ALL ROADS LEAD BACK TO ROME!
Rome, the eternal city, is a dream destination for many travelers and even for me who has visited many times, it was my first choice for my first major travel after the lockdown.
With its iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, and its delicious cuisine of pasta and gelato, Rome has so much to offer. However, amidst all the famous tourist spots, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. And as a true Italian girl at heart, what better way to explore these hidden gems than with a stylish handbag on your arm? In this blog post, we will unveil some of Rome's best kept secrets, from charming neighborhoods to hidden historic sites, and how a good handbag can enhance your experience. So let's dive in and uncover the lesser-known side of Rome!
When exploring a city as rich in history and culture as Rome, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the iconic landmarks and bustling tourist spots. But amidst all the hustle and bustle, there is a hidden charm to be found in the city's lesser-known piazzas and landmarks.
One way to uncover these hidden gems is by following in the footsteps of the ever-charming Stanley Tucci. In his show "Searching for Italy," Tucci not only indulges in the city's culinary delights but also discovers the lesser-known aspects of Rome. And you can too! Take a stroll through the charming backstreets and stumble upon hidden piazzas that are oozing with authenticity and local life.
Another way to delve into Rome's hidden gems is by exploring the exquisite paintings found in its many churches. One such treasure is the Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo. Tucked away near the Piazza del Popolo, this church may not be as famous as its counterparts, but it holds a wealth of hidden masterpieces. From the intricate mosaics on the floor to the stunning artwork by Caravaggio and Raphael, every corner of this church is adorned with beauty and admission is free – but always nice to light a candle to help support it for future generations.
Another hidden gem is the Domus Aurea, also known as Nero's Golden House. This ancient palace was once a grand testament to the opulence of Rome's emperors. Today, visitors can explore the underground chambers and marvel at the incredible frescoes that still adorn the walls. It's a true hidden masterpiece that offers a unique perspective on the grandeur of ancient Rome.
Trastevere, a vibrant and bohemian district nestled on the west bank of the Tiber River, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered in Rome. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, Trastevere exudes a laid-back and artistic atmosphere that is truly enchanting.
This hip neighborhood is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, with its narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses and charming cafes. As you wander through Trastevere, you'll feel as though you've stepped into a different era. It's no wonder that Stanley Tucci, in his quest to uncover the hidden treasures of Rome, found himself drawn to this bohemian enclave.
Trastevere is not just a feast for the eyes, but also for the taste buds. Its trattorias and gelaterias offer a true taste of Roman cuisine, with delicious dishes and sweet treats to satisfy any craving. And if you're in the mood for some art, you don't have to look far. Trastevere is home to several churches with stunning paintings, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of Rome.
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the Borghese Gallery. This lesser-known gem is tucked away in the Borghese Gardens and is home to a stunning collection of sculptures and paintings, including works by Bernini and Caravaggio. Located near the Spanish Steps, this vast park offers a peaceful escape from the city. Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk through the sprawling gardens, and you'll stumble upon hidden masterpieces in churches, charming fountains, and picturesque viewpoints overlooking the city.
When exploring Rome, it's not just about the famous landmarks and delicious food. The city is also a haven for shopaholics, with hidden alleys and secret markets waiting to be discovered. These hidden gems offer a unique shopping experience, away from the bustling tourist areas. One of the best places to start your shopping adventure is at the markets. From Mercato di Testaccio to Campo de' Fiori, these markets are a treasure trove of handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and unique souvenirs. Stroll through the vibrant stalls and let your curiosity guide you. You never know what hidden trinkets, treasures, and trash you might find.
Stroll through the colorful stalls and let the aromas of fresh herbs and spices guide your senses. And don't forget to sample some of the local specialties, like supplì (deep-fried rice balls) and porchetta (slow-roasted pork).
Remember Rome is a city meant to be savored, so don't rush through your experiences.
- Sit in a piazza with a cup of espresso, people-watch, and soak in the atmosphere.
Oh and of course you will ask – where to stay? The W Rome of course – the staff wear silk pajamas as their uniforms – what more do I need to say – so Italian!
Local Business Love is in the Air
It’s February, and love is in the air! With Valentine’s approaching, we wanted to send some love to our local favourites.
Pretty Bird - Dana
Inspired by nature, this local artist incorporates her own illustrations onto a variety of items for you to wear, use, and enjoy.
Old Rose Farm - Dana
A unique venue for intimate gatherings in Hasting County, Ontario, The Old Rose Farm comprises of a Victorian Farmhouse, eclectic out-buildings, and courtyards. This venue is perfect for any memorable event. Contact jlevitin@hotmail.com for more information.
Eva’s Original - Sandra
Eva’s Original is the original home of Canada’s famous Chimney Cones. Founded in Toronto, Eva’s grandson started the business to bring their family treasured desserts to Canada. With several locations in the GTA you can stop by for some of their signature flavours and vegan options.
Charlie's Caribbean Cuisine – Sandra
EVA’S ORIGINAL IS THE ORIGINAL HOME OF CANADA’S FAMOUS CHIMNEY CONES. FOUNDED IN TORONTO, EVA’S GRANDSON STARTED THE BUSINESS TO BRING THEIR FAMILY TREASURED DESSERTS TO CANADA. WITH SEVERAL LOCATIONS IN THE GTA YOU CAN STOP BY FOR SOME OF THEIR SIGNATURE FLAVOURS AND VEGAN OPTIONS.
I stumbled upon this shop a couple of summers ago while taking a walk. May Flowers is a hidden gem on St. Clair and offers a wide selection of floral arrangements for various occasions. The best part is they have a coffee shop too!
Silver Creek Coffeehouse – Silvana 
Nestled in Georgetown, Silver Creek Coffeehouse is the perfect place to grab a coffee and enjoy the charm of downtown Georgetown. From espresso to flavoured creations there is no shortage of options at this café and the staff are always friendly when you stop by. During the pandemic, Silvercreek has even setup an online ordering system for groceries.
Audrey & Cole Skin Bar – Silvana
This mother and daughter duo create heavenly scented beauty items – made out of all-natural ingredients. This home-based company understands the need to heal and nourish yourself with the best products.
Harmony – Silvana
Based in Guelph, Harmony is an independent owned store that offers a variety of products sourced through other small businesses. The zen space is complete by their inventory of plants, incense, crystals, dainty jewelry, and unique clothing.
Happy Holidays From aNd Logistix
Following a year of firsts, uncertainty and transformation, this holiday season looks a lot different for many of us. Although we cannot get together and celebrate in person, we still cherish the relationships we have built over the past 25+ years and hold them dear to our hearts.
Our team takes pride in working hard to adapt to the ever-changing situation and this year was absolutely no exception. We feel very blessed to have been able to continue to do the work that we love. Although the world of live events may appear a little different, we are continuing to push forward and create new, more creative and innovative solutions for our clients, suppliers, friends and family.
As you know, the pandemic has affected many across the globe. This year more than ever, community has become viable in providing food, housing, and clothing as families face financial hardships and joblessness. Our team has donated to Community Food Centres Canada. Be sure to check them out and the amazing work they do for people across country!
For close to a decade, Community Food Centres Canada has been working to re-imagine the role food can play in low-income communities. With more than 200 partners in 175 communities across the country, they’re building a new approach.
Community Food Centres respond at the grassroots level to food insecurity and social exclusion. At the same time, they fight at the national level for progressive income policy. This includes better wages and more stable jobs, stronger social assistance and benefits, and a range of other social supports while coming together around good food.
Our team at aNd Logistix like many others, relied on good food to get us through this challenging year and wanted to bring a little of our joy to your home. We are delighted to share our aNd Cookbook with you, and hope that it brings you a new favourite recipe or two to share with your loved ones.
The entire aNd Logistix team wishes you and your family a happy and healthy New Year and we look forward to connecting in person in 2021!
aNd-Holiday-Cookbook.pdf
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The Future of Registration Kits
With the return of events one of our biggest concerns is regarding the health and wellbeing of our attendees, suppliers, partners & event staff. We must start thinking about what items will need to be added or increased to the onsite event kits to help keep event staff and attendees safe.
Our team has gathered some ideas and created a reference guide to help attendees, event planners, suppliers, hotels and venues navigate the event world ahead of us.
These are items that we will be adding to our kits:
| Draw String Bags and Plastic Baggies Many of the items mentioned below will be carried around all day. Make sure to have pouches or plastic baggies to separate all your items and to avoid them touching other items. |
| Masks Masks will be a must have for staff onsite. But take it a bit further by using specific colours to identify your staff. Additionally, masks are a great branding opportunity! Create a mask sponsorship and give sponsors the opportunity to have their company brand featured on the masks worn by event staff, attendees, vendors and other sponsors! See Susan Murray and Ideavation for some different mask ideas. |
| Hand Sanitizer One of the most important items to have on hand and in multitudes. Make sure to have not only the big bottles for attendees but also minis that staff and attendees can carry around. Take it one step further and sell them as a sponsorship with branded bottles. |
| Gloves Gloves are meant to be worn and disposed of after frequently. Plastic gloves can be harmful to the environment when used in large batches, so pick up some biodegradable ones! |
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Non-Contact Thermometer A no-contact thermometer is the best way to check onsite staff, suppliers, and attendees to ensure safety and mitigate the risk of spreading viruses at your event. The no contact also ensures that you can keep your staff safe in the possible occurrence of a sick individual. Visit Global Industrial and Micro Life to order yours. |
| Disinfectant Wipes Large bottles of disinfectant wipes are great for your registration desk, but don’t forget to grab the little packs for all your staff so that they can carry some around. Cannot find any small packs? Separate the ones in the large bottles into small plastic baggies. |
| Electronic Cleansing Wipes Normal disinfectants can be harmful to our electronics, especially if we need to clean them multiple times a day onsite. Electronic disinfectant wipes are safe for sensitive optics and specialty coatings. Additionally, the major smartphone manufacturers say that you can use isopropanol alcohol wipes as well. Visit Staples to order yours. |
| Tissues Mini packs of tissues have always been a great addition to purses, but now everyone should be carrying them around as they are good for many uses – they are even great for opening doors! |
| Q-tips These little wonders will help get rid of debris or makeup smudges without touching your face. |
| No Contact Door Opener & Button Pusher Key Chain Gloves are great, but as an increased safety measure, grab yourself some door openers for your staff as well as keeping some on hand. This will help decrease the amount of times you will have to change your gloves and they can be used for pressing buttons on machines, carrying bags, and dialing phone numbers as well. This can be another sponsorship opportunity and a great addition to a conference bag! Visit Ideavation to order yours. |
| Anti-Microbial Pens Anti-microbial pens are great for registration staff that tend to use the same pens, we all know that we tend to grab the first one we see! The pens are treated with a special additive that protects against harmful bacteria, fungus, and mold sticking to the pen. They neutralize over 99% of active bacteria. Visit Ideavation to order yours. |
| Signage Signage is key. Some signs can be printed out and placed into plastic sign holders for a reminder to attendees of rules and to go home if you are ill. Additionally, signs and decals such as floor decals can be designed as an additional reminder especially for your line ups at registration. Visit Saman Design to order yours. |
| Individually Wrapped Snacks Now more than ever sharing food is going to become an issue. Go to Costco and fill up a tub of individually wrapped snacks. They are easy to grab, a great pick me up when energy is low and limit contamination between staff. |
| Air Purifier An air purifier is great for high traffic areas, like a registration office. The COVID-19 virus can survive in the air for approximately 3 hours and using an air purifier can put your mind at ease, knowing that the air around you is safe from pathogens. Make sure to get one with a HEPA medical grade filter. Visit Honeywell to order yours. |
| Car Caddy Look for a good car caddy for storing a back-up supply of the above items for when you get back into your car. They are also great for carrying supplies around from room to room during an event. |
December 18, 2019
The aNd Team’s Favourites From 2019
Continuing our yearly tradition, our gift to you this holiday season is our team’s favourite ideas from this year’s conferences.
The Picasso Dessert Table by sandra
The Picasso table was a huge hit at two of our events this year. Each table was unique to the venue and client, creating great exposure for the sponsor while also highlighting the chef’s creativity. The chef at the Fairmont Mount Tremblant utilized room lighting and various tiers to highlight their display, while the chef at the Sheraton Centre Toronto created a colourful experience by using colored dry ice. These tables created buzz in the audience and were the centre of conversation. Definitely a memorable experience for all in attendance. 
Feathery Centrepieces by Clare
This year we decided to add a feather flair to the Fundex National Business Conference centerpiece. Our client fell in love with our initial concept, but the supplier was unable to recreate it for them. We looked everywhere for black feathers (Even checking fly fishing websites) to re-create the same charm as the initial concept. Our hard work paid off, and we ended up designing a centerpiece that looked even better.
Roadshow Donut Centrepieces by megan
This year we arranged the Shoppers Drug Mart Cosmetics Roadshow in 10 cities across Canada. Instead of packing up and shipping centerpieces for each location, we opted to get creative and incorporate them with the attendees’ desserts. A whimsical donut pyramid display was arranged in each city for guests to ooh and aah over, as well as to eat!
Night Circus Balloons by lexie
The theme of the National Mortgage Conference’s Industry Networking Event was a ‘Night Circus’. What goes best with a circus? Balloons, of course! The top of the escalators & entrances into the ballroom were wrapped in beautiful balloon artwork, welcoming guests to an incredible evening event, the Night Circus.
Wrigley Field by matthew & madi
This July, we helped CARSTAR throw their best conference yet, in the heart of downtown Chicago. The star of this conference was the Welcome Reception, which was held at the historic Wrigley Field. Our planning team, combined with Wrigley Field’s welcoming staff, made the attendees feel just as important as the baseball players that took their stadium back over a few days later.
The franchisees, office staff, & vendors were welcomed by the iconic Marquee Sign in front of the building, the large screen behind the Gallagher Way Picnic Area, and the outfield signs when everyone filed into the bleachers.
In addition to this, the attendees were made to feel right at home with exclusive tours of the press box & the ‘W Club’ private lounge, meet & greet with Chicago Cubs alumni, the World Series Trophy from 2017, and batting cage access.
Superhero Event Theme by silvana
The majority of conference badges are made with a simple design, only meant to identify the attendee and is stamped with the conference logo. The badges from The Mobile Shop Sales Rally were much more eye-catching, with their comic book design and creative tie-in to the event’s Superhero theme. Upon their arrival at the sales rally, all attendees were very excited to find out which Superhero they would be proudly representing for the duration of the conference.
Here's to an even greater 2020!
In Honour of J. Charles Grieco
This week’s Free Idea Friday is dedicated to J. Charles Grieco, a distinqued member of Toronto’s hospitality community who passed away this week.
To call him a pioneer is an understatement since his own mind set was so forward thinking – a maverick is definitely more like it! Hospitality was not a job, it was a vocation.
During his highly successful 35-year career as owner of the renown La Scala Restaurant, he and the Grieco family set a new standard for fine dining and fine wines in Toronto.
His accomplishments later on in life are what resonate most for me, with his leadership of the Ontario Hostelry Institute in 1977 and subsequently becoming managing director at the Canadian Hospitality Foundation, which helped raise millions for student awards and support.
We can all learn from his own words: “Great hospitality is taking however we felt before we came to the table, and making us feel a little better when we leave.” For Mr. Grieco it wasn’t about what you did exactly or how timely the service was or the food you plated or what wine you offered - but how you made people feel around the table.
Saluti to you Sir – your inspiration will live on through our memories of sharing many a table with you. It was my privilege.
Celebrating 25 Years!
With a new year comes a fresh mindset, letting new ideas flow and embracing motivation at an all-time high! Most of us begin the new year with resolutions of promises to achieve a certain goal or to stop a nagging habit. As a corporate team, our New Year’s resolution is the continuation of exceptional work ethics and the drive to exceed last year’s achievements.
This year, aNd Logistix is celebrating its 25th anniversary! Time flies when you love what you do! aNd Logistix was established in December 1993 and has experienced lots of change since then. We are proud to continuously organize and execute successful events year after year. We have had the pleasure of forming strong relationships with both clients and team members, that have played such an important role in helping us grow and improve. aNd Logistix is proud to have introduced policies and prompted discussion in the workplace concerning the promotion of inclusion, diversity and an overall safe, enjoyable work environment throughout the past 25 years. This positive open-mindedness has enabled us to work with people from different professional backgrounds and lifestyles. It’s helped us learn and expand our horizons to create a professional organization with a genuine, personal touch.
We enter 2019 with the same commitment and enthusiasm that has defined our corporation since the very beginning, and we would like to thank all of those who have been a part of this journey with us. 
A Special Thank You to Our Clients: Achieving 25 incredible years in business has only been made possible through having the opportunity to work with clients that have established such committed relationships as ours have, and that have always provided belief and support in our projects. We are very thankful to all our clients for helping us improve, overcome challenges and ultimately learn as a company. We hope to continue building our knowledge, share experiences and overall enjoying the advice, collaboration and friendship that our clients have demonstrated throughout these 25 years. The team at aNd Logistix thanks you again and wishes all of you Happy New Year!
A Special Thank You to Our Team Members: The projects we undertake at aNd Logistix require dedication, attention to detail, positivity and an unwavering work ethic. We are extremely fortunate to have a team that is so devoted to doing their jobs with the utmost effort. It has been an absolute pleasure working with every member of the aNd Logistix team that brings a different and unique perspective to each project. We are looking forward to another year of such unbelievable teamwork!
2019 marks such a major milestone for aNd Logistix, we are welcoming it with a renewed sense of vigor and purpose! We cannot wait to see what the new year has in store for us!
Don't forget to check out our instagram @andlogistix - we'll be sharing fun memories throughout the year!