May 22nd, 2011
This Mitzvah Inspire is courtesy of Christine Foster Photography.
The Liss family is from Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania and they celebrated their son Josh’s Bar Mitzvah in October 2010 at a bar/restaurant called Distrito.
This is the perfect example of a family thinking outside the box to come up with their celebration location!
Here’s what Mitzvah Mom Caryn said about choosing this venue:
“We chose Distrito primarily because Josh wanted to do something different. He did not want the traditional hotel/country club/synagogue setting. Rather, he wanted something more fun and casual. We took our cues from Josh and thought outside the box. We had been to a small engagement party upstairs at Distrito about 2 years ago and we thought it was a great setting. We had taken Josh and his sister Ilana to eat there a few times and they both loved the food and decor. That in a nutshell is how we chose to have the party there. I was very happy that I did not have to hire a party decorator and I found the staff to be very accommodating.”
The family got into the fun atmosphere of this location with a great night of dancing and good food. The children all got a kick out of the Mexican Taxi and everyone had fun with the wall of Mexican wrestling masks.
Check out their pictures below!
Thank you to Christine Foster Photography and the Liss family for sharing this fun party with MitzvahMarket.com.
May 22nd, 2011
Congratulations! Your son or daughter just celebrated their Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
After all the money you spent on hair/make-up/clothing and accessories, we want to share with you various ways to re-use, re-purpose all your Bar/Bat Mitzvah photos into fantastic gift options for years to come.
Whether you need a gift for a grandparent, uncle, aunt or friend, we have found great ideas on how to use all those fabulous photos.
BlanketWorx is a source for personalized woven products. Their unique gift items include woven afghans and throw blankets, pillows, towels and wall hangings.
Photo Wow offers forty unique, beautiful, fun and colorful designs from your photos. From Warhol-style pop art, to comic designs, to a multitude of collage choices, photo wow can create anything you can imagine, including photo canvas.
PicPads produces custom-made photo notepads for people all over the world. Rachael Ray selected PicPads as one of her top 10 gift products in 2007.
Mitzvah Market founder Sheri Lapidus used a photo from her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah to create a photo pad for Mother’s Day
Easy123Art.com – Very cool concept. You send in your picture and get back a “paint by number” kit. After finishing your painting, you will have an exact replica of your original photo!
Quilts Of Distinction – Created by artist Jane Pearlson these photo quilts are customized.
Calendars from Kodak Gallery – Why not take your favorite 12 pictures (or more) and create a calendar? It’s very easy to do and your recipient will love it!
New York Canvas Art – They provide a unique, yet affordable way to enjoy your favorite photos. They can preserve your Mitzvah photos by having some of the pictures printed on canvas. The finished product makes a great gift!
Use your photos for a personalized cookie jar from Mrs. Field’s. The jar comes with 48 Nibblers® bite-sized cookies and you can use up to three images
Did you do something unique with your Bar/Bat Mitzvah photos? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
May 21st, 2011
On Saturday, April 9, 2010 the Robinson Family from Chappaqua, New York held their son’s Zachary’s Bar Mitzvah service at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester.
The reception was held on Sunday at Travelers Rest, a restaurant and catering facility located in Ossining, New York and a place the family loves since they celebrated older brother Joel’s Bar Mitzvah there a few years earlier.
This family had some very creative DIY ideas incorporating Zach’s Harry Potter theme.
Pictured above (L-R): Bar Mitzvah Boy Zach (notice his Gryffindor tie), Dad Greg, Mom Lori, and older brother Joel
All party photography was done by Susan Helblock.
The rest of the Mitzvah vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Mom Lori said that Travelers Rest owner Dave Paganelli really got into the Harry Potter mood, adding special touches as you will see below. Travelers Rest also provided special menus with Zach’s photo on them.
Venue: Travelers Rest
Beautiful gardens were enjoyed on this special day
Butter Beer for the young guests to enjoy which was made from cream soda, whipped cream and butterscotch topping
Lightening bolt dip – of course!
Menu with Zach’s picture
The World of Hogwarts came alive in Westchester and was incorporated right from the start. Guests picked up their London to Hogwarts train place cards made by the creative Robinson family.
The Sorting Hat (made by the Robinson Family) at the center of the place card table magically roared, “You are Gryffindor!” and other phrases, thanks to an ipod underneath the brim. So clever!
Place card tickets from London to Hogwarts!
EK Productions, who also provided the music entertainment designed Zach’s crest exactly like Harry’s!
The decor was Harry Potter inspired. Each of the four kids tables represented a different House at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. They were dressed in their individual house colors and each had a different centerpiece (owl, crystal ball, potions or Mandrake Plant). Trans-trade Promotions made a gigantic House banner for each kids’ table. The centerpieces for the adults and teens were beautiful flowers from Forever in Bloom.
The room awaits guests!
Trans-Trade Promotions did all the Hogwarts School House banners that were hung around the room
and the potions that were the kids centerpieces
The Robinsons made chocolate frogs, and tagged each one with a homemade Great Wizards Trading Card featuring photos of each of the young guests. They sprinkled these around the centerpieces on the kids’ tables.
Mandrake Plant
The crystal ball
Mom Lori read a Dad’s review about EK Productions and MC Evan on Mitzvah Market and immediately hired them! She thought they were great and said Evan entertained and wowed this crowd whether he was doing games with the kids or playing great music.
Zach enjoying!
Evan from EK Productions entertaining the kids
MC Evan and his dancers had everyone dancing the whole time
Some guests enjoying video games during the cocktail hour
Trans -Trade Promotions also did the T-shirt favors with Zach’s logo. They looked exactly like the Hogwarts School Crest.
The front
And the back
Mitzvah Mom Lori has this advice for our readers, “Don’t panic during the home stretch. Remember that you are dealing with professionals and that no one is going to let anything fall through the cracks.”
Check out some highlights from Zach’s Bar Mitzvah below.
Click here to watch this video from shootingstarspro.com
The Robinson family posing with Zachary after he lit all his candles.
For his Bar Mitzvah Project Zach volunteered with the 3 and 4 year olds at the Mt. Kisco Day Care Center. The center provides affordable day care to the Westchester Community.
The following Mitzvah vendors made Zachary’s celebration special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer: Traveler’s Rest 914-941-7744
Florist: Forever in Bloom 914-241-1963
DJ/MC: Evan of EK Productions 718-982-6000
Photographer: Susan Helblock 914- 282-3042
Videographer: Jessica Star www.shootingstarspro.com 631-514-4026
Favors: Trans-Trade Promotions dkramer64@charter.net 203-449-9512/800-509-0038
Party Entertainment/Invitations: Mitzvah Mom Lori
Cake: Traveler’s Rest
Dress for Mom Lori:Nordstrom’s
Suit for boys: Sym’s
Suit for Dad: Ermenegildo Zegna
Hair: The Studio, NYC
Make-Up: Mom Lori did her own!
May 18th, 2011
The Invitation
By Cindy Silvert, www.easybreezygourmet.com
My son told me his friends don’t have e-mail addresses. But that’s just his coded, tortured, rebellious, generation X way of saying “My friends don’t have e-mail addresses.” Read: e-mail is for old people who confuse high internet bills with being cool. To what end? To inform Aunt Bertha that I received her fifteenth crocheted tea warmer? Adults like e-mail because it’s still a letter, written with two hands on a really pretty typewriter. See, I had this “cutting edge” idea to e-mail an animated invitation rather than burdening everybody with more junk mail. One of my “awesome” concepts had the words “TOP SECRET” superimposed on a set of Tefillin, set to the Mission Impossible sound track –oh yes, I’m a “with it” gal.
I’m opposed to the printed invitation for a number of reasons. Reason Number One: The second Seder. As you surely know, I’ve been campaigning against it for years. Not that I need to explain, but in the 21st Century, featuring the clock, the satellite, the ‘world wide web,’ instant messaging, video conferencing and the Dixie cup, we no longer have to rely on the speed and accuracy of smoke signals billowing from the hilltops of Jerusalem to places like Tel Aviv, Haifa and South Beach. Yup, we pretty much know the time.
Just as the second Seder is an anachronistic hanger-on-er (did someone say mother-in-law?), so too, is the printed invitation. “But look everyone, when you add just a drop of water, Harold’s invitation turns into a life size blow up of Al Gore recycling Harold’s invitation!” The other reasons (for my crusade against the printed invite) are, of course, Al Gore, his planet, and stamps.
Perhaps what my son was trying to say was: “For the love of scarred suburban children everywhere, please don’t make my party ‘creative and special,’ again.” Well, if he’s still upset about the time I served that (½ price) Barbie birthday cake, he’ll just have to take it up with his shrink. So here’s the kicker: I’m about to design, order, pay for and stamp a bundle of cellulose for the very people I’m saving the planet for. No, it’s not ironic people, it’s plain stupid, because the gizmo thingie they text on all day can also be used as a phone! So why doesn’t he just call his bloody friends and save me the hassle? You know those crazy things you look back on and laugh about? This isn’t one of them.
About Cindy Silvert
Cindy Lynn Silvert took the long route to the States from Canada via Israel, where she studied, worked and had her first two children. A lover of the Arts, Cindy is a professionally trained actor, prolific artist and writer. She has designed educational software, curricula and museums exhibits in addition to editing two books. She writes for a number of sites including easybreezygourmet.com where she shares culinary secrets, shortcuts and tips. She is also a featured chef and lead contributor of metroimma.com.
Follow Cindy’s new blog Eat Pray Save, right here on MitzvahMarket.com as she challenges the status quo all the way to the Bimah, while planning her son’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah. Eat Pray Save will be the place to get a fresh perspective and a classy, yet fun and affordable solution to the out of control phenomenon of the American Bar Mitzvah.
It’s funny stuff we know you will enjoy!
Share your thoughts by writing to us at Sheri@MitzvahMarket.com.
Catch up on what you missed!
Read Part 1
Read Part 2
Read Part 3
Read Part 4
Read Part 5
Read Part 6
May 18th, 2011
For many of us, the cocktail hour is the most delicious part of any Bar/Bat Mitzvah reception and it’s also the time we fill up!
One of the biggest trends seems to be martini and shooter glasses that are being used as vessels for hors d’oeuvres.
Why not ask your caterer to get creative? Maybe they can customize their food presentation for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah party.
Food must taste good but why can’t it look good too? Check out some of these great ideas!
Think small, think creative, think comfort! We are hungry already…
A creative salad/crudite from Barbra Llewellyn Catering
A hot dog martini from Caplan Miller Events who has worked with caterers at the W Hotel in Austin, Texas
Shrimp shooters already in the cocktail sauce…perfect from Style Me Pretty
Bernard’s Fine Food and Catering offers filet mignon and asparagus
Asian salad with Peking Duck from CuisinEtc
Who won’t love love grilled cheese and tomato shooters from Thomas Catering
May 17th, 2011
On January 22, 2011 the Talarico family from Merrick, New York celebrated their son Ross’s Bar Mitzvah with a Havdalah service at Temple Beth Am in Merrick, New York and a black tie celebration at the East Meadow Jewish Center in East Meadow, New York.
It’s hard to imagine a “hat” theme, but they pulled it off with terrific ideas that we are excited to share!
All party photography was done by Classy Candids and the rest of the vendor information is located at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Mom Marci, brother Drew, Bar Mitzvah boy Ross, sister Paige and Dad Ed.
Mom’s dress was from Eleanor Schain, the boys got their tuxedos at Esquire Tuxedos and Paige’s dress is from 2 Be Seen.
Debbie from AGI Events created Ross’s two sided photo invite with an orange envelope liner.
Information about the celebration was on the front in a gray font and Ross’s picture was on the back
The “Hats Off To Ross” theme was created by Barbara Becker at Dazzling Parties. We love it!
A seating table greeted guests
Adorable small baseball hats depicting the table’s theme told guests where to sit
Each centerpiece showcased things Ross loves in the form of a hat because he is always wearing one!
Ross loves technology so this centerpiece incorporates his love of gadgets like his iPod and his computer
New York City themed centerpiece
Family vacations in Aruba were the theme of this centerpiece
The kids lounge area with posters of Ross and the real Ross giving his thumbs up
Wow Factor created this unique dance floor logo
Ross is “making his entrance” into his reception with the Fantasy Entertainment dancers.
Fantasy Music provided all the entertainment with MC Too Nice and Greg.
The family gathered around MC Too Nice and Gregg
The Talarico Family knows how to party!
Additional entertainment by The Mad Hatter (still with the hat theme!)
Party artist Martin Harding captured all the fun, painting “live” at their celebration
World of Chantilly created a beautiful cake with Ross’s logo.
A Promos USA/The ImageMaker created baseball style hats with Ross’s logo on the front and each young guest’s last name embroidered on the back. They also received draw string bags to put their hats in with Ross’s logo and date printed on it.
Baseball hat favors for all the young guests featured a puffy embroidered logo on the front
Guess whose hat this was? Mitzvah Mom Marci of course!
A great favor for the adults – a flashlight key chain was waiting for them in their cars with Ross’ logo and tag line
Socks with “Wow I had a Ball at Ross’s Bar Mitzvah” from cool-party-favors.com
Tobo Foods was waiting for the guests at the end of the night with a food truck that provided hot chocolate, coffee, soda, bottled water, candy, White Castle burgers, Dunkin Donuts and hot pretzels for the guests to take home with them.
Wonder why Ross has a big smile on his face?
Ross contacted the Remember Us Holocaust Bnai Mitzvah Project and twinned during his service with a boy named Feliks Frenkiel who was killed during the Holocaust. He spoke about this child during his sermon and incorporated him into the service.
He felt strongly that we must remember these children so that not only does it never happen again, but that we realize how lucky we are to have the freedom to practice our religion.
Mitzvah Mom Marci has some advice: “My advice would be to enjoy the process. The night goes by so fast! Take time during the night to look around and take it all in. Also, this is not a time to stand in a corner and re-connect with an aunt you haven’t seen in years! Surround yourself with your close friends and family and enjoy the moment!”
Here is the list of vendors who made Ross’s party special. If you call any, please make sure you tell them that you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: East Meadow Jewish Center 516-483-4205
Music Entertainment: Fantasy Music/MC Too Nice and Greg 516-935-1111
Favors: Hats, Shira at Imagemaker 516-377-0186
Favors: Socks, Cool Party Favors 877-328-6778
Party entertainment: Mad Hatter from Smash Party Entertainment 516-791-000
Flip books: Send in the Clowns 516-354-1010
Money Booth by RC Entertainment 516-771-1950
Photo Favors: Photo favors by The Main Event 718-724-1007
Party Artist: Martin Harding 201-965-3441
Invitations: Debbie at AGI Events 516-374-6867
Cake: World of Chantilly 718-859-1110
Décor/florist: Barbara at Dazzling Parties 516-766-1471
Sign-In book: Dazzling Parties
Food Truck: Tobo Foods 516-623-4624
Dress for Mom: Eleanor Schain 718-444-4253
Dress for daughter: 2 B Seen 516-921-5777
Suits for men: Esquire Tuxedos 516-378-6060
Hair/makeup: Studio NV Salon 516-442-2200/Makeup Marci: Elizabeth Drucker 516-374-4224
Photographer/Videographer: Classy Candids 516-777-3337
Transportation: We Transport 516-349-8200
Dance Floor Logo: Wow Factor 631-897-2556
May 17th, 2011
The Udine Family celebrated David and Matthew’s B’nai Mitzvah on February 19, 2011 at Congregation Kol Tikvah in Parkland, Florida. The reception was held at the Boca Raton Resort and Club later that evening.
We are excited to share their ideas with our Mitzvah Market readers.
All photography was done by Domino Arts Photography.
The rest of the vendor information is at the bottom of the spotlight.
Featured L-R Mom Stacey, Mitzvah boy Matthew, Mitzvah Boy David, Dad Michael (who is the Mayor of Parkland) and sister Lexi.
Below you can get a better look at Mom Stacey’s beautiful hunter green and navy beaded gown that had a low back from Zola Keller and Lexi’s iridescent purple gown from Mona’s Kids Clothing. The guys of the family look great in their matching purple velvet jackets dressed by Jonathan Reed in Coral Springs!
Younger sister Lexi looks adorable twirling in her dress
Not only can you read about the Udine’s celebration, but you can watch this video teaser about their event.
Watch here.
The theme was the “Luxe Life” and with the help of South Miami Event planner Sara Renee Lowell, Mom Stacey created a great club theme with cool white modern lounge furniture and draping.
Guests were greeted by this elegant table flanked by two great pictures of David and Matthew
A great poster of David hung against the white draping. We love how their creative logo incorporated both boys initials
Lucite chiavari chairs and linens called, Holy Moly created this elegant look
The beautiful white draping sectioned off different areas with white spandex on tables and chairs
The silver and black pillows in the lounge area added pop
We love this black and white dance floor
The menu cards elegantly incorporated the logo and you can get a better look at the unusual “Holy Moly” linens from Over The Top Linens
The centerpieces were lucite rods illuminated with LED lights that sat on a square mirror with additional vases and votive candles
A jumbotron was used to show the montage and the candle lighting videos. Instead of a traditional candle lighting ceremony, friends and family were asked to send their video production company a 30 second to 1 minute message for the boys which was edited and played for all the guests to see!
Matthew and David are not too big to be held by their mom
There was lots of dancing at this party for guests of all ages. The entertainers were the Hot Jam Dancers and Samba Dancers. This family really knows how to move!
Sister Lexi, one of the Samba Dancers and Dad Michael strike a pose
Mitzvah Mom Stacey enjoying a moment with son Matthew
No that is not one of the dancers that’s Mitzvah Mom Stacey…you go girl!
Bar Mitzvah boy Matthew and one of the Hot Jam Dancers
Here is another alternative to a Mitzvah cake. The family poses with their candle lighting display.
The Udine family posing with the boys during the candle lighting ceremony
Ready for some dessert? The dessert bar was complete with Stone Cold ice cream mixing stations as well as a full candy bar for the adults and kids.
The desserts were gorgeously displayed on glass blocks and take home bags and boxes were provided for the guests to fill with all the goodies
The boys’ Mitzvah Project was In Jacobs Shoes. It is an organization whose mission is to provide new and gently used shoes, school supplies and athletic equipment to economically disadvantaged youth. It was formed in loving memory of Jacob’s family, who are well respected members of the Udine’s community and temple.
Here is some advice from Mitzvah Mom Stacey:
“I survived the planning by taking one step at a time. I didn’t focus on the entire event. I took baby steps and it really worked. I kept the kids and my husband totally involved and it worked!”
Here is a list of vendors who helped make Matthew and David’s B’nai Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Boca Raton Resort and Club Ivette Savoie 561-445-6399
Party Planner: Sara Renee Lowell 954 326-8426
DJ: Ross at Rock With U Entertainment 954-321-9713
Band: Private Stock 954- 922-5448
Lighting/Jumbotron: Frost Lighting 954-957-8402
Dancers: Hot Jam Dancers 305-496-5899, Samba Dancers
Favors: It’s a Wrap, Olgui Lowell olguiplowell@aol.com 954-600-3397
Invitations: Salutations 561-477-8668
Linens: Over The Top Linens 954-424-4386
Decor/Florist: Lane from Dalsimer Florists 954-418-0608
Photographer: Domino Arts
Hair/Make-up: Steven Galeono 954-825-5873
Mom’s party dress Zola Keller 954-462-3222
Mom’s second dress: A Nose For Close 952-753-0202
Daughter’s Lexi’s Party dress: Mona’s Kids Clothing 954-346-0805
Lexi’s Temple dress: Neiman Marcus
Purple Velvet Jackets: Jonathan Reed in Coral Spring
Photo Favors: South Beach Photobooth Company
May 17th, 2011
Attention all Mitzvah Moms, how easy would it be to plan our child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration if our husband was EJ The DJ?!
This was the case for Mitzvah Mom Maria who is married to Ed Jacobs, EJ The DJ. They celebrated their daughter Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah in January 2010 at The Metropolitan in Glen Cove, New York.
Her adorable theme was “Sarah In The City” and all the details are below!
All photography was done by Ira Rosen and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Brother Joey, Dad Ed, Bat Mitzvah girl Sarah, Mom Maria and brother Ricky with his wife Andrea.
As you will soon see, Sarah loves purple and selected that as the color theme for her party. Her dress was off the rack from Bloomingdales. Here’s Sarah in front of her step and repeat wall
The beautiful invitation, with shades of purple were from AGI Events
Their theme of “Sarah In The City” was carried out through many party elements
NYC signage
Sarah’s logo a take-off of the popular tv show
NYC signs matched the theme
Sarah’s place cards matched perfectly with the theme
Denay from Stefan’s designed the beautiful centerpieces
Of course the musical entertainment was provided by EJ The DJ, with CL as the MC. Sarah makes her entrance!
Friends having fun
The DJ set-up
MC Robin (from EJ The DJ) wrote a special song which was played for the father/daughter dance
A beautiful ice sculpture
Candle Lighting with Mom and Dad
This sign-in book was coordinated to the theme and was created by AGI Events
To entertain the young guests there was a glass blower, hot waxy hands and airbrushing
Guests loved the Wax Hands
Here’s the airbrushing station
The Metropolitan Caterers made a beautiful cake for Sarah
As guests were leaving a candy truck was waiting
Mom Maria has this advice: “Having a husband in the event business for 25 years helps!”
Here is a list of the vendors who made Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Metropolitan
Party Planner/Favors: National Event Connection
Music Entertainment: MC: CL, EJ The DJ Inc.
Party Entertainment: Photo booth, magician, EJ The DJ Inc.
Invitation/Sign-In Book: AGI Events 516-374-6867
Cake: The Metropolitan Caterers
Décor/Florist: Denay at Stefan’s Florists
Custom Video Production: Entrance Video & Montage, EJ The DJ Inc.
Suits for family members: Marshs, Huntington
Hair/makeup: T.Carlton’s Salon
Transportation: Bus, Starlight Limo Services
Photographer: Ira Rosen
Videographer: Penny Lane Productions
Coffee Truck: National Event Connection
Creative Song Written for Father/Daughter Dance: MC Robin
May 15th, 2011
By Bonne Marcus
As a proud MItzvah Mom you will want your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah to be one he/she will remember with fond memories always. Creating the perfect photo opportunity in a fabulous Bar/Bat Mitzvah dress is one way to do it.
Are you planning to wear a halter, tank top, spaghetti strap, or strapless gown, but your arms and shoulders aren’t looking anything like you’d really like them to?
Here are a few of my favorite arm and shoulder exercises to help you tighten and tone your arms for the big day.
While the actual ceremony calls for a suitable covering, you will have the chance to show off your beautiful arms and sexy shoulders at the party afterwards.
Do the following four arms exercises in a circuit. Repeat 2-3 times.
Triceps Extensions with a Resistance Band
Position yourself on your knees with a resistance band under your shins as pictured.
Hold the band in both hands and raise your arms above your head, biceps aligned next to your ears.
Bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle behind your head and then fully extend the arms without locking your elbows. Repeat 30 times or until the arms are fatigued.
Biceps Curl with a Resistance Band
In a seated position with your knees bent, wrap the resistance band around the tops of your feet as pictured. Lean slightly back with your arms extended, palms facing up.
Curl both arms toward your shoulders. Repeat 30 times or until arms are fatigued.
Alternating Triceps Press to Extensions
Lie down on your back with your knees bent, arms extended as pictured. (Photo A)
Bring the right elbow to the floor and as you extend the right arm up, simultaneously lower the left elbow to the floor. Repeat 30 times.
On the last repetition extend both arms to the start position (see photo A) and then bend both arms at the elbow bringing the weights close to the floor on opposite side of your head next to your ears. Straighten the arms, making sure to keep the upper arm and elbow stationary throughout the movement.
Static Biceps Curl
Standing with knees slightly bent you will hold one arm at a 90 degrees as pictured.
While one arm curls the dumbbell the other arm remains in a static hold. Do 5 reps and switch arms 4 times.
SEXY SHOULDERS
Do the following 3 exercises in a circuit. Repeat 2-3 times
“L” Raises
Stand with the right arm by the side and the left arm in front of the thigh as pictured.
Raise both arms to create the letter “L”. Repeat 20 times and switch side.
“V” Press
Hold weights just above your shoulders as pictured.
Press the arms up and out slightly, so that at the top of the motion your arms create the letter “V”.
Bent over “T” Raises
Stand with feet aligned beneath your hips, bend your knees slightly and fold your upper body forward allowing your arms to hang straight down as pictured.
Raise your arms parallel to the floor to create the letter “T” and lower to start position. Repeat 20 times.
To get optimum results, work your arms and shoulders twice each week. After each workout, allow at least 48 hours for proper recovery.
Keep in mind you cannot spot-reduce an area. The emphasis should be on the entire body. Diet plays an important part. If you work the arms and don’t see the results you desire look at what you’re eating. Also, you will need to push yourself a little. If you want to tone and shape your arms you have to use heavier weights. NO! You are NOT going to get bulky. That’s a myth that just keeps women from getting strong. When you’re training efficiently, your last reps should feel really hard, and you should not be able to do another without compromising proper form. And finally, remember that toning the muscle is only part of the battle; if your muscles are camouflaged by a layer of body fat, make sure you are doing cardio exercise to burn fat so your newly sleek muscles will show.
About Bonne Marcus
A sought after fitness expert, Bonne Marcus is a columnist for Village Connection Magazine. She is the author of The Complete Bride’s Workout Guide (New Page Books), and has written/contributed to many national magazines including Modern Bride, Bride’s, Bridal Guide, Self, Shape, Marie Claire, Family Circle, Prevention, and Fitness magazines. Marcus is the creator of three special training programs, one for brides, appropriately titled “Fit To Be Tied”, and one for moms-to-be, “Fit To be Mommy” and her latest program the “Mitzvah Mom Makeover.”
2011 marks 25 years that Bonne has worked in the fitness industry and has taught for New York City’s top health clubs including Crunch, Reebok Sports Club, the JCC of Manhattan and Equinox. Bonne is married, living on Long Island and can be found leading classes in everything from sculpting and spin to fat burning and fusion.
Have a question or want to train with Bonne? Email her at BonneMarcus@gmail.com.
May 15th, 2011
Crop Tops & Burnout Dolmans are all the rage this spring & summer according to APromosUSA /The ImageMaker in Freeport, New York.
For kids who are looking to do the non-traditional wearables in Bar & Bat Mitzvah Favors, these new items really stand out from the rest.
Burnout Dolmans are not only trendy, they work for just about every body shape. Designed to be oversized on the top and stomach, and narrower around the hips, these tops really are a crowd pleaser. Layer them with a sugar lips tank underneath and personalize with your custom bar or bat mitzvah logo for a perfect fit!
American Apparel crop tops are also a favorite this spring with Moms finally getting onboard with this re-emerging trend. Parents are realizing that crop tops of 2011 are not the same as crop tops from the 90’s. Kids aren’t looking to show their stomach off, instead, it’s the exact opposite…they’re looking to layer the crop top over a tight tank top for a mixed match look. Both the crop tops and the burnout dolman shirts can be worn off the shoulder for that 80’s look and feel.
If you’re looking for what’s the latest and greatest in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah party favor world, check out these trendy tops as giveaways for your child’s upcoming celebration.
To learn more visit the extended profile page for the ImageMaker.
