If you have any sort of social media platform, we're sure you caught a glimpse of the Kanye West and Wiz Khalifa Twitter beef yesterday with a special cameo by Amber Rose. Some are considering this a marketing ploy since the drama was directly connected to Kanye changing his album title to Waves. Wiz referred to a rapper known as Max B who apparently coined the term waves. Complex did a write-up on his legacy that may help you get a better idea of his ties to the term. However, with one simple Google search of "what does waves mean?", we also found out that the term is a noun for the women's section of the US Naval Reserve, established in 1942 of the US Navy--long before Max B. Now that's a term we can actually appreciate.
Anyways, we are only touching upon this story because Kanye has a huge secret event up his sleeve. On February 11, the day his album is set to release, Kanye will be taking over Madison Square Garden with plans to live stream this secret production to theaters in the United Kingdom and Germany, but the exact nature of the event is unclear. Whether it’s a debut performance of his forthcoming Waves album, a premiere party, a fashion show, or a combination, the event will begin selling tickets this Friday. Kanye is known for his extreme ideas and creative nature, wanting to be "the greatest there ever was", so it's impossible to even speculate what he might actually do.
It’s worth noting that Kanye is also expected to debut season three of his Adidas fashion line on February 11th, so it’s conceivable Waves will be soundtracking an insanely large fashion show. Meanwhile fans poking around have found an event listing on Cineworld Cinema’s website that notes that the screening at their theater will feature a performance by Kanye’s visual art collaborator Vanessa Beecroft. Hmm, interesting! One things for sure, the whole Kardashian clan will be in attendance. We are looking forward to seeing how this all unravels. Hopefully Waves devours the details better than Ye's presidential campaign.
We've always got either Pandora or Spotify playing all day long. So we couldn't help but put scribble down some songs that we think work for a first dance at weddings held in the first half of this year. Music is forever evolving and new songs are constantly released so we are sure that by summer there will be even more to choose from. If you're thinking of having a traditional slow dance or speeding it up to an fast-paced jam, these seven songs totally work. Have all eyes on you with our top picks for a first dance!
Like I'm Gonna Lose You Meghan Trainor Featuring John Legend
Die A Happy Man Thomas Rhett
Stand By You Rachel Platten
Walking On A Dream Empire of the Sun
Company Justin Bieber
Roses The Chainsmokers featuring Rozes
Cake By The Ocean DNCE
There's such a wide variety of genres to choose from. Make sure you take what type of dance works for you both into consideration before narrowing it down to a few songs. Also think about asking your dance instructor for their opinion if you're having it choreographed. If your wedding has a theme or you're planning on a certain type of environment, use your ideas to guide you in selecting the right song. This is such a memorable moment, make sure you take the time to devour the details of every aspect of your first dance!
People and pancakes, a good combination when thinking of breakfast, but this mashup is actually about art! That's right, pancake portraits. In celebration of bringing back "All You Can Eat Pancakes", the International House of Pancakes, better known as IHOP, hosted an interesting social media event that led to the production of 70 pancake portraits. Talk about a breakfast of champions!
On January 11, IHOP asked people to tweet photos to @IHOP using the #Panuary hashtag. Pancake artist Nathan Shields of Saipancakes then rendered the images in pancake batter. Throughout the day he created amazing pancake portraits of people—or, often, their pets—working from IHOP’s social media headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey. Nathan is an illustrator, math teacher and dad. He began this craft to entertain his children during a nine-month adventure to Saipan (hence the name). Since, it has turned into a growing business and Nathan is getting much more attention for his unique talent. Just check out these pancakes!
What an epic way to celebrate a breakfast staple! According to IHOP, the brand counted more than 500 #Panuary mentions throughout the event, and its Twitter account had three times the impressions (219,000) and engagements (10,900) than its daily averages. Quite the strategy to increase their social media presence. Their "All You Can Eat Pancakes" promotion will run until February 14, so be sure to visit IHOP before then to get your fix!
And of course a special shout out to IHOP and Nathan Shields for devouring the details of this plentiful promotion. Now we can't wait to devour some pancakes!
Hand Delivered Hope is a non-profit organization founded by a mom of young man, Lynnel Cox, that has struggled with addiction for 8 years. They are a group of motivated and concerned citizens that have been affected by the opioid epidemic and can not ignore the gaps in systems that have created road blocks to those both seeking treatment and living in recovery.
Hand Delivered Hope also provides street outreach to those who have been impacted by such road blocks and subsequently call the streets home. They are constantly delivering basic needs, nutrition and resources alongside encouragement that recovery is possible, education on how to practice harm reduction and most importantly their message of hope, that although it may feel as though the rest of the world has cast shame and doubt upon them, they have not been forgotten.
Hand Delivered Hope works to educate state lawmakers, health care professionals and the general public for the need to continue to advocate for the improved standards of care that are currently affecting the lives of people's loved ones in active addiction, in treatment and in aftercare. They are truly committed to meeting folks where they are at and providing a multifaceted approach to those with a desire to get well to no matter the pathway of recovery they shall choose.
To date Hand Delivered Hope has delivered hope and assistance to over 2,000 people young or old in active addiction, seeking treatment, living in recovery and their families and loved ones. When I was a kid, one of my cheerleading teammates, the goofiest girl on our team that always had everyone laughing, a friend, passed away in a tragic car accident. This impacted so many lives as she was near and dear to everyone's hearts. Her family had a long road ahead of them. Brittany's brother had deep struggles. And though I don't keep in touch with her family as much as I wish I could, social media has kept me aware from a far. Brendon fell victim to addiction and their family was hit with yet another tragedy. This is something you never want to see. But through Brendon's passing, so much can be learned. And that is why we commend Hand Delivered Hope for doing what they do.
One event this organization puts on is the Hope Motorcycle Ride for Recovery. This year it is in memory of my friend's little brother, 17 year old Brendon Scalesse "B Dogg", an aspiring Marine who did not have the chance to live his life and fulfill his dreams. Join this group to support this incredible cause on Sunday, July 24th at the East Bridgewater Commercial Club. On this special day in July, the life and love Brendon shared with his friends and family will be celebrated.
Their hope filled day will begin with a beautiful scenic motorcycle ride at noon followed by a full outdoor BBQ for riders and non-riders of all ages from 2:00 - 6:00PM. There will be live entertainment, kids activity zone, wellness resources, motorcycle vendors and much more. All those impacted by the disease of addiction or those with a desire to help make recovery happen and support those in recovery are welcome to join for both the ride and/or just the BBQ.
To be a part of our planning committee, volunteer and/or donate:
Credit/Debit donations are accepted through PayPal. All proceeds will go towards helping those seeking recovery find it and those who have found it stay there. Visit the Facebook event page for more information. Please continue to keep Brendon and all those who have gone before us due to the complications of the disease of addiction in your daily thoughts and prayers. And take a moment to recognize Lynnel for devouring the details and never losing hope. You're an inspiration to us all!
Happy Wedding Wednesday! This is our favorite day of the week, especially when we can share news like this. The Massachusetts Fallen Heroes organization is holding an exclusive contest offered to all active members of the military in the Commonwealth. The prize? A free dream wedding for up to 100 guests at a beautiful estate in Westwood, Massachusetts. Sometimes those fighting for our country don't receive enough recognition so it is incredible when opportunities like this arise. Please share with any active military members engaged to be married!
Contestants must submit an essay of 500 words or less describing their Love Story and why they are most deserving of this once in a lifetime offer. The winning couple will receive:
A Catered Outdoor Wedding Reception (tables, chairs & linens included)
Reception Tent with Dance Floor
Floral Arrangements
Bridal Party Flowers
Wedding Cake
DJ Entertainment
Photographer
And much more...
Essays must be submitted by January 30, 2016. Just 10 days left to enter! The winner will be announced on Friday, February 12, 2016. Enter today at the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Wedding Giveaway page.
Massachusetts Fallen Heroes was established in 2010 by Boston firefighters, local Veterans, Gold Star Families, Police Officers, and other patriotic citizens. The organization is made up of Combat Veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and are committed to memorializing their fellow service members who did not return home to their families. Massachusetts Fallen Heroes began with the goal of raising funds to build a public memorial to honor all of the fallen heroes since September 11th. They have since evolved from a charity geared towards building this memorial, into a multifaceted organization, supporting a number of causes.
Massachusetts Fallen Heroes has developed a Veterans’ Edge program and now also act as a liaison in acquiring educational, employment, medical, legal, financial and numerous additional services to local military veterans, their families and families of the fallen. Veterans’ Edge ensures that all heroes returning home receive the support and services they have earned and deserve. With this new goal, they were able to create this contest and are looking to honor one lucky couple with a dream wedding. Amazing!
Official Contest Rules:
You must be 18 years of age or older, engaged, and one or both contest entrants must be actively serving in one of the five branches of the United States Military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard).
Home of record must be in Massachusetts and entrants must have been a Massachusetts resident upon entering the military.
Entrants must be willing to schedule their wedding day between July 15, 2016 and August 31, 2016.
Employees of and all contributing vendors of the contest, their advertising and promotion agencies, and immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each are not eligible.
Share this information and help a deserving couple live out the wedding of their dreams! Special shout out to Massachusetts Fallen Heroes for devouring the details of this contest. We hope this is something that continues on for years to come!
A day to feast and cheer on whatever team you want to win; Super Bowl Sunday has become a staple "holiday" when it comes to the food industry and football. People are constantly creating new and exciting bite-size snacks that pack a whole lot of flavor for this once-a-year event. We've done some research and found our top eleven picks for this particular game day which celebrates 50 years in the making. Try out these crowd-pleasing recipes for a successful Super Bowl Sunday party!
Loaded Nacho Fries
Why not combine the two greatest snacks of all time? We are drooling over this duo. These are super easy to make and can feed a number of fans. Get the recipe here!
Baby Blooming Onions
Because why not have one for each of your guests? We know sharing is caring but these individual snacks are too cute baby-sized not to have. Get the delicious recipe here!
Buffalo Pickle Chips
Fried pickles are a game day must. Adding buffalo sauce makes them even tastier! Get the mouth-watering recipe here!
Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots
Literally because bacon-wrapped-anything makes everything better. Make your guests happy with this recipe!
Sourdough Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Who doesn't love pizza? This easy to eat snack works for a smaller crowd. They will definitely be left wanting more of this recipe!
Black Bean Queso Dip
This healthier dip alternative is full of flavor. Make extra because we're sure this recipe will go fast!
Roast Beef and Brie Sliders
Basically a fancier steak and cheese, this snack works well with football fans! Get the recipe here.
Buffalo Wings
A classic snack. Perfect the wing and you'll have to bring them to every Super Bowl party for years to come. Get the recipe here.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Footballs
Easy to make and easy to eat. Your guests will love this treat! Get the recipe here.
Football Chocolate Covered Strawberries
We guess you can call this a healthy alternative. Get the recipe here!
Chocolate Covered Football Pretzel Rods
We've tried these before and they're super easy to do! Sweet and salty are perfect teammates in this delicious snack. Get the recipe here.
Try out these recipes and devour the details of Super Bowl Sunday while your guests just devour the snacks!
A new app has hit the events scene--like Snapchat, Upshot is here to capture those big nights out in a mature fashion. Created by the same team that’s been creating the Togethera family photo sharing app, Upshot creates a pool of photos from an event and location at which several people were, but crucially there is a time limit on viewing the pictures. Another reason to have your camera readily available at an event, this is an awesome way to get attendees involved and is an alternative to the ever-so-clever event hashtags. Definitely worth trying this out!
Here’s how it works. You create an event on Upshot and invite your friends. Everyone turns auto-share on. Simple, right? And the instructions can be easily incorporated into an event. All the photos taken through your normal camera or Snapchat are automatically posted in a private event stream that self-destructs after 7 days. You can view, like and chat around each photo and video while it’s available. You can also sync Facebook events to get the photos from all attendees in one private place. Don’t worry - you have 3 minutes to delete that bad selfie before it's uploaded!
This app is different from WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Facebook moments because it works in the background. Once autoshare is on, you won't have to go back into the app for anything like you would with these other examples. You don’t have to change your existing habits to get value from the app. It essentially gives those less tech-savvy folks an opportunity to get in on the fun. Upshot works for events of all sizes and we think can even translate to things like a weekend get-a-way, vacation, or even a way for celebrities to give sneak-peeks of concerts, TV shows or new product lines. We really love this idea!
Upshot is available on iOS today and will be available for Android in February. So check it out in the App store now and devour the details of photo-sharing at your next event!
When smaller venues become a challenge during the planning process--don't sweat it! There are a number of ways to utilize space including your furniture rental options. Look for pieces with a dual purpose or ones that turn into what we consider a form of art! Check out some of these neat ideas that make for a cool appearance in any size-restricted venue.
A Vertical Buffet
Instead of long buffet tables, stack your orders up with this awesome bookcase buffet. This takes up minimal floor space and lets guests grab their own dishes from various levels of shelves.
A 'Cooler' Table
This table has a built-in aluminum tray which allows it to chill drinks, perfect for a limited outdoor space. The tray can also hold floral arrangements!
A Table with Risers
Similar to the vertical buffet, if you don't have enough space to expand horizontally, it is better to take things up a notch! These table risers add more space to buffet tables by displaying platters and other items at a different visual level creating a range for guests to grab-and-go.
All-in-One Compact Table
From couch to dinner table, this piece does it all. We love how when looking at the couch alone, you may not realize it serves another purpose. Surprise!
Compact Table
One of our favorite pieces. At an event this can totally pass as a cocktail table but when it's time to hit the dance-floor, pack it up and push it to the side to give guests more room to whip and nae nae!
Compact with Stools
Another perfect way to give a seating option but when the floor needs to be utilized, these stools can be folded in to create a stand alone table. We love it!
Stackable Outdoor Furniture
Now here's a piece that can look like a sculpture but breaks down into a comfortable seating arrangement for small outdoor spaces. Awesome for a backyard BBQ turned dance party!
Get creative and devour the details of your next challenging venue space by utilizing these awesome furniture rental options!
Some of you may have read about this story or have seen it on the news. It is one we knew we had to share. You may recall the breaking news of Secret Service agent Garrett FitzGerald who was seriously injured last month in New Hampshire when an unlicensed driver coming from the opposite direction tried to pass a car and smashed into his head-on during a security detail for presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. The other driver was killed and Garrett sustained a severe spinal cord injury causing paralysis.
A friend close to the couple noted that there was not a dry eye in Garrett's ICU room. Since the accident, Garrett has regained a little movement in one arm. This is such a heartwarming story. The strength of this couple is truly admirable and we are over-the-moon that they were able to tie the knot. Not to mention, Joan looked absolutely stunning and really pulled off that fabulous bird-cage headband.
Congrats to these newlyweds! Our heart is with Mr. and Mrs. FitzGerald through this recovery process. You are an inspirational couple and we are so happy you were able to devour the details of your special day surrounded by people who love you! Sending our thoughts and prayers. Also, please visit Garrett's GoFundMe page for updates on his progress and consider donating. #GarrettStrong
DJs play an essential role in any event--they provide the tunes! Being the musical engineers they are, DJs totally contribute to the overall atmosphere of an event. Stop sticking them in the back or giving them a skirted table to stand behind; get creative with your space by giving them the attention they deserve! Turn your DJ booth into a focal point by dressing it up with some of these awesome ideas.
This event was meant to evoke an otherworldly space. The DJ booth was constructed out of glowing green materials to resemble moon rocks.
This DJ booth was set on top of a pool's diving board, with water cascading down from it, making a big splash amongst party-goers!
With this sun and fun surf theme, the DJ booth designed to look like a lifeguard tower.
This DJ booth is ahead of its time! It uses 18 TV screens looping different videos to create a futuristic theme.
This DJ's beautifully raised booth is surrounded by rose-filled window boxes to resemble a French balcony, right out of a Parisian-street-scene. We think this is perfect for any wedding reception!
Go all out with a focal installation like this! This display is a three-story DJ tower that houses five DJs in cubes playing anything from hip-hop and electronic to Top 40 and rock, and even throwback-style tunes. Built with scaffolding, this tower features shifting light, music, and video styles and allows DJs to play solo sets, participate in music battles, or combine genres. Four of the squares project video that shows social feeds, DJ information, and live shots of the DJs performing. This is incredible!
Have you ever seen anything like this? Two cranes hoisting a DJ booth into the air for an entire event! This booth is made out of a shipping container painted in bright neon colors and definitely attracts everyone's attention.
This DJ booth has a throwback look, with space for speakers and albums on shelves built into its façade. Straight out of the 90's, we can appreciate this design!
Know your audience and play to the strengths of your DJ. You will surely devour the details of making the booth the focal point at your next event by utilizing these awesome ideas!
Typically, Mondays are for mashups but I think we will start incorporating a new feature once a month that highlights an organization or charity doing something to better this crazy world we live in. This feature will be called #MondayMotivation. We will kickoff this exciting new feature with an organization who's name you may have heard of (especially if you support a number of non-profits in the fight against cancer). Love Your Melon is an apparel brand run by college students across the country on a mission to give a hat to every child battling cancer in America.
Not only are these hats a coping mechanism for those children that may lose their hair due to chemo but they are also a symbol of support and unity when people not battling the hardships of cancer purchase and wear them. Love Your Melon was founded in an entrepreneurship class in 2012 at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota by two friends, Zach and Brian. With this simple idea of providing each child with cancer a hat, they have reserved more than 45,000 hats to donate to children battling cancer in the United States through its original buy one, give one program. This is equal to the number of children currently undergoing cancer treatment in the country.
To celebrate reaching this goal and further expand their impact, they have partnered with the Pinky Swear Foundation to provide immediate support for children battling cancer and with CureSearch for Children’s Cancer to fund research initiatives to beat childhood cancer completely. Love Your Melon has launched a new model to replace its buy one, give one program - fifty percent (50%) of net proceeds on every Love Your Melon product sold will be donated to the Pinky Swear Foundation and CureSearch. Every year there are 15,000 children in the country given new cancer diagnoses. Through funding from future product sales, Love Your Melon will continue to give hats to all of these kids in addition to the 45,000 it has already committed to.
Since 2012, Love Your Melon has embarked on two nationwide tours in 2014 to spread its mission from coast to coast. Throughout this time they worked to establish a network of college students called Love Your Melon Ambassadors who are responsible for spreading the mission of the organization in their own city. To date, more than 2,500 college students at over 225 different schools nationally have signed on as ambassadors to sell and donate hats. What makes these ambassadors so special? Well, when hats are delivered in person at these hospitals, the ambassadors dress as superheroes, bringing an even bigger smile to these kids faces. We are totally blown away by these efforts! If you know a child battling cancer that has not received a Love Your Melon hat yet, visit the "Request a Hat" page to request a hospital delivery.
Want to know more about the products? Check this out. Featured on their website, Love Your Melon tells how and where these hats are made. Their thick knit beanies and hats are made in St. Paul, Minnesota by Minnesota Knitting Mills. Love Your Melon has worked intensively with them to create soft products for children battling cancer as well as innovative ones for customers. The Love Your Melon caps are made in Denver, CO by Competition Headwear with the same goal to keep these hats soft and comfortable. Lastly, Gotham Textile, in Minneapolis, MN, makes the patches that go on the hats from leather produced at Red Wing Shoe Factory. They deboss the Love Your Melon logo into leather with a heat press. Love Your Melon wouldn't be possible without the efforts put forth by these extraordinary businesses.
This organization has become so wildly popular that all of their products are currently sold out. Yes, sold out! If you visit their page, you can sign up to be notified as to when products are back and available for purchase. Keep an eye out for Love Your Melon and the work they do to devour the details of the fight against cancer. We wish this organization nothing but success as they continue to grow!
That's right, the chocolatey-hazelnut spread you want to put on literally everything is going to have their very own festival! Nutella-palooza will take place in Adelaide's Bonython Park on April 9, 2016. There you can indulge in all your Nutella fantasies; from cooking demonstrations and bakery stalls to food trucks and art installations, the festival makes your wildest food dreams come true! And did we mention, this is a free event?!
This celebration of all things Nutella is supported by Splash Adelaide--a community program bringing the streets and public spaces to life through a series of activations, events and projects. We love programs like this! And spotlighting a specific product is definitely the right way to go as the hyper-focused food festival theme continues to grow in popularity among community events.
So, if you're lucky enough to attend this event and have "made Nutella skills", the festival is taking applications for stallholders. This is definitely your time to shine if you've got what it takes to whip up some deliciously unique Nutella-inspired creations like the ones featured below!
Yummmm. This festival would totally put us in a food coma. Kudos to Splash Adelaide for recognizing the power this delicious spread has over all of us. And sign us up as an advocate to bring this event to the states! No, seriously, sign us up. Now go and devour the details of Nutella-palooza!
