Category Archives: Business

A Greener Way to Illuminate…

Posted in Anatomy of a Party, Brands, Sites + Technology We Love, Decor + Style, Weddings by

Event lighting is a relatively small investment that yields a significant impact on the overall décor and ambience captured by your event.  Perhaps the least expensive and most common lighting option is candles.  But have you ever given thought to the amount of energy that is consumed making tea light candles only for them to burn for 2 hours and be discarded?  What about the amount of wax and wicker that goes into large votive candles? Depending on the number of candles you burn annually, you may be leaving behind a rather impressive carbon footprint.

A greener and safer option, which has been growing in popularity over the years, is the flameless and rechargeable candle. Until recently though, I’ve thought that what flameless candles made up for in cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness, they’ve lacked in design…that is, until I came across these ideas.

While all of these are touted as the perfect decorative light addition to your home, office or child’s room consider them for use the next time your event calls for the soothing benefits of a soft candle.

Milk Glass Cup Shaped LED Night Light Lamp

This energy saving LED Light is designed to look like a glass of milk and even comes in a fun cow-inspired package.  Standing at 5.43 inches high and weighing only 4.6 ounces, this fun lighting alternative is powered by 3 AAA batteries and an ON/OFF setting that is concealed on the bottom of the glass.  When set to ON, the light inside of the glass will turn off automatically whenever it is tilted sideways or placed upside down. Unlike the Sun Moon Jar (shown below), the Milk Glass Cup Shaped LED Night Light Lamp is not water repellent and will need to be kept dry if used outdoors. You can buy them on Ebay for about $4.97 each (includes shipping).

Sun Moon Jar LED Solar Mood Lamp Light

Aren’t these adorable?  The Sun Moon Jar LED Solar Mood Lamp Light is a completely waterproof and weatherproof lighting option – making it the perfect outdoor solar light solution that comes in blue, amber or pink.  Like the Milk Glass Cup Shaped LED Night Light Lamp, the Sun Moor Jar also contains an ON/OFF setting but the batteries are replaced with 2 solar panels which automatically charge by day and give off a welcoming glow at night. The Sun Moon Jar LED Solar Mood Lamp Light also doubles as a storage solution, and is large enough to house candy, coins or collectibles. The least expensive unit price located online for the Sun Moon Jar is $13..24 at CZRH but keep in mind you’ll be paying for international shipping and will require additional time for delivery.

Soji Modern Rechargeable Solar Lanterns

The Soji Modern Rechargeable Solar Lantern is where design meets sustainability, making these the perfectly elegant lighting solution for an elegantly posh event.  Created in a layered wave-like form on hand formed weather resistant plastic, these green lighting alternatives are unique, portable, and efficient and will never require stringing of unsightly electrical wires. Creating the effect of a solar powered chandelier the Soji Modern lantern will turn itself on at dusk to cast a stunning golden glow that can last up to 6 hours.  They are available in 3 beautiful patterns: Pure White, Pearl Motif (white with white floral pattern) and Mineral Motif (white with grey floral pattern). If you order them from LampLust, you’ll pay about $36.99 a piece but will enjoy the discounted rate of $34.99 if you purchase 4 or more and the benefits of free shipping for all orders of $99 or more.

Targetti Art Light

Created by Australian born designer, Simon Crilley, this Targetti Art Light is actually a ceramic plate that contains living, breathing, and growing turf.  Yep, you read that right…it’s alive and as it grows it changes the nature of the light cast by the lamp.  Sadly, this item isn’t for sale.


Calling All Brides…Lace Up Your Sneakers for the 2011 Running of the Bride Event

Posted in Events + Contests + Giveaways by

BRIDES, are you in the NYC area, tomorrow, February 18th?  Then get on your mark…get set…and head over to Filene’s Basement for the most intense bridal gown extravaganza of the year.   Yes, I’m talking about the Running of the Brides, a special one-day sale where thousands of gowns, normally retailing up to $9000, are drastically marked down  to prices ranging anywhere from $249 to $699.

If this is your first time hearing of or planning to attend the Running of the Brides, you’re in for a experience unlike any other you’ll encounter along your bridal journey.  Many women will camp out the night before to ensure they are first in line when the doors to Filene’s Basement open at 8am.  And when they do, it’ll be every woman for herself as the frenzy to empty racks of dresses, in hopes of finding that perfect wedding gown begins.  And forget the concept of dressing rooms as dresses will be tried on in aisles while helpers roam the floor to trade sizes, colors and designers with other teams.

It will be every bit chaotic as it sounds but if you implement simple steps, like: arrive early; recruit your team early and provide them with examples of the type(s) of dresses you’re looking for; pack light for the day, leaving your handbag and makeup home for the day; and making sure you wear boy shorts and a strapless bra, you could very well find your dream dress in no time.

The Running of the Brides event is also scheduled to take place in a Filene’s Basement in the following markets:

  • New York City, NY – Broadway and 80th St. (Friday, February 18th, 2011 – 8am to 10pm)
  • Boston, MA – Hynes Convention Center (Friday, March 11th, 2011 – 8am to 8pm)
  • Atlanta, GA – 3535 Peachtree Road NE (Friday, March 18, 2011 – 8am to 9pm)
  • Chicago, IL – One N. State St. (Friday, April 8, 2011 – 8am to 9pm)
  • Washington, D.C. – Mazza Gallerie (Friday, April 29, 2011 – 8am to 9pm)

EXPOSED: Michelle and Lauren Grossberg of TopstiX

Posted in Brands, Sites + Technology We Love by

Michelle Grossberg (Creator) and sister Lauren Grossberg (Marketing / PR) are the owners and creative designers of TopstiX – plastic chopsticks that are hand decorated in 164 Swarovski crystals and personally customized to bling out your Sushi dining experience.  When I first heard about the concept, I immediately thought they were a very cute favor idea for a Dim Sum brunch celebrating the Chinese New Year. And thanks to Twitter, I was able to catch up with Michelle and Lauren for this very sparkly installation of EXPOSED.

Company Snapshot:

  • Name: TopstiX
  • Established: 2010
  • What is Your Main Line of Business? We hand make Swarovski covered chopsticks, delicately placing each stone one by one for a fun and unique gift.
  • Why TopstiX? It is a play on chopsticks (what we cover in rhinestones!) and since we do it on the top of the stick, it fits perfectly with our product!
  • What Was The Inspiration for TopstiX? Our love of everything bling! We already owned blinged out phones, ipods, and other accessories, but not a pair of chopsticks! That, combined with our love of sushi, inspired us to create a product that no one has ever done before.
  • Explain the day in the life as a business owner: We spend many hours on social media sites and outlets, trying to reach out to our fan base, and also build new connections and relationships with future ones. Not only do we spend many hours producing our product, but we brainstorm new color combos and pattern ideas.
  • What is the best business advice you’ve ever received? To never give up and keep trying. We always remember to keep our heads up and pushing the product. Since we believe we have a great product, we are always working hard to spread the word!


Reflections

  • Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
  • School Creds: We’re both graduates of the University of Florida.  Go Gators!!
  • Our First Job: After college graduation, we were fortunate enough to tag along on a business trip to China to one of their father’s business trips to China with their father. While there, we were able to take part in his export business, East West Trading Company. It was there, where we were inspired by the many colors, styles and culture of the country.
  • What keeps you up at night? We are constantly dreaming big of what is up and coming for our business, sometimes losing precious hours of sleep!
  • What are some wise words that you live by? Get in the Mix and Grab some Stix!
  • What was/is your best career decision? Starting our own business! We realized after working for others, in order to really get our ideas out there that we must take charge!

Diversions

  • Reading now: Kardashian Konfidential (we absolutely adore these empowering businesswomen!)
  • Reading next: A Shore Thing. We love reality TV and Snooki is a hot client that would be PERFECT for Topstix!
  • Last fun purchase: Hello Kitty Compact Mirror
  • When you’re not working you can be found doing what? Blinging out chopsticks! But we both love to travel, shop, read gossip magazines and eat good food!

Playing Favorites

  • Hotel: Fountainebleau  South Beach
  • Getaway: LA  (home to many of our clients *wink*
  • Entrée: SUSHI!
  • Drink: Skinnygirl Margarita
  • Guilty pleasure: Perezhilton.com

Looking For More Information

EXPOSED: Momon Photo and Print

Posted in Brands, Sites + Technology We Love by

If you follow me on twitter, you know that I was on a desperate search for a graphic designer just a few months ago. Now, you’re probably saying, how hard is it to find a graphic designer and trust me, you don’t want to know.  Each new tweet asking for a referral seemed 100% more desperate and agonizing than the one before.  It was one bad month, several bad meetings, and hours of my life that I will never get back later, when I learned that a glimpse of hope sat just 3 floors beneath me (cue harpsichord and choral “ahhhhh”).  We immediately hit the ground running and in 90 short days, the list of artistic and graphic creativity that has emerged in generating ideas, concepts and marketing pieces that effectively represent SocialBfly, is rapidly growing and will be available for your viewing pleasure very soon.  So without any further adieu,  meet Mr. “hope”….better known as Jamal Momon, CEO and creative brilliance (if he doesn’t say so himself…see below) behind Momon Photo and Print.

Image of Momon Photo CEO, Jamal Momon

Reflections

  • Hometown: Englewood, NJ
  • School Creds: New Jersey City University (BS in Computer Science), The Anthem Institute (Diploma in Graphic Design and Animation)
  • First Job: Administrative Assistant for a Travel Marketing Agency
  • Business Offering: Graphic Design and Photography

Distractions and Downtime

  • Reading now: Entrepreneur Magazine
  • Reading next: Entrepreneur Magazine (next month’s copy)
  • Last fun purchase: Hot shoe camera flash trigger/receiver set
  • When you’re not working you can be found doing what? Buying 3 for 20 DVDs at Blockbuster to add to my collection

A Few of My Favorite Things

  • Hotel: DoubleTree (don’t ask)
  • Getaway: Dominican Republic
  • Entrée: Curry Goat and Rice (Jamaican dish)
  • Drink: Goji Melon Life Water
  • Guilty pleasure: Twizzlers

Me: Explain the day in your life as a photographer/graphics designer and business owner.

JM: It’s just me and my computer (yet to be named). I enter my computer room, close all programs except Firefox and the necessary design program, and the occasional iTunes, and focus. I emerge a couple of hours later with creative brilliance!

****

Me: What is the best business advice ever received?

JM: Don’t not do it because it’s never been done. I actually just made that up lol, but I like it and I’m sticking with that answer.

****

Me: What are some words of wisdom that you live by?

JM: I love “Go for the Gusto” because I refuse to accept mediocrity. Another I swear by is “Teamwork makes the Dreamwork”. The relationship and communication between client and designer is extremely important in creating an end product that satisfies both parties.

****

Me: What would you describe as your best career decision?

JM: I’d have to say adding Photography to my list of design services. I feel like I’ve always had an eye for capturing moments, and I’m always working on providing this through my work.

Looking for more information?

Bridal Event Alert: Join Lela Rose for the Launch of the New Bridesmaids Collection

Posted in Events + Contests + Giveaways, Socialbfly About Town by

 

Image courtesy of dessy.com

Brides, are you looking for fun, new, fashion to dress your bridesmaids in?  You may be able to find what you’re looking for at the upcoming launch of Lela Rose’s new bridesmaid collection.   Head over to the Wedding Library [43 East 78th St, NY] on Thursday, November 4 between 6 and 8 pm.  RSVP is required for this event.  For more information, call 212.327.0100.  Let us know if you’ll be in the crowd…we’d love to meet you.

Your Access Is Granted: A First Look at the Pink Party Silent Auction Items

Posted in SocialBFly Signature Series by

It’s exciting that this year’s installation of the Pink Party is taking place in the 25th year of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international health campaign organized every October to increase awareness of the disease; raise funds for research into its cause, prevention and cure; and to remind women to be breast aware for earlier detection. Because of the work done to raise awareness of breast cancer in women under 40, we are happy to announce that the Young Survival Coalition will be the recipient of this year’s silent auction.  Thanks for the generous donations from the following businesses, we hope to raise $500 to assist YSC in continuing their efforts and we can only reach this goal with your help. As a reminder the Pink Party will take place on Thursday, October 28th, from 5pm – 9pm at NINE Lounge in Hoboken, NJ (333 Washington Street).  On event day, the bidding will open at 6:00pm and close at 8:00pm.  If you are interested in placing a bid on any of the following items but are unable to attend, join us on twitter for the virtual auction. Keep in mind that your contributions are 100% charitable and auction winners will receive a thank you letter and confirmation of their contribution in the mail.

On event night, you have the option of bidding on any of the following items:

Item Name: Pink Roses

  • Description: This artwork is personal and emotional in the heart of the artist as it was created to pay respect to his Grandmother, who fell victim to the disease in 1996. To the artist these pink roses represent hope to the victims, survivors and every woman because with early detection survival will be in bloom.

  • Donated by Leon Finney, Artist

  • Retail Value: Original, $5000; Reprint; $135

  • Reserve Cost: $45

Item Name: Gift to Royalty

  • Description: 9×12 Framed Piece. Handmade paper, metallic paint, African trinkets.

  • Donated by Celeste Morris, Artist

  • Retail Value: $190

  • Reserve Cost: $55

Item Name: A Nu Sole Spa Pedicure Experience

  • Description: Your feet need pampering too.  Treat them to this foot spa zen.

  • Donated by: All Inclusive Bridal Spa

  • Retail Value: $60.00

  • Reserve Cost: $20.00


Item Name: Silk Chiffon Necklace

  • Description: Silk Chiffon Necklace with signature silver-plated heart.  Personalization available. Additional charms can be added.

  • Donated by: Katie Rozzelle; Independent Stella & Dot Stylist

  • Retail Value: $48

  • Reserve Cost: $20


Item Name: Two delicious soul food dinners, including dessert for two.

Item Name: Make-Up Session and Photo Session

  • Description: 1 hr studio session. Includes CD of shots and Make-Up Artist

  • Donated by Jamal Momon, Momon Photo

  • Retail Value: $225

  • Reserve Cost: $75

Item Name: Pink Spa Wellness Basket

*** So come out and join us for a passionately pink evening of Networking, Cocktails and Prizes.

Enter to win a variety of gifts in the silent auction…and for a great cause! DON’T FORGET TO SHARE WITH A [GIRL]FRIEND!!

For more information on the Young Survival Coalition or to read the backstory on the Pink Party, visit our blog, Behind the Veil, Beyond the Vows.

WE ARE ACCEPTING ONLINE DONATIONS UNTIL 9PM on OCTOBER 28TH at  Eventbrite.

Rent the Runway for Your Next Event

Posted in Brands, Sites + Technology We Love, Fashion + Beauty, The Dress, Weddings by

As a woman, I find the hardest part of getting ready for a night on the town is picking out the outfit.  After all, there’s a science to looking effortlessly beautiful in a look that only you will be wearing.  Well, the process may have gotten a hell of a lot easier thanks to Rent the Runway (RTR), a NY based online shopping experience started by Harvard Business School students, Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleis, who according to their Backstory, found themselves faced with the same challenge of finding something to wear.

Badgley Mischka

Registering for the site is easy and free and once complete, you have immediate access to dresses from over 95 designers at your fingertips.  Designers range from Nicole Miller to Shoshanna and are offered at 90% of the retail price.  Yes, you read that right. For $1o0, this Badgley Mischka dress, which normally retails at $1150 in stores, can be yours for 4 days.

You can also choose from an array of accessories to compliment your outfit and if you’re not sure of your size, there’s an option to have your dress selection in a 2nd size for NO additional cost.  You’re given the option of a 4 or 8 day rental (8-day rental is a little more expensive) and the cherry on top is return shipping is also FREE!

No lines + No Membership Fees + Free Shipping = Win-Win Situtation! Log on to www.renttherunway.com to find your designer runway look today!

You are cordially invited to the 2010 Pink Party!

Posted in SocialBFly Signature Series by

image courtesy of udoewa.blogspot.com

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a 25 year old international movement that is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer and for very good reason – it continues to reign as the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in women (next to Lung Cancer) [1].  I never realized how devastating this disease was until my sister’s godmother was diagnosed in 1999.  After months of chemotherapy, we celebrated what we thought was a successful recovery only to find out 6 months later that the disease had not only returned but had spread into her lungs.  No amount of chemo or alternative treatment would save her and it wasn’t long after that the disease finally had its way.   I remember feeling like we were the only people in the world going through this and couldn’t understand how someone so full of life could be debilitated so aggressively but since then, I’ve met and formed personal relationships with many phenomenal women who have been impacted by breast cancer.  Every story, however different, remains ever so moving and four years ago, in honor and memory of the victims and in celebration with the survivors, I began an educational fundraising event called the Pink Party.

flyer designed by momonphoto.com

***

The Pink Party is just one of our nine annual Signature Series events, all of which seek to raise funds in support of grassroots charitable organizations that specifically target philanthropies that we hold dear to our hearts. This year’s Pink Party will be held on Thursday, October 28th from 5-9p at the swanky NINE Lounge in Hoboken, NJ (333 Washington Street) and  we are happy to announce that this year’s donation recipient is the Young Survival Coalition (YSC).  YSC is a New York based non-profit that works with survivors; caregivers; and the medical, research, advocacy, and legislative communities to increase the quality and quantity of life for women diagnosed with breast cancer ages 40 and under[2]. Their work is so important because while not as prevalent, breast cancer does occur in women under 40 and when it does, it is far more dangerous, there’s a decreased survivorship and these women are more susceptible to developing the disease again later in life.

***

So what should you expect? Well, in promoting the event so far I find that a lot of people immediately think they have to go home and put on their dancing shoes to step in the name of breast cancer. Not so fast twinkle toes. It’s happy hour so the martinis will be readily available and there will be room and opportunity to cut a rug but this isn’t your textbook party. You’ll be treated to a one-hour wine tasting; poetry reading by NY Poet, Megan Harris; plenty of opportunity to network and promote your brand; and a chance to win a number of raffle prizes, courtesy of Loveliness Baskets among other local businesses. Everyone will leave with plenty of information on breast cancer from the Young Survival Coalition (YSC) as well as a devishly delicious pink cupcake, courtesy of BreakBread Co. The most important part of the night, however, will be the silent auction as 100% of the proceeds generated will directly benefit YSC and their efforts. We’ve raised the stakes just a little giving our twitter followers an opportunity to get in on the bidding and beginning October 1st, we’ll begin posting a library of items that are up for grabs so please stay tuned.

image courtesy of Moonchilde Stock

***

A few final housekeeping notes before we go…since pink is [unofficially] the official color for breast cancer, we’re requesting that everyone wear something pink in recognition and support of breast cancer awareness month. No, this isn’t mandatory and yes this request is for guys too. Oh, and exciting news, Time Warner will be covering the event!!!!!  We’re 1000% excited and hope that their presence will catapult the mission and objectives of YSC to new levels. Thank you Time Warner!!

***

References:

[1] NBCAM.org – Official website for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

[2] youngsurvival.org – Official website for the Young Survival Coaltion