Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 31 in 2010). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the Civil War), it was expanded after World War I to honor dead Americans from all wars.

From all of us at The Vibe Agency – a heartfelt thank you to all  soldiers that have fought and still fight daily to protect our freedoms!

We honor and remember you!!!!

Happy Cupid’s Day!

It’s almost time for America’s favorite Hallmark holiday – Valentine’s Day! We’ve been scouring everywhere for ideas to create just the right VIBE!.  We know you probably are too, so we thought we’d share some slightly different ideas we’ve found that you can use to make Valentine’s Day special for your favorite affection!  From the outrageous to the simple, there’s something here for everyone.

• A romantic getaway! Destination:  Paris!

You can never go wrong with a relaxing trip for you two to spend some quality time together. Why not venture off to the most romantic city in the world, Paris! The beautiful Hotel Sezz Paris offers cozy and minimalistic luxury with 26 spacious rooms. For the month of February, they’re offering rose petals, a ½ bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne and sweets in your room upon arrival in addition to a limousine tour of the city!

• Sweetheart Cake Pops!

Never heard of these little delicacies before? Check out these lovely little morsels from www.cakepops.com. They’re the combination of a cupcake and a lollipop with all the decadence and delight you need to impress your loved one. Still want a little something more? Why not a cake pop bear with a personalized note attached? Download the tags for free at www.bakerella.com.

• Valentine’s In A Box!

Is your sweetie going to be far away on the big day?  Don’t worry, you can still send him/her a valentine in a box.  Go to the store, and get a balloon, some macaroni and cheese, a movie and two candles and a bag of chocolate Hershey kisses.  Put them all in a box with a note that explains how much you will miss being with them on Valentine’s Day, but this is what you’d do if you were together.  The balloon represents your decorations.  Ask them to blow it up.  It should have a cute message on it.  Heart shaped balloons with sweet messages are easy to find this time of year.  The Macaroni and candles are for a candle lit dinner, (you can substitute any kind of boxed food), and a movie you know you’d like to watch if you were cuddled up together, and then fill the extra space in the box with Hershey’s chocolate kisses.  They have several kinds now so be sure to select his or her favorite.

• Fun at the Office!

Many people don’t often think you can mix Valentine’s Day and work together without getting awkward, but that’s far from the truth. If you have a few chefs in the office, a fun activity would be to bring heart shaped food items to work for everyone to share such as lasagna or pancakes or even hamburgers. You can even turn it into a game, awarding the most creative idea with a gift bag or gift card from a popular restaurant!

• Go Love Postal!

We ran across this idea and found it to be creative, simple and fun! Buy your Valentine’scard now and mail it out to Loveland, Colorado for extra special treatment. Your card will be postmarked LOVEland, Colorado and it will also be hand-stamped with a unique four line poem.

The Loveland Chamber of Commerce heads up this yearly romance project with cards going to all 50 states and over 100 foreign countries annually.

 

It’s simple. Just enclose your pre-addressed, pre-stamped Valentine’s card in a larger envelope and mail to: Postmaster, Attn: Valentines, Loveland CO 80537

You can also send it to postmasters of these cities too:

• Valentine, Texas 79854
• Valentine, Nebraska 69201
• Kissimmee, Florida 32741
• Loving, New Mexico 88256
• Bridal Veil, Oregon 97010
• Romance, Arkansas 72136

We hope you will be inspired to do something unique and different, and remember there’s nothing wrong with your sweety’s favorite flowers and a bottle of chic new perfume or cologne.  Perhaps Calvin Klein’s most recent fragrance “Beauty” would be a hit with its sensual undertones of calla lily, jasmine and warm musk.

We’d love to hear your ideas too!  Either way we are sending Valentine’s wishes from the VIBE Agency straight to you!

The Vibe Agency presents Halloween Horrors Part I

Halloween is right around the corner! Are you excited? I have to admit, I am! This holiday is celebrated by many cultures around the world and symbolic of everything from the end of summer days to the celebration of the dead.  It is so fun to see what kind of creative costumes will pop up year after year and, I’m sorry, seeing and hearing little children dress up and yell “Trick-or-Treat” never gets old.

If you plan on throwing a party for this special evening perhaps you’ll find some useful information below that will guarantee a night to remember!

Invitation Ideas. Looking for a creative way to invite your guests to a night of fun and horror? Try sending them these customized Halloween Candy Bars to set the tone for the evening. You’ll leave them wondering if they are receiving a welcoming invite to the grand festivities or a warning them of things to come.

http://www.stumpsparty.com/party/Cemetery-Personalized-Candy-Bar.cfm

Setting the mood. Upon your guests arrivals you are going to want to set the tone for the evening. My suggestion would be to purchase a fog machine and either place it near the walkway leading up to your front door or in the foyer for once they step inside.

Here are a few other decorations your guests might like:

http://www.halloweeneffects.us/

Lighting Ideas. On a scream-induced evening such as this, nothing would be scarier than having poor lighting during your event! To get your guests in the mood try replacing your light bulbs with orange and black lights and setting up these candles all over your house. Remember to keep the candles up high should you have any little monsters running around.

www.thewickedcandles.com

Food & Drinks. The night isn’t complete without stocking up on appropriately themed drinks and appetizers. Prevent your guests from turning into hungry werewolves at the end of the night by offering them the following food and drink recipes:

Witches Brew

2 Bottles of Champagne

1 Gallon Orange Juice

1/2 Gallon Orange Sherbert

1 Bunch peeled Black Grapes 
Sugar to taste

1 Bottle (2l) Lemon-Lime Soda*

*for lower alcohol content 1/2 Bottle vodka

1/2 Bottle Vodka**
**to raise the alcohol content

Small pieces of Dry Ice

Bunches of Grapes for Garnish

Combine Champagne and orange juice in large punch bowl. Scoop sherbert into bowl until it has produced a nice scum over the top. Add sugar to taste if desired. Float peeled grapes in mixture, and garnish bowl with the rest of the grapes. Drop in pieces of dry ice for steaming effect, but note that no one should put dry ice in his/her mouth. If you want to raise or lower the alcohol content in the punch, add vodka or clear soda respectively.

Pizza Mummies

Ingredients

•                English muffins

•                Pizza sauce

•                Black olives

•                Scallions

•                Red or green pepper

•                Cheese sticks or slices

Instructions

1.              Heat the oven to 350º F. For each mummy, spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce onto half of an English muffin (toast it first, if you like).

2.              Set olive slices in place for eyes and add round slices of green onion or bits of red or green pepper for pupils.

3.              Lay strips of cheese (we used a pulled-apart cheese stick) across the muffin for the mummy?s wrappings.

Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the muffin is toasty

I hope you enjoyed this fun list of creative, yet simple and affordable, Halloween ideas.  Stay tuned for Part II of Halloween Horrors, which will give you more great ideas for throwing an unforgettable night of horror, courtesy of The Vibe Agency.

The Vibe Agency excels at providing personalized service with a creative flair for developing unique brand experiences. Contact us today to get started on planning your next personal or corporate event.

Labor Day 2010

Themes and Ideas

Regatta

Bring out the boats and put on the bathing-suits . Its regatta time! The biggest and best regattas happen on Labor Day. Most people decide to venture out to a sandbar in the middle of ocean and others take the weekend for a journey. Some locations that I’ve heard about are the Keys, Key Biscayne, Bal Harbor , Sarasota, and the best are of course those states up north…Thinking Maryland and cannot forget New York. New York is where the original Labor Day celebrations all began. So fire -up those boat grills and start dropping anchor.

Unique cocktails, serious racing and when night falls the party continues on shore.

Dress Code Ideas

Bring on the red, white, and blue. The nautical theme is huge this season. Not only for this great holiday but also for Remembrance Day on the 11th , which is not that far away.

All White Party

The last day of the year for most to wear white…only way to conclude is of course with an all white soiree. So find those gorgeous white dresses and stunning suits and get ready to parade on somebodies lawn. There is no better way to end the summer than with a traditional all white party.

As with most parties, once you choose a theme every detail easily falls into place. The color white captures the carefree, easy essence of summer , purity and and the beginning of a clean slate: from colorless cocktails to plush white pillows for guests to lounge on. White is an incredibly summery hue, looks great against a tan and other bright colors, and is easy to pull off.

Start your party in the early evening and fill your party space with soft candlelight. White candles should be scattered all around the yard to create the warm, sultry vibe .

White Flowers

• Hydrangea

• Roses

• Stock

• Gardenias

• Calla Lilies

• Chrysanthemums

• Orchids

White Party Drink Ideas

• White Wines (Chardonnay, Sauvingnon Blanc, Champagne, Pinot Grigio, etc.)
• White Russian
• Infused Vodkas (stick with light colored fruits like pineapple, lemon and lime)
• Caipirinha
• Mojito
• Lemon Drop
• White Cosmopolitan

Local Activities

Power 69

This weekend at Passions Night Club they will be throwing an out of this world Ho-Down. So if you haven’t turned on your radio this week , start looking for some daisy-dukes , plaid shirts, and some sexy cowgirl boots girls. There will be bull riding and a special performance from Flo Rida, Git Fresh , And Brianna. For more information Power 96.

Coconut Grove

The Great Grove Bed Race is taking place on Sunday, September 5th in Coconut Grove on the village streets (Commodore and Grand Ave.). Yes, that’s what I said a bed race! It benefits the Alonzo Mourning Charities and University of Miami’s Sleep Center. It’s a great event to bring the kids out to and it’s free. So no excuses. For more information on this, click here

So get with the VIBES and enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!

Ferragosto 2010

Background

Traditionally celebrated in Italy , marking the mid of summer and the end to working in the fields. It was first started by the Romans calling it ” Feriae Augusti” August Rest( after Emperor Augustus),and they celebrated and grave praise to the gods-in particular Diana.

Over time the Catholic Church has adopted this date as a Holy Day of Obligation, to commemorate the Virgin Mary.Now as days Italians take a short holiday usually around the peak day of the Perseid meteor shower. This year its August 12th! Activity has already started and last until the 24th of August.

Ferragosto has become a day of feasting and celebrating for those in Italy so start preparing yourself for August 15th. With the United States Ferragosto is also celebrated on the 15th of August-So see what events are taking place near you or in your local ” Little Italy.”

Ideas

Decor

Grab what you can that’s red, green, and white and add little accents every you can!

Food

Two- Pepper Bruschetta, tomato, mozzarella and basil platter, italian bread sticks, grilled vegetable antipasto, and apple and prosciutto sandwhiches ,Fritto Misto, spagetti with marina, penne with meat, smoked bacon minestrone, fresh pesto and basil, Tiramisu

Events

Callifornia

( San Diego )

” When in Rome” a night as a roman citizen, this cocktail function will be one you won’t want to miss if you have  never celebrated ferragosto before. Hosted at Amici Park, there couldn’t be a better venue to meet friends and make new ones.

Try-out some of San Diego’s best Italian restaurants, such as: Cupid’s Catering, Bencotto, The Glass door, Toast, The Big Easy, Sogno Divino, Trattoria Tiramisu, and mush more.

Bice offers  specials through the month of August to celebrate ferragosto all month long. Thrillist gives you all the details.

New York

( New York )

Ferragosto in Brazil , where Italy meets Brazil in New York. Make your way to the Eden Bar  celebration

Australia

( New South Wales )

The City of Canada Bay’s 13th annual Italian festival, Ferragosto will be held from 10am-4pm on Sunday, 15 August on Great North Road, Five Dock.

Get with the VIBES and see what’s happening in your area for Ferragosto 2010 or plan your own event!

Celebrating Father’s Day

Image from Eggpress.

Father’s Day is June 20^th. What will you be doing for dear old dad? Everyone makes such a big deal about mom, but dad never gets top billing. This year, celebrate Father’s Day with a cool, themed party. It can be at home – in- or outdoors – day or evening. Invite family and friends over and have a full out party to let dad know how much you care! Pick a theme – or just barbecue! Here are some cool ideas for themes, the décor, and serving suggestions to help you get started.

Themes for Dad:

Bad-Ass Barbecue:

Fire up the BBQ because we are cooking for Father’s Day! Usually it is dad’s job to stand over the grill, but unless he specifically asks to do it, make sure there is a designated BBQ’er. Steak, chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob …may sound typical but it’s oh-so-good. Offer a variety of sauces and condiments for dipping. For a twist, throw clams and shrimp on as an appetizer. Fill a big tin bucket with ice and water and throw in beer, water, soda… all dad’s faves. Décor can be simple as bringing in wooden picnic tables (add cushions for comfort) or using old-fashioned red and white checkered tablecloths with eco-friendly disposable plates.

Pig Roast:

Distinctly Latin, this is a specialty that is not to be missed. For those who can do it, Bring your appetites as a whole pig gets slow-roasted in a “La Caja China” box. Simply place the pig (or any other meat you want to cook) inside the box, close the attached, place charcoal on top of the lid and start the roasting process. Grease from the meat flows into a catch pan so there’s no mess. Depending on the size of the pig, the whole process can take as little as four hours. You can rent or buy the box, which can be made of wood lined with metal to sleek stainless steel. Prices also range from approximately $100 to over $1,000. Check out www.shoplatintouch.com or http://www.lacajachina.com/.

Sports Bar:

There’s nothing better than a day of sports to really make a man happy. Use dad’s favorite teams to get the décor going – hang pennants, use football helmets as bowls to serve chips and peanuts, create centerpieces for the table from golf or baseball paraphernalia, serve hot dogs in foil bags (personalized for dad), French fries, chicken fingers and the like in paper holders/trays and beverages in big plastic (try to get the biodegradable type) cups. It’s a plus if you’ve got Direct TV – gather all the TVs in the house or rent a few and show any games that might be on that day – baseball, tennis, poker, golf and whatever else is on!

While browsing  I ran across this and i really liked it…it’s from the Wonderland blog and if you don’t have anything that you do special fro your dad there is no time like the present to start up a tradition to pass down.

Fathers Day Traditions

A father’s love is a powerful force. Here are ten meaningful family traditions to help you celebrate Dad this Father’s Day.

1. Make sure Dad knows that this is his day and that you will be spending time as a family doing whatever he wishes. If you have younger kids in the house, ask them to make him a crown that he can wear on his big day.

2. Let the kids make Dad breakfast and send it up to him on a tray when he wakes up. Also make sure he has a cup of coffee or tea, as well as the day’s newspaper and a sharp pencil if he enjoys doing the crossword or Sodoku puzzle.

3. Give Dad a Memory Jar. Cut 50 to 100 strips of paper, and give 20 or 30 to each family member so that they can each record special memories they have shared with dear Dad. This Father’s Day, present him with the jar. In subsequent years and on other important holidays throughout the year, you can add to the jar by including more strips of paper in his card or gift.

4. Ask the kids to write a letter to their Dad, detailing the things that they appreciate about him, as well as the special memories that they will treasure from the past year. Make this an annual tradition and keep the letters so that you can collect them in a book or album as the children get older. An alternative is to record the sentiments on video. Each year, you can watch the video and add to it.

5. Ask your dad about his favorite charity and, each year, make a donation in his name.

6. What is Dad’s favorite sport or activity? Take the family along for a bike ride or picnic, if he enjoys the great outdoors. If he’s a golf lover, have the kids plan a few hours of fun at the local putt putt course.

7. What is Dad’s favorite board game? Make sure to take time during the day to play a game.

8. Invite the dads in your neighborhood over for a barbecue. The moms can do the grilling while the dads relax with a cold glass of iced tea or other beverage.

9. If you don’t have grandparents or uncles living close by, make sure to give each of the special dads in your family a call or send them a handmade card.

10. In many countries, societies, schools and clubs have been organizing cultural programs, competitions to commemorate Father’s Day and pay tribute to fatherhood. Some of the common programs include craft making competitions, games and sports events. Board games play a prominent role in entertaining the people and the guest of honor.

Tell us what you think and make your next a event a VIBE one.

Jet- Setting Marrakesh in 48 hrs.

48 hrs. to see it all… Marrakech in a Flash

Pearl of the South, Jewel of the South, The Rose City—just a few of the nicknames Marrakesh has acquired over the years. The pearl and the jewel symbolize its importance as the center of Morocco ever since it was a trading and resting place on the crossroads of ancient caravan routes from Timbuktu. The rose attests to a city still painted entirely in salmon pink, in keeping with the red-clay earth below. Once called Morocco City by foreign travelers, Marrakesh eventually lent its name to the country itself. Part Berber, part Arab, part African, Marrakesh is the heartbeat of Morocco, where palaces and monuments of unrivaled refinement sit calmly alongside the snake charmers and Gnaouan drums pulsing constantly from Djemâa el Fna Square—the most exuberant marketplace in the world.

Places to stay:

Amanjena

There is a place in paradise where peace holds time, where nature and culture know no seams, where comfort and luxury unite in style and where water reflects the blush of clay. This place is Amanjena, Morocco’s Moorish rose, a resort secluded in a private lush haven near the pulsating Medina of Marrakech. With Atlas Mountains in your sights let Amanjena take your hand and treat you to the wonders of Africa’s sun-kissed land.

Riad Kniza

Dating from the 18th century, Riad Kniza is a small, luxury “Hotel de Charme” in the heart of the old Médina of Marrakech, completely restored by Haj Mohamed Bouskri using traditional materials and artisans to recreate an authentic Moroccan experience as in days gone by.

Jnane Tamsna

Set in nine landscaped acres within a private estate, Jnane Tamsna offers a total of 24 ensuite bedrooms spread over three properties: Jnane House, Jnane Moussafir and Jnane Salmia. There are two large and two small meeting rooms as well as numerous sitting rooms, dining areas and outdoor spaces. The grounds feature five pools, a clay surface tennis court, a hammam (Moroccan steam bath) and treatment rooms for massage and beauty therapy.

Jnane Tamsna adopts a minimalist approach to Oriental splendour. Elements of traditional Moroccan style and colour have been adapted to achieve a peaceful, contemporary look. The cuisine is a fusion of Moroccan and modern European, using local produce sourced wherever possible from Jnane Tamsna’s organic gardens.

From individual rooms to exclusive villa rental, Jnane Tamsna offers a rare flexibility. As a private or corporate venue, it blends the large capacity usually only offered by hotels and the absolute intimacy, first-class food and fine service of the best private homes.

Riad Aida

upon entering this intimate six-room guesthouse built in the late 1800’s, vivid and brilliant colors will evoke a sense of passion in its guest. This Riad was once home to Chief Architect Muhammad al-Mekki, designer of the famous Bahia Palace. Its has three superior rooms and two deluxe rooms and one suite with a patio view, offering a living and dining area and tranquil terrace for your relaxation.

Truelly a jet-setter well try this set schedule and see if you can survive a crash course of Marrakesh.

DAY 1:Drop your bags off and jump right into a tour…to get you in the mindset of your location.

8:30 a.m.: Full day sightseeing to Essaouira

Essaouira was called Mogador for a long time, inspired by the name of its chef, Sidi Amogdoul. The city is built on a low and narrow sandy peninsula .Strengthened ” à la Vauban “, endowed with walls dividing several internal quarters of perfectly straight streets, dense houses with many floors, Essaouira was described in the past as ( a European fantasy on a Moroccan theme ).

5 p.m.: Visit a sylvan setting
Relax by taking a calèche (horse-drawn carriage) ride over to the Menara Garden in the Ville Nouvelle. You can pick one up near the Djemâa el Fna; the ride should cost about 100 DH. Not only is the half-hour ride a welcome break from the intensity of the medina, but the Menara’s olive groves and elegant lagoon are relaxingly peaceful.

6:30 p.m.: Cook like a local
Work up an appetite by learning first-hand the secrets of Moroccan cooking. Cooking classes are quickly becoming all the rage in Morocco, as the country’s cuisine gets ever-increasing international attention. Most classes last a full day, but Dar les Cigognes, a riad in the medina, offers a quick, one-hour introduction every day at 6:30 for only 150 dirhams. Book ahead to be sure of getting in.

DAY 2: take in the culture

9 a.m.: Let’s get wet
Start your day with a relaxing hammam, Morocco’s version of a Turkish bath. Go with the locals at upscale public hammams like Hammam Ziani, or have a small one all to yourself by booking an appointment at a hotel’s private hammam. The hammams at La Maison Arabe and Caravan Serai are some of our favorites. (Expect to pay between $65 and $80 for a hammam and massage at an upscale hotel, and as low as $5-$10 at a local hammam.)

10:30 a.m.: On the town
It’s time to see the sights. Start off at the breathtaking El Bahia Palace for a lesson in architecture. Once home to a harem, it’s a jaw-dropping display of the best in Moroccan painted ceilings, ceramics, and garden design. Next, head north to the tanneries for the quintessential postcard shot of men dyeing animal skins as they’ve done for centuries. Next, spend some time in the peaceful courtyard and labyrinthine dormitories of the amazingly preserved Ali ben Youssef Medersa, North Africa’s largest Koranic school. Dating to the 16th century, the delicate intricacy of the stucco plasterwork and mosaics in the courtyard will take your breath away.

1:30 p.m.: Mid-afternoon feast
Immerse yourself in the energy of the Djemâa el Fna, a centuries-old square that is the heartbeat of Marrakesh. The square bustles with bazaars, snake charmers and acrobats all day long and well into the night. It’s also loaded with eateries and is a great place to stop for lunch. Choose from the wide variety of kefta (beef patties), Moroccan salads, beef brochettes, and soups supplemented by bread, olives, and hot sauce. Wash it all down with fresh orange juice or the ubiquitous mint tea. Go easy, though, as you’ll want to leave lots of room for dinner.

2:30 p.m.: Learn the art of the bargain
It’s time to shop. Marrakesh’s souks (covered outdoor bazaars) are the city’s main attraction. The vast labyrinth of narrow streets at the center of the medina is a wonder of arts, crafts, and workshops. Here, you’ll see artisans making rugs on looms and hammering iron into lanterns. There’s an area for almost every kind of product; you can buy babouches (pointy-toed leather slippers) in an infinite number of colors, stock up on spices, and buy silver jewelry for the folks back home. Bargain hard, and compare prices at different stalls before purchasing.

8 p.m.: Eat like a local
Now that you’ve gotten your hands dirty, it’s time for dinner. It’s easy to overdo it with Moroccan food. Many restaurants offer set menus with what seems like an unending succession of courses. Don’t try to finish each one, because even when you think you’re done, there’s always another one on its way. Expect to start with Moroccan salads and small briouates (pastries similar to Indian samosas), followed by a meat tagine, a couscous dish, and almond pastries for dessert. For a splurge, reserve a table at Dar Marjana, Le Tobsil, or Stylia in the medina; both serve copious amounts of traditional Moroccan food in palatial surroundings. For those on a budget, El Fassia, in the new section of town, gets rave reviews for its a la carte home cooking and pleasant atmosphere.

10 p.m.: Party Marrakesh style
Once you’ve digested dinner, it’s time to party. The wealth of nightlife opportunities in Marrakesh has exploded in recent years. Some of the most happening places are a bit out of town on the road to the Ourika Valley, so you’ll probably need to take a taxi. Trendy Pacha (Avenue Mohammed VI, on the way to Ourika Valley) can satisfy even the most demanding dance fiends. It has live music, two restaurants, a lounge, and a swimming pool.

1:30 a.m.: Hit the hay
Bedtime. Head back to the medina and your romantic riad (a traditional mansion house built around an interior courtyard or garden). Marrakesh has hundreds, each decorated in a variety of sumptuous styles. One of the best is Riad Enija, with sunken baths, exquisite tile work, and a fountain-filled courtyard. Counting pennies? Try Riad Amazigh, which has rooms with two levels linked by spiral staircases and a beautiful, candle-lit Berber-inspired dining room.

Get with the VIBE and let us plan out your next adventure to anywhere…Got a place in mind?

Cinco de Mayo !

Cinco de Mayo is a small regional holiday in the State of Puebla in Mexico and the truth is that in Mexico, most people do not even know what Cinco de Mayo is.  Over time, the Fifth of May has come to mean many things to different people.  To Americans of Mexican ancestry, it is  a cultural holiday, much like St Patrick’s Day for the Irish.  For others, it has become an important night of partying, also, much like St. Patrick’s Day.

Decorate with plenty of tissue paper flowers, add the colors of the flag of Mexico – green white and red, put on your sombreros and some Mexican folk music, salsa or mariachi music and join the fiestas!

Invitation Ideas – Cover page greeting suggestions – “No time for a Siesta, it’s time to Fiesta!”, “Margaritas & Fajitas!, “It’s Party Time, Amigos!” Inside, be sure to put the date, location, time, phone, RSVP date, dress code or costume suggestions.

Food

Corn chips with salsa & queso, tacos, chili, fajitas, Margaritas, Daiquiris, cerveza, Mexican wines, Tia Maria, and, of course, lots of tequila!

Hanger Steak with Margarita Marinade

1 hanger steak, about 2 pounds

Zest and juice of 2 limes

1/2 cup tequila

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus additional for the grill

Salt

In a large bowl or casserole dish, whisk together the zest and juice of the limes, tequila, oil and a hefty pinch of salt. Add the meat to the marinade, toss to coat and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

To cook, preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over high. Lightly brush the grill with a little oil and grill the steak until seared, 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium. Let the steak rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing.

Serves 4.

Source: Rachael Ray

Margarita Bunt Cake

1 (18.25-ounce) package white or vanilla cake mix

1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

4 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup water

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 cup tequila

2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur, such as triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau

Glaze:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 tablespoon tequila

2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur

2 tablespoons lime juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, water, lime juice, 1/4 cup tequila and 2 tablespoons triple sec. Beat for 2 minutes.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes; remove to rack and pour glaze over cake while still warm.

To make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar with 1 tablespoon tequila, 2 tablespoons triple sec and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Mix until smooth.

Serves 10.

Source: Allrecipes.com

Margarita Ice Cream

1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream

6 large egg yolks

1 ¾ cups sweetened condensed milk

3 ½ ounces (7 tablespoons) tequila

2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur, such as triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau

Juice of 6 limes and zest of 1

Make a custard by heating the cream (do not boil) in a medium saucepan, whisking it very slowly into the egg yolks in a medium bowl, and then pouring the mixture back into the cleaned saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 4 minutes. (Again, do not let boil.) Pour mixture into a clean bowl and leave to cool a little, then stir in the condensed milk, tequila and orange-flavored liqueur, lime juice and zest and then cool completely. Pour into a container with a tight-fitting lid and freeze for at least 4 hours.

Serve in margarita glasses rimmed with sugar.

Serves 8.

Source: Nigella Lawson

Grill Margarita Shrimp

2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 cup tequila

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeno, minced

2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur, such as triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau

2 tablespoons lime juice

Combine all ingredients, except shrimp, in a medium bowl. Add shrimp, cover and marinate in refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove and serve immediately.

Serves 4 to 6. Note: Shrimp, patted dry, can be sauteed.

Source: About.com

Margarita Fruit Salad

Tequila orange liqueur dressing:

3 tablespoons tequila

3 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur (triple sec, Cointreau or Grand Marnier)

3 tablespoons orange marmalade

Juice of 1 lime, approximately 2 tablespoons

Salad:

4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

4 oranges, peeled, sectioned and cut in small pieces

1 small honeydew melon, rind and seeds removed, and cut in small pieces

1 small cantaloupe melon, rind and seeds removed and cut in small pieces

In a large bowl, mix together tequila, orange-flavored liqueur, orange marmalade and lime juice. Add strawberries, oranges, honeydew and cantaloupe. Stir to combine and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to blend.

Serves 6.

Source: Fabulousfoods.com

Party Favor Ideas – Mini cactus plants, toy maracas, small clay pots with candy “Red Hots”, bouquet of red, green & white carnations or other plants that combine the colors of the Mexican flag.

Drink Recipes

Corona Margarita

* 6 ounces white or blanco tequila
* 12 ounces Corona
* 6 ounces frozen limeade concentrate
* Ice cubes to suit
* Lime flavored salt
* Lime wedge (optional)

Cover the rim of the glass with the salt.  Pour all ingredients into blender and blend well.  Pour it in a flashing margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Places to Go

Mercadito

On Wednesday, May 5th, join the fiesta at the all-new Mercadito Midtown Restaurant nearby downtown Miami.

This new hot-spot for quality, affordable Mexican fares will host a mega fiesta to celebrate the triumph of the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo

Come check out live Mariachi music while sipping on ‘Vato Loco’ (a drink so hot a signed waiver is mandatory) for just $12 and tequila shots at $5 – all the while enjoying a sharing menu at $40.

Mercadito’s menus, using the freshest ingredients available and served in small sharing portions, embrace the sociable approach that has been a Mercadito seal. One of the main attractions at Mercadito Midtown is the “guacamole, salsa and ceviche bar,” where a variety of savory guacamoles ($8.50 – $12.50), mouth-watering ceviches ($10.50), and spicy salsas ($2.50 – $4.50), are made in-house while guests watch.

Signature guacamoles include avocados expertly blended with interesting ingredients such as: mango – jicama, chipotle, pico de gallo; mole poblano – plantain, mole poblano, chile Serrano, pico de gallo; and manzana – apple, tomatillo, almonds, habanero. Crispy chips accompany every order. Salsas, served with delicious corn bites, range from chipotle to cacahuate (peanuts).

Already a Miami favorite is Mercadito’s selection of mouth-watering tacos ($13.50) that come four to an order. These tasty delights include Chef Sandoval’s pescado tacos, made with pan seared tilapia, a bold chile poblano and tomatillo-garlic mojo, named “Best Fish Taco in New York City” by New York Magazine. Also designed to please palates, Mercadito’s signature estilo baja – beer battered mahi mahi, with coleslaw, drizzled with chipotle aioli; and pastor – succulent, chile-ancho rubbed pork, grilled pineapple, and chile de arbol salsa; one of the 11 different salsa varieties available.

Side dishes, para acompañar ($4.50 – $6.50), include arroz verde – green rice casserole with Oaxaca and manchego cheeses, a favorite among diners at Mercadito restaurants in New York and Chicago; elote Mexicano – Mexican style corn on the cob with lime mayonnaise and chile piquin, and rajas – mild roasted strips of poblano pepper and onion with hominy corn and crema fresca.

Here, seafood lovers can enjoy a variety of refreshing ceviches ($11.50 – $24.50). Stand-outs include camaron – shrimp, tangerine, roasted jalapeños, in a citrus-guajillo broth; callo de hacha – bay scallops, red apple, tomatillo pico de gallo, key lime-morita broth and mint; and, dorado – lime marinated mahi mahi, avocado and tomato, in a tangy orange-chile de arbol broth.

Botanas ($10.50) are a sumptuous collection of Mexican style appetizers such as tostadas de hongos – crispy corn tortillas, topped with wild mushrooms, pinto bean hash, manchego cheese, tomatillo salsa, and flavorful epazote crema fresca, and flautas – crispy tortillas filled with chicken barbacoa, served with black bean purée, tomatillo salsa and crema fresca. Meant to be shared with dining companions, and a perfect way to kick start any meal, is the queso fundido – baked Oaxaca and manchego cheeses served with a choice of wild mushrooms, rajas (roasted poblano strips), or chorizo.

A visit to Mercadito Midtown isn’t complete without a handcrafted margarita. Mercadito’s beverage program, created by Tippling Bros, (industry veterans and leading beverage experts, Paul Tanguay and Tad Carducci), features a dizzying array of Mexican tequilas and creative takes on traditional Mexican cocktails, along with an assortment of beers. Diners can wash down bites with individually muddled fresh fruit margaritas made with 100% blue agave tequila such as the Little Market (tequila reposado, fresh pineapple, chile guajillo, cilantro), or the Smokey Pablo (cien años reposado, mango, chile morita, blueberry float), among others.

LIV

On Wednesday, May 5th 2010, come to Liv Nightclub at the fabulous Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach and celebrate Cinco de Mayo, late-night style, at the Dirty Sanchez party!

Featured DJs Ross One, Contra and Jessica Who will be busting the turn-tables until the early morning!

The party starts at 11pm, must be 21 and over of course! Early arrival is STRONGLY recommended due to limited space.

For more info or table reservations, send an email to info@epoplife.com.

Talavera

From the creators of Coconut Grove’s acclaimed Jaguar Ceviche Bar & Grill comes Talavera Cocina Mexicana – in the beautiful city of Coral Gables.

On Wednesday, May 5th 2010, Coral Gables’ newest Mexican restaurant will host a night that promises to be entertaining with live Mariachi’s performing authentic Mexican music at 6:30pm and also at 8pm.

Stop by Talavera Cocina Mexicana for that authentic regional flavor that just can’t be imitated. Amazing Mexican fares will be served alongside tasty Margaritas that will be flowing all night for this very special occasion.

Raliegh
On Wednesday, May 5th 2010, come out to the prestigious Raleigh South Beach Hotel, on Collins Avenue, to celebrate Miami’s 2010 Cinco de Mayo Festival and the hotel’s 70th Anniversary in style.

Bring your Sombrero down to Miami Beach and enjoy a live Mariachi band performing in the beautiful Oasis area of the Raleigh Hotel.

Drinks will be aplenty with $7 tequila shots and Margharitas, specialty cocktails and small bites.

All the fun and Mexican snacking begins at 5pm until 8pm.

Please note that parking on location will also cost you $7, so keep that in mind!

RED CROSS
Dust off your Mexican sombrero and join the American Red Cross at John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant on Wednesday, May 5th 2010  for some drinks and fine Irish fare from 5pm to 8pm.

Your $15 entrance fee includes a complementary drink and appetizers, and helps fund the vital programs of the American Red Cross in South Florida through the I’m 4 Red Cross series of events in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

You know the Red Cross is always ready to help our neighbors when they lose everything in a fire and that it helps train lifeguards who watch out for us at the beach and at the pool.

Now it’s your turn to help support the Red Cross while having a little fun with your friends and family.

By coming out to the “I’m 4 Red Cross” events in April, May and June, and snacking on decadent desserts at Kilwins and LA Sweets, joining friends for drinks at John Martin’s Irish Pub, or competing in a dominos tournament, your purchases and participation on selected days will help fund the vital programs of the Red Cross.

Dolores (but my friends call me…)Lolita

Senor Frogs and La Misma Gente Productions are coming to Dolores Lolita

to bring you a 12 hour non stop party featuring:

• DJ’s Lenim + Willy
• Live Mariachis
• Specials on bottles all day/night
• Complimentary tequila shots for ladies

Bottle Specials:
JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL $200
BUCHANAN’S 12 YR $200
BUCHANAN’S 18 YR $250
ABSOLUT $160
BERVEDERE KETEL ONE Y CITROEN $200
JOSE CUERVO RESERVA PLATINO $180
DON JULIO BLANCO ANEJO $200
RON ZACAPA 23 YR $180
DON Q $150
JACK DANIELS $160
MOET & CHANDON IMPERIAL , NV $80
CHANDON BRUT RICHE $35
DOM PERIGNON $290
GREYGOOSE $200

Doors open at 5pm for complimentary admission until 10pm ladies no cover all day/night

Dolores lolita, 1000 South Miami Ave, Miami FL 33130

Tropical Mother’s Day

source mindscapes

As we continue our Mother’s Day series, the next theme to consider  is “Tropical”. Here in Miami, it is so simple and easy (just step outside!) to create this type of event, but it’s great to bring the tropics up North and to other areas that may not have this naturally. Here, you’ll find some theme ideas, a nice tropical “brunch-style” recipe, some décor ideas and more.

Mother’s Day – Island Style!

If you want to put a spin on your Mother’s Day celebration, why not brighten it up with a gorgeous tropical brunch celebration?  After all, we do live in Miami… it is only right that we take the gorgeous tropical weather we were given, fill it with some more tropical vibes, and leave your mother relaxed and rejoiced!

Start off with some brightly colored linens—try bright yellows, some mermaid blues, and lime greens. Add some creative centerpieces— play around with different ideas. Fill up small trays with sand, stick in a few candles and

shells to create a nice beachy accessory.  You can also try filling up glass vases with lemons and limes (incorporating those two beautiful colors) or with a thick white candle surrounded by more sand! Play with it, be creative, no rules here!

To take your centerpiece to a whole new level, try an Edible Arrangements delicious fruit bouquet! Fruit is the ultimate theme of a tropical celebration… so live it up! Make sure to fill white or bamboo plates with an array of different tropical fruits, veggies, and yogurts!  Try a tasty non-alcoholic punch, anything with pomegranate, acai, blueberries—refreshing, healthy, and delish!

For a light, main course, throw together a Tropical Chicken Salad:

• 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• Spring Mix lettuce
• Grape tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• ½ cup slivered almonds, chopped
• Large cucumber, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup peach yogurt
• ½ cup mayonnaise (low-fat if desired)
• Splash of lemon & lime

Directions

Combine peach yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, lemon, and lime in a small bowl. Whisk together until well blended, then set aside. In a large bowl combine lettuce with tomatoes, pineapple, almonds, and cucumber. Add yogurt-mayonnaise mixture to the large bowl, mix well. Top with shredded chicken, can be served warm or cold. Makes 4-6 servings.

Serve with lightly toasted multi-grain bread, brioche, or popovers, freshly squeezed orange juice, sparkling water or create your own menu!

Thai Fruit Salad

• YIELD: 1 large bowl of fruit salad
• 1+1/2 cups fresh papaya, cubed (for papaya instructions, see link below)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned (for fresh pineapple instructions, see link below)
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 cup mango, cubed
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced or cut into quarters
• 1 cup other fruit, local OR exotic such as blueberries, melon, dragon fruit, lychees, longans, or rambutans
• Garnish: starfruit slices
• FRUIT SALAD DRESSING:
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 Tbsp. freshly-squeezed lime juice
• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar OR palm sugar

Directions
Stir fruit salad dressing ingredients together in a cup until sugar dissolves. Set aside.  Place all the fresh fruit in a mixing bowl.  Pour the dressing over and toss well to mix. Pour or scoop the fruit salad into a serving bowl, or into a prepared pineapple boat (as pictured). Garnish just before serving with a star fruit slice. For easy instructions, see: How to Make a Pineapple Boat.

Star Fruit Tip:To keep starfruit from going brown after slicing, simply drizzle over some fresh lime or lemon juice.

Source about.com

You can also grill your favorite fish, or chicken, with grilled pineapple— serve with white rice and enjoy! Plate your dishes with beautiful ginger, birds of paradise, or  heliconia flowers. Again, be creative! No rules apply to this theme— add your own spices and flair that your mother will be sure to love!

Look forward to catching up with the VIBE later to day for great gift and treats for mom!

Ways to Green Your Gift Wrapping

Have you ever looked at your trashcan after everyone has opened all of their gifts during the holiday season?  Just one look and you have to admit it is an awful amount of garbage.  This year consider the following ideas as you wrap each gift.

Everyone knows that green is the new black, but not everyone knows how to put a green touch to their holidays.  We did some research and found so many creative ideas. 

1) First, lets explore the Wrap Sack.  They have unique reusable gift bags that come in six different sizes.  The best part about these drawstring gift bags, is that they come with a tracking number which allows you to track the history of your wrap sack!

2) Aside from the gift bag, Wrap Sack offers reusable greeting cards.  You simply replace the sheet inside when you are ready to reuse it.

3) An eco-friendly way to gift wrap is to make your own by using left over fabric or old sheets.  Chewing the Cud offers reusable fabric gift wraps; each one with a gesture of giving: Give Love, Give Luck, Give Wisdom.

4)  Wrap a gift with a gift.  For example, you may purchase a scarf or decorative towel and then use it to wrap a bottle of wine.  Or a coffee cup or canister to hold another gift such as jewelry.

5)  Shuffle through old magazines, maps, calendars and newspapers  throughout the house and select pictures that connect with the personality of the person whom you have bought a gift for.  If that person is a traveler, use an old map to wrap their gift!

6)  The comic section of the newspaper is an old idea but works wonders. 

7)  Place your gift inside of a tote or insulated grocery bag.  Both of these items will be reused over and over!

8)  For bows, switch to reusable hair ribbons or flowers.  Take a walk outside or at your local park.  You will find true beauties from our very own land such as pinecones, acorn, changing color leaves and so on.