Happy Monday everyone! I don't know about you, but our weekend was crazy busy--in a good way! In addition to the usual wedding planning that's been going on of late (it's just short of a year away!), my friends and I headed to the San Gennero feast in Little Italy Friday night to celebrate my best friend's birthday; then Saturday, we all attended a benefit for breast cancer.

As much fun as L's birthday was, what I really wanted to share is the deets on the benefit. I'm sure everyone reading this knows someone touched by breast cancer and that's why it's so important we find a cure! This weekend was all about raising some funds for a worthy effort - Avon's Walk for Breast Cancer: In it to End it!

I know quite a few people who take part in this walk and it is no easy feat! Walkers complete a grand total of 39.3 miles and must raise a minimum of $1800 a piece!! WOW!! Since I haven't been able to walk just yet, I always try to do a small part in helping raise the cash...here's a look into this year's benefit that we threw.

To save on our budget we used Celebrations' party planner to send out invitations...this was super easy and beyond budget-friendly. The potluck tool was really useful also because everyone contributed a little something and the party planner let us coordinate our efforts really well.

My friend L and I whipped up some delicious pink lemonade cupcakes for the dessert portion of the benefit, while others contributed pastas, salads, antipastos, chicken parmigiana and eggplant parmigiana for the buffet.

While everyone ate and drank we raffled off some great prizes friends, family and a few local vendors donated.

All in all, a wonderful night out with wonderful people for a wonderful cause!

Good luck to the ladies walking!