This Seagull (left) chases a Frigate bird after having its meal snatched away, putting on a beautiful aerial display for anglers fishing on the Lady K.

 Under the birds young Casey found a child sized Mahi Mahi to bring home for dinner and did a wonderful job bringing the fish to the boat. The school of gamefish were no match for the anglers who fished during this trip as the photo below shows, including a nice King Mackerel.

 This afternoon Mahi Mahi was taken at boat side by one of our VIP anglers, Lynn, who also caught some large Gray Triggerfish, Mutton snapper and Yellow-tail snapper to bring home for dinner. Great job!

 Large Mutton Snapper like Bruce’s 8 1/2 pound fish caught off one of the areas local artificial reefs during a morning trip this week, can be caught while spooling the bottom with sardines. Feel free to ask one of the Lady K’s crew members how to “spool the bottom” for a chance to catch many different snapper species during your offshore adventure.

 A Queen Triggerfish, one of our areas most beautiful ornamental reef fish, is quickly photographed before being released back into the Atlantic Ocean. Make sure you bring a camera to photograph many of the different reef fish that can be caught while using bottom or ”guppy rigs” and cut squid. Bottom rigs can catch many different species of fish including Grunts, Porgies, Filefish, Triggerfish, Puffers, Grouper, Snapper, Jacks and even large gamefish such as Cobia, King Mackerel, Mahi Mahi and even small Sharks.

 Why not spend some quality time with family and friends this holiday season the old-fashioned way and plan a trip fishing aboard the Lady K. Barjack Fishing is also accepting reservations for private charters, perfect for large family gatherings, company holiday parties or Intracoastal Waterway cruises – perfect for viewing  premiere South Palm Beach county waterfront homes under the lights of Christmas. December bookings are filling up fast so don’t delay and call today!

Homemade cookies are one of the highlights of the holiday season.  That, and spending time with friends.  So why not combine both by hosting a cookie swap party? You’ll save time by joining baking forces and everyone will leave with ready-to-go gifts.

The basic idea is that each person brings a large quantity of one cookie.  The cookies are divided among all guests, who can use this time to wrap their share in pretty packages.  You’ll love how fun efficiency can be.

For details on how to host a cookie swap party, visit my November 2010 column on The Family Groove at:  www.thefamilygroove.com/nov10_EntertainingOnTheEasy.htm

Simmer cinnamon sticks, cloves and apples in a pot of water to infuse your house with the warm and inviting smell of fresh apple pie.  Turn off the heat once guests arrive to ensure that the mixture doesn’t burn.

Upon arrival a display of sparkling wine topped with canapés…

N/V  Domaine Ste Michelle Brut Columbia Valley Sparkling Wine

Smoked Salmon Canapes, Horseradish Crème Fraiche, Caviar, Dill

New Zealand Wine and Cheese Table

Assorted Artisan Cheeses, Marinated Olives paired with…

2007  Cairnbrae Pinot Noir Marlborough New Zealand and 2008  Brancott Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand

Italian Pairing…

2007  Chianti DOCG  Cetamura Coltibuono  Italy paired with a Roasted Red Pepper Crostini, Italian Table Cheese, EVOO

For dessert.. Mini Chocolate Mousse Cups, Garnished with Berries and whipped Cream

And passed throughout the event…

Grilled Shrimp Wrapped in Bacon

Hot Mini Crab Melts

Hangar Steak Sates, Horseradish Cream

Tasting Notes…

2007  Cairnbrae Pinot Noir, Marlborough New Zealand …Cairnbrae is a botique winery producing quality wines in the favored Rapaura district of Marlborough New Zealand neighboring the well known Cloudy Bay and Corbans Stoneleigh vineyards. A typical New Zealand style Pinot Noir.  Earthy, medium to light bodied, translucent in color.  Cherry, Subtle Spice, Hints of Tobacco.

2008  Brancott Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough New Zealand …Gooseberry is the typical flavor associated with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc’s.  This Sauvignon Blanc by the Brancott winery exemplifies what a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc should taste like.  Much more zingy and fruit driven than a Sancerre. Tons of tropical fruit: mango, passion fruit, kiwi, grapefruit.

2008 Chianti DOCG  Cetamura Coltibuono Italy …Chianti wines are made from predominantly the Sangiovese grape blended with Canaiolo, and Malvasia Bianca. A typical Chianti flavor profile is a medium bodied red with cherry, hints of violet, and well balanced acidity. The Cetamura Coltibuono has and earthy feeling and is meant to be enjoyed with food.

SWG Sommelier, Brett Clugston

"Three Heads are Better Than One"- Artwork & photo by NYSketches artist, Alison G

A group JUMBO caricature of an entire company (about 60 folks), from start to finish

Fire Truck Airbrush T-Shirt for Employee-Family Holiday Party

Some added sweets:

Sirk Productions' John Sikes with holiday logo cookies for client gifts

And some sweet lookin’ faces:

Snow Angel Facepaint by NYSKetches Artist, Alison G

Jeweled Heart Crown by Alison G

These are the types of situations that make live, local, and late breaking news around this time of year:  JOYCEE SHOT IN STORE LINE BY ANGRY SQUARE LADY.  So . . . instead, we zipped our lips, but burrowed our eyes into her back and sent her evil thoughts about her squarepants-ishness.  After THE INCIDENT when we got to our car, we saw Anger Lady enjoying a ciggie in the parking lot with her two super sized square boyfriends.  Didn’t look like they were in a big hurry to us. 

And what’s up with sales people shouting, “I can take the next person in line” while they look near the back of the line.  They never look at the first person in line who’s actually next, they always look near the middle or back of the line while shouting their check out announcement.  It’s totally irritating. 

Liv likes to do a fun little gifty thing at this time of year:  she wraps herself up like a present and pays surprise visits to several friends.  She rings your doorbell and then stands there wearing bows, festive clothes, and a little wrapping paper while shouting, “I’m your gift.”  Then she invites herself in for a half hour to enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine and then she’s off to her next ‘appointment.’  We love the glad tidings of great joy that she brings.

Stillpoint Sherrie hosted a holiday lunch the other day and greeted everyone wearing some serious Joycely ear bling . . .

She was also wearing her infamous seasonal Santa sweater.  (Try saying that one fast ten times!)  All her guests enjoyed exercising their facial muscles–it was a serious facial workout for everyone involved . . . laughing . . . chit chat chitter chattering . . . smiling . . . eating/eating/eating . . . kiss, kiss, hug, hugging.  What a Joyceland way to kick off the final weekend before Christmas!  And what great exercise! 

We attended Bulldog’s Christmas concert the other night and it’s always a treat to see the little naughties showered, shaved, powdered, pedicured, and dressed fancy while singing their hearts out.  The naughties love when someone singing near them makes a musical mistake and then they can all laugh their nervous and naughty giggles.  When you look around the audience you see that the eyes of all the parents are a little glazed over.  Sometimes, while waiting patiently for your child, nephew, or grandchild’s turn to sing, it’s helpful to play the Joyceland child/animal matching game to pass the time.  Here’s what you do:  study every child throughout the performance and decide who their animal kingdom twin might be . . . monkey, tiger cub, chipmunk, giraffe, penguin, snake, bat, owl, coyote, skunk, armadillo, rabbit.  You get the idea.  Bulldog is for sure a monkey.  No question.

Here are a couple of last-minute shopping reminders:  don’t take the cookie (12/2 post) and be sure to let sassy, super naughty shoppers step to the front of the line.  Your safety and happiness is our most important concern.  And keep sparkling.  At this point in December it’s really easy to lose your sparkle.  Don’t let it happen.  You are way too gorgeous to lose one little bit of your sparkle.

Just in case you’re wondering . . . Joyce was contacted by an amorous Tiger Woods one year ago, however, she was not seduced by his charms.  Joyce is no cougar; she finds younger men to be just a little too muscular and firm.  She also finds their super white teeth to be a bit unsettling.  She doesn’t believe in texting or sexting.  Katie Couric, on the other hand, is quite the ferocious jungle cat.  She’s 52 and her boyfriend is 35 and named Brooks . . .

Brooks is a prep school-educated son of a rich Connecticut family.  Apparently, in college he enjoyed lots of shirtlessness and displaying his bod.  Oh K-K-K-K-atie–you nightly news headline grabber!! 

How is Hot Creamy Sausage Dip Week going for you?  We’re enjoying it immensely!  We’re loving Hot Creamy Sausage Dip on toast for breakfast, Hot Creamy Sausage Dip over greens for lunch, Hot Creamy Sausage Dip and Joyce’s sassy sautéed asparagus for dinner, and Hot Creamy Sausage Dip and whipped cream for dessert.  This is almost better than August’s month-long BLT run.

We have one additional thought related to the Yankee swap take-away type party that makes the holidays so much fun.  Did you ever pay attention to who ends a take-away by opening the final present?  The act of opening the last prezzie and ending the game makes that particular person a prezzie pooper.  Let’s do a brief personality study on the prezzie pooper, shall we?  Perhaps she had been stolen from earlier in the evening and she’s licking her wounds.  Or maybe she needs a little bit of the attention that comes from the other ladies shouting, “No, no . . . don’t end all the fun!”  She might be a bit of a killjoy because her mama never hugged her much in her developmental years.  Or perhaps she is someone with very weak impulse control.  But whatever her motivations, all prezzie poopers are banned from Joyceland until they seek professional counseling.

Do you love Jessica Kagan Cushman’s Nantucket bracelets?  We wear them like life-saving medical alert bracelets.   Cushman’s bracelets are bangles that say things like:

“Truly fabulous people never get dressed before lunchtime!” 

“I want to be the girl with the most cake!”

“Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing!”

Jessica learned scrimshaw from her dad and she transcribes quotes and phrases via scrimshaw onto fossilized wooly mammoth ivory bracelets.  The result is something between a tattoo and a bumper sticker.  And guess where we ended up finding a few of these Joycie jewelry items?  Well, of course, we got the max for the minimum at our dear friend TJ’s place.  Jessica Kagan Cushman’s motto is WIT–WISDOM–SERIOUS FUN.  And for that very reason alone we knew we had to buy them up!  Happy shopping to you and remember—if you want to keep your purse, don’t take the cookie!

Cozy Bashers:  We received some push back from NellieJoyce on the DKNY cozy style with the gentle knot which ties at the back.  We do wish to point out that those suffering from back pain can benefit from the lumbar support that the gentle knot provides.  Ask your chiropractor and she’ll tell you that the cozy can really help you.  Plus, that rear gentle knot actually makes you sit up straighter with ta-ta’s out.  On the other hand, Olivia is convinced that the cozy is nothing more than an updated toga.  Why buy a cozy, she demands, when you can use your old duct taped bed sheets to make a fashion statement?  The creativity of Joyceland ladies never ceases to amaze and delight! 

And how ’bout this?  When you’re from the East Coast you call a take-away party a Yankee swap!  Those East Coasters make everything sound super fancy and all Kennedy, don’t they?  Okay, we can play their game:  we attended another ‘Yankee swap’ the other night.  The flavor of this one was the infamous white elephant.  Some of the big laugh gifts included butt floss, wash away your sins soap, a Princess Diana ornament, a big bag of hair, two-sided soap: one side for your face and one side for your ass, a monkey key chain that when squeezed sticks out his pee-pee, and a naughty/nice bag filled with a black lacey thong and an extra large pink pair of Granny’s underpants.  File those ideas away in your brain for future party fun!  Here was the new twist at this Yankee swap:  once the last gift had been opened, a lightning round began.  You set a timer and then start passing around a box with a pair o’ dice inside . . .

. . . as the box gets quickly passed around the room, anyone who rolls doubles earns an additional STEAL.  Yay for the lightning round.  We love extra stealing because it adds a ‘illegal with no accountability factor.’  Remember your math, Joycies:  stealing + frantic ladies = a good time.   The lightning round will add a hyper and fun element to your party especially when you include wine and loud music!

We gorged on a fabulous appetizer at the white elephant Yankee swap.  Do you ever go to parties and then hide next to the hors d’oeuvre table and just stand there like a total pig?  It provides a nice ‘party break’ because you don’t have to make any conversation while your mouth is stuffed with food.  Try it next time and see if you like it.  Anyway, the fabulously smart, sassy, and sexy LisaJoyce made this unbelievable Joycetizer called Hot Creamy Sausage Dip.  Does the title just make you want to lick your chops?  Joyce has declared this week Hot Creamy Sausage Dip Week!  Here’s how you celebrate this week-long holiday within a holiday:  eat a little or a lot of the dip EVERY DAY THIS WEEK.  Your protein intake will skyrocket, the pounds will melt away, and you’ll feel very euphoric and popular.  Here is LisaJoyce’s super secret recipe:       

(P.S.  While shopping for the ingredients, don’t forget to invite everyone you see at the grocery store to join us for Hot Creamy Sausage Dip Week!  You can’t believe all the new friends you’re going to make . . . )

Tina’s Bella Bistro in Dallas, Texas.  

Here is one of Tina’s favorite cold salads you can proudly display on your holiday table in your favorite salad dish or served individually in a crisp Parmesan cheese basket (as shown in the photo). 

Marinated Shrimp Salad

2 lbs. large Shrimp (shelled and deveined)

Boil 2 quarts water with 1 T. Old Bay Seasoning, drop in shrimp, boil for 3 minutes, submerge in icy cold water, drain.

1 c. chopped fresh Basil

2 Red Bell Peppers, cut into thin strips

1 Red Onion, cut into thin strips

1 bunch Scallions, chopped

5 large Tomatoes, cut into thin chunks

Dressing

1/2 c. Rice Wine Vinegar

1/2 c. Creole Mustard

1 c. Olive Oil

1 t. Salt & Pepper

Mix all salad ingredients together in a large bowl, mix dressing separate, add dressing to salad, it might not need all of it. Salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.    

For help on your holiday party, call Tina at Tina’s Bella Bistro at 214-920-TINA (8462), or email her at tinasbellabistro@aol.com.

Bon appetite

1. Plan your guest list and select the date.  It is an important starting point, and you might be surprised how often this first step is overlooked. With your guest list in tack, now you can estimate the food costs, accommodations, entertainment, and seating.
2. What is the occasion?  Is it a corporate function?  A birthday, anniversary, or celebration?  Are the guests adventurous or conservative?  Is it all adults or will there be children?
3. Plan your menu ahead.  Save money and time by planning ahead.  Consider designing a menu around seasonal fare, or create a food “theme”. 
4. Have a game plan and enlist help.  Swallow your pride and let some of those close to you assist- besides they want to do so. 
5. Do you hire a caterer or do-it-yourself?  If you decide to select a caterer, ask for references and call them. Were they on time?  Would you use them again?  Why or why not?  Call on more than one caterer not only to receive a quote, but to also get a feel for their sense of urgency.  Did it take a week to receive a proposal?  Let your caterer assist you with any other vendors needed.  A reputable one will have no problem is sourcing these for you. 

The holiday season will be upon us before you know it.  So plan ahead for your party needs, and if you need a caterer for your events this season, let me recommend Tina Colly of Tina’s Bella Bistro Catering, you can reach her at 214-920-TINA (8462), or email her at tinasbellabistro@aol.com.  Tina’s motto is “Cook with Love”, and is reflected in the delicious and beautifully presented dishes and goodies she creates.  You will be pleasantly satisfied with the quality of the food and service she provides.  

Have Fun With This. Let me know how your party turned out!

Sharon

Do you enjoy backyard BBQs?  How about small jars of spice rub with a fun custom label will get your guests in the grillin mood!

Winter Wedding?  Customized Christmas tree ornaments with your wedding details will sparkle on your guests’ trees!

Holiday Dinner Party?  Decorate small pine cones to look like tiny christmas trees – they look great on your table and your guests’ alike!

Let As You Wish Events help you put together favorable favors for any occasion!  Contact us today at asyouwishevents@hotmail.com

Comedy stage hypnotist shows are great corporate party ideas and people think they are a riot! Have you ever witnessed one? No, then you should really go watch one soon.. They are absolutely entertainingand can make a great form of entertainment for a corporate holiday party idea… But watch out! There are some crucialthings to look out for when booking a hypnotist to perform a stage hypnosis show for your corporate event entertainment.

First, how do you search out a corporate hypnotist for your corporate party ideas? A very effective way to do this research is on the internet – look up comedy stage hypnotists or corporate stage hypnotists.. This will bring you a pinpointedselection of stage hypnotists to begin your search.

If you type in the word hypnotists to a search engine, you’ll end up with tens of thousands of the wrong types of websites, such as Hypnotherapist, hypnosis schools, and hypnosis articles. I suggest you use the actual search terms like “corporate hypnotists” or “corporate comedy hypnotists”. This will help to zero in on the field to professionals that are exactly providing what you are searching for. If you search with Google or Yahoo for your corporate party ideas and stage hypnotists you’ll get tons of great choices.

Second, ask the corporate comedy hypnotists you contact several important questions: “How many years have you done stage hypnosis shows?” and “Are you insured?” and “What references do you have?” and also, “Do you have a demo video for me to view?”

Third, expect the fee for a good hypnosis show to be higher than a DJ. Many companies have hired DJ’s for their events in the past and spend anywhere from $200 to $800 for a DJ. It is a sure mistake to think you will get a good hypnotist for those price structures. A good hypnotist, will cost a corporation anywhere from an absolute low of $800 to $3500 or more, with a median around $2000. Again, a “good, quality hypnotist” is definitely worth it versus a “newbie, cheapie hypnotist”. Variations in show price for a good hypnotist are due to several considerations. When you’re having your event – some dates are more peak than others – especially for highly recommended entertainers. Where your event is held in relation to the location of where your entertainer resides is another factor. If the entertainer is local, you should not have many additional expenses such as travel and hotel fee.

Even though price is important, don’t let price alone determine who you hire – if you do – you will probably end up angry because that old saying definitely holds true in the world of business, You get what you pay for.

These are important questions to ask as they will help you find a professional versus an amateur performer. Don’t be about asking the hypnotist or their booking agent these types of questions. They should be used to them if they’ve been in business for some time.

Common corporate party ideas can lead you to have a theme to your event, see if the hypnotist can do some customization to make their show fit your theme. Some will, some will not, but it does not hurt to ask.

If your corporate party ideas lead you to find a great corporate hypnotist for your corporate party, it can take be a challenge to find a high quality hypnotist – but it can pay off in big dividends of happily entertained employees.

Click Here for Great Corporate Party Ideas.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it at least five times now – I wait for the day with auto-tune karaoke parties.  

Makes me want to grab a beer and break out The Bodyguard Sing-A-Long & my Kim Zolciak Bootleg “Tight Rope – Baby!”

Honestly, I don’t even know these people, but I was happy to see someone document their potential blackmail material because ‘No Cameras!’ is rule #1 for my Annual Paisley Gala.

If you are looking for something fun to do for the holidays then this is something I highlyrecommend.   Some will have to try hard to find something to wear while others will just blend – IYKWIM…

(I think she won!)

Well, it’s already November and we are heading right into the thick of Corporate Holiday Party season and many Human Resource (HR) managers and Company Event Planning Committees are trying to find new, fresh, and fun ideas to ensure that their company holiday party is memorable.

So, we have identified and compiled a list of some unique and in some cases new holiday party ideas to help you make decisions on the location, the entertainment, and some other fun stuff:

Location Ideas

• A local art museum may add some fun to the event. Look for photo or contemporary art museums.
• Water front hotels are ideal to allow your employees to stroll around near the water and enjoy your company party.
• Hotel banquet rooms with a view are great.
• How about a golf course? Golf courses are great company holiday party locations as they are generally nicer and less busy during evening hours.
• Boat cruises are fun, but be careful because this may limit your party attendance.
• If your business is in Irvine, California check-out the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.

Party Entertainment Ideas

• Get interactive entertainment is our recommendation!
• Flip book studios are a fun, interactive way to liven up your company holiday party, plus the provide a party favor to all your guests.
• Photo booths and green screens are fun as well.
• Casino themes with card game tables are very fun and engaging the entire evening.
• Get a unique musician for your event. Live bands add some fun and help encourage dancing. But, DJs can help keep the party going.
• Comedians can definitely add a good hour of entertainment to your event. Just make sure it’s in good taste for your business.

Other Fun Company Holiday Party Ideas

• Make sure that if your company is planning to provide holiday gifts that your company provides real gifts, not something cheesy!
• Try a new theme for your holiday party: casino, beach, luau, cruise ship, halloween for the holidays, incorporate a theme from your companies marketing department, the theme list goes on and on.

Also, you may want to strongly consider an event planner to help with your company holiday party ideas. Event planners have access to a wide range of service providers and ideas.

Find out our top picks for a razzle dazzle New Years Eve.

Juun J’s S/S ’08 collection fills us with desire.

We’ve got some holiday party ensemble ideas for couples.

Alright, Selma you’re freaking us out! Unhand the Oslen twin.

Leather dresses keep you chic and warm this Winter.
Um, Manolo, we were expecting more for your new mens’ line.

Nick asked, we answered. We know where to get v-neck graphic tees.

We urge you to fade into Porter Grey.

Don’t know what to give? We’ve got the Diesel goods for every type of guy.