By AML Publisher
Photos Courtesy of Marie Labbancz

‘Peppermint’, $115
“We do our research and we want people to look twice at our arrangements. Right now I am using a lot of cabbages and artichokes in my designs-finding unique greenery, unusual combinations of flowers,” explained O’Brien.

Think outside the box, er, the vase. That’s the advice of renowned Philly floral designer Donna O’Brien from Northern Liberties’ Beautiful Blooms. Beautiful Blooms is a full service décor design company that works with discriminating clients to create event concepts-from dream weddings, corporate events, bar/bat mitzvahs, intimate dinner parties and more. O’Brien’s bustling business was recently honored by The Knot as a Best of Weddings Winner 2010 as one of the best florists in Philadelphia.

Holiday centerpieces and wreaths in 2009 don’t have to follow any rules according to O’Brien, who prides herself on setting trends and concepts within the international design industry. Beautiful Blooms Boutique has created several floral designs and custom cedar or pine wreaths (ideal for the corporate client/thank you) that can be purchased for the holidays or throughout the winter season. These designs can be picked up or delivered ($55 or over for delivery) in Philadelphia. Variegated white, red and peppermint poinsettias wrapped in chic metallic paper have been flying out the door, said Donna, for delivery to several Philly corporations for office décor and gifts.
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By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Jason Varney

In addition to their current workshops, Beautiful Blooms’ Northern Liberties shop can be rented out for bridal and baby showers and private parties.

Donna O’Brien of Northern Liberties’ based Beautiful Blooms is not one to rest on her laurels. Her successful floral design business keeps her busy year round with Philly and Main Line brides, batmizvahs, galas, and more. In addition, O’Brien has established quite a business with her friend, event aficionado Kendall Brown of Eclatante Designs. Together, O’Brien and Brown are known in social circles as the ‘A Team’ of Philly party planning.

So, it seemed natural for O’Brien to share that wealth of knowledge, design expertise and love of beautiful floral arrangements (that have wowed thousands across the region) with a fun series of fall workshops. Main Liners can do their best ‘Martha’ imitation this holiday season with the hands-on advice and expert guidance O’Brien offers. “The workshops are going so well, we have had the best time with our groups! We have such a great variety of different workshops to offer everyone, many of our early students have already signed up for their second or third class. And, what we really want everyone to walk away with is the skill and enthusiasm to design beautiful centerpieces from flowers they pick up at their local market or grocery store. Certainly they can purchase flowers from Beautiful Blooms but it’s really about empowering and teaching great floral design for the holiday season,” explained O’ Brien.
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By AML Publisher
Photos Courtesy of Jubilee Photography

Smith, 22, is a diehard Phils fan, loves college basketball and cheers for the Orlando Magic.

Don’t think Kayleen Smith is just another pretty face. The 22-year-old former Cabrini College basketball star and Anna Kournikova look-alike, budding model and local single has her sights set on a career in sports television. Smith, who just wrapped up an intense summer internship cutting her teeth with Comcast Sportsnet (albeit drooling over stud anchor and Philadelphia pretty boy Michael Barkann part of the time, see below) is serious about breaking into a world still very much dominated by men. “I’m willing and eager to start somewhere and work my way up. I just want someone to give me an opportunity to get my feet wet in television and I will take off! I have a great willingness to learn and a winning mentality and that is important in sports-because I throw myself into every task I am given.”

Kayleen fell in love with the frenzied, high pressure pace of live television when she sauntered down at the end of her intern duties to watch the final moments of Sportsnet’s number one weekday show, Daily News Live. “It is completely nuts, everyone is running around screaming and yelling-it is something else to watch. You don’t see that when the show is live and the lights come on and the host welcomes everyone with a big, calm smile. I loved that atmosphere. TV is so exhilarating, and the show must go on as they say. The viewers don’t care if an edit bay crashed or an external drive is not working…it’s all or nothing! This is the industry I belong in.”
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