Con Gusto: An Event Designer Celebrating Life's Occasions... Con Gusto

Put a little swirl in your step

2011-10-09T15:36:00.001-04:00

Nenas,

I know - I know. It has been unacceptably long. So, without further ado, let me dive into something delish: wine. But not just any wine - wine that comes to you for dinner parties, birthday parties, and yes, of course for bridal showers. Swirl Events conducts private wine tastings in NY, NJ, and CT but with the "typical wine pretense left at the door" - their promise is to make it effortless for you. They can bring the wine, the cheese, and the chocolate. Tailoring the wine to suit your tastes, they even boast a "Women Winemakers" (Swirl Girls), an "Eco-Chic" and a Black winemakers package among their line-up. It's at this point that I would normally say I'll toast to that, but since it's Swirl, I'll instead say get ready to "uncork and unwind."

Radio Silence

2011-04-24T08:10:00.001-04:00

Hermanas,

How the winds can change so unexpectedly! Lo siento mucho for my radio silence for the past month (ouch!). I was offered the opportunity to fundraise on behalf of an educational non-profit I feel crazy passionate about, and I leaped at it. So with that comes the (mostly) end of Con Gusto, although I hope, from time to time, to keep sharing things that are too good to keep to myself. Like, for example, this Real Simple article that lists 12 great websites for invitations (among them, Minted.com, redstamp.com, and luxepaperie.com). Choose away.

I won't say ciao to my nenas, just hasta luego!

Beauty Trend Alert

2011-03-21T06:00:00.002-04:00

Clinique's Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Black Honey is quietly developing a cult following. How do I know? While visiting her down south, my best friend hands it over in the car telling me a co-worker told her about it, it looks good on women of all shades and complexions, "and it's not sticky, cause you know I hate when my hair gets stuck to my lip gloss." Don't we all? Luckily, she was right: it's super glossy, leaves your lips feeling ultra loved and nope, doesn't stick to your hair. Perfect to tuck in your purse for daytime events, or to accompany dramatic eyes at night. Grab it exclusively at Sephora.

Wine Down Friday, Expert Voice - Harlem Vintage, Female Winemaker Series

2011-03-18T06:58:00.000-04:00

Carpineta Fontalpino Do Ut Des 2006

To continue the female winemaking theme we’re revisiting one of our favorite wines at Harlem Vintage. Gioia Cresti is the young and talented oenologist at this family-run wine estate based in Tuscany, close to Siena. Do ut Des means “give and you shall receive” in Italian, perfect for the warm generosity of this Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend. It is a Super Tuscan that manages to be feminine and subtle at the same time. It shows hints of dark berries, spice and violets on the nose and palate. It has a persistent perfume and a lingering finish, while the label is equally gorgeous too. Have it with osso buco. It’s as classic as it is classy.

Harlem Vintage, 2235 Frederick Douglas Boulevard, Harlem, NY

Southern Dessert Divas

2011-03-17T05:26:00.000-04:00

Ever had a family recipe so good, you just had to share it? That's the idea behind Southern Girl Desserts - that, and bringing some good ole' fashioned southern hospitality (and red velvet cake) to the West Coast. So for you L.A.'ers, drop by to get a taste of "Uncle Leon's Cheesecake"or "Lille Jean's Banana Pudding" (which comes as both a cake and in adorable shooters, perfect for a party). And for those of us on the other coast, no te preocupes, they ship cupcakes in a jar (try their "peach cobbler"), cake pops, pecan pouches and more. So no matter the coast, we can all get a little taste of southern-inspired sweetness.

Wine Down Friday, Expert Voice - Harlem Vintage, March Women Winemakers Series

2011-03-11T07:43:00.000-05:00

Time for a Shindig

Women’s History Month is here. To celebrate the women, the riot grrrls, chicks, mamas and the sisters, we are featuring female winemaker wines available at Harlem Vintage for the month March. First up, owner and winemaker (and former aerospace engineer!) of Brooklyn Oenology, Alie Shaper. Shaper’s aim was to connect a local, artisan movement in New York City to locally made wine. Hence, the grapes are sourced from Long Island and the Finger Lakes regions, while the bottle labels are designed by Brooklyn artists.

Her fabulous Shindig White 2009, made in the Finger Lakes, is a blend of Vidal Blanc (a French-American hybrid grape created from Ugni Blanc and Rayon D'Or) and the aromatic Riesling grape. This wine is simultaneously crisp, bright, fresh, citrus-y and shows hints of tropical fruits. It's amazing with Chinese takeout and adds a stylish-locavore note to a party (or a shindig, if you will). Only 300 cases of this wine is made, so stock up at Harlem Vintage!

Harlem Vintage, 2235 Frederick Douglas Boulevard, Harlem, NY

Tech Special: Scheduling with Ease...

2011-03-09T21:33:00.001-05:00

Okay, never mind finding a time that works for all to schedule your [fill in the blank here... bridal shower, baby shower, bachelorette party...]. Try something as simple as getting your mom and your maid of honor together to look for dresses. Doodle is an online tool that allows a group of people to find a mutually convenient time to schedule almost anything (psst...for free!). Propose different dates and times and your people indicate their availability online. Goodbye long email chains. Hello convenient one-stop scheduling.

Tech Special: How to Communicate with your Wedding Party in a Pinch

2011-03-07T09:38:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time, a group of groomsmen on a bachelor party extravaganza split up to negotiate with doormen at several clubs over bottle prices - and then spent precious texting time selecting eight different numbers to message to figure out where the night would best be spent. Ever wanted to communicate with a large group of people (oh, say your bridal party) quickly? Enter GroupMe, a new service that lets you create a "group" of people from numbers already in your contact list. The site assigns your group a phone number - text it, and you send a message to everyone easily; call it and you can start an instant conference call. Share photos, send your location... you get the picture.

Visit GroupMe to sign up for free.

Although the WSJ reports that it's a favorite amongst "mothers coordinating drop-offs and pick-ups, but also with skiers planning après-ski cocktails and patients updating relatives on their progress" I have a hunch it will revolutionize bridal party communications everyone. Let's text to that.

Wine Down Friday, Expert Voice - Harlem Vintage

2011-03-04T07:22:00.000-05:00

From Kitsch to Cool

When Lambrusco flowed into the US from Italy in the 1980s, it was mass-produced and tooth-achingly sweet, we called it cherry coke with a kick. Fast forward to the last five years and discover the artisan Lambrusco wines that have taken New York City by storm. The wine is named after the grape variety, which grows in the Emilia-Romagna area of Northern Italy. A quintessential Lambrusco has got to be fruity; it works up a crushed purple froth in the glass and possesses brilliant acidity. It is a wine that drinks beautifully alone, and it goes especially well with rich, fatty foods like the cured meats and cheeses of Emilia. Tomorrow, Harlem Vintage will be pouring an especially salivating red fizz called Ca Montanari Opera Lambrusco 2002. Expect to sniff out some laid back ripe fruit, which continues on the palate, along with just a touch of sweetness and light tannins. It’ll satiate your thirst and taste great with Emilia deli specialties like prosciutto, mortadella and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Who’s in the mood to cook this weekend anyway?

Harlem Vintage, 4-7 pm
2235 Frederick Douglas Boulevard, Harlem, NY

The Perfect Bon Voyage Hat

2011-03-02T09:40:00.000-05:00

Nenas, I've procrastinated. I've waited to tell you about a fabulous new find I made this winter, but with the weather changing, I'm happy to report that Ophelie Hats are varied enough to rock all year long.

On a stroll through Grand Central I noticed their booth and had to immediately enter to play dress-up. Their headbands and hats immediately evoke a sense of romance - the perfect addition to that vintage-style suit you were planning on wearing as you buen viaje your way to your honeymoon. Or the statement piece to accompany THE dress...or for a fun, flirty look at your rehearsal dinner...or baby shower..

Here's the bonus: beyond just pure cuteness, their hats come in enough sizes to fit even the thickest, lushest locs. Visit Ophelie Hats and click "Shop Online" to view collections.

Wine Down Special Edition, Expert Voice - Harlem Vintage

2011-02-28T10:21:00.001-05:00

In honor of the last day in February, bringing you a special edition of Harlem Vintage's Winemakers of Color Series....

In the Mood for M’hudi
We’ve hit the last day of February. The equinox is near, we celebrated Oscar night on Sunday and this is the final installment of Black History Month. The spotlight is on one of Harlem Vintage’s star wines, the M’Hudi Pinotage. M’Hudi is a black owned and operated South African wine estate. They make wines that show off the local terroir and grape varieties, including Pinotage – South Africa’s calling card.

Pinotage was developed in the 1920s in Stellenbosch. A cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, it is one of the most distinct wines you’ve ever tasted. From the dark deep hue to its heady scent and lush, earthy taste, it’s an intense wine that makes an impression.

M’Hudi’s version of the grape offers a rich purple color with a youthful edge, subtle oak, spice, plums and vanilla on the nose with silky tannins on the palate. It’s a sumptuous wine that goes with all sorts of rich, full-flavored repast such as steak, Italian sausages and braised red meats.

-Harlem Vintage, 2235 Frederick Douglas Boulevard, Harlem, NY

Gone Fishing - Be Right Back

2011-02-18T07:47:00.000-05:00

Nenas, have a fabulous and wonderful President's Day Weekend! Back next week.

And speaking of Presidents...guess whose wedding this picture is from?

Time: Married for 50 Years and Counting

2011-02-14T12:10:00.000-05:00

Though event planning is a true love of mine, today I'm a fan of cutting through the cards and candy and celebrating the spirit of Valentine's Day. So today's inspiration? Time's slideshow of couples who have been married for 50 years. Now *that's* something to celebrate.

Photo from Time.com

Wine Down Friday, Expert Voice - Harlem Vintage, Winemaker of Color Series

2011-02-11T07:26:00.004-05:00

The Coolest African-American Wine Industry Insider

To continue with Harlem Vintage's Winemakers of Color Series, in honor of Black HIstory Month, we're featuring the wines of Mouton Noir this week. The Mouton Noir label is run by former Per Se sommelier André Mack. Mack is a young, smart, dapper African American who nabbed the title of Best Young Sommelier in America, awarded by the Chaine des Rotisseurs, an international, gourmet group based in Paris. C'est chic! Mack was the first person of color to covet the prize. He specializes in garage wines made in California, Washington, Oregon and as far and away as Argentina. Check out these two for your weekend imbibing.

Code Noir Torrontes, Argentina
This fragrant little Torrontes is made in Argentina. It sings of floral notes and melon fruit. It's the sort of wine that completes a picnic in the summer or a fireside aperitif in the winter. Try it with spicy chow.

Code Noir Merlot, Washington State
The cooler climate of Washington State brings on a balanced wine of plum notes and dark berries with herbacious hints. It is a pulled pork sandwich, braised meats kind of wine.

-Harlem Vintage, 2235 Frederick Douglas Boulevard, Harlem, NY

Yes, New Jersey has one too... (and it'll make her smile on Valentine's Day)

2011-02-09T08:45:00.000-05:00

It's the upcoming, third annual New Jersey Food & Wine Festival! From Friday, March 11th through Sunday, March 13th, enjoy a celebration of the world's top wines and New Jersey's best chefs. And it's happening at the beautiful Crystal Springs Resort, a veritable oasis in Jersey's gorgeous northwest. A four-season resort - amazing skiing, beautiful golf-courses, and, most important of course, two spas, 12 restaurants, and winner of the Wine Spectator Grand Award four years in a row. An amazing wedding venue, and, guys, it's also the perfect place to romance her on Valentine's Day. And you're in luck, they still have packages available for this weekend.

How to Pick Your Wedding Website

2011-02-07T06:00:00.004-05:00

The amount of "free" wedding websites out there can make your head spin. All claim they're easy to use and free - read on for the detalles on five of the most popular and find out which live up to the hype.

WEDDING WIRE
Standards Include: Welcome, Our Story, Gift Registry, Guest Book, Wedding Party, Events
Plus: Free RSVP management, Flash intro, and the option to match your stationery to your website theme with designs by the likes of Vera Wang and Martha Stewart Weddings (though the amount of choices for each designer is pretty slim).
What's Special: Apps! Wedding Wire allows you to add in "Apps" on your page: flight, hotel, and car rental buttons that let guests search for the best deals, an app that allows guests to request songs and help create playlists. Bonus: an app for your blog.
Cons: The site does not allow you to purchase your own custom URL.
Cost: Totally and completely free.

CG Rating: * * * * * (5 Stars)

ONE WED
Standards Include: Welcome, Our Events, Gift Registry, Guest Book, Engagement Story
Plus: Option to match your stationery to your website theme with designs by Wedding Paper Divas, Hello! Lucky, Green Kangaroo, and Luscious Verde (though each designer only has between 4 and 9 choices).
What's Special: The site allows you to find and manage vendors, keep track of those you're researching and which you've booked, including their costs. Planning items like these are integrated into the homepage you see (not your guests) when you log-on.
Cons: RSVP management costs $4.99
Cost: In addition to the RSVP fee, a custom domain name is $19.95 for one year.

CG Rating: * * * * (4 Stars)

THE KNOT
Standards Include: Welcome, About Us, Our Proposal, Ceremony, Gift Registry, Guest Book
Plus: Free RSVP management. Also includes wedding planning tools like wedding checklists and a budget breakdown.
What's Special: Can send save-the-date emails. Site also gives you the option to upgrade to Wedding Tracker which, for a fee, allows you to link maps, poll your guests, and even preserve your site on cd rom after the big day.
Cons: Not a lot of design options.
Cost: The Knot - free. Wedding Tracker - $60/year.

CG Rating: * * * (3 Stars)

MY WEDDING

Standards Include: Our Story, Wedding Party, Wedding Events, Gift Registry, Guest Book
Plus: Free RSVP Management. Also allows guests to leave suggestions for music selections.
What's Special: Couples can search for a theme for their website by category - outdoors, inspirations, green, destination, etc. You can also match your wedding stationery to your website with a wide selection from Minted, Wedding Paper Divas (these guys alone have 113 options to choose from), The American Wedding, Papeterie, and Hello! Lucky. The site also allows you to send group emails and create a wedding blog.
Cons: Can't purchase your own custom URL through the site, your wedding website address will appear as www.mywedding.com/yourURLextensionhere.
Cost: Free. They guarantee you will never, ever be charged a fee.

CG Rating: * * * * * (5 Stars)

EWEDDING
Standards Include: From Us, Registry, Calendar of Events, Contact Us
Plus: Flash intro, free RSVP management, guests can sign up for your mailing list and take polls and quizzes on your site.
What's Special: EWedding offers a keepsake of your personal site and lots of space for your data.
Cons: Unlimited storage is not free.
Cost: Basic - free. $4.95/month (or $49.95 for the year) gets you increased file storage, a custom domain name, and several other upgrades.

CG Rating: * * * * (4 Stars)

Wine Down Friday, Expert Voice - Harlem Vintage, Winemaker of Color Series

2011-02-04T06:00:00.015-05:00

Special Edition
Ice storms and freezing temperatures describe the month of February but there is something more significant to this time of the year. Black History Month is a time for us to pause and reflect on the history and influence of the African diaspora in the USA. To honor the month we're featuring wines from Harlem Vintage's Winemaker of Color Series every Friday in February.

The first comes from Sugarleaf Winery and three of their delicious wines: Sugarleaf Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Neubia Nectar.

Winemaker of color, Lauren Bias, has taken of advantage of the unique territory in Virginia. The Chardonnay is rich, fruit-forward yet balanced with notes of oak, spice and toasted vanilla -- a great choice for fried fish dishes. The Cabernet Franc offers a cranberry and herb nose, followed by bright acidity, maraschino cherry and white pepper on the palate, all married by hints of oak; a great wine for roast dinners. Neubia is a stickie made from Petit Manseng and Vidal Blanc, offering honeysuckle and cider with tropical fruit character - great with gooey cheese or panna cotta. February is also the month for dessert!

-Harlem Vintage, 2235 Frederick Douglas Boulevard, Harlem, NY

A Meal Train Might Start a Love Train

2011-02-02T06:00:00.037-05:00

Visit Meal Train.com

Ever wondered what's the perfect gift for a friend who just had a baby, is recovering from surgery, or just moved to the neighborhood? Listen to the beautiful sound of the Meal Train coming: organize your friends, sorority sisters, congregation and the like to lend support via coordinated meals. Visit the free (yes, free) site and input details about food allergies, likes and dislikes, local delivery and take-out spots for a friend, and let the coordination begin. And the best part? Even if you're many miles away, the site lets you buy a gift card from a local restaurant or order delivery.

Fabulous Flatiron Destination for Book Clubs

2011-01-31T06:00:00.018-05:00

It's been cold in New York. It's been snowy in New York. And so my fab book club comrades and I have been meeting in apartments, buried in homey warmth with an occasional venture out to Le Pain Quotidien. But alas, we have found a mecca for all you lost book club souls, searching for a warm and welcoming place to meet. Birch Coffee is an unpretentious coffeehouse in the Flatiron district, right next to the Gershwin Hotel. There's the main level where you can order group munchables like grilled cheese sliders and hummus plates. And for those in the know, there's an upstairs "Library" with tables and comfy sofas, perfect to hideaway and discuss the book of the month.

Pictures from Birch Coffee, 5 East 27th Street (between 5th and Madison), NYC. 212-686-1444. Hours: 7 am - 9 pm (M - F) 8 am - 9 pm (Sat) 8 am - 8 pm (Sun)

Wine Down Friday, Expert Voice - Harlem Vintage

2011-01-28T08:17:00.000-05:00

Sunshine on a Winter Day

So we’ve hit our third snowstorm this winter; New York City can take it in stride. To ease the icy frustration Harlem Vintage will be offering a range of delectable French and Californian wines. We’re particularly enamored with the organic Girasole on pour tomorrow from 4-7pm.

Girasole (pronounced "jeer-ah-so-lay") translates to "turning into the sun," hence the sunflower on the label. Proprietor Charlie Barra has been in his Redwood Valley Ranch for about a half a century, growing grapes organically - without conventional pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers or bio-engineered products. This is a man devoted to natural habitat. His Pinot Noir offers aromas of blackberry and cherry with a touch of smoke giving way to flavors of raspberry and a touch of frisky licorice. It is a wine of pleasure and, as the French say, a “vin de soif” – essentially meaning a wine of thirst. Taste the sunny tang in this wine and grab a bottle to go with your Saturday movie and dinner night.

-Harlem Vintage, 2235 Frederick Douglas Boulevard, Harlem, NY

A Hair Accessory for Every Bride

2011-01-26T09:33:00.001-05:00

Can't find the perfect hair pin, feather, or tiara for your perfect dress? Hair Comes the Bride, A Boutique Bridal Beauty Agency, offers a ridiculous variety of hair accessories: flowers, headbands, combs, vintage, pearl, hair flowers - your hair needs it, Hair Comes the Bride has it. They even have a beach section for you destination wedding'ers out there. Website bonus: a "Bridal Looks" section, free and fabulous, illustrating tons of different hairstyles - from classical and romantic to a trendsetter section showing Hollywood starlet's latest do's.

All photos from Hair Comes the Bride.

Two Or Not Two... Maids of Honor

2011-01-24T16:25:00.001-05:00

So I often get approached by brides torn between best friends and wondering if it's appropriate to have two maids of honor. And here's my tried-and-true advice: choose one. Seriously. Close your eyes and remember your first ever heartbreak - who's the one you picked up the phone to call? That girl, mis hermanas, is your maid of honor. But no, you say, I had a three-way conversation that fateful day? Then deem one friend your matron of honor and the other your maid. But if both girls happen to be of the same relationship status, then go ahead and have two maids of honor. It's your day and your prerogative to structure your wedding party just the way you like. But last word to the wise: let both girls know your preference is that they divvy up maid of honor responsibilities equally. If they both get the exalted title, then they both should do the heavy lifting required leading up to wedding day.

Props for Today - Sample Sale Ends Tomorrow

2011-01-21T09:26:00.000-05:00

Props for Today, one of my favorite furniture and decor rental vendors, is hosting a fabulous sample sale open to the general public. While there yesterday scouting for my dedicated readers (and my living room) I spotted a luxe table that was used on the set of "The Other Guys" for a crazy ridiculous price, gorgeous forest green Elizabethan love seats (again, for less that $100 a pop), and I could go on. Sale ends tomorrow at 4 pm.

Props for Today - 330 W. 34th Street, 14th Floor. Sample Sale: Cash & Credit Only; No Phone Calls.

A Valentine's Gift for Him

2011-01-19T06:00:00.030-05:00

Winter is almost (almost) made bearable by the fact that a holiday celebrating love comes in one of the coldest months of the year. But you'll be sure to make your beau warm with this Valentine's Day present. Give him the gift that keeps on giving - a service at Truman's Gentleman's Groomers. They are just what they sound like - man groomers - and with packages like "The Refresher" that include their "Straight-Edge Shave," "Handshake Maintenance" (a.k.a. a manicure), and a shoe shine, he might start to understand why those monthly trips you make to the spa are oh, so necessary.

Visit Truman's at 120 E. 56th St., NYC

A Day of Service and a Gathering of Comfort

2011-01-17T09:31:00.000-05:00

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! And after you've honored - through private reflection, community service, or however your day "on" is spent - the life of this extraordinary man, it's always apropos to bring friends and family together to continue celebrating his legacy. Low-key comfort food gatherings are one of my favorite diet-ditching ways to be around the people I love. And while some say my mac n' cheese always takes center stage (wink), it's being with each other that's the star of the show.

Comfort Food Casserole dishes available at Pottery Barn.