Making Money Moves

Opening earlier this month, Los Angeles’ Arts District, Stacks House, dubbed a “pop-up with a purpose,” hopes to make financial literacy fun for women with playful, money-theme experiences according to BizBash.

Built in the style of other Instagram museums like the Museum of Ice Cream, Color Factory, and 29Rooms, Stacks House features a maze of interactive rooms but tackles a trickier topic than most pop-ups with more whimsical concepts.

“We don’t think money is all that complicated, but it can trigger complicated emotions, which often paralyze us from moving forward,” explained Patience Ramsey, co-founder of She Stacks, the creators of Stacks House. “Marrying financial empowerment with a platform that is joyful and share-worthy changes the conversation and allows us to talk about these things and approach solving them in a way that is positive, communal, and, dare we say, fun.”

She Stacks, the brainchild of personal finance expert Farnoosh Torabi and experiential marketing veterans Ramsey and Kindra Meyer, aims to promote financial independence and close the gap between women and wealth through products, content, and experiences.

With Stacks House, which is produced by brand experience and content production agency Advoc8 and fabricator Hatch Exhibits, the women help break down key financial goals such as earning more, saving, eliminating debt, and investing wisely, with rooms such as the Debt Boxing Gym, the Retirement Rodeo presented by Charles Schwab, and Money Moves from Stacks House’s presenting sponsor Zelle, a digital payments network owned by Early Warning Services.

The sponsored room highlights three of the brand’s top use cases, including re-gifting, travel costs, and day-to-day expenses. For example, the travel area features a tropical arch covered in vines and aims to encourage women to feel comfortable splitting the cost of a girls’ weekend.

In addition to April being Financial Literacy Month, now is the right time for such a pop-up because coming out of the election, there’s been a lot more focus on how do we empower women, how do we help them know more about money so they have the freedom to make better choices in their lives. It’s always been a topic of conversation but it’s coming up more and more. How do we help support that, how do we give them financial education in a way that they can relate to, that speaks to them? This is how!

Ramsey said that Stacks House is designed to attract “hard-working, side-hustling, culturally attuned, ethnically diverse, modern women rising up to create their best selves.” Lowry added that “it is more focused on women, millennials, and Gen Z, [those] who would be open to this idea of an experiential pop-up. It is a different way of engaging with financial matters that’s really fun, very shareable.”

Like other ‘gram-worthy pop-up experiences, though, it comes at a cost. But the creators feel that it’s worth the investment. “We landed on our price point based on what previous pop-ups have charged guests,” Ramsey said, “and actually think that since our pop-up offers a real purpose—financial literacy and empowerment—as well as an ongoing community and education through our newsletter that $38 is a value. That said, we offer discounts and special prices for large groups.”

Stacks House is open Wednesdays through Sundays through May 19 and is available for private rental; the founders also plan to move the pop-up to major markets such as Austin, Detroit, Minneapolis, and New York.

This is just one way to make the topic of money a little less taboo. Something more planners and brands could definitely be doing! Get inspired by Stacks House and devour the details of talking money at your next event!

Monday Mashups: How to Ungala

“This isn’t your grandmother’s ballet company,” said a transgender cabaret singer at the Joffrey Ballet’s 17th annual gala on April 12. BizBash shares that it was clear that the sentiment was true—especially this year, when the gala switched from its traditional format to something entirely different.

For the 2019 event, the ballet company’s women’s board, led by co-chairs Laura Kofoid and Coco Meers, decided to christen the gala with a new name: The UNgala. True to its name, the event strayed from its past iterations in almost every way possible.

Formerly held between the Auditorium Theatre (where there was a performance) and a downtown hotel (where an ensuing dinner-dance took place), the 2019 gala took place entirely at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, which will become the company’s home base soon.

The Joffrey Ballet is known as an innovative force in the industry and our gala should reflect that spirit. With the company's move to the Lyric Opera House in the fall of 2020, this was the perfect year to make bold choices and offer guests a preview of the Joffrey experience in their future home. The women's board was not afraid of making major changes and rethinking the entire event format from top to bottom.

While past years’ dinners included assigned seating and plated courses, this year’s event saw guests piling their plates at scattered buffet stations and taking their seats anywhere they liked—candlelit rounds, lounge seating, and highboy tables were all options. And while in the past the gala enforced a strict black-tie dress code, this year the hosts asked guests to show up “untied, fancy, but fresh.”

The entertainment was also entirely shaken up. The evening kicked off with cocktails and a performance from the ballet company; afterward, guests were invited to explore entertainment spread out over three levels.

There were pop-up dance performances, stilt walkers blowing bubbles, magicians, and costumed performers atop pedestals surrounded in curtains of fringe. Plus, in a lower-level space known as the “Moody Lounge,” guests took in performances from some of Chicago’s best known drag and transgender performers. Throughout it all, there were cocktails to be had, along with snacks ranging from gilded macarons to sushi and pretzel bread with beer cheese.

In many ways, the evening had a choose-your-own adventure feel, but planners wanted to make sure that guests knew all their options.

The Joffrey Ballet found that the most challenging aspect of such a major shift in the gala format was communicating the changes and what they meant for guests. They spent a lot of time developing thoughtful communications to tease the idea that a change was coming, later on giving little sneak peeks to what those changes might look like, and closer to the event they shared more detail than normal like navigation maps, food selections, and entertainment. With such a dramatic format change, the Joffrey Ballet wanted guests to feel like they were provided the resources to determine how their evening would unfold or given the option to have the experience be a surprise—whatever they were most comfortable with.

Going forward, elements of surprise will likely be a hallmark of the gala. Just don’t expect anything grandmotherly. Consider switching up your gala experience and devour the details of an ungala like no other!

Precinct Kitchen + Bar...and Market!

For one day only, Precinct Kitchen + Bar, the home to one of Back Bay’s buzziest patios, is partnering with Bow Market, a curated marketplace based out of Somerville for a pop-up offering local Bostonians curated food, drink, home décor and gift offerings. And we couldn't be more excited!

On Saturday, April 27, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., join some of Bow Market’s premiere vendors on the patio at Precinct including:

• Adelante, custom shoes, handmade by craftsman in Guatemala 
• Blue Bandana Relics, a curated collection of vintage Americana and quality American brands. 
• Buenas, all sorts of South American goodness you can eat on the spot or take home to use in your own recipes. Think: take-n-bake empanadas, pastry dough to make your own empanadas (and other stuff), and sauces you can use for everything from roasting chicken and salmon, to topping oysters. 
• In Season Food Shop, made-to-order meals and drinks, local food products, and a curated selection of grocery essentials 
• Maca, chic and cheeky, regular and character macarons that range in flavors from vanilla to blueberry basil cheesecake. 
• Peston, unique accessories, fleeky home goods and apparel. 
• Happy Cactus, succulents, cacti, air plants, exotic plants, ethically sourced butterflies, crystals, gems, fossils and pretty much anything extraordinary Mother Nature creates. 

Additionally, guests will also enjoy soaps and creams from the Sentas Family Farm and much, much more!

Precinct Kitchen + Bar will be serving its regular breakfast, brunch and lunch menus for guests to enjoy all day long. Reservations are highlight recommended. For more information about the pop-up and to make your reservations, visit their website.

Grab your purse and your girlfriends and head to Precinct Kitchen + Bar to devour the details of a shop-til-you-drop kind of day courtesy of Bow Market!

Wedding Wednesdays: 5 Major Perks of Choosing an All-Inclusive Honeymoon Trip

With all that goes into wedding planning, you might already feel drained of both resources and energy when it comes to planning your honeymoon too. We don’t blame you. In fact, we feel your pain!

But we are happy to share that The Knot has just the solution for you—and you might have already considered it. All-inclusive honeymoons are a viable and amazing option for any couple looking for an extra-convenient trip (and price tag). Just read these five major perks of all-inclusive vacays if you still need convincing.

1. You’ll save money (duh).
Financially speaking, you’ll save significantly by doing an all-inclusive vacation due to the fact that—as the name implies—everything is included (except airfare and departure taxes). It’ll certainly depend where you’re going (you’ll get major savings if you head to the Caribbean) and when you’re going, as “high season” and “low season” rates will vary. But typically, you’ll save big-time (up to 25 percent off the cost of a regular vacation) by going the all-inclusive route—especially if you choose a location with reasonably priced flights too.

2. You won’t have any surprise fees—or reasons to take out your wallet.
That’s the beautiful thing about an all-inclusive vacay: You just know what you’re going to get upfront. There shouldn’t be any surprise fees or even reasons to whip out your wallet at the swim-up bar or beyond—all you’ll need to worry about is eating, drinking and being merry with your new spouse. Now that’s a perfect way to unwind after your wedding.

3. You’ll get to try tons of (complimentary) activities that you probably wouldn’t normally consider.
Free adventures? Yes, please. Tons of resorts offer complimentary activities like wind-surfing, sailing, snorkeling and more—so it’ll give you and your partner a convenient (and inexpensive) reason to try things out that you normally wouldn’t. And that should make for an absolutely unforgettable honeymoon, guaranteed.

4. You can easily make a honeymoon registry.
Since an all-inclusive resort will have a cut-and-dry price, you can easily add it to your registry via The Knot Newlywed Fund without feeling weird (you shouldn’t either way), or coming up with an arbitrary ballpark price that might not get the job done.

5. Having a destination wedding too? This route makes it super easy.
If you book a certain package at an all-inclusive resort, you can potentially get your wedding for free (yes, really). Also, lots of resorts have on-site wedding coordinators to make everything as simple and smooth as possible since you’ll likely be doing a lot of the planning from afar.

Bring on the relaxation! Devour the details of your very own all-inclusive honeymoon thanks to these perks!

Coming this May: City Winery on the Greenway

Spring is here! And it's the perfect time for drinking outdoors (second to summer of course). Many breweries have been taking to the streets of Boston and reveling in the warmer weather. But Boston.com shares a new contender of adult beverages that'll be enjoying the outdoors next month! That's right. City Winery is about to mix it up with Boston’s first open-air wine garden, scheduled to debut in May.

City Winery on The Greenway will open at Dewey Square across from South Station with its own local wine on tap, including reds, whites, and rosés. Beer fans won’t be left out — the winery has partnered with Harpoon to offer beer and cider as well. A Mediterranean-influenced menu including charcuterie, cheeses, olives, and nuts will round out the food and drink lineup.

“City Winery is excited to enjoy our first summer outdoors on the Greenway,” Avi Kent, chief growth officer for City Winery, said in a press release. “We can’t wait to bring what we do at our existing Boston location with wine and food to the Greenway, reaching a whole new audience of locals, downtown workers, and visitors throughout the warmer months in Boston.”

The West End winery, restaurant, and event space operates seven locations around the country, including a 30,000-square-foot space near TD Garden, but this is the first time a wine garden has been part of its repertoire.

Last year, Downeast Cider took up residency in Dewey Square for the inaugural Down East Back Porch on the Greenway pop-up, but the introduction of a winery is a notable change from the cider and beer gardens that will soon start populating this particular stretch of downtown.

While an exact opening date hasn’t yet been announced, the garden will be open Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Get your friends, get some sun and enjoy the fun as you devour the details of City Winery's residency on the Greenway this spring! Cheers!

Monday Mashups: How Event Planners Are Adapting to Cannabis Legalization in Canada

Since marijuana was legalized in Canada last October, Toronto has been experiencing a whirlwind of change for cannabis retail in the city according to BizBash. Previously, the only way for consumers in Ontario to legally purchase cannabis was through a government-run online store and consumption is only permitted in private residences. But private retailers are now beginning to get permits to sell cannabis at shops in and more lax regulations around edibles are on their way.

What does the new legalization mean for Toronto’s event industry? A lot of things! Starting off, since the rules of the Cannabis Act (known as Bill C-45) went into effect last October, event planners and marketers have been restricted from promoting cannabis to the public. And cannabis brands can’t sample products at events. Monica Gomez, the founder and president of the Concierge Club, an event production and staffing agency in Toronto, says this means events won’t be able to drive sales through product trials immediately. Instead, they will need to be tongue-in-cheek and creative in order to get Canadians excited about the overall cannabis lifestyle, rather than the product itself. Brands will need to stand out with meaningful and memorable experiences that really break through the clutter.

Brands had already been doing so, holding buzzy events and pop-ups well before the legalization. Most notably, events that took place during the Toronto International Film Festival in September included a couple high-profile pop-ups from cannabis companies in anticipation of legalization. Canadian company Aurora Cannabis transformed the former bank building at 320 Bay Street into a three-day pop-up used for premiere parties, networking events, and press junkets. And Dosist, a California-based company that sells cannabis pens, held a 10-day wellness and education pop-up at King Street West and Spadina that offered product displays and fitness classes in a greenhouse-style tent.

Toronto also is home to the largest annual convention for cannabis professionals in Canada, which is hosted by Lift & Co., an online cannabis platform for consumers and businesses. The Lift & Co. Expo Toronto will have its third edition June 6 to 9 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The industry trade show, which has a consumer-facing day, draws more than 250 exhibitors that range from licensed producers and growing supply companies to artisans and advocacy groups.

Tormi Tuk, the events manager of Canopy Growth—the first cannabis company in North America to be publicly traded, in 2014—says that since the legalization, the company has been more selective when choosing events in which to participate. Canopy, which owns cannabis brands including Tweed, is currently focused on opening events for its retail stores in Manitoba and Newfoundland. In Toronto, Tuk said the company works with its legal team to make sure events comply with the Cannabis Act.

Gomez says the Concierge Club has been approached to produce cannabis events but has yet to take one on. When the time comes to execute a cannabis brand event, Gomez said her team’s checklist would include adhering to Bill C-45 rules; creating a highly visual experience; having a memorable, educational element; and offering takeaways for consumers that tell the brand story.

Once edibles are legalized, Torontonians will demand more refined fare than brownies and cookies. Canadian companies such as the Green Chef and the Herbal Chef specialize in private dinners and events for people who have medical marijuana prescriptions. Based on dosages, the companies infuse specific amounts of THC into dishes: the Green Chef offers shepherd’s pie, Thai curry soup, and a cotton candy machine, while the Herbal Chef serves upscale items like fig and burrata dip, roasted Cornish game hen, and braised short rib with roasted potato.

So what’s next for cannabis events in the city? Planners say they’re confident that weed industry events have a bright future, and they expect to see some new trends take off—and others die down this year.

Joint gatherings? Time to spark them up! With legalization heading our way, it's good to be aware of these industry trends so you can surely devour the details of a future cannabis-centric event.

The Coldplay Experience

Are you a fan of all things yellow? (Maybe not the best Coldplay reference but still!) Well we've got great news to share with you. As part of their ongoing music under the dome series, the Museum of Science is holding the Coldplay Experience this weekend!

Developed as a part of SubSpace Project, the experimental playground for new work at the Museum of Science, this musical experience engages audiences in a sensory journey full of innovation, artistry, and imagination set to the pulsating soundtrack of an internationally renowned band.

Using the cutting-edge capabilities of the Planetarium, the Coldplay Experience redefines nightlife in Boston, fusing the sounds of energetic rock with stunning and inventive visuals under the Charles Hayden Planetarium dome.

The show is about 40 minutes long. Tickets for adults are only $10. We can easily say that this experience will surely have you feeling the speed of sound (another mediocre song reference)!

Don't delay! Get your tickets today and devour the details of this adventure of a lifetime (still not great). Viva la Vida!

Wedding Wednesdays: The Flower Girl's Guide to Getting Ready

There is a lot more that goes into being the adorable flower girl than just a dress and flowers. Between the walk down the aisle, the prewedding parties and the makeup, you're little girl is bound to be overwhelmed. Help prep her for the wedding with this easy to follow guide from The Knot!

Practice Makes Perfect
Start "walking down the aisle" months before the wedding. The more confidence your flower girl has, the more comfortable she'll be when it counts. If she's younger, try walking with her a few times, than have her show you how she can walk on her own. She should keep a steady pace that might seem slow at first -- try having her count in her, "one peanut butter, two peanut butter," with each step. Older flower girls should catch on pretty quickly, but it might take several practice sessions for the little ones to perfect their walk.

The Bridal Shower
If the flower girl to be is invited to the shower, be mindful of her attention span. Ask the host to recommend a good time for her to arrive, and suggest giving her a special job at the party, like helping collect bows and ribbons to turn into the rehearsal bouquet. The bridal shower is a great opportunity for your little girl to meet the other members of the bridal party. Seeing friendly, familiar faces on the big day will help ease any anxiety.

Beyond the shower, you might suggest the bride spend some one-on-one time with the flower girl and let her know how excited she is to share her special day. Manicures or special shopping trips are great ways to bond!

Hair & Makeup
Is the bridal party getting fancy updos for the event? Ask if she can go to the salon, too. Even if the stylist only brushes her hair and clips in a barrette or two, it will help her feel included. If the flower girl is wearing a ring of flowers in her hair, make sure it's secure and won't fall over her eyes every few steps!

Try to minimize her time in the salon chair; if she has to sit still for two hours the morning of the wedding, it may be hard for her to focus on the more important parts of the day. If you choose not to have a professional do her hair, be prepared with a comb and light hairspray for styling and touch-ups. Also, if you're planning to schedule a haircut, make it a week or two before the wedding to avoid harsh bands and choppy layers.

If the bride is having her makeup professionally done, decide beforehand if you'd like to include the flower girl, but don't let the makeup artist get carried away. It's not a beauty pageant, so a touch of lip gloss and a little translucent powder or a light stroke of blush is plenty.

The Rehearsal
On or around the night before the wedding, the flower girl will participate in the rehearsal. She might be intimidated by the attention, but assure her it's going to be just as you practiced. Walk her down the aisle once or twice if she's uncomfortable, and she her where you'll be during her big moment. Don't worry if the rehearsal doesn't go perfectly -- often the most nervous flower girls at the rehearsal turn into the best performers when it counts. She may be invited to the rehearsal dinner, but don't be offended if she's not -- it's better to save her energy and attention for the wedding day.

Get your flower girl ready and devour the details of a perfect walk down the aisle with help from The Knot!

Tasty Tuesday: Orange Dream Angel Food Cake is Our New Favorite Spring Sweet Treat

This basic angel food cake becomes a heavenly indulgence thanks to a hint of orange flavor swirled into every bite. The orange color makes slices of the cake look so pretty when arranged on individual dessert plates - perfect for all your upcoming Spring festivities (including Easter). Nothing beats this sweet treat! Get the ingredients today and try this tasty recipe.

Orange Angel Food Cake

Ingredients
12 large egg whites
1 cup all-purpose flour
1-3/4 cups sugar, divided
1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon orange extract
6 drops red food coloring, optional
6 drops yellow food coloring, optional

Instructions

1. Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Sift flour and 3/4 cup sugar together twice; set aside.
2. Add the cream of tartar, salt and almond and vanilla extracts to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, beating on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Gradually fold in flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time.
3. Gently spoon half of batter into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. To the remaining batter, stir in the orange zest, orange extract and, if desired, food colorings. Gently spoon orange batter over white batter. Cut through both layers with a knife to swirl the orange and remove air pockets.
4. Bake on the lowest oven rack at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned and entire top appears dry. Immediately invert pan; cool completely, about 1 hour.
5. Run a knife around side and center tube of pan. Remove cake to a serving plate.

Serve up some Spring with this sweet treat and devour the details of a perfect seasonal dessert!

Monday Mashups: Virtual Activations Using Motion Capture Technology

What do pink butterflies, mouth bacteria, and human shadows have in common? Well, nothing, except for the fact they've all been the subject of motion-capture installations at recent events. According to BizBash, more brands have been elevating the motion-capture technology trend at events through custom, interactive installations such as LED pixel walls, Instagrammable tunnels with animations and music, and kinetic sculptures.

One of the latest examples is the Pandora Garden, a digital experience that jewelry company Pandora brought to New York’s High Line from March 27 to 29. The experience, which touted the brand’s new spring collection, involved a futuristic and whimsical butterfly garden, created by multimedia studio Moment Factory.

The multi-sensory tunnel invited guests to interact with digital butterflies, flowers, ladybugs, and four-leaf clovers. Yael Braha, multimedia director for Moment Factory, said the main guideline for creating the installation, and for the firm's projects in general, was to bring people together and offer connection.

After Pandora approved the idea, Moment Factory put together a team of interactive developers, designers, UX experts, motion designers, graphic designers, and a music composer. The project took about a month to complete, with the team prototyping, testing, and developing the visual and interactive elements in the Montreal-based company’s “proto room.”

Less visually appealing, but just as engaging, was Colgate’s digital interactive wall for the launch of the new Colgate Total SF toothpaste. The curved, LED wall—which launched at the Greater New York Dental Convention in November 2018 and appeared at a promotional event in January—gave guests a virtual tour of the human mouth, with the intention of demonstrating how the toothpaste can reduce bacteria.

The wall, made of 40 modular tiles and run by a backstage media server, featured a close-up view of the gum line, leading into visuals of bacteria clusters forming over the gums and teeth. Groups of guests were guided by brand ambassadors to reach out and “kill” the bacteria with their hand movements, causing the bacteria to disintegrate.

Other brands that have recently executed motion-capture installations include Sony and DirecTV. At SXSW in March, Sony’s third annual Superception exhibit featured the “Fragment Shadow” installation, a system using Sony CSL technology that enabled guests to experience changes in bodily sensations through visual changes in their own shadows.

And at DirecTV’s Super Saturday Night, held the weekend of Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, the brand tapped Breakfast, a New York-based studio that specializes in high-tech art installations, to create a reflective installation made with customizable kinetic pixels that spelled out the brand name. The pixels were programmed to rotate when guests stood in front of the piece.

The element of surprise and familiarity are both reasons why motion-activated installations resonate well with event attendees. BizBash notes that those creating these types of installations need to consider the actual message and purpose of the interaction. It's great to have the technology to have interactivity in different ways but using it in a way that’s meaningful in the context of the experience is what makes it work.

Consider creating a virtual activation using motion capture technology at your next event and devour the details of an experience unlike any other!

Do617's 5th Annual Pop-Up Record Shop Returns to Brighton Music Hall

Do617 is proud to announce the 5th Annual Pop-Up Record Shop, to be held on 13th at Brighton Music Hall in the heart of Allston.

Presented by Lord Hobo Brewing Co, the Pop-Up Record Shop was started by Do617 to highlight independent New England record labels who deal primarily in vinyl. With many of the larger record stores around Boston focusing on larger exclusive releases this time of year, local record labels tend to get shut out of the process. Do617 has invited some of New England’s best labels, small record stores, and vinyl distributors to display their wares in the center of one of Boston’s creative hubs.

The Pop-Up Record Shop will take place at Brighton Music Hall on Saturday, April 13th, from 10 am to 3pm. 21+ to drink but all ages are welcome. The event is free with your RSVP!

Vendors for the day (more to be added) include:

• AR Classic Records 
• Artificial Distro 
• Counter Intuitive Records 
• Cultures of Soul 
• Kids Like You And Me (KLYAM) 
• Midnight Werewolf 
• Omaha Beach Reads 
• Ralph Martin Designs On Vinyl 
• Record Bug 
• State Line Records 
• Studebaker Hawk/Peace & Rhythm 
• Too Far Gone Records 
• Valiant Vinyl 
• Vinyl Destination 
• Whiskey Discs 

Do617 is a full-service marketing and promotions entity with a dedicated events listing website, weekday and dedicated emails, and an ever-growing social media following. Their goal is to be the go-to source for what everyone in the Boston area should be doing on any given day or night, the absolute authority on the best things to do in our great city. The Do617 team ensures that they always know what’s up in Boston and beyond —concerts, restaurants, museums, movies, festivals, the performing arts, seasonal activities, sporting events, street fairs, lifestyle events, parades, unique experiential events – it’s their mission to be aware of all the city has to offer and share it with you.

Do617 goes beyond recommendations and listings to creating and curating some of the best events and experiences in and around Boston including this Pop-Up Record Shop event. Their team of marketers, promoters, and bookers develop and facilitate Do617 branded events throughout the year, many of them free, to further enhance the entertainment profile of our city. From block parties to scavenger hunts to live music, Do617 adds extra layers of fun to your “To Do” list. They partner with some of the best and brightest bands and brands to amplify their events and expand our reach.

Don't delay, RSVP today and devour the details of a Do617 experience designed just for you!

Wedding Wednesdays: Earrings and Necklines, Find Your Perfect Match

Even if you don't wear earrings on a daily basis, they're are an important bridal accessory for a few reasons: They draw attention to your face (which is perfect for tightly cropped photos), and they can enhance a simple gown or play up the glamorous vibe of an ornate one. When shopping for this wedding day essential, choose wisely. Pick a pair that flatters both your personal style and wedding dress neckline. Whether you go for a classic sweetheart or a trendy off-the-shoulder look, The Knot has got the danglers and studs to complement every neckline.

Deep V-Neckline

Deep V-necklines elongate your torso and give just the right amount of sex appeal. Keep this stunning neckline sleek and modern by pairing it with wedding-worthy ear crawlers. Not only will they add an elegant sparkle, they also play off the angular shape of a deep V, drawing attention to your neck and collarbones.

From left:
Kate Spade New York Bouquet faux pearl drop ear crawlers, $98
Auden Harlow Crystal ear cuff, $198
Nardi Cubic zirconia stud ear crawlers, $120

Illusion Neckline

Illusion necklines add an ethereal feel with floating lace or beading. Add drop earrings with texture to complement the delicate feel of this barely there neckline.

From left:
Effy Bouquet white gold diamond cluster drop earrings, $1,595
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Cobblestone earrings, $4,900
Ralph Lauren Pavé drop earrings, $38

Off-the-Shoulder

An off-the-shoulder neckline (also called a Bardot neckline) gives you plenty of room to play with statement earrings. We love pairing this elegant style with modern ear jackets. These gorgeous ones from Marchesa are a perfect "something blue."

From left:
Marchesa Crystal ear jackets, $55
Givenchy Small teardrop earrings, $38
Swarovski Attract ear jacket and stud earring set, $89

Sweetheart Strapless

It's no secret why sweethearts are a bridal staple: The heart-shaped neckline shows off curves and flatters most body types. Pair chandelier earrings with this ultra-feminine style—its clean lines and bare shoulders won't distract from bold colors and shapes.

From left:
Noir Jewelry Adirondack earrings, $160
Nadri Kite chandelier earrings, $125
Baublebar Chandelier drops, $34

From illusion to sweetheart, The Knot has got you covered! Take their advice and devour the details of finding your perfect match!

Celebrate the Sox Home Opener at Cask 'n Flagon & City Tap House

Yes, we know, not everyone can take the day off to go to the Sox Home Opener...but if you did call out sick today - we've got some great news for you! You can get ready for the 7th inning stretch at Cask 'n Flagon (starting as early as 8AM) and City Tap House. Both restaurants are dishing out great home opener deals...as an honorary umpire, you can call them a steal! Here's what Cask 'n Flagon and City Tap House are offering:

Cask 'n Flagon

Since 1969, the world-famous Cask ‘n Flagon has been “home base” for Bostonians and tourists alike when it comes to the Red Sox season. With more than 60 HDTVs throughout the space that abuts Fenway Park, this landmark restaurant and bar will open early at 8am on Opening Day with an a la carte breakfast menu and a cocktail special that hits it out-of-the-park: the First Pitch made with Bacardi banana, peach liquor, orange juice, tropical Red Bull and a splash of grenadine. The regular menu will also be available during lunch and dinner, featuring signature fan-favorites like the Fenway Burger, a half-pound Angus beef patty topped with Applewood smoked bacon, onion strings and Vermont cheddar ($13.99) and the Cask Burger, a half-pound Angus beef patty topped with pork belly, BBQ sauce, Vermont cheddar and a fried egg ($14.99).

City Tap House

The Fort Point beer paradise will put the infamous Fenway Frank in the spotlight as they feature a duo of gourmet twists on the ballpark staple. For $3 each, there is the Buffalo Dog, an all-beef hot dog topped with bleu cheese crumbles, buffalo sauce and scallions and the Teriyaki Dog, an all-beef hot dog smothered in caramelized onions and teriyaki sauce. City Tap also will dish out Loaded Waffle Fries crisped to perfection and slathered in cheese, bacon, tomatoes, scallions and sour cream ($14). Wash the guilt-heavy treats down with specialty brews from Samuel Adams including ’76 available by the can, Sam Summer and 26.2 on draught. It is predicted that baseball fans will eat more than 19 million hotdogs in the 2019 season so there is no time like the present to put a dent into that lofty goal in honor of Boston’s 120th Opening Day. The 2:05pm game against the Blue Jays will be on – with sound – in all its glory on City Tap’s 11 HDTVs, including three mammoth 80” screens that line the bar’s 60 tap lines.

It's kind of a no brainer. Get home opener ready with Cask 'n Flagon and City Tap House and devour the details of cheering on the World Series Champions as they take on the Toronto Blue Jays!

Monday Mashups: YouTube Stars Prep for Prom

It's totally prom season and retailer Journeys and sneaker brand Converse want to help teens break out of those old-school traditions of tuxedos and corsages by trading in the high heels and dress shoes for a pair of Chucks. BizBash shares how!

For the second year in a row, Nashville-based marketing agency FlyteVu worked with the two companies to create the Off to Prom experiential event. The goal of the activation for Journeys and Converse is to participate in the prom conversation among teens in a useful and creative way. They wanted to get teens ready for prom and encourage them to think about how to flip outdated prom traditions and, of course, consider rocking Chuck Taylor All Stars with their prom outfits.

The afternoon event took place at the YouTube offices in New York on March 22 and featured three rooms designed around the idea of prepping for prom. YouTube stars LaurDIY, beauty vlogger Hailie Barber, and dancers and choreographers Michael Le and Analisse Rodriguez were on hand to assist attendees. For example, Le and Rodriguez taught the teens dance moves in a disco ball-decorated room, while Barber and a local glam squad offered mini-makeovers, along with beauty and grooming tips.

Plus, attendees received a pair of Converse sneakers that they could personalize on site at the Converse By You station, with help from do-it-yourself specialist Lauren Riihimaki, a.k.a. LaurDIY.

Recruiting YouTube stars to participate in a teen-centric event seemed like a natural fit for Journeys. They wanted to meet teens where they are, and these days—based on studies and data—YouTube is the preferred platform for that demographic. Knowing this, Journeys thought there would be no better place for this activation than YouTube Space New York, which is a space generally not open to the public, so it offered an exclusive environment for the event. They also wanted to give attendees access to their favorite YouTube stars in a personalized way. Rather than a classic meet-and-greet, they got to interact with these stars in a hands-on format, focused on key elements of prom.

The event, which was promoted through targeted social media posts and on the YouTube stars’ social channels, was free to attend via R.S.V.P.; attendees had to be high school students between the ages of 14 to 19.

What a way to engage our future influencers. We can't wait to see how Journeys and Converse devour the details of the new era prom next year and for years to come!

Melrose Beer & Bites 2019

Well, you know where we'll be this weekend! Melrose Beer & Bites is back and ready to treat the local community to another great tasting at Memorial Hall. The event offers a chance to sample an assortment of craft beers and cider from local breweries, as well as tasty appetizer "bites" from local food establishments in two sessions this Saturday, April 6th! And the best part? Tickets are only $40!

The proceeds from Beer & Bites benefit Melrose Highlands Congregational Church and the programs and outreach it supports, including mission trips, feeding ministries for A Servant’s Heart Food Pantry and Bread of Life, youth service opportunities such as Common Cathedral and City Reach, and support for area families through initiatives such as the Giving Tree, Birthday® Wishes program for homeless children, MLK Jr. Day of Service, Rosie's Place gift bags, and Housing Families Christmas party.

A portion of event proceeds will also go to the Building Fund of the Bread of Life of Malden, a feeding ministry that distributes more than one million free meal equivalents each year to hungry, homeless, and isolated neighbors. Its services include evening meals four nights a week in Malden, food pantries in Malden and Everett, grocery delivery to senior citizens in public housing in Malden, Everett, Melrose, Medford, and Wakefield, and food delivery to homeless families sheltered in local motels.

Not only is it a fun time, the event also gives back to the local community in more ways than one. Here's what your ticket gets you:

• Unlimited 2-ounce pours from unique local craft brewers;
• Appetizer "bites" from local food establishments;
• An event sampling glass to take home with you; and
• An event guide to help you learn more about the brewery, food, and retail partners in attendance, as well as event sponsors.

Additional food and merchandise will also be available for sale.

Get your tickets today and devour the details of another great Beer & Bites!

Wedding Wednesdays: Engagement Photo Envy

Let's be real, there are very few moments more exciting than saying "yes" to the love of your life. Although taking engagement photos obviously isn't mandatory, it's a fun way to announce your happy news, show off your ring and get some gorgeous snaps of you and your partner for your wedding website, newlywed pad and beyond. Traditional engagement photos never go out of style, but if you're looking to really showcase your personality as a couple, this is the time to go for it. Don't be envious - get inspired by these epic ideas and create your own picture perfect engagement photo shoot!

A Romantic, Destination Photo Shoot in a Lavender Field in Provence, France

A Whimsical Disneyland Photo Shoot on the Iconic Spinning Teacups

A Star Wars–Themed Photo Session With an Epic Lightsaber Battle

A Relaxed, Restaurant Engagement Photo Featuring Dim Sum

An Intimate, Relaxed Engagement Session at Home

Get inspired by these unique ideas and devour the details of showing your love with a picture perfect engagement photo shoot!

Tasty Tuesday: Spring Detox Smoothie

Now that spring is here, it's time to get rid of those winter blues inside and out! Instead of feeling sluggish and in need of a recharge, it's time to feel energized and ready for the warmer days and activities that come along with them. Try this delicious spring detox smoothie and enjoy a nice boost all season long!

This detox smoothie is full of healthy, naturally detoxifying ingredients. Let’s take a look at each ingredient.

Cilantro contains phytonutrients, flavonoids and active phenolic compounds. It helps your body get rid of heavy metals by binding to them. Eating a diet rich in cilantro can also have great anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. If you’re one of the thousands of people who can’t stand cilantro, try adding it in small amounts to pesto or smoothies to reap the benefits without being overwhelmed by the flavor.

Green tea is high in flavonoids (antioxidants) and is the best source of catechins. Catechins are a group of antioxidants that stop cell damage and fight disease and are even more powerful than vitamins C and E. Green tea appears to also help lower the risk of certain kinds of cancer and help prevent heart disease.

Cucumbers don’t get as much attention as they should – they are great sources of vitamin C, K, beta-carotene and molybdenum. They are full of phytonutrients that provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.

Pineapple is one of the best sources of vitamin C around. Just one 8-ounce serving provides 131% daily value of vitamin C. It is also an excellent source of bromelain, an enzyme which aids in digestion, as well as several b vitamins. Pineapple is an excellent source of manganese.

Ginger has long been known to help with digestive troubles, but more recently studies have shown that it also has many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger contains gingerol which can help reduce the symptoms of arthritis. It also helps with circulation and gives your metabolism a big boost.

Avocados are an excellent source of numerous vitamins and minerals including high amounts of potassium, vitamin E and B vitamins, as well as other antioxidants. It can also help replenish liver cells, making it a great detox food. The high (healthy) fat content makes it a great companion to other foods containing vitamin A, as it helps the body absorb the other vitamin. Adding in some avocado each day will also help add fiber to your diet, which in turn helps with digestion.

Lemon juice is a natural diuretic with great cleansing and detox properties. It’s high in vitamin C, citric acid, magnesiun and calcium, all of which give the immune system a boost. Starting the day with lemon juice will help improve digestion. It works with the liver to cleanse the body and can help balance pH levels and clear the skin.

Raw honey contains phytonutrients with antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help the boost the body’s immune system and fight illness. It also contains trace minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Pasteurizing can destroy the benefits of honey, so it’s best to consume it in its raw state. (Don’t give to babies under one though. That’s true for raw or pasteurized honey.) Raw honey is a source of the enzyme amylase which helps with digesting carbohydrates properly. Another benefit of honey, particularly local honey, is that it can help combat spring allergies.

Here's the complete recipe:

Ingredients
1 cup green tea, chilled
1 cup loosely packed cilantro
1 cup loosely packed organic baby kale (or another baby green)
1 cup cucumber
1 cup pineapple
juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 avocado

Instructions
Place ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth.

Try it today and devour the details of recharging your body inside and out all spring long!

Monday Mashups: Taking Book Tours to the Next Level

ICYMI, Michelle Obama has been crushing the book tour game. Seriously - she has taken it to the next level! In November, former first lady Michelle Obama set off on her U.S. book tour, Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama, starting in her hometown of Chicago.

In support of her widely popular memoir, Becoming, which currently holds the top spot on Amazon’s most-sold chart for non-fiction books (for the week of January 27), Live Nation and the Crown Publishing Group organized the 10-city tour that featured conversations between Obama and moderators including Sarah Jessica Parker and Oprah Winfrey.

At the end of last year, an extension of the tour, produced by Live Nation, was announced which includes 21 additional events across North America and Europe. The second leg of the tour kicked off in February at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Washington, and will conclude in May at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

The fact that a book tour earned additional tour dates is unprecedented. From the start, Obama has been compared to a rock star, selling out major arenas in record time. With a slew of new dates on the horizon, BizBash shares how the event series rewrote the book on book tours:

1. She sold out arenas.
Events for the first leg of the tour were held in impressive venues such as the United Center in Chicago, which has a seating capacity of 23,500; the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, which holds 19,000; and the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, with room for 19,500—not exactly the neighborhood bookstore.

The second leg does mix in some smaller theaters like the Ryman Auditorium, which only holds a little over 2,300, but most dates will continue to take place in large arenas like the O2 Arena in London, which holds 20,000.

2. The tour has its own tunes.
For the tour, Questlove created a soundtrack with a three-volume, almost 600-song playlist titled the Michelle Obama Musiaqualogy. It features artists such as Sam Cooke, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, George Benson, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and D’Angelo, and is played live in the venues during the tour. Plus, the soundtrack can be streamed on Spotify and Pandora.

3. Some tickets are pricey, some are free.
During the first leg of the tour, ticket prices went for as high as $3,000 (that included a front-row seat with a meet-and-greet package). Right now, you can score a third-row seat at the Ryman for $1,750.

To help make the tour more accessible, 10 percent of ticket inventory in each market of the first leg (nearly 15,000 tickets total) was donated to organizations such as charities, schools, and community groups that were selected by Obama such as the Democracy Prep Public School in Harlem. A portion of tickets for the 2019 shows will also be donated. Plus, this time around, Crown is sponsoring a sweepstakes for book clubs to win tickets to see the tour. One book group per city (in select cities) will win eight tickets to the tour.

Also, to ensure tickets got into the hands of fans, not scalpers or bots, the tour used Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan platform. Fans could register for Verified Fan presales, allowing them to purchase tickets before the general public.

4. There’s swag.
Like any rock concert, fans can scoop up branded merchandise like Becoming T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, pins, and even candles at the gift shop.

5. There are no pyrotechnics but Barack showed up.
In order to create that “intimate conversation” atmosphere in a massive arena, two chairs and some end tables are set up on stage, as a way to draw the audience into the discussion between the former first lady and the moderator. During the first leg, Obama chatted with an all-female lineup of notable names including Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Valerie Jarrett. Plus, during the stop in Chicago, her husband, and former president, Barack Obama popped by for a quick hello.

The book tour game has truly evolved thanks to Michelle Obama. Capitalize on these ideas and devour the details of taking your own book tour to the next level like the former first lady!