February 28th, 2010
By Leslie Adler, www.thevuvclub.com
Say Yes To The Dress
For most women, dress shopping evokes pleasant thoughts…
But I am not most women.
I like fleece..as in sweatshirts.
Me and poofy dresses, makeup and all things girlie, like learning “fancies” when you played jacks at sleepaway camp…..never had a very good relationship.
Sydney, however, my beautiful Bat Mitzvah girl, has quite the feminine side. Despite her incredible athleticism, she loves “dress up” and has made it clear that we cannot wear warm up suits to her party….so we hit the dress stores.
We had a mental list of places we thought would work for us and we approached the process like an Olympic event. The “qualifying round” in the search for Sydney’s dress was a “just looking” event where we got a sense of what style of dress she preferred. This allowed me to come to grips with my daughter the jock who can also be “my daughter the princess.”
Then we went on to the medal rounds.
And I have to say, dress shopping wasn’t the scary experience I anticipated…except for the time, I reacted to a dress by telling Sydney she looked like a tiered cake.
“That’ s terrible, mom,” she said.
“Why?” I replied, “I like cake…”
No big deal…I recovered because the cake dress, wasn’t “the one”….
Trust me, you’ll know when it’s “the one.”
‘Cause one day, when we were actually in “buying mode,” and the stars were aligned and Aunt Lori, our “fashion icon” was along for the ride — it happened. During our first stop which was Mieka, I found “the dress.” The one where daughter and sister said, “That’s it.”
One hour later, in “It’s Simply For You,” after 4 or 5 things that were “nice,” Sydney put on the gown that made us tear up…..the one where Mom and Aunt said in unison, “Say yes to the dress.”
And we did.
Till next time.
About Leslie Adler
Leslie Adler is a mother, lawyer and creator of www.thevuvclub.com and shares her witty thoughts on the many roles women play in their everyday lives. Leslie also combines her legal skills and friendship experience as presiding judge of Momlogic’s “The Friendship Court.”
We hope you will follow along as this Mitzvah Mom updates us on all the highs and lows leading up to her daughter’s May 2010 Bat Mitzvah. Everything from conflicts with other children’s dates to the dress, catering and other Vendor drama. Leslie will bring humor to this exciting yet stressful time for many families.
Read Part 1 here.
Read Part 2 here.
Read Part 3 here.
Read Part 4 here.
Read Part 5 here.
February 21st, 2010
By Leslie Adler, www.thevuvclub.com
I realized as I am writing this fifth column in a series called “Trials and Tribulations….” that the title itself implies, even means, a “test of one’s patience and endurance” and I wondered aloud if this is a good way to characterize what a Mitzvah Planning Parent goes through during the planning process . I thought and I pondered and then I answered aloud in a clear and concise voice, “Yes it is!”
I am not “down on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah.” I loved making the first one, I love attending them (so keep those invites coming) and I can’t wait for Sydney’s big day. I know I will have it all under control and in perspective….but my friends, I would be remiss if I didn’t write a “Trials and Tribulations” column on the things people say or do, inadvertently or purposefully, that cause us planning Moms some undue stress….some undue “trials and tribulations.” Here are some fine examples:
“Your party is in December? What will you do if it snows?”
How is this helpful people? A bunch of the months of the year come with the potential for bad weather, should we just eliminate them from the Temple’s calendar? This is one of those things where “it is what it is” and it just aint helpful when you ask the snow question.”
“Oh, you signed Monty the Music Man?” I just went to a party and he was the deejay and no one was dancing.”
Okay, breathe….inhale, exhale….maybe the party was full of losers, maybe Monty had a bad day, maybe the person making the comment is just too stupid to live. Remind yourself you liked Monty when you gave him that big fat deposit and all will be good.
“You were at the Schwartz party? I heard it wasn’t that good?”
Yes, I was there and it was the most beautiful, extravagant, well-planned party I was ever at. Who would say a negative thing about it? And if you heard negative press about a party that nice, what will you say about mine that cost 1/5th as much? Note to self….take this person off list.
“Your party is at Mitzvah Manor? I was just there. No one manned the coat room and no one was there to give out sweatshirts.”
Thank you…now perhaps I will just go and kill myself. Okay, maybe this will prompt me to absolutely make sure this doesn’t happen during my party, but the words went right to my stomach causing a nagging ache. Yuk!
No more examples. I think we all got the point. I’m just sayin’….maybe the one Mitzvah Project we can all do is to refrain from critical comments unless asked direct questions by friends we know are seeking our constructive advice…and even then, maybe we can all be a little conscious of how we deliver the message. Remember what it feels like or imagine what it will feel like when you are the planning Mom.
Till next time…
About Leslie Adler
Leslie Adler is a mother, lawyer and creator of www.thevuvclub.com and shares her witty thoughts on the many roles women play in their everyday lives. Leslie also combines her legal skills and friendship experience as presiding judge of Momlogic’s “The Friendship Court.”
We hope you will follow along as this Mitzvah Mom updates us on all the highs and lows leading up to her daughter’s May 2010 Bat Mitzvah. Everything from conflicts with other children’s dates to the dress, catering and other Vendor drama. Leslie will bring humor to this exciting yet stressful time for many families.
Read Part 1 here.
Read Part 2 here.
Read Part 3 here.
Read Part 4 here.
February 21st, 2010
The ladies at Artistic Displays have created the BBM (Bar/Bat Mitzvah) Survival Kit to help keep your planning on track.
This kit has the essential items to make your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah complete.
From the labels for the water bottles, to the sign-in book and placecards, everything you need is coordinated and done by one company for a less stressful process!
Personalized photo placecards
Labels for the water bottles
Canvas covered sign-in books that last forever!
Personalized labels for giveaways
They can also create your young guests favors whether it’s a wearable or something else unique. Your child’s theme or even their favorite thing can be customized within your kit to make it their own.
Each kit is custom for each child, so pricing will vary. Please call Lori Zaransky, 917-642-6275 or Michelle Stark, 917-375-4774 to learn more.
February 21st, 2010
Here’s a unique and clever idea with a dual purpose!
The Giant Fortune Cookie will bring some “good fortune” in addition to a BIG Mazel Tov to your event!
They can be used as a centerpiece and can be customized with colored sprinkles and a personalized giant fortune inside. You can even put a picture on the part that bends in the middle. Guests can have fun afterwards breaking pieces off the cookie and eating it.
Giant Gourmet Fortune Cookies are baked fresh and made-to-order. A delicious vanilla cookie recipe is used for this delicious treat. Confectionery Artisans hand-dip each cookie in your choice of dip, choose from belgian callebaut® couverture chocolates in milk, dark or white or rich golden caramel or yummy guittard confections in peanut butter or strawberry.
Each cookie is decorated with adorable hand crafted royal icing (sugar) decorations. Pink (or blue) and white stars of David, Doves, and Menorahs and pink (or blue) and white sprinkles adorn these festive cookies.
Your personalized message goes on the 1-ft long fortune inside the cookie
Each cookie is 6.5″ X 6.5″ X 6″
These cookies are made with Kosher-certified ingredients. The company is pending Kosher certification.
Pricing for each cookie is $29.95 plus shipping and tax. They are all hand-folded and formed, so the finish size varies slightly. The cookies weigh anywhere from 10 oz. to over 1 lb. depending on how they are dipped and decorated.
For more other unique favor ideas, contact Lisa Chalker at Family Affairs Distributing Inc. or visit her extended Vendor Directory profile page.
February 18th, 2010
Our Mitzvah Family Spotlight’s are very popular with our readers. Everyone loves looking at how other families celebrated their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
We thought it might also be fun to look back and remember how milestone events were celebrated over 30 years ago.
It’s always fun looking back and remembering when….
Mitzvah Grandma Linda saved all the receipts from her son Gary’s Bar Mitzvah. She has shared some photos and pricing (!) from 1979.
Dad Alan, Bar Mitzvah boy Gary, Mom Linda and his brother David.
This party was held at the Sands at Lido Beach using Jem Caterers. The bill shows $26.00 a head! They used Dalsimer Florists & Event Decorators (who are still in business today) for all their centerpieces and decor. Centerpieces with sports motif were on all the kids tables and were $45.00 a piece
Floral centerpieces were on the adult tables and were $50.00 a piece and they paid extra for the navy ultra suede tablecloths!
A candy cart with balloons for the kids was provided by Dalsimer at no extra charge
Just like today, Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s back then had beautiful cakes and a candlelighting ceremony. Gary and his Grandma Miriam during his candle lighting ceremony
They also had sign-in boards back then. This blow-up cost $8.41!
Instead of video montages, back then Mitzvah Moms created picture montages like the one above
In 1979 it was common to have a band, as opposed to a DJ for your musical entertainment. The Ken Michaels Orchestra, with six musicians performed for $780.00
The total cost for Gary’s invitations was $305.00 from Elite Personalized Creations, Inc.
A big thanks to Linda for saving all her receipts! I wonder what Bar and Bat Mitzvahs will look like 30 years from now!
February 16th, 2010
Hi All,
The Reisman Family had a rockin’ Friday night service and party, January 2010, at the Inn At New Hyde Park in New Hyde Park, N.Y. for their daughter Devon’s Bat Mitzvah.
We want to thank the Reismans for sharing their photos and ideas with Mitzvah Market. A reminder that all Vendor information is at the bottom of this story.
All event photography was done by Jack Katz. Pictured L-R: Gary, Bat Mitzvah girl Devon, Donna and Jonathan Reisman.
The Reismans used color as their theme. Bat Mitzvah girl Devon’s beautiful turquoise dress was an Alyce Designs from Outrageous Boutique and Mitzvah Mom Donna’s vibrant purple gown was from Tallulah in Woodbury.
Devon saw a girl on television with her coloring, wearing a turquoise dress and decided she would try to find something similar for her Bat Mitzvah look
Atlas Florist transformed the room using “tree branch” centerpieces covered in faux snow for a winter wonderland feel.
Devon’s beautiful invitations were done by Darlene Barzilay, who can be reached by email at: notesetc1@verizon.net or by phone at 516-681-4602. It featured a folded cover design in smooth black rubber paper enhanced by a layer of lavender shimmer paper. Devon’s name was lazer cut so you could see the black paper underneath. The invitation itself featured a lavender paper with everything printed in black ink.
The Reismans used Entertainment Tonite with Carl as the MC. This group really got the crowd going.
The ET staff with Bat Mitzvah girl Devon
The guests hardly ever left the dance floor!
Devon surprised her guests by performing a special dance number with one of the ET dancers that she had rehearsed for weeks!
Devon and her Dad Gary share a special dance
Devon’s cake was a creation by TLC’s Cake Boss. It had 5 layers with 3 different flavors and was covered with edible creations that were all Devon’s favorites.
Devon’s young adult favors were sweatshirts created by And That. The girls version is pictured below and the boys received the same thing in blue.
Jonathan, Devon’s brother is an amazing artist and painted this picture of Devon as a young child. This painting was on display near her sign-in book.
Painting of Devon as a young girl
Devon’s friends presented her with special hand-made gifts.
Devon’s BFF Sydney presents her with a special scrapbook filled with photos from their years together as friends
The following Mitzvah Vendors worked with the Reismans to make Devon’s celebration special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their product or service on Mitzvah Market.
Venue: The Inn At New Hyde Park
Tutor/Service: Joel Cohen at Door To Door Tutoring
Florist/Decor: Sheila Ginesin at Atlas Florist
Entertainment: Carl Guilbaud at Entertainment Tonite
Photographer: Jack Katz 917-885-1824
Invitation: Darlene Barzilay 516-681-4602
Favors: And That 516-364-9222
Photography Decor: Stephen Strutt at Stephen Andrews Photo
Mom’s Dress: Tallulah’s in Woodbury – 516-367-8010
Devon’s Dress: Outrageous Boutique
Hair/Make-up: The Salon At 230 West 516-921-2017
Cake: Buddy at Cake Boss
February 10th, 2010
This Mitzvah Find is VERY clever and will have your guests doing a double take!
Have you seen Candy Sushi from Primetime Games & Events Inc.?
It is all hand-made with a variety of ingredients ranging from rice krispy treats to an assortment of candy including gummy worms and fruit roll-ups.
The Candy Sushi staff will produce 100 pieces (rolls and sashimi) on site prior to the start of the your event and will continue to create more as the event goes on.
Guests can “grab and go” with a pre-created piece or may create their own and have their roll packaged in a “to go” box.
They also customize rolls featuring the names of the guest of honor and their immediate family. For example, “The Rosen Roll” or “Jared’s Yummy Gummy Roll.”
Their display comes with Asian influenced table decor, chop sticks and faux sabi (candy wasabi).
For more information and pricing, contact Matt Toubin at Primetime Games & Events Inc. 845-535-3099.
February 8th, 2010
Your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah is a week away and you think you have thought of everything….then you realize you need a ladies room basket!
Many Mitzvah Moms take care of this “to-do” item themselves by using a basket they might have at home and hitting the store. We thought we would provide a list of common items that are used in the basket. We hope this shopping list makes it easier for you to cross this off your list!
Alka Seltzer Mints/Gum
Aspirin & Tylenol Mouth Wash Spray
Hair Spray Emery Boards
Tampons & Panty Shields Hair Comb, Pick & Small Brush
Sewing Kit Bobby Pins
Clear Nail Polish Safety Pins
Visine Band-Aids
Spray Deodorant Hand/Body Lotion
February 7th, 2010
We Can House Your Towns Mitzvah Lists!
To avoid conflicts and to just keep organized, some towns have a Mitzvah Mom who volunteers to keep track of all the children’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah dates.
We are happy to announce that those excel lists can now be stored on MitzvahMarket.com (free of charge) using a secure password for privacy. Please get in touch with us at info@MitzvahMarket.com if you are interested in learning more.
February 7th, 2010
By Leslie Adler, www.thevuvclub.com
The List
The dreaded list….’cause at some point in the life of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah planning Mom, there comes a time when ya gotta make “the list.”
Should be easy, right? Well yes, as it pertains to the 90 something percent of the list that you are 100 percent sure about…and then there is that other little percent that causes you to have little debates in your head….and with your spouse and with your child.
No matter what the size of the venue or the party is, there will be questions about who belongs on your list and though I know this is supposed to be about “my trials and tribulations,” as it pertains to “the list,” I would rather give you a sampling of the questions I have heard not only in my own mind but from the mouths of other Mitzvah planning moms who have admitted to obsessing over “the list.”
Here goes….
Who should be on “the list?” Every child in your kid’s grade? Whether they are friends or not? “How come when they were six years old and you made a bowling party for 12 dollars a kid it was okay to invite 20 of their closest friends and now at exponentially higher prices there is an expectation of inviting the grade to your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah?“
And what are the guidelines for adults in your life? What about your “office people” who really don’t know the child? Is this the appropriate forum for them?
Should you invite people to this event that you would not otherwise buy dinner for? What if they are not your social friends but they had something to do with your child’s life? A coach? A teacher?
What about the couple that will feel left out because they are friends with so many of your guests but really are on the fringe for you?
How many of the grandparent’s friends should be invited? Only the one’s that know your kid? Do they really want to come or do they see the invite as an invitation to write a check?
Petty questions? I don’t think so! No matter what size the budget, what size the list there will always be some question as to whether you got the list completely right. If you don’t believe me, ask a friend who already made a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
So it’s time for me to create mine…“The List,” that is. I’m beginning with the list from 3 years ago, happy that most friends are still friends, happy to add new friends and already agonizing over some deletions and the fear of leaving anyone out that should be on there. Oy!
Till next time…
About Leslie Adler
Leslie Adler is a mother, lawyer and creator of www.thevuvclub.com and shares her witty thoughts on the many roles women play in their everyday lives. Leslie also combines her legal skills and friendship experience as presiding judge of Momlogic’s “The Friendship Court.”
We hope you will follow along as this Mitzvah Mom updates us on all the highs and lows leading up to her daughter’s May 2010 Bat Mitzvah. Everything from conflicts with other children’s dates to the dress, catering and other Vendor drama. Leslie will bring humor to this exciting yet stressful time for many families.
Read Part 1 here.
Read Part 2 here.
Read Part 3 here.
