Although we have a definite point of view when it comes to our blog, describing the focus was made even easier when we relate it to the title of Tony’s book “Delivering Happiness – A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose.” For us it was a case of ‘I say tomato, you say tomahto’ because what Tony affectionately refers to as delivering happiness, we call the Rock Star Experience. Simply put: it’s about the belief that people deserve to be treated in the best way possible, and then actually executing that philosophy.

So with fingers crossed we completed the online form and clicked the “submit” button.

True to what Zappos customer service has come to be known for, we were thrilled when two days later a package arrived containing our copy of “Delivering Happiness.” With smiles, we quickly scan the accompanying letter:
“Congratulations! You’ve been approved by the Delivering Happiness book team to receive an advance copy of the book. As a bonus, we’ve included an extra copy of the book for you to give away to your readers.”

Already impressed with the short turn-around time, we were now blown away by a generous and BRILLIANT promotion. If this was any indication of what we could expect from the content of the book, we were definitely in for a treat!

A LITTLE HAPPINESS FOR YOU

We want to pay it forward (as Tony and his team have encouraged us to do) by giving one of you the second copy of “Delivering Happiness.”

CONGRATULATIONS NIKKI STEPHAN! 

Nikki will receive our extra advance copy of Tony’s new book.  We can’t wait to hear her thoughts and wish her happy reading!

A LOOK INTO THE BOOK
Don’t forget to come back to “the ROCK STAR experience” on Monday, June 7 to read our full review of the book. Until then, here’s a sneak peak to what we think so far.

* * *
Yes, we were curious about the nuts and bolts needed to achieve success at such a young age, as Tony had done, but we were more excited to gain an inside prospective to the mindset that allows someone to reach their goals and milestones with such zest. At least that what we hoped for until Chapter 1 when he writes:
“So, basically, I ended up not attending any of my classes freshman year (of college). Since I never made it out of bed in the first place, I was too lazy to shower and walk all the way over to the lunch hall. I ended up eating a lot of ramen during the day at watching every episode of Days of Our Lives.” (page 24)

Have no fear … you quickly find out why Tony has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. The book isn’t a teaching guide to good business, but rather an insight to one person’s story. Tony pulls you in and makes you feel like a friend … and you wish you were when you read:
“I wanted my twenty-sixth birthday party to embody the same positive energy I’d experienced in the rave culture, so in the weeks leading up to it, I did everything I could to make sure it would be a night to remember. I went on an online shopping spree and ordered fog machines, colored lights, light controllers, lasers, disco balls, black lights, fluorescent decorations, and trusses to hang the lights and lasers on.” (page 83)

Want more happiness? Us too! So please excuse us as we go back to reading.

*   *   *

Saturday – June 12, 2010   7:30pm Performance 

 TICKETS FOR SATURDAY’S PERFORMANCE OF “LENNY’S BACK” ARE SOLD OUT.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Sunday – June 13, 2010   1:00pm Viewing

 ON-LINE TICKET PURCHASES ARE NOW CLOSED.  TO PURCHASE A TICKET FOR SUNDAY’S “WEST OF BROOKLYN” MOVIE PREMIERE, PLEASE CALL

248.489.8620

Please join us June 12-13, 2010 for the

Ronnie Marmo
Fan Weekend

This marks Ronnie’s first solo appearance in Michigan. Although currently known for his role as good cop “Ronnie Domestico” on ABC’s hit daytime drama General Hospital, Ronnie Marmo is a versatile actor of the stage and big screen. Originally from Brooklyn, this New Jersey raised boy spent a year as “Tony” in the national tour of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, and can be seen in more than 15 feature films including Deuces Wild, Limbo Lounge and Pizza with Bullets. He is also the co-founder and artistic director for Theatre 68 (ask him how the name came about when you see him!) in Los Angeles. Not one to rest on his laurels, he is one of the hardest working actors today – and was recently recognized in March with the Robert Pastorelli Rising Star Award.

Passionate about his craft, Ronnie is a great champion for whatever project he is involved with. He is excited to be in Michigan for this fun and memorable weekend. It’s a “can’t miss event” and tickets are limited, so reserve yours today!

Saturday – June 12, 2010
7:30pm Show

Ronnie will be performing his one-man show … LIVE!
$75/person or $130/pair
*Includes a VIP reception following with hors d’oeuvres, dessert & coffee*

 For more inforation on Lenny’s Back, please the official website.

Sunday – June 13, 2010
1:00pm Viewing

Ronnie will be premiering the movie he wrote, acted in & produced.
$25/person
*Includes Q&A and Meet & Greet following*

 For more information on West of Brooklyn, please visit the official website.

Both events will take place at
GENITTI’S
108 East Main Street ~ Northville, MI 48167

~ Proceeds will benefit Theatre 68 and The Desi Geestman Foundation ~

Tickets are limited!
For information please email Info@EventsByLAProductions.com

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Brandon Barash (Johnny Zacchara), Lisa LoCicero (Olivia Falconeri), Ronnie Marmo (Ronnie Domestico) and Drew Cheetwood (Milo Giambetti) will be on hand take photos, sign autographs and dish on the latest news out of Port Charles. And, you never know what other PC residents might show up! The evening includes dinner, cocktails, dancing, auctions and more.

BONUS: Through Sunday, April 25, friends of LA Productions will also get $10 off each ticket purchased, plus be entered into a drawing for 2 tickets to Ronnie Marmo’s “West of Brooklyn” Michigan viewing in June. Please email Lisa@EventsByLAProductions.com to place your order.

The mission of the Desi Geestman Foundation is to improve the quality of life for children suffering from cancer, and their families. The foundation provides environments of support that alleviate emotional and economic trauma.

Complete information can be found on the Touched by a Star website.

Don’t delay … place your order today!

The easy way would be to get on a plane and travel through New York City. It’s a trip that we take a few times a year and are very familiar with. Although there is great fun in doing that, we’ve decided to switch things up a bit and hit the open road! To us, a road trip is all about the freedom of time, cool music and discovering local treasures! And that’s where you come in …

We are asking our friends to be part of our journey by contributing your ideas of sites we should see, places we should eat and tunes we should listen to – all to keep us going! Our schedule includes stops near Pittsburgh, PA – Philadelphia, PA – Edison, NJ – & Atlantic City, NJ.

If we stop at your suggested location or hear your song on our iPod, you will win a $20 coupon to put toward an event during Ronnie’s Midwest visit, plus a shout-out on our Facebook & Twitter pages. So put your thinking caps on and send us a note … we can’t wait to hear from you!

To learn more about “Lenny Bruce Is Back (And Boy Is He Pissed), please visit Theatre 68.

To learn more about “West of Brooklyn”, please visit the website.

The decision is easier if you are the type of person that is strictly a bridal registry gift-giver. You simply read over your options, narrow it down to fit a particular budget and use the complimentary bow that comes from most stores. After all it, these are items the happy couple asked for.

And if price isn’t a factor, then the sky’s the limit.

The majority of us fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. Thinking up a gift that is truly memorable is a challenge. And in a more budget conscience society, people are looking for a different, but fun way to congratulate the bride and groom on their new life together.

Here are five gift suggestions – all under $30 – that are unique and thoughtful.

Say “cheers” to the new Mr. & Mrs. with personalized crystal champagne flutes. $29.95 – http://www.personalizationmall.com 

Wish the new couple great fortune – literally – with these hand-dipped fortune cookies with a variety of inside messages. Beginning at $12.00/dozen – http://www.ediblegiftsplus.com 

“His and Her” flip flops that let the newlyweds leave their mark in the sand – the bottoms read JUST MARRIED. $23.00 (for both sets) – http://www.bridalpeople.com 

Their future will be brightly shining with this monogrammed candle. It burns into itself, which means tea-lights can be placed inside for endless use. $25.00 – www.classybride.com 

Give the happy couple a fun one-of-a-kind gift, like this photo puzzle. $24.99 – www.shutterfly.com 

Do you have a favorite gift to give?  Or have your recently found the best bang for your buck?  If so, please share it with us!

The latest video, from our “go to” event planner Lisa Kupelian, helps a stressed out and “on-a-budget” bridesmaid solve her gift giving dilemma.

The key: avoid the bridal registry all together with these unique ideas that come from the heart.

Ask Lisa: Bridesmaid on a Budget from LA Productions on Vimeo.

Do you have a favorite wedding gift to give? Or have your received a gift that you still treasure because of its thoughtfulness not its price tag? If so, then we want to hear from you … go ahead, post a comment below!

You are cordially invited to

The Bridal Experience

 Sunday ~ April 18, 2010

1:00 – 4:00pm

At the beautiful

Western Golf & Country Club

14600 Kinloch ~ Redford, MI  48239

Complimentary Champagne

Hors d’oeuvres Sampling

Great Raffle Prizes

Meet premier wedding professionals ready to help you plan your dream day!

$5 admission at the door or pre-register for FREE admission

 http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dENGcjRpVzk3LVZTUGtTRmoxYUZoTkE6MQ

* * *  MORE FUN EXTRAS  * * *

First 10 brides to pre-register receive a gift upon arrival!

Bring the event postcard with you for an additional raffle entry!

* * *  PARTICIPATING VENDORS  * * *

Western Golf & Country Club

Sandi Wheaton Photography

Mid American Studio

Your Event Party Rental

Vintner’s Canton Winery

Rodan & Fields Dermatologist

Custom Creations & Invitations

Amazing Sweets

Gerard Tuxedo

Complete Video Solutions

FLIP Salon

Affairs by Davis Floral

Le Salon Bridal

RE/MAX Home Sales Services (Brett Phillips)

Lia Sophia Jewelry

Uppercase Living

updated daily ~ please check back

Yes, we know it’s only April, but at LA Productions we know the value of planning ahead. So all month long, the ROCK STAR blog will share unique ideas with you – including budget-friendly gifts, DIY party themes and day-of must have’s. Whether you are in the bridal party or just a wedding day guest, we’ve got great information to make sure you are properly prepared for the fun and festivities. Don’t miss these up-coming segments:

April 9 – Bridesmaid on a Budget
April 15 – Memorable Gifts Under $30
April 22 – Just say SPAhhh!
April 26 – What to look for in a vendor

In the meantime, we hope you’ll find these wedding traditions from across time and around the world as interesting as we did!

• The longest wedding dress train was found in Germany, it measured over 515 feet.
• In English tradition, Wednesday is considered the ‘Best Day’ to marry, although Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health.
• Moroccan women take a milk bath to purify themselves before their wedding ceremony.
  A Finnish bride traditionally went door-to-door collecting gifts in a pillowcase, accompanied by an older married man who represented long marriage.
• Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits. Brides have worn veils ever since.
• In South Africa, the parents of both bride and groom traditionally carried fire from their hearths to light a new fire in the newlyweds’ hearth.
• Peas are thrown at Czech newlyweds instead of rice.
• A Swedish bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe to ensure that she’ll never do without.
• In Japan, white was always the color of choice for bridal ensembles — long before Queen Victoria popularized it in the Western world.

It might seem like a simple pleasure, but for me brunch is an event usually reserved for special occasions. But it shouldn’t be. An “event” doesn’t have to be grandiose, it’s simply special because of what you make of it. I vow to indulge in this midday meal at least once over the next four days while the slower pace affords me the opportunity. And whether you go it alone or gather a group of loved ones I hope you find time to do the same.

To get you started, I dug through my recipe binder and rediscovered a great treat perfect for any table: Croissant French Toast. This recipe – compliments of Cafeteria NYC – makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Not only is it delicious, but it takes me back to wonderful memories of trips to NYC, sitting in the restaurant’s sidewalk section, while experiencing the sights and sounds of the Big Apple.

And that’s what any good event does. It transports you. It evokes emotion. It makes you want to do it all over again. So find your favorite recipe (or feel free to use this one) and do it soon … I promise you’ll thank me for it!

CROISSANT FRENCH TOAST (serves 4)

1 stick butter, divided
1/4 cup sugar
4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into eighths
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 cups milk
3 eggs
3/4 t. ground cinnamon
4 croissants, halved lengthwise
Confectioners’ sugar for garnish

Melt half the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes, until sugar has caramelized. Add the apples and maple syrup. Cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes, until apples are tender. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Whisk milk, eggs and cinnamon together in a large, shallow bowl. Add croissants halves to mixture one at a time until they are thoroughly saturated. Melt remaining butter on a griddle over medium heat until they are golden brown on each side.

To serve, spoon warm maple-apple mixture across bottom half of a croissant. Cover with croissant top and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

 * * *

Join in – we want to hear what you thought of this dish, or share your favorite food experiences with us.