Event Spotlight: Utley All-Star Animals Casino Night

Photo by Paul Loftland Photography.

The Utley’s took a stand to animal cruelty once again on Wednesday, May 15^th as they hosted the 6^th Annual Utley All-Star Animals Casino Night! Jennifer and Chase really showed us what this event was all about with adoptable dogs walking the red carpet and meeting with guests as our animal lovers, sponsors, supporters and Phillies players joined in the casino fun all to raise funds for the Pennsylvania SPCA.

We fell in love with Pennsylvania SPCA rescue pit bull/boxer mix, Madison, after meeting her at the FOX 29 Good Day shoot with Mike Jerrick this week. Madison was rescued after she
was found abandoned and tied to a tree. Here’s Madison striking a pose on the red carpet with Jennifer and Chase Utley.  We hope she finds a new home soon!

The event raised over $300,000.00 for the Pennsylvania SPCA, which will specifically benefit the Etana Fund to Stop Cruelty to Animals. The Etana Fund helps to prevent and protect future abuse and neglect through the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department. In 2012, the department investigated nearly 10,000 complaints of animal cruelty in Pennsylvania and rescued about 2,000 animals from abusive situations.

www.theutleyfoundation.com

ART INSTITUTE FASHION WOWS AT THE ARTS BALLROOM

Photo Credit: Al B For 

On Friday, May 10, more than 300 guests gathered at The Arts Ballroom in Center City Philadelphia to see The Art Institute of Philadelphia’s best student fashion designers showcase their creations at the Annual Student Fashion Show.

The runway show presented nearly 80 looks with a variety of design aesthetics as eclectic as the students from the fashion programs. Every aspect of the production – from set design to marketing and promotion to the runway collections – was created from concept to execution by students.  Special awards were presented to the top students from sponsors including Neiman Marcus, Nicole Miller and Joan Shepp.

• Joan Shepp Award for Most Fashionable:  Lytisia Hutley (Associate of Science, Fashion Design) and Adriana Maria (Bachelor of Science, Fashion Design)
• Neiman Marcus Award for Most Saleable: Stacey Davis (Bachelor of Science, Fashion Design)
• Nicole Miller Award for Creative Excellence: Tina Toscani (Bachelor of Science, Fashion Design)

Nicole Cashman was honored for her dedication to the local fashion community by fashion legend and Art Institute faculty member Emil DeJohn, and she was given a “Design Angel” award, along with an autographed portrait of Bradley Cooper! (Emil has known Bradley since he was a kid!)

The non-profit partner for the event was ConKerr Cancer (www.conkerrcancer.org) of Wayne, Pa., an international nonprofit organization that strives to make hospital stays as pleasant as possible for chronically ill children and their parents by creating and giving individually designed pillowcases.

Nicole’s Favorite Things

I always know summer is around the corner when Rittenhouse Row’s Spring Festival comes around. Here are some of my favorites not to be missed next Saturday, May 18th:

Kembrel—This local boutique will be opening its doors  with discounts on both well-known and up-and-coming designer apparel for both men and women.  I’m definitely going to pop in to stock up on my summer essentials!

1822 Chestnut St.

www.kembrel.com

611—Showcasing the newest of their spring/summer 2013 collection, 611 will be on-site as well.  I’m absolutely loving their new spring knits and patterned pocket tee’s!

Oh, and if you haven’t already, make sure to check out 611’s Kickstarter campaign prior the Festival: http://buff.ly/13n0Adh

611lifestyle.com

Barclay Prime—One of my favorites of Rittenhouse Square, of course, is Stephen Starr’s Barclay Prime. This steakhouse will be serving up their famous ‘To Die for Sliders’ and trust me, they are ‘to die for.’ Swing by for a post-shopping pick-me-up.

2 37 S 18th St.

www.barclayprime.com

Shake Shack—Always a crowd favorite, Shake Shack will be dishing out their ‘Fromage Blanc Raspberry Swirl’ custard. Perfect for a hot afternoon treat; don’t miss this unbelievable frozen dessert. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.

www.shakeshack.com

2000 Sansom St.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Festival? For more information and additional vendors visit, www.rittenhouserow.org. 

And if you are looking to do some pre-festival shopping, stop by The Fashionaires, a vintage designer pop-up shop, at Hotel Palomar on May 16th from noon to 7pm. This one day only shop will be selling fashions from the hottest designer names like Oscar de la Renta, Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Valentino, etc. all for almost 80% off the original price! 

Mommies Get Fit

Being a mom is a full time job! When do moms ever get the chance to get a workout in? Balance Chestnut Hill celebrated Mother’s Day yesterday as they invited mom’s to get the skinny on spring fitness at Fit Mama day.

Balance’s Amy Carolla and Kathy Murphy gave our moms some great moves that are easy to do at home. After you drop the kids off at school, how about getting the heart pumping with this fun set: 1 minute of mountain climbers, 1 minute of push-ups and 1 minute of Russian twists!

For those who have the kids at home, have your kids join in on the workout. Ask your kids to pretend they are at the pool as you lie on your back, point those toes, and make those legs swim for a great ab workout.

After a long workout, how about a healthy snack! Chef Joseph Shilling provided Balance Chestnut Hill with a super tasty Avocado Chocolate Pudding. All it calls for is 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pit removed, ½ cup water, more if needed, 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 15-20 dates, pitted and a dash of vanilla. Blend all ingredients in a high powered blender and a choice to serve with fresh berries. It is a unique taste and a healthy alternative to your sweet tooth!

www.balancech.com

Running for Boston

As I sit here, my body still aching and my feet still unable to put on high heels, I’m taking time to reflect on this year’s Broad Street Run and share with you what it means to be a part of the running community. (You know the odd sort that likes to push their bodies to the limits for “fun” and pay someone, usually, in order to do so in large numbers.)

This was my fifth year running the beloved Philly race and while I did not clock my best time (I finished in 1:26 flat), I did experience my most emotional and uplifting Broad Street Run yet. On April 15^th, the world stopped in horror as the unthinkable happened in Boston. An event, built around the love of community and the participants’ love of the sport – similarly to Broad Street Run, experience unthinkable tragedy. Being a runner myself and a participant in over 20 organized runs over the past 5 years, I could not ignore what happened that day when it came time to lace up my sneakers on May 5^th.

I was not alone. In a sea of over 40,000, countless red socks – donned in honor and support of Boston – pounded the pavement down Broad Street and made for a visual display of support and community for those effected by last month’s catastrophe. I picked up a Boston Celtics tank top from Mitchell & Ness for the big run and slapped the run-issued “From Philly to Boston with Love” sticker across my heart. I carried that with me through the entire 10 miles.

That day, and every day moving forward, we all run with a renewed sense of purpose. We owe it to ourselves and to those Boston runners, survivors, and victims to not let fear and terror stop us or slow us down.

#BostonStrong

Nicole’s Favorite Things

It’s my favorite time of year, the sun is shining and restaurants have opened their patios, roof decks and outdoor seating! This week, get outside and go explore some of my favorite restaurants off the beaten path. Don’t forget to tell them I sent you

Route 6—We just celebrated my husband Nigel’s birthday here and we loved it!  The décor reminds me of being on vacation in Newport or the Hamptons.  The menu is full of my favorite foods: steamers, crab deviled eggs, lobster roll and killer fried chicken.  The outdoor seating is perfect for this time of year.  You must check it out!!!

600 N Broad St. Philadelphia, PA
www.route6restaurant.com

Popolino—This is one of my favorite BYOBs in the city! So when Modo Mio (their sister restaurant) is impossible to get into, head to Northern Liberties for equally as amazing Italian cuisine inspired by Rome. They also have outdoor seating and delicious vegetarian and incredible gluten free options!

501 Fairmount Ave  N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
modomiorestaurant.com/popolino_live/

Taco Riendo—The authentic, amazing Mexican flavors are worth the adventure to find this one! Perfect for Cinco de Mayo, I suggest heading to their outdoor courtyard and indulging in their incredible fish tacos!

1301 N 5th St  Philadelphia, PA 19123
@TacoRiendo

Rice & Mix— The ‘Make You Own’ hot stone rice bowl is hearty low calorie and healthy meal. I like being able to pick and choose the ingredients. Their prices are so reasonable and their portions are huge, you can definitely share.

1207 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

POP ARTIST PERRY MILOU HOSTS “MILOU BEYOND THE CANVAS: A 20 YEAR RETROSPECTIVE EVENT”

One of our favorite artists, Perry Milou, will be hosting a party on May 9^th celebrating Milou’s 20 years of creating a unique blend of Pop Culture contemporary art.

The event will feature 50 of Milou’s original paintings, including a variety of classics and never-before-seen pieces. Milou will take guests on a unique journey “beyond the canvas” where written stories of the people and events that inspired each piece will accompany his artwork.  We hope you can join us and enjoy live music, cocktails and light bites. Guests will also have the chance to bid on silent auction paintings and raffle prizes, where proceeds will benefit the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Milou just recently completed a painting in honor of the tragic events that occurred in Boston on April 15^th, which will be auctioned off at the event and all proceeds will be donated to The One Fund Boston.  

Perry Milou is arguably one of the nation’s most celebrated Pop artists. Critics and collectors have hailed his bold, vibrant palette over the past 20 years. Considered a talented forward-thinker, Milou’s work has often been described as “alluring”, “brilliant”, “fresh”, and “glamorous”. He creates a blend of Pop Culture contemporary art that is frequently a tribute to icons, athletes, and celebrities. His most recent works include portraits of Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Scarlett Johansson, President Barack Obama and Philadelphia Phillies, slugger Ryan Howard.

Event details below—remember to RSVP: rsvp@cashmanandassociates.com. We look forward to seeing you there!

TRUST VENUE

249 ARCH STREET, PHILADELPHIA

(COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING)

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013

6:00PM-10:00PM

A Gift of Escape This Mother’s Day

Looking for the perfect gift for a busy mom this Mother’s Day?  This May, give her the gift of relaxation with Spa Terme Di Aroma’s Escape Spa Package. This Escape Facial plus Aromatherapy Massage is just what she’ll need to rejuvenate this spring.

With this package, moms will enjoy Spa Terme Di Aroma’s classic mini facial using the exquisite skincare products of YonKa of Paris, followed by their signature full body Aromatherapy Massage. Combining Swedish massage with the ancient healing powers of aromatherapy, this package is sure to melt away all stress and tension.

Spa Terme Di Aroma is an award winning Aromatherapy Day Sanctuary which blends the enchantment of the old world with an alluring menu of spa treatments to calm your mind, reinvigorate your body and renew your spirit.  Originating from the beliefs and practices of the ancient healing centers and temples of the Mediterranean world, they practice a holistic approach to health as a balance of mind, body and spirit, with a focus on Aromatherapy.  As one of the oldest of all healing arts, they draw upon its use of the precious essences of plants and trees (essential oils) to restore and rejuvenate health and well-being and help clients and guests to feel a sense of balance, uplifted peacefulness, and calm.

For more information about this and other Mother’s Day spa packages, visit www.termediaroma.com.

Spa Terme Di Aroma
32 North 3^rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 829-9769
info@termediaroma.com

Excited to Join the Team!

Although I have taken a circuitous route to arrive here, I have long appreciated and respected Cashman & Associates. After graduating with a double degree in English and Communication from La Salle University, I explored different career opportunities that arose from each major. My first experience with the company was as the editor of a local website, when I wrote an article covering a new restaurant that Cashman represented. I was immediately impressed by the elegance and exclusivity of the brand.

From that initial encounter, I kept tabs on Cashman & Associates as I worked in various positions in marketing and the media. When it became clear that a career in event coordination would best suit my interests and abilities, I set my sights on becoming part of the team I had always admired.

I am beyond excited to join the talented group of professionals led by Nicole Cashman as Special Events Coordinator. To come onboard at the start of Philadelphia’s busiest (and my favorite) season is a challenge that I happily embrace!

Nicole’s Favorite Things

I have to admit, one of my absolute guilty pleasures is reality television. Cat fights, drama, love-triangles and fashionistas, what could be more entertaining? Here are some of my favorite (and of course, fashion-focused) shows that I cannot get enough of:

L.A. Frock Stars—New on the Smithsonian channel, L.A. Frock Stars, is all about my favorite subject, vintage couture. These vintage-hunters search high and low to find the most incredible rare vintage pieces for their boutique. Don’t miss this one on Thursday nights at 8PM.

Project Runway—The ultimate in fashion television, I can watch marathons of Project Runway on Lifetime for hours. From dresses made of Hersey Kisses toI garments using only car parts, these designers almost always ‘make it work,’ to quote the irresistible co-host, Tim Gunn. Plus, it airs conveniently right after L.A. Frock Stars on Thursday nights at 9PM.

The Rachel Zoe Project—Another great one on Bravo, Zoe is reality TV’s favorite fashionista and one of my style icons. But I’d like to point out that I did in fact have the bangs first. Catch Rachel and her adorable son Skyler on Wednesday nights at 9PM. Her style, her son, her work ethic, I die. Sky, Sky.

Dukes of Melrose—Bravo’s new series, Dukes of Melrose, is also set in LA in a vintage couture boutique (are you starting to see a theme here?). These ‘Dukes’ are constantly clashing and their banter is endless, but I can’t get enough of their fabulous couture finds! Don’t miss it on Wednesdays at 10:30PM.