A Very Happy Halloween

Choice Productions recently had the amazing opportunity to assist with one of the largest NYC Halloween parties of the year. This year had the fantastic theme of Picasso and our staff were dressed as beautiful French men and women. The guests came in some pretty creative costumes and we loved guessing what they were! There is less than a year until this fabulous party comes around once again, and we cannot wait to see what is in store!

Looking to end your summer in the Big Apple with a bang this weekend? We may have the perfect solution for you. The "Late Summer in the Big City Benefit" is finally here this Friday, August 14th! Come spend some time and dollars on cocktails and help fight for the cure against brain cancer.

Check out more info here: http://icmfoundation.org/events.html

Happy Monday!

Mondays have a bad reputation for being the most hated day of the week, but here at Choice Productions we feel quite the opposite. Sure there is a lot of work to do after the weekend, but the internet is an endless source of great ways to cure your case of the mondays. Today in the office we are listening to the smooth sounds of Florence and The Machines Pandora station as we catch up on the events that happened this past weekend. Here are a couple of links to brighten your day and maybe even your week. Let us know if you have any other suggestions!

Cats:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/temptationscattreats/cats-that-deserve-treats-for-just-being-cute

Call Me Maybe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPU8V-nvUEk

Watermelons:
http://watermelon.org/carvings/Carvings-Entertainment.aspx

#Whatshouldwecallme:
http://whatshouldwecallme.tumblr.com/post/26899876166/what-ive-learned-in-my-young-adulthood

Have a great day!

Happy Birthday Matt!!

Today we are celebrating our wonderful Co-Founder and President Matt's Birthday! We wish you an incredible day and hope that all of your birthday wishes come true. One great way to celebrate is national Watermelon Day tomorrow. Learn how to make a watermelon keg and delicious boozy watermelon treats. Happy Birthday Matt! 

The Easiest Summer Cocktail

Hello August! It feels like summer is quickly slipping away but we are desperately trying to do all of our favorite summer things before it becomes time to trade shorts and flip flops for jeans and boots. We recently discovered the most delicious and easiest cocktail that you will probably ever make and it definitely will make you feel like summer is far from over. All you have to do is toss 8 oz of your favorite berry flavored vodka, 2 oz limoncello, 2 oz of simple syrup or whichever sweetener you prefer, and 10 fresh raspberries in to a cocktail shaker. This recipe yields 4 refreshingly yummy cocktails that your guests will undoubtedly fawn over. It doesn't hurt that raspberries are at their lowest prices of the year, so you can get more bang for your buck with this drink. Have fun and drink up!

And you thought that a bagel couldn't get any better...

Imagine the genius idea of topping mix-ins from Cold Stone Creamery combined with a quality New York bagel. A little confused? Let us explain it in more simpler terms: Vic's Bagel Bar on 3rd between 36th and 37th offers toppings to be mixed in to your cream cheese and then expertly placed on your choice of fresh bagel. They even have home-made gluten free bagels for our flour-less friends! Anything from corn to avocado or even chocolate chips can be mixed in to make your own signature creation. Great place in the morning to lick your wounds after a long night out or meet friends for a fresh twist on your average bagel. 

Made in America?

We love Ralph Lauren and are looking forward to their fabulous windows in Bloomingdales and Macys displaying the 2012 olympics uniforms that they had the honor of landing. One potential problem that caused a media storm this 
week came from the smallest print on the pieces: the "made in" label. Lawmakers are up in arms because they feel as though the uniforms being displayed on our athletes should be coming from the country that they are so proudly representing. "Made in China" has become frequent verbiage on many of the items that we sport daily, but do you think that our olympic uniforms should boast 
an American production? 

Neiman Marcus Style on a Target Budget

Fashion fans gasped in excitement after news of a collaboration between Neiman Marcus and Target was announced yesterday, July 10. If Missoni for Target last year lead to a crash of the Target website during the initial hours of the in-store launch, one can only imagine what chaos will ensue from this new unlikely duo. For fans of the 24 American designers whose items will be featured in the line, this is excellent news. Tory Burch, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Derek Lam are just a few that will be included and rumor has it the average price will be a mere $60! Our calendar is already marked for December 1st when the lines hit stores, but will you be joining us by indulging in the unique designer garb? 

The Best Weekend Activities Are Free

 Three words that will change your weekend: Free. Mini. Golf.

If you're willing to trek all the way to Governor's Island on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday morning at 10 a.m then you will be handsomely rewarded with the opportunity to mini gold for free at a unique course! Forget about tacky lighthouses and evil clowns that spit your ball back at you. The City of Dreams Interactive Sculpture Garden and Mini Golf is an 18 hole course designed by emerging artists, architects, and art collectives. Just when you thought that this couldn't get any better, things get even more creative with the surrounding sculpture garden which displays 16 large-scale interactive pieces. Grab some friends and if you go to this entertainment haven, be sure to send us a pic!

Sassy Summer Citrus Cocktail

Pucker up vodka fans! One great summer cocktail that we are currently craving here at Choice Productions is called the Grapefruit Gimlet. This drink is the perfect accompaniment to a sunset dinner or day spent lounging at the pool! Who needs to eat fruit when you can drink it instead? 

Ingredients (makes 2 servings):
1/4 cup Charbay ruby red grapefruit flavored vodka
1/4 cup unflavored vodka
1/4 cup fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons simple syrup (dissolved sugar)

Ice cubes
Lime or grapefruit slices for garnish

 Okay, your nutritionist might tell you that this isn't a sufficient source of vitamin C or even a source of it at all, but summer is only a few short months so indulge while you can. Tell us what food you paired this drink with or what your party guests thought of it! 

Downward Dog in Times Square

Did you notice 14,000 people in sporty outfits contorting their bodies into various poses in Times Square this past Wednesday? The Mind Over Madness event to celebrate Summer Solstice gave a whole new definition to the practice of hot yoga. Dedicated yoga fanatics flocked from all over to participate in the event that challenged yogis to find tranquility in one of the most bustling and least relaxing places in the world. Their quest to center themselves came with swag from Athleta such as a free yoga mat for the first 1,500 people who arrived to each class. Between classes Athleta hosted a fashion show with music from Prasanna and lucky participants were able to win free giveaways. Here at Choice Productions we love a good yoga class, and what could be better than chanting namaste in one of New York's most celebrated spots?

Beat the Heat with Banana Yogurt Pops

Having an event in this scorching hot weather can be tricky because guests are craving something to keep them cool and simultaneously fill their stomachs. Let us help you navigate this complicated territory! One great dessert idea that is just as easy to make as it is delicious is Banana Yogurt Pops. All you need is 2 cups lowfat banana-vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup light-brown sugar, and 18 Rainbow Vanilla Wafers cookies, 3 different colors, 6 cookies each. You start by whisking the yogurt and brown sugar in a bowl to blend. Then divide the yogurt between six 3-oz waxed paper cups. After storing them in the freezer for 1 hour, add an ice cream stick or something similar then freeze for at least two more hours. For the final touch crush 6 of the same color cookies in a plastic bag. After peeling the cup off of the yogurt pop, roll the pop in the colorful cookie crumbles. Just keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve them and enjoy!

Fantastic Views and Fabulous Food

When walking through Chelsea it is hard not to notice the iconic building at 100 11^th avenue. Famed architect Jean Nouvel designed the building and each window is specifically designed to frame a different incredible city view. How could this building become even more fabulous? A Choice Productions event, of course! This past weekend, delicious passed hors d'oeuvres and perfectly crafted cocktails wowed the 40 guests yielding a fantastic time for everyone. The beautiful décor and views added to the ambience really making this event one to remember.

Olympic Opening Ceremony Info Released

Have you heard about the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Olympics in London? Details were announced this Tuesday, June 12 and people can’t stop talking about what the plans are. Titled 'Isles of Wonder', the Olympic Opening Ceremony will begin with the ringing of the largest harmonically-tuned bell in the world and is predicted to be viewed live by a worldwide TV audience of over a billion people. 

Danny Boyle, the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony Artistic Director, said: "The Ceremony is an attempt to capture a picture of ourselves as a nation, where we have come from and where we want to be. The best part of telling that story has been working with our 10,000 volunteers.” One part of the ceremony is called “Green and Pleasant” and will transform the entire Stadium in to a British countryside, complete with real farm animals. We love the pomp and circumstance of the opening ceremony and the games in general, so check back soon for great party tips for celebrating here on the other side of the Atlantic! 

Creative Summer Dessert Idea

At Choice Productions we know how important it is to make sure that your guests’ sweet tooth is satisfied! Summer fruits are a perfect staple in refreshing desserts and what better way to mix it up than adding a little alcohol? One great idea is strawberries soaked in Grand Marnier topped with a little powdered sugar. You can even add a layer of raspberries, pineapple, or peaches and whip cream to finish it off. This quick and easy dessert is sure to be a crowd pleaser and can be prepared in any sort of small dish that matches the theme of your event. Getting creative with presentation makes the difference between a simple dessert and a fun fruity edible cocktail! What are your favorite summer desserts?

Summer Cocktail!

Would you enjoy a Stoli Blueberry Cocktail this summer?! It is made with Stoli Blueberry, fresh squeezed lemonade with a hint of fresh blueberries and lemon slices for flavor and decor! This clean, fresh drink is perfect for your next summer event! Contact us for your next event this summer!!!

June 2012 Market Week!

Another 2012 Market Week has finally arrived! Here at Choice Productions, we will be providing chic and trendy staff members who will be serving guests at various companies such as Stuart Weitzman and Polo Ralph Lauren. The goal of Market Weeks are to provide clients with new and upcoming fashion trends in the industry. Contact Choice Productions for your very own fashionable staff today! 

Brazilian, Baby!

Even though it's only spring, here at Choice we're dreaming ahead for swim season! That's where all-star staffer, Lorianna, comes in! She's featured in Xcluzv Swimwear's Cruise and Summer 2012 campaign and from the look of the line, temperatures are rising! Inspired by the figurative and literal fruits of Brazil and the sophistication of NYC, these pieces are sure to have you running to the nearest beach! 

Don't forget to check out the behind the scenes video!

Anna Zoe's Fang-tastic Opportunity

Calling all music supporters!

Choice's fave songstress, Anna Zoe, is in the running for her music to win a featured spot on the CW's hit show, "The Vampire Diaries"! As a part of the Bitten By...A Fresh New Artist Music Contest, Anna's tunes are vying for the number one spot and you can help her get there! Part of the judging process is fan voting, so cast your vote HERE!

Although the contending song is incorrectly listed as "Craving" (the title is actually "Love in Jealousy" for all you fans), just look for her photo and listed by Anna Rachocki.

Now, get bitten by Anna's rocking vocals and vote!!

Carousin' Cupcakes!

 

The start of 2012 has been a busy time, but we're back and we've brought the goods--baked goods, that is! We recently had the pleasure of tasting the boozy bites of Prohibition Bakery and boy, do they pack a punch. With varieties that emulate our favorite barroom concoctions, there's something for everyone. From rich and robust Irish Car Bombs to kicky Mojitos or settling into sweet and salty Pretzels & Beer...the drink list goes on and on! And for those of you who are still on the wagon, don't forget the virgin Bacon and Italian themed treats!

After knocking back a few samples from this bakery, we've never been so happy the Prohibition era is over!

Photos courtesy of Prohibition Bakery.

Anna Zoe's Tour Kick-Off

The Choice Family enjoyed the amazing singing talents of our very own Anna Zoe last Wednesday! Her set list included some of her original songs as well as a few creative covers of well-known hits. We won't ruin the surprise for you by telling you what songs she sings because we know you will make sure to get to one of her performances while she is on tour! Congratulations Anna on a job well-done and good luck in your upcoming performances!

Photos courtesy of Courtney D'ne Brown photography.

Choice's New Uniform?

This past weekend we had the pleasure of helping plan a Birthday Celebration, complete with German Dirndls and Lederhosen for our Choice staffers. They looked so great, we thought maybe we should switch out our standard Dressy Black for them!

Well, maybe we won't be able to use these costumes for every event, but we do love when our clients want something unique! Make sure to explain all of your ideas to your planner, because we will gladly carry them out!

Humpday Heros

In need of a humpday treat?? Us too. That’s why we’ll be heading over to Arlene’s Grocery tomorrow, Wed 1/18 to hear Anna Zoe take the stage! This show kicks off her East Coast leg of her tour and it’ll be the last time you can catch her in NYC for a while (plus, Matt will be manning the drums and we all love to see that), so you don’t want to miss it!

Doors open at 6pm and Anna goes on at 7pm, so get there nice and early to snag a prime viewing spot! Arlene’s Grocery is in LES (details at left).

We can't wait to see you there!!

Choice Makes It Work

One of Choice's very own, Kelly Dahlen, was a model on the Project Runway All Stars Season Premiere! She looked fabulous coming down that runway and we could not be more proud. Congrats Kelly on your PR debut, we hope to see you on future episodes and seasons!