The 6th Annual NYC Diva-Q: Let the Party Begin – Part I

Aug 29, 2010

 

Saturday, August 7th—our 6th Annual NYC BBQ–the day had finally arrived!  I anxiously awaited for my 250+ guests to arrive.

 

Connie Mustang  and Lynn Marie came early to help decorate with the tissue pom poms.

 Mom helped with the balloons.

 

Jim and Brother Joe assembled the 50 pink plastic flamingos

while Jacob disassembled them.

The bartenders fluffed the flamingo straws

and lined up all the booze.

Diana Bagels and Sophia arrived with the Jello Shots…

and Lady M tested them to make sure they tasted good…LOL

 

Socialite Sister™ Delia showed up with a giant ice luge!

Tamster™ brought a basket of cucumbers in an effort to prevent hangovers for those who overindulged.

It’s PARTY TIME!

James tests out the newest addition to this year’s BBQ. 

3:00PM – 9:00PM AIR T-BALL HOUSE

5:00PM – 12:00PM BABYSITTERS

Benjamin assists Ziggy the Magician.

5:00PM – 6:00PM MAGIC SHOW

5:00PM – 7:00PM POPCORN

5:00PM – 7:00PM COTTON CANDY

Robyn’s triplets enjoy the cotton candy.

Ziggy the Magician has been entertaining my friends and family for more than 15 years now!  He’s the BEST!

6:00PM – 8:00PM CARD SHARK

Josephine gets her face painted.

6:00PM – 8:00PM CHILD ENTERTAINER (FACE PAINTING, BALLOON ANIMALS & TATTOOS)

6:00PM – 9:00PM BOUNCE HOUSE

6:00PM – 9:00PM CANDY CART

8:30PM – 9:30PM PIRATE SHIP RIDE

A big shout out to Mike Pisano – he took these amazing photos!!!

Stay tuned…I’ve got tons of photos to share!

The 6th Annual NYC Diva-Q: Preparing for the Big BBQ

Aug 16, 2010

 

Eileen, Myrinda and Servane came over the night before the big BBQ to help.  But first, spray tanning…LOL

Noe (Servane’s son) and Joseph thought we were nuts.  Whatever.

I think when I opened the garage, I might have scared my friends.  Between the candy cart, decorations and other paper supplies, it looked like Party Central!

I gave Servane the job of making the tissue pom poms.  I’d only managed to get 27 done out of 96 pom poms I had planned.  Go Servane!  But of course, she needed to cut her pom poms fancy.  Typical…LOL.

 

Eileen was given the task of building a new candy cart roof.  That girl can wield a power tool like no other!

And what in the world was I thinking when I gave Myrinda the job of putting all the cases of champagne on ice?

NYC Garment District: Fabric Shopping with Friends

Aug 15, 2010

For the last 6 years, on the Monday after the big BBQ, Myrinda (aka Lady M™) and I go on our annual adventure to the NYC Garment District.

This year we brought our crazy Canadian friend, Servane, and her adorable children along.

Made a stop at my favorite trim shop, Pacific Trimming, on West 38th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues).  There, I found beautiful velvet ribbon, unique elastics, diva rhinestone crown brooches, fancy rhinestone buttons and sparkly rhinestone buckles.

Even found some Tiffany Blue and Hot Pink Silk Shantung…oh, how delicious!  Nothing beat Shantung.  It’s a smoother Silk Dupioni—and it sews up so much nicer than the cheaper Dupioni.

Also saw some interesting glittery crinoline fabric and stretchy knit lace that I needed to add to my stash.

Nothing beats fabric shopping with friends!  Nothing.

 

Countdown to the BBQ…only 4 days from now!

Aug 3, 2010

Directions to the BBQ

Lady M™ (aka Myrinda of Fabrichound) has updated the Directions to the BBQ on Google Maps!  Check it out!  She’s included all the major airports, bridges, hotels, restaurants and shopping to ensure a great visit!  Thanks Lady M™!

Pom Pom Hell 

Welcome to my Pom Pom Hell–23 Tissue Pom Poms down…another 73 to go. I WILL get them done by the BBQ (Aug. 7th).  Especially since Jenn has offered to come over and help me knock them out.  Question is, where the heck am I going to store them all in the meantime? What was I thinking?  Seems I’m not the only one with this problem.

How Many?

It all started 7 years ago, when my Rotten Next Door Neighbor™ tried to have our annual block party without me.  I found out about it and invited 88 of my friends and family over.  Boy, was she pissed.  We didn’t have 88 people on the entire block.  The next year, when I heard she threw in the towel (as Neighborhood Mayor™) and would no longer have our block party, I figured I’d have a little BBQ.  Little did I know what was to come.

My Children’s Custom Boutique Designers and Buyers friends caught wind and a bunch of them showed up from all over the country.  And every year, more came.  Last year, I lost count at 213 people.  This year we have even more coming!  Can’t wait to see everyone!

You’ve Got Mail

Last week, I came home to find a surprise package had arrived from my Mom.  Oh My!!!

A Dashboard Diva!  You Drive; She’ll Dance!  If you’ve ever driven with me and we’re still friends, I’ll like to thank you even though I’ve almost killed you with my driving skills.  Heck, I did get you from midtown Manhattan to Staten Island in a mere 22 minutes.  Like I said, be thankful.

Perfect for the Tiki Bar.  Which reminds me…how does one build a quick outdoor bar?  Maybe the guys at Home Depot knows.  I’m already feeling sorry for the poor employee who will have to instruct me on the construction of it.  Update:  I rented a portable bar for a mere $65…SCORE!

Love this sign!  And this one, too:

This sign is going on the street pole in front of my house!  My neighbors are going to think I’m gone nuts.

Thanks Mom!!!  Love you lots!  Can’t wait to see you at the BBQ!