Dressed for a Great Cause

Former Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, is supremely stunning. You may know her as Patriots’ wide receiver Danny Amendola's girlfriend but more importantly for her powerful answer regarding the inclusion of transgender women in future pageants. In the final round to determine the winner, Ms. Culpo was asked to answer a question submitted by a pageant follower on Twitter. "Would you feel it would be fair that a transgender woman wins the Miss USA title over a natural-born woman?" so the question read. "I do think that that would be fair but I can understand that people would be a little apprehensive to take that road because there is a tradition of natural-born women, but today where there are so many surgeries and so many people out there who have a need to change for a happier life, I do accept that because I believe it's a free country," she answered.

An advocate for equality, Ms. Culpo is at it again raising awareness for another great cause; this time as part of her Oscars red carpet appearance. The former Miss USA teamed up with designer Marchesa, nonprofit Water.org (cofounded by Cambridge native and Oscars presenter Matt Damon), and beer brand Stella Artois to debut a custom gown in support of a clean drinking water campaign. The blue-silver dress she adorned features cascading details with beads and sparkles, representing the beauty of clean running water.

On her Instagram Sunday afternoon, Ms. Culpo encouraged her followers to buy a chalice at buyaladydrink.com. She shared that her designer Oscar dress was in partnership with both Stella Artois and Water.org. Stella Artois created chalices to sell as part of the initiative and for one chalice sold, five years of clean drinking water would be provided for someone in the developing world. Many noting during the red carpet interviews that her statement dress is encouraging people across the globe to get involved in the water crisis and that is something truly beautiful.

We love the message this sends to anyone watching the Oscars: its always good to give back. Make your own statement and devour the details of a great cause today! The world is a better place because of your efforts.

Monday Mashups: 3 Must-See Museums

Happy Monday Mashup! Typically, food and drink is limited at museums because of the magnitude of the work being displayed. But, believe it or not, there are some museums out there that cater to those that are thirsty. Yes--it's true! Check out these three must-see museums that send you on your way with an adult beverage in hand; enhancing your ability to appreciate its beauty!

Museum of the American Cocktail - New Orleans, LA
Leave it to famed barman Dale DeGroff and the city of New Orleans (the only city in the nation to actually have its own officially legislated cocktail, the Sazerac and holiday, Mardi Gras) to dream up the country’s first museum dedicated to the cocktail. Located in the Southern Food & Beverage Museum in Central City, MOTAC takes its alcohol preservation seriously. You’ll find everything from antique bottles, books, openers and even rotating exhibits like the current “New Orleans Prohibition Raids, 1919–1933.” We love the history and New Orleans flair this museum instills. Can't wait to visit!

Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History - Bardstown, KY
Any bourbon lover will have this Kentucky spot on the hit list for a visit! Named after whiskey distiller and spirited historian Oscar Getz, who died in 1983, the museum is chalk-full with Getz’s own fascinating collectibles from the Revolutionary War to Prohibition and beyond. Here, you’ll find pro- and anti-whiskey advertisements, legal documents and licenses, stills gone quiet, and if not the largest, certainly one of the most interesting collections of old whiskey bottles in the country. As you peer into the past, it is only natural to honor this icon with a glass of whiskey in your hand.

George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill - Alexandria, VA
Thanks to the passionate work of some spirited archeologists, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, American historians and preservation-minded distillers, the distillery that George Washington ran from 1797 to his death in 1799 was authentically rebuilt and launched more than 200 years after it began at his Mount Vernon estate. Amazing! Twice a year at this working distillery, manager of historic trades Steve Bashore literally stokes the fires that fuel the old ways of whiskey distilling. But even when the stills are silent, it’s more than worth it to tour through this authentic glimpse into the past and see how the founding father himself found ever more spirited uses for his agricultural leanings. A taste of history!

Next time you travel, take a trip to the past and visit these three must-see museums to devour the details of this history and appreciation of adult beverages!

Booze & Beignets Mardi Gras Celebration

Many historians believe that the first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699, when the French explorers Iberville and Bienville landed in what is now Louisiana, just south of the holiday’s future epicenter: New Orleans. They held a small celebration and dubbed the spot 'Point du Mardi Gras'. In the decades that followed, New Orleans and other French settlements began marking the holiday with street parties, masked balls and lavish dinners. Louisiana is the only state in which Mardi Gras is a legal holiday. However, elaborate carnival festivities draw crowds in other parts of the United States during the Mardi Gras season as well. Each region has its own events and traditions.

This year we want you to join in on the thrill of Mardi Gras by celebrating the lavish holiday the best way we know how...with booze and beignets of course! Get a taste for NOLA by trying out the recipes they're famous for--the Hurricane cocktail and delicious homemade Beignets!

Hurricane

Ingredients
2 oz. light rum
2 oz. dark rum
2 oz. passion fruit juice
1 oz. orange juice
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp. simple syrup
1 Tbsp. grenadine
Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions
Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.

Beignets

Ingredients
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1½ cups warm water
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup evaporated milk
6½ cups bread flour
1/4 cup shortening
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar and yeast and stir. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a standalone mixer, combine the eggs, evaporated milk and salt and beat until combined. With the mixer on low, add in the yeast mixture to the egg mixture. Then add in cups of bread flour and mix on low. Add the shortening in and continue to mix before adding the remaining 3½ cups bread flour. Just be sure you don't over mix.

Knead the dough until smooth (it shouldn’t be stiff). Then place back in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Set the bowl in a warm area and let it rise for 2 hours. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼″ thick. Then slice into 2″ squares with a pizza cutter. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven until the temperature reaches 350 degrees. Then place a few dough squares in the hot oil and watch the magic happen! Turn them so they don’t burn on one side. When you remove them, dust with a light layer of powdered sugar, until all of them are done, then pile on the powdered sugar to top off your sweet treat!

Don't miss out on the fun this Mardi Gras! Celebrate with NOLA's famous booze and beignets and devour the details of a true Fat Tuesday!

Wedding Wednesdays: Six Stunning Ceremony Backdrop Trends for 2017

Brides are starting 2017 off with a bang, especially when it comes to ceremony backdrops. (Ugh, we just crave this creativity!) These stunning designs are nothing short of fabulous and we anticipate seeing a lot more of this picture perfect trend all year long. Get inspired by these six stunning backdrops and incorporate a little creativity into your ceremony!

Macramé Art

Macramé designs can host multiple patterns in one piece, giving your guests some extra eye candy in one fantastic element. Want to dress it up a bit? Standout with flower garland strung above for an extra visual surprise!

Paper Flowers

You can follow your wedding color scheme in this backdrop, or go the playful route and throw a variety of colors into the mix. A wall of colorful paper flowers is sure to brighten any space and add to every photo opp!

Cloth Designs

Don't be afraid to play with texture—fabric, sequins or even colored lace all make for eye-catching details. A minimalist design like this one is perfect for a venue that has a lot going on. Simple and sophisticated!

Paper Triangles

Looking for something a bit more modern to jazz up your urban space? Geometric cutouts have a way of feeling whimsical but incredibly contemporary at the same time. They make a stunning statement!

Wooden Doors

For that vintage feel, dressing up two antique wooden doors creates a unique look you don't see every day. We love that it really brings the wedding theme to life!

Tipi

This has got to be our favorite! We are obsessed with tipis. Little did we know they make for an utterly unique and beautiful backdrop. Can't wait to do something similar!

You're already an eye-catching bride—why not add an element of surprise with a creative ceremony backdrop? Get inspired and devour the details of this stunning 2017 trend!

Stories We Love to Share: GoFundMe Partners with the Special Olympics

As you may know, more than 2,700 athletes from over 100 countries will compete in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games, which run March 14 through March 25. But what you might not realize is that it costs about $2,500 per athlete for travel, training, equipment, coaching and accommodations. This is a steep price to pay for most in attendance and in the past has deterred many from participating. Well, times are changing--and for the better--thanks to a budding partnership between the Special Olympics and GoFundMe.

Crowdfunding platform GoFundMe announced a "global sponsorship" with the Special Olympics last Thursday, launching nearly 500 online campaigns to support athletes, teams and delegations. The effort not only encourages people around the world to pitch in, but also spotlights the personal stories of those competing. The partnership will help offset this burden and will also empower the intellectual disability community in the process, helping the teams focus on what matters most: Community and sport.

Fifty percent of all campaign donations will support local delegations, while 25 percent will go to Special Olympics International and another 25 percent will go to the Games Organizing Committee. Olympic champions like Simone Biles and Apolo Ohno are supporting the initiative, and YouTube stars and other influencers will participate by creating specific campaigns to "sponsor" an athlete or team. In one campaign, U.S. Olympic snowboarder Hannah Teter is sponsoring 25-year-old Daina Shilts, whom she met at the 2013 Special Olympics in South Korea. Teter is raising $17,500 for Shilts and the rest of the U.S. Special Olympics Snowboarding team to get to the World Games this year.

The Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, when the first games took place at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. It grew out of a summer camp she started for young people after she learned many children with intellectual disabilities didn’t have spaces to play. Many people credit Kennedy Shriver with laying the foundation for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act — two important pieces of legislation that advanced the rights of people with disabilities. Without the efforts started by Kennedy Shriver, the partnership between the Special Olympics and GoFundMe wouldn't be possible today.

This initiative is the most beautiful thing we've seen in the media in months. Each GoFundMe campaign can be found here. We hope you consider donating and sponsoring these hardworking athletes to make their dreams come true. A big thank you to GoFundMe for devouring the details of this beautiful initiative. We wish each Olympian the best of luck as the conquer the 2017 World Winter Games!

Monday Mashup: Happy President's Day!

Happy President's Day and Monday Mashup! Celebrate the leaders of the free world today by indulging in their favorite cocktails. From ingredients inspired by Washington, D.C. to southern classics like bourbon and peaches, these libations will have you cheers-ing to our independence! Here's to you, Mr. President!

Monsier Le President inspired by Abraham Lincoln

To celebrate an iconic American with a love of apples, here's a long, tall cocktail mixing Grey Goose with two American favorites: apple and cinnamon. Cheers to you Ab!

Ingredients:
1½ parts Grey Goose vodka
½ part Applejack
½ part Freshly squeezed lime juice
½ part Cinnamon syrup
3 parts Cloudy apple juice

Method:
Build in a highball filled with cubed ice. Garnish with a long, elegant cinnamon stick.

Charleston Light Dragoon’s Punch inspired by Gerald R. Ford

This recipe comes from a cookbook curated by President Ford himself, the Republican Congressional Cookbook, which you can purchase for around 29 cents today.

Ingredients:
4 cups sugar
4 quarts brandy
Juice of 24 squeezed lemons
1 quart Jamaican rum
4 quarts black tea
½ pint peach brandy
Sparkling water
Peel of 6 lemons for garnish

Method:
Mix all the ingredients except the sparkling water in the order given. Top with the sparkling water before serving. Cut the lemon peel into thin slices or curls for serving. Serves 80.

Cherry Bounce inspired by George Washington

Notes in the diary of Martha Washington referenced a recipe for making a large batch of Cherry Bounce, George's favorite, using 20 pounds of cherries, cognac, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and crushed cherry stones (no wonder he wore wooden teeth).

Ingredients:
½ quart Bourbon
1 quart Tart/Pie Cherries (pitted if wanting to use the cherries too)
1 ½ cups Sugar
Jar with lid

Method:
Place cherries and sugar in the jar and mix.

White-Wine Spritzer inspired by Thomas Jefferson

During Jefferson’s retirement at Monticello, one of his granddaughters recalled a picnic in which he oddly mixed wine with sparkling water. This was the day the wine spritzer was born.

Ingredients:
Dried strawberries
Strawberries
White wine (Sauvignon blanc or Gewürztraminer recommended)
Soda water

Method:
Store the dried, chopped strawberries in the freezer ahead of time to use as ice cubes. Muddle the fresh berries in a bowl with a fork until the consistency is all pulp and juice. Fill a glass halfway with wine, then top with the strawberry pulp, a splash of soda water, and berry ice cubes.

The Obamarita

What's the best part of a democracy? Having President-inspired cocktails for years to come. Stay true to the red, white and blue and honor your favorite President today (and every day if you so shall choose). Cheers!

Family Friendly Events To Do Ths Weekend

This weekend kicks-off February vacation for schools in Massachusetts. Boy, do we miss those days! So we thought it'd be most valuable to share some family friendly events around Boston that can be fun for everyone. From toddlers to teens, there's a good time to be had by all! Make time-off with your family most memorable at these upcoming events!

Explore-a-saurus at the Children’s Museum
It's that time of year again! Boston-area museums are rolling out special programs aimed at kids just in time for February break. Of course, there’s probably no museum more kid-friendly than the Children’s Museum, and their new dinosaur exhibit is perfect for the younger set and even the young-at-heart (we're talking to you moms and dads). Explore-a-saurus, the museum’s first-ever hands-on dinosaur exhibit, introduces children to fossils, and how archaeologists use these prehistoric clues to learn about the long-extinct animals. The exhibit opens Friday, February 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are just $16! Have a roaring time amongst these legendary dinos!

Disney On Ice
Another great family activity for vacation week is Disney On Ice, which is bringing its “Follow Your Heart” show to the TD Garden starting on Friday. With favorite characters from recent films like Finding Dory and Inside Out, as well as Disney princesses like Ariel, Cinderella, and Rapunzel, and classic characters like Mickey and Minnie, every Disney fan in your family is sure to have someone to cheer for. We are most excited for this event because we'll be heading to Disney ourselves in May! Tickets range from $10-115. See the magic of Disney come to life right at TD Garden!

Cereal Buffet and PJ Party
February vacation week is sure to leave your kids plenty of opportunities to sit in front of the TV in their PJs eating cereal and watching cartoons. Make it fun for the whole family by stopping by Trident Booksellers and Café on Presidents Day for an unlimited cereal and cartoons buffet (only available if you come in wearing pajamas). Oh, and there’s mimosas for the adults, too. The price per person ranges from $10-15. We love this cozy and comfy idea. Bring on the cereal!

Get the whole family off to a great start this weekend and devour the details of having some fun this February vacation!

Wedding Wednesdays: Taking Photo Booths to the Next Level

Happy Wedding Wednesday! Meet the new and improved photo booth. The biggest trend we foresee for 2017. A memorable, measurable and shareable experience unlike any other.

Don't get us wrong—photo booths aren't going anywhere. And we wouldn't want them to. We love how creative people get with their props and ensembles. The possibilities are endless! Photo booths have been a mainstay at weddings for a long time, and they're always a reliably fun activity for you and your guests to create memories. But there's always new ways to upgrade this experience. That's right, we're talking about holograms!

Take a cue from music festivals for the past few years, holograms have been on the rise in making performances even more notable, and are here to stay. Make the concept your own by renting one of holographic technology company VNTANA's newest products—wisely dubbed The HOLLAGRAM Selfie, a new augmented-reality, interactive photo booth. Holla! We can already picture how "off the chain" these will be.

Guests can create actual holographic doubles they can see live right before their eyes, and interact directly with holographic objects, like a celebrity, product or any other object by moving their hands in front of the display. You can let your imagination run wild with personalization possibilities. Seriously, what will they think of next? We love this trend and can't wait to utilize VNTANA's HOLLAGRAM going forward for our own events.

Take your event to the next level and devour the details of a not-so-ordinary photo booth with The HOLLAGRAM! You're guests will never forget it!

Spoil Your Sweetheart This Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day readers! Today's not just a day for romance, it's a special day to celebrate with the ones you love. It's also a day to indulge. The most chocolate-filled day of the year! Spoil your sweetheart the best way we know how--with a chocolate-making class!

Boston Chocolate School workshop

Chocolate lovers rejoice! There's a hands-on chocolate workshop right in the heart of Boston's Financial District. Even culinary novices will leave with a full understanding of where chocolate has come from and where it’s going. Learn to make show-stopping truffles filled with anything from champagne cream to chocolate peanut butter.

It’s surprisingly easy once you understand a few essentials (plus a few secrets from one of their master chocolatiers). Here are some of the fascinating things included in their Boston Chocolate School workshop:

• Understand the chocolate process from bean to bar.
• Learn about chocolate history and how a bitter fruit became the “chocolate” we know and love today.
• Roll and dip your own truffles in a variety of delicious toppings.
• Create amazing molded chocolates.
• Find out all you need to know about piping, shaping and coating.
• Learn to package your handiwork for maximum “wow factor”.
• Discover why today’s varietal chocolates are becoming wildly popular.
• You will leave the Chocolate Workshop with lots of truffles for you to indulge in by yourself or to show off to your friends and family. You will also learn useful tips on tasting, buying and storing fine chocolate.

The Boston Chocolate School workshop takes place on Saturdays in the private dining room of the Elephant & Castle Restaurant at 161 Devonshire Street, in Boston’s Financial District. Come early and have brunch in the fabulous Elephant and Castle dining room, or head to their bar to purchase a tasty mimosa to sip on during class! The 2-2.5 hour workshop starts at 12 PM. Advance tickets are required – this workshop sells out so reserve your space today!

We've got a love for our friends and family and a love for chocolate! Join us as we devour the details of another Valentine's Day indulgence with the help of Boston Chocolate School!

Monday Mashups: Five Hotels with Luxurious Libation Space

Luxurious libation space? You might think this is a fancy way of saying 'a nice bar' but what we're about to show you will definitely change your mind. Hotels across the country have noticed the popularity of and demand for specialty cocktails and are taking their in-house food and beverage establishments to the next level to meet these needs. A seemingly huge draw for guests, these lobby bars and fine dining restaurants are now producing only the best beverages from creating their own infused vodkas to having a distillery on-site, the concoctions are endless. Check out our recommendations for your top notch taste!

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

One of a select number of bars in Florida that pour Pappy Van Winkle (including exclusive batches that cost upwards of $300 per shot), The Lobby Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island takes bourbon drinking quite seriously. The newly opened bar, which also happens to have a sushi chef on hand for guest’s sashimi cravings, allows bourbon lovers to get in on the action. First Call is the limited small-batch bourbon infused on site. See what we mean? Each day, the mixologist creates a new blend (with spices and fruits, etc.), and guests can see the four-foot-tall infuser (situated at The Lobby Bar) as it distills. Guests can drink the latest creation alone or in cocktails until it runs out or if they can even reserve a seat at the Legend’s Table to sample bourbon flights, sourced by the bar lead, from Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, as well as rare sakes.

Royal Hideaway Playacar

While everyone knows the best tequila is made in Mexico, few people realize that some of the best batches never make it to market. It’s typical for tequila makers to share their creations with friends and family, while the big brands get the glory. At Royal Hideaway Playacar, a resort on the Riviera Maya for adults only, they’re shaking things up a bit with an in-house tequileria. We need to try this! The resort invited a group of five “master tequileros" to taste more than 5,000 brands, and they narrowed the batch down to 50 craft choices served to guests at the tequileria. Because the production is so small (2,000 to 3,000 liters per month), guests would never get the opportunity to try many of these small-batch local brands elsewhere. And to further hone the tequila knowledge, Royal Hideaway also hosts a daily tequila master class. We need where to plan our next vacation. Did we mention, we love tequila?

Virgin Hotels Chicago

At Virgin Hotels Chicago, the hotel’s bar, The Commons Club, offers Upside Down Tea Party, its take on high tea service every Saturday and Sunday. Bartenders pour boozy tea cocktails served in teapots and tea cups with a new theme rotating in each month. It'll have you feeling a little Alice-in-Wonderland-esque. For January, New Year’s resolutions inspired notable drinks like the Cheat Day (a hot tea cocktail made with mocha chai tea, mint tea, chocolate syrup and crème de menthe) and the health-inspired An Apple a Day (a cold tea cocktail made with green juice, Hendrick’s gin and Champagne). These luxurious libations sound right up our alley! Reservations are required for the tea service, as it is also open to non-guests.

Ace Hotel New Orleans

Finding a drink in the Big Easy is exactly that—easy. But the new Ace Hotel New Orleans is allowing guests to participate in drink making with DIY cocktail-making tools available in every room. Guest rooms are outfitted with an in-room minibar stocked with all of the ingredients for mixing. The full-size SMEG refrigerator is filled with mixers and spirits (including Valdespino Manzanilla sherry), along with a cutting board, a shaker, locally produced kombucha and bitters (including Underberg). Now this is a mini-bar we'd actually use. Did we mention we're heading to NOLA at the end of the month? See you soon Bourbon Street!

W Los Angeles-West Beverly Hills

In West Beverly Hills, the newly launched W hotel offers guests the personal treatment in the best possible way: a bartender in an elevator. Available to guests on Saturday evenings, upon entering a specific elevator, patrons can choose from cocktails (served in a nifty caddy) from the drink menu at STK and Living Room Bar (both a lift ride away). This gives new meaning to “one for the road,” and there’s no doubt guest will linger a little longer on their journey between floors. What a unique experience! We love this idea and it's breadth of elegance. A charming touch!

These five fabulous in-house accommodations are starting to make us think that everyone needs a luxurious libation space! Get your fix and devour the details of these lobby bars and fine dining restaurants that have changed the cocktail game for good. Cheers!

What to Binge-Watch on Netflix Today

Hooray, it's a snow day! If you don't have to shovel out just yet, we have some Netflix recommendations for you. Grab a blanket and your favorite snack--you won't want to miss these hilarious and suspenseful series, perfect for a snowy day!

The OA

Created and written by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij (The East), the latest Netflix original delves into the inexplicable reappearance of Prairie Johnson (Marling). Having gone missing seven years ago, the previously blind Johnson returns home, now in her 20s and with her sight restored. While many believe she is miracle, others worry that she could be dangerous.

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

After the Baudelaire parents die in a terrible fire, the Baudelaire orphans search for their families secrets and get them and their fortune away from the terrible grasp of the sinister Count Olaf as he moves with them between different guardians in disguise.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

After being rescued from an underground bunker in which she lived the past 15 years, Kimmy Schmidt decides to move to New York to have a normal life. She makes friends with her new roommate Titus, and works as a babysitter for Jacqueline Voorhees, the wife of a billionaire with many issues. Even though many obstacles are thrown her way, Kimmy makes the best of her new life while having to adapt to the new world around her.

Dexter

Dexter Morgan, Miami Metro Police Department blood spatter analyst, has a double life. When he's not helping the Homicide division solving murders, he spends his time hunting and killing bad guys that slip through the justice system. He spends his sun-drenched days solving crimes - and moonlit nights committing them. But not to worry, our cool-blooded Dexter doesn't kill just anyone. He reserves his homicidal hobbies to taking only the lives of other killers.

Black Mirror

The show looks inwards, at the darker aspects of humanity and society. This is done through the theme of technology, hence the second meaning. The black mirror is the screen that rules our lives. Taking contemporary phenomena (ranging from the wild popularity of talent shows on TV to the impact of social media and smartphones on our lives) as a starting point and speculate how such phenomena could/would evolve in the future. Each episode tells a different story with different protagonists and focuses on a different theme.

Peaky Blinders

A gangster family epic set in 1919 Birmingham, England and centered on a gang who sew razor blades in the peaks of their caps, and their fierce boss Tommy Shelby, who means to move up in the world.

Stranger Things

In a small town where everyone knows everyone, a peculiar incident starts a chain of events that leads to the disappearance of a child - which begins to tear at the fabric of an otherwise peaceful community. Dark government agencies and seemingly malevolent supernatural forces converge on the town while a few locals begin to understand that there's more going on than meets the eye.

Mascots

A look into the world of competitive mascots.

We definitely consider a snow day "Netflix and Chill". Warm up with these hilarious and suspenseful series and devour the details of a true binge-watch weekday!

Wedding Wednesdays: Show Your Love with Pizza

Lately, Domino's Pizza has been trolling the world with their new and improved marketing campaigns. They have the Piece of the Pie Rewards Program--where you can buy shares of Domino's stock and the $7.99 carryout deal all week long, strumming up new business like never before. Not to mention, you now have the capability to order Domino's online from anywhere including your car, Amazon Echo and even your Smart TV. Incredible! But what we didn't see coming is their most recent venture...a Domino's Pizza wedding registry.

It's true! Starting today, February 8, the recognized world leader in pizza delivery is rolling out the aisle runner for its very own wedding registry at DominosWeddingRegistry.com. Commence some drooling! What's even crazier? Customers requested this feature! Domino's loyal fan base had a hand in making this wedding registry happen since so many couples already include the cheesy goodness in their wedding day.

So how do you create your dream Domino's registry? It's super simple. Just add in your information and select the photo, message and items you want, and then you can share your wish list with family and friends on social media or just pop it on your existing wedding registry or website with a unique URL. Wedding guests can also search for a registry by using your names and wedding date. You can then choose from a variety of featured gifts to enjoy before, during and after the wedding (prices start at $15).

For those who aren’t sure what to serve at pre-wedding festivities like bachelor parties, Domino’s has it covered with "2 a.m. Bachelor Party Feast." After you settle into newlywed life together, you can enjoy a "Low-Key Date Night" or take advantage of "An Excuse Not to Cook." All gifts will be delivered to the lucky recipient's email as Domino’s eGift cards to use on Dominos.com for whatever items they want. If one of your guests prefers to give a physical gift, they’ll receive a printable confirmation email perfect for putting inside a card. We can't think of anything more perfect!

To celebrate the launch of Domino’s Wedding Registry, wedding-inspired pins have also been added to the official Domino’s Pinterest page to make all your pizza pinning dreams come true. And even if you know a pizza-loving couple who isn't registered yet, it's still a great gift to give for Valentine's Day or their engagement party! "We wanted to give recently engaged couples that are passionate about pizza the chance to register for something they both truly love as much as their partner," Jenny Fouracre, Domino’s spokeswoman shares. "Choosing wedding gifts can be a daunting process, especially if couples can’t agree on what to register for. Our registry aims to bring couples together over their shared love of pizza." Beautifully said!

Popping the questions can definitely work-up an appetite! Devour the details of creating your very own Domino's Wedding Registry and enjoy each bite with the one you love! Thanks Domino's!

Drones That Stole the Show

For those of you who still might not know, those were Intel drones lighting up the night sky behind Lady Gaga during her Super Bowl 51 halftime performance. Incredible, right? We thought it was a green screen, you know, for Gaga's safety, because being on a stadium roof seems highly unpredictable. But, we were wrong! 300 of Intel’s Shooting Star drones flew behind Lady Gaga; choreographed by lights and shapes in what the company is calling the first-ever drone integration for a televised event. Amazing!

Each weighing less than a volleyball, the drones transformed into multicolored stars and the U.S. flag. The collaboration is the second time Intel and Lady Gaga have worked together for a major performance. For last year’s Grammy Awards, the tech company used a hologram to transform Gaga’s face into that of David Bowie as a tribute to the late singer who died earlier in the year.

The goal of Lady Gaga and the Super Bowl creative team was to pull off something that had never been done before by combining Intel drone innovation with her artistry, producing a truly unique experience. The potential for these light-show drones is endless. Intel's hope is that this experience inspires other creatives, artists and innovators to really think about how they can incorporate drone technology in new ways that have yet to even be thought of for their events.

And ICYMI, at the end of the Pepsi Halftime Show performance, Intel also created a 10-second spot with the drones by transforming its logo into Pepsi’s. A grand gesture for the halftime sponsor! Intel has been boosting the presence of its new technology which, using LED lights, can create more than 4 billion color combinations that are programmed automatically. In May, it choreographed a performance in the Palm Springs desert for the first FAA-approved drone swarm. An alternative to the more traditional and sometimes unsafe firework displays.

We love the outside-of-the-box thinking that was done to bring next generation technology like these drones into an event as large as the Super Bowl. And we only foresee more and more planners incorporating this feat! Kudos to Lady Gaga and Intel for devouring the details of the most technically advanced Super Bowl halftime thus far and setting the newest event trend for 2017.

Monday Mashups: The Greatest Comeback of All Time

What's there left to do when you've done your job? Celebrate, of course. Cue the duck boats! Another championship parade is rolling through Boston for the beloved New England Patriots Super Bowl 51 win! After a crushing 21-3 Falcons lead at half, literally no one saw this coming. But it did. And for the fifth time, the dynamic duo, the G.O.A.T himself, Mr. Tom Brady and legendary Head Coach, Bill Belichick will roll through the streets of Boston to celebrate!

ICYMI (which we're sure you didn't), the Patriots completed the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, marching back from a 28-3 deficit early in the third quarter to reel off 31 straight points and beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 on their first possession in overtime. "Two years ago, we won our fourth Super Bowl down in Arizona," Kraft told Fox Sports' Terry Bradshaw after receiving the Vince Lombardi Trophy from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "I told our fans that was the sweetest one of all. But a lot has transpired during the last two years. I don't think that needs any explanation. But I want to say to our fans, our brilliant coaching staff, our amazing players who are so spectacular, this is unequivocally the sweetest. I'm proud to say, for the fifth time, we are all Patriots." Victory is sweet my friends!

 

Patriots fans will be able to celebrate the team's mighty accomplishments on Tuesday, February 7 at 11 a.m. local time, per Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. Roger that! The last time the Patriots won a Super Bowl, in 2015, the parade had to be postponed by a day due to cold weather. Fans should keep an eye out on the forecast and for any announcements from Mayor Walsh.

According to Weather.com, there is a projected high of 38 degrees with chances of rain and snow Tuesday, so it could be that this is another tentative parade date. Of course, in true Patriots fans fashion, we'd be more than willing to brave the elements to celebrate their dynastic team after yet another incredible achievement in one of the most thrilling Super Bowls of all time. Not to mention, the nature of the victory will likely mean another massive parade. Per MassLive.com's Garrett Quinn, roughly one million people came out to celebrate the Patriots' last Super Bowl win in 2015. So we should anticipate an even greater turnout this year!

Route details for this parade are yet to be announced, but it will likely follow a similar route to the last one, where the duck boats traveled from Prudential Tower up Boylston Street and eventually finishing at City Hall. Dress warm, wear comfy shoes and bring extra battery power for your camera and cellphones, this is going to be one hell of a parade! They did their job now it's time for us to devour the details of welcoming the champs back to Boston. Congratulations to the New England Patriots!

The Baked Bear: Custom Ice Cream Sandwiches

We recently saw this duo on Insider and had to investigate. What we found out, is pure food genius. Here's the story! Childhood friends, Rob Robbins and Shane Stanger, left their careers to follow their true passion: serving up inventive sweets to their home town of San Diego. At The Baked Bear, they assemble monstrous ice cream sandwiches that have won the hearts of locals and drawn accolades from Forbes, Eater, Thrillist, and more.

Original-recipe ice cream sits at the heart of each one of Rob and Shane's sandwiches, which are held together by fresh-baked cookies, brownies, or even donuts (check out the video if you don't believe us). The Baked Bear has over a dozen original-recipe cookies and ice cream flavors, giving guests a chance to mix and match to find their favorite combination. Before they're served, the sandwiches can be rolled through toppings ranging from Fruity Pebbles to Oreo crumble, giving them an Instagram-worthy touch.

It was said that when the doors to The Baked Bear's original location in San Diego's Pacific Beach neighborhood opened for the first time, there was a line out the door. Clearly, a need was being met. Let's call it a need for one of the most amazing ice cream sandwiches on the planet. Preach! Ice cream is great and all, but sometimes it's just better between two cookies (or brownies, as the case may be). The Baked Bear serves crazy combinations including snickerdoodle, funfetti, and waffle cookies, with traditional ice cream options such as rocky road, cookie dough, and strawberry cheesecake. Yum!

Lucky for us, The Baked Bear has plans to expand and have now opened and will open more shops throughout California, Arizona, Oklahoma, Nevada and Utah. Still not the east coast but more of an opportunity for us to grab one throughout our travels. If you're ever in the area, stop by to create your one-of-a-kind creation and devour the details of a Baked Bear custom ice cream sandwich then be sure to tell us all about it!

Wedding Wednesdays: Perfect Valentine's Day Restaurant Proposal

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and many proposals are being planned! Consider doing it with dinner: a little bubbly, a favorite dish, a sweet treat (and we're not just talking about dessert!). Whether it’s a romantic dinner date at your favorite local eatery or a special reservation at the five-star restaurant you’ve always dreamed about going to, nothing is sweeter than sharing a meal together before the big moment. If you're aiming to pop the question at dinner, here's how to do so!

Step 1: Call Ahead
Consult with the restaurant to see what services it provides. Many restaurants have reservations departments that can help with pre-arranging and coordinating extra flourishes, from flowers and champagne to a special dessert. Plus having someone at the restaurant know what your plan is may ease your nerves a bit. They can also catch the special moment on camera!

Step 2: Consider a Weeknight Reservation
Weeknights are generally less busy than weekends. Planning your engagement on a less popular evening will make the atmosphere of the restaurant feel more intimate, allowing you to really share in the special moment together.

Step 3: Wait Until Dessert
Waiting until dessert provides a memorable ending to a perfect dinner date, especially if your partner has a sweet tooth! And if you’re coordinating a romantic table setting, make sure it doesn’t give too much away. Make sure there is an extra clean napkin around as well in case the happy tears come!

Step 4: Include Family
In some instances, it may be an extra sweet surprise to include your partner's family in the proposal. If the restaurant is spacious enough, have their closest relatives scattered throughout so when the question is popped, the celebration can start! A truly memorable proposal!

Valentine's Day is on a Tuesday this year, so it is a great opportunity to use a weeknight to make arrangements (but make them fast!) and devour the details of a perfect restaurant proposal!