Have You Met Ms. Brown

We recently had the amazing opportunity to interview the intelligent candy icon, Ms. Brown. Ms. Brown isn't the only woman in the M&M family with an impressive background and personality. Have you heard of Ms. Green? But we digress.

Ms. Brown finally decided to reveal herself after working for decades behind the scenes as "Chief Chocolate Officer" at M&M. She walked into the jesGORDON studio today wearing white high heels, Judith Ripka gloves, and glasses.

JG Team: You just had your big reveal in NYC and LA on January 30th. How often do you travel between NYC and LA?

Ms. Brown: Very often. I did my reveal on the East coast at 3pm EST then did the whole reveal again on the West Coast at 3pm PST on the same day. Let's just say that I was traveling with the light (Wink).

JG Team: What made you decide to debut in both cities? Why not just choose one city?

Ms. Brown: Asking me to pick between New York and Los Angeles for my big debut is like asking me to pick between Mozart & Beethoven. (Ms. Brown's Tweet on Jan. 25th). We went live online. You can watch my debut in live online - LINK.

JG Team: Not too long ago, you were mentioned in the New York Times. Did you read the article?

Ms. Brown: As a subscriber and long time reader, being mentioned in the Times was definitely one of the highlights of my career. (Tweet on Jan. 17) * Link to the NY Times article.

JG Team: After all these years, why did you choose this moment to reveal your self?

Ms. Brown: It's been a long time coming, and although I'll be more in the spotlight, it's something I've been preparing for as Chief Chocolate Officer for a long time.

JG Team: Any words of wisdom for people reading this interview?

Ms. Brown: Once Laurel Thatcher Ulrich said, "well behaved women seldom make history." I say, "Making history is easy when you're the original Milk chocolate." (Tweet on Jan 16)

JG Team: How do you feel about seeing giant versions of yourself in NYC and LA?

Ms. Brown: It's quite overwhelming seeing my face everywhere after being behind the scenes as Chief Chocolate Officer all these years. (Tweet on Jan 31st)

JG Team: When is your first commercial scheduled to air?

Ms. Brown: My commercial is scheduled to air in the first quarter of the NBC broadcast of the Super Bowl game. So on February 5th, look out for my face during the Super Bowl XLVI commercials!

JG Team: You are quite active in the social media. Do you enjoy it and where can we find you?

Ms. Brown: It is time to trade in my spreadsheets for some Facebook time. (M&M's USA page on Facebook - Link.) You can also follow me at @mmsbrown.

JG Team: We've heard a rumor that you are coming back to NYC in the beginning of February. Can you tell us more?

MS. Brown: It is a secret but I can give you a small hint. I am working with lots of talented people on a great event in SoHo. Stay tuned for details!

Minimalism with a POP!

If you want to keep things simple but surprising at your wedding keep a neutral palate and bring in some colors or graphics that POP! For a more graphic look, wrap chunky striped ribbon around your bridal bouquet or add a little pizazz to your reception tables with a striped runner. Napkin holders are a great way to incorporate graphic detail, but if you’re looking for a bigger effect try a striped wedding dress or cake!

If you have a sweet tooth, add a pop of color to your favors by adding a candy bar. Adults LOVE this festive favor.

If you’re into floral accents stick to monochromatic arrangements:

Modern: Yellow Craspedias

Classic: White Peonies

Fun: Pink Gerber Daisies

Party Like a Rock Star: Ruckus and Romeo

Prowling the offices of jesGORDON by day, living like kings by night we’re the watchdogs of all things fun. We’ve seen our owners throw some fabulous soirees, but it’s time we come out of the shadows, because we can’t deny that we party like Rock Stars too. So we hope your in the mood for something fabulous, because its raining Ruckus and Romeo in the office today and we’re going to share our tips on how to Rock Out your next canine celebration.

Diva Dog Entertainment

It’s the question in the back of every pooch-party-planner’s mind: How do I keep these fabulous dogs happy? We have a few ideas that’ll keep any pooches pleased throughout an evening.

Puparazzi

What dog doesn’t like the limelight? Set up your own step and repeat with a red carpet and background that reflects your party’s theme. The photos can be given away as favors too!

Goodie Box

Fill a basket with tug-o-war ropes, balls and squeezers. Stuffed Kongs are always a hit too. Try filling them with treats and cheese. If you’re outdoors peanut butter is great too.

Let Them Eat Cake

Canine chow is a fundamental aspect of any pooch party. If you have a dog bakery in the area stop by to check out your options, but if you prefer to stick to homemade snack, try a Peanut Butter Carrot Cake:

1 Cup whole wheat unbleached flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 Cup peanut butter

1/4 Cup vegetable oil

1 Cup shredded carrots

1 tsp vanilla

1/3 Cup honey

1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Sift the flour and baking soda, mix in the rest of the ingredients. Spray two 4-inch cake pans with oil and divide half of the batter into each pan.

Bake the cake for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cake on a cookie rack.

XOXO

Ruckus and Romeo

Party Like a Rock Star: Ruckus and Romeo

Prowling the offices of jesGORDON by day, living like royalty by night, we’re the watchdogs of all things fun. We’ve seen our owners throw some fabulous soirees, but it’s time we come out of the shadows, because we can’t deny that we party like Rock Stars too. So we hope you're in the mood for something fabulous, because its raining Ruckus and Romeo in the office today, and we’re going to share our tips on how to Rock Out your next canine celebration.

Prep for Your Pet Party

Like any other good event, location is everything. If the weather is anything like we’re bearing in NYC today, stick to indoor venues or else you’ll have pup-sicles to defrost later. Prepare your lounge area for your four-legged friends. Anything you don’t want us to eat, needs to be put away, because we WILL eat it. Anything you don’t want us to sniff, put it away, because we WILL sniff it. Basically pup-proof the whole damn place.

After you’ve pup-proofed, you’ll need to prepare a four-legged friendly lounge; unless you want us all over your immaculately kept furniture. Remember to keep the dog beds fluffy, yet stylish. If you don’t mind us on the couches, but prefer to keep the clean up easy, invest in some doggie-blankets, they’re a simple throw-and-go approach. The water bowl is an essential aspect of the lounge because no one wants a parched pooch, right? Keep in mind the size of your guests because a little wiener will not be able to reach the bowl of a Bernese Mountain dog. To keep spills to a minimum, add a doggie placemat; your floors will thank you later.

And what could be more rock star than The Kinks? Correct answer, nothing. So rock it out British style. Don’t forget to invite a few Corgis to take your English bash to the next level.

If you prefer a modern approach, choose bold patterns and sleek structures.

Check in next week for our ideas on proper pooch entertainment!

P.S. Have an idea for a rockin’ canine celebration? Post it below!

XOXO

Ruckus and Romeo

You Can’t Judge a Book by its Cover

Have you ever found the perfect space for an event, but couldn’t look past the dirty wall, scuffed surfaces and bland ceilings? It’s a circumstance that occurs all too often in the world of event planning and design; however there are a few ways to turn a run down venue into an attractive space.

If the walls are screaming for a new paint job but you don’t have time, pipe and drape your venue. If you need floor to ceiling coverage or just partial, the drapes come in a variety of colors, textures and designs to choose from.

If you have a surface that can’t be pipe and draped, invest in vinyl. Bar tops, pillars, glass, walls WHATEVER you need to cover, vinyl is your man. Although it can get expensive, if you need to bling-out a column, add logos, or wrap up a bar into a chic new station, vinyl can get the job done. There are numerous grades to explore and unlimited textures and colors, so have fun with this tool because it’s completely customizable

If concrete floors are giving you the chill, look no further than carpet. Something cozy underfoot can add just the right amount of warmth. Carpet also does double-duty acting as a form of heat and sound absorption. If your expecting snowy or rainy weather at your event, carpet can help keep the mess to a minimum, and no one wants sloshy, snow tracks across slippery floors, right?

The ceiling of a venue can either leave you breathless or make you cringe. If your venue’s ceiling needs some TLC turn off the lights and create some illumination of your own. Splashing colors or patterns on a ceiling creates an instant facelift. You can play with shadows and spotlights and even skip the wiring with wireless LED lights. Hanging votives or paper lanterns from the ceiling are attractive lighting elements that add depth as well.