Chances are you don’t have a reservation at your favorite restaurant tonight. How do we know? Because it’s Monday, and there’s a good chance it’s closed. Here’s one hot spot that’s open, and you’ll want to go and table hop. It’s a party where you stand—not sit—at the table. Actually, at more than 25 tables. Where you admire table settings that range from wild and wacky to elegant. And where you’ll get ideas for parties you never knew you could throw.
It’s the fourth annual Dining Spaces Tabletop Design Competition and Fundraiser, tonight, beginning at 6 p.m. at Mayfair Farms in West Orange. They have the details at www.diningspaces.com. It’s for a good cause, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, North Jersey Affiliate. You pay $125 at the door, and there are plenty of tickets.
Designers, event planners, and some good corporate citizens are given a table and ten chairs. They bring the imagination and humor.
Last year, a blackjack-themed table came with a waitress who popped out of the center. Mr. John’s table (pictured) takes toilet humor to a new level. An armed guard stood by Tiffany’s creation, in case anyone tried to pocket the silverware.
This year, we hear, there’s a volcano (you sit under a tent) and a circus-themed table complete with miniature train set. The North Jersey International Special Event Society, which produces the evening, says Designer Awards will be given in seven categories.
There is plenty of food, but you’ll eat in the room next door. No food on these tables. Just plenty of interesting table-wear.
Everyone wants the quick fix. Here it is. The Blue Eye. Formerly known as "The Evil Eye."
We don't normally consider ourselves superstitious. But when a bracelet or necklace promises good luck, and looks great too — hey, that's a winning combination.
Talk to our friend Neslihan Cakiroglu at www.anaproducts.com if you need convincing. She sells more "eye" bracelets and pendants — imported direct from Turkey— than we've ever seen. Even more than we found at the cart in front of the Venetian in Las Vegas.
Nesli runs a showroom in Union. You can make an appointment to see her or browse the website. Click "Good Luck Accessories."
There are Eyes with sterling, crystals, and additional charms - adds more potency, no doubt. Put on one of Nesli's necklaces, and your single little unblinking eye will win every staredown. No one will mess with you.
You'll find a bracelet to match any color in your wardrobe. We like the simple ones the best. Blue and black, or multi-color eyes, fastened by a sterling chain.
Hey, you don't even have to wear them. Just keep them around you, on your desk, hanging over your lamp, or rearview mirror. Nesli says visibility is the key.
And guess what? If the bracelets break, or the necklace snaps, she says, that's a sign they've worked. Gives us the shivers just to think about it. Good luck.. it's time someone kept an eye on you!
It’s still hard in New Jersey to find a place to get your hair and nails done on Sunday. But not nearly as difficult as it used to be.
Sunday at the salon just makes sense. First, what better place to relax? Second, who has time to get their hair done on Saturday?
The Saturday hair-cut was replaced by soccer tournaments, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, or frantic hours of drycleaninggroceryshoppingeveryerrandunderthesunrunning that keeps our engines running all week.
At the Livingston Mall, the Fazio family’s Professional Hair Salon & Spa (973-994-2361) is open every Sunday. One of the managers describes it as the busiest day.
The Fazios have been in business for 30 years-- they know how to draw a crowd. The place is jammed –there’s a kids department as well—and blow dryers are blasting away.
Others have figured out what the Fazios knew all along; being loyal until you die to your hair gal or guy isn’t nearly as important as convenience for most people. Plus, you’ll go back to work on Monday with a new do, and great nails!
At the Cherry Hill Mall, you’ll be coiffed and straightened at the Beauty Bar Salon (856-488-0976 ) on Sundays. So too at Bernards Salon (www.bernardssalonandspa.com) in Cherry Hill and Marlton.
Salon Loyale (www.salonloyale.com) is loyal to its Sunday customers at its Wenonah and Vineland shops. The Gibbstown branch is not far behind, according to the owner.
The upscale Subway Salon (www.subwaysalon.com) in Millburn has thrown open its doors on Sunday. So has Bangz (www.bangz.net) in Montclair. And Les Image (www.lesimage.com) in Verona. UFO Salon (www.ufosalon.com) in Somerset realized “a while ago” being open on Sunday it was a good thing.
Next time you get your hair done, ask your place about those Sunday hours. They may just get to keep you as a customer!
Lots o' ways for everybody to be Irish this weekend. You can, of course, watch a parade and drink green beer. You can listen to Celtic music, with or without a modern twist. You can shop in the spirit of the day. Or, you can solve a murder at a wine tasting. Huh? Read on.
Parades
There were more parades in New Jersey last weekend than on St. Paddy's weekend itself. Still, there at least three on Sunday. All kick off at 1 p.m.—in Newark starting at Washington Street and Central Avenue, in Bayonne at Broadway and 5th, and in Keyport at Broad and Monroe.
Traditional Irish Music
Harpist/singer, Aideen O'Donnell performs traditional music from the island Friday 12:15-12:45, at the Presbyterian Church on the Green (of course!), Morristown; free admission, check www.pcmorristown.org. Then Saturday 3-8 p.m., still in Morristown, at the Community Theatre, "The Spirit of Ireland: From Galway to Broadway" features singers, dancers, harpists. Call (973) 539-8008 or visit www.communitytheatrenj.org.
Traditional (sort of) Irish Music
If you like Irish folk music with a dash of Celtic rock, catch New Jersey's own Paddy and the Pale Boys at a pub this weekend. Friday they play at Fitzgerald's Harp'n Bard in Clifton; Saturday, at Grasshopper Off The Green in Morristown; Sunday, at Danny Boy's Pub, Bayonnne. Check www.thepaleboys.com.
Murder Mystery Dinner
It's not traditional, but it sounds like fun. Four Sisters Winery (www.matarazzo.com/Winery) in Belvidere is staging "The Lord Vanishes," an interactive Irish whodunit with audience participation and a St. Patrick's-themed wine-tasting dinner. It's $55 per person, starting at 7 p.m. Call 908-475-3671.
Kids Too
Irish or not, your kids can get into the spirit of things at St. Patrick's craft and story-telling programs. The Evesham Library (856- 983-1444) has one for kids 3-6 today , at 3:45 p.m.
Saving Some Green
Your little ones will be smartly attired, and you'll save a few bucks if you buy some of Rockland County sweater maker Marika Hahn's hand-loomed, fabulous spring sweaters, on sale from her website www.marikahahn.com. Tiny green critters including grasshoppers, frogs and dinosaurs adorn the vests and sweaters.
Spending The Green
Finally, splurge on a special grownup gift to mark the holiday at www.redenvelope.com. We love the Bells Of Ireland bouquet, and the Peridot four leaf clover earrings.
You've heard of push presents… the gift that doting partners give après labor to exhausted new mommies?
But what about the pain she endured over the nine months? The sleepless nights, the blotchy skin, the indigestion, the heartburn, the swollen feet, the Braxton Hicks?
This discomfort not as labor intensive but certainly worthy of reward…
Introducing, the Bun Warmers. Because we think you deserve recognition before the egg hatches, so to speak. What are Bun Warmers? The cozy, supportive gifts that help you survive the days and months of pregnancy.
Our friends at Atrium (www.atriumnyc.com ) in Livingston sent over a photo with their suggestion, a big soft mushroom colored cashmere throw that doubles as a cardigan.
Or, it's as simple as a fabulous cosmetics bag by Stephanie Johnson (www.stephaniejohnson.com) you can take to the hospital, and use forever to hold your makeup, skin cosmetics, and hair paraphernalia. We really like the cool design, interior layouts and the heavy duty zipper. Last we checked, you could buy them at the Depasquale Spa store, (www.depasqualethespa.com ) in Morris Plains.
Belli Cosmetics (www.bellicosmetics.com ) makes everything you need to stuff inside your new cosmetics case… for before and after baby.
At Globe Shoes (www.globe-shoes.com) in Paramus, the manager picked out a pair of UGG Coquette slippers, in black, chestnut or pink.
Plan your last trip before you are sentenced to years of kid-friendly vacation resorts. See www.babymoonfinder.com/NewJersey.htm for a list of places in the state that specialize in making your final hours as a duo extra memorable.
Finally, make sure your partner knows about the hairdressers who make house (or hospital) calls: www.studio57salon.com where Holly Loux says she'll come to your bedside right after birth to style your hair for the first mommy/baby photo-op. And Marie Shenk of www.engaginglooks.com promises the same. Nothing like a great up-do to brace you for all you have to-do.
Forward this column to every pregnant person you know. If you have suggestions for great Bun Warmers, let us know... we'll share your ideas sometime in the next trimester!
On Saturday, we are all Irish for the day. So we better prepare you for the experience.
First, you'll need a magical and loyal pet. Have you heard the one about Irish Terriers and leprechauns?
Marianne Kehoe, of Kehoe's Irish Terriers in Plainfield (908-769-5569) says the wiry red canines were actually the official dog of the leprechauns … and behaved so well, the little people of Ireland designated them as the official dog of human little people, or children.
Irish terriers are stubborn and sensitive, says Kehoe, and they hate being left out of anything interesting. They make great companions because of their unique way with people, small and big. "It's a special breed, " says Kehoe. "Once you've had one, you won't want anything else."
Second, you need food. And entertainment. And a place to toast St Paddy. Go to the brand new Shannon Rose Irish Pub (www.theshannonrose.com) in Clifton. It's Ed Doherty's dream restaurant. Doherty, of Saddle River, owns several franchise eateries. But Shannon Rose is one of a kind. Where else can you get Irish corned beef spring rolls?
This is a family values column, so we won't mention the kegs and eggs special 9-11 a.m. on Saturday. We will plug the entertainment by the Eamonn Ryan Band (www.ryanband.com/Biography.htm) from noon to 5 … and the DJ that takes you through the night.
Third, a visit to Spring Lake. They call it the Irish Riviera. Go spend the day before the crowds.
It's where you'll find Mary Reilly's Irish Centre Store, (www.irishcentre.net). Browse through the selection of thick Aran sweaters, (www.aransweaterstore.com) the crystal, the china. Mary's got a special deal on shamrock earrings, along with pendant, and pin… to wear on parade day.
You are all set for Saturday. Enjoy, and we hope some of the magic sticks!
Chances are you don’t have a reservation at your favorite restaurant tonight. How do we know? Because it’s Monday, and there’s a good chance it’s closed. Here’s one hot spot that’s open, and you’ll want to go and table hop. It’s a party where you stand—not sit—at the table. Actually, at more than 25 tables. Where you admire table settings that range from wild and wacky to elegant. And where you’ll get ideas for parties you never knew you could throw.
Everyone wants the quick fix. Here it is. The Blue Eye. Formerly known as "The Evil Eye."
It’s still hard in New Jersey to find a place to get your hair and nails done on Sunday. But not nearly as difficult as it used to be.
You've heard of push presents… the gift that doting partners give après labor to exhausted new mommies?
On Saturday, we are all Irish for the day. So we better prepare you for the experience.
