Every party she plans, no matter what size, is a unique cultural experience that bridges the gap between formal gala and affordable dinner party. As founder of Mindy's Meals on Heels, she feels the best part of event plannning is building menus from scratch with no rules. It's all about the food. And don't miss out on the Melt in your mouth Macadamia Lemon Bars.

It’s not even summer yet and already people are ditching their desks and heading for the beach and backyard barbecues. Sure you’ll need great food and fabulous music but what else makes an outdoor soiree a success?  I asked entertainment expert Mindy Kobrin from Meals on Heels by Mindy for her outdoor-party checklist. Giant Umbrella, check. Drink Calculator, double-check.

Cocktails Lite -- Try these slimmer sippers from entertaining expert Mindy Kobrin for a refreshing summer treat.

Planning a healthy and fun meal for family and friends can be easy and stress-free when organized and creative. It takes just a few minutes and a quick glance inside your cupboards to see what you have on hand.

Keep it fresh, easy and full of colorful nutrition. Picking a theme "ups the creative ante" and educates along the way. Try and select a theme that includes an international destination and a menu full of protein, carbohydrates and color. Playing a soundtrack from the selected region and creating Q&A cards about historical monuments, literature, art, leadership and more from that region help set the mood while guaranteeing a playful dinner conversation.

Without question, sun-kissed Mediterranean foods exemplify nutritional, flavorful and family-friendly dishes from divine casserole dishes to well-portioned skewered kabobs. They also make for tasty left-overs when paired with fresh mixed greens! Greece, full of history and Homer's adventures toward Ithaka, is a terrific theme that intrigues both children and adults of all ages.

Take Three: Whip up this simple, healthy breakfast from Mindy.

Park Maitland graduate, Mindy Kobrin, has made a name for herself with her career as a lifestyle and celebration expert.  Based inNew York City, Mindy loves to travel and learn about regionalcuisine, entertaining tips, and cooking techniques.

Mindy has graciously come to visit Park Maitland and share herknowledge with our students.  She is presenting special “KissingKebabs” in celebration of Valentine’s Day, and they are made fromdelicious and nutritious ingredients.  Her “Swiss Tablerone ChocolateFondue” is being prepared for one of the fourth grade classes, andall three recipes are being sent home for our families to enjoy!

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When we think about Super Bowl party food, what comes to mind? Pizza, chicken wings, chips, dip and candy. All popular choices, and mighty tasty, too, but certainly not what a coach would want his players to be fueling up with.

Come to think of it, isn't this the time of year when we repent for the latkes, kugel and other decadent foods we took in during the holidays?

Home Spa Treatments -- Save money and time with these at-home treatments.

In this preteen brithday party ideas interview, you'll get tips on planning a birthday bash that preteens will love. Preteens are notorious for having very definite ideas regarding the celebration of their birthdays. Fortunately, party specialist Mindy Kobrin can help you plan a truly special event.

"It can be so easy to sit on the couch when I hear that winter wind blowing," admits Mindy Kobrin, founder of Mindy's Meals on Heels. "On days like that, I just have no energy." Fortunately for this busy event planner, she's found a tasty way to out-smart the urge to hibernate: snacking on pomegranates. "Both the seeds and the juice are high in antioxidants, which give you energy, she explains. -- Pick up the January issue of First for the full article!