Author Archives: socialbfly

Hey Baby, I Think I Want to Marry You!!

Posted in Real Weddings + Engagements by

If ever there was an awards ceremony for wedding proposals around the world, Isaac’s Live Lip Dub Proposal – performed to Bruno Mar’s single, ‘Marry You’ – would win in the category of Most Creatively Romantic, for sure.

It starts off with a few opening statements that don’t even begin to prepare you for the performance that follows:

On Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012, I told my girlfriend to meet me at my parent’s house for dinner. When she arrived I had stationed my brother to sit her in the back of an open Honda CRV and give her some headphones. He “wanted to play her a song”…

What she got instead was the world’s first Live Lip-Dub Proposal.

How could she NOT have said yes?  Incredible thought and preparation went into this production and I found myself  not only laughing and crying the entire time but wondering what the wedding day could possibly have in store.

{Video Credit: Isaac and Amy’s Youtube Channel}

The B Side: Intern Sushi

Posted in Brands, Sites + Technology We Love by

photo credit: internsushi.com

As a small business owner, you know that if you want to grow your business you’re going to need help.  And, as your business grows it will become increasingly harder for you to play the role of CEO, CFO, Creative Director, Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant AND Office Manager.

But when it comes to help, the reality for many small business owners is that hiring a staff of full-time employees just isn’t a reality.  If your budget doesn’t allow for full-time staff, I’ve found  interns to be a very useful and fulfilling alternative.  The question then becomes, where does one find the right talent for his or her business needs?.

Enter, Intern Sushi.

Intern Sushi reinvents the internship application and hiring process to connect the brightest and most talented interns with leading companies in the hardest-to-break-into industries.  The site replaces the traditional paper resume with a digital profile and showcases an internship application dashboard, which tracks every step of the application and hiring process. With an array of organizational and time-saving features, Intern Sushi simplifies, accelerates and elevates traditional hiring procedures.

A statement on their website explains the philosophy behind the name :  It’s simple. The attributes of a great intern match the attributes of sushi. When you choose a sushi restaurant you often consider quality, variety, presentation, sophistication and innovation. You never see a messy plate of sushi. We stress the importance of being raw and transparent to display exactly who you are and what you can do. We encourage interns to be picky about where they intern and companies about who they hire.

Intern Sushi is currently in beta version and sign up for hiring companies is free but there’s no telling how long it will remain that way so create your company’s online profile today!

3 Tips for Writing Thank You Cards

Posted in ABCs of Wedding Planning, Anatomy of a Party by

After the cake has been eaten, the champagne has been toasted and the guests have gone home, there’s still one significant task left to do and it’s arguably the most difficult.  I’m talking about sending the ‘Thank You’ cards.  It’s non-optional and it’s not a sexy job – just ask any bride or hostess who has endured it.  Hopefully the following tips (and a bottle of wine) will help simplify the process a little.

  • BLANK IS BEST.  Customized messages are the best messages.  Make the most of a ‘beautifully monogrammed on the outside but blank on the inside’ card to create a meaningful and heartfelt message of thanks.
  • SHORT AND SWEET. Remember, this task involves writing, and addressing, dozens upon dozens of personalized messages.  If ever there was a word of advice I could give, it would be to “K.I.S.S”  – Keep It Simple Sweetheart.  You don’t have to write a book to get your point across so keep your thank you cards sweet and to the point. If you’re writing a short novel for each one you’ll have carpal tunnel syndrome before you finish the first fifteen.
  • SIGN WITH THE TIMES.  There’s a good chance that you’ll receive gifts from the moment you announce your engagement until well after you’ve said your “I Do’s” – a note of ‘thanks’ should be sent for every single one.  Wedding gifts that arrive before your wedding date should be acknowledged immediately while thank you’s for any gifts received during or after the wedding should be sent within two weeks after returning from the honeymoon.  When signing off on your cards keep in mind that notes sent prior to the wedding date should be worded to include both the first and last names of the couple (ex. Mr. Christopher Michael Jones and Ms. Anne Davis). Thank you cards sent after the wedding can use the couple’s married (ex. Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Michael Jones).

If you’re finding yourself with a case of writer’s block, try to apply this method to the process:

  • Mention your spouse’s name
  • Mention the gift
  • Tell them what you enjoy about their gift or briefly say how you will use the gift

We want to hear from our readers:  Do you have more tips and tricks for sending thank you cards or getting over writer’s block? Leave a comment below.

Check out these related SocialBFly posts:

Etsy Find: Glass Slippers

Posted in Decor + Style, Etsy Finds, Fashion + Beauty by

Any girl would dream of being Cinderella if the missing shoe was this T.L.C. Creation made from recycled and repurposed materials.

This exciting design has shards of broken glass over the toes and lots of crystals on the heels.  The sides of the shoes are covered with a collage of glass, pearl and Swarovski crystal embellishments.

And just like Cinderella’s shoe was made specifically for her foot, you too can customize your glass slipper with or without the spikes. You also have the option of requesting shorter spikes (1/2 inch spikes instead of one inch long spikes).

They have a 5 1/2 inch stilleto heel and are available in UK size 3-8 which will fit US size 5 -10 or EU 36 -41.

Available for $575.oo

Photo provided courtesy of etsy.com

[Archive] Celebrate Earth Day! 7 Ways to Protect the Earth on Your Wedding Day

Posted in Weddings by

I bet you didn’t know that the dream wedding you’ve been planning is leaving behind a carbon footprint the size of big foot but it doesn’t have to.  Incorporating any of the following green elements into your wedding will get your emissions down and have you on the road to an environmentally friendly love in no time.

Register with a cause.  Registry sites such as IDOfoundation.org, WeddingChannel.com, and JustGive.org allow you to create registries  with partner stores such as Target and Bed Bath and Beyond and up to 10% of every purchase is donated to a charity of your choice.

Reevaluate your guest list.  Ask yourself if you REALLY need 250 guests in attendance and as you answer keep in mind that more guests means more food, more expenses, and more waste.  And if you’re not sure about the carbon footprint your guest list is leaving behind, CarbonFund.org has a neat little calculator that will help put it all into very clear perspective.

Source Locally.  Some, and even I, may argue that buying locally has it rewards; among them the very rare opportunity to buy additive free fruits, vegetables, meats and flowers that not only create jobs in the community but are actually tastier and healthier for us.  Another big benefit is the cost savings and what wedding budget doesn’t love to hear that?  Encourage your caterer or florist to use materials that are only grown locally or if you’re a DIY bride, sites like Local Harvest and the Agricultural Marketing Service’s Directory of US Farmers Markets will help point you in the direction of the best places to go.

Rent and Recycle.  The wedding dress is probably THE most important element of the wedding day and once the day is done, most never see the light of day again. It’s almost comparable to a tragic love story, isn’t it? Consider a happily ever after for your dress that includes allowing another bride-to-be to rent it for her big day. That’s right…sites like Recycled Bride, Once Wed, Bravo Bride and Wore it Once are online marketplaces for brides who graciously contribute their dresses so other brides can rent or buy them at discounted prices. You may also find bridesmaids dresses, groomsmen suites, and even wedding rings posted on occasion.

Toast with Organic Champagne.  Unfortunately, you won’t save too much by choosing Organic Champagne for your toast but the less expensive alternative, which also comes in organic variety, is Sparkling Wine. Consider these sparkling options for your next champagne toast.

  • NV Albert Mann Crémant d’Alsace (Organic) $18.99
  • Ermite Medici Reggiano “Solo” (Biodynamic) $11.99

Exchange conflict free wedding vows.  Truth be told, there are still tons of “blood diamonds”  crossing American borders everyday.  And while they may be just as beautiful as non-conflict diamonds, the concept of wearing one seems pretty oxymoronic considering that are supposed to be seen as statements of love and blood diamonds, are often born of and perpetuate war.  Make sure you are saying your “I Do’s” with conflict free diamonds by:

  • Buying a diamond that hasn’t crossed national borders during processing.
  • Buying a diamond with a laser-engraved serial number.
  • Buying a diamond processed under ethical labor conditions.
  • Buying a diamond certified by its regional government.

Gift Earth Friendly Favors.  Environmentally friendly wedding favors are the gift that keeps on giving.  And thanks to creative developments, the options range from Celebratory Wedding Poppers to Plantable Favor Boxes.  You may also want to consider these Etsy finds:

Here are some facts about Weddings, courtesy of TreeHugger:

  • 2.3 million: Number of couples that get married in the US each year. That breaks down to more than 6,300 weddings a day.
  • $20,000: The average budget of a wedding in the U.S. (this number increases to £16,000 ($31,222) in the U.K. and decreases to €12,000 ($15,782) in France.)
  • 14.5 tonnes: The amount of CO2 created by the average wedding in the U.K.
  • 80 percent: The percentage of gold mined each year that goes into jewelry, out of 2500 tons.
  • 50 years: Length of time the current amount of already-mined gold could satisfy demand; much of it currently sits in bank vaults and in old, unused jewelry.

{Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/656003 and Treehugger.com}

Easy Party Appetizers: Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Posted in Anatomy of a Party, Do It Yourself Diva, Food + Drink by

Photo credit: fakeginger.com

I love hosting a dinner party! Many people look at me with the side eye when I say it but I get a total kick out of setting up my home for an evening of good company, laughter and vino.  Dinner parties also afford me the opportunity to play around with food and drink recipes that I usually wouldn’t consider.  I recently hosted a girls night in and included on the menu were these tasty goat cheese bruschetta.  I found the recipe online (sorry, can’t recall the site) and after a trial and error batch I was well on my way to making what ended up as the most popular option on the menu.  Ahhh, success!!  Needless to say, it will now be a staple on the dinner party menu and if simple and easy recipes make you happy, I’m recommending this one for you!

Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Figs and Honey

The Ingredients:

  • Half loaf (5 oz.) baguette, cut into ½ inch slices
  • 4 oz goat cheese
  • 2 ripe figs, diced
  • Clover honey to drizzle

The Raw Materials:

  • 1 Baking Sheet

The Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F
  • Place baguette slices in single layer on baking sheet.
  • Bake 8–10 minutes, turning each slice until both sides are crisp and golden around edges
  • Let cool
  • Spread cheese on toasted baguette slices.
  • Top with figs and lightly drizzle with honey.

You can substitute Crostini’s for the baguette.  Either way, this recipe is worry-free and easy enough to make for your next bridal or baby shower.  This recipe makes 13–15 slices.  Bon apetit!

Hostess Hints: Bunny Napkins and Linen Fold

Posted in Holiday Spirit by

Good Housekeeping recently posted step by step instructions on how to fold cute bunny napkins.  On a scale of 1 to 5, the level of difficulty for this fold is about 3.  I’m currently perfecting steps 12 and 13 (Fluffing my bunny’s ears) for our Easter Sunday family dinner but I’ll be sure to post the final outcome.  If you decide to try it, let us know below and post a pic of the final result.

Step 1

Take a solid-colored square napkin, and starch it for optimal workability. Thinner napkins work better, so choose a linen napkin over a thick cotton one.

Step 2

Fold the napkin in half.

Step 3

Fold the napkin in half again, to form a long rectangle.

Step 4

Fold the right and left sides up to meet in the center, forming a point at one end.

Step 5

Repeat with the opposite corners.

Step 6

Fold the side corners in so they meet in the center, but don’t fold exactly straight. Pull up above the center point, and you’ll start to see the ears shape up. The napkin will form a kite shape.

Step 7

Gently turn your napkin over.

Step 8

Fold the bottom point up, so that it is roughly 1” above the center of the napkin.

Step 9

Carefully, turn the napkin over again.

Step 10

Roll the left side over, slightly past the center of the napkin.

Step 11

Fold the right side over, tucking the end into the pocket you created on the left side, holding your napkin together.

Step 12

Turn the napkin upright, separating the bottom to form a base. Fluff your bunny’s ears.

Step 13

Cut three pieces of string; knot together in the middle. Slide a safety pin through the back of the folded napkin, through the center of the knot, through the button’s opening, then back into the napkin; clasp.

Do you need more Easter inspiration?  Check out these related SocialBFly posts:

City Spaces For Your Next Event

Posted in Venue and Event Spaces, Weddings by

When looking for the perfect place to book your New York City event, wedding, wedding rehearsal, or reception, check out these swanky spaces that were recently featured in IN New York Online Magazine.

Bello

Offering a sumptuous menu of traditional, hearty Northern Italian cuisine in generous portions, Bello restaurant is in close proximity to some of New York City’s top attractions, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and the Theater District. For the perfect event, Bello offers a private dining room, which is available to cater parties à la carte, buffet or family-style. 863 Ninth Ave., corner of W. 56th St. & Ninth Ave., 212.246.6788, bellorestaurant.com 

Café Espanol

Café Espanol, tucked in the heart of Greenwich Village, offers patrons a wide variety of authentic Spanish cuisine. Specialty items include paella flavored with real wild saffron, imported Spanish manchego cheese and Serrano ham or imported pulpo. Private party rooms are available with lunch packages priced at $25 and dinner packages priced at $40. All packages include a four-course meal with wine, sangria and beer. 172 Bleecker St., btw MacDougal & Sullivan sts.,212.505.0657, cafeespanol.com

The Hurricane Club

The Hurricane Club is a modern interpretation of the tiki bar and restaurant, bringing together a sophisticated supper club setting with a celebration of retro tiki kitsch. Customized music options are available for private events. Your iPod or MP3 player can connect to the restaurant’s sound system for a seamless, professional sound. In addition, Hurricane Club has relationships with the best resources for floral design and audiovisual to further enhance your event. Polynesian live entertainment can also be arranged. For more information, contact Private Events Manager Kristen Martino at 917.922.9964 or fill out the Private Dining Inquiry form here. 360 Park Avenue So., at E. 26th St., 212.951.7111, thehurricaneclub.com

Remi Restaurant combines the rich traditions of Northern Italian cuisine with the allure of Venetian design and architecture. For private events, the glass-enclosed Atrium Garden is the ideal setting for seasonal dining and can be heated for year-round events. The space can accommodate 10 to 1,000 guests.  Grand Canal, Remi’s main dining room, evokes the spirit of Venice with an expansive fantasy mural of a grand canal. This space can accommodate 100 to 400 guests. The Rialto Room boasts its own private entrance on W. 54th St. and the space can accommodate 30 to 125 guests. The Chef’s Table can accommodate 10 to 16 patrons. 145 W. 53rd St., btw Sixth & Seventh aves., 212.757.7610, remi-ny.com

Located atop the Museum of Arts and Design, ROBERT features expansive views of Columbus Circle and Central Park. The event managers and culinary team, lead by Chef Leo Forneas, create new American fare and will ensure your special event is perfect. Robert, a new modern classic. 2 Columbus Ave., 9th Fl., btw Broadway & Eighth Ave., 212.299.7730,robertnyc.com

SHOPS AT COLUMBUS CIRCLE

Shops at Columbus Circle

The main event space on the 2nd floor of Time Warner Center is an exquisite indoor, open-air luxury event space with stunning views of Columbus Circle. From gallery art exhibits, public concerts, private receptions, live broadcasts and fiber capabilities, wine tastings, product launches and press events, the 2nd floor can easily transform to accommodate any high-profile or private event. For more information, contact Stephanie Fink, 212.801.1186, sfink@related.com