New York Spicy Nights! This one was pretty fantastic!

I seem to recall a line out of Sex and the City where Carrie was talking about the warmth that hits Manhattan just after Fashion Week. I took that to be a good sign. When I got there the high was 53. A veritable heat wave for the city. I was up in our offices working new clients and setting up the new apartment with the other half.

So it was just another Friday night. I had a great vendor with Henry and I and we stopped by Capital Grille for a quick bite then we headed over to Therapy for some drinks. About which time the infamous part boy Randy Jones from the Village People rang and said Charro was performing her new hit single tonight. As a matter of fact: it was debuting tonight and we MUST be in attendance. So at 10:45 or so, we made the move to the night club where she was going to perform.

We were promptly escorted into the dressing room area above the DJ booth and quickly realized there was no restroom on that floor nor drinks or drink service. Oh well. If I could meet the queen of The Love Boat! I was all game.

About Midnight, we got word she was on her way. She joined us in a paparazzi storm followed.

There is quite the interesting story about her new song. Her son is a renowned song writer and had written this new track for Brittany Spears. Charro heard it and said nope that belongs to me now and she recorded it. She made no ifs ands or buts about telling the story and what expletive Brittany Spears could do to her self. Oh well. . I digress!

She performed the number in front of 600 or so people and just killed it! It is nights like this that absolutely make it fabulous to have a second home in New York!

Easy like a Sunday Morning

Only in the south do they offer as much pomp and circumstance as they do for a baby's christening/baptism. I was invited to a cousin's child's baptism the other week. It was truly a lovely affair. That is if you can embrace all that its southern roots entail. So here's the story:

I got up early after making sure everything was done properly with the recorded portion of my radio program and headed to St. Michael's church in historic Charleston SC. Without question, one of Charleston's most lavishly adorned and historic churches in the city.

WE enjoyed a lovely sermon, and the baptism went off without a hitch. Baby did not cry, wiggle or anything. She was a precious little angel. How amazing. I mean I can not imagine just how embarrassing it is to have your child screaming bloody murder while having water placed on its head in front of 300 of your nearest and dearest friends. I am about to get to the best part.

It is often said coming from the south the best part of a baptism, or funeral is of course the repast that is offered at some one's home after. I tend to disagree with this. In all of my 35 years (albeit still relatively young) it seems that someone would have thought to change the menu. You can predict it like clock work: tea sandwiches that are bland chicken salad, shrimp paste that is truly not that bad, a honey baked ham, cheese, fruit salad, deviled eggs and some sort of sweets offering. I mean it NEVER changes.

I challenge all of my southern friends to thing outside of the epicurean box and do something new. Some people go a little crazy and have chilled crab dip and pimento cheese. Do you sense the sarcasm? It would be cool and I wouldn't believe it if I saw it, if someone would do something different.

It has been noted that the south is quite content with no change and keeping a good thing good. However, I would love to see the day that someone offers something besides the same old same old. I would even be excited to see a new play on an old classic.

However, all in all, food excluded, it could not have been a more beautiful day and a beautiful girl!

New Fashion Week. . . New Experiences in NY

Just getting back from working on a several events with New York Fashion Week. It was an absolute blast. We'll start with my arrival into the city. . getting into our normal black car service, I have this brand new driver who legit has only been driving legally for 2 months. .how he got that job is well beyond my scope. However, I digress. Get to the first venue approximately 15 minutes late thanks to my driver and do a walk through with AZ (the designer) Ricco his producer, and a PR and publicist team of like 12. Got those T's crossed and I'd dotted and then proceeded to have a well deserved glass of wine with the owner of Models Hotel which is this really cool boutique social organization that plans and produces high end celebrity and model driven events. I am now acting as their official event producer and designer. Such a blessing!

The next night, we worked with them on Christian Sirano's show and after party. I after setting the room, calling cues for the show got to play door guy and watch as hundreds attempted to get into the event. The event took place in the meat packing district at this fabulous little venue that we were turned onto. Celebrity attendees included Gabrielle Union, Mena Suvari,Jimmy Fallon and more. Svedka was the presenting sponsor for this event. It is amazing how many people and how many paps were there to take part in his festivities. Our team hit it out of the park.

Gabrielle, Christian and his Boyfriend.

The next evening we worked on the Vanexianna after party. This show was a bit more subdued. So a funny story I thought I would share. I always like to totally think of myself as in the know and up on who's who. well apparently I was schooled on this particular night. It would seem that some it girls from MTV's the HILLS were in attendance. I went outside and grabbed a cigarette and ran across this beautiful gal in amazing shoes.

turns out it was Lo Bosworth and Stephanie Pratt. Now I do know Spencer and Heidi as well as have heard of Stephanie. .however, LO totally has me fooled.  well as it turns out, she is writing a book and attempting a new tv show of some sort. I wish her all the best. She was quite lovely.

We left Studio 21 and headed down to the Village to catch up with YMCA veteran Randy Jones. That portion of the evening is always fun entertaining and way too late!

Headed back into the city in a couple of days for more meetings and looking forward to continuing such fun events.



Brand New Web Site is up and up up and away to the cold

After about 6 weeks, we finally got the LR site out of flash which I found out after the fact that no one could google search. We have revised the site and wow it came out great. Our very own gadget girl Laura designed it. Take a moment and let me know your thoughts. You can find it at www.lawsonroberts.com.

I jump on a plane tomorrow for the rest of the week and into the weekend to be in the NYC offices for pre-production on New York Fashion Week. This is a very exciting time for me. We are working with several wonderful designers including Christian Siriano, Vanexiano, AZ, and more. My team will be doing full production for several shows and then working on design and production for even more after parties.

I have been spoilt just a bit by the warm temps in the Charleston market. I go back and it's 26 for a high and 16 for a low. As long as there are no more snow storms. . .we'll be ok. .I hope i'm totally not jinxing myself.

We also ink a deal to do a series of corporate dinner events with a luxury client. This is such an exciting time for me and the company and I am ever so grateful to everyone that has continually offered their support.

I of course will have tons of pictures from the city. Friend me on facebook or follow me on twitter. both are @lawsonroberts.

Cheers,

L.

New Year New Me and Needles? Did I Sign up for all of this?

So here we are a couple of weeks into the new year and I have officially gone to the Doc's office for the consult on what he will be doing for me. I then of course have traveling to do in our New York office so I finally get back to Charleston having escaped the snow once again. . thank goodness. So I print out the requisition form and see a whole battery of blood samples that they need. Knowing that I really am not the hugest fan of any needle. . . this should be an interesting morning.

I walked into the facility and they took me back to the back room where they sat me down. I looked at them and said "is this going to hurt?" I figured it was a good question to ask. . They said "oh no. . .just a little pinch."

I closed my eyes. . and 6 whole tubes later they were done. They sent the samples off and now Doctor Matt will be reviewing them and I get to look forward to seeing how the results come out.

Monday we enjoy a holistic dinner from Chef Ken Immer. It will be quite a fabulous experience as well. You bet we will have the microphones and tape rolling for the dinner. I always find it fascinating how to make food that is not only flavorful but incredibly healthy.

We will take you behind the scenes of the results on the air next weekend.

It's all part of the New Year New Me. . . you can hear it all live on The Sunday Morning Mimosa Radio Show.

New York is really a small town! Well small world anyways.

This is part one of the NYC blog. The other half is coming tomorrow. Please enjoy.

You know in a city of upwards of 9 million people like New York, is it just possible that in our entertainment and events world that it means running into people all over the island? It just often strikes me as crazy that literally upwards of 9 million people live on this island and our event and entertainment world is so small. Ok so here's some of the fun that we had while up in the NYC offices this past week. When I got in on

Wednesday, there were still huge piles on snow on the ground. I was to meet up with my friend Michael Longoria who played the Franki Valli Role in Jersey Boys. we went to a little Mexican restaurant called Ariba Ariba in Hells Kitchen. Fabulous place. . from the 70s disco music to the cool yet risque paintings on the wall. Michael and I caught up after seeing his Midtown Men show in Charleston. It was nice to enjoy a margarita and some mexican. It was even Gayer than Santi's.

We then walked a block and half around the corner to this really fabulous bar called Industry. It was packed even at 8:00. We ran into Daniel another mid town man and one of his friends. we enjoyed the fun music and cocktails there. This bar/lounge was quite remarkable. great vibrant colors, beautiful people everywhere and really impressive lounges.

 

That is where I made my exit to the Plaza Hotel's Oak Room to catch up with an industry Partner of mine and see a vocalist and Jazz Trumpet player by the name of Brian Newman.

Brian's style is very similiar to Buble. He's got the entire package for entertaining. He can sing, he plays the hell out of the trumpet and is just an incredible performer. We had settled in to enjoy a cocktail and in walked Lady Gaga along with her boy friend Luc and a few others. I have to tell you she was quite the cool lady to sit down and chat with. She graduated from the Tish School of the arts in the city with a vocal major. As it turns out, she has quite the presence when it comes to playing jazz.

She rocked out an incredible version of Gershwin's Someone to Watch Over Me. check out the clip right here.

Lady Gaga sings Gershwin at our table at the Oak Room

The Night ended with being quoted for Page 6 about the entire experience. It is days and nights like this that keep me energized in the city and just continually adoring what I do.

Day One. . .Body Shocker. . Mind Shocker. . .and WOW

I jumped in the car and headed to see Doctor Matt  to get my initial consultation knocked out.  I was surprisingly nervous. I don't ever get nervous. I can perform in front of thousands. . I have so many listeners and viewers . . .NEVER nervous.... but I think it was the fear of the unknown. . .and what he was going to find. Upon arrival in his ultra modern chic office, he handed me a novel to fill out. It seemed to take forever. Tons of questions. ... I figured I need to be honest as I can. . I really want this to work. So I spent the extra time to make sure each and every question was as honest as possible. I FINALLY got done and we then sat down to review all of the details. The first thing I found out is that the right side of my brain and left side don't communicate as they should. Go figure. . who knew. However, Matt wasn't worried. "oh we can fix that."  Ok I was a bit more relieved. He then told me that my fear of eating hot and spicy things because of an immediate need for heart burn meds will be gone after some of his work. That was exciting to me as well. Then he dropped the BOMB. I am going to have to go on a 3 week total body cleanser. Holy S$%T!!! REALLY? details of this total body cleanse and detox will be coming soon in another blog. . 3 weeks? really 3 weeks? That just seems like a really long time. Then I have these supplements to take to figure out my blood sugar etc. Of course one of my first questions was what kind of side effects. . .he says none. We shall see. Matt combines both Eastern and Western treatment approaches. So this means not only will I be detoxing for 3 weeks. .I will be doing accu puncture, massage and more. It proves to be a very interesting journey. Next up J.D and Ken Immer to go over there parts of the game. All in all, a very interesting day.

New Year, New ME????!!!! YIKES

So after hosting the new year new you show today on my national radio show The Sunday Morning Mimosa, I now have the dream team of nutritionist/holistic chef, personal trainer, and neurologist working on me.I'm going to take 90 days and get back into shape. You know it was 4 years ago that I went from a staggering 268 pounds down to a more presentable 190. Now to be honest I am up over that 200 mark again. I am going for round 2 and have you to thank as my supporters and followers who will cheer me on and join the journey with me. I will be doing weekly blogs that will include radio clips, video updates and of course just me probably bitching about how much I am in pain. It will be a fun journey and I look forward to sharing it with you. As we all begin an exciting new year, my hope is to be a healthy, prosperous and happy new year. Here we are!!! Ready Set GO!!!!!!!!!

National Event Producer Lawson Roberts offers some creative ideas for Host Gifts

Well it’s official: The holiday party season has arrived
You know what that means?
It means that the holiday party invites are going to start rolling in any minute.  And if you're anything like me, you’re probably swamped with business and commitments so figuring out what the heck to bring along for the host or hostess is the last thing you need to add to that endless list of to do’s.
Have no fear though; I've done the creative work for you.

 Here’s a fun  list of spruced up holiday host gifts that will knock their socks off or stockings as the case may be.

Something Festive  - fill a decorative glass jar with a homemade trail mix (make it different- craisins, mini assorted chocolate chips, coconut, almonds granola and tie a big, beautiful ribbon around it.  Imagine how pretty it would look.  And the fact that the contents are totally shelve-able means that your hostess wouldn't feel obligated to serve it at the party.
Something Frivolous -  head over to World Market or Pier 1 and pick up a set or two of elegant unique cocktail stirrers. There are plenty of options this time of year.  Next stop: the  liquor store.  Choose a nice bottle of liquor (Chambord, Godiva, Baileys) to present with the stirrers.  Again, a big, beautiful bow would go a long way to add wow factor to a relatively simple gift.

Something Sinful -  think chocolate.  This time of year you can easily find decadent goodies on every end-cap of every specialty store.  There are peppermint barks, gourmet marshmallows, truffles and toffees. Sweets are always a sinful treat for your host to enjoy.

Something Portable -  I like the idea of a nice quality travel mug presented with an assortment of holiday flavored teas and chai.  They have such great flavors available this time of year.  Arrange the mug alongside the teas and chai in a basket with a candy cane and you've saved your hostess a trip to Starbucks!

Something Personalized - pick up a pair of plain martini glasses and a glass painting kit from your local craft store.  Let your creative juices flow.  Painting initials, snowflakes, shapes  or stripes on the glasses would make them instantly unique.  Tie some ribbons around the stems and present them with some chic cocktail napkins.

Something Practical - If the host is throwing a big holiday shindig, chances are she won't feel up to making breakfast the following morning.  A pound of  pre-ground holiday blend coffee, a dozen fresh bagels (or muffins or croissants) from a local bakery along with flavored cream cheese (or jams) will always be much appreciated.

Something Fragrant -  why not get an assortment of  tea light candles with those scented pine cones that start popping up all around town about this time of year.  You can buy a mesh bagful of them at the grocery store very inexpensively.  You pour those pine cones into a decorative basket with the tea lights, adorn a metallic ribbon on them, and you have created a fabulous gift.

Something Traditional -  and what's more traditional than wine? You truly can put a spin on even the most traditional of host gifts.  Consider purchasing a wine that is produced in the recipient's home state.  And present it with a decorative bottle stopper.

Something Signature -  stop in to one of your local stationary shops, odds are they have some very cool monogrammed items that will inevitably have the last name initial that you are looking for. Some fun ideas would be hand towels, coasters, linen coctail napkins etc...
Remember, when at all possible, buy local. Keep that hard earned money right in your neck of the woods.

Happy Entertaining!!!!

L.

National Event Producer Lawson Roberts Offers Experts' Tips in Holiday Party Etiquette

So you're at the company holiday party and you see someone double dipping in the cocktail sauce. . YUCK! It happens all the time.  Ever  wonder what to wear to an event. . what is a must for Black Tie? What kind of host gifts should you bring with you to a dinner party? What about a cocktail party? Ever wonder how late is fashionably late?  This is something that has always fascinated me. I have decided to bring in 2 nationally acclaimed experts to discuss this plus everything else under the sun when it comes to tastefully living and proper style. It will all be on your brunch show: The Sunday Morning Mimosa this Sunday from 11-1. In the Charleston Market you can tune in at 98.9 Chick FM. It's also up on my website at http://www.lawsonroberts.com/. Joining us on the show this week:

K. Cooper Ray: 

K. Cooper Ray was born in Montgomery and is a thirteenth generation Southerner and a seventh generation Alabaman.  He served as Vice President of Bottega Veneta and Ambassador of Dom Perignon before launching  SocialPrimer.com in 2008 and has been featured in Vanity Fair, GQ, Town & Country, Elle, Marie Claire, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times as well as a recurring etiquette segment on The KTLA Morning Show. Cooper has lived in New York City, Milan, Italy, Cape Cod, Los Angeles and now Charleston, South Carolina. He is a bow tie designer (Social Primer for Brooks Brothers), sailor (2006 regatta winner), Tavern & Music Hall proprietor (Eighth & Rail) and was recently chosen one of Angeleno Magazines’ Top Ten Men of Style. He is the author of the Manhattan society satire Last Night at Moomba and is an established fixture on the social scenes in Los Angeles and New York.

Cindy Grosso:

Cynthia R. Grosso is a corporate etiquette expert. She has been a speaker, teacher and consultant in this arena for more than 15 years. She is the founder of the Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette. Prior to her current business, she owned a prominent international modeling and finishing school.
In addition to being an award winning speaker and a business columnist, Ms. Grosso has appeared as an etiquette expert on the Dr. Phil Show, Oprah, Faking It and Perfect Proposal reality shows on TLC, written about in Woman's Day Magazine, Marie Claire Magazine, The New York Times, Esquire Magazine, BusinessWeek Magazine, Golf Digest, Working Woman Magazine, Women's World Magazine as well as many others. She is the host of Your Manners Matter radio show.