Spring 2011 Events

"So much to do, so little done, such things to be."
(Elizabeth Taylor)

It's been a very busy season! Aside from work-related events for one of my agencies -- we held a great young professionals cocktail reception on March 9, and then raised a record-breaking $1 million on April 13 -- I've had the pleasure of going places for fun. Below are some highlights.

Made in NYC Trunk Show

Accessory designers at The Marcel at Gramercy's Polar Lounge on Tuesday, March 22, featuring Tina Tang handmade jewelry, Bambina di Cioccolato unique leather goodies, and La China Loca handcrafted headwear.

Tina Tang

Bambina di Cioccolato

La China Loca

Jennifer Chun Preview and Sale

I bought a fantastic dress at Jennifer Chun's Fall 2011 Preview and Sale at the Chelsea Stratus Lounge on Tuesday, March 26, and had a great time with the designer and good friends. I can't wait to wear my dress!

 

Spring designs

Fall 2011 line

National Cherry Blossom Festival

The weather in Washington, DC on Saturday, April 2 was stormy at first, but cleared up beautifully in the afternoon for prime cherry blossom viewing.

The Washington Monument

The Jefferson Memorial

The International Culinary Center Fifth-Floor Loft Launch Party

In the throes of our own event planning, I had to attend a launch party at The International Culinary Center in NYC on Thursday, April 7. The ICC is the larger organization of The French Culinary Institute and The Italian Culinary Academy. It was a fabulous evening, and we will be using this space in October!

 

Fifth-Floor Loft kitchens

Delicious hors d'oeuvres (Image: Neilson Barnard)

Chefs at work (Image: Neilson Barnard)

 

New York International Auto Show

My first time at the annual New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center was on Saturday, April 23. I went with a couple of friends, and my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew met up with us. I just found out they bought a silver Prius last night!

Dodge Charger from Fast Five

Funky Mini Coopers

Transformers Camaro

 

The Royal Wedding

Alright, so this was one event I did not attend, but I watched the highlights and the royal wedding of Prince William and Princess Catherine, or the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, was so lovely. Prince William looked dashing, Prince Harry is always adorable, and Pippa Middleton is gorgeous as well. (Images: Red Carpet Fashion Awards.)

Bride in Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton

Reception dress, also by Sarah Burton

Suggested blogs:
I highly recommend Hostess with the Mostess, a fabulous site with inspiring ideas for events, occasions, and entertaining. I also follow 100 Layer Cake (a wedding-related blog, just for fun).

Tidy Up

"The desire for order is the only order in the world."
(Georges Duhamel)

The television show Hoarders absolutely terrifies me. I don't like clutter, tzotchkes, knick-knacks, figurines, or having too many material possessions in general. I romanticize the notion of being able to leave town on a moment's notice without anything weighing me down. I also take comfort in knowing that if I had to evacuate my apartment, all I would really want to take with me would be my phone, my wallet, and Heart To Heart (aka H2H), my old teddy bear.

That being said, I still have plenty of belongings that need to be organized! There are the girlie things, like makeup and accessories; the random little things, that often find their place by the bed; and that old school audio music format, also known as compact discs.

Cosmetics

It's nice having everything all in one place. Sephora offers a variety of styles and colors in their Metro Train Case collection.

Ivory diamond makeup case

Jewelry

I separate my gold and silver in anti-tarnish trays, but necklaces are tricky to keep organized. I recently saw a post on CasaSugar with a great display idea. I borrowed a drill, and despite the nay-saying of some who said I should have a man do it, I was able to buy the correct screws, figure out how to use the drill bits, drill holes, and then screw key racks into the wall, all by myself! I felt very Bob the Builder-y. "Can we build it? Yes, we can!"

Anthropologie key racks

Gold earring case

Bedside

I brought home a spinning organizer from Bed, Bath & Beyond a little while ago. It's great for holding my glasses, some books, a booklight and flashlight (which I never use, but could come in handy), pens, and my mini koala and killer whale.

Rotating metallic faux leather organizer

Music

I know, I'm stuck in the '90s. I still rent movies from Blockbuster, and I don't have iTunes. To keep my CD collection clutter-free, I alphabetized everything in 2 black albums. Lots of musicals, country tunes, and Christmas songs.

CD storage album

Now that I'm somewhat organized, I think it's time for some spring cleaning.