Elements for Inspiration

Autumn Inspirations

2010-09-14T11:49:00.018-04:00

I love fall. It's my favorite time of year. I love the cool crisp temperatures, the rustling sound of the leaves on trees and most of all the vibrant colors. So for some autumn inspiration I found some great inspiration boards at The Perfect Palette and at Polyvore. I hope these boards will inspire you too!

I saw these colors on the The Perfect Palette and fell in love with them. I will find a way to use them at an upcoming event.

I found these Autumn colors so warm and inviting.

I also love warm, muted earth tones with a splash of color added to make the setting pop.

Chalkboard Inspirations

2010-08-04T12:44:00.006-04:00

First, I want to apologize for not posting in a while. I recently had hip and knee surgery and the recovery has kept me very busy.

On to today's post - I love the idea of using chalkboards for decorating and for entertaining and you are seeing this used more and more. Here are a few ideas that you can use in your home or at your next event.

This table runner is from Napa Style. I thought it was a creative way to identify food for your guests.

I love the idea of doing away with wine charms and these glasses from Pier 1 are a great way to do that.

I loved these wine lables when giving wine as a gift. They are from Green Depot .

Get Organized Using Everyday Items

2010-03-22T10:08:00.011-04:00

Real Simple online recently did an article on how to get organized using everyday items. They listed 21 different ways, but posted my top 5 favorites. Hope you find them as useful and creative as I did.
1.Earrings as pushpins
Face it: That long-lost earring is probably gallivanting with a wayward sock in Ye Olde Land of Misplaced Items. (What a stud!) Let its lonely, abandoned mate rebound as a pretty thumbtack on a bulletin board.

2.Tissue Box as Grocery Bag Holder
Storing plastic grocery bags under the kitchen sink. After An Affair to Remember has exhausted your supply of tissues, stuff the bags into the empty box.

3.Coat Rack as Jewelry Holder
Storing your best-loved (and most frequently worn) necklaces and bracelets within easy reach.

4.Tall Vase as Toilet Paper Container
Helping toilet paper hide in plain sight. Guests don't have to root around for a new roll in your not absolutely, positively tidy vanity, and you always know when you're running low.

5.Toilet Paper Roll as Cord Holder
Tangle-free power wherever you need it. Coil the cord into a hank about 1 1/2 inches thick, then slide it through the tube for a neat package that won't come unwound.

SUPER BOWL PARTY

2010-01-15T11:45:00.015-05:00

If you know me than you know that I am from Pittsburgh and a diehard Steelers fan. Astonishingly, my beloved Steelers did not make the playoffs this year! However, despite my lamenting over fact that my Steelers’ season is over I still wanted to put together some ideas for hosting a Super Bowl Party.

Invite Them and They Will Come
What makes the Super Bowl special is not only the game itself, but it's the camaraderie of friends and family. In order to enjoy your party to the fullest, you must invite the right people. You don't want to make the mistake of inviting just anyone. A great Super Bowl party consists of close friends, not the people that are out party hopping in search of free beer. Keep the guest list at a minimum. Invite the people that you truly want to hang out with. Getting the word out that you are having a Super Bowl Party is essential and evite.com has a great selection of football online invitations to send.

Décor
Decorate your table and your house with the colors for the two teams that are playing. For your food table this is the perfect occasion to ditch your old linen table cloths and let loose! Pick up a few yards of astro turf from your nearest home supply store and cover your table tops with this fake field! Go the extra “yard” and create yard lines using white masking tape!

At Crash This Party they had these décor pictures for a Super Bowl Party and of course I had to show them and give a shout out to the my Black and Gold.

I love the football players’ numbers added to the glasses like wine charms and using football scrapbook paper to cover candle bases.

Let them eat cake…. And a whole lot more
What would a football party be without beer and food?!? Here are some great game day recipes.

Soft Pretzels with Queso Poblano Sauce and Mustard Sauce

Sliders with Chipotle Mayonnaise

Lucky 7 Layer Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Marmalade Meat Balls

Now sit back relax and enjoy the game.

MOVIE NIGHT

2010-01-11T11:31:00.003-05:00

With few more long winter nights ahead of us movie night is a great way to entertain and fight the winter doldrums. It’s perfect for a Friday night when friends are up for a relaxed evening that’s simple. Even a casual movie night needs a theme. Here are a few fun themes to work with.

Summer Dreaming
Adventureland
Dirty Dancing
Jaws
Dazed and Confused
Stand by me
Beach Blanket Bingo

Oscar Winners
The English Patient
Rain Man
Titanic
Slumdog Millionaire
The Departed
Platoon
Laugh out Loud
Little Miss Sunshine
Something About Mary
The Hangover
The Full Monty
Young Frankenstein
007 Party
Dr. No
Live and Let Die
The Spy Who Loved Me
Casino Royale
Classic Action/Adventure
Raiders of the Lost Ark
North by Northwest
Die Hard
Blade Runner
The Terminator
Trilogies
The Godfather Trilogy
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Ocean’s Trilogy
Star Wars Episodes IV- VI and then Episodes I – III
The Bourne Trilogy
Back to the Future
Austin Powers

One of the best parts of going to the movies is the concession stand. For an adult party set-up a drink station to match your movie theme. Here are a few drink/theme ideas:
Summer Dreaming – Margaritas, James Bond- Martini’s shaken not stirred, Star Wars – Cosmos

Put several bowls of flavored popcorn around the room. Take newspaper and roll into cones for your guests to fill with popcorn. Also, have some concession type candy like Twizzlers, Milk Duds, and Raisinettes.

Than sit back, relax and enjoy the movies!

Holiday Mantel

2009-12-10T09:39:00.010-05:00

To me nothing creates a feeling of hominess, warmth and holiday cheer like a well decorated fireplace and mantel. Below are pictures from Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living, myhomeideas.com, and Southern Living. I hope that they inspire you too.

I love this display. I like using natural elements when I decorate and using red cranberries with the evergreen garland really makes this display pop.

Here is another great example of bringing natural elements inside.

I also love the idea of incorporating live trees and flowers into your displays.

For those of you that are looking to make more of statement these two displays hopefully will give you some inspiration.

10 Fabulous and Unique Gifts for under $75

2009-12-07T10:26:00.013-05:00

With the holiday season in full swing and the thoughts gift giving ringing in our heads I have found some fabulous and glamorous gifts for under $75 most under $50. Happy shopping and happy giving!

Naughty Paris: A Ladies Guide to Sexy Paris - $26
GIVE TO: Your travel bug, but slightly naughty girlfriends.
Click here to purchase.

Vinturi Wine Aerator - $35
GIVE TO: The wine enthusiast.
Click here to purchase.

Nintendo DS Style Savvy - $30
GIVE TO: The Rachel Zoe wannabe in your life.
Click here to purchase.

Waals World Time Clock -$54
GIVE TO: The jet setter or businesses traveler
Click here to purchase.

Engraved Satin Gunmetal Pocket Watch - $50
GIVE TO: Your father or husband as a sentimental gift or to a gentleman that has a unique style.
Click here to purchase.

Family Table Topics Game -$25
GIVE TO: The inquisitive member of your family
Click here to purchase.

Roxy Laptop Tote - $50
GIVE TO: Give to the high school or college hipster
Click here to purchase.

Fifty Dresses that Changed the World $15
GIVE TO: The fashionista book worm
Click here to purchase.

Rock your Religion Cho Rho Braclet or Pendent also available in Cross, Star of David and
Peace sign -$75
GIVE TO: Give to the spiritual person in your life
Click here to purchase.

Bijou tea light holder - $20
GIVE TO: As host gift or to home décor enthusiast.
Click here to purchase.

Tis the season to eat

2009-12-06T14:12:00.008-05:00

Southern Living has created 25 amazing appetizers sor this holiday season. So whether you are host a holiday gathering or attending a potluck party these amazing appetizers will wow your guests or your hosts.

Layered Sun-dried Tomatoe Basil Spread
This recipe will save you time by makeing it days in advance of your party. Here is the recipe - Layered Sun-dried Tomatoe Basil Spread

Cranberry Meatballs - These meatballs can be made ahead and frozen to help save time during this busy time of year. Here is the recipe - Cranberry Meatballs

Hot Roast Beef Party Sandwiches - These crowd pleasing sandwiches will sure to delight your guests. Here is the recipe - Hot Roast Beef Party Sandwiches

Be sure to check out all 25 recipes from Southern Living.

1 table, 3 Holidays

2009-11-18T11:22:00.010-05:00

One of my favorite websites is myhomeideas.com. They recently did an article about how a few well-chosen containers and candlesticks can create the framework for three very different holiday schemes that will carry you from Thanksgiving to the New Year by simply changing the color scheme and adding seasonal items can create beautiful tablescapes while saving you time and money.

THANSGIVING TABLE
Silver and orange make a unique Thanksgiving color scheme. A mercury glass pumpkin tops the tall trumpet vase, but you could easily spray-paint a real pumpkin with metallic paint. Branches of silk leaves mingle with fresh berries for rich color, and a scattering of white miniature pumpkins provides a fun note at dining level.

CHRISTMAS TABLE

NEW YEAR'S EVE

An explosion of color and shine sets a festive table for a New Year’s Eve dinner. Bunched sequined sprays arch from the trumpet vase, with purple candles echoing the spray’s color. Jewel-toned stemware continues the theme.

Table Shopping List
1 tall centerpiece vase
6 mercury glass candlesticks
3 footed hurricanes
3 orange candles
6 red pillar candles
3 purple pillar candles
3 branches of silk fall leaves
250 peppermint sticks
1 pound peppermint balls
24 assorted glass ball ornaments
8-10 sequined sprays

My new obsession

2009-11-12T11:30:00.003-05:00

It is my strong belief that flowers will help create an atmosphere and a mood at an event. If you love flowers and event decor then TLC's new show Flowers Uncut with Jeff Leatham is the show for you. While most event planners don't have the huge budgets to recreate Jeff's designs the show will inspire and spark your creativity.

Boo-tiful Tablescapes

2009-10-21T11:13:00.015-04:00

With Halloween just around the corner I thought I would share some of my favorite spooktacular tablescapes that I have seen around the web. Hopefully they will give you inspiration to create your own Boo-tiful table.

The first couple of pictures are from Maddycakes blog. These are beautiful and easy to do tablescapes.

These next couple of pictures are from HGTV.com

Last, but not least from Tablescaper blog is this spooktacular setting.

Coutour Shoe Boxes

2009-10-16T09:15:00.009-04:00

To all my shoe fetish and clean freak friends this product is for you. I read about this in the Rachel Zoe newsletter and fell in love with the idea. Closet Fetish offers a great organizational tool for your closet a couture shoebox. Store your treasured soles in style with these colorful cases. These boxes come in a variety of colors - Stiletto Red (my favorite), Ballerina Slipper pink, Lavender, Light Blue, Chocolate Brown, and Beige. Each box includes a frame on the outside, so you can display a picture of the enclosed platforms. Not only will these stackable boxes help you sort your flats from your heels, but they will also prolong the life of whatever treasures are inside.

Before and After

And just jealous!

"Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can rule the world." Bette Midler

"The perfect pair of shoes can change your life." Cinderella

DIY Gilded Pumpkins

2009-10-09T10:46:00.007-04:00

I saw these pumpkins on the Country Living website and fell in love with them. It's a unique way to transform traditional fall decor into lovely fall pieces. Find the full gilding instructions here from Country Living.

Fall Drink recipes

2009-10-01T09:57:00.007-04:00

Well, it is almost the weekend. Almost time for rest and relaxation and what a better way to unwind then with a cool, crisp cocktail. The Intoxicologist at http://intoxicologist.net/ had some wonderful fall drink recipes that I wanted to share with you. They sound delicious and I can’t wait to try them. Here’s to the weekend and relaxing. Salute!
And for the under 21 crowd here are a few mocktails.

Halloween Inspiration boards

2009-09-30T15:59:00.006-04:00

Whether you are planning a wedding, holiday décor or decorating a room an inspiration board will help you throughout the planning process to stay on track and to ensure that everything fits together perfectly. An inspiration board is just like the collages you created as a kid, but with a grown up twist. The images that you put together represent the colors, style, theme and vibe that you want your event or home décor to convey.

Since Halloween is just around the corner I thought I would share these wonderful inspiration boards I found online. They are a great example of how to take silly and playful holiday and turn it into a elegant and divine celebration.

For the traditional orange and black affair these images are sure to envoke the Halloween spirit.

If "True Blood" is more your style the images below are sure to get the creative blood,humm I mean juices flowing.

Funny and Spooky Halloween Invitations

2009-09-18T14:04:00.007-04:00

On Martha Stewart's website I saw these creative and spooky invitations and just had to share them.

This creepy invitation looks like it came from a dungeon laboratory of Dr. Frankenstein, but it's easy to make at home. Click here for instructions to make this invitation.

This invitation will definately get their attention. Click here for instruction on how to make this creepy invite.

Happy Haunting!

Invitation and Announcement wording help!

2009-09-16T13:08:00.003-04:00

Swoozie's has a great section on their website to help with wording for invitations. They have 35 different catagories to choose from. The catagories range from Halloween parties, to stock the bar showers, to wedding invitations. Below are a few examples.

Something sexy
Something sweet
Something to knock
Mr. Poole off his feet!

He loves beer and she loves wine,
but Amanda also loves barware so fine!
So bring some bar tools, or even beer
As we wish them a lifetime of happiness & cheer

Save the Date!
Happiness, Love, Hugs and Kisses
We’re becoming a Mr. and Mrs.!

We’d love to have you join us,
so save the special date
An invitation will follow,
hope you can come -- we can’t wait!
June 10, 2010

Ten more fingers and ten more toes
This time it’s a girl in ribbons and bows!

David welcomes his new baby sister
Jane Marie
June 4. 2005
6 pounds, 7 ounces, 19 inches
John and Emma Smith

Pantone Fashion Color Trends for Fall 2009

2009-08-31T14:18:00.006-04:00

Pantone the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, announces the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Fall 2009. The report features the top 10 colors for women's fashion for fall '09. The report is available free-of-charge from the Pantone Website. Must haves for fall:
• Tailored riding jacket in Gunmetal Gray or Black
• Leather jacket - Leather is definitely a must-have for fall. Aside from "rock redux" another hot trend for fall is "everything leather."
• Something draped -I think drapes are quickly becoming a mainstay, just like capris. But then again, there is something very classic and elegant about drapes, especially on long, flow-y dresses. Check out Versace's fall collection for romantic, draped dresses. If you're into draped accessories - you read that right - accessories, Style.com recommends Viktor & Rolf's draped clutch.
• Over-knee-boots – They aren’t just for stripers anymore. They've got to be one of the sexiest footwear/apparel pieces ever created and they look delicious when paired with mini.
• Strong shouldered jacket - I cringe at the shoulder padded jackets, but Fall collections this year are obsessed with big shoulders. Prominent shoulders are everywhere - on full dresses, mini dresses, and of course jackets. Can you say hello 1985?
• Color - After last year's back to black theme, designers take us to happier and more hopeful territories. So go ahead and wear something colorful, go for neons if you must even if it’s as an accent color in a fedora hat or scarf.

It's rough being a Princess

2009-08-24T10:29:00.013-04:00

I saw these pictures online and loved them. They are from a collection entitled Fallen Princesses by photographer Diane Goldstein. The ones below are a few of my favorites.

Snow White - Living the Dream!

Cinderella A tough day at the castle.

Jasmine - War can really ruin a girl's happy ending!

Bell - We all have to go through alittle pain to be beautiful.

Jimmy Whooo?

2009-08-19T13:34:00.007-04:00

Charlotte Russ has made every budget shoppers dream come true. A knock-off pair of Jimmy Choo's cutout shoe bootie that are a dead ringer for the designer original . Charlotte's version is selling for $26.99. These shoes would look great with a pair of rolled up boyfriend jeans or add a little bit of edge to a white femine flirty dress.

Seasonal Sales

2009-08-19T12:14:00.012-04:00

I love shopping! I love shopping even more when I feel I’m getting a great deal. With that in mind here are some of my favorite finds on seasonal sale items. Happy shopping!

Outdoor pillows from
Restoration Hardware $15.99

Bronze lanterns from
Restoration Hardware $13 - $35

Outdoor oil lamps from
Restoration Hardware $5.99

A set of 3 wall hanging baskets from Pottery Barn $39.99

Wine and cheese tote from picnicfun.com $28

DIY Wine Bottle Torch

2009-08-17T13:11:00.010-04:00

I saw this and absolutely fell in love with it. If you’re a wine enthusiast or your having a wine themed party these torches would be great in any backyard or on a deck. The idea comes from Erik Anderson of Gerardot & Co.- a creative branding and design agency in indianapolis. Erik was kind enough to share this fantastic project that turns an everyday bottle into a modern backyard tiki torch on his blog. For instructions for this do it yourself project click here.

Not that I need a reason to open a bottle of wine, but now there is reason not to be disappointed when the bottle is empy.

2010 Color Trend Forecast - Part II

2009-08-11T12:33:00.007-04:00

Color- it’s all around us and it influences our moods even if we don’t realize it. The colors that we choose to wear or decorate our homes with are a reflection of ourselves. So let’s continue our look at the color trends for 2010 to see the hues that will be popping up in fashion, home décor and event décor.

Pantone’s Galaxy is well reflected in a palette that truly illustrates the harmony of hue found in the nocturnal sky. Mirroring the colors of the earth, the greens, called Greener Pastures and Peridot, are powerfully contrasted against the deepest extraterrestrial blues, silver and stormy violets. Brilliant sprays of turquoise and a radiating orchid tone enhance the atmosphere, while Rich Gold embodies the energy and splendor of the epicenter of it all – the sun.

Benjamin Moore’s the new luxury is more about values and less about wealth. Sophisticated deep and rich tones. Bold translucency and art-inspired brights contrast against beige grounds. Gold, bronze, copper. Sustainable color choices accented with luxurious chromas of organic brights….think eco-chic. Colors include: sandlot gray, granite, wild orchid, caponata, summer plum, gold.

2010 Color Trend Forecast - Part I

2009-08-04T17:29:00.018-04:00

Pantone and Benjamin Moore, two companies that know a thing or two about color, have released their forecast for 2010’s hottest color trends. From muted, subdued shades to bright and bold the color trends for 2010 promise to be fresh, yet sophisticated. These new shades will inspire hope and bring comfort to our day-to-day lives. We will see these colors everywhere from home décor, to fashion, to special event and wedding decorations. Color can be a powerful influencer of mood and a reflection of who you are. Where better to wield the power of color than your home, wardrobe or next soiree? So let’s take a look at some of these exciting color palettes.

Let’s start with my favorite –Pantone’s Greenmarket. The local farmers market was the inspiration behind this palette. The colors in this collection have wonderful and appetizing names like Tomato Puree and Beaujolais, with the tang of Super Lemon or bite of Apple Green, to the more exotic flavors of Dijon, Paprika and Chutney. Greenmarket contains representational hues that entice and appeal to both the eyes and the taste buds.

Both Pantone’s Gatherings and Benjamin Moore’s Genesis color schemes brings together a compilation of colors that are warm, earthy, and comforting and that is demonstrated the appropriately named colors: Pantone’s Cypress green, Smoke Blue, Sand and Oasis mixed with the magic of Twilight Mauve, the piquancy of Lemon Curry and Benjamin Moore’s Abby Brown, Forrest Moss, and Fruit Cocktail.

Paris, Part II

2009-08-04T08:08:00.004-04:00

Bon joir! There is nothing more exciting than your first day in Paris as you embark on a day of sightseeing and there is nothing more deflating than spending hours waiting in line or arriving at a museum to find out that it is closed. So here are a few tips to consider before heading out that might save you some time and frustration.

· Plan on being at major attractions 30 minutes before they open in the morning to avoid the long lines. There will still be lines, but not as bad.
· Purchase your tickets online in advance if possible. I know you can do this for the Louvre and most of the museums and Versailles. You might also want to look into the Paris City Pass.
· Always have a plan B so that if it rains or several tourist buses just pulled up right before you got there you have an alternative plan.
· Early in your trip take a guided walking tour. I am not a huge fan of guided tours. I enjoy discovering an area for myself, but I have found it helpful and very interesting to take a small group guided walking tour. You can learn a lot of things from your guide that you won’t read in travel books and the guides tend to have great tips since they live there. The one that I took a few years back was through http://www.paris-walks.com/ . On my recent visit my sixteen year old daughter was with me so we went on a Ghost Tour. It was very interesting and different. The guides weren’t as polished as some, but they were very entertaining and had some very cool “creepy” stories. This group was http://www.mysteriesofparis.com/ .
· I have always found that taking the metro in the morning or when changing attraction locations during the day is the most cost effective way to navigate the city which is why it is essential to have a good Metro Map. However, after a day of sightseeing and walking you will be exhausted take a taxi back to the hotel. Trust me this little splurge will be a life and feet saver. I never spent more the 10 Euro taking a taxi back and the average was between 6 – 8 Euro. Try to take a taxi before 4:30 or after 6:00 pm.
· Not all metro stations have person to buy metro tickets from. They have machines that you can purchase a book of 10 1 trip tickets for 11 Euro. However, these machines only take coin Euros so make sure that you have that on you.
· I have found the book of 10 1 trip tickets the most convenient especially if you plan on taking taxis at the end of the day. We purchased two books of 10 and I still have a couple left.
· Unlike USA subways a lot of their train doors do not open automatically at each stop. You have to push either a green button or pull a lever. The first time I went to Paris I did not know this and stood at the doors waiting for them to open. They never did and the train left the station. I sat down and waited for someone to get off at the next stop to figure out what to do.
· Also, unlike US subways their trains aren’t air conditioned. This leads to a not so nice aroma by mid-afternoon in the summer. Another reason to take a taxi.

I hope these tips help you navigate the City of Lights. Happy travels. Au Revoire!

Looks for less

2009-07-28T11:13:00.003-04:00

Sienna Miller worn this simple, but chic outfit to the Berlin premiere of GI Joe.

I love it when you can find outfits similar to what you saw a celebrity wear and you can actually afford it. Shopstyle.com put together her entire outfit for $128.69. That's a deal I can live with. Happy shopping.

Give the Gift of a Tree

2009-07-27T14:01:00.006-04:00

With the focus of "going green" on events lately I thought this Tree Gift from the Arbor Day Foundation was a great idea for party favors, wedding favors, corporate gifts or fundraising. It's a thoughtful and unique gift that will be a living memento of your event that will last a lifetime.

Now that's the way to say I do!

2009-07-24T22:46:00.005-04:00

Kevin Heinz and Jill Peterson floored their wedding guests by having their whole bridal party — including seven bridesmaids, five groomsmen and four ushers — boogie down the aisle in a choreographed dance to Chris Brown’s “Forever”. The whole wedding party will appear on TODAY Saturday to do an encore of their now-legendary aisle dance.

Why weren't they doing this 22 years ago? I would have so been there. If you haven't seen the video here it is. Want to read the whole article? Click here.

Gorgeous Helen Wine Glass Lamp Shades

2009-07-24T08:32:00.008-04:00

I saw these shades on a website. I thought they were a clever way to décor a dinner table. They would also be perfect accents for a wedding. If you want to purchase them you can order them through Charles & Marie. I also found a DIY way to make them. They are fairly easy and it allows you a lot of room for creativity. You can use plain vellum or colored vellem, you print a design on the vellum, the possibilities are endless.

Supplies:
8-1/2" x 11" sheets of vellum (one per lamp)
Scissors
Decorative bladed scissors
Decorative paper punch
Glue pen
Wine glasses
Tealights or a LED battery-operated tealights
Candle putty (floral clay)
Here's how, from Save On Crafts:
Download and print out this lampshade pattern.
Trace the pattern onto your vellum sheet. Cut out the shape with your regular scissors. If you want, you can use decorative bladed scissors along the bottom edge to add another element to the shade.
If you like, use a paper punch to punch holes evenly or haphazardly throughout the shade.
Using the glue pen, apply a thin line of glue to one straight end. Wrap the other end over the glued end, and adhere together, forming the shade.
Secure the tealight with the candle putty, and set the lampshade on top of your glass.

Welcome to the Digital Age

2009-07-23T15:30:00.004-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Last year when my daughter was graduating high school I spent hours creating a scrapbook for her and I wished that all of my hard work could have been seen by more then just those how attended the graduation party. Then I discovered Smilebox. It is a photo service that lets you quickly turn life’s moments into digital creations you can share with others or save for yourself. Choose from hundreds of ecard, scrapbooking, and slideshow designs for every occasion. Once you personalize any design, you can email it, post or blog it, burn it to DVD, or print any page. If you’ve got a few minutes, you can create something others will cherish. I created this scrapbook in 10 minutes. Have fun!

Great rustic centerpieces or gifts

2009-07-23T09:59:00.000-04:00

I saw this centerpiece on a wedding photographer’s website and absolutely loved the idea. I thought it was great for a wedding centerpiece, wedding gift or anniversary gift. I was not able to find the exact same vase online, but I found something similar at etsy.com in their earth elements section.

Paris, Part I

2009-07-23T09:21:00.000-04:00

Last month I went to Paris for our summer vacation. Paris is a beautiful and inspiring city and on this last trip the Parisians were even down right hospitable which was a wonderful surprise.

Once again, upon returning home I felt inspired by the beauty that I saw. This was my third time to Paris and I feel acquainted enough with the City of Lights to give some tips and advice from my experiences there. There is a lot of information so I will break this down in different posts. Enjoy!

Tips before you go
· Get a good travel book. My favorite is DK travel guides. I have used them for every city I have traveled to in Europe. Their guides have beautiful full-color photos, illustrations, street maps and subway maps. They are broken out by areas of the city or region and give very detailed information about the area and major attractions including walking tours of the area. Once you use this guide you will never be able to use another. They are awesome.
· Get a good street map and a good metro map.
· Be aware of pickpockets and gypsies. Keep your wallet in your front pocket. Keep purse or backpack secure at all times. When at major attractions especially Notre Dame if someone approaches you asking if you speak English say no and walk away. These are gypsies looking to con you.

Arriving
· Charles De Gaulle Airport is about 30 minutes outside of Paris. Do not take a taxi if you have not pre-arranged a pick-up, don’t speak French well or don’t know Paris very well. Either call for taxi service – they will give you the rate up front, airport shuttle service or take the train - RER.
· The least expensive option is the RER train, which has several stops in central Paris and connects with the Métro system and recommend only if you don’t have a lot of luggage. From the RER platforms at Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can reach the Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, Saint-Michel, Luxembourg, and other stations of RER Line B. Connections to the Métro network and RER Line C (which runs along the left bank of the Seine) make it easy to get within 500 meters of any hotel in Paris
Ø How to ride the RER: After you've retrieved your bags and gone through customs, look for a "Gare" sign with a train symbol. (CDG has two RER stations: one for Terminals 1 and 3, and the other at Terminal 2.) The terminals are connected by a free CDGVAL shuttle train.

Ø At the RER station, you can buy tickets in two ways: 1. From an "Île de France" ticket-vending machine, which probably won't work with your credit card unless you have a French "smart card" with an embedded microchip. If your credit card won't work in the ticket machines at CDG, you'll need to pay with euro coins. 2. At the ticket counter, where you can pay with cash or a credit card. (Good news: Foreign cards are accepted; bad news: The ticket office is closed late at night.)
Ø Once you have your ticket, follow the signs to the platforms. When you've descended the escalator, check the electronic signboard for train departure times and platform numbers. Trains normally depart every 10 to 20 minutes between 5 a.m. and midnight.
Ø If possible, take an express (direct) train, even if it means waiting a few minutes longer on the platform. Local trains stop at 10 suburban stations on their way into the city, adding 15 minutes or more to the normal 30-minute trip time
· A taxi service will cost around 90 Euros. The service that my husband uses is Taxi Parisian. Their website is http://www.taxi-paris.net/page52.html . Make sure you confirm the price before you give them your credit card. The price does not include the tip for the driver. The norm for tipping is 10%.
· Shuttle companies offer door-to-door service between Charles de Gaulle Airport and city addresses. Travel is in shared vans or minibuses, so the trip may take longer than going by taxi, although you'll avoid standing in line. Parishuttle charges €15 to €25 per adult passenger, depending on how many people are traveling together. Make shuttle reservations at least 24 hours in advance.

Well that should get you into town safe and sound and ready to explore this beautiful city.

Here's to great beginings!

2009-07-22T19:54:00.000-04:00

Photo By: Alison Herndon ©2005 IBS Design, LLC

Being an event planner I thought it would be appropriate to start my blog with some event tips, resources and inspirations for celebration.
Hosting a dinner party
There is nothing like an evening of good friends, good conversation, and good wine. The good wine will help with the good conversation. With that in mind, I’ve put together a guide to dinner parties that can help reduce stress.
Consider essential points as you start planning:
• What type of dinner party is this to be, casual or formal? Do you want a theme? A theme will help make the menu and table décor easier to plan.
• What is the budget? Be realistic! Don't try to impress by overspending - even with a fairly small budget and a little creativity, you can achieve fantastic results.
• How many guests? Never invite more than you can comfortably sit at your table. You don’t want your guests to feel like they are in a can of sardines. Limit your guest list to 12 or under. Six to ten is ideal.
• Plan the menu! This is not the time to tryout that new recipe that you saw on the Food Network. You want to go with recipes that you feel confident in making.
• Plan your guest list. As a general rule, you'll want to invite people who have common interests and who get along well. Now it’s time to send out the invitations. For a more casual dinner party, Evite or email is fine - but give your guests at least 2 weeks notice and I prefer 3 weeks notice.
• Create to-do lists - one for shopping, one for table decor and one for jobs to do.
• Now it’s time to set the mood! A good dinner party is all about ambiance. If you decided to go with a theme dinner have your table décor, music and menu reflect that theme. Example if you go with an Italian theme you could have The Godfather soundtrack as your background music, Dean Martin’s Italian Love Songs, or for a whimsical feel Mob Hits - Music From and a Tribute to the Great Mob Movies. An Italian theme doesn’t mean that you have to use red and white checkered table clothes. You can use grapes, vines, and wine bottles to create a Tuscan vineyard feel. For dessert you can order authentic italian cannoli from one of the oldest New York City italian cafes. Ferrara Cafe has been in business since 1892 and you can have their tasty cannolis or tiramisu delivered to your home.

Write down a timeline for the day of the party, counting back from party time. Leave plenty of time for food preparation, baking, cooling and decorating, setting the table, arranging flowers, planning music or games, and getting yourself and family ready!

In order to save time the day of your party prepare foods that can be made ahead of time and store in refrigerator or freezer. Set the table décor the day before.Try to plan so you have very little to do on the actual day of the party. Now pour yourself a glass of wine, relax, and enjoy your beautiful, clean house before the guests arrive. Bon appetit!