Wedding Wednesdays: A Proposal by Chance

We were thrilled to see how fast this proposal spread across all social media platforms. It was so sweet to see the thought and creativity that went into popping the question without being over-the-top. If you don't know what I'm talking about, this story revolves around a board game-loving couple, Justin Lebon and Michal Ott, and the 'Chance' of a lifetime. Note: this proposal happened during Christmas of 2014, making this an even sweeter story, since it has taken it almost a year to become public knowledge.

Justin Lebon and his fiancé, Michal Ott, are self-described homebodies who love a good game of Monopoly. Since their go-to board was one Justin made in high school, and a few cards were missing, he wanted to create a new board as a Christmas gift to Michal that would celebrate their relationship. After a while, he decided to up-the-ante and pop the question with the new board. Justin called on his friend, woodworker Mark Becker, to pitch his idea. Mark obliged none-the-less and Justin got to work on naming the custom properties. Mark runs an Etsy shop called Old Redwood that features his elaborate work. He was able to build the custom board in just over three weeks.

Naturally, the property names correspond to important places and events to Justin and Michal. The place names include the streets where they grew up, their favorite vacation spots (Maui and Napa got notable placements), and for the ultra-valuable Park Place and Boardwalk, their current apartment number and “Home Sweet Home,” respectively. Justin graciously thrifted the Monopoly money and the special gold pieces and houses.

(I literally didn't notice the cat in this photo for at least 20 minutes)

But Justin needed to create a way to pop the question through the game. So he planted a special proposal card on Chance, seven spots into the game. From there, he planned to get down on one knee and show off the game board’s trap door. Justin used loaded dice, so that Michal would roll a seven and get to Chance on her first try. When the big moment came, Michal fell right into Justin’s perfectly-laid plan. Michal was excited to have landed on Chance and still didn’t suspect anything until she read the specially made card.

From there, Justin got down on one knee and pulled out a long wire key, with which he popped open the trap door. And I guess you could say Justin passed Go and Michal collected because the couple is now happily engaged and we couldn't be more excited for them!

Kudos to Justin on a completely devour the detail worthy proposal! We wish you two a lifetime of laughs and many more games of Monopoly!

Four Fine Catering Trends for Your Upcoming Holiday Parties

Just when you thought caterers couldn't get any more creative--think again! We are totally floored by these fabulous food creations. Your holiday party will never be the same. Give these four fine catering trends a try and totally impress your guests under the mistletoe this year!

For starters

Serve up salad right from the branch--a tree branch that is! We love the use of these crystal orbs as décor and as the appetizer!

For the main course

Make it a show! This might not be a great idea if your hosting something at your home but if you have a big enough event space, torching meat will draw the attention and appetite of all of your guests.

For after-dinner drinks

An upscale hot chocolate bar (with alcohol mix-ins) is a must. Get your guests toasty and maybe a bit tipsy with this fun feature!

For dessert

Take gingerbread decorating up a notch with this dedicated station of deliciousness. It will bring out the inner-child in all of your guests!

Devour the holiday details with full bellies this year thanks to these creative catering trends!

Monday Mashups: Food for Thought

This new trend to close out 2015 is capitalizing on the phrase "food for thought". Literally, event organizers are incorporating amazing edible pieces as a focal point of celebrations. We've seen a number of creative sculptures using different foods from cheese to cake and everything in between. Check out some of our favorites for this Monday Mashup!

National Cheeseburger Day done right

Lotte New York Palace Cake

Life-size Campbell's soup

This stadium replica

And a watermelon Jaws

Satisfy your desire to devour the details with these amazing "food for thought" ideas and really give your guests a mouthful!

An Open Letter to Anyone in Their Mid-20's: Adulting Is Hard

To the Mid-Twenty-Somethings,

This can't possibly cover all of the struggles and challenges twenty-something year olds deal with everyday but I can start by sharing my own and hope that you relate and find comfort in my advice. I hope to even find comfort by sharing. We work our whole lives to be educated. To one day be a college graduate. But what for? Because society puts pressure on us to do so. Because having a Masters or PhD will put you ahead of someone who "only finished college". Since when is it okay to put down someone who has "only finished college"? What a world.

I can tell you one thing: Nicole Pinkham, MBA hasn't really put me ahead. In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm being paid relatively equal to people without that credential. What has a MBA gotten me? An increase in loans for one. Am I bitter? No. I love school and I wouldn't trade staying to get my MBA for the world. It was one of the best experiences of my life. What does suck though? It took me nine months after graduation to get a job. The same job I've been at for a year and seven months now. A career path I didn't anticipate going down but here I am, everyday, wrapping my head around it, building my resume to hopefully get the job I really want someday.

Don't get me wrong. I am utterly grateful for the job I currently have. I was unemployed and overwhelmed, facing down student loans and completely mortified. This was the only company to actually give me a shot--which was truly confusing for me. "Work hard on you education", they say; "Get great internships and share your experiences on your resume", they say. Catering and Sales Marketing intern with TD Garden, Boston Bruins Foundation intern, a published thesis and a part-time job with CBS Radio as a Mix 104.1 Street Teamer and there I was--kicked from college life, thrown into adulting, with no job in sight.

And I know I'm not the only one to face the job search struggle. So many of us deal with these feelings of working so hard, just like your told, and then feeling like you get nothing in return. I see friends from high school that didn't go to college that are way better off than me and it's shocking but awesome to see. Education loans literally ruin passions. I don't want to come off whiney because I know how lucky I am. My parents paid for my brother, sister and I to all go to private high school which was a true blessing. My experience at Arlington Catholic made me who I am today and gave me some of the best friends a girl could ask for. However, when it came to our college education, we knew we'd all be paying for it.

I see so many people having to put their passions on hold because of loans, including me. I see my co-workers that have such talent but can't afford to explore them to the fullest extent. I see a comedian, a photographer, a wedding planner, a coach, a writer that can't pursue things they love because they're bogged down with loans. There is so much we can't accomplish with the pressures of debt hanging over our heads.

Do I ever get jealous of my friends that have no school loans? Yes, 100%. They will never have to deal with the anxiety of making sure you make enough money so you don't miss a payment. They are able to support themselves. Get their own place. Go out on the weekends to fancy places. Maybe even buy a new outfit or pair of shoes. They are lucky. But I am also lucky. I am learning how to save money. I am understanding what it takes to have three jobs. Not that people without loans aren't doing these things because I'm sure they are. I think they're just financially ahead of us at this point. I am starting to believe that one day loans will be a distant memory (yeah, maybe if I win the lottery). Sigh, adulting.

And then there's the whole marriage and babies thing. I couldn't be happier for all of my friends that are engaged, married, or having children. Looking at them, it is comforting to know that one day my love for someone will turn into that. But for now, I will attend their weddings, drink too many glasses of champagne, and sing my heart out to some Backstreet Boys and NSync. The things we live for at 25.

So what I'm saying I guess is that 25 is just a weird age. Your kind of no longer relate to college life but you also don't relate to real adult life. We're all just "adulting"--the in-between, the struggle; getting up everyday and maybe doing something you don't love but have to do. Not just financially exhausting but mentally exhausting. Constantly wanting things. There are so many things I want (a job I love, to make enough money to not have to worry about my loans, to move out, to get a new car since I'm still whipping in my '98 Ford Taurus from high school, to someday be married) but those, like so much more, will have to wait for now.

My advice is to just take everything one day at a time. Find an outlet for your passions so they don't burnout and become forgotten. Ya know? That's why I blog and coach and probably even why I continue to do promotions--because they're all things I love to do and they make me happy. That's what is important; being happy. Things I've also learned? Don't take your friends and family for granted. Everyone has their own struggles. Support each other. And also, don't feel for everything you see on social media. The successes that come to some people or how exciting they make their lives out to be should not impact you. We're all here for a reason and whether or not we've realized our purpose yet or will ever realize our purpose--I can promise you there is a reason! My most important advice? Just worry about yourself. And I'm not saying that in a conceited way but truthfully, that's what I do. It has helped the anxieties of wanting "that life" die down and has helped me focus on my personal goals.

Putting these words out there is already making me feel better and I encourage you all to do the same. And with these words, I hope you all find something that makes you happy. Don't let loans, marriage, or "that life" overthrow your passions. Believe it or not, there are enough hours in the day to devour the details for a little while!

All my love,
Nicole

 

Wedding Wednesdays: How To Make an Extreme Exit

Now there are many creative ways to leave your ceremony. We've seen horse-drawn carriages and antique cars, stretch Hummer limos and even bicycles--but nothing like these extreme exits. If you're really looking to surprise your guests these escapes will truly do it. Check out our five favorite right now!

1. A Dune Buggy Departure

2. A Snowy Dog-Sled Retreat

3. A Canoe-dling Escape

4. A Swift Sail-Get-Away

5. Riding the Post-Wedding Waves

Take this inspiration and devour the details but as always do what best suits you! Please share your stories of an extreme exit, we'd love to hear them!

Monday Mashups: Kicks and Beats

So totally forget yesterday was Monday and didn't do a mashup. But no need to worry, we'll be bringing it to you today! There are so many sneaker fanatics in this world, it's amazing. We personally love all shoes but understand the obsession with sneakers specifically. What's even cooler is when there is a local event highlighting this lifestyle. For example, Triple 7 Ent in conjunction with Kicks are U.S. will be putting on the Kicks are U.S. Fest this Saturday, September 26th from 11AM to 11PM at the Boston Center for the Arts: Cyclorama.

What can you expect? A day full of buying, trading, or selling the flyest kicks. There will be 1k Cash, OVO Sneaker, and Swerve Wheel Giveaways. The sneaker exchange will feature over 100 of the biggest regional and national sneaker collectors and urban lifestyle brands. Kicks are U.S. Fest will be hosted By Jamn' 94.5's DJ Money Maverik. Now you may be wondering, why is this a mashup? Well because there is a whole other part to this event. Not only is it a sneaker festival but it's also a music festival!

From 7PM to 11PM local Boston performers along with Nipsey Hussle and the Beantown Heroes will be hitting the stage and performing for attendees. Tickets range from $20-$75 depending on which portion of the event you plan on attending. Some local vendors you will find at the event include Triple 7 Ent, Laced Boston, The Vault, The Black Bar Group, One Gig, ShoJo Restaurant,  Studio 24 Graphix, BarberShop Lounge, 47 Brand, and Boston SmokeShop. For more information check out Kicks are U.S. Fest on Facebook. Devour the sneaker details this Saturday and jam to some of your favorite tunes while owning this Monday Mashup!

Floor Decor Future Trend: 3-D Chalk Art

As summer comes to an end, outdoor events might not be so popular right now but we predict this trend will be a huge hit for spring 2016. If you're having an event outside and are wondering what to have on the ground to add to the overall feel, we have an exciting idea for you. You've probably seen these incredible works of art before but never thought about incorporating them as décor. Well, now is the time to do so. Bring your event to life with some 3-D chalk art!

I found this one artist who is available for events across the country. Sean Fitzpatrick, a full time sculptor, ephemeral artist and 3dchalk art illusionist, has been doing this for years and even consults for artists during large projects and festivals. 3D chalk paintings take him anywhere from 1 to 4 days to complete and can be created on virtually any hard surface indoors or out. A lot of companies use his artwork to market an event or as brand activations. Check out some of his awesome concepts below.

 

The IKEA one really freaks me out, haha! Get ahead of the game by booking a 3-D chalk artist for your spring events now and devour the details of this trend that your guests will surely love!

Fall Brews for You!

If you're like us and beer is not for you, we've got a solution to enjoy some Fall adult beverages--ciders! Of course we highly recommend the usual blends from Harpoon, Angry Orchard, Downeast, Woodchuck and Bantam. However, there are some new cider creators out there who are brewing up different recipes including pumpkin ciders (so you're not feeling left out of the Fall fun). Check out some of the ciders we can't wait to try!

Far From the Tree Cider was started in Salem by Denise and Al Snape. The pair spent time in England studying ciders to develop their recipe. They brew a variety of ciders, including a oaked maple cider called Cord and a dry hopped mint cider called Sprig. We're interested in how the mint will taste!

Stormalong Cider was founded when Shannon Edgar left the music industry and Los Angeles to move to a farm in Sherborn, Massachusetts to make cider. Quite the career change! The company produces two varieties: Legendary Dry and Dry Hop.

North Country Hard Cider in Rollinsford, New Hampshire, was opened last year by brothers Ivan and Silas Gordon and head cider-maker Ron Dixon. The company’s creative brews—like Wild Blue, a cider made with Maine blueberries—contain no preservatives. Healthy and delicious!

Headwater Cider, started by Peter Mithcell, is brewed at the same orchard in Hawley, Massachusetts that supplies its apples. The style of cider they produce each year depends on the types of apples that did well that season. We've never even heard of Hawley before but now we want to visit!

 

Shacksbury Cider was founded by David Dolginow and Colin Davis and makes cider with apples from England, Spain, and Vermont. They use what they call “lost apples” to achieve an original cider taste. Bringing the variety in apples definitely gives Shacksbury some leverage amongst their competition.

 

Stowe Cider is a family-run business that launched in 2010, using local ingredients whenever possible. They have three, year-round offerings and six seasonal/limited releases, which include Five Pepper and Bourbon Barrel Aged. Next time we snowboard we're going to treat ourselves after to some of these brews!

 

Farnum Hill Ciders in Lebanon, New Hampshire, uses apples from Lebanon’s Poverty Orchards that are grown specifically for cider making. Among the cidery’s special offerings is Kingston Black Reserve, which is made from the “bittersharp” Kingston Black apple variety. We love how their bottles resemble wine bottles!

Carr’s Ciderhouse in Hadley, located on the slope of Mount Warner, makes hard cider, cider vinegar, and cider syrup. They offer several hard ciders, like the Pommeau—fresh-pressed apple juice with apple brandy aged in oak for six or more months. No need to add your own brandy, Carr's Ciderhouse is one step ahead!

The Artifact Cider Project of Springfield launched its first cider in June 2014. The company uses fresh apples, grown in Massachusetts, to make four varieties, including Buzzworthy, a bone-dry honey cider. We love how successful they've been in just a year and can't wait to try one!
We have a feeling that by the end of Fall we'll have a few more favorite ciders. Can't wait to visit some of these breweries and taste test these devour the detail-worthy drinks!

Wedding Wednesdays: Ten Divine Wedding Sign Ideas

It's important to have signage at you wedding to direct guests of where things are taking place. This is also an opportunity to get extremely creative! We love seeing wedding photos at different venues and how they chose to label the space with signage. Check out our top ten divine wedding sign ideas for some much needed inspiration!

For the dance floor..

For a beachy scene..

For a vintage feel..

Because it is a big deal..

Share your story..

Everyone has one..

Express your love through song lyrics..

If you just want to be honest..

When you're biblical and artsy..

For dog lovers.. "my humans are getting married!"

Really tie your wedding together with these awesome ideas for signage. Get creative and devour the details of navigating your wedding venue! Share your ideas or what you may have used at your own wedding in our comments section; we would love to hear from you!