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Happy Thanksgiving eCard from Castle Court Images!

2011-11-23T16:20:00.000-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! Click on your eCard above!

Castle Court Images will create your family eCard

to share with friends and fam for the holidays!

1) Email us your pictures and names of your family members to kim@castlecourtimages.com

2) We will create your eCard and send back to you!

Farm-to-Table Cuisine in Connecticut - with a 'Twist'!

2011-06-13T19:15:00.001-04:00

TODAY'S CHEFS

I didn't realize, until I read this article below on The Feast, that the same month (May) that I moved out of Greenwich and back to NYC, a wonderful Chef and friend of my mom's, Chef Francois Kwaku-Dongo of L'Escale, also left town for a new venture. Although my friends and family may miss me, an entire community of Greenwich & Fairfield Counties, Westchester County and NYC foodies looking for an escape will miss him.

Chef Francoise (as my mom calls him) moved north in May to prepare to open two new restaurants located at the newly branded Madison Beach Hotel in the coastal town of Madison, CT. The restaurants are: The Wharf and Tides on the Sound. He describes his new restaurants as a "twist" to farm-to-table cuisine - as he will cook with fresh local ingredients and also says his menu will be 80% seafood.

Finally a world renown chef is uncovering the beautiful seacoast and farms that Connecticut has to offer. As Chef Francois has been so creative with his delicious & elegant dishes at L'escale, moving up to Madison is an opportunity to be actual neighbors to many Connecticut farms.

I was introduced to local farm-to-table meals for the first time at restaurants like Scopa & Barndiva in Sonoma County's culinary jewel of Healdsburg, California. The food at these restaurants are unbelievably delicious and you can taste and smell the farm-fresh ingredients in every single bite. It truly carries the culinary experience to a whole other level. It is also both relaxing & exciting when the menus online are just samples and the actual menu changes each day depending on what the restaurant has fresh from the farms. Chef Francoise will embrace this daily menu for a number of his dishes in his two new restaurants.

To top it off, Chef Francoise is extremely friendly and has such a unique life growing up in the Ivory Coast and quickly proving his multiple talents in the Epicurean world, working with Wolfgang Puck as his mentor. This may be my local answer to Healdsburg, with an East Coast "twist". Madison is LUCKY to have him...and remember Local Farms, The Madison Beach Hotel & Chef Francoise are only a car-ride away!

L'Escale Chef Moves to Madison

article: www.thefeast.com
Kitchen Roulette by

and Chef Francois Kwaku-Dongo, the acclaimed Wolfgang Puck protege who's presided over the kitchen at Greenwich's L'Escale since 2005, has decided to leave the famed dining destination and head north for a similar position at the rebranded Madison Beach Hotel. Kwaku-Dongo left L'Escale on May 1. On or around July 1, he will open two restaurants, The Wharf and Tides on the Sound, at the family-owned boutique hotel that just finished a massive renovation.

"I was looking for a place where I could serve locally-produced cuisine, and where I could meet farmers and be part of a small community," Kwaku-Dongo tells The Feast. "Our menu will be more influenced by New England [than it was at] L'Escale. It's my twist on farm-to-table dining and will probably be about 80-percent seafood."

Kwaku-Dongo was raised in Ivory Coast. After attending college in Manhattan, he worked as a Sous Chef under Francesco Antonucci at Remi and later caught the eye of Puck. He served under the famed celebrity chef throughout the nineties, holding Executive Chef titles at SpagoWest Hollywood and Spago Chicago before relocating to Greenwich.

Madison, CT is a beautiful CT historic beachtown on Long Island Sound, great for relaxing, biking, farmstands, kayaking and spending time with your family. The sunsets are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen and is not too far from wine-tasting, antiquing and much more crowded and touristy yet fun for kids, Mystic, CT.

xo Kim

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Rachel Platten's 'Be Here' : See her perform Live!

2011-06-10T10:37:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday....

THIS WEEKEND'S MUSIC TOUR HEADS SOUTH!

My Friend from Trinity and brilliant singer/song writer, Rachel Platten, is performing with her band tonight in Baltimore AT THE 8x10, tomorrow night in Charlotte, NC at The Evening Muse and Sunday night in Atlanta at Park Tavern!

Rachel's tour below which opened in NYC on May 3rd, features her brand new album 'Be Here'. I was there and it was amazing! Rachel signed with Rock Ridge Music (distributed by ADA/Warner Music Group) in January.

Share this with Maryland, DC, Charlotte, NC & Atlanta friends! Her album is amazing and upbeat...She's so fun live & seriously every song is great!

Upcoming shows for 'Be Here' tour

Friday, June 10 7:00 pm TONIGHT!
Rachel Platten in Baltimore MD, 6/10 @ 8x10
The 8x10: 10 E Cross St, Baltimore, MD (MAP)
Share

Saturday, June 11 7:00 pm TOMORROW NIGHT!
Rachel Platten in Charlotte NC, 6/11 @ The Evening Muse
The Evening Muse: 3227 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC (MAP)
Share

Sunday, June 12 6:00 pm
Rachel Platten in Atlanta GA, 6/12 @ Park Tavern
Park Tavern: 500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA (MAP)
Share

Monday, June 13 8:00 pm
Rachel Platten live web show! 6/05 on StageIt.com
http://www.stageit.com: New York, NY (MAP)
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Wednesday, June 15 7:00 pm
Rachel Platten in Columbia SC, 6/15 @ New Brookland Tavern
New Brookland Tavern: 122 State St, W Columbia, SC (MAP)
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Friday, June 17 8:00 pm
Rachel Platten in Gatlinburg TN, 6/17 @ Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe Gatlinburg: 515 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN (MAP)
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Wednesday, June 22 7:00 pm
Rachel Platten in Columbus OH, 6/22 @ Brothers Drake
Brothers Drake: 26 E 5th Ave, Columbus, OH (MAP)
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Friday, July 8 7:00 pm
Rachel Platten in Boston, 7/8 @ Cafe 939
Cafe 939: 1140 Boylston St., Boston, MA (MAP)
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Tuesday, July 12 10:30 pm
Rachel Platten in NYC, 7/12 @ Rockwood Music HAll
Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 2): 196 Allen St, New York, NY (MAP)
(Buy tickets)
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Wednesday, July 13 7:00 pm
Rachel Platten in Newton Square, 7/13 @ Burlap and Bean
Burlap and Bean: 204 S Newtown Street Rd., Newtown Square, PA (MAP)
(Buy tickets)
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Wednesday, July 20 7:00 pm
(Early) Rachel Platten live in Chicago @ Schuba's Tavern, 7/20
Schubas Tavern: 3159 N Southport Ave., Chicago, IL (MAP)
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Thursday, July 21 8:00 pm
Rachel Platten live in Indianapolis @ Birdy's, 7/21
Birdy's Bar & Grill: 2131 E 71st St., Indianapolis, IN (MAP)
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Friday, July 22 9:00 pm
Rachel Platten live in Rockford @ Kryptonite, 7/22
Kryptonite: 308 W State St., Rockford, IL (MAP)
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Saturday, July 23 8:00 pm
Rachel Platten live in Duluth @ Beaner's, 7/23
Beaner's Central: 324 N Central Ave., Duluth, MN (MAP)
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Tuesday, July 26 7:00 pm
Rachel Platten live in Fargo @ The Aquarium, 7/26
The Aquarium: 226 Broadway, Fargo, ND (MAP)
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Wednesday, July 27 8:00 pm
Rachel Platten live in Omaha @ The Waiting Room, 7/27
The Waiting Room Lounge: 6212 Maple St., Omaha, NE (MAP)
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Friday, July 29 8:00 pm
Rachel Platten live in Fairfield @ Cafe Paradiso, 7/29
Cafe Paradiso: 101 North Main Street, Fairfield, No State (MAP)
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Saturday, July 30 8:00 pm
Rachel Platten live in Minneapolis @ Fine Line, 7/30
Fine Line Music Café: 318 1st Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN (MAP)
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Tuesday, August 2 7:00 pm
Rachel Platten in Pittsburgh, 8/2 @ Club Cafe
Club Cafe: 56-58 S 12th St., Pittsburgh, PA (MAP)
Share

Saturday, September 24 8:00 pm
Rachel Platten live @ Hotel Carolina Music Festival, 9/24
Windjammer: 1008 Ocean Blvd., Isle Of Palms, SC (MAP)
(Buy tickets)
Share

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND! XO

castle court images: videos for your family memories & events

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email: kim@castlecourtimages.com

phone: 203.561.0974

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NYC, Greenwich & The Hamptons

CALYPSO ONLINE SAMPLE SALE TODAY!

2011-06-09T09:39:00.000-04:00

Castle Court Images brings you...

TODAY'S DEAL:

Check out Calypso's online Sample Sale starting today! Lots of cute dresses!

XO Kim

.................................................................................................

subscribe to my new blog at:
www.castlecourtimages.blogspot.com

kimberly grad

castle court images: videos for your family memories & events

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Castle Court Celebrates our Pets!

2011-06-08T13:40:00.000-04:00

I went into Central Park before 9am this morn and watched all of the happy dogs running around with no leashes (as it always should be)!

TODAY'S INSPIRATION
Does your pet inspire you to live life to the fullest? Whether that means taking time to relax on the couch, being carried around in a bag or running around in the park, dogs really live the good life. Lets be thankful for our loving & devoted pets, who are there for us through thick and thin, inspire New Yorkers to become sweet & friendly people...and they never judge!

TODAY'S DEAL

A PERSONALIZED SLIDESHOW OF YOUR PET WITH PICTURES TO MUSIC!

In honor of Castle Court Pet Appreciation Day, we are offering 20% off of any pet video - whatever length you choose, from :30 seconds to 30 minutes! Email your pet's name and pictures to: kim@castlecourtimages.com. Castle Court will create a slideshow of your Pet by adding music and a title and will email you back your finished product! Just mention "CASTLECOURTPETS11" in your email to get your 20% off.

View your pet video on your iphone, ipad or laptop any time you are away, as your pet waits anxiously by the front door anticipating your return! You can also post your video on Twitter & Facebook to share with your friends. Order your personalized pet slideshow today! Please share this deal with your animal loving friends!

TODAY'S EVENT
ANIMAL & ART LOVER EVENT TONIGHT at Anthony Todd
"The Pet Portraiture of Rory MacKay"
6:30-8:30p
44 East 11th Street
(Between University Place & Broadway)

My friend, Rory MacKay, is an amazing artist and paints portraits of your pets. He is extremely talented and really brings out your pet's personality in his work. Tonight, head to Anothony Todd to see Rory's amazing portraits. Below are a few of my favorites! www.rory-mackay.com

MAGNUS & MINI

OZZY

ZAK

THE FIVE FANJUL LABS

CASPAR

JUST ME, MY BALL...

THE THREE CLARK SHNAUZERS

TRACK WINNER

FUN AT HOME

From today's Daily Candy

Pup-Casso Art Kits for Dogs: A Few Dogs Try Their Paws at Abstract Art

Watch this video featured in Daily Candy this morning showing you how your pet may be the next Pup-Casso! It's hilarious!

You always knew Madame Princess McLicks was special. But did you know she was heavily influenced by midcentury abstract expressionism?Unleash your pooch’s inner Pollock with an Art-Casso paint kit for dogs (and kitties, too). Available online at artcasso.com, $20. For more information on Animal Havto see who’s still up for adoption), go to animalhavenshelter.org.

XO Kim

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Hotel Chic: Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro

2011-06-03T14:08:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday....As I sit at my Apple Computer, on this beautiful sunny day in NYC, editing away on a rehearsal dinner slideshow, I took a break to read some inspirational blogs. It wouldn't be fair to not share this with you, my devoted readers - as I know vacationing and beach are 2 things on everyone's minds!

This is the most unique beach vacation spot I have seen in a review in a long time. My ideal hotel - rich in history, in this case, 15th century. The Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro is on its own island - yet designed and renovated with respect to its history by preserving it's original state covered in stones, once occupied by fisherman. I LOVE how even the village was maintained with preserving stone churches, markets & restaurants still existing instead of making it feel like 1 huge island resort. The rooms are designed beautifully yet simply but they too, do not forget the historical land they are built on - as even the colors and open space blends with the color of the surrounding stone. If you like a vacation and hotel decor that reminds you whether you are inside or outside your room, where you are...this hotel is for you!

Here is the review written by Hotel Chic...though I'm secretly hoping that one day I can write my own review of this Montenegro Village Gem.

I keep hearing travel insiders talking about Montenegro as an absolute wishlist destination. From these pictures you can see why this Connecticut-sized country is capturing everyone’s attention. Set on the Adriatic coastline in Eastern Europe, Montenegro boasts a magical pine covered mountainous landscape along with beautiful beaches and a sparkling green sea. To boot, it offers the old world charm and history of its picturesque red-roofed 15th century villages. Mountains, beach, history–an amazing combination.

Aman Resorts has just completed a four year undertaking to open Aman Sveti Stefan. On the tiny islet shown above and below, they have revived this incredibly unique hotel property located in a 15th-century village. (The original Sveti Stefan hotel was a hit in the 1950s with the likes of Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe, but it closed in the 90s). For this exceptional revival, the island’s original stone buildings and houses, which were once occupied by fisherman, were painstakingly renovated and preserved. What I love most is that they managed to keep the original character and architecture of this magical islet, while still creating a luxe hotel

There are 50 rooms and cottages on the island. The designers kept churches, markets, and restaurants on the island so guests feel as if they are staying in a quaint village rather than a typical hotel.

The resort also features the renovated Villa Milocer across the water which has 8 suites. If you want interiors that are feel entirely new, stay there. But the island accommodations below are much more unique.

Incredible. It’s all about the architecture in this heavenly bathsuite. The simple, clean lined furniture and fixtures compliment the neutral colors and natural materials nicely.

Stunning beaches at the resort. Look at that backdrop.

Not only is the destination unique, but it doesn't hurt that it's an Aman Resort which consistently goes over and above anything I could ever imagine in decor by always fitting organically into it's natural surroundings similar to a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Take me away Montenegro! Enjoy this beautiful weekend...XO

Castle Court Images

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203.561.0974 * Kim@castlecourtimages .com * NYC & Greenwich

The Perfect Father's Day Gift!

2011-05-24T13:12:00.000-04:00

Another year of Father's Day...Hmmm will you get dad another Polo Shirt? Maybe some golf balls? What about some new socks? Or a book? Do you give him the same thing every year? I do!

Be his favorite child this year and order your dad a video with pictures of him with his children! It can be a short 1 minute video that you can email to him or even a 10 minute video to give to him on DVD! Or, if he liked to use his video camera in the 80's and you have old VHS Tapes we can convert them to DVD!

Turn up the volume and click on this video above to check out the video from me to my dad! or click here to watch it on vimeo. http://www.vimeo.com/24170005

Father's Day is Sunday June 19th! Order your video today! XO

Castle Court Images
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kim@castlecourtimages.com
203.561.0974

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370 Central Park West #214* New York, NY 10025

Women Helping Women: The Voss Foundation

2011-05-19T13:54:00.000-04:00

The Voss Foundation started a campaign called 'Women Helping Women' due to the needs of women in Sub-Saharan African Villages described below. This an International grassroots campaign where the Voss Foundation creates water filtration systems in these villages in Africa where the water is unsafe to drink and the girls and women have to hike miles just to get water for their families. Here in the US, we are so lucky and sometimes take for granted that we always have safe - drinkable water for our families in our own homes.

"Rural women and girls [in Africa] can walk up to 10 miles a day, carrying as much as 44 lbs. of water for their families. Girls are frequently taken out of school or prohibited from attending classes altogether as their families’ need for water increases. The need to fetch water often precludes education and employment, obliterating opportunity for female empowerment. Additionally, women’s health and hygiene needs are particularly compromised by a lack of water and sanitation. With facilitated access to clean water, women and girls are able to continue schooling, earn an income, and live healthier and more productive lives. Women Helping Women (or Kvinner Hjelper Kvinner) is a Voss Foundation campaign that has brought together more than 300 women in 7 countries to raise over $125,000 for clean water projects." (From Voss Foundations's Website) www.thevossfoundation.org

Here are some photos taken by my friend, Kara Gerson, The Executive Director of the Voss Foundation, during The Voss Foundation's trip to Kenya this year.

Water holes dug in the lugga where the Samburu people walk
10 miles to get their water.

As you can see, it's not very clean water!

The Voss Foundation Staff and
Norwegian Kvinner Hjelper Kvinner (Women Helping Women) donors visit the village

They built a filtration system in the village! Kara Gerson, of the Voss Foundation turning on the tap of this new well for the 1st time!

Clean Water in their own Village straight from a tap!

Women drinking their filtered water!

Women from 5 different villages came to perform

A child in his mothers arms as she fills up water

The School Children were so excited to see the Voss team!

The Sambura people were so thankful, that they dressed the
Voss Foundation with many gifts!

An Elder from the village had to come see for herself!
She didn't believe that these ladies were bringing clean water to Ndonyo Nasipa

Finally clean, filtered water available in their village! Samburu Women are now able to focus on their schooling, careers and taking care of their families instead of having to walk 10 miles to collect water for their village.

They were also thanked with Speeches and Dances!

I hope this affects you the way it affected me! Please let your Boston friends know about the following event on June 9th for Women Helping Women so Voss can continue to build these wells and water filtration systems in many more villages!

'Women Helping Women' The Voss Foundation's Boston Fundraiser

Thursday June 9th 6-8p

Woodward at Ames
1 Court Street
Boston, MA

Order your Tickets here:
http://www.thevossfoundation.org/women-helping-women-boston-june-9-2011/

******************************************************************

Reviewed by:

CASTLE COURT IMAGES Slideshows for Rehearsal Dinners, Birthdays Anniversaries, VHS to DVD Conversion.

Kimberly Grad: Founder

email: kim@castlecourtimages.com

phone: (203) 561-0974

www.castlecourtimages.com

LB Studio Art

2011-05-17T14:47:00.000-04:00

This is my friend, Lindsey Brooke Wilner's gorgeous artwork. I've seen Lindsey's paintings develop over the years from shockingly colorful pinks, blues, yellows and thick golds to the calm an simplicity of blue on white. Lindsey has always had impeccable taste and style since she was young and I love seeing her style portrayed through her art! Check it out....LB Studio Art can brighten up any room...even on a rainy day!

www.lbstudioart.com

CASTLE COURT IMAGES: video editing for your family events
www.castlecourtimages.com
email: kim@castlecourtimages.com
phone: 203.561.0974

Anthro steps it up in Home Design!

2011-05-11T17:46:00.000-04:00

Elle Decor Announced that Anthropologie is launching in-house design services! I just love their shabby-chic furniture...and we can now make it our own in 12 stores starting this spring with the help of a designer and various options for color, patterns and fabrics!

Anthropologie Decorator Concept

The boho-chic store launches in-house design services

Written by Alex Zafiris

This spring, 12 Anthropologie stores (including branches in Miami, Houston, and London) rolled out a new home decorator concept—an in-house workshop that offers decorating advice, inspiration, and plain old fun for decorators and non-decorators alike. In-store experts are on hand to offer design advice and help in decision making. New products such as curtains, furniture, hardware, lighting, and wallpaper—including items previously available only online—will be showcased with samples, swatches, background information, and care instructions. Regular events will allow design experts to advise and instruct all manner of enthusiasts, from the curious to the devoted. An online component will launch soon. anthropologie.com

Locations:

Atlanta, Georgia	Beverly Hills, California	Chicago, Illinois	Corte Madera, California
Denver, Colorado	Houston, Texas	London, United Kingdom	Miami, Florida
Nashville, Tennessee	New York, New York	Wayne, Pennsylvania	Westport, Connecticut

Enjoy your decorating!

CASTLE COURT IMAGES

www.castlecourtimages.com

video editing for all of your family memories

(203) 561-0974

kim@castlecourtimages.com

castle court images

Happy Thanksgiving eCard from Castle Court Images!

Farm-to-Table Cuisine in Connecticut - with a 'Twist'!

L'Escale Chef Moves to Madison

Rachel Platten's 'Be Here' : See her perform Live!

Happy Friday....

THIS WEEKEND'S MUSIC TOUR HEADS SOUTH!

My Friend from Trinity and brilliant singer/song writer, Rachel Platten, is performing with her band tonight in Baltimore AT THE 8x10, tomorrow night in Charlotte, NC at The Evening Muse and Sunday night in Atlanta at Park Tavern!

Upcoming shows for 'Be Here' tour

CALYPSO ONLINE SAMPLE SALE TODAY!

Castle Court Celebrates our Pets!

CASPARJUST ME, MY BALL...

TRACK WINNER

FUN AT HOME

From today's Daily Candy

Pup-Casso Art Kits for Dogs: A Few Dogs Try Their Paws at Abstract Art

Watch this video featured in Daily Candy this morning showing you how your pet may be the next Pup-Casso! It's hilarious!

Hotel Chic: Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro

The Perfect Father's Day Gift!

Women Helping Women: The Voss Foundation

LB Studio Art

Anthro steps it up in Home Design!

Elle Decor Announced that Anthropologie is launching in-house design services! I just love their shabby-chic furniture...and we can now make it our own in 12 stores starting this spring with the help of a designer and various options for color, patterns and fabrics!

Anthropologie Decorator Concept

The boho-chic store launches in-house design services

CASPAR

JUST ME, MY BALL...