Spa recommendations needed!

HAVE YOU GRADUATED SINCE 2002? Sisters Lucy Albert and Cara Corradetti are busy putting together events for our younger alumnae. And first on their list is a Manicures & Martini's party--after all, sandal weather is practically here! Do you have a suggestion for a place that can churn out simple manicures and pedicures for a modest fee? Lucy has asked for suggestions by EOD tomorow, Friday, April 9th. She notes that there will be a lot of networking/socializing, so the number of chairs available is probably not a huge issue. She is hoping to keep costs around $10-15/pp for the services, with sisters providng food and drinks. E-mail Lucy or philaadpi@gmail.com with any suggestions you have!

March Madness

Greetings from sunny Florida, where I'm taking a (spring) break. The balmy weather has been very relaxing, and shopping the Ocean Drive merchants in Vero Beach, especially The Gazebo, which is wall-to-wall with cheerful Lily Pulitzer pastels, has made me nostalgic for summer. I've been avoiding the computer in favor of chasing the surf and sun, but I really must catch up now with all that's been going on. March has been a very hectic month for the GPA ADPi Alumnae Association!

We had a very successful launch to our speaker series at this month's dinner at The William Penn Inn. Kate Collins, an ADPi from Delta Kappa at Penn State University spoke on Real Estate in Today's Market. You can read more about this in the March newsletter, where Lucy Albert and Maria Monshaw have supplied the details.

On Saturday, March 13th, a group of sisters drove in a downpour to the Ronald McDonald House on Front and Erie, where they cooked 18 casseroles for the RMH guests. Afterwards, we had a tour of the house. This house, located near St. Christopher's, where the RMH effort began, is the latest to be built, and is very modern compared to the house near the University of Pennsylvania campus, which is in an historic building. I'll be covering the details of our visit in our upcoming April newsletter.

Also in the April newsletter you can expect to learn more about our latest initiate, Ariel Feinberg. Sister Bonnie Hecht Drobnes, who sponsored Ariel, felt that Ariel was a perfect fit for ADPi in so many ways. Long before she ever met Bonnie (and started dating Bonnie's husband's twin brother), Ariel, who is a social worker, chose to devote time to ADPi's designated philanthropy, The Ronald McDonald House--a prescient choice, don't you all agree?

And speaking of the April newsletter here's a REMINDER-- the deadline for any April newsletter contributions is April 15th!

During the past month, the GPA ADPi Alumnae Association also has been busy preparing for the upcoming Panhellenic Spring Scholarship Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on April 10th at the Chester Valley Golf Club. Our representatives Michelle Vaughn and Courtney Bang have worked on our behalf helping to promote and organize this event, and there is still time to join them at our table! E-mail philaadpi@gmail.com ASAP if you are interested!

Speaking of deadlines, I must catch some shut-eye, as I have to catch a very early morning flight. I'll sign off now, but you can expect to hear from me again soon, as I have a few more GPA ADPi items to post.

Saturday March 13--Casserole Cooking Ronald McDonald House

Yes, it's here already. Any able-bodied sister is needed to help up make casseroles at the Front & Erie Street Ronald McDonald House this Saturday, starting at 11 AM. Susi is setting up car pools if you need a ride. Michelle is collecting money towards the ingredients. Our on-going committment to the Ronald McDonald House charities was one of the topics discussed during the Officer Brunch at The Desmond. We'll be listing the variety of ways we can all helpo this worthwhile cause in the newsletter and in upcoming posts. Please help out if you can! E-mail philaadpi@gmail.com.

Officer's Brunch at the Desmond

President Susi Bruhns chose The Desmond in Malvern for the officer's brunch this year, because they have been so generous with their donations to our causes. For years they have generously donated a night’s stay (and sometimes a little more) for our PAAP Scholarship Raffle Basket because an ADPi sister, Amy Band (GO), works there. Once again, they will be doing so. Courtney Bang, Sam Barton, Cara Corradetti, Bonnie Drobnes, Lila Lapides, Marguerite Smolen, and Michelle Vaughn, were happy to oblige her and "give back" something to this elegant establishment which has been a steadfast supporter. International Vice President of Alumnae Membership, Renee Iacona, also joined us at the banquet. The Hunt Room, with its distinguished decor of brass turnings, pale wood-panelled walls, and glen plaid upholstery, provided a relaxing ambience for a lavish repast proffered on multiple food stations arranged around the room's perimeter. In addition to all of the typical breakfast foods crafted in expert fashion, we feasted on custom-made omelettes, french toast, creamed chipped beef on toast, a delicious garlicy pasta salad, and exquisite desserts, including Crème Caramel, flan, and The Desmond's own unique bread pudding. Does this make your mouth water? Elections are coming up shortly. Let us know if you're interested in helping out--and reaping the (many) rewards of holding an office!

Getting Down to Business
After the delicious meal, we repaired to a private room for business. Our charitable work for The Ronald McDonald House, upcoming Founder's Day Celebration, a new officer slate for the April election, the initiation of a new member to our organization, new by-laws, and the holding of Jewel Degree ceremonies were some of the important topics discussed. You'll hear more about everything we discussed in the next newsletter, and I'll be post ing key highlights here as well.

Do you Bump?

Sisters Lucy, Colleen, Maria, and Cara all bump. The "Bump" is an iPhone app that allows users to transfer data from one iPhone (or an iPod Touch) to another simply by bumping their devices together. In a few seconds, the aforementioned sisters exchanged contact information with an eye to geeting together for shopping and drinks at an as-yet-to-be-determined date and time.
How cool is that. You just need an iPhone and the free Bump app to get this to work. You fill out a "Bump contact card" (kind of like an electronic Rolodex card) for this to work. Yeah, I mentioned "Rolodex." I am so dated now. I don't own an iPhone, either. I'm sooooo looooooost!!!

BUT WAIT--I just read in the blogosphere (www.androidcentral.com) that the Bump has found its way to the Google Android. And according to an article posted there by Casey Chan, the best thing is that the Android "Bump" works with the iPhone "Bump"--Bump is cross-platform.

I've got to go download it in Android Market now, so I can bump along with everyone else at our next dinner!

Post-Prandial Phitness Phun

If the Philly Phanatic can spell it with a "P," why can't we? OK, so I'm avoiding everyone's least favorite New Year's topic--how to keep eating and still lose (or maintain) your weight. Weight-loss phads come and go, but what our sisters Lucy and Colleen like best now are the P90X excercise tape series and diet program.

Although "like" might not be the operative word, considering the effort it takes to get through the exercises. According to the website, "P90X® is a revolutionary system of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. You'll also receive a comprehensive 3-phase nutrition plan, specially designed supplement options, a detailed fitness guide, a calendar to track your progress, online peer support, and much more. Your personal trainer, Tony Horton, will keep you engaged every step of the way, and you won't believe your results!" (If you can make it through the 90 days, that is. At least one sister noted she hasn't made it through a single session, although her husband has.) You can read all about this transformative program (but no endorsement here, I haven't tried it) at www.Beachbody.com/P90X

No thank you, says Cara. She's sticking to Zumba, the Latin and International music based "ditch the workout join the party" workout. Check out www.zumba.com to learn more or to find a location near you.

Be sure to consult your doctor before attempting thsee or any other workouts or diet programs!!!!! To paraphrase The House Bunny, we love you just the way you are!!!!

Where all the Bright Young Things like to shop...for steep discounts

The GPA ADPi Alumnae Association has its share of savvy shoppers, and at last month's dinner at Sullivans, some of them shared their favorite sources for "best buys." Cara Corradetti recommended www.hautelook.com where you can sign up for online sample sales of designer merchandise at up to 75% off. She also recommended www. RueLaLa.com, which describes itself as "an exclusive, invitation-only online destination where Members discover premier-brand, private sale Boutiques, each open for just a brief window of time." (According to their Web site, the free membership is invitation-only. "Members shape the community by inviting new Members - and getting a $10 Rue La La Credit when each new friend places their first order." So e-mail Cara if you want to join!)

Cara also is a fan of the Nieman Marcus mid-day dash. NM is on Facebook, where you can find notices such as: "Fashion Flash: Online 2 hour Midday Dash starts at 11:30am CT. Select styles and limited quantities as much as 65% off. Hurry event ends at 1:30pm CT. http://www.neimanmarcus.com/fb/middaydash (you'll also find after-sale comments...the last one seems to have been disappointing, according to some followers, but why should those who attend online sales expect the crowds to pick over the merchandise any less than at an in-store sale?) Another online site she shops for top names in fashion and luxury at up to 70% off retail with less guilt is www.gilt.com, home of Guilt Group. Membership is free and by invitation only. (Sign up, invote your freinds, and receive $25 off after your friend's first purchase has shipped.)

But bricks-and-mortar stores offer great deals, too. All the BYTs love the King of Prussia Mall Lily Pulitzer shop sales event in June and the near-custom jean options at the KOP Mall Levis Store.

Looking for upscale furniture at a steep discount? Check out the Grange Furniture Warehouse, 23 Empire Blvd., South Hackensack, NJ; 201-440-3226 and the Sheffield Furniture Warehouse Events, 1000 Hollingsworth Drive Phoenixville, PA 19460610/933-5300 x 404. http://www.sheffieldfurniture.com/WarehouseClearance/WarehouseClearanceSale.html