Archive for September, 2009
September 28th, 2009
We’ve all made it through an evening or two (or a hundred?) with great-looking shoes that, let’s face it, absolutely killed our feet. And while the overwhelming feeling is that we are supposed to “grin and bear it” for the sake of fashion, we feel that our feet deserve better. If only we could spend an evening in a fabulous little black dress and our favorite comfortable sneakers. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Well, ladies, hold tight. It looks like luxury shoe designer Sergio Rossi and sneaker maker extraordinaire Puma are on the job.
Designers at Sergio Rossi have created a “reinterpretation” of Puma’s classic Clyde sneaker which was first released in 1973. The shoe team has made a high-heeled Mary Jane version of the shoe as part of the line. The shoe will come in a variety of colors. It’s a little different than the basic black pump, but our feet are already longing for them. The shoes are scheduled to hit stores in January.
Look for us at the first Mitzvahs of the New Year in our new Rossi/Puma Mary Janes, running laps around the dance floor. Don’t be surprised if you see us hurdling the limbo stick!
September 27th, 2009
Hello All!
We hope by spotlighting this Mitzvah Family, you will be inspired to take some of their ideas and make them your own.
The Adler Family wanted a warm and elegant celebration for their son Max’s Bar Mitzvah which was held over Thanksgiving Day weekend 2007 at the East Meadow Jewish Center. By the look of their photos, we think they achieved their goals! Thank you for sharing your Mitzvah memories with our Mitzvah Mail readers.
The Adlers all looked great. Leslie’s dress was by designer Issey Miyake from Eleanor Schain in Brooklyn, NY, and Sydney’s pretty blue dress was made at Designing Dreams in Mineola, NY. Max had his vest, which coordinated with the theme made by them too. Leslie’s hair was done by John at The Salon at 230 West in Syosset. (All contact info at bottom)
Sydney, Eric, Leslie and Bar Mitzvah boy Max Adler
Max’s theme was “The Max Adler Experience.” Using bright jewel colors, tie-dye and psychedelic patterns, the look was achieved by Barbara Becker at Dazzling Parties.
The room all set up and ready for guests…
All party photography was done by Jack Katz
The Max Adler Experience placecards greeted guests and were small converse sneakers with your table number – very cool and clever!
The Adlers wanted their guests to know that another Mitzvah celebration would be happening in a few years (2010) for their daughter Syndey. They used Big Huge Labs, who we wrote about in a previous Mitzvah Mail newsletter, to make these personalized custom “Coming Soon” movie posters.
Sydney with her Big Huge Labs movie posters that they made online were displayed with bagels and Maxin’ Donuts as guests left the party
Their invitations were done by Darlene Barzilay, who can be reached by email at: notesetc1@verizon.net or by phone at 516-681-4602.
The one-piece invitation ensemble had a masculine plaid pattern
The Adlers used Total Entertainment with Rick Mantovi as their MC. As an added treat, the Adlers purchased gift certificates to favorite local sneaker stores and gave them away to the kids during dance and game contests.
Total Entertainment really got the crowd dancing
Max making his entrance! Designing Dreams made headbands for the dancers to match Max’s vest!
The favors for Max’s friends were created by And That. The white sweatshirts had a logo on the front and “Are You Experienced?” on the back. Leslie found the tie-dyed bags online and ironed on her own labels.
Front and back of the white sweatshirt party favors
The sweatshirts were packed in these matching colorful bags from online vendor startrackinc.com!
Some of Max’s special moments:
Max and his friends
Max with his sign-in book and matching stand, all made by Dazzling Parties
Mitzvah Mom Leslie has this advice having been through planning her son’s Bar Mitzvah, “If you are making yourself crazy during the planning process so that you are miserable, then you have forgotten what the event is really all about.” Thanks Leslie; a great thing to keep in mind!
Mitzvah Dad Eric is a cancer survivor and with that in mind, the Adlers surprised their guests as they got in their cars to go home after their joyous party. They asked the valets to hang a beautifully written note from the family in each car from the rearview mirror. The note explained how much their support meant to the family during Eric’s battle and that a donation was made to Lance Armstrong’s foundation, LiveStrong and a LiveStrong magnet was placed on their car’s bumper.
Here is a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Max’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Eleanor Schain – 718-444-4253
Designing Dreams – 516-248-1988
Dazzling Parties – 516-766-1471
Big Huge Labs
Total Entertainment – 201-894-0055
And That – 516-364-9222
LiveStrong Foundation
Startrackinc.com
East Meadow Jewish Center
The Salon at 230 West/John – 516-921-2017
Jack Katz Photography – 917-885-1824
Invitations by Darlene Barzilay – 516-681-4602
September 27th, 2009
We’re not sure about you, but we miss summer. (To our Florida readers: yes, we are jealous of your weather.) If only we could have a taste of summer to get us through these cold winter months.
Enter Maui Wowi.
Maui Wowi adds the spirit of Aloha to your mitzvah with fresh fruit smoothies in a dozen all-natural, non-fat flavors. Both kids and adults flock to the fun and festive tiki bar to enjoy smoothies complete with tiny decorative parasols. These delicious (and healthy – but don’t tell your kids) drinks are whipped up by Hawaiian-shirted servers. Our tastebuds are watering.
Maui Wowi can accommodate any theme (it doesn’t have to be an “island” theme), and they offer delicious espresso beverages, too.
20% Off Maui Wowi
Book Maui Wowi for your Mitzvah and let your guests enjoy their smooth moves!
SPECIAL OFFER: Take $200 off the usual price of $1,000 for a four-hour smoothie bar at a Mitzvah for 150 or fewer guests in the NY/NJ/Conn area. Just mention discount code MITZVAHMOM when you call 516-314-7169 or email myork111@gmail.com. Offer expires 12/31/09.
September 27th, 2009
We all strive to give our child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah a personal touch. From the theme to the invitations to the décor to the favors, we want the event to reflect our child and his/her personality. We also want to have keepsakes from the event.
We recently met a woman who helps families achieve these goals through her handcrafted personalized sign-in books. Susan Cohen of ARTC GIFTS creates unique, custom mosaic memory sign-in books, which can be used at Mitzvahs, weddings, sweet sixteen parties, retirement parties, and any other celebration. For Mitzvah sign-in books, Cohen starts with a silk guest book and adds the child’s invitation. Around the invitation, she uses cut pieces of tile and China to create a mosaic. Every design is one-of-a-kind. We know from personal experience that creating a mosaic is a great amount of work and the end result is always breath-taking. Cohen’s creations are gorgeous and practical – they can be displayed in your home (rather than your garage like some large, foam core sign-in posters do) after the Mitzvah. And with pages that can be added, your child can add photos to the book so that it serves very much like a scrapbook as well as a sign-in book.
Cohen says she started creating mosaic sign-in books and other projects after she searched high and low for a special mirror for her daughter’s room. When she was unable to find what she had in mind, she decided to put her experience as an artist to work and create it herself. She used vintage pieces of China and tile and created a unique mirror. ARTC GIFTS was born.
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your story with us. We hope people will check out your creations. We also hope that your story might inspire others to tap into their creative sides to find ways to give their parties a personal touch.
September 27th, 2009
When you are given your child’s Mitzvah date, you typically make three immediate phone calls: one to each set of grandparents so they are in the loop, and the third to an orthodontist like Dr. Keri Greene of Jericho, NY. We all know braces take a while, so we want the planning to begin to get our child’s smile Mitzvah-ready.
“I would say half of my clients bring up their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah date during our initial consultation,” Dr. Greene explains. “Planning around that special day is very important.”
Of course the burning question is: Will the braces be off in time for the big event? And the answer to that is: When did they go on?
Dr. Greene gives us Mitzvah Moms some useful information and some very sound advice to help us plan ahead. Here are some considerations:
- Braces (the “garden variety” as Dr. Greene calls them) are typically on for 24 months. These are for correcting an overall mouth.
- A child’s “dental age” not his/her “chronological age” determines when the child is ready for braces. Typically, a child is ready at the age of 10 or 11, but only if the mouth is ready.
- Dr. Greene says that parents can shorten the time braces are on near a child’s Mitzvah date if they consider “interceptive” treatment between the ages of 7 and 9. This treatment will attack a specific, targeted problem such as a severe overbite or crowding. (See sidebar for more details.)
- The child’s teeth need to be in good health before any type of orthodunture work can begin. Dr. Greene suggests you keep up with regular check-ups and cleanings to keep the teeth and gums in good health.
- Braces can be removed for a Mitzvah and replaced after the Mitzvah. Dr. Greene says that for example, she has taken off braces on a Wednesday; the following Tuesday, after the child’s Mitzvah weekend, the braces go back on. There is a cost incurred for this service, but it is an option.
- Dr. Greene says the trend is starting to be that parents want their Mitzvah child’s braces removed for a month instead of a week. This is often due to photos the parents wish to have taken in preparation for the event. Dr. Greene says this is “totally do-able,” but if treatment is interrupted for an entire month, a retainer may need to be created and worn during this time to keep teeth from shifting. There is a cost associated for the removal of the braces as well as the creation of the retainer.
Every child is different, so the best way to find out what your child needs is to consult with an orthodontist. Together, you can come up with the most time-effective and cost-efficient program. But brace yourself; it will suddenly occur to you that your child is really growing up!
Call The Smile Station at 516-433-1422 and set up a consultation to discuss your child’s individual needs. Consultations are free at The Smile Station. When you call, mention the Mitzvah Moms and new families will receive a timely appointment and a 5% discount on services! No expiration date!
September 27th, 2009
We hope by spotlighting this Mitzvah Family, you will be inspired to take some of their ideas and make them your own.
The Levy Family wanted a “kid friendly” party with elegant touches for their daughter Erica’s Bat Mitzvah which took place this past April. The party was held at Pine Hollow Country Club in East Norwich, NY.
We want to thank Mitzvah Mom Robyn for sharing her creative ideas with our Mitzvah Mail readers. We think these will inspire you for your own child’s Mitzvah!
The entire Levy family looked great for their family’s special day. Bat Mitzvah girl Erica’s dress was off-the-rack from Outrageous Boutique and Mom Robyn found her beautiful white beaded gown at Tallulah’s in Woodbury. The guys were all outfitted with rentals from Victor Talbots. (A reminder that all vendor info is provided at the bottom of this newsletter).
The Levy Family pictured above (L-R, Jake, Robyn, Bat Mitzvah girl Erica, Norm and Jared). All party photography was done by Marquee Photography Inc.
Erica’s creative theme, “Smiles Across Am’erica,'” was designed by Barbara Becker of Dazzling Parties.
Dazzling Parties created the great kids’ lounge
Nine handcrafted centerpieces like the ones above represented 9 states in the U.S. On the left is gambling in Las Vegas and on the right is Hollywood, California
Bright colored table clothes with matching napkins greeted guests in the Pine Hollow ballroom
Erica’s beautiful cake was created by St. Honore Pastry Shop in Port Washington, a vendor that the caterers at Pine Hollow use often.
A beautiful colored cake matched the decor with a special detail on top.
As each guest lit their candle during the candlelighting ceremony, they were given a puzzle piece for the above “Erica” map! Another creative detail by Dazzling Parties!
The colorful invitations were created by Party Panache in Great Neck.
The all-in-one ensemble invitation had a pocket on the bottom holding the RSVP and direction cards
The Levy’s used More Than Music with Marcus as their DJ and Kevin as the MC. Robyn feels the frame around the screen was another “well-worth it” detail provided by her entertainment company.
Mitzvah Kids!
The favors for Erica’s friends were created by Michelle Weissman. Erica helped design the “girl” and “boy” sweatshirt favors.
Girls’ sweatshirts with a specially designed logo and date on the arm
Boys’ zip-up version with logo and date!
Robyn decided to get favors for the adults and ordered these travel mugs only two weeks before her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah from an online discount Website
As guests left the party, a “newsstand” with magazines and a variety of treats greeted them! All was arranged through Creative Games, part of More Than Music
Erica’s party had so many unique touches. It began with a special photo shoot with Erica by The Portrait Shoppe Photography. Read on to learn more about how these photos were then incorporated into the decor and more…
Dazzling Parties created this uniqe sign-in book using The Portrait Shoppe’s photos of Erica
Her placecards represented the Smiles Across Am’erica’ theme
Her special photo shoot pictures were even used on the “funny money” for the kids’ lounge games organized by Creative Games
Mitzvah Mom Robyn has this advice about lighting. “When I walked into the room at Pine Hollow, it was the lighting that truly set the tone,” she explains. “Although kinetic lighting is a bit pricey, I feel it is worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat!”
Thanks Robyn, it’s helpful to hear about something that you feel was worth the expense!
Kinetic room lighting!
As you can see, Robyn was all about the details. She has a great idea for your candlelighting. If you’ve sat through the poem reading, it is sometimes hard to hear the Mitzvah kid and they do work very hard on rhyming. Robyn printed each candlelighting recipient’s poem in a beautiful font, framed it and had Erica hand the wrapped frame to each guest after they lit their candle. An easy and creative special touch!
Although Erica didn’t have a formal Mitzvah project, she decided, in honor of her Bat Mitzvah, to take some money she had saved up over the years and visit Toys R Us for some shopping. The toys she purchased were wrapped and placed on the bimah at the Temple ceremony. She then went to Winthrop Hospital and donated them to the cancer unit. It was an emotional visit and a very lovely gesture!
Here are a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Erica’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
More Than Music – 516-626-9400 or 212-247-7777
Pine Hollow Country Club – 516-922-0300
Outrageous Boutique – 516-931-3331
Dazzling Parties – 516-766-1471
Discountmugs.com – Travel Mugs for guests
Marquee Photography Inc. – 516-349-9319
The Portrait Shoppe Photography – 516-938-3936
Party Panache Ltd. – 516-482-6111
Victor Talbots – 516-625-1787
Tallulah’s in Woodbury – 516-367-8010
St. Honore Pastry Shop – 516-767-2555
Michelle Weissman/Creative Specialities – 516-637-0493 or mlw682@aol.com
September 27th, 2009
The Barzilay family wanted a fun celebration for their son Jake’s Bar Mitzvah which was held at the Bridgeview Yacht Club in Island Park, New York. By the look of their photos, we think they achieved their goals! Jake loves the Miami Heat which was the theme of his celebration.
Pictured left: Mom Darlene, Bar Mitzvah boy Jake and Dad Todd Barzilay
The Barzilays looked great in their coordinated outfits. Darlene’s dress is by Skinz from Rhonas in Manalapan, NJ, and she also made the matching vests for Todd and Jake
Jake was tutored by Michael Marcus who performed the ceremony at Bridgeview Yacht Club
Jake right before guests arrived…
Jake loves the Miami Heat basketball team and that was the theme for the evening! Bridgeview Yacht Club was beautifully decorated by Stefans Florist.Part of the kids’ lounge area; notice the basketballs in clear cylinders on the center of the tables.
The Hoop Lounge
Darlene ordered these basketball jersey place cards online through Parties By Debi
Jake with his “closet-door” sign-in board on the left and the closet door back in place on the right! Jake’s friends signed the door using a black Sharpie and at the end of the night, the door was brought home and rehung
Mitzvah Mom Darlene happens to be in the invitation business and did her invitations herself with the help of Pioneer Announcements.
The classic brown and gold invitation suite
The Barzilays used MME Entertainment with Michael (the owner) as their DJ. They decided on upgraded giveaways that you can see below.
The hats and “arm band” tattoos were supplied by the DJ company
The favors for Jake’s friends were created by And That. The girls received black tank tops with Jake’s initials in crystals and the boys received a true basketball jersey!
Toward the end of the party, guests were treated to foot and back massages arranged through Darlene’s nail salon. Great idea!
Bridgeview Yacht Club provided the “Jake” sushi platter!
Mr. Softee was waiting outside as everyone left the party. What a great ending!
Advice from Mom Darlene:
Darlene did an unbelievable job throwing her son Jake’s Bar Mitzvah and has this advice for other Mitzvah planning moms: “There is no need to stress, everything works out. This will be one of the best days of your family’s life. Relax and try to enjoy every minute!”
Vendor Directory
Here is a list of the vendors who helped make Jake’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
DJ Entertainment: MME Entertainment: 516-679-5353
Photography by Neal Inc.: Neal Bloom 631-754-7442
Florist/Decor: Stefan’s Florist: 516-239-2402
Place Cards: Parties By Debi: 713-662-6039
Venue: Bridgeview’s Yacht Club: 516-432-2400
Bar Mitzvah lessons: Michael Marcus: 516- 524-0191
Favors: And That: 516-364-9222
Salon: The Salon At 230 West, 516-921-2017
Make-up artist Janet: 631-513-7159
Mom’s dress: Dress by Rhonas, Manalapan, NJ 732-972-2795
Mitzvah Exit Treat: Mr. Softee: Lorenzo 718-551-1502
September 27th, 2009
Save 90% on Designer Dresses!
Why buy when you can borrow? We just learned about Wear Today, Gone Tomorrow, which allows you to borrow designer dresses at an absolute fraction of what you would purchase them for! We think this is a totally Mitzvah-worthy idea, especially the year of your child’s Mitzvah, when you might have 30 events to attend!
Check it out! And if you try it out, let us know what you think!
September 27th, 2009
A Bag With A Story
Greenpurse is a unique Website. The owner/designer Tina Wick creates one-of-a-kind handbags and accessories by recylcing pre-used fabric. All of her creations are just unique and innovative. You can purchase handbags from her Website or you can special order The Custom Bag….
An example of a Greenpurse creation!
Tina will create a custom handbag using fabric from your heirloom clothing such as a wedding dress or a favorite sweater. By creating a handbag out of an existing treasure (that would otherwise hang in the back of your closet or sit in a box in your attic), Tina is allowing you to carry a handbag that is “current” with a story all its own. We think that there is some Mitzvah potential to a custom Greenpurse creation! Check out the Greenpurse Website, and we think you will be inspired!
September 27th, 2009
Jewelry For A Cause is a company that combines jewelry and philanthropy. As their tagline says, it’s “Jewelry that sparkles with good intentions.” Sounds like a win/win to us!
Here’s how Jewelry For A Cause works: When you buy any piece of fine jewelry from their LIVE AND LET LIVE collection, they will donate 10% of the proceeds to your charity of choice. Or you can use the jewelry as your Mitzvah project with their easy-to-use Mitzvah Kits to raise money for any non-profit organization. For those Mitzvah Moms who organize school fundraisers, these Mitzvah Kits might work well for you, too!
Here’s our translation ….
No more wrapping paper or pizza fundraisers and no more bake sales! With Mitzvah Kits, you purchase a kit containing 18 or 36 assorted peace charms, waxed cotton cord for stringing and instructions on how to make the adjustable knots. It’s very easy to do! Then, you can go out and sell the jewelry to raise money for the charity or school of your choice. When you are done, people will be wearing something you made and they will have learned about (and supported) a cause that is important to you!
To learn more about fundraising opportunities, visit the Jewelry For A Cause Website.
