The American Heart Association just hosted a lovely luncheon on May 12, 2023 to raise much needed funds for their mission. I must say, the event did not disappoint. It was a sold out crowd and full of patrons in beautiful red. Red definitely looks good on most! My friends Anna Kaplan and Cortney Cole were hosts of the event. They helped fundraise thousands of dollars for the organization. Not only did I enjoy the event, support a cause, but I was also the auction winner of the beautiful diamond earrings, about 3 carats. The Post Oak Hotel was the perfect venue for the event. We are so lucky in Houston to have lovely venues and lovely philanthropists to keep these missions alive! Did I mention there was a special survivor/guest that happens to be a famous singer/songwriter? Amy Grant!!! She was lovely to listen to in talks with radio host Sarah Pepper from MIX 96.5. Let’s also mention, her unplugged performance live for her Go Red audience! What an event! For more information click this link www.goredforwomen.org .
Tag Archives: Anna Kaplan
“Champagne & Caftans”: An Engagement Soiree
Words cannot express our enthusiasm for our bride-to-be Lori Lemon-Geshay! She is a lovely lady inside and out and what a privilege to be her friend and be able to help her in celebrating her new chapter in life—marriage! Our group could not wait to spoil her with all of the things she loves….friendship, bubbly, caftans, pool-side, hydrangeas, Parisian + Italian decor, the color blue, lemons too. Stop the madness!
A few weeks ago Houston’s “Blonde Mafia” hosted Lori’s first engagement soiree at the Manhattan Lofts in the Galleria area. Private room and poolside we sipped champagne, played, danced, and celebrated the gleaming bride. A group effort from catering, to decor, flowers, sentimental touches, and good old fashioned game time…it was an epic evening full of fun and love for our dear friend.
The Girls: Lori Lemon-Geshay, Lisa Bridle, Hollie Wells, Liliana Cuellar, Anna Kaplan, Marina Kaplan, Laura Cernock, Joanna Podsiadlik, Melissa Back McAlpine, Lissa Goldsmith, and me…Nicole Brende!
Hollie thank you for preparing your famous salad and other healthy and sumptuous goodies! Liliana and Lisa the champagne kept flowing….a BIG thank you! Marina and Anna those cupcakes were so cute and loved the gluten-free option!
My hubby and I whipped up lemon chocolate and macchiato desserts for our Ms Lemon…soon to be Bergeron!
Laura the sentimental touches from the photo eiffel tower plus other goodies really set the scene. Joanna the flowers were blooming with beauty. Melissa thank you for the yummy empanadas. Lissa the bridal game was so much fun! Learned much more about our Lori!
More festivities to come! This is only the beginning!! As you can see we all adore our Lori Lemon-Geshay. Keep on sparkling up the room my friend! Bisou Bisou!
Sunnies + Stilettos @ Jimmy Choo
The 2016 Heroes And Handbags event is just around the corner. Last year I served as the Handbag Co-Chair with my dear friend Anna Kaplan. In order to help raise additional funds for the Heroes For Children organization this year my bestie and 2015 Event Chair Lori Lemon-Geshay hosted a private shopping event at the Jimmy Choo boutique in the Houston Galleria on April 12th.
Well, don’t ask us twice. Did you say shoes, shades, and champagne all in the same sentence??? I do not think I shop that often and I am pretty selective. However, if it benefits a charity I care about I will support the cause. In between my meetings what a nice break to mix, mingle, and play dress up with friends and supporters.
From the moment I walked in the store I was immediately drawn to these ‘Nita’s 53 mm sunnies. These logo-etched temples enhance the Italian-made sunglasses. And, look at the genuine-snakeskin-covered frames with metal in an oh-so-modern cat-eye-inspired silhouette! I am in love and they will be perfect for my trip to Mexico!
A little shout out to all who attended. In just 2-hours we managed to create over $12,000 in sales which proceeds will directly benefit Heroes For Children. Great job shoppers! Thanks for putting your best and I must say “fabulous” foot forward! For more info on the organization visit www.heroesforchildren.org .
It’s Tea Time Ms. Trende
I truly have the best group of friends. After my engagement announcement in January, the year of 2015 was ALL ABOUT THE PARTIES! One of them included a high tea at The St. Regis Hotel in Houston. I even had some friends fly in from Chicago and North Carolina! Thank you for making me feel so special my loves!
I have written about tea time here before and I cannot express how special it is. From the service, to the harpist, to the amazing assortment of teas, finger sandwiches, and the scones, it is a true treat.
Although I adore my teas, champagne and mimosas are a definite festive must! My hostesses were so creative with the table arrangements too. All had to find their seat by viewing their childhood photo in a frame. It made for a wonderful conversational piece as well as a thoughtful take home memento.
I just have to reflect on one thing too. How cute is my hubby for showing up at the end of the event to not only greet my lovely friends , look very dapper in the process in his suit, but to be the only man in the room and help us ladies pack up the party?!?! My Jan-Oliver Schmidt is the ultimate gentleman.
So, the next time you want to do a lady-like party definitely keep the tearoom in mind. What Texas gal does not enjoy dressing up? The room is very intimate as in “small” so book your reservation weeks or even months in advance. If you have a food allergy let the kitchen know too. They were able to accommodate both of my gluten-free and vegan friends.
And yes, pinkies up too dahhlings and enjoy!
#Best Bridal Bruncheon Ever!
Okay, sol I am taking you back to August of this year. Sometimes I get a bit behind. My friend Lori put together the most amazing bridal shower and I love her so much for it and that day in time deserves some Trende Brende attention! If you have ever stepped foot into the Hotel Granduca in Houston then you will see why this place is worth raving about. Naturally, it set the scene for the most perfect shower ever. This Italian boutique hotel in Uptown offers an elegant experience like none other. Lori and I occasionally come here for our “girl time” for high tea during the week and happy hour on Thursdays. We’ve even seen and met celebs here such as singer Steven Tyler and reality TV star Rob Kardashian for example.
Back to my party. From the formal invitation, to the personalized gift bags including monogrammed candles, to the venue, to the food and flowing champagne; my friend really knows my style! By the way, Hotel Granduca has the most savory Sunday brunch! Who knew? Stations included the meats, the cheeses, omelets, and desserts. What got us most excited was the fried chicken and waffles, the grilled cheese with bacon, peanut butter and jelly, and the sushi and oyster bar!! WOW! I should just go ahead and book my standing reservation for every Sunday I am in town for the rest of my life! For more information on their brunch, the hotel, and events check out their website www.granducahouston.com.
I just have to say, the party was so sweet including my wonderful parents, my sister, and a selection of dear friends. We laughed, nibbled, sipped, shared stories, and opened gifts. What an intimate day that I did not want to end.
Our boys met for the first time too. Looks like they will get along just fine. LOL! Hey, it’s important. Thank you again to Lori for hosting such a flawless and meaningful shower. Jan and I are truly humbled by your generosity and love.
Before I go, have I mentioned that I have definitely found my prince and knight in shining armor??!! 🙂 I am the happiest girl ever! It is the best feeling to love and to be loved. I am marrying the smartest, kindest, honest, caring, and most handsome man in my entire life. God Bless #TheJanic and our amazing future ahead! For our love story we’ve put together a short video https://youtu.be/TL0se2PqxzM. Yes we are goofballs!
Photo Credit: Angelique Cook Photography
2015 Heroes And Handbags
Sipping champagne, shopping, and mingling….all for a great cause! Count me in! May 7th at the Omni Hotel over $250,000 was raised to benefit Heroes For Children. A sold out event the 2015 Heroes And Handbags bruncheon is their signature event and the money helps families with children battling cancer. In it’s 10th year it was very exciting for me to be the Handbag Co-Chair along with my friend Anna Kaplan. Event Chair and my BFF Lori Lemon-Geshay lead the team and Host Committee and WOW does she deserve a standing ovation! Founder Larissa Linton showed a tear when the final numbers came in! The largest fundraiser for the organization in Houston to date! Way to go!
If you have never attended this event before please add it to your list for 2016. Imagine a room full of 150+ new and “gently loved” designer handbags and all are up for bid! Since 100% of the bags are donated, 100% of the sale of the bags go directly to the charity. From paying a utility bill, to rent, to transportation, and many other needs, Heroes For Children is able to help thousands of families every year with your help. The digital bidding process in itself was super exciting. Basically you are able to place your bid via your smart phone. Each time you get out bid they text you a notice. You can place a new bid and even offer a cap bid amount. Anna Kaplan and I did a television segment on KPRC Channel 2. Here is video link and it will show you some of this year’s handbag collection including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and other amazing designers! I’m already thinking about next year’s event and what selection that one will bring? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u18bLhIsny0
As you can see I won the Versace bag! The Winner sign sure got me jumping out of my chair! My friend Claire really took home the cake scoring 5 handbags!
A special thank you to the event Sponsors including Elaine Turner, Kendra Scott, Paper City, CultureMap, Momentum Porsche, A Bientot, Tanglewood Flowers & Garden, and What’s The Occassion Creative Cakery. Also a job well done by the Chairs and Host Committee members, the Donors, and Patrons who bought tables and $250 tickets to the event. The success of this event is an example of the very generous with a big heart of a city of Houston we call home. If you would like more information on the charity and ways you can help all year long visit www.heroesforchildren.org or you can find them on Facebook! Event photos coming soon by photographers Herb Hochman, Jaime Lagdameo, and Quy Tran so please check social media, Paper City, and CultureMap.