April 9th, 2011
Today’s Mitzvah Inspire comes to us from Person + Killian Photography located in Boston. Along with the innovative event planning company of Rafanelli Events. Their name could sound familiar, they did a little wedding for someone named Chelsea Clinton!
The reception took place at the Ritz-Carlton in Boston. The second floor was transformed into Bat Mitzvah girl Zoe’s favorite vacation destination, Cannes, France.
Seating cards hung from branches of a tree
Beautiful balls of light hung over guests tables
Cabana style curtains surround tables
Stunning floral table arrangement by Spruce Florals
Cotton Candy was given out to guests
The Bat Mitzvah girl and her guests were treated to a performance by “Status Quo” from MTV’s “Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew“
Thank you to Person + Killian Photography for sharing these photos with us. Looks like a great party!
April 9th, 2011
Digital media is such a big part of our daily lives, so it only seems natural that a Mitzvah vendor would produce a sign-in board keepsake in digital form!
After two years of experimenting with various touch screen technologies, Simon Elliot Events has brought the sign in board/book concept into the 21st century with the iSign. We asked them a few questions to learn more:
MM: Please describe this innovative and fun way to capture well wishes from friends and family.
SEE: At the heart of iSign is a modified ipad which is combined with our proprietary software to capture digital signatures using a stylus. The experience begins with a blank digital canvas. Your guests choose from custom backgrounds that are designed to correspond with the different groups of friends and family that will be present at your affair.
Guests use a stylus to write their wishes on a iPad
Young guests love using the iPad!
Typical backgrounds might include a camp scene for camp friends featuring their camp logo, or the school mascot for school friends. Once a background is chosen your guests select a digital ink color and begin writing their message. Finished messages are captured as a digital snapshot which is later used to create your iSign keepsake book.
MM: What is the keepsake book?
SEE: Every iSign package includes a hardcover keepsake book featuring all of the digital signatures captured during the party. The cover and page backgrounds are tailored to match the theme of the affair. The package also includes a disc containing all of the messages in digital format for upload to the web or emailing friends and family.
After your celebration, you will receive a custom book complete with all your guests special messages
MM: How do guests know how to use the iSign?
SEE: The iSign kiosk is sure to catch your guest’s attention. The iPad rests in a custom podium and is tethered to a large screen that displays your guests every stroke as its made for all to see. The entire kiosk can be graphically enhanced to match the theme and color scheme of your affair. For a recent basketball theme the podium was turned into a basketball and the large screen into a backboard.
Work hand in hand with the Simon Elliot design staff to create an iSign look to match your theme
MM: Do you provide staff for the iSign?
SEE: This might seem a little complicated but not to worry, a Simon Elliot staff member is on site for the entire party to assist your guests with their messages. Optionally the attendant can snap a portrait of your smiling guests that will be featured next to their message in the iSign book, put a face with the name!
This iSign was customized for Skylar’s “Sky Z100” theme
For more information about the iSign, call Simon Elliot Events at 516-586-6822 and visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 6th, 2011
As you know, most trends begin with our favorite celebrities and according to People magazine, there’s a hole new spin on Donuts!
Move over cupcakes, donuts are appearing with bacon toppings, new flavors and shapes.
Bakeries are reinventing this classic treat and you might see some stacked at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah near you soon!
Here’s the scoop:
NYC’s Doughnut Plant was taste tested by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa. They ate the square shaped donuts filled with blackberry jam.
Doughnut Plant
Chicago’s Bleeding Heart Bakery have ingredients in their donuts like avocado, candied rose petals and wasabi peas. American Idol alum Crystal Bowersox is a fan.
The menu at Bleeding Heart Bakery include cinnamon donuts spirnked with coffee beans and sweet potato topped with cream cheese glaze
Voodoo Doughnuts is known to have “nonconformist” flavors at their locations in Portland Oregon.
This M&M topped donut looks like a sugary treat!
Randy’s Donuts is located in LA and was used in a scene for Iron Man 2.
They charge $8.95 per dozen and offer overnight shipping
Rihanna is a fan of a dessert called the Carnival, offered at NYC’s nightspot Abe & Arthur’s.
This dessert treat features ricotta donuts
Thanks People! Now we got the “hole” scoop on donuts.
April 6th, 2011
This Mitzvah Inspire comes from Pink House Productions.
As you can guess, the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name is Jennie and her initials are JB = theme “Jennie From The Block!”
This fun celebration was mostly for kids with a few close adult friends and family members.
Take a look at these pictures and see how this theme and white + pink + green were incorporated into this evening celebration:
Jennie From The Block signage made this Bat Mitzvah girl feel bonded to JLo!
The above sign-in chair is ready for Jennie’s friend’s sentiments
The sign-in chair is filling up and is now being used as a desk chair in Jennie’s bedroom
The pink seating cards used the same matching paper as her invites
A delicious and colorful cake!
For more information about Pink House Productions, visit their Website.
April 2nd, 2011
Let’s face it, we eat so much at these Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, do we really need dessert?
Many venues offer terrific dessert buffets and some even have beautiful, plentiful candy bars making the need for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah cake unnecessary.
But for the traditional candle lighting ceremony, some families want to have a formal cake so guests can light candles. Recently, a few readers have been asking us about alternatives, so we did some research and have come up many options, minus the formal cake!
See all that we found below:
From the Berger Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight, beautiful floating candles
Jeffrey Klein of East 7th Street Promotions used picture cubes. To see more click here
For a skateboarding theme from Eventful Productions
Also from Eventful Productions, cleverly using campbell soup cans for an “Andy Warhol” themed Bat Mitzvah
This Bar Mitzvah boy loves the piano and his candle lighting ceremony resembled keys of a piano from John Canning Fine Art Photography
In this cooking candle lighting, guests all place an ingredient into a bowl. To see the results, check out this Mitzvah Inspire
For this candle lighting ceremony, each special guest was invited to come up and receive an “Emmy” (Emily’s nickname). To see more, visit the Alexander Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight
A Broadway themed candle lighting from Confetti Events
From Z Event Group is this Avatar themed party. Instead of a cake they did a giant cupcake surrounded by smaller cupcakes as candle holders
From the Adler Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight, this cake from Sweet Candy Cakes is actually made from candy bars and can be taken apart and given to guests
A selection of different sized round candles were used for the Nussbaum Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight
From Fos Decor Center, here is a more formal look with candles in beautiful holders
Simon Elliot Events produced a City Scape light up skyline for the Brett Mitzvah Family Spotlight.
As each guest came up, a different building was illuminated
Ribbon Box Events brought to life this Mardi Gras theme with this candle lighting display
This Rock n Roll themed Bar Mitzvah used a candle lighting display from Balloon Artistry
From Etsy’s Name With Flame, your name can hang in your room after your celebration!
Did you have an unusual candle lighting display? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
April 2nd, 2011
For Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, NY Party Works offers different photo systems such as photos booths, virtual backgrounds, holographic flip photos, super-imposed photos, Pop Noggins and music videos. They can also supply your event with arcade video games, pinball machines, game tables and large simulators.
Spice up your photo favors by turning them into a 110 piece jigsaw puzzle!
NY Party Works can do this with a regular digital photo or one of their virtual backgrounds. They can even custom design a background for you.
An example of a puzzle photo
Your guests will receive their puzzle pieces in a collapsible box and will get a photo of the background included so you can put the pieces back together!
For more information, contact NY Party Works. Read more about them by visiting their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
March 30th, 2011
By Keren Gilbert MS RD, www.decisionnutrition.com
Wouldn’t it be nice if on your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah day you could throw your Spanx out the window and look svelte and beautiful in your dress? You can!
You just have to commit to eating the right foods and you can attain your weight loss goals. I have listed 7 of my favorite foods to add to your diet that have been proven to shrink your tummy and that you can start incorporating into your life- TODAY!
1. CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds are an amazing belly flattening food. In fact, it is the staple of my nutrition practice because I believe it is the top super food that you should add to your diet regime starting now. Once a sacred food to the Aztecs, the benefits of these little black seeds are amazing. They are the highest natural source of omega -3s, which is proven to lower fattening stress hormones like cortisol. In addition, they are rich in antioxidants, minerals, fiber and protein. Sprinkle on salads, or veggies. You can mix them in yogurt, oatmeal or shakes. I recommend about 1-2 tablespoons per day. (See recipe at bottom of story).
2. ORANGES
When you replace refined sugars (like those found in white pasta or white rice) with carbs from fruits; your belly will reap the benefits.
Oranges are on top of that list due to its high levels of antioxidants like Vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Plus, fiber in the form of pectin helps you stay full longer and fend off the belly fat.
3. OATMEAL
Oatmeal contains soluble fiber so that it attracts water and stays in your stomach longer. This also helps reduce blood cholesterol by flushing those bad digestive acids out of your system.
The most beneficial oatmeal to eat is unsweetened because the sweetened oatmeal has all sorts of sugars that cancel out its health benefits. A bowl of unsweetened oatmeal with some berries and your belly will have a good day.
4. ALMONDS
These nuts are high in monounsaturated fats, and rich in the minerals magnesium and selenium, all of which have been shown to be important to support adrenal function and boost metabolism. In addition, they keep you satisfied and full for a long time.
Be cautious of salted or smoked nuts which contain a lot of sodium which cancels out the benefits since it bloats! A handful of raw almonds a day will keep the belly fat away.
5. BEANS
“Bean, beans they’re good for your heart, the more you eat the FLATTER YOUR MIDDLE PART!” Didn’t think I would say that but it’s true.
They are a low calorie food rich in protein, fiber, and iron – nutrients that contribute to a trimmer you. Try Lima, navy or white beans. Just stay away from refried since they contain a lot of saturated fat.
6. BROCCOLI
A highly nutritious green veggie that is high in fiber and packed with vitamins and minerals. It is also high in enzymes that assist in digestion and metabolism.
7. ALMOND MILK
A great alternative to milk and it contains belly flattening ingredients as well. For one, it does not have any lactose in it which makes it easier to digest.
It contains a lot of Vitamin E which aids in detoxification. In addition, it has 1.5 grams of monounsaturated fatty acids, the good fat which helps burn fat around the abdomen.
RECIPE
Start your day off with a SEXY STOMACH SHAKE!
Many of us forgo breakfast and don’t put a morsel of food in our bodies until lunch. That is doing yourself a big disservice especially if you want the pounds on the scale to decrease! Your metabolism slows down during this period of “starvation” because your body wants to conserve energy and burn only what is necessary until food becomes available. Drink this shake first thing in the morning, rev up your metabolism and start the day off right!
SHAKE
1 large peeled orange
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 cup vanilla almond milk
1 banana (frozen)
1 teaspoon Agave Nectar
Combine all the ingredients in a blender until smooth and serve.
Congratulations on your child’s upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah and remember to always be healthy and live decisively!
About Keren Gilbert
Keren is a nutritionist and the Founder and President of Decision Nutrition™, a nutrition consulting firm in Great Neck, NY and Roslyn, New York. Keren has counseled patients for years with experience in both the clinical and private settings. She has counseled patients with a variety of nutrition related issues including obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, pre natal, pregnancy, and digestive issues.
Through her many years of counseling, Keren realized her true passion is to awaken her clients on how to make their “decision” to live their most healthy life through nutrition, and exercise. Keren believes that the first step lies within you. If you want too look and feel good, there is commitment involved.
Keren is a registered dietitian and certified nutritionist in the state of New York. Keren completed her Masters degree in nutrition and Food studies from New York University (NYU) and completed her dietetic residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. She is an accredited member of the American Dietetic Association and the Greater New York Dietetic Association. She is a member of Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Dietitians in Business, The Diabetes Care and Education Dietetic Practice Group and Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN).
March 30th, 2011
Sayings For You, Inc. does all the custom imprinted party favors from hooded sweatshirts to bags to mugs, and really just about any item that can be imprinted.
Here are the top 6 reasons why their customers are happy:
1. They get many requests for hooded sweatshirts and can get any brand and at special discounted prices.
2. They have been in the business for 30 years and have been dealing with these factories for a long time. So this long time relationship helps them and you at the same time!
3. They treat each customer’s event as if it were their own helping them budget and pay attention to detail with artwork, etc.
4. They have had their own children’s Bat Mitzvahs and know what it is all about.
5. They give the time and have patience for as many questions needed to be answered whether orders are big or small.
6. Their award winning art department creates a proof for you to approve or make changes. All is sent in an email for the customer to view. The process is simple, so there is no stress involved. You will be guided every step of the way.
Here are some words from their happy customers:
“Thank you so much for your service which was absolutely amazing! The sweatshirts are fantastic and I can’t wait to see all of my daughter’s friends wearing them after her affair. In addition, I checked out prices for exactly the same thing at quite a few different sites online, your prices put those to shame, you saved us a lot of money! We can’t thank you enough for all u have done for us.”
— Seth Berger, Bellmore, NY
“Just wanted to let you know how excited we were when our sweatshirts arrived. Justin was so happy, he could hardly wait for everyone to get them. I never expected them to come as quickly as they did! Thanks for all your help. This was the easiest part of the Bar Mitzvah experience!”
— Jill Chase, Stamford, Connecticut
“We are so thrilled with the sweatshirts you made for Jessica’s Bat Mitzvah! “Jessica’s Candy Shop” was a hit and fit in perfectly with our candy themed party! It was a pleasure working with Sayings For You. Emails and phone calls were returned promptly. You worked within our budget; the quality and art work was first rate!”
— Sue and Neil Gewelb, Suffern, New York
“I just received the t-shirts. You did a wonderful job and they are beautiful. I can’t wait to show my son when he comes home from school. Thank you so much for your hard work and your quick response. It’s nice to have it in advance and now I can figure out how best to present them to the kids.”
— Pam Moretzky, West Harrison, New York
To learn more, visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory.
March 30th, 2011
Hand-dipped and fragrance free, Crafted Candles offers over forty different shades of tapers that adds a subtle chicness to your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Candle Lighting ceremony.
Made with a blend of the highest quality waxes that render them dripless, these traditional candles are ideal for cakes or when edibles are close by.
But if you’re looking for an out-of-the-box decor element, check out their incredible variety of floating candles, from sculpted flowers to under the sea creatures.
Daffodil flowers
Starfish
Floating butterfly candles
Create a gorgeous tablescape with textured pillars, colorful balls and metallic votives that will illuminate your reception with candlelight.
For more information, visit their Website.
March 30th, 2011
By Cindy Silvert, www.easybreezygourmet.com
Jordana Kayla Falinsky plans her son’s Bar Mitzvah. She takes care of the caterer, the band, the flowers, the out of towners, the photographer, videographer, rentals, invites, seating, wardrobe, staff and the weather. She does this while working full time both in and out of the home. The morning of, she dresses and feeds her crew, then reminds her husband who his relatives are. She’s inexhaustible, unstoppable, and a babe. After the marvelous meal, when her husband gets up to the mic to revel in his wife’s magnificence, you can bet your Israel Bonds that he lovingly refers to her as “The Glue” that holds it all together.
Is it just me, or does glue remind you of a dead horse? Let’s do some free association for glue: Kindergarten macaroni art, 1970, teens who can’t afford respectable middle class barbiturates… and who the heck is Elmer? I have peeled dried glue off my hand with the best of them, but in the end, it’s messy and smelly and toxic. Even glue sticks dry out and vanish into thin air just when you need them most (11pm the night before the project is due). A girl poured a bottle of glue on my head in 1st grade (she was from Florida), so maybe I have a unique perspective.
Things I’ve glued: a broken desk, a smelly shoe (not mine), a deep cut on my pinky (doctor’s orders, I swear), and a fake leather purse (it was a gift, no really). We glue on fake nails, eyelashes and teeth. Face it, the best part is the hot glue gun which, coincidently, rhymes with “Hot Jew Mom” –I’ll take some of that!
Instead of calling us “The Glue”, how about Great Gala Goddess, or Multi-Tasking Mega Maven, or A Silicon Chip in a Supermodel’s Body with the Face of an Angel? Frankly, I’d take staples, white-out or tacks over that white sticky stuff. Plus, is it a solid or a liquid? Friend or foe? What if the purple doesn’t vanish when it’s dry? If we were describing a man who took care of eight zillion ever changing details, we’d call him Cement, or a Rock or Mr. Universe, or simply The Man. Not us, we’re made in China and cost two bucks.
My son’s geometry project fell apart upon delivery to school because the glue from the Dollar Store became unglued by our sub zero weather. If we become temporarily unglued when the caterer is late or poisons half the guests, the band is drunk on arrival or your mother-in-law really does wear her wedding dress, are we no longer of use? Have we lost our merit, our place, our meaning? Call me crazy, you won’t be the first, but please don’t call me “The Glue”.
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.
READERS RESPOND
“This is so well done… I have been called “the glue” more than once and while it was intended as a compliment, I would have preferred other options – now I know why. 🙂 I love reading the blog and look forward to the next posting!”
— Bonnie S.
Catch up on what you missed!
Read Part 1
Read Part 2
Read Part 3
Read Part 4
