For the movie lover

The Oscars are quickly approaching and I found these unique invitations on Shindigz.com .  Perfect for inviting your friends over to watch the celebs walk that red carpet or for a party for any movie lover.  The film canister is definitely my favorite.

A basketball birthday

I have been asking friends and family to take pictures at events/parties they attend so we can all get some fun ideas.  This past weekend, my parents were at a surprise 60th birthday party for "Dr.J".  I figured there would have to be something noteworthy to share from this shindig which took place in Atlantic City, NJ. 

 The invitation opened like a book and was quite large. 

 It was impressive and definitely set the tone for the weekend of festivities.

Table setting

The dessert tying in his years playing basketball. 

When you are celebrating a milestone for someone, it is always nice to add those personal touches to make it special. 

You can't actually play this slot machine...it's the cake! 

A fantastic event coming up in Miami

For those of you living in or visiting Miami, don't miss out on a fantastic fundraiser at the Gansevoort rooftop lounge in South Beach!  The event will raise money for the Melanie Finley Ovarian Cancer Foundation (MFOCF). Melanie is a very close friend from growing up who was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer at the age of 27.  She is now in remission and building this foundation to create awareness and also raising money to financially aid young women who are also fighting this battle. As we all know, cancer treatments are incredibly expensive. 

Even if you are not in Miami (like me) you can support by purchasing a $25 raffle ticket. You will have the chance to win:

• Two Roundtrip Spirit Airlines tickets & 3 night all-inclusive accommodations for two in Cancun Mexico
• Four Night Cruise on Royal Caribbean for Two Adults
• Original acrylic on canvas Art Work from Katerina Wagner
  

A PA florist for your dream day

If you are getting married or having a party in the Philadelphia area, you are lucky because you can call on the Rhoads Garden for gorgeous flowers to make your day stand out for you and your guests.  I need to dig up some pictures from my brother & Meredith's wedding to share one of these days, it was beautiful!   The Rhoads are close family friends but everyone uses them because their work is stunning.  Here is just a sampling....

Bring your celebration to an island...a private island

I am writing from Florida where it should be warm and sunny, right?  Wrong, I woke up to strong winds pounding against the doors to my bedroom.  What is going on this winter?  At least I have some blogging time over coffee.

On my flight down here, I was inspired to research some party destinations when reading through Coastal Living and seeing Jennifer Anniston's 41st Birthday celebration in US Weekly. Although Jennifer Anniston didn't rent a private island, she did rent a kick ass house and brought her closest friends along for what sounded like a pretty incredibly multiple day celebration.  I am focusing on private islands, because how cool would it be to invite your friends & family to your own island for a special occastion?

Some of these private islands are a bit over the top pricewise but there are also some islands that are more realistic. I think these are most ideal for a special family celebration such as a 40th wedding anniversary or a wedding BUT why not go just for fun?  Some have minimum stays, etc but in this economy I think there is room for negotiation!

Wolf Island, British Columbia

2 week minimum stay

5 bedrooms

$8500/week

Little Whale Cay, Bahamas

93 acres, 3 home

 Staff of 13 (including personal chef)

take a boat or fly to the island using the private airstrip

12 people

5 minimum night stay

$9500/night

Hummingbird Island, Alaska

5 acre, rustic fishing resort

$5245/week

Perrot's Island, Bermuda

$28,000/week

Clapboard Island, Maine

9 bedrooms

5 swimming beaches

Casco Bay

$25,000/week

So this one is over the top - Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

Owned by Sir Richard Branson

74 acres

$344,000/week - (this is not a mistake)

Getting married? Enter to wine a $100,000 wedding courtesy of Crate & Barrel and Daily Candy

You could win a $100,000 wedding - oh how happy your parents will be! The contest is being run by Crate & Barrel and DailyCandy through March 31st.   

What you need to do: 1) Upload a photo of you & your fiance, 2) Tell them your love story in 100 words or less, 3) Share important details of your wedding in 100 words or less, 4) Describe your everyday dream day in 100 words or less. 

Have a lot of friends? The 50 most voted on couples will make it into the finals - if nothing else, you could be the most voted on couple and get a $500 gift certificate to Crate.  Do it!

Enter now! Let me know if you do so I can vote for you, enter now! 

City people, don't let the snowstorm hold you back!

Talk about smart marketing - kudos to you Beehive.  As you know, we have all been awaiting the "treacherous" winter storm which has been a little slow to arrive, but I won't complain about an afternoon working in front of the fireplace.  In my inbox was this beautiful email from the Beehive  (South End, Boston) - a nice reminder to all of us in the neighborhood how fun it can be to go out in a snowstorm when all you have to do is walk down the street. Kind of romantic too!  So get out of your house, and head on over for a cocktail!

Winter Warmer at Rocca, Boston - Tues, Feb 23rd

Although cold, it is time to be social and what better spot than Rocca in the South End? On Tuesday, February 23rd please join the United Way Emerging Leaders for our annual winter warmer event.  TIckets are $20 (a drop in the bucket!) and proceeds will go directly to United Way's Family Financial Stability Fund, which pools and distributes donations to families in need.  We will raise money to help local families in need and you will also have the opportunity to mingle and network so don't miss out!

Cash bar, includes passed hors d'oeuvres



Rocca, South End
5:30-8pm
$20/person

Welcome your guests with a picture on the building

It has been awhile but I am back, with an interesting photo.

A friend was looking at her friend's wedding photos on facebook and we came across this shot - the bride & groom more than life-size on the building, what a way to welcome your guests. I can only imagine that this reception must have been a ton of fun. The wedding was held at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, but this idea could be used anywhere. 

Valentine's treats

The economy has been tough this past year, but I don't have to tell you that. So given the times, why not send a Valentine's Day present one can eat?  I think this is oh so practical.  Thanks to the Internet, you can find so many options but here are a few of my favorite in a variety of price ranges.  Make someone feel special, who doesn't like a tasty treat?

Hand-dipped berries from red envelope.

Surprise someone with delicious cupcakes from Sprinkles, be sure to order by Feb 5th (and send me some too!)

I have always loved the Popcorn Factory, they always have good snacks in fun containers suitable for any occasion. 

This popcorn heart decorating kit is a great kids activity

How about these personalized frog prince cookies from William-Sonoma?  Cute, but you better really like the person you are sending these to because they are $26 for three!