Did you happen to read the headlines today? I do not have the heart to reiterate, or the presence of mind to understand what happened or how it happened. However, I do find this the right time and right place for all of us to Be Voice and Take a Stand!
In the life of every child, there should be at least one adult that stands as his or her mentor and hero… someone they can depend on and find as a source of love, protection and inspiration. For most, the hero is mom or dad, a grandparent or sibling. Unfortunately, there are more than 3,000 children in Miami-Dade’s foster care system who have no heroes in their lives, and whose voices go unheard every day. Voices For Children was born in 1984 to provide funds to volunteers who came together to take a stand and to help the hundreds of frightened children passing through the dependency courts daily. These volunteers and supporters were then, and remain now, the Voices for these Children.
On Saturday, February 19th, our annual Be A Voice, Take A Stand Gala will take place in our Grand Ballroom. Nearly 500 of South Florida's most influential and prominent members of the community will be joining us as we commemorate Mandarin Oriental, Miami and Swire Properties for their commitment to Voices For Children Foundation. The cocktail reception and silent auction will start at 7:30 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing at 9 p.m.
Although there may not be an opportunity for you to join us at the gala, there are still ways for you to help make a difference in the life of a child. Please, gather your friends, family, co-workers, or faith-based organization and pool your resources to help give abused and neglected children a Voice. Together you can become part of our Angel Society and keep these children from standing alone.
We have some exciting news to share. Those of you that join our Angel Society between now and Friday, February 18th at 5:00 p.m. will have a chance to win a Harry Winston Gentlemen’s Rose Gold Excenter Wrist Watch OR two seats to Marc Jacobs New York Fashion Show, including airfare and hotel accommodations!
Please, give these children a Voice, give them hope, and help us make a difference in their lives! Be a Voice, Take a Stand!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Love...
I started writing this blog with quite a few things in mind: the red-hot Herve Leger dress and insane Christian Dior shoes with the “oh-so-sexy” bows on the heels, both hiding away in the closet just waiting to unveil themselves on Monday evening. My mind drifted to (here is the unabashed plug) a night of being wined and dined with gourmet delicacies and fine wines in Miami’s first Five Diamond restaurant, Azul. I envisioned myself enjoying the sweeping views of our beautiful Miami sky-line and its lights reflecting on the Bay from Mandarin Oriental’s romantic Oasis Beach, all while being caressed by gentle tropical breezes. After all, what girl doesn’t want to be part of the myth and allure of romance on Valentine’s Day complete with Valrhona Chocolate and Billecarte Pink Champagne?
Then, something else crossed my mind … simply stated … LOVE. The reason we are all connected, the reason I chose my career, and the very reason we all celebrate the date of February 14th.
We journey through life searching our hearts, our souls, and our minds for a “soul mate” and friend that makes us feel complete. Through them you see your own beauty and the love you have capacity for giving. In them, you become one with yourself. A soul mate will stir your imagination, bring fruition to all your hopes, and help you to achieve your dreams. In the prophetic words of my “love guru”, Liz Gilbert in Eat Pray Love, “A soul mate touches a place in your heart deeper than you thought you were capable of reaching. They are a mirror to your own soul”. Needless to say, when we have found the person, it is indeed a reason to celebrate!
I want to dedicate this blog to all those who have found their soul mates – and through marriage and celebration have allowed me to be a part this love over the past 20 “something” years. Although thousands of names can hardly fit onto one page and within this small heart, you each remain the biggest part of my heart. Please know that I remember you, I celebrate your love, and I THANK YOU for allowing me to be a part of your lives!
Then, something else crossed my mind … simply stated … LOVE. The reason we are all connected, the reason I chose my career, and the very reason we all celebrate the date of February 14th.
We journey through life searching our hearts, our souls, and our minds for a “soul mate” and friend that makes us feel complete. Through them you see your own beauty and the love you have capacity for giving. In them, you become one with yourself. A soul mate will stir your imagination, bring fruition to all your hopes, and help you to achieve your dreams. In the prophetic words of my “love guru”, Liz Gilbert in Eat Pray Love, “A soul mate touches a place in your heart deeper than you thought you were capable of reaching. They are a mirror to your own soul”. Needless to say, when we have found the person, it is indeed a reason to celebrate!
I want to dedicate this blog to all those who have found their soul mates – and through marriage and celebration have allowed me to be a part this love over the past 20 “something” years. Although thousands of names can hardly fit onto one page and within this small heart, you each remain the biggest part of my heart. Please know that I remember you, I celebrate your love, and I THANK YOU for allowing me to be a part of your lives!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
2011 Trends
Can it really be the beginning of February already? How did the first month of the year pass so quickly?? Whereas I may not be able to figure out where time went, I have a firm understanding of where the remainder of 2011 is going. According to The Knot, here are some of 2011’s top wedding trends:
Prohibition-Era Elegance: So long, Mad Men—the most stylish new show is Boardwalk Empire and brides are noticing. From dusty nudes and lace dresses for the ladies to wing-tip shoes for the men, couples are falling in love with the dapper fashion of the 1920s. And it wouldn’t feel like Prohibition without alcohol. To reinterpret the boozy nights of the Roaring ’20s, couples are serving up “moonshine” and Prohibition “bathtub gin” in their very own speakeasy bar, all while guests dance the night away—to jazz, naturally.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami recommends you meet and greet your guests in a simple, but elegant style with a gorgeous “Gin Fizz” made with Sloe Gin, lemon juice, soda water and a twist of lemon or lime.
The Redefined Princess: With a royal wedding around the corner, you can bet Kate Middleton’s going to alter what princess style is all about. Put away the ball-gown skirt because the new princess silhouette will be body-skimming but with a bold train. Add statement-making headwear like tasteful tiaras (seriously!) and cathedral-length veils. And you can count on sophisticated sequins and beading showing up on everything from the wedding dress to the floral arrangements and the wedding cake.
Sultry Ballerina Style: From feathered headpieces and shredded fabrics to airy plumes and pale pinks paired with black, the look of the season is all about Black Swan, right down to an ambience where everything happens after 8 p.m. One idea we love? Romantic ceremonies by candlelight.
Ivy League Chic: From Fair Isle sweaters to Vineyard Vines ties and Tommy Hilfiger blazers, preppy chic is back in a big way, and weddings aren’t immune. Brides will be channeling their inner Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl or Ali MacGraw from Love Story and incorporating Ivy League-chic details like plaids and stripes for the perfect remix of retro, preppy sensibility.
Exotic Indian Inspiration: From Katy Perry’s Indian wedding and Eat, Pray, Love to Nicole Richie’s exotic elephant as a wedding greeter, India will definitely be the “it” country for wedding inspiration. Think vibrant color palettes like purples, reds and golds, lavish décor elements such as beading and rich drapery, and exotic, spicy dishes.
Wedding Man Caves: Blackjack tables, brandy bars, PlayStations and stogies. The man cave has officially moved from the home to the wedding, so don’t be surprised if you see all the male wedding guests in the new “groom’s corner” at the reception.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami: Did someone say Man-cave??? Take a look… and book…
Pre-wedding PJ Parties: This isn’t Bachelorette Party, Part Two. Before the big day, brides will be planning a night of pampering and bonding via JHS-style slumber parties, complete with matching PJ’s, of course.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami has the “to dream of venue”: Our Mandarin Suite is the PERFECT place!
Food Truck Fun: Waffles, tacos and dumplings, oh my! People’s hunger for gourmet food trucks has seeped into weddings, and brides will be embracing it wholeheartedly by requesting makeshift sidewalk carts during the cocktail hour or food trucks for the wedding after-party.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami: Try this after hours indulgence ... yummmmm…..
Haute Desserts: Blame it on the popularity of Top Chef: Just Desserts, Amazing Cakes and Cake Boss, but desserts and wedding cakes will be taking center stage with gourmet flavor and haute style.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami: Exceptional cake designs and signature flavors, such as this Tiramisu cake created by Frederic Monet, our award winning pastry chef are sure to create new trends…
Video Guest Books: Building on the popularity of “wedding photo booths”, wedding guests can expect confessional-style video booths and even iPads dressed up as guest books as the newest way to “write” well wishes to the happy couple. Bonus? Postwedding, couples can easily share their guest book online via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or Vimeo.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s favorite: The South Beach Photo Booth Company. Meir is a super hero and can make it happen!
Surprise Honeymoons: Couples will be taking a cue from Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and have the groom plan a surprise honeymoon.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s favorite pick: hey all you grooms out there – make it easy on yourselves and let us assist you! Mandarin Oriental, Miami of course!
Prohibition-Era Elegance: So long, Mad Men—the most stylish new show is Boardwalk Empire and brides are noticing. From dusty nudes and lace dresses for the ladies to wing-tip shoes for the men, couples are falling in love with the dapper fashion of the 1920s. And it wouldn’t feel like Prohibition without alcohol. To reinterpret the boozy nights of the Roaring ’20s, couples are serving up “moonshine” and Prohibition “bathtub gin” in their very own speakeasy bar, all while guests dance the night away—to jazz, naturally.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami recommends you meet and greet your guests in a simple, but elegant style with a gorgeous “Gin Fizz” made with Sloe Gin, lemon juice, soda water and a twist of lemon or lime.
The Redefined Princess: With a royal wedding around the corner, you can bet Kate Middleton’s going to alter what princess style is all about. Put away the ball-gown skirt because the new princess silhouette will be body-skimming but with a bold train. Add statement-making headwear like tasteful tiaras (seriously!) and cathedral-length veils. And you can count on sophisticated sequins and beading showing up on everything from the wedding dress to the floral arrangements and the wedding cake.
Sultry Ballerina Style: From feathered headpieces and shredded fabrics to airy plumes and pale pinks paired with black, the look of the season is all about Black Swan, right down to an ambience where everything happens after 8 p.m. One idea we love? Romantic ceremonies by candlelight.
Ivy League Chic: From Fair Isle sweaters to Vineyard Vines ties and Tommy Hilfiger blazers, preppy chic is back in a big way, and weddings aren’t immune. Brides will be channeling their inner Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl or Ali MacGraw from Love Story and incorporating Ivy League-chic details like plaids and stripes for the perfect remix of retro, preppy sensibility.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s favorite wedding gown blog: “Facebook friend” and custom wedding gown designer, Lori Davis, blogs about 2011 trends in her Elle Couture Designs Blog. Love it – thank you Lori!!
Exotic Indian Inspiration: From Katy Perry’s Indian wedding and Eat, Pray, Love to Nicole Richie’s exotic elephant as a wedding greeter, India will definitely be the “it” country for wedding inspiration. Think vibrant color palettes like purples, reds and golds, lavish décor elements such as beading and rich drapery, and exotic, spicy dishes.
Wedding Man Caves: Blackjack tables, brandy bars, PlayStations and stogies. The man cave has officially moved from the home to the wedding, so don’t be surprised if you see all the male wedding guests in the new “groom’s corner” at the reception.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami: Did someone say Man-cave??? Take a look… and book…
Pre-wedding PJ Parties: This isn’t Bachelorette Party, Part Two. Before the big day, brides will be planning a night of pampering and bonding via JHS-style slumber parties, complete with matching PJ’s, of course.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami has the “to dream of venue”: Our Mandarin Suite is the PERFECT place!
Food Truck Fun: Waffles, tacos and dumplings, oh my! People’s hunger for gourmet food trucks has seeped into weddings, and brides will be embracing it wholeheartedly by requesting makeshift sidewalk carts during the cocktail hour or food trucks for the wedding after-party.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami: Try this after hours indulgence ... yummmmm…..
Haute Desserts: Blame it on the popularity of Top Chef: Just Desserts, Amazing Cakes and Cake Boss, but desserts and wedding cakes will be taking center stage with gourmet flavor and haute style.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami: Exceptional cake designs and signature flavors, such as this Tiramisu cake created by Frederic Monet, our award winning pastry chef are sure to create new trends…
Video Guest Books: Building on the popularity of “wedding photo booths”, wedding guests can expect confessional-style video booths and even iPads dressed up as guest books as the newest way to “write” well wishes to the happy couple. Bonus? Postwedding, couples can easily share their guest book online via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or Vimeo.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s favorite: The South Beach Photo Booth Company. Meir is a super hero and can make it happen!
Surprise Honeymoons: Couples will be taking a cue from Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and have the groom plan a surprise honeymoon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
