The countdown to Super Bowl 50 begins! As the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos face-off for the title of Super Bowl Champions, why not throw a last-minute viewing party for family and friends?  We have everything you need for your Super Bowl menu:  something savory, something sweet and the perfect toddy. 

Something Savory:  Sal & Mookie’s Famous Wings

Your guests will love digging into Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint's flavorful Hot Wings - with Gorgonzola cheese dipping sauce and your choice of sauce: classic, ginger-molasses, Thai chile or chipotle BBQ!

Aven Whittington, Caterer for Mangia Bene Catering says, “The classic and Thai chile are my personal favorites… Really some of the best wings you will ever put in your mouth!  We also offer larger ‘catering’ sizes for pick up – Perfect for the big game!!”

Click here to visit the Sal & Mookie’s Website, or call 601.368.1919 to order your wings!

Something Sweet:  Broad Street Bakery’s King Cake

With Mardi Gras in full swing, tempt your taste buds with Broad Street Bakery & Cafe's famous king cake.  What makes them so delicious?  Jennifer Lake Lancaster, Pastry Chef at Broad Street Bakery, says, “Oh that is simple.  The heart and energy that go into each and every cake!  My team is 120% dedicated to each other and what we make for our customers.  We love to see our customers smile!”

With a tasty almond cream filling, this cake is beautifully smothered with a sugary icing and colorful sprinkles.  What’s not to love?  They will even be offering a football-themed king cake on February 6th and 7th! Stop by Broad Street Bakery or call 601.362.2900 to order yours today!

The Perfect Toddy: The Kings Punch from Bravo! Italian Restaurant and Bar

Chris Robertson, Bar Director at Bravo! Italian Restaurant and Bar says, “The thing about the Super Bowl, or any intense event for that matter, is that you don't want to have to keep getting up to make more cocktails for your guests. This is where the beauty of a punch comes in. 1) It does not have as much alcohol as a stiff drink so there is less likely hood that someone will do something to embarrass themselves or you! 2) It is a self-serving bartender of sorts. Your guests take the ladle, pour themselves a cup and then compliment you on how good the drink is. It's your basic ‘win-win’ scenario!”

Recipe: (20 people)

40 oz. Brandy (I prefer an applejack brandy for this, but a good handle of regular brandy will do)
10 oz. Fresh lemon juice
10 oz. Simple syrup
10 oz. Ginger liqueur (I like King's Ginger, but Canton will do as well)
20 oz. Apple cider

Chris says, “Pour all ingredients into a nice serving bowl then add some lemon peels and sliced pears - and there you have it. A cocktail that is sure to impress and allow you to remain on the couch or at the grill for the game. You can even fudge some of the proportions to the taste that you like. If you would like it sweeter, add more sugar. If you would like it less sweet, add more lemon. It's really up to up to you. Enjoy!”

We hope you all have a fantastic weekend.  Enjoy the game!

{Blog by Mitchell Walters}

On a gorgeous winter day, a Hattiesburg community center opened its doors for a beloved Mardi Gras event.  Guests were warmly ushered into a bright and beautiful ballroom, glowing in pastel shades of pink, coral and gold.  For months, John David Williams, owner of Fearless Entertaining, and Anne Lauren Gammill secretly and carefully created every exquisite detail of the Queen’s Festival. 

2015 marked the 75th anniversary of the Mystic Krewe of Zeus, and Anne served as the lovely Queen of the diamond jubilee.  “The Queen’s Festival is a direct representation of the Queen,” says John David.  “I took my lead from Anne.  She is very feminine and envisioned the color palette of the party.” 

John David added his glamorous touch to the event as well.  “We had a gorgeous chandelier created for the Krewe of Zeus King’s Feast and the Queen’s Festival.  It was a gold and crystal chandelier, and was quite special.  It set the tone of the party and perfectly anchored the room.”  With the help of Pretty Presentations, the tablescapes and delicious fare blended beautifully with the florals and décor. 

John David reflects, “The room and the Queen were just radiant.  And more than anything, the space was pretty, soft and feminine because it had Anne’s touch.”

Anne says, “One of my favorite things about the event was the artist who painted the party.  I now have it hanging in my house as a memory that I will never forget!”

As evening fell on the Queen’s Festival, John David and his team turned to theatrical lighting for a stunning effect.  “The room had enormous windows on both sides.  A lot of sunlight pooled in during the daylight hours, and as night fell, it took on a completely different feel,” he smiles.  Friends and family celebrated well into the night and toasted Her Majesty, Queen Anne! 

VENDORS:
Event Venue: Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Catering:  Pretty Presentations Catering
Linen Rentals:  Pretty Presentations Rentals
Photography:  Adam + Alli Photography
On-Site Artist:  Christopher Turner
Rentals:  Taylor Rental
Florals:  John David Williams

“Creativity can be found in many forms of art and I truly believe that both my designs and hairstyles feed off each other. By understanding movement, balance, hair texture, and trending styles, each aspect of my business benefits the other.” Molly Gee of Molly Gee Designs

Molly Gee is known for her exquisite hand sewn accessories, but her gorgeous hair and makeup styling is now garnering well-deserved attention throughout Mississippi!  Molly Gee says, “Most clients originally know me for my bridal accessory business, Molly Gee Designs, which was founded in 2010. It quickly became clear that I had a passion for the styling side of my business as well as the design process. In 2014, I graduated from the Mississippi Institute of Cosmetology, when I began offering wedding day hair and makeup services as well as in-salon services!”

Molly Gee is warm and wildly creative.  If you are simply looking for a new stylist, or searching for the perfect look for your wedding day, we highly recommend Molly Gee.  We recently caught up with her to learn more about the hair and makeup side of her business!

~ What is inspiring about creating different hair and makeup looks for your clients? “Professional hair and makeup styling can bring out a joyful confidence in a bride, which is so rewarding. I meet with her throughout the planning process, then I am by her side on the wedding day. It is so fun and exciting to be a part of such a special day in someone's life!” 

~ Describe the process of working with a bride, and choosing the right style of makeup and hair for her!  “I always require a trial appointment to practice the wedding day look. It is preferred that the bride come with inspiration photos for us look over together. Once I am able to access her hair texture and length, face shape, dress, and over all sense of her style, I am able to make suggestions of what will best suit her.” 

~ Are you seeing any makeup/hair trends for winter and spring 2016? “Most brides want a timeless look for their wedding day. There are so many beautiful hairstyle options and I try to stress the ones that work best for the bride and luckily, I see a huge variety in updos and downdos. Braids or long loose curls may be a high trend at the time but if it doesn't work well with their hair type, it is not going to be the best choice. As for makeup, a fun trend for changing up the look would be a nude or rosy lipstick for the ceremony and a bold, vibrant lipstick for the reception.”

Molly Gee created the gorgeous makeup looks on Julie and Lindsey (the brides pictured), beautifully photographed by Sully Clemmer Photography.  Molly Gee also gave Lindsey, the bride in white, the absolutely stunning updo.

Molly Gee is now accepting new clients at The Parlor Salon in Madison!  She can be reached at 601-421-2565 via call or text.  For more information on Molly Gee Designs, please visit her lovely website here!  Thank you, Molly Gee, for sharing your unparalleled talents with all of us!