The Countdown to Christmas Begins…

Posted in Holiday Spirit by


The passing of Thanksgiving means the official start of the holiday season.  And while many people are out riding the black Friday tidal wave, others are transforming their home into a haven of holiday happiness.  I currently fall into category B, except decorating at my parent’s house is far more chaotic an experience than from what takes place at my own.

You see, for 30+ years now, the tradition at my parents house has involved unearthing tangled tree lights from the depths of the basement, balancing out too much of one ornament type or color with not enough of the other, and an overabundance of tinsel.  It’s a very hectic beginning to what always ends up being a beautifully decorated home.

Today I’ve decided to let my parents in on a little secret – the holidays don’t have to be hectic!  Oh, that and STORAGE BINS ARE YOUR FRIEND.  For as little as $8.99, anyone can easily simplify the process of setting up and breaking down for the holidays by purchasing heavy-duty Sterlite (or a comparable brand) plastic bins. As you open the stored decorations, carefully assess their condition by asking the following questions:

Do any of the lights need to be replaced? How about candles, garland or ornaments?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, add the items to a list that can be referenced when shopping for post-season clearance sales.

What about the bins? Is your method of storage effective?  Have they held up to the job? Are they easy to stack?

If you answered no to any of these questions, it’s time to reconsider the type of boxes that you’re using – plastic has more durability than cardboard – so add this to your list of Must-Buy items for this season.  Also, many storage companies have developed storage that caters specifically to holiday decor, such as wreaths, delicate ornaments, or ribbon. Tipz Time is a cute online resource for all of your storage needs.  And once the holiday has come to an end, use them to safely re-store your decorations and ornaments until next year.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Posted in Holiday Spirit by

 Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the many reasons we all have to be thankful and as you close out this Thanksgiving with friends and family, be reminded of the continued love and support they provide that only grows stronger through the years. 

We’re also reminded of the love and support that our friends, families, loyal readers, clients and event-goers contribute  daily to the SocialBFly team. So if you’ve never heard us say it, THANK YOU!!  We are eternally grateful!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

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.

For Love or Money?

Posted in Weddings by

 

image courtesy of google.com

 

Each morning, the day’s most interesting wedding-related write-ups are delivered into my inbox and today’s first story was an interesting article titled: New prenups include ‘signing bonus’, which goes into the evolution of prenuptial agreements.

Just to stir up some early morning excitement (and as a personal social experiment), I distributed a few copies throughout the office, returned to clearing out my inbox, and waited.  I didn’t even have to wait patiently – it was 8 minutes before the first call came in…

…3 phone calls, 2 personal visits, and 45 minutes later, I realized that public opinions run deep on this subject and my platform – just say NO to prenups – is not the fan favorite.  While there may be a need to protect valuable assets in relationships where either or both parties know they are marrying for the wrong reasons, the hopeless romantic in me sees no reason to institute marital stipulations, the subtext of which reads divorce, otherwise.  After all, shouldn’t the most precious and valuable asset be love and the hearts that covet the vows of marriage?

I would also argue that this new era of prenuptial agreements, where date nights, acceptable forms of intimacy and the rightful owner of the dogs, are spelled out removes organic spontaneity from the relationship and diminishes the value of counseling in times of marital trouble.  But this is just my brief opinion, and I’m curious to have you weigh in on this so my question for you is the same:

  • Do you agree with the concept of a Prenuptial Agreement or did/will you introduce one into your marriage?  If not, why not?
  • Do you think the idea of instituting things such as signing bonuses and date nights into a prenuptial agreement is necessary or too much?

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!

Today is Mulled Hot Cider Day

Posted in Food + Drink, Holiday Spirit by

image courtesy of bright shining light candle company

Toast to the cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and shorter days with a comforting glass of hot cider.  Growing up, we did this every year to inaugurate the changing seasons but it’s also a delicious brew for the holidays and it’s simple to make.  Add these ingredients to your shopping list:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 quarts cider
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 3 inch stick cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • cinnamon sticks for each cup, optional
Mix spices in a tea ball.  Combine the brown sugar, salt, and cinder in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium low heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.  Finish it off by placing a stick of cinnamon in each cup.  Cheers!