Back to School

If you are like me you love ANY excuse to party...

So for my kids I throw a back to school bash. This includes all of both my child's classrooms. I know it may seem like a huge ordeal with 60 kids to deal with but with these tips it will go over like a pic nic!

Remember that throwing a back to school bash helps you to get to know who will be in your kids class and help you get to know the parents you will be seeing for the next year!

Time to get creative:
Have your children create 30 invitations before school starts using construction paper and art supplies. On your computer type the typical invitation information (minus the persons name) to look like...

Who: You and your family
What: Back to School Bash
When: September 12, 2009
Where: 123 Main Street
Why: to have fun and get to know you!
RSVP: 123-456-7890

Now cut small squares and paste on invitation wherever you like.

Planning...

1. Have stuff to do!
I do not allow the kids in the house for this so I have stations of things to do outside.

• Bounce house
• Pinata
• Pin the ruler on the teacher
• Decorate Apples

2. Have snacks not meals - make mini hot dogs, buy bake your own pizzas and cut into squares after cooking, chips, crackers and drinks are all you need! If kids are playing they will not want to eat a lot!

3. Don't forget the parents - Put on the game for the dads provide adult refreshments if you like or it is right for your household. The moms will navigate to where ever the kids are and will be willing to help watch while you are mingling.

4. Don't forget to greet - Be at the door and have them sign in with name/phone/email/address - this is great for holiday cards, birthday invitations, thank yous and classroom contacts!

5. Create memories - I have invested in a Polaroid camera, so that when the kids come in they can take pictures with the respected child in their class - you can have a teenager help you with this kind of like a photo booth! Then you can write the kids name on it so you can remember all the kids in your child's class and your child has a scrap book of it!

6. Favors - Kids always expect favors at the end of a party - I suggest using a grab bag style have a bag full of school stuff - sticky pads, pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, stickers etc and have each kid reach in and grab a prize before they leave.

7. Decorations - no need to go all out - this is a meet and greet after all. Simple decorations are fine, streamers and color schemes go a long way - have your kids participate by making the decorations for you!

8. Relax - this is a casual event don't worry too much about structure, worry about getting to know the kids, and their families!

I hope you have a great upcoming school year and find reason to celebrate it!

Back to Basics

When planning an event it is sometimes difficult to get back to basics. With all of the stress and running around it can seem like the event has overtaken your life!

Here are a few basic tips to get you back on track when planning your event. It doesn't matter if you are planning a wedding, birthday or corporate event the basics are still the same!

1. Step away, slowly, slowly, that's right, just step away:
Step away from the grind already! It is hard to see what kind of damage we are doing from inside the eye of the tornado!

2. Reassess your situation:
Look over your timeline and check off all that is complete. For those things that still need to be completed do one thing at a time! This is hard to do if you feel like everything is equally important so...

3. Prioritize your to do list:
Prioritize which of the tasks are most important to take care of first, usually your timeline will give you this information - if it is first on the time line it should get done first. Sometimes it has the same urgency value, in this case plan to do both that day, but DO NOT SPEND ALL DAY on it!

4. But, But, But:
Do not BUT yourself into the psych ward. But, the caterer hasn't called me back, but I have not received the fax confirmation, but I have to take the kids to the dentist... If they do not call you back today, call them again tomorrow, if they have not faxed you something call to confirm they got the fax number correct, if you have other obligations that are (at this moment) calling for you, do it and come back to the task.

5. It will ALWAYS work out:
If you are following the time line it will work out especially if you are following a reasonable timeline. Just tell yourself that everything is falling into place, because if you are working on it, it is and it will.

6. Believe in yourself and your abilities:
You are a great person for the job! Otherwise you would not be appointed to do it/it would not be part of your job title! Having confidence that you will get it right is all you need!

7. No One Knows!!:
No one knows (except you and maybe the client) what was supposed to be served, what color flowers or how many flowers were suppose to arrive. Your job in planning any event is 1) making the guests feel comfortable and engaged 2) full filling your/clients/businesses needs 3)everything else. It is okay to have things not go exactly as planned - it happens the most important thing is to make sure that it does not look like anything has happened and that the guests have no idea! So you still look fabulous!

De-stress take a breather and tell your self that you are doing a fabulous job!

A Summer Wedding...

Citrus colors are bright and refreshing perfect for the beach, garden party or any outdoor event.

This is a beautiful beach wedding with citrus colors, a perfect match for the wedding dress below.

Short wedding dresses are still beautiful in a modern and semi casual wedding.

This elegant back yard wedding is the perfect setting!

Goes great with this beautiful 50's inspired wedding dress (one of my favorites!)

The garden party below, goes well with this simple and elegant wedding dress!

Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words.

- Plautus

Where will YOUR next event be??

How about a tree house in New Zealand?? 30 feet above the ground wrapped around a redwood tree in a private forest -- what could be more enchanting and romantic?

This amazing structure is ONLY available for events these days.

Ahhh Dream a Little Dream!

Hot Trends

We recently went to a wedding, and had the pleasure of getting our pictures done in a photo booth by PhotoBash- Which was crazy fun!!

Your guests take a seat, choose between color, B&W, or sepia color photo strips . Our booth will prompt them to take 4 photos, and within 60 seconds, our attendant hands them two copies of their strips! They keep one as a memento, and they can glue the other strip into a guest book, then sign around it!

Strike a Pose and Check them out!

New Mommy Kit

Provide a special gift for that mom to be in your life!

You Kit Comes Packed With…

• Baby Shower Planning
  Will Coordinate
  Be on site day of event to help with festivities
• Sending Announcements
  Address
  Drop off at Post Office
• 4 Weeks of Housekeeping
  Includes 3 hours a week of cleaning
• 4 Weeks of Dinners
  A Homemade Meal (for up to 4)
• New Baby Photo Package
• 8 Week Mom’s Accountability Program
  Meal Planning
  Organization
  How to Organize Family nights
  Budgeting
  More!
• Mommy Mini Make Over
  Hair
  Spa Treatment
  Massage

Additional add on services are available

• Day Care (3 hour segments 3 times a week to drop off baby or older sibling)
• Personal Chef Up Grade
• Concierge Services

Call or email for pricing and additional options.

Rochelle Valadez * 510-209-5806 * rochelle@designerevents.net * www,designerevents.net

BBQ Illuminations!

It is officially BBQ Season!! The Bay Area nights can be chilly for sure, but here are a few things to keep you warm this BBQ season...

How about this heating lamp! Totally Gorgeous! The lamps are approximately 100 inches high and come in black or white; the white version is slightly translucent and comes with a programmable, battery-powered LED that illuminates the lamp from within in a range of colors.

Don't forget the fire pit! We all know how windy it gets so replace your wood burning pit with a gas range pit like the one above and voila -- no more shifting seats to get out of the way of smoke!

Provide throw blankets over the lawn chairs for people to pick up and wrap themselves with.

Use candles and torches to create a warm atmosphere.

Get Grilling!!!

Words of Wisdom

If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place. – Nora Roberts

I came across this quote and couldn't help but think how true this really is! So today I am taking a break from the event planning aspect (sort of) because I want to know what YOU have to say!

Did you ever want to haggle with a florist, chef, or DJ but was to afraid they would say no??

How about that Clown for your kids party (no, NOT uncle Tom!)? Were you able to get him to throw in the balloons for free??

As a professional in the industry I can say that doing your homework BEFORE the big bash is often key! If you know how much things cost in your area and how each company differs, well then you are one step ahead of your vendors!

Make it a point the next time you are thinking about throwing a bash that you ask a professional in the industry. If you have questions that you need answered I will be happy to answer them for you, however, it may cost you a cup of coffee!

Thanks For Reading! Here's to Stepping Forward!

Kids Parties...

My son just had a birthday party! I can truly say I love kids parties -- they are SO much fun!! With the economy the way it is I wondered what parents were saying about throwing their children extravagant birthday parties, and here is what I found....

ALL moms will still find a way for thier child to have just as special of a birthday as years past!

For all those fabulous and loving moms out there, Here are some birthday budget tips...

Opt for Cupcakes
Cupcakes are portion controlled and kids dont get toooo much sugar, plus no need for cake plates!

Less is MORE!!
Take it back old school!! Remember all the fun you had as a kid?? Pin the tail on the donkey, Slip and slides, and pinata's are STILL awesome!

Remember Your Theme and Stick To IT!!!!
Dont get a pony AND a clown, get one or the other and make it the focus!

TIME (its on your side)
Shorten your party to 2-3 hours instead of 4-6 hours and plan your time wisely! Have a schedule of what you want to do and when.

Kid Count
We all know the rule of thumb is your kids age plus 1 is to be invited, but lets face it, that is hard to do without hurting some feelings these days so, schedule an RSVP time and keep to it, ask the parents to RSVP on time so that it is easier to schedule and budget for food and games!

Saying Thank You
NEVER EVER put the kids thank you's in the goodie bag -- way too impersonal! Make sure you get a shot with your birthday boy or girl and each attendee - then send them them the picture in the mail with the thank you on back (you can find picture pens at craft stores).

Your kids birthday should be fun and special -- so most importantly, dont stress yourself out thinking that you have to do everything all the time!!

Happy Party!

Summer Party Fun...

Who's ready for the Summer Games???

This year we will be holding our first annual summer games. Taking it back old school! Have some fun in the sun with these classic outdoor games!

• Three Legged Race
• Water Balloon Toss
• Obstacle Course
• Watermelon Seed Spitting
• Tug of War
• Bocce Ball

Get together in pairs or teams and have a blast with the competition!! For extra fun have judges and award treats at the end!

Pump Up The Volume!...

No matter what kind of music makes you happy -- crank it up!! A recent study found that people who listened to music that made them happy had blood vessels that expanded by 26 percent!! Helping boost blood flow to the heart and release endorphins! So bump your faves for good health!

Quick Tip...

When making smores use marshmallows and chocolate coated cookies to make this quick version a little less messy!

Happy Gaming!!

Thanks for reading!

Personal Chef Anyone???

I have always thought that a personal chef would be ideal for my family! We are busy, active and sometimes rarely home long enough to do anything but order in (or out). So here are some things to help you determine if it is a good idea for your family...

Top 5 Reasons to Use a Personal Chef

1. Why go out! - Knowing what is in your food helps us to make healthier choices
2. Hectic Lifestyle - between work, sports, gym, play dates, friends, family, and school who really wants to be in the kitchen all day?
3. A very special occasion - Enjoy your anniversary in a romantic way by staying home and getting a little privacy! (just one example - others would be engagement, birthday, date)
4. You are not very good in the kitchen - Lets face it - you burn WATER! Toast?? Lets just say you have the fire dept on speed dial!
5. Looking for a healthier diet - Personal chefs provide balanced meals that are healthy, nutritional and fresh!

What to Expect From Your Personal Chef

• In home consultation for dietary and personal preferences
• Shopping, your Chef will do all the shopping for needed ingredients
• All the cooking (of course)
• If they are pre making the meals for the week they will package, label and freeze/refrigerate all dishes
• THEY WILL CLEAN THE KITCHEN!!! - (best part in my opinion!)

BUT HOW MUCH??

On average a personal chef will charge 50-85 dollars per hour, the price of course depends on your needs and how much work will go into the menu, cooking and time on site.

Where Do I Get Started??

Chef Dan Leff is an excellent option in the Bay Area!

Chef Dan provides many services at a GREAT price! He is very in tune with the seasonal products (that as a health conscious society) we crave!

Check him out and tell him I sent you!

Thanks for reading and happy eating!!!

First comes wedding then comes BABY PLANNER...??

Calling all soon to be and planning to be moms and dads. While many countries outside of the US provide baby planning services, nannies, and maids that do anything from running errands to meal planning to laundry, what is an ambitious mom in the US to do??!!

HIRE A BABY PLANNER (assistant to mom to be if you will..)
What does a baby planner do you ask?

• Baby shower coordinating
• Meal planning
• Arrangingthe nursery
• Send out birth announcements
• Baby proof your home
• Schedule appointments
• Baby bring home shopping list (Do you REALLY need 3 baby changing tables??)
• Among other things

These services range from $100 to $600 or more. For a working mom myself I can say that these services are priceless! Who wants to worry about baby proofing the house or who is going to coordinate the baby shower?? You are too busy for that, plus if this is your first baby I am sure you want to enjoy the experience and relax.

Suggest to out of town grandparents that this would be a wonderful gift. Of course they cannot replace them - but it WILL help!

Happy Planning!

Thanking...

Thank Your People!
I recently read an article about how to thank your speakers or entertainers in today's cost-conscious climate, and I have to say, most of the suggestions were things you should be doing for your speakers anyway!

Here were a few suggestions

• Give them a set of DVDs documenting the event
• Giving speakers time to network
• Give them a green room and access to their fave snack and drinks (non-alcholic of course)

I think that all of these should be included in the "Speakers Package" and I believe some speakers call for it (Except maybe the snacks and drinks might seem a little diva-ish).

Here was their (in my opinion) innovative suggestion

• Instead of lavish gift bags (you know the ones with cameras and name brand sunglasses) use those dollars to donate to a great local cause in their name!
• Send a certificate and letter of appreciation to the speaker.

At a time when the economy is slow and people are struggling think about the non profits that are truly missing out! We pay our speakers good money and lets face it, they usually re gift most of the stuff in the gift bags anyway right??

Budget Alert!!!

Dont skrimp on the lighting! Lighting can hide unsightly areas and accentuate beautiful areas! Lighting can change the entire feel of your room!

Hot Trend...

Wine tasting fundraisers - Affordable, refreshing and not at all snootie!

Check THIS out -

Got a kids party? Play Karaoke chairs! Instead of playing music use a karaoke machine and use kids to provide the music. If you dont have a Karaoke machine pop in a CD and let the kids sing along with a toy "mike". (Don't forget the video camera!)

Quote of the Day:

Small Actions = BIG Results!!

Thanks for reading!

May 2009 Newsletter

Dates to Remember:

• May 10 - HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!
• May 16 - Ghiradelli Wine Fest
• May 24 - Carnival - SF

Things to Read:

• Pinnochio - Carlo Colladi
• Naturally Skinny: Unleash your skinny girl and free yourself from a lifetime of dieting - Bethenny Frankel
• Resilience - Reflections on the burdens and gifts of facing life's adversities - Elizabeth Edwards

Websites to See:

• www.modernbridal.com
• www.lulujewels.com
• www.thursdayreferralsplus.com
• www.onebrick.org

Things to Do:

• May 19, 2009 Dancing with your local stars
• May 30 - 31, 2009 Maker Faire

Happy Mothers Day!!

This month we dedicate to all moms for their thoughtfulness, warmth, and unconditional love!

Thanks for reading!!

April 2009 Newsletter

Days to Celebrate
* Palm Sunday -- Sunday, April 5, 2009
* Passover -- Thursday, April 9, 2009
* Good Friday -- Friday, April 10, 2009
* Easter -- Sunday, April 12, 2009

Days to Appreciate/Remember
* Holocaust Remembrance Day -- Tuesday, April 21, 2009
* Administrative Professionals Day -- Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Things to Read
* Raising A Superstar: Simple Strategies To Bring Out The Brilliance In Every Child
- Terri A. Khonsari (Author & Speaker)
* The Golden Egg Book (for the Kids)
- Margaret Wise Brown
* Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Tanya Lee Stone

Websites to See
* Pacing the Panic Room -- http://pacingthepanicroom.blogspot.com/
* Jen Lovelady -- http://jenlovelady.com/
* Terra Galleria -- http://www.terragalleria.com/pictures-subjects/modern-architecture/
* JPG Magazine -- http://jpgmag.com/

Places to Go
* The Cherry Blossom Festival -- http://nccbf.org/home/
* The California Academy of Sciences -- https://www.calacademy.org/

Making Easter Special

This year we are having a small Easter Hunt at our house. There are a few kids that will be attending and we plan on making it super special! The easiest thing about making an event special is knowing that the Easter Bunny will be handling the hardest parts (the hiding in the middle of the night)!

Hope you all enjoy your Easter Sunday!!!

The Why Factor...

The Why Factor

The most important thing to think about (possibly without even knowing it) when we are having an event is the “WHY”.

Most people worry about the budget before they know why they are throwing the event! You should always know the why and then worry about the how later. The reason for this is simple. If it is important enough you will find a way to accomplish it! It doesn’t matter the cost – you will get investors, raise funds, people will chip in, etc.

Why DO people have events?

To Celebrate
To Appreciate
To Recognize
To Grow
To Make a Statement
To Raise Funds

To Name a few....

What makes each event special is the reason you are throwing the event – the theme or decor comes later.

When choosing the theme/decor we usually take into account the reason for the event. It obviously has to be appropriate. Then we think of the food, drinks, entertainment etc.

Sometimes we are the person throwing the event, sometimes it is a committee, and sometimes we hire a planner. Either way we all want our events to be a great success.

So how do we make an event a successful one?

First, Determine what you are trying to accomplish.

• Make it appropriate – If you are honoring a person in the community, include the people he has helped or incorporate his deeds into the theme.
• Be aware of your time constraints – Sometimes it is hard for people to gauge the amount of time it takes to put together an event. You have to consider the rental, catering, venue and attendees availability.

Lets take a school for example (my children have Cocoa and Cookie socials)

What is the school trying to do with this cocoa and cookie social?
I would venture to say that it is not to get the kids that see each other all day to socialize.
Having an event that we as parents can bring the kids to and enjoy with them will encourage us to talk to other parents. Will give us a chance to mingle with like minds. AND the PTA has a chance to get other parents to become involved. It stands to show that if Sally can help then Jen will want to too! Especially if Sally is being asked in front of Jen.

If you put to good use the WHY FACTOR your event will surely be a success!

Thanks for reading!

Wedding Play Lists

I have seen a lot of play lists lately and I though it would be nice to post some for weddings. Here is a top ten from the TOP 30 WEDDING SONGS (LOVE SONGS, SLOW SONGS) OF 2009 on a dj's website.

1. Amazed - Lonestar (a couple of sites had this song as #1)
2. Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flats
3. In My Life - The Beatles
4. She Will Be Loved - Maroon 5
5. Better Together - Jack Johnson
6. Sexual Healing - Marvin Gay
7. Cant Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
8. When a Man Loves a Woman - Pierce Sledge
9. Faithfully - Journey
10. You and Me - Lifehouse

Some other artists were: Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, U2.

What is (or was) your top 10 songs for your wedding?

Thanks for Reading

Its Spring!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE spring!!! It is one of my favorite seasons (The other is fall -- I think it has to do with all of the great colors!)







I love these -- they would make great center pieces!













Who can resist a great topiary??












So cute for a children's party -- Not to mention super simple!!

I Absolutely LOVE this!!

Yeah for brunch!!

Adult party center pieces for Easter!

No one can do it better than Martha!!

Whats your spring ideas??

Thanks for reading!

Evening with the Locals!

This month try a local wine from the Russian River Valley!

"Created in small lots, Picket Fence Chardonnay and Pinot Noir celebrate our passion for the Russian River Valley and our sentiment that wine is a way of bringing family and friends together."

Find out more here.

Pair your Picket Fence findings with a Croque Monsieur Mac and Cheese. With its grated gruyere, ham, and spicy flavors it makes a perfect pair for the Picket Fence Pinot!

For desert clean your palate with dark chocolate covered oranges! Perfect ending to a great evening! Find these and other delicious chocolates at Landru Chocolates!

Thanks for reading! Now go have a great evening with the locals...

Special Thanks To:

Picket Fence

Food Network

Landru Chocolates

March 2009 Newsletter

Things to Celebrate
* Daylight Savings - Sunday, March 8, 2009
* Saint Patrick's Day - Tuesday, March 17, 2009
* Spring Begins - Friday, March 20, 2009


Things to Read
* Chanel: A Woman of Her Own - By: Axel Madsen
* Le Corbusier 1887-1965: The Lyricism of Architecture in the Machine Age - By Jean-Louis Cohen
* Windows On The World Complete Wine Course 2009 - By Kevin Zraly


Websites to See
* The Hair Stylist - http://www.thehairstyler.com/
* A Cup of Jo - http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/
* The Lettered Cottage - http://theletteredcottage.blogspot.com/


Places to Go
* Exploring Pinnacles National Monument - Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 @ 7pm at the REI in Fremont (43962 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA)
* Ohlone Wind Orchestra Concert - Sunday, March 15, 2009 (call 510-659-6031 for more info)


MARCH FLOWERS IN BLOOM
Ammobium
Bachelor Buttons
Calendula
Corn Flower
Daffolil
Eucalyptus
Flowering Almond
Flowering Crab Apple
Flowering Peach
Forsythia
Flex Verticulata
Iris
Keria Verticulata
Leptospermum
Liatris
Linaria
Myrthe
Naked Ladies
Narcissus
Pittosporum
Quince
Ranuculus
Red Bud
Salix
Spireae
Sweet Pea


PROMOTE YOUR NEXT EVENT
Before you can promote your event you need to know the Who, What, When, Where, and Why!
* Who is your target market to promote this event to? (young, old, combination, men, women etc.)
* What do you want to accomplish with this event? (awareness, fundraiser, recruitment)
* When do you plan on throwing this event? This is important for all aspects - if it is a fundraiser be aware of the season you are throwing it in and who your target market is! You do not want to throw a fundraiser in the middle of December targeting middle class -- most likely they will be spending money on travel and family.
* Where are you planning to have your event? (hotel, recreation facility, park)
* WHY are you throwing this event? Is your non profit in need of funding? Are you recognizing a leader in your company, school, or group?

Once you have completed that wonderful task -- its time to start promoting....BUT where??

Thanks for Reading!!

EVENTS GONE GREEN: How to make your event green

Take your event green with these easy ideas!

Location, Location, Location!!
Choose a simple site that does not need much decorating in itself.
· A garden (I love Hakone Gardens)
· Your best friends newly done back yard (it will also be a great compliment to your friend!)
· A church, hall, or even a historic library (Sex in the City style) with beautiful architecture
Encourage guest to carpool or use alternative ways to get to an event.

Invitations VS. E-vitations
If possible use “evites” for your invitations
Check out: http://www.smilebox.com/, http://www.mypunchbowl.com/, http://www.evite.com/, or http://www.sendomatic.com/
If you MUST use mail invitation or more formal invites use recycled invitations. They also have invites that your guests can plant!

MMMM Food
Of course go organic and work with your caterer to use locally grown foods!
But also….
Call your local food bank and see if they will come and pick up the left overs.

Tableware – Uhhhh DUH!
· USE your OWN! (or the Caterers)
· Use cloth napkins
· Use coasters instead of cocktail napkins. (I love these)
· If you must use plastic or paper please recycle!

Ahhhh The Way Mother Nature Intended
Use living décor
· Moss
· Trees
· Succulents
· Stones
· Plants
· Organic flowers
You can contact your local nursery to inquire about renting these items. If you choose to buy send some home with guests!

Lights, Camera, Action
· Use digital Cameras – Pretty much everyone has a digital camera these days so please no throw away camera. Ask your friend in the invitation to participate in your party by sending you the photos they shoot at your party – you will be surprised by all the great shots you get (FREE!)
· Use online scrapbooks and websites to share your photos! Check out http://www.howfasttheygrow.com/
· Use as much daylight as possible – then save energy with candles!
· If you must use the real light use compact fluorescents

Don’t for get to RRR
Remember to make it easy to recycle by marking bins clearly. If you have a bartender make sure he has a process to recycle his goods and wares as well.

Have fun and do something nice for the biggest hostess with the mostess – Mother Earth!

February Newsletter

Things to Celebrate
· Super Bowl Sunday 2/1
· Groundhog Day 2/2
· Lincoln’s Birthday 2/12
· Valentine’s Day 2/14
· Washington’s Birthday 2/22
· Ash Wednesday 2/25

Things to Read
Wicked
Stephen Schwartz

The 5 Things a Millionaire
Taught me
Richard Paul Evans

The Fabulous Girls Guide to Decorum
Kim Izzo

Things to Do
Winchester Mystery House Candlelight Tour 2/13

Jan’s Art Studio
http://www.jansartstudios.com/

Mission Coffee
www.fremontcoffee.com/mcrc.htm

Broadway West Theatre
http://www.broadwaywest.org/

Things to See
Shinn Historic Park and Arboretum

Historic Niles

Up Coming Wedding/Party Fairs
2/22 11am Walnut Creek Marriott

Celebrating In February
Celebrating doesn’t have to mean a huge ordeal or lots of money! To Celebrate is to observe or commemorate. Make it simple and sweet. What does each day mean to you?

Super bowl: An all American past-time with family, friends and food!

Groundhog Day: The day I know when Spring is coming! Check out the history of this great day here.

Lincoln’s Birthday: Read a brief history of our 16th President and learn why we honor him.
Valentines Day: Hmmm Chocolate, Champagne, Fancy Dinners and Heart Shaped I luv u’s. Why is this day so Important?

Washington’s Birthday: Our 1st President. It is amazing to know how much he accomplished at such a young age. Makes me wonder about our children and their accomplishments.

Ash Wednesday: The first day of Lent in the Roman Catholic Calendar. This day is the beginning of the season of preparation to receive Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.

What do you plan to celebrate this month and how do you plan to celebrate it?

2009 Wedding Trends
The Colors: Slate (or Gray) and Royal Purple. I know it sounds gloomy but try these color variations side by side. Pull out a box of colored markers and see what happens!

The Cakes: Or Should I say CUP cakes!

The Flowers: Beautiful organic combinations but with LOTS of color!

The Venue: Afordable and out of the ordinary – Farms, B&B’s, and Historic Parks.

These are just the trends. You and your Fiance’s personal style will be the true tell of YOUR wedding “Trend”. Just remember that whether BIG or quaint, your day is all about your love for one another and that makes it special in itself!

Thank You Notes Do's and Dont's

Do...
Send as soon as possible:

• Birthdays, holidays, informal events - within a week


• Weddings - technically you have 1 year but I would suggest within 1 month of returning from the honeymoon.


• Business - within 3 business days


• A friends help - Within a week


• Job Interview - as soon as you get home or next business day

Just a few examples.

Formal or Informal?

• Job Interview: Formal


• Wedding: Formal


• Birthday (depending on who's birthday it is): Informal (if it is your bosses birthday - best to go formal)


• Dinner Party/Friendly thank you: informal

If this is a thank you for a formal event then please use proper formal thank you etiquette.

On all Thank You's Be sure to include:

• What you are thankful for (the toaster from your wedding)

NEVER!!! (Ever, Ever!)

• Pre-write your thank you's and hand them out as the guest leave!
• Type your thank you's (unless of course you have a medical problem that dictates otherwise)
• Lie about loving a gift! (simply state "thank you for the thoughtful gift of "Blank")
• Use ruled school paper, find a stationary that suits you and your personality - or have some made with your family name.

Here are a few I love:

http://www.tinyprints.com/

http://www.finestationery.com/

http://www.thestationerystudio.com/

http://www.designhergals.com/

http://www.papergirl.net/

Hope this helps with the basics -- I could go on forever! If in doubt there are hundred (and I mean HUNDREDS) of articles and books to choose from on the subject of thank you notes. You can find both classic and contemporary spins on the subject.

Happy Thanking!

Start a Dinner Club

Start a dinner club. Pick a day every month (mine is the 3rd Sunday of the month). It is such a great idea - it is always nice to get together with the girls and what better way then over food and drinks?

Pick a theme, ie., Spanish, the grill, pic-nic foods, etc. one theme per month.

Remember that you don't have to be a great cook -- but you do have to have fun!!

** Side note -- at the end of the year a recipe book with pictures of your friends from your club makes a great Christmas Gift! **