Model Christie Brinkley is announced as honorary chairwoman for Wine, Women & Shoes.

Smart decisions

With all the events that happen in Sarasota, it's easy to have more than one to go to in one day.

And on Halloween weekend, sometimes the dress codes for all the events just don't line up. When Julie and Jaime DiDomenico needed to go from the Asolo Repertory Theatre's Welcome Back Party to the Monster Mash costume contest, there wasn't time to change outfits in between.

It's a smart move to rock the Einstein duo costume to the party, even when all other guests were dressed in their black tie best. 

Cooking with the Junior League

The fourth Junior League Cookbook was released at the launch party Oct. 25 at Michael's On East.

The cookbook, called Simply Sarasota: From Fresh to

Fabulous, has recipes focused on taking fresh, local ingredients and turning them into a creative dish. There are more than 200 recipes from appetizers to desserts. Recipes were submitted by submitted by members of the Junior League of Sarasota, Sarasota residents, and award-winning local chefs. 

It also features local destinations and activities which promote a healthy lifestyle, as well as facts about the Junior League of Sarasota and the impact they have made in the community.

The cookbook is available on the JLS website in the Estore for $24.95.

A super-model welcome

Forty Carrots Family Center CEO Michelle Kapreilian and Wine, Women & Shoes Co-Chairwomen Tina Granthon and Andrea Paul announced a celebrity appearance for the upcoming event. 

At the Fashion Night Out Oct. 24 at The Met, Fashion House, Day Spa & Salon, the Co-Chairwomen unveiled a poster announcing Christie Brinkley will be attending the Signature Luncheon on Nov. 9 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. 

In addition to Christie Brinkley's attendance, the chance raffle was announced. Wine Co-Chairwomen Lisa Napolitano and Dawn Doughty are packing a wine cooler with 48 bottles of Veuve Clicquot. The chance raffle tickets are available now. 

Don't have a ticket yet? There are still a few individual tickets left. Call 365-7716 or go online at fortycarrots.org to purchase. 

Tidbits: 

Parking problems ... Even though it's fun and different to get out of the usual black tie venues, sometimes a change in scenery comes with challenges. The Asolo Repertory Theatre's Welcome Back Party was hosted at Bayview Cottage, the home of Pauline Wamsler Joerger and David J. Sales. It was a beautiful drive up to their home, but their driveway wasn't made for that many guests to drive in and out at the same time. The party backed up Mound Street traffic and took longer than necessary for guests to park their car. Funding the future of Mote ... Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium announced its first SEA Explorers at Oceanic Evening Oct. 27 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The SEA Explorers were recognized for donating at least $250,000 to Mote's future project, the Science Education Aquarium. The donors recognized were Hobart and Janis Swan, Bob and Anne Essner, Elizabeth Moore, Ellen Hanson and Richard Perlman and the Benderson family.