Monday, December 31, 2007

A New Year's Eve Board Game Party

I was hired to help plan a glamorous Board Game Party for New Year's Eve for two of my good friends. The medium size party will be held at their home in their large family room. Invitations were sent out weeks in advance to know how many guest would be attending. I will be attending but I was also invited to a few other parties for New Year's Eve, so I'll see how many I will make it to.

The Event: A New Year's Eve Board Game Party. Instead of celebrating at a night club this year, they wanted to have a party at home. They love to play boards games and thought it would be fun to have a board game party instead of the traditional New Year's Eve party.

The Decor: There will be 5-6 game stations set up with different board games and 1-2 teens/kids game stations. All the unnecessary furniture was stored in their garage and was replaced with game tables and extra chairs. You can rent game tables if you do not have enough. There will also be a video game station set up.

The lighting should be a medium-low setting to make sure everyone can see but not so bright it's glaring. Placed around the room are tall glass cylinder vases with tall branches of red winter berries in a little bit of water. Also, around the room will be low cylinder vases filled with red and silver horns, noise makers and clear packets of silver confetti.

On a small table at the front of the room will be trophies that will handed out to the winners. Also, on the table will be small red votive candles and small clusters of red roses with wild berries.

Food & Bev.:
Food: The food will be served buffet style. The first buffet: hors d'oeuvres, various fruits and cheeses and light snacks. Second buffet: entrees and desserts. There will be additional stations for drinks.

Beverages: For the children there will be a couple of chilled bottles of St. Regis's Non-Alcoholic Champagne (teens) and St. Julian's Alcohol Free Sparkling Grape Juice (tweens) as well as pop, water, juice, hard plastic cups and ice at the kids drink station.

For the adults, the signature drink Cranberry Raspberry Orange Sparkler: In a glass pitcher combine 6 cups chilled cranberry-raspberry juice, 3 cups chilled fresh orange juice and ice. Divide mixture among 12 flutes and top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine. After dinner drink: Peppermint Pattie: equal parts white creme de menthe and white creme de cacao served in cordial glass on serving platters. Plus, chilled bottle beer, chilled Champagne and non-alcoholic options such as pop, water, juice, etc.

Music: The host is going to let her 18 year old brother be the DJ for the party.

To ensue that no one drinks and drive they paid for a shuttle bus to pick up and drive people home. They also have the numbers to taxi services available for those who may want to use them.

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Trailer for Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay

Although "Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay" doesn't come out until April, here is the very funny trailer. I thought the first film was funny and it was a hit with fans. Hopefully, the second film will do just as well.

Starring: John Cho, Kal Penn, Neil Patrick Harris and Danneel Harris (from "One Tree Hill", more on her with an upcoming post).



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Friday, December 28, 2007

Perfect for New Year's: Lava Lamp Cocktail

I was e-mailed two delicious Lava Lamp New Year's Drinks from Cocktail Times. One for adults and the second for the younger crowd. Both drinks are easy to make and will wow the crowd. Will post more drink ideas on Monday.

Lava Lamp














Ingredients:

6 oz chilled champagne (or sparkling wine)
1 tbsp Ocean Spray Craisins Sweetened Dried Cranberries
1/6 oz fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. Pour chilled champagne (or sparkling wine) into a champagne flute.
2. Add sweetened dried cranberries. Let it sit for a moment. Cranberries will begin to slowly float up and down in glass.
3. Serve while chilled.

Remember: Drink Responsibly and Don't Drink & Drive.


Junior Lava Lamp (Non-Alcoholic)














Ingredients:

Ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
1 tbsp Ocean Spray Craisins Sweetened Dried Cranberries
Decorative straw

Directions:

1. Pour ginger ale into an 8 oz. clear tumbler or tall narrow glass.
2. Add sweetened dried cranberries and a decorative straw. After a moment, cranberries will begin to slowly float up and down in glass.

* Tip: Make colorful lava lamps, use cranberry or raspberry-flavored ginger ale, orange soda or apple-flavored sparkling cider. Any carbonated, lightly-colored beverage will work.

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One to Watch: Sophia Bush


(photo credit: tv.yahoo.com)

Although, Sophia's professional acting debut was in the 2002 cult hit "Van Wilder" starring Ryan Reynolds, Tara Reid and Kal Penn. Her career really took off after landing the role of Brooke Davis on the hugely successful hit show "One Tree Hill" in 2003. Prior to getting the role, Sophia attended the University of Southern California for three years and majored in Journalism with a Theatre minor.

With the popularity of "One Tree Hill" and her character, Sophia's career expanded into more films including the comedy "John Tucker Must Die" starring Jessie Metcalfe, Brittany Snow, Ashanti and Penn Badgley; horror film "Stay Alive" and this year's re-make of "The Hitcher". The fifth season of "One Tree Hill" premieres, January 8, 2008 on the CW Network at 8pm (check local listing). To insure your up-to-date, SOAPnet will air a 13 episode marathon from season 4, January 1st from 11:00am to midnight.

Ms. Bush is not just another pretty face in Hollywood, this California native continues to help out with various charities including the conflict in Darfur, American Red Cross, Clothes Off Our Back and working to protect the environment. She's definitely getting noticed by fans and the industry, she's already received awards for her roles for OTH, "John Tucker" and "The Hitcher".

Her popularity has soared each year, hopefully it will continue to grow. I actually got a chance to speak with her at an event and I found it refreshing that she wasn't taking the whole celebrity thing so seriously and instead is a positive young lady with a good head on her shoulders (which is needed especially now in this industry).

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How to Indulge your Sweet Tooth: Visit Dylan's Candy Bar

It's no surprise that I have a sweet tooth, I'm always recommending a dessert recipe. I try to indulge it but in moderation. I adore all types of candy from gourmet chocolates to sweet and sour gummy candy.

A cute little shop that tames my sweet tooth is Dylan's Candy Bar. The store is loaded full of sweet treats which will appease almost any candy addict. More than just a store they have a private party room, so parents can host a special birthday party for their child (for more information call 1-866-9-DYLANS).

There are currently six stores open with two in Florida, one in Texas and the remainder in New York. But if you're unable to pop into one of these locations you can order items from the website.

Below are just a fraction of the treats available from Dylan's Candy Bar:
















Sour Patch Kids in Dylan's Candy Bar Paint Can
$13.00

















Dylan's Candy Bar Lunch Box Basket
$49.00

















Dylan's Candy Bar 18-Piece Truffle Box
$42.00












Dylan's Candy Bar Jelly Belly® Tackle Box
$19.99

















Dylan's Candy Bar Hot Chocolate Gift Basket
$39.00

















Chocolate Covered Oreo's® in Dylan's Candy Bar Paint Can
$13.00

















Dylan's Candy Bar Sweet Tooth
$35.00

















Dylan's Candy Bar Chocolate Overload Basket
$129.00











Dylan's Candy Bar Tackle Box
$19.99

















Australian Red Licorice in Dylan's Candy Bar Paint Can
$13.00

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Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Lifestyle Trend or Permanent Change: 20-Somethings Downsizing

A lifestyle trend or change that I have noticed are some 20-somethings downsizing from their excessive lifestyles. I find this to be quite impressive because they are the middle of the profound 18-35 target market. They are some of the first to try new trends, products, stores, restaurants and more. With the "celebrity lifestyle" and luxury items, being "aimed" at the 20-something target market on pretty much a daily basis, I find it so interesting to see a group of 20-somethings choosing to downsize.

How are they downsizing? From my research, I noticed that they are buying smaller cars and living in smaller apartments and houses. They are reducing the amount of clutter in their homes by buying fewer clothes as well as home furnishing, subscribing to fewer magazines and choosing not to continue to update their tech gadgets when a "slightly" newer one enters the market. Don't misunderstand they are still shopping but they are only buying what they need and no more. They are no longer just going in "blindly" purchasing something because it's the hottest thing out right now. These 20-somethings are doing their research and are questioning things.

Financial constraints may be a reason for a few but the majority are voluntarily doing this. Why are they choosing to do this? Many, have seen their friends and family members in debt or consumed by items and they don't want to be controlled like that. Despite not doing this for financial reasons, many find that they are able to save more money and actually have more free time to pursue other interests such as traveling and the arts. They want to be able to enjoy their lives "without being bogged down by lots of stuff", as one 20-something young woman said.

This is very intriguing because they are creating a whole new target market. Although this change is currently small, I think retailers as well as marketers and advertisers should keep a look out on how this lifestyle change may affect them, if more 20-somethings decided to pursue this new lifestyle.

Are you part of this new lifestyle change? If so, what made you interested in it?

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Monday, December 24, 2007

Happy Holidays......

From
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR




(photo credit: 1st: dennyburk.com, 2nd: weblogs.newsday.com and 3rd: puzzleworld.com)

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Christmas Tree Inspirations from Martha Stewart

There is no one way to decorate a tree or a typical size. Big or small, elaborate or simple it's all up to you. You are creating a one-of-a-kind holiday accent for your room. The ornaments can be traditional or whimsical. Below are just a few ways that trees have been decorated for the holiday.

(photo credit: marthastewart.com)













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The Giving Spirit of a Child

I had a wonderful time at the party on Saturday it was nice spending time with friends and meeting new people. Sunday, I baked sugar cookies with my little eight year old cousin, her mom, my mom, and few other female family members. The cookies didn't quite come out right but the fun was just in making them. We made a few messes especially when she decided to add extra ingredients.

Even though she's an only child her parents have instilled in her that spirit of charity. She's donated toys to Toys for Tots ever since she was five years old as well as donating items throughout the year. I think that's pretty awesome for a little kid to think about others especially during this time of the year when almost every commercial is geared at kids to add to their gift wish list.

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Last Minute Affordable DIY Gift Ideas

I'm sure there are a few out there who are still at this moment trying to figure out what to get for someone but you don't want to buy the same thing as everyone else, you want something original. Then why not do it yourself and create personalized gifts.

* For your mom who loves to garden: in a planter pot put green tissue paper in the bottom and add new garden gloves, seeds to her favorite flowers, hands tools, etc.

* For the DIY dad: go to your local home repair store and purchase an empty paint can, a few tools, gloves and a easy DIY book. Put the tools and gloves in the can. Place the can and the book in a gift bag.

* For your friend who love manicures: add 4-5 different shades of nail polish, a base and top coat, nail files, small bottle of nail polish remover, cotton balls, cuticle oil or cream, etc. in a clear plastic cosmetic bag. She will have everything she needs for a home manicure.

* For your mom or sister: create coupons that can be redeemed to meet up for a professional manicure, to go shopping, a day at the museum, etc. If you want you can attach something to the coupons such as a fun bracelet to the shopping coupon, a bottle of nail polish to the manicure coupon.

* For your best friend who loves "Breakfast at Tiffany's": two Champagne glasses, a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine, a sparkly tiara, a sleep mask, the DVD of the movie if she doesn't already own it, the book, etc.

* For your friend or sister's who's a new mom: in a tote bag add a coupon for babysitting, book: Fit Mama: A Real-Life Fitness Guide for the New Mom, MomSpa: 75 Relaxing Ways to Pamper a Mother's Mind, Body and Soul or similar books.

* For a little girl: tie together a few children books, a plush animal something cute like a bunny for a cute gift.

The point is to come up with gifts that are unique and original that come the heart and shows the gift giver you were thinking about them. Just be creative and have fun with it.

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Friday, December 21, 2007

My Latest Obsession: Shopping at La Garçonne.com

Once you visit La Garçonne.com you will see why it's one of my favorite websites. It really is one of those sites you hate to share because you can find unique designer pieces for instance like Alice Ritter, Rag & Bone, Acne Jeans, Jovovich-Hawk and Sonia Rykiel just to name a few.

The site has a very European style and feel to it with the focus on prominent European collections. La Garçonne.com not only stocks the hottest clothes, they have a small but good selection of accessories, shoes, swimwear and adorable children's clothes.





















3.1 Phillip Lim
Double-Faced Box Cut Jacket
$525.00 (sale, regular price: $750.00)






















Jovovich-Hawk
Mini Boucle Dress
$350.00






















3.1 Phillip Lim
One-Shoulder Goddess Dress
$674.00






















Simone
Wool Knit Jersey Belted Dress
$305.00






















Alexander Wang
Taffeta Empire Tank
$256.00 (sale, Regular price: $366.00)






















Rag & Bone
Denim Wide-leg Trousers
$250.00






















Vanessa Bruno Athe
Oversized Knit & Leather Hobo
$515.00



















Iosselliani
Multi Charm Necklace
$248.00

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