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.
September 25th, 2009
Good Looking Decor
If your daughter is a budding fashionista, emerging clothing designer or simply a “girlie girl,” then she might like the style of these adorable decor items created by Party Art in North Caldwell, NJ. Party Art is a full-service party planning company that not only coordinates your entire party but we also custom design and create all of your party decor – everything from placecards to party favors. Check out some of their samples here…
We love it!
On each “boutique” there are small individual dresses hanging on tiny hangers. Each one serves as a place card.
This ladies’ room amenities basket carried out the theme of the affair
Like what you see? Feel free to contact the talented Party Art team by phone (973-228-3822) or email partyart4you@aol.com. Tell them the Mitzvah Market sent you!
September 25th, 2009
Don’t have access to a Hollywood stylist? Do not worry! We’d like to introduce you to sylist and designer Melony Mazzeo.
Listening to Melony Mazzeo of East Williston, NY, tell her story is like taking a walk down fashion’s memory lane. She has had her hand in many trends over the years – from oversized earrings in the 80s to embellished sweater sets in the 90s. But in the last decade, Melony has found her real calling – designing gowns, dresses, jackets, tops and other women’s apparel.
After selling her unique gowns under her label “Melony New York” in different upscale boutiques, Melony decided to switch gears. She removed all of her gowns from the stores and created her own custom showroom in her home. By allowing clients to shop in her showroom, she removed the middle-man retailer and has created a win/win for her and her fans.
Example of a Melony creation!
“I ultimately save my clients a lot of time and money,” Melony says. “When they are in my showroom, I can really work with them to find that dress.” Melony also says she enjoys collaborating with her clients. “If they don’t like a certain strap, well then, we take care of that right there and then,” she says.
If you are in the market for a dress, whether you are going to be the hostess, a guest or the guest of honor, be sure and give Melony a call at 516-742-4679. She sees clients by appointment, so call for her availability. Tell her Mitzvah Moms sent you! Melony will open her home and her heart to help you find the perfect dress for your occassion.
See more photos of Melony’s dresses and her showroom on our blog.
September 25th, 2009
Let’s Hear it for the Boys
Boys’ fashion choices are often few and far between. If you have a son and a daughter, you know first-hand that the boys’ section of any department store is a fraction of the size of the girls’ section. And when it comes time to do the Mitzvah circuit, your son ends up wearing the same shirts over and over to his friends’ Mitzvahs. At least this is what Jami Leen Weisman and Andrea Brody Gillman of CUT By 2 Blondes found. They decided to do something about it.
“We have four sons between us, and we got tired of them going to an event and seeing half the boys there wearing the same striped shirt,” Jami says. “So we thought we’d do something about it.” And they did. About a year and a half ago, they created CUT By 2 Blondes, a company that creates cool, hip, button-down shirts for boys. Their “big CUT” line carries shirts in sizes 8 to 22, and their “little CUT” shirts are sizes 2 to 8. The shirts start at $65 for the little CUT and $85 for the big CUT. Both lines are carried in boutiques and stores around the country, including Lester’s.
A Cut By 2 Blondes creation!
In addition to making “effortless, comfortable, cool and hip” shirts for boys, they also will design and create a completely custom and one-of-a-kind shirt for a special occasion, such as a Bar Mitzvah. With as little as six week’s notice, the two blondes can work with a young man to create a shirt that fits him – in size and personality – to help make his special day even more special.
To find out more about CUT By 2 Blondes, be sure and visit their Website.
September 25th, 2009
We want to thank a Mitzvah Market Mail reader for writing in to let us know about another worthwhile consignment store. Since we wrote about Jade Formals based in Roslyn, NY, and Best Dressed Secret in Livingston, NJ, we wanted to mention MINT. According to our reader, MINT is a consignment store in Greenwhich, CT, which specializes in clothing for teen girls. If you live in the area, be sure and check it out. You can also visit their Website.
September 25th, 2009
We want to thank Sheryl April of Livingston, NJ, for writing to us in response to our story on the consignment store Jade Formals. The article caught Sheryl’s eye because about a month ago, she started a children’s consignment store in her hometown. Sheryl came up with the concept because her daughter Marni was going to two or three Bar/Bat Mitzvahs a weekend, and Sheryl wanted to find a store where she could resell all the dresses Marni wore. Since Sheryl couldn’t find an appropriate consignment store, she started one and named it Best Dressed Secret. (We love a true problem solver!) To learn more about Sheryl’s store, call her at 973-992-0035 or email her at MASBSiegel@aol.com.
www.bestdressedsecret.com
