Great Gifts For Any Mom…
Ok, maybe you’re mother isn’t super chic, quirky, professional or free-spirited. Maybe she’s just a little bit of all those things. Regardless, she deserves an above-average gift.
So to officially conclude our Mother’s Day Gift Guide, here’s a slew of thoughtful treasures perfect for pretty much every type of mom other there…
Gifts For The ‘All-Natural’ Mom…
If your mother uses the word “organic” almost every time you talk to her, has tried to get you into yoga or has lectured you about the importance of recycling, here’s some Mother’s Day gifts she’s likely to appreciate…
The “Cake Diva” Dishes Her Secrets
Photo courtesy of pacificweddings.com
Cake Artist/Decorator Sylvia Weinstock took her love of making desserts for her family and turned it into something much bigger. After being in business for 32 years, Sylvia Weinstock Cakes & Ltd. cranks out an average of 1,000 cakes during the wedding season alone and has made cakes for celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Sean Combs, Fran Drescher and the Victoria’s Secret Angels.
Regardless of the size of the wedding or special event, Weinstock crafts her cakes 48 hours before they’re eaten to guarantee freshness. PW Style sat down with the New York based cake artist to get the scoop on her and her business, specifically during the hectic time of wedding season:
Where do you draw inspiration from when you design a wedding cake from scratch?
Inspiration generally comes from the event – the site where it’s being held, the florists, the décor, the girl’s wedding gown, anything that’s sentimental that means something to her – that’s where our inspiration comes from.
Is it difficult to transport your cakes?
Oh yes, we are always concerned about shipping a cake by air or driving it to a site. There’s always the element of, somebody could have an accident or a plane could be delayed, or turbulence is bad or the car hits a bump in the road. Delivery is always a scary thing.
What are some wedding cakes that you’re most proud of?
We have a book called “Sensational Cakes” and we published a bunch of beautiful cakes in that one.
I was checking out your blog and there’s some really beautiful cakes on there.
Yeah they are. It’s almost like asking your mother which is her favorite child. They’re all our favorite cakes!
Are there any really extravagant cakes that stick out in your head or is that the same kind of deal?
Well, there are a couple. There’s the first one in our book that’s all white roses under a chandelier that I think is fabulous. There’s a big pink one that we did in a hotel that I think is fabulous. And then there are little cakes that we do that I think are fabulous.
Which would you prefer – creating a cake from scratch and surprising the bride or branching off a bride’s cake idea?
I enjoy creating all the cakes, no matter what it is. Somebody comes in with some ideas and we’re able to expand it and put it into production.
Did you come up with the cake recipes yourself?
Oh yes, but they’re very classic. There’s nothing unusual about them.
What are some of the favorite parts of your job?
I think one of the favorites is meeting the client, getting to know the bride and groom, or the birthday person, or the honoree at an event. And of course the other thing that gives me great satisfaction is seeing the completed product.
Do you have any advice for an amateur baker?
The only thing I can say is not to be discouraged, and keep trying to perfect what you do. Make sure it’s fresh and delicious, use buttercream, fresh fruit, heavy cream, the finest chocolate – make it a first class product.
To view more awesome cakes by Sylvia Weinstock, visit her blog. Weinstock will also be one of the judges tonight at “Let Them Eat Cake,” City of Hope’s annual wedding cake design competition.
-Lauren Arute
DIY: St. Patty’s Day Nails
With, clearly, one of the best holiday’s of the year a few short days away, we at Philadelphia Weekly are getting in the mood as much as possible. St. Patrick’s day socks, four leaf clovers hanging from the window sills, and unhealthy addictions to Shamrock Shakes just add to the excitement that will be this Saturday. Bottom line is, whether you are of Irish decent or not-it is time to step up and “Get Your Irish On”
Keeping with our nail color themes for spring, I have stumbled upon a few St. Patrick’s day manicures that you must try. The directions are simple. Start with a few different shades of green nail polish, paint a base coat on all of your nails and follow that up with a funky design on one or a few of the others. Don’t forget your top coat to seal it in. Below are some pictures of some fun and flirty St. Patrick’s day nails! Erin Go Brah!
Photos (left to right): TheLooksForLess.com, LoveMaegan.com
Photos (left to right): EnamelGirl.blogspot.com, AllLacqueredUp.com
Photos (left to right): topcoatit.wordpress.com, passthepolishplease.blogspot.com
~Michelle Mass
Creative Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Girl in your life…
Image Courtesy of DollFaceStudio.com.
Valentines Day is an incredibly stressful holiday…the right gift could make or break your relationship. Clothes are difficult because women’s sizes aren’t consistent, you wouldn’t buy a girl that’s normally a size 2 a size six, right? Lingerie has the same size variation problem, but you want something sexy to share as a couple.
DollFace Studio has a perfect Valentine’s Day gift idea. Essentially DollFace hosts a risque photoshoot for your girl for 30 minutes including professional hair and makeup. She’s allowed to choose her outfit from a vast wardrobe of boudoir and two sets to stimulate different moods. After the photoshoot, DollFace will touch up and airbrush the photos and send a series of the best prints to you. Once you select your favorite two, they’ll magnetically print two of your favorites to hang tastefully.
The all inclusive package costs $400, but it is also includes an underwear set from local boutique The Velvet Lily, and the studio has packages starting at $300. For more information the perfect Valentine’s day gift for you to share with your partner, check out their website, or visit their store at 737 N. 4th St. on the First floor.
Local Gifts for the Valentine Zealots
Once February rolls around, dedicated alt-weekly readers start encountering the many, many “Anti-Valentine’s Day” articles, lists and parties. And, to be honest, it’s getting a little weak. I get that it’s a holiday invented by the greeting card company, I’ve heard the schpiel about how you are supposed to be romantic everyday of the year and not just one. But, what people always seem to forget is that, an excuse to celebrate anything, is pretty awesome and a necessary part of life. How often would you get all of your friends together to go rollerskating if it wasn’t your birthday? Think about it.
So, I’ve found some great local stuff that celebrate love and Philly and the act of celebrating. Here’s to a year of not being Anti anything and pro everything!
1. Jin-Ja is a spicy beverage created by local Philly lawyer Reuban Canada. It’s a blend of ginger, cayenne, green tea and sugar that would be so good with gin and a great way to heat up, if you know what I mean. Buy it at Green Aisle Grocery.
2. John and Kiras Chocolate Lovebugs really can’t get any cuter. The chocolates, made by local Philly couple John and Kira, are salted caramels, touched with basswood honey from a local farm, covered in ganache and handpainted.
3. Okay, enough with the cute stuff, The Erotic Literary Salon happens every month at Time at we couldn’t think of a better time to go and check it out. Susana Mayer Ph.D. leads the night of erotic readings and performances centered around classical and modern erotica. Go order an absinthe and listen to some smut, it will be a very European evening.
4. Ah, The Flower Show. It’s the only place where you can physically go out and buy romance. This year promises the sound of CGI waves crashing, the constant smell of lush gardens and orchids, and magically tropical gardens as far as the eye can see. No wonder people are always getting engaged there. Follow them here and here to find out about sweetheart packages they offer!
Three Valentine’s DIY Events This Weekend
While drugstores have been painted red and pink for the past month, with February now less than 24 hours away, now’s the time for all you lucky love birds out there to really start thinking about that perfect Valentine’s Day gift.
And since no V-Day gift is ever complete without a card, I figured I’d give you a heads-up on these three workshops going down this weekend.
While snacking on pub grub and knocking back a few brewskies, Blackheart Letterpress welcomes you to print and customized one of their new V-Day-themed cards using their collection of old wood type. They’ll also be bringing along their selection of really cool, handmade prints, cards, coasters and bookmarks for you to purchase. If you can’t make it out this Sunday, don’t worry—another edition of LFL will be held at Community Cultural Exchange (706 South St.) next Saturday from 4-8pm. Sunday, 1-6pm. Free. @ Tattooed Mom (530 South St.)
Once again Fleisher Art Memorial invites you to come and learn about the printmaking processes as you create your very own Valentine’s Day cards from designs by several Philly artists. Three different workshops will be held throughout the day. The first two are open to all ages while the 5 p.m workshop is strictly 21 years and up (since wine and light refreshments will be served). Space is limited so be sure to register ASAP. Sunday, 10am-12pm, 1-3pm, 5-7pm. $10-$20. @ Fleisher Art Memorial (719 Catherine St.)
Local paper artisan, Jessica Eldredge will guide you through a love-inspired card-making afternoon, providing her hand-dyed papers and any other necessary supplies. Jessica also has a Make-Your-Own-Card Kit available for you to buy both in-store and online. Though the workshop is technically free, you do have to spend a minimum of $27 at Square Peg in order to score a seat. Fortunately, the handmade artisan boutique is currently stocked with a slew of one-of-a-kind items that would make for a perfect Valentine’s gift—from jewelry and clothing to home décor and bath and body products. Saturday, 2-4pm. @ Square Peg Artery & Salvage (108 S. 20th St.)
PW Style’s Fashion Resolutions for 2012
Alexis Sachdev
“New Year, New You” is emblazoned on nearly every sign in spa and boutique windows this year, and I can’t even recount how many times I’ve stumbled upon that saying on the Internet from the safety of my own bed. Yet, while the repetitiveness makes me wish the 15th (16th?) predicted apocalypse were coming sooner, the message should still ring true.
The most popular New Year’s resolutions are consistently to lose weight, quit bad habits, get a better job, be happier/healthier/etc., or save more money. But too often, we ignore one of the biggest facets of our lives: the clothes on our very backs. And if you’re like us here at PW Style (which, I hope you are as you read this), you understand how important it is to refresh and rejuvenate your style; and when is it more appropriate to do so than upon embarking on a new year? Click “more” for our recommended fashion resolutions to banish your wardrobe woes in 2012.
Newsflash: Americans Still Dress (and Behave) Poorly Outside U.S.
After two days in Mexico City and spending the last 36-some hours in Cabo San Lucas – with another 5 days to go here – one fact has become abundantly clear to me: Americans are among the worst travel offenders, ever. This is especially true on resort vacations, the reason for which I have yet to unearth. The charges against Americans are as follows:
Ugly Floral Shirts
What is it about American tourists and ugly, faux-Hawaiian patterns? Upon departing the airport, most American tourists dash to their luggage and dig through a sea of over-sized button-down T-shirt Hawaiian florals for the fugliest one of them all, and don it for the entirety of the trip. And let’s not even get started on the flat-front khakis.
I understand resort vacations are an opportunity to relax and escape from the stresses of the 9-5 bump-and-grind, but I must say, Hawaiian floral is not acceptable anywhere, in Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas or Long Island. In the words of fellow PW Style blogger Mark Longacre: “That’s not a thing.”
Two Awesome New Year Sales in Old City
Just in time for your New Year’s Eve celebrations, two of Old City’s finest boutiques are bidding 2011 adieu in the best possible way…by slashing prices!
Now through Saturday, Three Sirens Boutique is offering 20 percent off all party dresses, handbags, jewelry, tops, sweaters, pants and skirts as well as 30 percent off select styles and already reduced clearance items. Need a bad-ass pair of pumps to complete your bad-ass party outfit? Well, lucky for you this is also the last weekend of their BUS STOP pop-up shop. Just whisper the secret word “shoes” at checkout and receive 15 percent off your shoe purchase.
Just a few doors down, Third Street Habit is having a giant winter blowout sale with select seasonal merchandise now 40-60 percent off.
For all you last minute shoppers, both shops are continuing their holiday hours. Three Sirens will be open from 11am-8pm tomorrow and Friday and 11am-3pm on Saturday. Third Street Habit will be open 11am-7pm the rest of the week and Saturday from 10am-4pm.