MANIC MONDAY INSPIRATION....

Manic Monday Inspiration...

What a manic Monday indeed!! I am headed to Los Angeles in the am and currently rushing to finish a bit of work at the office before I head over to the dentist for an emergency appointment.

I always dream of traveling by private jet but the environment conscious side of me would probably never allow it. I do believe that you can make commercial travel comfortable and easy for yourself. It won't be private jet status--but it doesn't have to be uncomfortable.

This week I will be covering Holiday Travel, being a guest, or host/hostess and overall being the most fabulous version of yourself.

be legendary...zm

picture from justjared.com (vanessa hudgens & zac efron)

Family & Friends Fall Activities

Family & Friends Fall Activities

The fall is a great time to take a day trip with family, friends or out of town guests to pick apples, go on hay rides, or get lost in a corn maize.

Apple picking is a fun activity because you can take a picnic find a spot in the orchard and have a nice lunch after picking your apples. There is something for everyone to do and all ages enjoy it. Most farms have a shop where they sell delicious home baked goods. I have bought apple-pecan butter, apple turnovers, variety of pies and jams (hint hint) good hostess gift!

I found this great website that lists apple orchards in your state/county. Check them out or google!

http://www.pickyourown.org/

It is a lot of fun picking a variety of apples but I suggest that you try to limit yourself to one bag. Do NOT wash the apples until you are ready to use because that will keep them fresh longer. I always end up picking more than I can use so I buy a few silver buckets and give the fresh apples to my neighbors and friends.

Have a fabulous weekend...

be legendary...zm

Easy Flower Arrangements

Easy Flower Arrangements....

I absolutely love fresh flowers all year round... Especially when entertaining at home or over the holidays they are a quick decor item. We go to our grocery store and purchase a mixed bouquet of flowers or a dozen roses and put them in a vase. You can go to the local shop and still make a stunning floral installation on your own.

For this installation I went to my local grocery store and bought bunches of red carnations (3 bunches for $9.00)--A COMPLETE STEAL! I came home and separated the flowers, pulled the leaves, cut the stems, and threw out the white filler. I have a set of 12 vases which I purchased for a party from SAV-ON-CRAFTS. You can order 12 vases for $30.00. I took a bunch of the carnations and tied them together with a green rubber band (you can also buy green floral tape), I prefer you use the tape if you are doing this for a party. I cut the stems and then I angled the flowers to reach out of the vases at varying heights.

The key to this installation is the symmetry of color and vases. The flowers don't have to be expensive to make a floral arrangement interesting and memorable. This would be a great piece for a mantle place, or a shorter version on a dinning room table. I will continue to post my easy do it yourself floral arrangements throughout the holidays!!

most importantly play around with the flowers...have fun

be legendary...zm

Entertaining Tips

Ten Legendary Entertaining Tips...

1.As the host/hostess YOUR mood sets the tone of the party...

Enjoy yourself and your guests will have a fabulous time

2.Never use plastic or paper. Invest in plates, glasses and real napkins! Even when serving something simple as pizza and soda.

3.Greet guests, offer them a drink & make introductions

4.Dress Glamorously & be comfortable! I fantasize of throwing a fabulous party in a t-shirt paired with a ball-gown skirt--(I remember seeing it on a Vogue cover & most recently on Carrie Bradshaw)

5.My guests always end up following me into the kitchen--make sure the kitchen is clean and ready to be seen. I always light a few candles in the kitchen. It should also feel like a room part of the party.

6.Food presentation is important even if you invited your best girlfriends & ordered takeout from your fave restaurant. Invest in white platters!

7.Provide plenty of drink options. Not everyone drinks alcohol. I love picking up sparkling water, Italian sodas and fresh juice.

8. The bathroom is also a part of your presentation. Make sure it is well stocked, take out your private things (people may rummage through your cabinets), light a candle (I would use scented in the bathroom although not anywhere else in the party), plenty of clean towel napkins and pretty soaps.

9. Know your guests diets and allergies! So important- or make sure you have enough options to cover a vegetarian, vegan, Muslim, Jew, etc.

10. I love favors... I like my guests to leave with something special marking the occasion and I keep plenty of take-out containers readily available in case anyone wants to take home leftovers.

be legendary...zm

My Favorite Fall Snacks....

Fall starts the season of entertaining....

These are my favorite Fall snacks that I like to have on hand for guests. Simple & fun snacks that look beautiful and taste delicious!

1. LOVE Pomegranates when September comes around... They are a great addition to yogurt or served simply in a martini glass with a little whipped creme on top.

2. Apple Pie! All-American Fave & also mine. I make apple pie every year for Thanksgiving! I make additions to the recipe on http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/grandma-oples-apple-pie/Detail.aspx. I will post my recipe closer to Thanksgiving...

3. Caramel Popcorn- I love caramel popcorn from the store. I add dried cranberries, peanuts and drizzle some chocolate on top to make a sweet & savory snack. You can also find delicious caramel popcorn online. Also a great teacher gift! http://www.thebakersconfections.com

4. Pumpkin Bars with creme cheese icing. I love this recipe and the bars are easy to make. I make them over the weekend for unexpected guests and they also are a great hostess gift!

http://nicolesrecipecollection.blogspot.com/

entertain fabulously....be legendary....zm

MANIC MONDAY INSPIRATION....

Fall Fun....

Fall is my favorite season... I especially love Fall in New York... It is beautiful, feels cozy and the leaves turn fabulous shades of yellow, orange and red. I always feel that November is the beginning of the Fall/Holiday Season... Apple picking, fireplaces, hot chocolate, shopping & my Fall Favorite FOOTBALL!!

be legendary....zm

picture is Central Park

from brownrice.tumblr.com

DELICIOUS TREAT...Orange&Chocolate Cupcakes

Orange&Chocolate Cupcakes

The Halloween fun continues with a simple and delicious cupcake recipe. You can make them for a school Halloween party or having your friends over for drinks.

Get a box of chocolate cake mix, (no-pulp) orange juice, mini chocolate chips, vanilla frosting, an orange, candy corn, and reese's pieces. Make the chocolate cake mix according to the instructions on the box BUT instead of adding water use orange juice.

Once the mix is done line the cupcake pan with Halloween cupcake liners I found mine at Michaels (love that store) from the Martha Stewart line.

I filled the liners with the mix and added a few chocolate chips to each cupcake.

If this is an adults only party--while the cupcakes are baking in a bowl mix vanilla frosting with a dash of grand marnier or limoncello whisk it well. You may have to play around with the consistency just add more frosting. Once the cupcakes are cool frost/decorate and serve!!

I decorated mine with orange zest, candy corn and reese's pieces.... ENJOY

being busy doesn't mean you can't

be legendary....zm

PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY!

I love putting together simple & fun ideas that busy people can put together immediately! This is a great project to do with the family or a party for the kids. Often times it is difficult to get teenagers to participate in family related activities but pumpkin carving works for all age groups.

I put this particular party together for my sister (17) and her friends. Here are some quick and easy steps.

1. I picked up some pumpkins (they can be found at the local grocery store)

2. Then I went to Michaels (craft store) to buy carving kits. If you do not have a Michaels nearby you can find them at CVS or the grocery store.

3. Printed some free templates that I downloaded online

4. I laid out a table cloth in our family room and set up the carving station.

Carving Station

1. Scissors

2. Tape

3. Sharp Knife

4. Bowls

5. Paper Towels

We used a sharp knife to cut the bottom of the pumpkin and cleaned it out. While cleaning the pumpkin we put the seeds in the bowls so they could be roasted. If you are doing this activity with young children you should clean out the pumpkins before the party begins. Then you choose your template, cut it and tape it to the pumpkin. You trace the template with a tool in the kit by poking holes into the pumpkin. After you finish tracing the design you take off the template and start carving. I found this great video from Better Homes and Gardens which gives you tips on how exactly to carve the pumpkin. This is what we used and it worked perfectly!

http://www.bhg.com/videos/m/32071473/pumpkin-carving-101.htm

Enjoy!!

be legendary......zm

Manic Monday Inspiration....HALLOWEEN!!

Manic Monday Inspiration...

Happy Halloween!

I love this picture reminds me of Halloween fun with my sister & reminds me what Halloween is really all about KIDS, CANDY & FUN!!! Keep checking back for daily Halloween party tips!

be legendary.... zm

*the picture is from http://catchmyparty.com/parties/boo-crews-childrens-halloween-party styled by Pamela

Yummy delicious & beautiful Cakes!!

Love Love Sylvia Weinstock...

My experience at Engage10 has been nothing short of amazing! Today we had the opportunity to watch the FABULOUS Sylvia Weinstock decorate a cake while we ate lunch! In the age of cupcake cakes, dessert bars and chocolate everything brides have stopped looking at cakes as a wedding statement piece.

Well you are hearing it here first CAKES are back!

Sylvia Weinstock has created cakes for thirty years. She not only makes beautiful cakes but also delicious cakes! She hates fondant and uses the finest butter, heavy cream, fresh fruit and imported chocolate to create her signature cakes.

I first heard about Sylvia when I was 10 years old reading Vogue and there was a small article about a New York cake designer (Sylvia) and her beautiful and delicious cakes. Even at that young age I was mesmerized by the idea of cake being sold by the slice! Sylvia Weinstock is a wedding icon and I am completely thrilled that I got to meet her. She is so sweet and she still wears her signature black glasses!!!

If you are in the process of planning your wedding or a special event look into choosing a cake to complete your design story...

You may not have the budget for a Sylvia Weinstock cake but work with your catering hall or local bakery to find that special taste and design for your special day.

Please visit http://www.sylviaweinstock.com

Sorry for the short posts I am still at The Breakers at Engage10!

Be Legendary... zm

Manic Monday Inspiration...

Manic Monday Inspiration....

I am currently blogging from the absolutely stunning & fabulous Breakers Resort in Palm Beach for Engage10! Engage10! is a conference for all types of creative people within the event industry. I just finished day 1 of Engage 10 and so far it has been amazing but overwhelming. I will be posting about the conference in full detail later this week. I leave you with my inspiration for today... "Take a Leap of Faith" That is what I am doing this week at the conference!!

This is my little sister (dancer) in Greece!!

be legendary...zm

Gift Giving Season...

Gift Giving Ideas...

ideas

October is upon us; before we know it December will be here. The malls will be packed, the weather cold, and our energy zapped. I always think of my gifts early and end up buying things late. I am DETERMINED to think and purchase early! So here are some of my favorites from ETSY to get you thinking about the upcoming gift-giving season...

1. Send in your favorite photo & get a custom piece of artwork! So creative and unique...http://www.etsy.com/listing/55154381/custom-portrait-of-one-person?ref=sc_24

2. I absolutely ADORE this luggage tag and already have it on my list for a special jetsetter http://www.etsy.com/listing/57671136/2-custom-leather-luggage-tags-life-is-a?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=unique+gifts&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=8&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title

3. This is a perfect gift for your sister or bestfriend. You send in a photo with a poem and you get the poem in the background of the photo. The perfect sentimental gift cheaper than engraving a frame! http://www.etsy.com/listing/57628258/maid-of-honor-your-picture-and-poem

4. This necklace caught my eye. I love the simple design and bird. http://www.etsy.com/listing/57429510/free-gift-unique-silver-leaf-branch-and

5. An ancient Japanese recipe used by Geishas for healthy, clear skin. Who doesn't like trying new facial regime? A must have for the beauty queens on your list! This would make a great hostess gift and the packaging is so elegant... http://www.etsy.com/listing/57690316/maiko-facial-soap-with-camellia-and?ref=cat1_gallery_13

Be Legendary...zm

London Love Affair...cont

I also LOVE these two pics from Sergerius Brutus photo shoot! It can be difficult to take photos in front of a camera so my advice for nervous brides and grooms is to have fun with your partner and let the photographer capture those moments... xx zm

London Love Affair

I am completely crushing on these photos I found from photographer Segerius Bruce in England. The photos capture the essence in London and you completely get lost in the couples love story!

If you are getting married and are working with a professional photographer or with a friend its helpful to look around at other couples photos to get ideas for your own shoot. It will also help the photographer if you have examples of what you are looking for in your photos.

Remember you want to tell your story! Please check out the rest of his photos at: blog http://www.segeriusbruceblog.com/

be legendary...zm

Lost Art of Letter Writing...

Lost Art of Letter Writing…

Isn’t it exciting to receive something else besides bills in the mail? I have always loved stationary, notebooks, paper, cards and the feel of that special envelope among the boring mail. Unfortunately, with easy access to email, text messages and internet invitations no one bothers to send a card or even a postcard. How do you distinguish yourself in the digital age of impersonal emails etc?

You don’t need fancy stationary to send a friend a hello or thank you card. Most people will usually send a thank you email after an interview or meeting new business contacts I like to follow up with a handwritten note. It sets me apart. The next time, you are at the store pick- up a box of blank cards with an image or a phrase and send them to your friends. Reinstate the lost art of writing…

Whenever I come across a beautiful or interesting card I buy it! I have a basket full of blank cards sitting on the side table in my home office. They definitely come in handy when I need to send a note or a special occasion arises.

get to writing! be legendary... zm

Images: cards can be purchased at ceci newyork www.cecinewyork.com

Manic Monday Inspiration...

I like to start my week with inspirational images to kick-start my creativity...

I found this lovely photo and it is my motivation for this rainy NYC Monday morning! I especially love the colors of this beautiful cliffside town Riomaggiore in Italy. The town bursting with colors of pink, peach, yellow, and orange against the gray mountains and turquoise water are perfect inspiration for a beach wedding.

Happy Monday! zm

(photo from www.theitalianwineconnection.com)

WELCOME

Welcome to ZMA events&designs blog! We are new to the blog world so please be patient over the next few months as we undergo some changes and learn our way around the blogging world. My name is Zainab the world usually calls me Z and I am the principal designer at ZMA. We work hard to bring fresh concepts to our clients to help develop their unique story which unfolds during the event. The events our clients throw are an extension of their brand which we help develop. Join ZMA and let us help you create your story.......