Polish American Association of Chicago, Barbara Sobecka and Gary Kenzer

Barbara, featured below, has an extraordinary passion for event planning and giving. As the Special Events Associate Director for the Polish American Association of Chicago, she not only has the PR skills to move mountains, she has the capacity to touch people's hearts. Gary Kenzer, Executive Director of the PAA, is witty, charismatic, and knows how to make an event happen. The PAA's 90th Anniversary Gala and Benefit Auction is still one of the most talked about events of the season.

2) Miss Chicago 2012 Marisa Buchheit

Beautiful, charismatic, and a soprano, Marisa Buchheit is a Jacqueline of all trades. In October 2012, Buchheit brought soul, energy, and style to the Fashion of the Opera event at the Intercontinental Hotel on the Mag Mile. An avid runner and committed vegan, Marisa is passionate about health, wellness, and philanthropy. We hear PdM has an interview lined up with M coming soon...

3) Savon Spa, Vince Dinh

Real estate guru by day, savvy spa manager by night. Vince Dinh, owner of Savon Spa in the Lakeview neighborhood, is a charming fellow with a vibrant personality. Through his diligence, he has made Savon one of the most talked about spots for beauty treatments. The Cleopatra 24 k Gold Mask, along with the Swedish and Thai massages, are worth every penny. Catch this funky lil Asian at PdM's La Joie de Vivre Holiday Benefit on December 13th at Y Bar Chicago.

4) Miss Illinois US 2012 Nancy To

Intelligent, confident, and a true doll, Nancy To is a sensation in and out of the classroom. A current educator at an all-ladies private institution, Nancy strives to build confidence in young women and foster beauty -inside and out. Her philanthropic skills are strong, and were evident at Be the Change, her first fundraiser held at Crescendo benefiting Big Shoulders Fund. A true pleasure to work with, PdM sees great collaborations ahead with Miss. To in 2013.

5) Y Bar Chicago, Chris Hudson

Jovial and ecstatic describe the je ne sais quoi behind Y Bar Chicago's Chris Hudson. A definite enthusiast of bringing a diverse group of individuals together for good, Hudson brings life and purpose to a night out. His cooperation, effort, and dedication to work with organizations seeking to raise funds for charity are commendable. Meet Chris and other socialites at La Joie de Vivre on December 13th at Y Bar Chicago.

6) Sum Photo, Sum Lau

Talented with a delightful sense of humor, Sum Lau of Sum Photo works the room with both his lens and wit. A warm and very recognizable face within the industry, he brings both passion and joie to his photography. Sum's ability to turn a great event into an memorable one is evident in the way he makes his subjects shine. One of the official photographers for December 13's holiday benefit, Sum will facilitate smiles and memories as they unfold during La Joie de Vivre. PdM is proud to collaborate with Sum Lau to make some magic in 2013.

7) Red Carpet Concierge Media, Sandra Smith-Doghmi

The fairy god-mother de la mode, Sandra Smith-Doghmi is chic, innovative, and filled with l'air de vivre. She's been spotted throughout various high-profile industry events, including Lily's Talent Agencies'  30th Anniversary rendezvous at The Drake Hotel's Palm Court. Her warm soul and kind heart paired with the allure for hosting some very popular rendezvous in downtown Chicago make her an icon to remember.

In watching our lucky stars and using every possibly zodiac, PdM predicts a very successful 2013 filled with opulent goodies, decadent soirees, and powerful collaborations that will put Chicago on the radar as a fashion-forward and style-conscious city that cares about the local community.

Excellent travail, tout le monde.

The holidays are a great time to celebrate, family, friends, and the little things that make us happy. Some of the little things may include a hug from grandma, our favorite pumpkin pie, or the sugar candy cane hanging from the plastic Christmas tree your Uncle Carlos regularly insists on keeping up until mid-February.

PdM's holiday picks this year include all of the above, and then some. The following are some of our favorite goodies from both local and national companies that are constantly growing.

1) Quick Loss Forte by M&J Products (MJ International, LLC)
Guaranteed to help you lose weight and get fit in less than 2 months, this wonder essence allows you to keep eating your favorite holiday ham while not gaining a pound. The creators, Chicago-based medics and organic healers, guarantee that Quick Loss Forte will work for each and every client within the first 30 days (with visible results after the first week) or your money back. Additionally, the company has a strong social-responsibility component that strives to give back over 20% of sales to the local and international community - wherever it has clients and partners alike. 'Tis the season to definitely be thankful for glocal businesses.

2) Hand-crafted Swarovski Crystal Bracelets by Tina La Diamantina
Their motto, "Let's get creative", is not simply a set of words. One of Chicago's top new jewelers has recently unveiled their latest creations - Hand-crafted Swarovski Crystal Bracelts - which are already a sensation in the Midwest, Los Angeles, New York City, Tokyo, and Singapore. The designs are the sole creation of Tina, the founder, and her team's inspiration comes from the variety of places they've traveled to and the people they've met. Not only do the crystals shine during the day and glimmer by night, they are 100% Swarovski certified and come with a certificate of authenticity: guaranteeing both hand-crafted elegance and pure decadence. Our favorite piece, which we've dubbed "la swirl d'élégance",  reflects numerous hours of diligence for this master-craft design valued at $350. For purchases and custom-designs for every occasion, Tina is available to personally speak with you regarding your inquiry and willing to accommodate to most budgets.

3) Lacoste Leren by Lacoste
Sleek, cute, stylish, and the latest je ne sais quoi in women's fashion, the Lacoste Leren is one of the most-anticipated items in ladies' footwear for 2013. Available at the low price of $175, this wedge desert boot blends fashion and comfort – the gum sole wedge provides comfort and traction while the burnished suede, knit detailing on the heel, and flattering height make this shoe wearable for everyday.

4) Thai Massage by Savon Spa
The holidays bring joy and smiles to our lives. They can also bring stress and unnecessary lower back back. Drop by Savon Spa in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood and treat yourself (and your significant other) to a traditional Thai Massage performed by Jen. While studying the art of massage in northern Thailand, Jen acknowledged that the process of giving a massage is a physical and spiritual experience. With that said, the massage is packed with soothing relaxation movements, stretching, and the sharing of positive energy through relieving acupressure. One of the best spots to find this treat, it is one of our best kept secrets (until now).

5) American Summits Sparkling Mineral Water by American Summits
Pure, crisp water from the mountain springs in Wyoming, it took over 2000 years to bring this piece of bliss to your dinner table. Available in both mineral water and sparkling mineral water, American Summits bottles its water from the source to provide its clients with a fresh taste untouched by the tidbits of city life and chemical treatment. Perfect for an intimate dinner party or during a business lunch, the taste of this mineral water does not disappoint. The company's goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of bottled water shipped from abroad by producing a high-quality in our own lands. Did we mention their eau délicieuse comes in a sleek,  recyclable glass bottle?

6) Protein Smoothie Mixer by Navitas Naturals and Williams-Sonoma
Chocolate is a delight all year-round. However, it takes an extra special taste during this season. This is why Protein Smoothie Mixer is a must. The chocolaty taste combined with a low-glycemic natural sweetener makes this nutrient-dense item quite rich. Hemp, cacao, and maca are some of the key ingredients that pack a protein punch while replenishing the omegas in one's body to stay looking chic and keep feeling strong. Navitas Naturals, which encourages followers to "join the smoothment", provides customers with a variety of natural goods, such as organic cacao, natural maca, and camu - a small, red berry native to the Amazon famous for its vitamin C powers. The Protein Smoothie Mixer, which comes in a pack of 3 power smoothies, is available as a 3-pack for $58.85.

7) The 30 Minute Vegan's "Taste of Europe" by Mark Reinfeld
Part cookbook, part travel log, all interesting. Taste of Europe by Mark Reinfeld reinforces the desire to live a healthy lifestyle while promoting sustainable actions primarily through cooking and eating right. If you are looking for delicious, animal-free meals that fit one's modern 9-5 schedule, this is the cooking bible you've been waiting for. One of our favorite recipes is the Six-Herb Botanical Juice, which is popular in Germany (and in our households now). To make this anti-oxidant packed delight, one will need water, fennel seeds, lemongrass, rose hips, and hibiscus flowers, among other goods. Want the full recipe? Check out The 30 Minute Vegan's "Taste of Europe" today!

8) LAFACE Hydrating & Firming Body Lotion by LAFACE Laboratories
Keep the winter blues and winter skin at bay with a one-stop hydrating solution. LAFACE Hydrating & Firming Body Lotion not only replenishes your skin after a long day at the office, it has a subtle fragrance that blends natural herbs and flowers to create a refreshing feel. By applying a generous amount to sun damaged or dry skin, it soothes away one's stress, a drop of LAFACE at a time.

9) The Necklace Saver by Armenicus Life, Inc.
Keep your necklaces tangle free at all times. Made from organza with beautiful pastel colors, this new product is great for preventing the annoying tangling of necklaces all-too-common in modern life. Accommodating most necklace lengths and types, it is a cute gift for a dear friend or an old acquaintance. With 3 simple steps, The Necklace Saver is quite easy to use. Unclasp necklace, insert into tube, grasp end of necklace at the bottom, bring the two ends together and clasp necklace close, and tie the ends together: voila! Additionally, part of the company's profits are donated to charities around the world.

Savory, sweet, and potent, there is a new tequila on the market - at least in California and Illinois.  Le Prestige du Monde interviewed Luis Ignacio Gonzalez, Business Director of EC Charro Tequila. One of the latest and most lucrative projects in Illinois, this tequila -which prides itself on bridging cultures- brings a shot of joy to the world during this holiday season.

The history of Tequila has developed from the traditional beverage to the contemporary spirit. Some compare the development of this traditional elixir with the growth and development of the motherland - Mexico. It has given Mexico a privileged place in the world: the finest agave for tequila-making are grown in only 4 Mexican states.

Tequila these days is highly coveted by international traders and connoisseurs for both the smooth, aromatic liquor and the handcrafted decorative bottles. Their bottles, which will be available at PdM's holiday soiree on December 13th, were designed by some of the finest designers in Mexico.

In PdM's interview with Gonzalez, there is specific mention of why tequila is one of the most coveted spirits on a global scale. Tequila captures the perfect beauty of the agave, turning it into an exquisite natural spirit with a fine taste. EC (El Capote) Charro's tequila derives from the finest blue agave tequila weber plants from the rich lands of Jalisco, Mexico. It is crafted and bottled directly after distillation, rectification, and the artisan process of the fermented sweet juice of the blue agave  plant that accents its quality, recognized and appreciated by the most demanding connoisseurs around the world.

EC Charro Tequila is a spirit to be enjoyed as one of the finest liquors, sip by sultry sip. It is the pride of Jalisco, Mexico, and the delight of all the savvy and chic individuals who partake in the tasting experience.

Interested in a taste? EC Charro Tequila will be one of the official alcohol sponsors for PdM's Holiday Soiree - La Joie de Vivre - at Y Bar Chicago on December 13th, 2012. Drop by and mingle with some of Chicago's high-profile elite while savoring a succulent cocktail infused with premium tequila. Limited tickets available.

Hasta pronto.