We went to a friend's 40th birthday celebration last night.
It was a great night out. A wonderful dinner, with cocktails, wine, three course meal, and then more drinks - Grey Goose and cranberry anyone? And then the dinner tables cleared and there was dancing.
Dancing? I hadn't gone dancing in forever...at least not with my husband. (There was the matter of that small July partyfest in Chicago.)
The music was pretty bad (an incessant Pitbull beat that underscored every song) but it didn't matter. It was a party.
But I was a bit wrecked this morning. Just a bit.
Oh to be turning 40 again.
Showing posts with label party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label party. Show all posts
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
I felt pretty, oh so pretty
Remember a couple of weeks back when I mentioned in my BlogHer pictorial recap, that it was my last post about BlogHer? Well, I sorta lied.
On the Thursday night shortly after I checked into the hotel, I had the pleasure of attending a little party at Macy's, hosted by the folks at Estée Lauder. It was courtesy of Estée Lauder and the Advanced Night Repair party, that I managed to look (to quote a certain male person who lives in this household who is in the good books these days because we just had three weeks of major quality family time...) "really quite pretty" in most of the photos.
Make-up, babe, it was all in the make-up.
Check out the details on my review blog by clicking here.
On the Thursday night shortly after I checked into the hotel, I had the pleasure of attending a little party at Macy's, hosted by the folks at Estée Lauder. It was courtesy of Estée Lauder and the Advanced Night Repair party, that I managed to look (to quote a certain male person who lives in this household who is in the good books these days because we just had three weeks of major quality family time...) "really quite pretty" in most of the photos.
Make-up, babe, it was all in the make-up.
Check out the details on my review blog by clicking here.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Party, Party, Party
...is what it's been all this last week of school.
The GREAT news...
The little G "commenced" from Junior Kindergarten yesterday.
I almost cried, as she walked up in her gown and cap, her "diploma" outlining her favourite things in kindergarten grasped firmly in her hand.
And then she stood on stage, taking the microphone and reading her four lines about what makes kindergarten special while her beloved kindergarten teacher stood next to her.
Playing with her best friend, playing at recess, and playing with the castle, those are the very best things about kindergarten. Life really is tough with that play policy.
And then they were off to cake and celebrations in the classroom. The kindergarten teacher (a STAR, she was my boy's teacher as well) is off to be a Vice Principal at another school. So it was indeed bittersweet, as she was so instrumental in making my kids' entry into the whole school experience, a wonderful one. Teachers like her are once in a lifetime, and my kids were so lucky. Oh yeah, we were at a farewell party for her end of last week too.
Then we were off again...
to a pool party over at the girlie's best pal's house. In honour of the grad, my friend invited the whole class and parents to the festivities. My boy followed, the hubs followed, and they had us over for dinner. I am in total awe of her.
A whole day of fun and sun, and boy, was it ever HOT! I melted, even though I was under shade most of the time. I'm such a lightweight.
Today is THE last day of school. I pick up the kids at noon, and guess what... ANOTHER grad party. The girl is four years old and already a party animal. It should be interesting when she hits middle school...and then high school. I don't even want to think about university.
The boy laments that his school party consisted of a movie about Mozart in Swedish (they couldn't find an English version) and a continental breakfast. I guess his teacher had a bit more of a charm school bent (what??!!). I would have love that, but for a 9 year old boy whose musical interests currently lie more in the Black Eyed Peas and Lady GaGa direction, not so much.
Too funny.
And on tomorrow's agenda...you guessed it, another party, this one of the birthday variety.
The GREAT news...
The little G "commenced" from Junior Kindergarten yesterday.
I almost cried, as she walked up in her gown and cap, her "diploma" outlining her favourite things in kindergarten grasped firmly in her hand.
And then she stood on stage, taking the microphone and reading her four lines about what makes kindergarten special while her beloved kindergarten teacher stood next to her.
Playing with her best friend, playing at recess, and playing with the castle, those are the very best things about kindergarten. Life really is tough with that play policy.
And then they were off to cake and celebrations in the classroom. The kindergarten teacher (a STAR, she was my boy's teacher as well) is off to be a Vice Principal at another school. So it was indeed bittersweet, as she was so instrumental in making my kids' entry into the whole school experience, a wonderful one. Teachers like her are once in a lifetime, and my kids were so lucky. Oh yeah, we were at a farewell party for her end of last week too.
Then we were off again...
to a pool party over at the girlie's best pal's house. In honour of the grad, my friend invited the whole class and parents to the festivities. My boy followed, the hubs followed, and they had us over for dinner. I am in total awe of her.
A whole day of fun and sun, and boy, was it ever HOT! I melted, even though I was under shade most of the time. I'm such a lightweight.
*****
Today is THE last day of school. I pick up the kids at noon, and guess what... ANOTHER grad party. The girl is four years old and already a party animal. It should be interesting when she hits middle school...and then high school. I don't even want to think about university.
The boy laments that his school party consisted of a movie about Mozart in Swedish (they couldn't find an English version) and a continental breakfast. I guess his teacher had a bit more of a charm school bent (what??!!). I would have love that, but for a 9 year old boy whose musical interests currently lie more in the Black Eyed Peas and Lady GaGa direction, not so much.
Too funny.
And on tomorrow's agenda...you guessed it, another party, this one of the birthday variety.
*****
I'm too old for this. I could only handle one Stella yesterday, and I felt wasted.
But whew - I have a new weapon in my arsenal to fight the battle of the sag face: the new Estée Lauder product that I was lucky enough to try and write about over at my review site*. So even though I feel about 80, I'm looking much, much younger than that, thank GAWD!!!
(*check it, there's free stuff coming up for U.S. residents)
Monday, May 12, 2008
Dancing "New" Romantic
It had been a VERY long while since we'd been to a wedding. The one we attended on Saturday was well worth the wait. My young friend, the beautiful bride, did such a fantastic job organizing a truly wonderful celebration full of love and tradition. There were several points in the day that got me so choked up. I cried at the ceremony, although it was conducted in Armenian, Italian and English and I didn't understand what was said for much of it, the symbolism was so apparent. But what hit me most was the love that shone from the groom's eyes as his bride came up to his side. There was lovely music, traditional blessings of the rings, and of crowns, communion, lighting of the candles.
And what a reception. The antipasto bar opened at 5:30; we got there just after 6, and after getting drinks and finding our table, Ian promptly ditched me for the antipasto tables. Somehow I ended up at the hot food area and at the other side of the cold platter table while hubby was just starting to load up. Did I tell you I'm a pro at the buffet (ugh, I don't like run of the mill buffets, but this was irresistible). So I had a mountainous platter by the time I got back to my seat. How bad is it that my friend looked at my plate, laughed and said she wanted to see me eat all that because she KNEW I could!!! Remember, there was still the dinner to come... paced myself and managed to get through two types of canneloni, beef, part of the chicken, and the gelato dessert. Part of a traditional Italian wedding feast. I was all set though, as I had worn my expandable Nicole Miller "garbage bag" dress.
The speeches were so heartfelt; the bride's brother, who is a singer/songwriter, performed a composition written especially for the couple. He's got a scratchy rock voice and while he was singing with his guitar, I was thinking, this young man must have NO problems whatsoever with the ladies. He should think about Canadian Idol.
Then the party got started. The deejay was so much fun. There was traditional Armenian dancing (the ladies danced around in a large circle; I was tempted to join, but with my 4-inch stillettos, I was really afraid of knifing someone's, mainly my own, toes.) The men had their own separate Armenian drinking dance, around a glass and then picking it up with their mouths for the satisfying "gulp" in conclusion.
I was lucky; Ian was in a dancing mood. One thing that I think is great about hubs, is that he likes to dance. He always has, and he's not a bad dancer. Not a Bodyjam dancer, but he appreciates good dance music. Well, despite the 80s swinging arm movements which I forgive him for, because that was the move that just sorta went with the mullet back in the day, you know? We're grooving it up to some Rihanna, Kanye, Timbaland, and then on comes this beat and he says to me...
"Hey, remember when we were in Barbados and I requested this song, I LOVED this song, and the guy looked at me and told me it was SOOOOO old?"
And I said, "Yeah, but it wasn't really that old, was it?"
Barbados, that was a lifetime ago, when we used to do the Caribbean thing every year, the couples-only stuff. No kids.
I didn't remember the song right away, but my memory cell was tweaked... and then the distinctive synthesized notes of the following came on:
Oh yeah, THIS song. And I loved that he remembered it, because it came out the year we got married. So I danced and laughed with my husband, with more fervor and even less inhibition. I was not even inebriated. Just drunk with joy.
So funny that of all the old school songs the DJ could have picked, he chose this one. The one that brought back memories of a time when we didn't yet have children, a time when we were dancing fools, carefree DINKs, a time before we hit the struggles of trying to create a family.
A time of beginnings.
Like this lovely wedding celebration of a couple embarking on an exciting stage of their lives. And yes, marriage, despite the mundane can still be exciting.
There was a quote that came up during the reception, mentioned by the bride's sister, whose husband said on their wedding day, the best part of marriage was that he could fall in love with her again every day.
And I believe that what she said was true.
Even 15 years later. On a banquet hall dance floor in the burbs. It was happening all over again.
And what a reception. The antipasto bar opened at 5:30; we got there just after 6, and after getting drinks and finding our table, Ian promptly ditched me for the antipasto tables. Somehow I ended up at the hot food area and at the other side of the cold platter table while hubby was just starting to load up. Did I tell you I'm a pro at the buffet (ugh, I don't like run of the mill buffets, but this was irresistible). So I had a mountainous platter by the time I got back to my seat. How bad is it that my friend looked at my plate, laughed and said she wanted to see me eat all that because she KNEW I could!!! Remember, there was still the dinner to come... paced myself and managed to get through two types of canneloni, beef, part of the chicken, and the gelato dessert. Part of a traditional Italian wedding feast. I was all set though, as I had worn my expandable Nicole Miller "garbage bag" dress.
The speeches were so heartfelt; the bride's brother, who is a singer/songwriter, performed a composition written especially for the couple. He's got a scratchy rock voice and while he was singing with his guitar, I was thinking, this young man must have NO problems whatsoever with the ladies. He should think about Canadian Idol.
Then the party got started. The deejay was so much fun. There was traditional Armenian dancing (the ladies danced around in a large circle; I was tempted to join, but with my 4-inch stillettos, I was really afraid of knifing someone's, mainly my own, toes.) The men had their own separate Armenian drinking dance, around a glass and then picking it up with their mouths for the satisfying "gulp" in conclusion.
I was lucky; Ian was in a dancing mood. One thing that I think is great about hubs, is that he likes to dance. He always has, and he's not a bad dancer. Not a Bodyjam dancer, but he appreciates good dance music. Well, despite the 80s swinging arm movements which I forgive him for, because that was the move that just sorta went with the mullet back in the day, you know? We're grooving it up to some Rihanna, Kanye, Timbaland, and then on comes this beat and he says to me...
"Hey, remember when we were in Barbados and I requested this song, I LOVED this song, and the guy looked at me and told me it was SOOOOO old?"
And I said, "Yeah, but it wasn't really that old, was it?"
Barbados, that was a lifetime ago, when we used to do the Caribbean thing every year, the couples-only stuff. No kids.
I didn't remember the song right away, but my memory cell was tweaked... and then the distinctive synthesized notes of the following came on:
Oh yeah, THIS song. And I loved that he remembered it, because it came out the year we got married. So I danced and laughed with my husband, with more fervor and even less inhibition. I was not even inebriated. Just drunk with joy.
So funny that of all the old school songs the DJ could have picked, he chose this one. The one that brought back memories of a time when we didn't yet have children, a time when we were dancing fools, carefree DINKs, a time before we hit the struggles of trying to create a family.
A time of beginnings.
Like this lovely wedding celebration of a couple embarking on an exciting stage of their lives. And yes, marriage, despite the mundane can still be exciting.
There was a quote that came up during the reception, mentioned by the bride's sister, whose husband said on their wedding day, the best part of marriage was that he could fall in love with her again every day.
And I believe that what she said was true.
Even 15 years later. On a banquet hall dance floor in the burbs. It was happening all over again.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Get up ... and still standing
Well, I survived. And it was an absolute BLAST!!!! I stayed on my feet jumping and dancing all night (in total almost 4 hours). I was sore, but I didn't dare sit down in case I wouldn't be able to get back up. The folks at the gym did an amazing job creating a party atmosphere; they had crudites and dip, crackers and cheese, fruit platters, disco lights and the instructors were all in fine form. One hard core bodyjammer came all the way from Kitchener (about a 2 hour drive) for the event!
I also made it through the "Oh SHIT, NO WAY" portion at the 2.5 hour mark (yeah, I actually screamed that when I recognized the music; in response my instructor TJ shouted out laughing "Oh YEAH!!!!":
So here are some pictures of the event:
TJ and his team looking badass in pink (LOL!). Krumping...
I also made it through the "Oh SHIT, NO WAY" portion at the 2.5 hour mark (yeah, I actually screamed that when I recognized the music; in response my instructor TJ shouted out laughing "Oh YEAH!!!!":
So here are some pictures of the event:
TJ and his team looking badass in pink (LOL!). Krumping...
Here's my team with the lovely T in yellow (check her cool belly tassle, oh to be young again ...), TJ, Me (trying to hide and not look so much like these are my kids); and cutie L, who had to leave a little early...
Enjoying being kid-free a little TOO much don't cha think???.jpg)
Brazilian singer dancing and singing next to me while I stretch my hand out for help :). This is about the 3.5 hour mark...
Here's the Brazilian drum band that played during the last part. They were wicked good.
The local news came by as well. They took plenty of footage during the band's segment - actually panned from my face down to my feet as I was trying to figure out what to do with them. Why didn't they come about an hour before while we were doing all the moves that I know in my sleep? Alas, I ended up on the cutting room floor ... except for the last millisecond. I think I saw half of my right foot on the TV screen as I caught the news after I got home.
In total there was about $3000 raised for this important event. Not bad for a not-so-large gym. Almost $475 of it by my team captain T alone (she is such a sweetheart!).
I had so much fun. Even though I came home and took a couple of Ibuprofen before hitting the sack, if I can keep up this addiction I will hopefully try this again next year.
Here's a little something to get you going for the week. Have a good one!
Friday, April 04, 2008
Fashion Friday: Marathon of Dance
I’ve signed up for a suicide mission.
My obsession for Bodyjam has gone to the next level. It’s a party night for me. For come 5:30 pm this afternoon, I will embark on ...
not one...
not two ...
not three, but ...
... a frickin’ FOUR hour dance marathon to raise funds for Dance4life.
It’s being run by my Goodlife gym. I am pumped, excited, and a little nervous. I’m not kidding when I say the rest of my team is likely at least a decade or more younger than I am. No intimidation there.
So if I’m going to throw something out, I may as well look good, right?
I hereby present the various Lulu’s being contemplated for tonight’s festivities… (finally, some images more wrinkly than my visage)
My obsession for Bodyjam has gone to the next level. It’s a party night for me. For come 5:30 pm this afternoon, I will embark on ...
not one...
not two ...
not three, but ...
... a frickin’ FOUR hour dance marathon to raise funds for Dance4life.
It’s being run by my Goodlife gym. I am pumped, excited, and a little nervous. I’m not kidding when I say the rest of my team is likely at least a decade or more younger than I am. No intimidation there.
So if I’m going to throw something out, I may as well look good, right?
I hereby present the various Lulu’s being contemplated for tonight’s festivities… (finally, some images more wrinkly than my visage)
The four tops:
Dark and sleek?
Short and sassy?
The hoodie will do
(This is ridiculous, I really should buy shares in this company ...)I’ll be off with my water, my Gatorade, some snacks and perhaps some splints and Bengay?!!!
Wish me luck. It’s all worth it of course, as after all
Bodyjam > Kegels
(I’ll let you do the math)
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Get me some body paint quick
Thank goodness for the modern convenience of the clutch-sized digital camera. I was able to capture the spectacle and some great memories of a wonderful evening.
The Brazilian Carnival Ball was such an event - all glitz, glamour, booze was flowing from the martini bar made completely of ice (but I was D.D. so only sipped at the Carnival Cosmo) food was fantastic and the music was so lively. The best part of course was the parade and dancing. I don't think I've ever seen so many gorgeous people in one room. Ian couldn't get over the cars being parked at valet parking. I mean, let's get our priorities straight.
There was some serious money there - at the live auction, someone scored a bargain for a Lexus (paid $46K for the car worth $53K) but most other auctioned items went for about $30k. Imagine spending that, with the raise of a hand - yikes! We bought some raffle tickets, suckered in by a chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree at Yorkdale Mall, but to no avail. No matter, it all went to a good cause. All in all, I think about $2 million was raised for the Arthritis and Autoimmunity Research Foundation.
The costumes and the lack thereof were beyond spectacular. One of my dinner mates commented that she'd never seen a butt so small on anyone before last night - one of the male performers was wearing the teeniest bikini at the bar. Tried to get my camera out in time to catch it but was just too slow. I just had to get a picture with one of the other dancers. I was so happy when Ian found one and I thought I'd scored with the above. But dear hubby had to do me one better. Look at him shortly thereafter:
No wonder he was so anxious to pull me onto the dance floor! Sneaky, sneaky !!
Friday, April 13, 2007
The Brazilian
...Ball, that is.
A couple of days before we headed out to Jamaica, Ian asked me if I wanted to attend the Brazilian ball this year. Of course, my first thought was "when is it? what do we do with the kids?". So once I had secured that, I said, sure, I've always wanted to go.
Here we are a couple of weeks later and Giselle wanted to play dress-up. I'm going through my closet and it hits me ... I don't know if I have anything to wear to the ball, which is next Saturday! I'm sure Ian would beg to differ, as I've pretty much taken over our closet. But I was pretty sure I didn't have/ or wouldn't fit any of the ball-type dresses I have. I did just spend too much on a Nicole Miller for Ian's company Christmas party - but that's exactly the problem, as we'll be with the same people at this function too. And besides, it was a cocktail number.
I googled the event, checked out pictures from last year's and confirmed it - I'm in trouble. The photos showed lovely ladies in very fancy gowns (Gucci, Chanel, Donna Karan ...) Then I got an e:mail from the hubster's crackberry - "I've got to wear a tux". Good timing. OMG, bigger trouble!
I asked Giselle if she wanted to go shopping. She said, "OK mama". Only 8 shopping days left. We headed to Vaughan Mills - I thought I'd check out Holt Renfrew's Last Call. Now I usually bypass the gowns, but that was my destination this time. And there were quite a few, not totally eye-popping prices (though I did spot an absolutely gorgeous Vera Wang which was the bargain basement price of $2,800 on sale). Tried on a couple while Giselle popped in and out of my change room on all fours. I tried on a Barbie pink gown which came complete with boobs - actually didn't look half bad. And another Nicole Miller which was quite pretty but a brown colour which was not quite chocolately enough to look "great" on me. Seeing as all items are final sale there, I thought I'd keep looking.
On to BCBG Max Azria - and struck gold! I usually stop in there whenever I'm at this mall - I've lucked out a couple of times, and have always noticed their gowns, but never have had an occasion to look at them. But the bonus with this store is that the girls who work there are so laid back and actually help you. And they're great about Giselle - she's your typical 2 year old, touchy-feely with all the dresses, shoes, etc. Running races around the store. Not that she ever has grimy hands when I'm in there with her, but I've been to a lot of shops whose sales people give me the evil eye whenever Giselle accompanies me. They are very smart girls there -- I ended up buying a fairly classic black halter (satin top) with chiffon skirt, and sparkle detail along the middle. And these stilettos that I'll have to practice walking in. All for substantially less than the Nicole Miller of Christmas vintage.
Now I'm a bit excited about the party. But I've got to finish organizing and surviving Liam's 7th birthday celebration first - it happens just hours before cocktails start at the ball. Will have to remember not to fill up on Star Wars cake and Pizza Pizza before we head downtown.
Ian's suggested that I get a Brazilian wax for the occasion. Uh, maybe, as long as he goes first. Problem solved :).
A couple of days before we headed out to Jamaica, Ian asked me if I wanted to attend the Brazilian ball this year. Of course, my first thought was "when is it? what do we do with the kids?". So once I had secured that, I said, sure, I've always wanted to go.
Here we are a couple of weeks later and Giselle wanted to play dress-up. I'm going through my closet and it hits me ... I don't know if I have anything to wear to the ball, which is next Saturday! I'm sure Ian would beg to differ, as I've pretty much taken over our closet. But I was pretty sure I didn't have/ or wouldn't fit any of the ball-type dresses I have. I did just spend too much on a Nicole Miller for Ian's company Christmas party - but that's exactly the problem, as we'll be with the same people at this function too. And besides, it was a cocktail number.
I googled the event, checked out pictures from last year's and confirmed it - I'm in trouble. The photos showed lovely ladies in very fancy gowns (Gucci, Chanel, Donna Karan ...) Then I got an e:mail from the hubster's crackberry - "I've got to wear a tux". Good timing. OMG, bigger trouble!
I asked Giselle if she wanted to go shopping. She said, "OK mama". Only 8 shopping days left. We headed to Vaughan Mills - I thought I'd check out Holt Renfrew's Last Call. Now I usually bypass the gowns, but that was my destination this time. And there were quite a few, not totally eye-popping prices (though I did spot an absolutely gorgeous Vera Wang which was the bargain basement price of $2,800 on sale). Tried on a couple while Giselle popped in and out of my change room on all fours. I tried on a Barbie pink gown which came complete with boobs - actually didn't look half bad. And another Nicole Miller which was quite pretty but a brown colour which was not quite chocolately enough to look "great" on me. Seeing as all items are final sale there, I thought I'd keep looking.
On to BCBG Max Azria - and struck gold! I usually stop in there whenever I'm at this mall - I've lucked out a couple of times, and have always noticed their gowns, but never have had an occasion to look at them. But the bonus with this store is that the girls who work there are so laid back and actually help you. And they're great about Giselle - she's your typical 2 year old, touchy-feely with all the dresses, shoes, etc. Running races around the store. Not that she ever has grimy hands when I'm in there with her, but I've been to a lot of shops whose sales people give me the evil eye whenever Giselle accompanies me. They are very smart girls there -- I ended up buying a fairly classic black halter (satin top) with chiffon skirt, and sparkle detail along the middle. And these stilettos that I'll have to practice walking in. All for substantially less than the Nicole Miller of Christmas vintage.
Now I'm a bit excited about the party. But I've got to finish organizing and surviving Liam's 7th birthday celebration first - it happens just hours before cocktails start at the ball. Will have to remember not to fill up on Star Wars cake and Pizza Pizza before we head downtown.
Ian's suggested that I get a Brazilian wax for the occasion. Uh, maybe, as long as he goes first. Problem solved :).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
