Amy's Backstage Blog
Hi! I'm Amy Scalia, co-host here at Star64! I'm starting a new blog for the station's website, and I couldn't be more excited about it!
I love to write… it's in my blood… my grandma was actually one of the first female newspaper reporters in Ohio! After falling in love with writing as a Harrison High School student, I went to Miami of Ohio on an English scholarship. I got a BA degree in Mass Communications with a specialty in electronic journalism.
When I'm not hosting for Star64, I'm running an online women's publication in town called Cincy Chic. I started it about five years ago, and it now has more than 22,000 subscribers! Check it out at cincychic.com.
I also love to run (I've run three marathons!), cook, garden, make jewelry and crafts, shop for shoes (it's an addiction), and play with my Vizsla "Dino." So, here on the blog, I plan to post a variety of useful info that'll range from yummy recipes and gardening tips, crafting ideas and inspirations, as well as fashion trends, sales and events going on you'll want to know about.
So, bookmark this page and check back often! I'll be posting at least once or twice a week!
Guest Blog From NYFW Show Attendee
02/21/12
My friend, and Cincy Chic columnist Kristie Sheanshang, is such a lucky duck. She got to go to New York Fashion Week this year and attend two incredible shows: Vera Wang and Badgley Mischka. But Im lucky too because she offered to write a guest blog to tell us all about her amazing experience and give us insight into what she saw on the catwalks! Enjoy!
Vera Wang
Valentines Day this year was a day filled with dreams coming true, pure excitement and joy, but not in the traditional roses and chocolates way. I didnt get any candy hearts or lollipops, but I sure felt like a little girl walking wide eyed into a candy shop. Thanks to a last minute trip scheduled to the Big Apple, a few nail biting phone calls and I was sitting in the fourth row of the Vera Wang and Badgley Mischka shows.
Attending New York Fashion Week was a super stretch goal I wrote down for my stylist business, Flair (www.Dare4Flair.com). It is truly a bucket list moment and I couldnt believe it was falling into place. Landing at LaGuardia, I had to keep pinching myself, the day was truly surreal.
Since it was a spontaneous decision and not wanting to bring much luggage, my mind raced with thoughts of Have I packed the right thing, which celebrities will we see, would the five various friends and family members be able to shuffle my kids until my husband returned from a business trip? Fortunately I was able to twist the arm of long time friend and fellow fashionista Jen Stuhlreyer to take part in checking off a bucket list moment together.
The day was fantastic and fantasy all rolled into one. I have no doubt that the Big Man was smiling down on me: One day, two amazing shows, seven celebrity sightings, a blogger from DNAinfo.com approaching me for my picture (wow moment), immediately followed by walking in the main theatre of Lincoln Center and a girl from Glamour.com approaching me for an interview. It really took me off guard, I thought it was a joke to be honest, but there was the camera man and chic interviewer Tracey Lomrantz of What Are You Wearing? asking about my print on print outfit (double wow moment). After we chatted, she told me that I resemble Charlotte/Kristen Davis from Sex and the City. I smiled thinking; this is a small taste of what celebrity life consists of. Then my mind raced back to the modeling class I took and how to best place my feet for the pictures. Well see if it runs or lands on the editing room floor.
Badgley Mischka
The shows were outstanding. Not knowing what to expect, we quickly realized they were starting Fashionably late and only lasting about 20 minutes each. We started with Badgley Mischka, who is known for their exquisite evening wear and gorgeous hand beading. They showed textured leggings, bejeweled necklines, fantastic cut-out shoulders on fitted tops (great for women who want to cover their upper arms, but show a little skin), wonderful draping, plus lots of leather and fur trims. There was even a vintage fur stole like my great grandma used to wear, also with cut-out shoulders. Colors shown were black, navy, metallics of pewter, bronze, platinum and gold, plus an evening gown in rose. Vera Wang brought more color to the season with tangerine, charcoal gray, tobacco brown, dark green, plum and Dutch blue. Wangs collection showed how soft and hard, covered up or revealing can coexist. She displayed this by how she cut the jacquard fabric " sharp, structural, architectural and form fitting, yet paired with fluid sheer chiffon. She designed sheer long skirts as well as structured Bermuda shorts that gave the look of a slim pencil skirt, plus heavy winter coats and elegant capes with fur trim. Wangs looks were feminine without being too saccharine.
The shows exceeded my expectations and created a desire to bring more fashionable ideas to my clients. My company stands behind the belief you dont need the newest trend to be fashionable. We focus on making our clients look and feel fantastic by finding clothes and accessories that best for their body, lifestyle and wallet " without looking like everyone else. With this said, only a small majority of my clientele could afford and desire to buy haute couture designs. Watching the shows first hand, feeling the music vibrate through the theatre, seeing the movement of the models hair and listening to the responses of fellow journalists and fashion lovers next to me, I understood the artistic performance. With only a small segment of buyers that would chose to purchase and wear these designs, the designers were providing us the most creative designs with amazing attention to detail as a way to challenge the Prt "a " Port and the mass merchandisers to step up the game. Their designs were fantasy, almost dress-up like compared to what Midwesterners wear every day, yet they inspire us to think outside the box, create different pairings in our own closets and turn the costume feel into knock-out attire that can be worn locally.
What a whirlwind trip. We didnt even have the chance to visit favorite retailers in mid town and the Upper East Side, which thrilled my husband, but not Visa. The Band-Aids of childcare successfully provided my kids with a terrific 36 hours. Fashion Week was a goal. Now that its accomplished, the memory of its performance and learned lesson will encourage greater style to permeate from me and my clients.
Kristie Sheanshang is a style consultant, closet cleaner, personal shopper and public speaker who enjoys helping women look and feel fantastic by finding clothes that best fit their body, lifestyle and wallet " without looking like everyone else. She writes the monthly style column for Cincy Chic and represents the Etcetera clothing line as well as some private boutiques in Cincinnati, OH. Flair is a 2011 Winner " Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce WE Celebrate Businesses WE Watch. Sheanshang is a Certified Image Consultant and has been published in 24-7Style.com, CincyChic.com and 365 Days of Style.com. Dare for Flair in your life and clothes. We will help you Discover your Style and Re-energize your wardrobe. Visit www.Dare4Flair.com for more information.
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Here's a great event to help stop cancer! The Relay for Life race is coming up in April and there are lots of fun ways you can support the Cause without ever walking or running in the race!
And for that, we've got this event! Shop to Stop Cancer is being held this Saturday, February 25th from 2pm-8pm at the Weller Haus Bed & Breakfast in Bellevue! At this event you can come, shop, get beautified and voila, you've enjoyed a good time for a great cause!
Shop 'til you drop with a vendor showcase of all your favorite products! Each of the vendors have graciously volunteered to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Relay for Life cause.
Be sure to tell all your friends and family so that we can all help others while helping ourselves! Even if you can't make it to the event, vendors will be taking orders over the phone and online so that you can still contribute!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jackie Klein here for more info and we'll see you there!
Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping put this blog post together!
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Big Easy Mardi Gras Bash at J Gumbos!
02/16/12
It's a tough job but someone has to do it. Even if it involves yummy food and 30 craft beers - I'll take one for the team! :) We have a shoot coming up at J Gumbos this Saturday, so of course Storm and I had to check it out first to learn all about it. Apparently, they're going to have a huge Mardi Gras party from Friday through Fat Tuesday (that's one heck of a party!). Storm and I will be stopping by on Saturday, so make sure you tune in starting at noon!! At the J Gumbo party, they'll have drink specials (I highly recommend the hurricanes! Delish!), of course amazing food (I love the spicy stuff but they had a lot of mild/non-spicy dishes too), and they'll have a bunch of prizes to give away to attendees, like jewelry, gift certificates and free gym memberships (to work off all those hurricanes and food! haha!). It was a great little place in White Oak, so definitely stop by to enjoy the fun, food, drinks (if you don't like hurricanes, don't forget about those 30+ craft beers!), and a awesome atmosphere! Check them out and laissez les bon temps rouler!
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This week, we had a shoot at the Taft Museum of Art to promote their upcoming Bearden exhibit. I'm a history buff, and I love art, so I was on cloud nine for this shoot! The museum is actually Charles Taft's home... lots of people think it was President Taft's but it's not. Charles did have his brother, President William Howard Taft, stay at the house often though. They were apparently very close - wrote each other almost every day - and Charles was William's main financial backer when he decided to run for the presidency (it was super expensive to run back in those days too!). How did ol Chuck make all his money? He was editor of the Cincinnati Times-Star (later became the Cincinnati Post). Because newspapers were THE main source of information at the time, he held a really important position and was rewarded generously for it. Ah... but I digress. Back to the museum. It's truly a little hidden treasure every Cincinnatian should check out. They're open Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Even better - the museum is free to all on Sundays and parking is always free. They even have a cute little cafe where you can enjoy a meal ... or coffee and carrot cake like Storm and I did! :) The Cafe is open Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy!
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It's Random Acts of Kindness Week!
02/16/12
Random fun fact... February 13-19, 2012 is Random Acts of Kindness Week! So, even though Valentine's Day is over, this is a great way to keep the love alive in your life -- whether it's among friends, family, significant others, or even strangers! Actually, one Ohio fashion designer I just wrote about says that conversation-starting apparel is a great way to break the ice with strangers. That's why he started his "Ohiya" clothing line that you can read about here. But if that's not your style, there are lots of other fun ways to brighten someone's day- this week and beyond! This website offers some really great ideas for how to make someone's day! And attached is a pic of my Random Act of Kindness/Valentine's Day gift I made out of playing cards! So fun and so easy! Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping put this blog post together!
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Hats Off to Balconi Gear!
02/16/12
Ladies! If you're getting ready for the Flying Pig or just trying to find something to keep your ears warm and the weather out of your eyes while you're out for a run, Balconi hats are perfect for you!
I posted the pic attached to this blog to my Facebook page because Dino was being super cute after our run. More people commented on my hat than anything else though. I have a few friends training for the Flying Pig and they wanted to know where to get one. So, I thought I'd blog about it to tell everyone! It's actually perfect for Pig training (which I know from experience is always through the coldest, ickiest weather because the race is in Spring).
Balconi hats are great because they're made out of a thick, sweater-like material that keeps your head and ears warm. It also has a visor to keep the sun/snow out of your eyes. Then, it has an open top so you don't have to smash your ponytail into the top of a hat!
Even better, they were designed by local lady, Renee Balconi. Since I last spoke with her, she's released a few more hat colors and a whole line of "wear your confidence" apparel. What a great message!
Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping put this blog post together!
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It's a Wrap! Yummy Lettuce Wrap Recipe
02/07/12
PF Chang's lettuce wraps. I have dreams about this delish dish, and I finally figured out how to have them in the comfort of home, sans the long wait to get a table. They're actually really easy to make.... so easy, in fact, I've made them twice in just a couple weeks! But, hey, when they're a fraction of the restaurant cost, and you can eat them while watching TV in your favorite PJs, I'm surprised I'm not making them every day! :) Check out the recipe below so you can join in on the homemade lettuce wrap lovin' too!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 5 oz chopped carrots
- 4 chopped green onions
- 1 lb ground chicken, pork or turkey (I found that ground chicken is tough to find - turkey is easy and tastes really good with this recipe)
- 1 clove of garlic
- cayenne pepper (peppers or powder)
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
- 1 head of iceburg lettuce
- 8oz packet of lettuce wrap sauce (I used the Lee Kum Kee Panda brand, which you can get at any Kroger in the Asian Cuisine area)
- heat oil over medium heat in a skillet or wok
- add meat and garlic
- after 2 minutes, add in carrots
- stir occasionally until fully browned
- add cayenne peppers/powder to taste, depending on spice preferences
- add Lettuce Wrap Sauce, peanuts, onion
- serve and enjoy!
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Cincinnati's Largest Ever Pet Adoption!
02/07/12
This Saturday, February 11th, in West Chester, Cincinnati's largest ever pet adoption event will be taking place. The event is called My Furry Valentine and this is a great opportunity to find the love of your life, if you haven't already!
Hundreds of lovable dogs, cats, and other pets will be up for adoption. Forty shelter and rescue groups in the Tri-State region are participating in the main event and 30 plug satellite adoption locations around the area will be hosting adoption opportunities!
The main event will feature pet educational sources, family entertainment, and free "doggie" bags for everyone who adopts a dog (valued at over $200 each!) as well as cat goody bags.
Nothing this big has been done in Cincinnati before and now is your chance to give a pet a new life. The mission of the event is to encourage people to adopt from shelter and rescue groups and for the organizations to adopt out as many animals as possible in one day!
You can definitely do a good deed and bring home a new furry friend for your family this weekend!
Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping put this blog post together!
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Fabulous Frames & Art has a Hot New Deal!
02/07/12
Fabulous Frames & Art has a hot new deal on Hey! It's Half Off!
Fabulous Frames & Art is one of my favorite framing places downtown - I walk past it all the time and just stare at all the beautiful prints, fabulous frames (pardon the pun), and even their cute gift items. So, I'm super excited about this deal! You buy a $100 gift certificate for ... you guessed it... half off at $50. What a great deal!
Plus, 
Fabulous Frames & Art has locations all over the Cincinnati area so there's no reason to not stop in and check out this great deal and their great frames!
After Cincy Chic's extremely successful Lady in Red event on Friday - which was held at an art gallery - the hubby and I have been in home decor mode! We will definitely be using this deal! Click here to learn more!
Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping put this blog post together!
Make a Trip to Perfect North!
02/02/12
Just got back from a shoot at Perfect North Slopes! I haven't been in seven years, so I'm lucky I didn't break anything! Looking back, a lot has changed in the last seven years. Their tubing area is huge now and there were a lot more snowboarders this year! Plus, the whole lodge and food court area has been remodeled and looks great! I felt like I was on vacation in a Colorado ski lodge! So, if that isn't enough to motivate you to come out and enjoy a staycation right here in the TriState, check out their awesome events they will be hosting in February:
Photo Annual Big Air Competition: The Big Air Competition is held in the Audition Terrain Park on February 11, 2012. It begins at 4:30pm and will last until 11pm. Novice competition begins at 4pm - It is $15 for registration which is from 2-3:30pm. The Pro Qualifier competition begins at 7:30pm - It is $20 for registration which is from 2-7pm. The final for the Pros will follow the Qualifier.
College Night: For all of you college kids! Perfect North will be having College Nights on Friday February 10th and Saturday February 11th, 2012. College Night runs from 9:00pm-1:00am. Friday night is the Vitamin Water Party in the Courtyard from 8:00-11:00pm and the Big Air Competition as listed above. If you present a current, valid college ID at the ticket window you will receive one late night special: Either a lift ticket for only $25.00 each or a lift ticket with a ski or snowboard rental for $40.00. Snow tubing tickets with a valid ID are $25.00 for the entire 9:00pm-1:00am time slot.Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping put this blog post together!
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Cupcakes and Cocktails Could Mean a Free Trip to NYC!
01/31/12
Ladies, we've got a treat for you! If you like cupcakes, cocktails, and vacations to New York City tell your girlfriends about this news!
When: Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 7:30pm-10:30pm
Where: Eve Center in Cincinnati!
Get your tickets for Cupcakes & Cocktails II and you could win a FREE weekend trip to the Big Apple for 2! Not only do you get a free trip, but you get to travel in style on a Private Jet and stay in downtown New York City compliments of Ultimate Air Shuttle and Intercontinental Hotels.
Cincy Chic is also a sponsor for the fashion show, which gives you all the more reason to stop out and see us!
If you get your tickets, make sure you are present, as guests must be present to win the prize! See you in March!
Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping put this blog post together!
Best Day Ever Photography and Faithful Bull Productions, Inc. announced today that they will be hosting the Happiest Bride on the Block wedding contest, a contest for couples to enter online for a chance to win a free wedding. To enter the contest is free and entries will be accepted February 14-March 6, 2012 on thewebsite.
The winning couple will receive the services and amenities of over sixteen vendors in the Cincinnati area! Including the dresses of the bride and her bridesmaids, the cake, the tux rentals, the wedding venue, the flowers, and much more.
Judges, including myself, will be choosing six couples as finalists. The love story of each couple will be posted on the website from March 16-30, 2012 so that viewers can vote for their favorite couple. The couple with the most votes will be announced March 21, 2012 as the lucky winners!
For more information about Happiest Bride on the Block, click here or visit their Facebook page. Be sure to enter and go for your chance to win the wedding of your dreams!
Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping put this blog post together!
Last week was crockpot lasagna. This week? Meatloaf muffins. Yes, I'm just cra-cray in the kitchen! haha! This recipe actually happened by accident. I had found this brown sugar meatloaf on AllRecipes and it had a really high rating. But I had two lbs of meat thawed out instead of just the one that the recipe called for. So I put the remaining mixture into muffin pans because I only had one loaf pan. I actually liked the cute presentation of the muffins better and they cooked faster (45 minutes instead of an hour like the loaf recipe called for). So, I thought I'd share!
Brown Sugar Meatloaf Muffins
(Makes 18 muffins)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup finely crushed saltine cracker crumbs
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease muffin pans.
- Press the brown sugar in the bottom of each muffin section and spread the ketchup over the sugar.
- In a mixing bowl, mix thoroughly all remaining ingredients and shape into a loaf. Place on top of the ketchup.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until juices are clear.
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Valentine's Day Plans?
01/18/12
I'm a hopeless romantic, which means one of my favorite holidays is just around the corner... Valentine's Day!!! We had a shoot at B&B Riverboats this week which got me thinking about all of this (check out the fun pics Storm and I took at the shoot!)! I know B&B does an annual Valentine's Day Cruise, which I've heard good things about. And below are some other great Valentine's Day date ideas! Enjoy, you love birds! :)
- Restaurant Specials Listed on OpenTable
- Valentines Day Skate on Fountain Square 2-for-1 skating deal
- Valentine's Night Romanca at the Cincinnati Observatory
- Loveland Valentine Breakfast
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I have a borderline obsession with my crockpot. I'm fascinated with the fact that I can throw a bunch of random things in there in the morning, and it's a magnificent meal ready to enjoy when I get home from work. I've started to do a little experimenting with how random I can be with those ingredients. I attempted crockpot lasagna - not even cooking the noodles before I put them in - and I'm happy to report that it was a smashing success. Below is the recipe in case you'd like to also attempt this amazingness, too. I will say that this recipe makes enough lasagna to feed an entire army. It makes about 12 servings total, so I froze half. Not too shabby when you consider all the ingredients total about $10! What a delicious deal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 29 oz can tomato sauce
- 8 oz pkg. lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
Directions
- Spray inside of crockpot with cooking spray
- Brown the ground beef
- Stir in tomato sauce with ground beef
- Pour 1/4 cup of water into crockpot (prevents burning)
- Spread 1/4 of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot
- Arrange 1/3 of the uncooked noodles over the sauce (you can break them up so they fit)
- Combine the cheeses in a bowl. Spoon 1/3 of the cheeses over noodles.
- Repeat layers twice
- Top with remaining sauce
- Cover and cook on low for 4hrs
- Let the lasagna stand in the crockpot with lid off for 10 minutes before serving
- Add chopped onion and garlic when you brown the beef
- Use Italian sausage in place of ground beef or mixed in with the ground beef
- Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the cheese mixture
- Replace cottage cheese with Ricotta
- Add 1/2 cup additional shredded mozzarella cheese to the top of lasagna 5 minutes prior to serving
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Cincinnati Boutique Sale This Weekend Only!
01/12/12
Take in a deep breath. What's that amazing aroma? A bunch of local boutiques are cooking up some steaming hot deals! This is a great time of the year to get some deep discounts at local retailers. Stores are liquidating their remaining inventory and trying to make room for their new Spring stuff! That's why twice a year, a bunch of local fashion boutiques get together for the Cincinnati Boutique Sale. The winter Sale is this weekend! Here are all the details....
When: January 13 - 10am-7pm; January 14 - 10am-6pm; January 15 - 12pm-5pm
Location: Sycamore Plaza, which is across from the Kenwood Towne Center, by Barnes & Noble
There is a $5 donation for admission to benefit The Karen Wellington Foundation for Breast Cancer " so your money will be going to a great cause!
I'm SO excited for this event! Youll find the best deals of the year at this sale. Oh and a little piece of advice is to go on Friday for the best selection, and then go back on Sunday because the boutiques usually add more discounts on the last day to move the merchandise!
Click here for a list of all the boutiques thatll be there. Happy shopping!
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Solutions for Your New Year's Resolutions
01/04/12
Well, we're about to wrap our our first week of 2012. If you're one of the millions of people who made a New Year's resolution to lose a few pounds, I have a few ways to help you stick to it!
The first I learned about from a Star64 "At the Movies" shoot we just did yesterday at Beechmont Racquet & Fitness Club in Anderson. They are doing a "no enrollment fee" deal from now until Jan. 31. My Cincy Chic office is in the Professional Center attached to the Club and I seriously had NO IDEA how huge this fitness center is until we did the shoot. They have a heated pool, indoor tennis courts, racquet ball courts, climbing wall, cardio and weight machines galore, cycling/yoga/aerobics classes, cardio theater (perfect for those of you starting your Flying Pig marathon training) and lots more.
My second tip is from Bella Forza Fitness. They're a cute female-only fitness facility in Oakley. They will be having a special event on January 28 to launch new releases of their Body Pump and Body Combat classes. Then, that evening they will be having a Pole Showcase. The public is invited to all of it! Ahem, yes, I said "pole" ...short for pole dancing... but it's fitness-focused pole dancing so don't expect to be learning a new career here. :) Just a great way to trim down while having fun and gaining confidence!
Third is an event going on this Thursday Jan. 5! It's the "Girls Night Out! A New You . . . Or Less of You!" event at Dr. Amy Brenner and Associates in West Chester. Below is a list of what they'll be doing from 4-8pm. Call 513-777-0787 to RSVP as soon as possible because space is very limited.
- Free Women's Health Seminars
- 4:00pm Weight loss (and the HCG diet)
- 5:00pm Bioidentical Hormones(co-sponsored by Happy Hormone Cottage)
- 6:00pm Low Libido
- 7:00pm Weight Loss (and the HCG diet)
- * Free Manicures by Bajon Salon
- * Free Chair Massages
- * Free Spa- Facials
- * Hors doeuvres by Whole foods
- * Free Gifts to all Attendees
- * Drawings for Gift Baskets
New Year, New Stuff Here at Star64!
12/29/11
Well, this weekend marks the end of 2011 and the beginning of a whole new year. We have lots of great things planned for you in 2012! I can't wait to tell you about all of them! Some things I will have to wait to share (I hear patience is a virtue, right?!) :) but here are some things I can tell you about!
First of all... here on my blog, I'm going to be introducing guest bloggers to mix things up and provide even more great content! Guests will include fitness fanatic Beth Underhill from Bella Forza Fitness, life coach Shari Goldsmith, and fashion guru Kristie Sheanshang. So, make sure you bookmark this blog and check back often to check out all the great stuff we'll be posting for you!
Also new in the new year will be lots of fun interaction on our Star64 Facebook page! Expect to see lots of contests, giveaways, opportunities to appear on-air and sneak peeks of where Storm and I will be visiting for our "At the Movies" shoots.
So, have a fun New Year's Eve celebration, and check back "next year" for all the new things we have planned for the new year!
Hope you had a great holiday! I sure did! My family came into town and spent it with me, my husband and his family... So nice to have everyone together!
If you're still in the holiday spirit and giving mood, I definitely suggest you check out Kenzie's Closet. A few months ago, Cincy Chic hosted a "Wearable Art Fashion Show" event to benefit this awesome non-profit. Attendees were asked to either donate $10 or a gently used dress for access into the event.
I'm proud to say the event generated $450 and more than 200 dresses for Kenzies Closets mission to aid economically disadvantaged girls from schools throughout Greater Cincinnati!
The Oakley-based non-profit organization makes high school prom dresses and related accessories available to students who can't afford them so that no young woman in Cincinnati will have to miss her prom because of family financial limitations.
To learn more about Kenzie's Closet, visit kenziescloset.org.
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Primping for a Cause!
12/22/11
Prepare for New Year's Eve by getting glammed-up and supporting an AMAZING cause! BRIDEface is hosting an event to benefit Rock Pink 4 Ali to help support cancer and to remember the hard fought battle by Ali Nunery.
Come out to support this great cause with a facial for $65 (including airbrush & lashes), blowouts for $30, and updos for $60 by Liz Carter, as a portion of the benefits are going to Rock Pink 4 Ali.
When: Saturday, December 31st from 11:00am-5:00pm
Where: The Bridal Studio
610 Mainstrasse, Covington
These are being done appointment only and you may contact Nancy at nancy@brideface.com
Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping put this blog post together!
Brought in my rosemary plant, dressed it up for the holidays, and voila I have a functional and festive centerpiece! :)
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I don't know about you, but nothing makes me happier than when I feel organized. If it's color coded, alphabetized, or in a spreadsheet or list, I'm in heaven. That's why I completely lost my freaking mind yesterday when I came across the online organization mecca that is "The Project Girl." She has spreadsheets galore, project ideas, scrapbooking tools and tips, etc etc... My two favorites are this gift spreadsheet (so you can keep track of what you bought and who you bought it for, so you don't forget anyone or accidentally buy more than you need) and this meal planner (to help you plan what you'll be making for each meal, and all the ingredients - split into grocery categories - you'll need to shop for those meals). Brilliant! Enjoy! :)
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This past Saturday, the Jingle Bell 5k rang through Covington KY to benefit the Arthritis Foundation, and I had the privilege of being an Honored Chair of the event!
My husband Pete has Rheumatoid Arthritis, so I have always been very passionate about supporting the Foundation. They've been a huge support to Pete and our family when we need information, experts or advice, so I was thrilled to be involved!
While I was running I saw a Jingle Bell Run 5k sign that really inspired me. It said "We run for those who can't!" It kind of made me tear up because it's true. There's no way Pete could have run three miles. But the several hundred supporters who did run it raised thousands of valuable funds that will support research and development so that one day arthritis will be a disease of the past!
You can find more information about arthritis and learn how to get involved in the Foundation's other events coming up here! They always have a fun arthritis walk in the spring! Hope to see you there!
Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping me put this blog post together!
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EnterTRAINment Junction!
12/09/11
I just visited EnterTRAINment Junction with my co-host Storm and we had SUCH a great time! For those of you who don't know, EnterTRAINment Junction is the largest indoor train display in Cincinnati! It's the perfect place for all ages, and it's especially perfect if you're looking for something fun to do indoors when "the weather outside is frightful") :)
This holiday season, they have a special area called "Christmas at the Junction" going on through January 1. It features pictures with Santa, yummy cookies with Mrs. Claus, and falling snow (yes, indoors!). Storm and I got our picture taken with Santa - you get a print out of the pic and they can email it to you! The north pole sure got tech savvy since the last time I sat on Santa's lap!
You can buy tickets online or at the door (even the ticket windows look like a train station! So cool!). There's also a free area at the Junction called Main St. Holiday Trains that features several train displays. I don't know about you, but free is my favorite price! haha!
Also, if you still have holiday shopping to do, EnterTRAINment Junction is the place to be! They have a store where you can buy trains, toys, and dollhouses! It's the ultimate place for filling your Santa sleigh with great gifts!
Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping me put this blog post together!
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Jewels by Jules does New York!
12/06/11
I just had a New York experience right here in Montgomery! I went to a shoot with Jewels by Jules in Montgomery and they had an amazing line that I fell in love with! The designer of the line is Debbie Brooks and she is based out of New York. They do handbags, wallets, cuffs, iPad cases, iPhone cases, plus much more! What's really great is the handbags have a magnetic pendant that can be swapped out to match your outfit. This Wednesday and Thursday they're going to be having a Debbie Brooks trunk show, which gives you the perfect opportunity to stop by and check it out and maybe even treat yourself to a new bag! You can call them at 513-827-9305 or visit their website at Jewelbyjules.net! See you there!"Thanks to my intern Sara Elliott for helping me put this blog together!"
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I had a wild time at my last Star64 shoot! It was at the Cincinnati Zoo! I did one of the segments with Thane Maynard, the zoo director. He let me hold Charlie the penguin, who was absolutely adorable! Charlie kept letting out happy feet "honks" in the middle of our segments and we'd have to reshoot! Too funny! Then I saw a peacock roaming around and tried to get a picture with it, but it was shy so I just admired it from afar. (He had no idea how fashionable he is - peacock feathers are very on trend right now! haha!) You can see these zoo segments in some upcoming Star64 promos, so make sure you stay tuned!
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Cincinnati Chili Recipe
11/23/11
Thanksgiving is tomorrow! It's one of my favorite holidays because it's all about taking time out of your busy life to be with the ones you love ... be thankful ... and be absolutely gluttonous. :)
Cooking is one of my specialties (and I'll be sharing lots of my recipes here on this blog!). So, to celebrate this foodie-friendly holiday, I'm going to share my chili recipe as a Thanksgiving gift to you!
I just made it the other night and made a slight variation to it (used ground venison - which my husband recently got at our family farm) and it was delish! So, I do recommend that variation, but here's the recipe I typically use:
- 1 lb of ground beef
- I packet of "Cincinnati Chili Mix" (Krogers carries it by the gravy mixture packets)
- 1 large onion diced
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 can of mushrooms (drain juices before adding)
- 2 cans of 14.5 oz stewed tomatoes (do NOT drain juices before adding)
Add it all into a crockpot, cook for 4 hours on high, serve over spaghetti noodles, and add sharp cheddar and onions to taste.
Enjoy!
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Big Fun at Big Tree Plantation
11/17/11
This week I visited Big Tree Plantation for a Star64 movies shoot and I was pleasantly surprised! I just thought it was a big tree plantation (yes, it's very appropriately named) where people go to get their Christmas trees.
But, I quickly learned that it's so much more! They have a winter wonderland for kids (crafts, face painting, meeting Santa, live reindeer, etc) and also an amazing gift shop. In the shop, which is actually in a shabby chic old barn, they had ornaments you can buy to decorate your tree in theme (beach, western, glitzy), and you can personalize the ornaments for free (like, if you want to give it to "mom" "grandpa" or put a year or family name on it). There's a kids shopping area for kids where all the shelves are kid height and there are gift items they can buy for their parents, siblings, grand parents or friends at school. Super cute!
My favorite find? Well, I'm a shoe-o-holic, so I of course fell in love with the shoe ornaments. So chic! I highly recommend visiting Big Tree Plantation - whether or not you need a tree...or shoe ornaments - to make some memories with your family this holiday season!
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