Franks and Beans Events produces entertaining BYOB Girls Nights Out in South Jersey
Welcome to South Jersey’s best bet for a fun Girls Night Out! Come to meet new friends, bond with your BFFs and/or network for business in a casual setting. Enjoy Canvas Painting Dinners, Jewelry making dinners, and Psychic Dinners, which promise all guests relaxation while enjoying a fresh and delicious meal. Keeping ticket prices affordable is our goal, so all Girls Nights Out are BYOB, while being careful to not skimp on the quality of food or programs. We hire only trustworthy professionals to present our programs, as well as staff who’s friendly and helpful. Registration is organized because we create seating charts. Coming with friends? Contact Tobi at Tobi@FranksandBeans.net to tell her who you’d like to be seated with. Do this as soon as you are able to after you purchase your ticket(s).
And as an added bonus, we give lots of door prizes away at each event! Also joining us at many events are vendors, so you can meet local business owners, and even shop, if you feel like it. Need more information? Contact Tobi, or for a full listing of events please visit http://www.franksandbeans.net.
Each day—Monday through Friday—we ask a QOTD and the answers can be quite entertaining. Sometimes, they bring back memories of the little things we might have forgotten, and other times, the answers can bring tears to your eyes.
On Aug 26, member Cindy Morelli asked, “What was your first job?” Check these out. Can you identify with any of them?
MGS: Ran numbers for the mob in Brooklyn when I was about 10. Just thought it was a brown bag with papers. Never looked in it till the used car lot got raided. LOL. True story.
SGW: My first job was making sodas, floats, shakes and sundaes at Jerry’s Ice Cream Parlor 1500 S 28th St next door to our home.
SS: Grants at the food counter, lasted a day and quit! Hated it!
KN: I was a carhop, and it was fun!
LAH: Babysitting, literally, a 2-year-old and a newborn, I was 12, cloth diapers, and I took them to the pool 😳
DL: I was 16 – Packing salt water taffy at James Salt Water in Atlantic City – lasted a week…, even though I’m Catholic…, I didn’t have the right “rhythm method” … 😳🙄🤪🤪🤪🙄😳
MC: 17 years old, 10 days after graduating St Maria Goretti, I walked into the old Quarter master, 20th and Oregon! Although I left that office eventually, I only worked for the federal government for my entire career. Retired 37 1/2 years later at 55! Great career! Great retirement!!!
DMC: Driving the tractor at 9 years old in the early am while others picked corn then later the same day off to the roadstand to sell fruits/vegetables.
DKF: Cleaned houses for teachers
JG: Seasonal gift-wrapper…at a hardware store. (Ever wrapped a sledgehammer? I have.)
So, what was YOUR first job? Did you like it, love it, or quit after the first day? Comment below to let us know! And/or let us know your favorite job description from above.
❤️,
PS: If you want to join in on the fun, please request membership on the South Jersey Girls Who Wanna Have Fun page. You DO NOT have to live or have ties to South Jersey.
I’ve been doing women’s events for 11 years. Five for Girlfriendz Magazine (the magazine I created and ran for seven years) and six for Franks & Beans Events. I’m happy to say that I learned something new at our event this past Thursday night!
The evening featured Paper Artist Lorena Melcher of Melcher Creations, and we each had a chance to create something beautiful. Lorena designed kits for each of us in which she tucked beautiful stamped and embossed paper, sparkly gemstones, a frame and a glue stick. Even a bonus project! What she didn’t include was her opinion. She left that to us. So my choice of project was Terry’s choice. And Linda’s choice was her niece Jessica’s choice. And Kim’s choice was Sandy’s and Janis’ choice. They ended up looking the same and yet, looking different. And that was a big part of the fun!
So what did I learn? I learned that in 11 years of doing live events with between 30 and 50 guests, the virtual events that Kim, Linda and I have been presenting are amazing in their own way. At our first virtual event, there were 20 guests (not including our team members). At Thursday night’s event, we had 14 (not including our team), and here’s where the learning comes in: I’m seeing that less is more.
Whether by choice or by circumstance, many women live solo. And as we continue to shelter-in-place, that sometimes leads to loneliness. Put us together using technology, and we are technically alone, yet technically together. During the event, it felt like I was in a room filled with women! And I got to know them in a different way than getting to know them at a live event.
Everyone was relaxed and ready to have fun, to experiment with her creativity and to meet some new people.
Because it was virtual, sisters Marcy and Linda, and Marcy’s daughters, had the opportunity to spend an evening together, despite the fact that Linda lives in NJ, Marcy lives in LA, and the girls live in TX and FL. I had the opportunity to spend an evening with my sister Molly. Even though we live a town away, we haven’t seen each other in person since early February.
All of this is making me even more excited for our upcoming virtual events.
So what are you doing technologically now that you’ve never done before? Please let us know in the comments below.
*PPS: I hope you don’t need this, but if you do, please contact the New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 572-SAFE (7233), 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Or call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. Click here for a variety of resources for those living in New Jersey.
Six-feet apart is still the order of the day, as we watch COVID-19 cases and death counts heartbreakingly mount.
But must we call what we are doing “social distancing?” Wouldn’t “physical distancing” make more sense? I ask because the last thing we should be doing now is being socially distant from one another.
With so many suffering from depression, anxiety, isolation and loneliness, the last thing we need to be is mentally, emotionally and socially distant from each other.
Trust me, I am a staunch advocate for physical distancing. It’s what the scientists are telling us to do. And if I’m going to take advice from anyone, it’s going to be a scientist. Stan and I consider ourselves beyond blessed to be able to stay safely in our apartment. And, we have the deepest of gratitude and respect for the essential workers who put their lives on the line for us–and everyone else–every single day. We request on their behalf, continued good physical and mental health. If anyone deserves it it’s them. Yes, the economy is important. But if most of the population dies from a global pandemic, the economy will too.
So, I’m not against the concept of social distancing. I’m against the terminology that was chosen to describe it.
On Sunday, we attended a Zoom funeral in Central Jersey for my dear friend Debbie’s father, a victim of the Coronavirus. After that, we “traveled” to a Zoom birthday party in Abington for our future daughter-in-law, Christine. The day ended back in Central Jersey, with a Zoom Shiva (Jewish prayer service to honor the person who passed away, and to support those who are mourning that person). We hit 3 destinations in two states, yet we didn’t move one inch to go from one milestone event to the next. One of my friends pointed out that as much of a roller coaster day it was for us, there was one undeniable constant—love. (You nailed it, Kathy.)
Though we were physically distancing for all three functions, the last thing we were doing was socially distancing. It wasn’t the preferred way for the mourners or for our birthday girl, but the alternative would have been disappointment for Christine and loneliness for Debbie.
So, as we continue to live through this unprecedented time in our lives, never lose sight of the most important four-letter word we have in our arsenal: Love. Share it with those you live with, and those who are living alone, and those living in a dangerous (abusive*) situation.
Sending you my love,
❤,
PS: Who are you celebrating and/or memorializing during this difficult time, and how are you doing it? Have you bought stock in Zoom yet? Please let us know in the comments below.
PPS: Here’s one way to stay socially close to those who are near or far—our online events. And join us on Facebook for support and laughter at South Jersey Girls Who Wanna Have Fun. Everyone is welcome, no matter where you live!
*PPPS: I hope you don’t need this, but if you do, please contact the New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 572-SAFE (7233), 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Or call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. Click here for a variety of resources for those living in New Jersey.
Is it the sultry Carly Simon? The romantic yet environmentally responsible Joni Mitchell? Or the prolific and “how does she know what I’m thinking?” Carole King?
Obviously, mine is Carole King. I have adored her since I discovered Tapestry. I was a high school sophomore at the time, and you’ll never believe how I got my copy. But not right now; later on. I promise…
I love ALL of King’s music on ALL of her albums. I didn’t just buy in a forward direction (1971’s Music, 1972’s Rhymes & Reasons, 1973’s Fantasy, 1974’s Wrap Around Joy….), but I also bought backward (King’s pre-Tapestry album Writer, and 45s of her hits from The Brill Building). And with every new album I bought, I loved her even more.
Carole King comforted me after break-ups, energized me while folding laundry, inspired me when I had to write a boring paper, and lifted me when I finally got my driver’s license and could take to the highway with the windows rolled down and my long brown hair waving out the driver’s side. I’m listening to “Sweet Seasons” right now! I relate to her and Gerry Goffin’s lyrics, and was and still am even more moved by her melodies and mind-blowing arrangements.
So in 2008, just before the book “Girls Like Me” was released, I contacted Atria Publishers to get a review copy. I read it—devoured it, really. Then I asked for an interview with its author for Girlfriendz Magazine, which I was publishing at the time. They said yes! SHE said yes! And it turned out to be one of my very favorite interviews for Girlfriendz. I never forgot how kind and giving Sheila Weller was during our talk, nor the depths of her research for her books and magazine articles. I truly never forgot about that, which is why 8 years later, it was Sheila Weller who I wanted to shine the spotlight on at my long-awaited Women’s Expo—an expo I have wanted to produce since 2010.
So yes, this is a pitch for my 2016 Women’s Expo on Nov 17! And can you blame me? I have been waiting for this for a very long time!
So please join us! My remarkable team and I have been working on this since January to make it a truly enjoyable night with lots of fun (and delicious) surprises!
Click here now to get your tickets. Only $10, but the price goes up on Nov 7. It’s the ultimate Girls’ Night Out! Come and buy Sheila’s books and she’ll sign them for you! And bring your significant other, armed with your Wish List because we’re featuring a Boutique Marketplace with more than 45 vendors.
I can’t freaking WAIT!
Oh, and how did I get my copy of Tapestry way back in 1971? I promise to tell you at the expo. 😉
♥,
PS: Vote in the comment section below for your favorite: Carole King, Carly Simon or Joni Mitchell. And tell me why. It’ll be a lot less stressful than the upcoming vote on Nov 8. And PLEASE vote on Nov 8.
PPS: Looking for a healthy way to lose weight before the holidays? Try A FREE 14-day trial pass at Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club! Click here for details.
And we’re not alone. The average American woman has 103 items of clothing in her closet—more than enough to put together outfits for any occasion—but she considers 21% to be “unwearable,” 33% to be too tight and 24% too loose. The info comes from a recent survey of 1,000 US women commissioned by ClosetMaid, a leading provider of home storage and organization.
And that’s not all! Twelve-percent of her wardrobe is comprised of new, unworn clothing, leaving just 10% available. And 10% isn’t much of a selection.
Of those surveyed, 10% say they feel depressed when they open their closet, and 47% admit they struggle to pick out an outfit before heading to work.
One in four confess that her clothes storage space is completely disorganized, and when faced with it, over 60% opt to buy new clothing. And, shhh, one in six will sneak an item out of the dirty laundry.
So I asked a local expert for some advice. Gina Rongone-Haring is a LuLaRoe Fashion Consultant, who told me, “The first rule is to know and accept your size. It’s only a number or letter, it doesn’t define you. And, you’ll find wearing the correct size will flatter your figure.”
Gina also recommends:
Find the colors that compliment you. Black and white solids are great staples, but don’t be afraid of a color that suits you. I myself lean towards aqua, red, or purple.
Solids are great, including color blocks (two different solids worn together). They’re perfect for accentuating a fun pattern.
Don’t be afraid to pattern-match. It’s fun and, when done correctly, creates a great conversation starter.
Experiment with the many ways you can wear one piece of clothing. That cute form-fitting skirt might also be a great top or even an infinity scarf. The LuLaRoe “Cassie” skirt can do all of that, but she recommends you also test out pieces you already own.
Experiment with the staples. Be daring and pull the waistband of a skirt up to your ribs to create an empire effect!
Embrace the belt. Not necessarily around your waist, but higher or lower on your torso. The trick is to do what’s fun, fashionable and above all, comfortable.
Ever tried leggings? Do it! But be sure to wear them correctly. Always cover the lady parts with a long shirt or a dress. They’re fun with boots and perfect for fall. When done correctly, they really are a wardrobe must-have.
Adds Gina, “Don’t be afraid to try something new. Sometimes how it looks on the hanger might not be how it looks on you. When in doubt try it out!”
Have you ever had the “bursting clothes closet dilemma?” How did you attack it? Please share in the comments below.
Hope to see you soon at one of our events!
♥
PS: Want to look better in your clothes? Try A FREE 30-day fitness study at Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club! It includes personalized fitness assessments and group training with South Jersey’s finest fitness consultants. Click here for more info. Registration ends 9/30, only 50 slots available!
PPS: For tips on the dreaded sort-out, check out this blog post from Barbara Berman, Founder and Owner of BB’s Clutter Solutions.
PPPS: Gina Rongone-Haring launches her new line on Sat, Sept 17: 4-7pm and Sun, Sept 18: 10am-1pm at Volume Café, 5600 Black Horse Pike, Washington Township, NJ 08012 (Behind the Arby’s)
About 10 days ago, I asked you to be honest with me.
After hearing from somany women in somany venues over the past year that they wanted me to plan a cooking demonstration, I asked you to tell me why so few tickets sold for the resulting cooking/fundraising event I’d planned.
Well…thank you for sharing your reasons!
And as Steve Harvey says on Family Feud, “Survey SAYS…”
42% said: Monday nights don’t work for me…or…this date in particular doesn’t work for me (but if it did, I’d be there) 21% said: I’m not interested in a cooking demonstration…or…I would rather a cooking lesson than a demonstration 8% said: Too expensive 5% said for EACH of these: What? I already purchased my tickets! (5%)… or…This time of year is too busy for me (5%)…or…I prefer another charity (5%)…or…Personal reasons (5%) 3% said for EACH of these: This is the first I’m hearing about it (3%)…or…The location is too far (3%)…or…The event runs too long (3%)
Thank you sooooooooooo much for letting me know what’s on your mind.
Since this event was doubling as a fundraiser for Cantor Scott Borsky’s Animal Rescue Center, a 501(c)3 based in Cherry Hill, I am already working on another one. And guess what night it won’t be on? 😀
Hugs,
♥,
PS: I had to take a short break from working out at Cherry Hill Health and Raquet Club because, well, I push myself because I want to see results! Those compassionate people at The Club said, “No, no, no! Take a breather then come on back and do only what you can do.” My trainer is modifying my routine, and I can’t wait to get back. They’re the best! If you’re interested in a FREE 10-DAY PASS, don’t waste another moment! Contact Sarah Martin at smartin@chhrc.com or 856.429.1388, ext 135, and tell her Tobi sent you.
This article originally appeared in the January-February 2013 issue of Girlfriendz Magazine—the magazine I founded and published for seven years. This story is true, and it has a happy ending. I updated the info a bit, and it still has a happy ending. 🙂
~~~~~
This is Fred
Did you follow his saga on the Girlfriendz Magazine Facebook page? If you didn’t, here it is in a nutshell: The Cassell family adopted a 3-year old Beagle/Foxhound in October 2012. We named him Fred…he ran away…we found him…he underwent emergency surgery that night…and all that took place in just three days.
Fred is a dog who is easily frightened. So much so that it led those gentle souls at Lindenwold’s Animal Adoption Center to conclude that he’d probably never lived inside a house, or experienced the love of an owner, or even had a name.
I wouldn’t doubt their assessment. The evening we brought him home, he was afraid to walk through our front door.
A few nights after we adopted him, we took him out for a ride in the c-a-r to purchase a brand new collar on which to hang his shiny new tags.
Fred’s sister, Jazz (who, at the time was 12, but sadly passed away the next year) was a Shepherd/Pit Bull mix who was perfectly comfortable visiting the big pet care store in Marlton. She knew it was the place where she could sniff the other dogs’ butts, down some snacks and choose a new toy. But that’s not how Fred experienced it.
Terrified by the automatic doors, he never made it into the store. He did a 180, darted straight through the busy parking lot, miraculously dodged cars as he fled across Route 70, and then dropped out of sight—Jazz’s borrowed harness and leash whipping behind him.
Three anguish-filled days later, we found him. He’d been hurt so badly that he needed immediate emergency surgery, antibiotics and painkillers, (and whoever came up with that Elizabethan collar?). But he made it home again and that’s all that matters.
Life is full of lessons and here’s what I learned during My Pursuit of Fred:
LESSON 1: Dumpsters play a huge role in the search for a lost dog. I crept behind many restaurants, hoping I’d find my hungry pup. I didn’t, but…
LESSON 2: The best place to hang Lost Dog posters in a townhome community is the dumpsters. Because, according to my friend Hope, “Everyone has to visit them at least once a week.”
LESSON 3: A girl from suburbia (me) can hunt through the thickest woods—several times!—and live to tell the tale.
LESSON 4: Once a mystery is solved, mystery still remains. Fred left us wearing Jazz’s harness and leash, and came back wearing neither.
LESSON 5: Microchipping your pet is not an option. Do it and do it NOW.
LESSON 6: Even non-dog people respond to a lost dog.
LESSON 7: Emergency vet services are expensive but worth every penny.
LESSON 8: Your family and friends aren’t the only ones who care about you. Your acquaintances and strangers do, too.
LESSON 9: Facebook is the bomb. Literally. Fred made it all the way around the world. Figuratively. His story went viral throughout the U.S., all the way to Australia, with a combined 600+ shares. This led my friend Pam to suggest, “Maybe Fred needs his own Facebook page.”
LESSON 10: Prayer does work.
LESSON 11: Miracles do happen.
LESSON 12: Bad things happen to good people.
LESSON 13: Sometimes, good things happen to them, too.
I could go on and on telling stories about family and friends who trolled local neighborhoods (some at the crack of dawn, others well past midnight)…friends and acquaintances who hung flyers…businesses that allowed us to post flyers…previously unknown people who did car searches and Facebook shares and gave us unending support, hope, guidance and strength. But the best story of all is this: all of their efforts culminated in one phone call that changed everything. It was from the microchip company with information from one anonymous woman who led us to Fred.
There is no way I could possibly thank her sufficiently, nor every single person who came through for us. I can, however, thank the Animal Adoption Center of Lindenwold, the Animal Welfare Association of Voorhees and all the other animal shelters who helped us get the word out. It’s important to know that private shelters receive no government money, and run solely on private funding. The public ones run on too little funding even though much more is needed. In all cases, their Number 1 priority is to eradicate the suffering of all animals.
And though My Pursuit of Fred was a personal one, eliminating the pain and anguish of homeless, abused and neglected animals is one of the most admirable pursuits I can think of.
Cantor Scott and one of his furry friends
That’s why I am running a fundraiser for a local non-profit 501c3 called Cantor Scott’s Animal Rescue Center (ARC). Started from a single bag of cat food with money from his own pocket, Cantor Scott Borsky runs a 24/7 virtual shelter, serving over 90 feral cats in cat colonies every day. Not only does it aid in stemming each cats’ suffering, it also keeps neighborhoods healthy and safe because every one of his cats are neutered and vaccinated.
Cantor Scott also keeps animal shelters’ shelves stocked with pet food, and he does this for human food pantries as well, helping families in need keep their beloved pets. Cantor Scott, along with his beautiful family and volunteers, does all of this and so much more. But to do this, they need a continuing infusion of donations. Says Cantor Scott, “My shelter is growing each day with supporters, funds and blessings!!!”
PS: Question: Have you learned any lessons from your pet? Please comment below!
PPS: As many of you know, I’m working out at the Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club. I am now in a 21-day study called “Effects of Exercise.” The purpose of the study is to help non-exercisers experience and continue a healthy exercise program. Of those who’ve participated in past studies, an average of 80% finished the study and continue to exercise regularly.
Some nice benefits are included. Besides your FREE 21-day membership with certified trainers guiding you, there are other nifty perks like a FREE healthy shake from the Club Café.
Join me! A new study has just been added and begins on May 9, so there’s still time if you’re interested! Contact Sarah Martin at smartin@chhrc.com or 856.429.1388, ext 135, and tell her Tobi sent you.
Weird cousin: 1 ~ Tobi: zero
by Tobi Schwartz-Cassell
Every family has one. An eccentric cousin, uncle or sister-in-law who marches to the beat of her own drum. Maybe she’s flaky. Maybe he’s peculiar. Whatever adjective you use, no family can claim 100% conventional behavior. I certainly don’t fall into the parameters of conventionality, and I’m sure most of my cousins will vouch for that. Anyway, I’ll call my offbeat cousin, Lucy. That’s my cat’s name, and she just walked by, so it’s as good a pseudonym as any.
About 20 years ago during a family gathering, I couldn’t avoid it any longer. I had to log in a little talk-time with Lucy. She made a quiet confession to me. She was about 55 at the time. She leaned over and whispered, “Tobi, you won’t believe this, but I have a stash of coloring books and crayons, and I color. I don’t even let me grandchildren play with them! They’re mine. But I do it because it really relaxes me.” To which I answered, “Wow…that’s interesting…” That’s what I said. Now here’s what I thought, “Yup. That’s my cousin. Coloring books and crayons. What is she, 5?”
And even if I could’ve wrapped my head around her coloring habit, I could not fathom her not allowing her grandchildren to color with her! I mean, I’m not even a grandma, but isn’t that one of the joys of being one? But remember, I told you she is strange.
So now it’s 2016, and all through 2015, I kept hearing about women—all grown up with jobs and families and everything—coloring! WTH?
Come color with us! There WILL be wine.
But their 21st Century coloring books contain patterns that are extremely intricate. Barbie and the Ninja Turtles? They’re for kids. These are beautiful, complex patterns that you might even want to frame when finished. There are no statistics that I could find on how many women are coloring these days, but pretty much everyone I’ve spoken to who does, agrees that it helps reduce stress, and nurtures their creative side. Holly Sanborn, a Director at Thirty-One Gifts says, “It all started when the creative teenage daughter of another Thirty-One Consultant picked up some permanent markers and decided to color in the white spaces on a black and white paisley tote. The results were very impressive, colorful, quick and easy. It made the product so striking that everyone started doing it and the rest is history!”
The “Oh Snap” Bin, before and after
On April 6, Holly will be our instructor for our Grown Up Girls’ Coloring & Dinner Party. But we won’t be using books. We’ll each color an “Oh Snap Bin.” It’s called that because you snap it to create a loop. You can hang it from a towel rack or a hook, and you can stash your necessities for bathroom, kitchen or crafting corner in your home. Hey, we’re not messing around! We’re putting the fun back in functional! Early Bird pricing ends March 27 at midnight! So click here & book now.
C’mon. Don’t tell me you don’t have stress. If my offbeat cousin can admit it, so can you.
QUESTION: Do you color? Why? Tell me all about it! I am fascinated by this trend.
♥
PS: As many of you know, I’ve started to work out at Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club to strengthen my core and other areas. One of the main reasons I need to do this is because of osteoporosis in my spine. I’ll be providing updates of my progress as I go along. In the meantime, until March 31st, you can get started and pay $0 until June! Feeling great is priceless! Click here for more info!
On Aug 26, member Cindy Morelli asked, “What was your first job?” Check these out. Can you identify with any of them?
