NYC Gift Show via The Knot

MODA is always keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest, and while we don't usually showcase a lot of the ware one finds at the Gift Show we were in the neighborhood so we thought we would swing by...

...after we stopped The Knot studio! We were there to drop off some centerpieces for Episode 10 of The Knot Live! Meredith showcased us in the "Splurge vs. Save" section of the broadcast, which appears about half way through the video clip. Blue Vandas and Dahlias make the difference with the centerpieces - but they are both so gorgeous its hard to tell which one is the "save!" The Knot Live! episodes run Wednesdays at 12 p.m. ET, log on to catch the next episode of The Knot LIVE! We have been invited back so stay tuned!

Just in case you were wondering if we found anything at the Show, we did pick up a few ideas that we are keeping under wrap. Until then here are a few things we know you can't live with out:

Smoking is a nasty habit but it does come with some wonderful accessories from Suck UK (the site is a time burglar):

And you can't leave out our furry friends:

Lastly, speaking of nasty, there is a whole market out there for covering it up and "Poo Pouri" may have cornered it: "Spritz the bowl before you go & no one else will ever know!"
Really? Before?

Sandwich Smash 2009

MODA is partnering up as a Sponsor with Sandwich Smash 2009 on October 4th. So get your appetites ready! We met Jeff Vogel this week to see how we could get involved. He is organizing this event as well as being the co-founder of unbreaded.com. His blog was just named "Best Philly Food Blog" by Philadelphia Magazine in the August Issue - so you know the Sandwich Smash will be stacked!

Five of Philadelphia's top restaurant professionals will perform live chef demos of their signature sandwiches. Each chef will demonstrate to the audience how to make their signature sandwiches, representing French, Italian, Israeli and American cuisines. At the conclusion of each demo, the audience will get to eat the sandwiches, five in all!

This non-competitive showcase event will be hosted by Esquire Food Editor Ryan D’Agostino, who will interview the chefs while they cook and draw out the stories behind the food.

Sandwich Smash has partnered with Philabundance, the region's largest hunger relief agency, to organize a peanut butter and jelly drive to benefit people in need throughout the Delaware Valley. Proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing jars of peanut butter and jelly to help feed the hungry. Event attendees and individuals in the broader community are also encouraged to donate peanut butter and/or jelly to Philabundance.

Stay tuned for updates about what we will be showcasing during the event! The event takes place at the Park Hyatt from 4:30 - 8PM. Tickets are limited so log on & get your tickets today!

A Note of Thanks....

It's always nice when we get a note or a call from clients letting us know what they think...here is a little note from Nicole. She was one of our first clients when we opened, she had sent a really funky arrangement to her sister. Recently she called to book a consultation for a baby shower arrangement, we didn't realize it was HER'S! She said that the only thing that had to be right at the party were the flowers...Thanks Nicole!

"Hi there! Well, the flowers were the show stoppers at the Shower. I can't say I have ever been happier with three arrangements. Thank you for everything, especially the exceptional creativity. Many, many thanks, Nicole Amoroso"

This vase was a wedding gift of hers & one of her favorites....

Soiree in the City: September 20, 2009

MODA botanica has paired up with our friends at Provence Catering to showcase their decadent delights among our stylish designs at the second annual Soiree in the City. The Showcase will be held at The Power Plant, located at 230 N. Second Street in Philadelphia. Stay tuned for the menu Chef Pamela will be presenting! (And if you have a few extra minutes check out her Guilty Peasures blog - you will be drooling!)

This September soiree was created as an alternative to the typical bridal show by a wonderful make-up artist Beke from Beke Beau and her friend photographer Laura Eaton. At this event you will see cutting-edge bridal fashions, beautiful custom jewelry and hand made accessories that have been featured in major fashion magazines.

Save-the-Date! We can't wait to see you there!

Weekly Callas

We have a client who lives in our neighborhood who loves to send his girlfriend flowers, EVERY WEEK. She loves callas, EVERY WEEK. We love the challenge of making each experience with them unique EVERY WEEK! We have been working with this couple on a weekly bases for almost a year now. They really leave the design up to us, which we love. But the pressure is on! I am actually a little intimidated. Once both Armas & Bailey were out of town & it was my responsibility to make the arrangement. Seriously, I broke into a cold sweat. When designs are as cool as the one Armas made this week for them - you gotta perform!

I am not sure I did his design justice with my photo above, but check out how carefully he designed the piece so that the calla just hovers over the table surface. Beautiful!

Philadelphia Wedding Project

Moda is psyched to jump onboard with some of our favorite photographers as they embark on their Philadelphia Wedding Project! Sofia Negron is one if the snap happy artists who have put together an incredible opportunity where one lucky couple who is planning to wed in 2010 or early 2011 will be able to have six local photographers capture their big day on film! That's right SIX! The deadline is fast approaching (August 31, 2009) - so check out the rules & submit your story!

We are one of the Business Partners who is willing to share in the project by offering the lucky couple their wedding bouquet. We love working with Sofia, she's incorporated a ton of pictures of our work together on the PWP site! Good Luck Everyone!

Sometimes we just don't know what to wear...

But Bailey has magic hands....