As you know, my family has gotten double-barreled by blood cancers in the past few years, and it has become my honor and privilege to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of North Jersey to raise funds for research and patient/family support. I know firsthand how a new drug can take away a patient's suffering, how much the caregiver benefits from knowing that there are lots of people out there helping on every level.
So please do consider participating in the annual Mother's Day Tea party. No need to get out the teapot and teacups, make crumpets or invite friends to tea. It's simply a 'make-believe' tea party that asks you to take a moment on Mother's Day to think about all those Moms who fight the fight...and all the families who support them. Details are here: http://view.lls-email.org/?ffcb10-fe6e1570756d067c7114-fdf61076746d0c7e76167070-feff15707c6402 and please do e-mail me through my website www.sharonnaylor.net if you would like to receive one of my donation invitations or host your own 'party.'
Thank you so much!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Dressing up your invitation envelopes
The new trend in invitation design is going more traditional and subtle with the invitation itself, and then adding a 'pop' with an unexpected design element. It might be a shiny colored monogram on the response card, bright jewel colors for the reception card, shaped cut-outs...and I love the new envelope liners at www.mountaincow.com. These colored and graphic liners slide easily into outer or inner envelopes, seal on securely, and give an added visual when the guest opens the invitation. Check them out as a great way to express your personalities and use the blank canvas of your envelopes as a place to 'paint' your favorite colors.
Today is all about articles....I'm working on a honeymoon registry piece for Resorts and Lodges, a trio of profiles for Bridal Guide, 7 pieces for PashWeddings.com, and I just pitched InStyle Weddings with a fun new topic I'm very excited about. Something's in the air right now... a kind of stall, or a breather. Seems like everything's on hold, a sort of getting-ready for what's certain to be a big flow of exciting new things. But it's quite amazing how so many of my friends are having the same kind of 'what's going on?' vibe in their worlds as well. Having just watched 'The Secret' as recommended on Oprah, I prefer to think of it as a sense of quiet preceding something good. Think I'll just make some hot chocolate and focus on the articles....
Today is all about articles....I'm working on a honeymoon registry piece for Resorts and Lodges, a trio of profiles for Bridal Guide, 7 pieces for PashWeddings.com, and I just pitched InStyle Weddings with a fun new topic I'm very excited about. Something's in the air right now... a kind of stall, or a breather. Seems like everything's on hold, a sort of getting-ready for what's certain to be a big flow of exciting new things. But it's quite amazing how so many of my friends are having the same kind of 'what's going on?' vibe in their worlds as well. Having just watched 'The Secret' as recommended on Oprah, I prefer to think of it as a sense of quiet preceding something good. Think I'll just make some hot chocolate and focus on the articles....
Sunday, February 18, 2007
A wonderful weekend away
Joe has done it again! We've just gotten back from a wonderful weekend getaway to Atlantic City, and I'm walking around here smiling, thinking about how great it was to hop in the car full of excitement, enjoy a great meal at Tun's, then dress up in my little red dress to hit the casino floor. I've discovered I'm a total spaz with Roulette, but I'll chalk some of that up to the fact that we *might* have been sitting next to Clay Aiken. Now, I'm no Clay-mate, giddy with AI fever and spastic with celebrity worship...it was more of a distraction: "Hmmmmm...Clay-like guy sitting at a roulette table wearing sunglasses....don't they only do that for poker? And he's wearing full face and neck makeup, has the new brown 'do, seems to be sitting there waiting for people to notice him....hmmmm...." So my functioning at the roulette table was not quite up to speed. I didn't know what 'betting inside' and 'betting outside' meant, since I'm not a big gambler. So I lost and walked away, noticing a few bachelorette parties in the room with women wearing truly baffling printed tee shirts to identify themselves as such. When you're a writer and you're in a big room filled with so many different 'characters' to observe, it's like a goldmine. So I'm sure those tee shirts will show up in a future novel someday...just with different wording. I did enjoy hearing Joe say that such crassness would be a dealbreaker...he shows his fine character and values every minute.
It was a terrific getaway, much-needed for both of us, and I'm so grateful that my guy plans such fun things for us. Oh, and I LOVED seeing the displays of Miss America shoes --- particularly Heather Whitestone's ballet shoes. I remember watching that year when she won and being completely floored by her performance. Brava.
So Clay, if that was you, know that you were in the presence of greatness for those few minutes. And I'm talking about Joe.
It was a terrific getaway, much-needed for both of us, and I'm so grateful that my guy plans such fun things for us. Oh, and I LOVED seeing the displays of Miss America shoes --- particularly Heather Whitestone's ballet shoes. I remember watching that year when she won and being completely floored by her performance. Brava.
So Clay, if that was you, know that you were in the presence of greatness for those few minutes. And I'm talking about Joe.
Friday, February 16, 2007
SO much fun! Create your wedding maps!
I spent hours checking this one out, and it's a lot of fun for the bride and groom to work on together.
Create terrific maps for your wedding day, or wedding weekend, at www.weddingmapper.com. I love the little icons, the notes you can write about each location, how ridiculously easy it is to enter each location, the tool that allows you to feature your map on your wedding Web site....this one is a find!
Create terrific maps for your wedding day, or wedding weekend, at www.weddingmapper.com. I love the little icons, the notes you can write about each location, how ridiculously easy it is to enter each location, the tool that allows you to feature your map on your wedding Web site....this one is a find!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Iced-in for Valentine's Day
A Nor'easter blew through town, so my wonderful Joe -- knowing that travel would be virtually impossible on Valentine's Day -- surprised me by showing up with a dozen red roses, my favorite chocolate truffles, and an adorable card the night before. I had just finished up with a yoga workout, so I looked a mess when I answered the door. But his is the face I love to see when I open any door...
So we'll do Valentine's Day dinner by the fireplace tonight instead. I'm just trying to decide between the red dress and the black dress. If the heat doesn't kick on in this ol' Victorian house pretty soon, it's going to be thermal pajamas ;) Just kidding...this is the man who offered to WALK through the ice storm to get to me last night, so I'm putting together the ultra romance package, improved edition, just for him.
Until then, it's all about edits to the handbags story, making arrangements for a TV taping on March 15, finally getting to some articles for the beauty site www.carefair.com (thanks for your patience, Nathalie!), arranging for the podcast to be recorded at a bridal show in a few weeks, and crossing all fingers and toes for some acquisitions meetings that are taking place this week. Trying to get the plate clear for our weekend getaway.... I read that the national average of vacations that people take is 6 per year. My jaw hit the floor on that one. ;)
So we'll do Valentine's Day dinner by the fireplace tonight instead. I'm just trying to decide between the red dress and the black dress. If the heat doesn't kick on in this ol' Victorian house pretty soon, it's going to be thermal pajamas ;) Just kidding...this is the man who offered to WALK through the ice storm to get to me last night, so I'm putting together the ultra romance package, improved edition, just for him.
Until then, it's all about edits to the handbags story, making arrangements for a TV taping on March 15, finally getting to some articles for the beauty site www.carefair.com (thanks for your patience, Nathalie!), arranging for the podcast to be recorded at a bridal show in a few weeks, and crossing all fingers and toes for some acquisitions meetings that are taking place this week. Trying to get the plate clear for our weekend getaway.... I read that the national average of vacations that people take is 6 per year. My jaw hit the floor on that one. ;)
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Finding your venues with a great new Web resource
Wow, this one is amazing...
www.Eventective.com is your one-stop resource for more than 85,000 venues, 292,000 meetings spaces, and 28,000 related services providers throughout the U.S. – making Eventective the largest such resource available on the Internet.
“No other venue resource – including the major travel sites like Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, or TripAdvisor – comes close,” said Steve Robertson, Eventective's Chief Technical Officer. “More listings mean more choices and only on Eventective can wedding planners and future brides and grooms be assured of seeing the complete universe of available local sites.”
This site speeds your ability to find, evaluate, and select venues for a bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception. You'll find the following features: Comprehensive search functionality that allows venue search by state, city, venue type, and/or capacity; Detailed profiles of venues, including descriptions of meeting facilities, amenities, and features, plus venue photographs and directions.
You'll get direct emails to query the venue, the tool to save favorite venues and vendors, track and organize multiple events, and invite attendees. You'll also see reviews from users who have used venues or vendors for their events.
“Now, Eventective offers listings that range from traditional hotel and restaurant-based venues to unique and special-interest venues, such as museums, boat cruises, and sports arenas that are often not presented elsewhere,” said Robertson.
"[You] can also send invitations to attendees, track responses, and provide travel directions,” said Robertson. “Eventective now is truly a one-stop experience for anyone desiring fast, easy venue and vendor selection while planning a wedding and reception.”
So for anyone who's ever written me looking for a great location, here's your ultimate resource. Keep it in mind for rehearsal dinners, bachelor and bachelorette parties, after-parties, morning-after breakfasts, and especially wedding vow renewal celebrations.
www.Eventective.com is your one-stop resource for more than 85,000 venues, 292,000 meetings spaces, and 28,000 related services providers throughout the U.S. – making Eventective the largest such resource available on the Internet.
“No other venue resource – including the major travel sites like Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, or TripAdvisor – comes close,” said Steve Robertson, Eventective's Chief Technical Officer. “More listings mean more choices and only on Eventective can wedding planners and future brides and grooms be assured of seeing the complete universe of available local sites.”
This site speeds your ability to find, evaluate, and select venues for a bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception. You'll find the following features: Comprehensive search functionality that allows venue search by state, city, venue type, and/or capacity; Detailed profiles of venues, including descriptions of meeting facilities, amenities, and features, plus venue photographs and directions.
You'll get direct emails to query the venue, the tool to save favorite venues and vendors, track and organize multiple events, and invite attendees. You'll also see reviews from users who have used venues or vendors for their events.
“Now, Eventective offers listings that range from traditional hotel and restaurant-based venues to unique and special-interest venues, such as museums, boat cruises, and sports arenas that are often not presented elsewhere,” said Robertson.
"[You] can also send invitations to attendees, track responses, and provide travel directions,” said Robertson. “Eventective now is truly a one-stop experience for anyone desiring fast, easy venue and vendor selection while planning a wedding and reception.”
So for anyone who's ever written me looking for a great location, here's your ultimate resource. Keep it in mind for rehearsal dinners, bachelor and bachelorette parties, after-parties, morning-after breakfasts, and especially wedding vow renewal celebrations.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Working on SuperBowl Sunday?
My, how things change. Literally, every year since I was born, my family always had a big blowout Superbowl party [er, 'big game' party, since the S-word is trademarked] -- a big buffet table covered with ribs, chicken wings, Korean meat sticks (Insoon Rim's recipe!), deviled eggs, antipasto, pigs in blankets, Mexican dip, shrimp cocktail, fruit platters, garlic bread knots, a football shaped cake...you name it. Sometimes it was just the five of us, sometimes we had a packed house. I remember when the Giants were in the Superbowl and it came down to that last field goal kick....we all got up off the couch, held hands, and were general spazzes until the kick was made. It was the best time you could ever imagine. People crashed our party once...yammering teenage girls who wanted to be near my brother's friends, which drove my parents out of the room to watch the game on a separate TV. It was a staple of my family's traditions.
This year, though, we're all exhausted from cancer world (4 years now!) and with my brother not coming and Dad's back hurting, there's not going to be a party. No Korean meat sticks. It's only for this year, but I'm a little weepy about it. Why in this challenging time for our family would tradition mean LESS? I just don't get it, but I can't fight the tide. Both of my parents just want quiet this year, so that's what we will do. But next year.....next year brings out the big gourmet spread again.
Joe and I are going to his friend's Big Game party, and I had one of those blissfully domestic days baking four batches of my chocolate chip cookies (laughing because the doilies I put on the bottom of the tray are SO not football-party-appropriate). The house smells like chocolate right now. So while it's surreal that both Joe and I are spending most of the day working until the party later, there's a bittersweet flow of how life changes shape and new things emerge. I'm caught between the nostalgia of wanting to hold on to family tradition and the excitement of watching the game at Jim & Joanie's party with my favorite person.
We celebrated our anniversary last night with a great dinner out, and then we hung out by the fireplace to watch a bunch of home flipping shows -- we'll be looking at a house that could be a contender, so my entire house value education comes from HGTV and TLC. I just learned to bring a marble along when you look at a house to see if the floor sags or slopes. Good to know. I'm curbing my looking ahead at the inevitable day when we find our place...but I do know that I'd like a great entryway with a table and mirror, a coat closet with new hangers, and a big, leafy plant. The rest hasn't taken imaginary form in my mind yet, which is all willpower for me. The writer's imagination can create amazing things. Right now, it's all about if the rooms are big enough and if there's mold in the basement. ;)
My procrastination is getting evident, so it's back to the handbags article. Check out the amazing clutches and zigzag bags at www.cleoandpatek.com if you're shopping for your spring bags like I am....
This year, though, we're all exhausted from cancer world (4 years now!) and with my brother not coming and Dad's back hurting, there's not going to be a party. No Korean meat sticks. It's only for this year, but I'm a little weepy about it. Why in this challenging time for our family would tradition mean LESS? I just don't get it, but I can't fight the tide. Both of my parents just want quiet this year, so that's what we will do. But next year.....next year brings out the big gourmet spread again.
Joe and I are going to his friend's Big Game party, and I had one of those blissfully domestic days baking four batches of my chocolate chip cookies (laughing because the doilies I put on the bottom of the tray are SO not football-party-appropriate). The house smells like chocolate right now. So while it's surreal that both Joe and I are spending most of the day working until the party later, there's a bittersweet flow of how life changes shape and new things emerge. I'm caught between the nostalgia of wanting to hold on to family tradition and the excitement of watching the game at Jim & Joanie's party with my favorite person.
We celebrated our anniversary last night with a great dinner out, and then we hung out by the fireplace to watch a bunch of home flipping shows -- we'll be looking at a house that could be a contender, so my entire house value education comes from HGTV and TLC. I just learned to bring a marble along when you look at a house to see if the floor sags or slopes. Good to know. I'm curbing my looking ahead at the inevitable day when we find our place...but I do know that I'd like a great entryway with a table and mirror, a coat closet with new hangers, and a big, leafy plant. The rest hasn't taken imaginary form in my mind yet, which is all willpower for me. The writer's imagination can create amazing things. Right now, it's all about if the rooms are big enough and if there's mold in the basement. ;)
My procrastination is getting evident, so it's back to the handbags article. Check out the amazing clutches and zigzag bags at www.cleoandpatek.com if you're shopping for your spring bags like I am....
Friday, February 02, 2007
The hottest gift trend -- gift certificates to Bed & Breakfasts!
Brides and grooms want them in order to de-stress and re-connect during the wedding planning phase. Parents LOVE them as thank-you gifts after the wedding. Bridal party members love them for planning their own romantic getaways. They're the hottest new gifts: gift certificates for the recipient's CHOICE of bed and breakfast listed on www.BnBFinder.com.
I think it's BRILLIANT! Joe and I stayed at a gorgeous B&B on Long Beach Island (www.amberstreetinn.com) last summer, and the cozy Victorian was pure bliss. So I'm very happy to recommend this as the perfect gift for before or after the wedding...and keep it in mind for anniversary or engagement gifts for others, as well!
And there's another attraction here: a B&B is the perfect place to hold your wedding vow renewal celebration. If you're not having the big wedding of your dreams right now, perhaps you can renew later. Or, your parents might be enjoying the party-planning so much, they may want to renew their vows and throw their own celebration. My new book Renewing Your Wedding Vows is out right now, so visit my site www.sharonnaylor.net for more on that title, and think about the fact that B&Bs are creating wonderful, new vow renewal packages!
If you'd like to find out more about the gift certificates and vow renewal packages, here's their latest release:
Contact: Allison DeCongelio FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BnBFinder.com
Phone: (212) 432-7693
allison@bnbfinder.com
Reaffirm Your Love, Renew Your Wedding Vows
Say “I do” all over again. Renewing your wedding vows is a wonderful way to celebrate your marriage after 10, 20, 50 or even just 5 years and vow renewal packages will take care of the planning for you.
New York, NY - More and more married couples are choosing to renew their wedding vows – either in small, intimate, family-only celebrations, or as bigger-than-the-original-wedding extravaganzas. Regardless of the style and size, bed and breakfast inns are a wonderful choice for vow renewal ceremonies. The intimate personalization that B&Bs offer is just the thing to make your wedding dreams come true…again!
Vow renewal ceremonies are surprisingly easy and simple to plan with the help of bed and breakfast packages from BnBFinder.com and books like Renewing Your Wedding Vows by Sharon Naylor. Packages offered by bed and breakfast inns take away the stress of planning a ceremony and reception. Here are a few bed and breakfasts that offer vow renewal packages.
Design Your Dream Renewal Ceremony
The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek, Little River, CA
www.BnBFinder.com/SchoolhouseCreek
This North coast California inn specializes in creating magical moments that will be joyful memories to cherish for a lifetime. Eight acres of extensive Cypress groves, lush meadows and beautiful flower gardens provide the perfect setting for your ceremony. The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek hosts formal and casual events for up to 150 people and will design your dream ceremony to renew your love.
Renew Your Vows
Lit Et Cheval Farm Bed & Breakfast, Frankford, DE
www.BnBFinder.com/LitEtCheval Surround yourselves with nostalgia of days gone by and recite your vows next to a garden of azaleas and rhododendrons or on the dock of the pond. Your package includes accommodations for up to 6 people in private rooms, officiate, ceremony, a bounded photo album, champagne, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments, wedding cake and breakfast the next morning.
Sweetheart Vow Renewal Package
Brewster By the Sea, Brewster, MA
www.BnBFinder.com/Brewster Cape Cod is a perfect setting for this magic day. Whether barefoot on the beach, surrounded by blooming flowers in the perennial garden, or inside next to a crackling fire, your ceremony will be a dream come true. Brewster By the Sea is perfect for small groups and packages might includes an intimate ceremony, flowers, chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, wedding cake, hors d'oeuvres, digital photos, accommodations, and breakfast served to the love birds on a private patio or bedside in the winter.
Renew Your Love
Inn on Crescent Lake, Excelsior Springs, MO
www.BnBFinder.com/CrescentLake
If your vision of the perfect vow renewal ceremony includes an incredible setting, a beautiful mansion and the ultimate in privacy, then you have found the ideal place. With many packages to choose from, you can design your ideal ceremony. Let the Inn on Crescent Lake take care of everything, from the champagne to cake and even the accommodations.
The Perfect Outer Banks Vow Renewal
The Saltaire, Duck, NC
www.BnBFinder.com/Saltaire
If you’re dreaming of a beach wedding, The Saltaire can provide you with unique accommodations that will create cherished memories. Choose between a ceremony on the beach or an intimate renewal of vows in the formal gardens. The Saltaire features five bedrooms for accommodations of up to 10 people, expansive living, dining, and bar areas, lovely gardens, a wrap-around porch, and a pool area ideal for outdoor receptions, where tents and tables can accommodate up to 125 guests.
Reconfirm Your Love!
Coastal Dreams Bed & Breakfast, Galveston, TX
www.BnBFinder.com/CoastalDreams Whether you are celebrating your 5th or your 25th anniversary, vow renewal is a great way to express your love and devotion to your spouse. Let Coastal Dreams Bed & Breakfast provide the beautiful setting for this special day. An exceptional package for just the two of you includes officiate, champagne toast, chocolate covered strawberries and a discounted room rate at the inn.
Promise to Love Each Other Again
White Fence Bed and Breakfast, Stanley, VA
www.BnBFinder.com/WhiteFence Experience the romantic setting of White Fence Bed and Breakfast for your Vow Renewal Ceremony. Tall oak, maple and magnolia trees, flowering gardens and a quaint 1890 Victorian B&B create a picturesque backdrop for your special day. Packages includes digital photos, officiate, accommodations in Jacuzzi and fireplace suites, refreshments, wedding cake and flowers.
Wedding Vow Renewals
Villa Victorian, Gros Islet Village, St. Lucia
www.BnBFinder.com/VillaVictorian Renew your wedding vows in St. Lucia; one of the best wedding destination spots in the world. Villa Victorian's Vow Renewal Special includes a bottle of champagne, the bride's floral bouquet and groom's corsage (of course made with tropical and exotic flowers) and a discounted rate for accommodations. Renew your vows and reaffirm your love in “a little piece of paradise.”
These and other bed and breakfast vow renewal packages can be found at www.BnBFinder.com/Weddings.
###
BnBFinder.com is an established, 5 STAR rated bed and breakfast directory with thousands of bed and breakfasts, inns and small hotel listings worldwide. Millions of B&B guests find the perfect inn by searching more than 130 categories such as price, location and local activities and attractions.
Sharon Naylor is the author of over 30 wedding books, including 1000 Best Wedding Bargains, 1000 Best Secrets For Your Perfect Wedding, Your Special Wedding Vows, Renewing Your Wedding Vows, Mother of the Groom, The Mother of the Bride Book, The Complete Outdoor Wedding Planner, and others as listed at www.sharonnaylor.net.
I think it's BRILLIANT! Joe and I stayed at a gorgeous B&B on Long Beach Island (www.amberstreetinn.com) last summer, and the cozy Victorian was pure bliss. So I'm very happy to recommend this as the perfect gift for before or after the wedding...and keep it in mind for anniversary or engagement gifts for others, as well!
And there's another attraction here: a B&B is the perfect place to hold your wedding vow renewal celebration. If you're not having the big wedding of your dreams right now, perhaps you can renew later. Or, your parents might be enjoying the party-planning so much, they may want to renew their vows and throw their own celebration. My new book Renewing Your Wedding Vows is out right now, so visit my site www.sharonnaylor.net for more on that title, and think about the fact that B&Bs are creating wonderful, new vow renewal packages!
If you'd like to find out more about the gift certificates and vow renewal packages, here's their latest release:
Contact: Allison DeCongelio FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BnBFinder.com
Phone: (212) 432-7693
allison@bnbfinder.com
Reaffirm Your Love, Renew Your Wedding Vows
Say “I do” all over again. Renewing your wedding vows is a wonderful way to celebrate your marriage after 10, 20, 50 or even just 5 years and vow renewal packages will take care of the planning for you.
New York, NY - More and more married couples are choosing to renew their wedding vows – either in small, intimate, family-only celebrations, or as bigger-than-the-original-wedding extravaganzas. Regardless of the style and size, bed and breakfast inns are a wonderful choice for vow renewal ceremonies. The intimate personalization that B&Bs offer is just the thing to make your wedding dreams come true…again!
Vow renewal ceremonies are surprisingly easy and simple to plan with the help of bed and breakfast packages from BnBFinder.com and books like Renewing Your Wedding Vows by Sharon Naylor. Packages offered by bed and breakfast inns take away the stress of planning a ceremony and reception. Here are a few bed and breakfasts that offer vow renewal packages.
Design Your Dream Renewal Ceremony
The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek, Little River, CA
www.BnBFinder.com/SchoolhouseCreek
This North coast California inn specializes in creating magical moments that will be joyful memories to cherish for a lifetime. Eight acres of extensive Cypress groves, lush meadows and beautiful flower gardens provide the perfect setting for your ceremony. The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek hosts formal and casual events for up to 150 people and will design your dream ceremony to renew your love.
Renew Your Vows
Lit Et Cheval Farm Bed & Breakfast, Frankford, DE
www.BnBFinder.com/LitEtCheval Surround yourselves with nostalgia of days gone by and recite your vows next to a garden of azaleas and rhododendrons or on the dock of the pond. Your package includes accommodations for up to 6 people in private rooms, officiate, ceremony, a bounded photo album, champagne, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments, wedding cake and breakfast the next morning.
Sweetheart Vow Renewal Package
Brewster By the Sea, Brewster, MA
www.BnBFinder.com/Brewster Cape Cod is a perfect setting for this magic day. Whether barefoot on the beach, surrounded by blooming flowers in the perennial garden, or inside next to a crackling fire, your ceremony will be a dream come true. Brewster By the Sea is perfect for small groups and packages might includes an intimate ceremony, flowers, chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, wedding cake, hors d'oeuvres, digital photos, accommodations, and breakfast served to the love birds on a private patio or bedside in the winter.
Renew Your Love
Inn on Crescent Lake, Excelsior Springs, MO
www.BnBFinder.com/CrescentLake
If your vision of the perfect vow renewal ceremony includes an incredible setting, a beautiful mansion and the ultimate in privacy, then you have found the ideal place. With many packages to choose from, you can design your ideal ceremony. Let the Inn on Crescent Lake take care of everything, from the champagne to cake and even the accommodations.
The Perfect Outer Banks Vow Renewal
The Saltaire, Duck, NC
www.BnBFinder.com/Saltaire
If you’re dreaming of a beach wedding, The Saltaire can provide you with unique accommodations that will create cherished memories. Choose between a ceremony on the beach or an intimate renewal of vows in the formal gardens. The Saltaire features five bedrooms for accommodations of up to 10 people, expansive living, dining, and bar areas, lovely gardens, a wrap-around porch, and a pool area ideal for outdoor receptions, where tents and tables can accommodate up to 125 guests.
Reconfirm Your Love!
Coastal Dreams Bed & Breakfast, Galveston, TX
www.BnBFinder.com/CoastalDreams Whether you are celebrating your 5th or your 25th anniversary, vow renewal is a great way to express your love and devotion to your spouse. Let Coastal Dreams Bed & Breakfast provide the beautiful setting for this special day. An exceptional package for just the two of you includes officiate, champagne toast, chocolate covered strawberries and a discounted room rate at the inn.
Promise to Love Each Other Again
White Fence Bed and Breakfast, Stanley, VA
www.BnBFinder.com/WhiteFence Experience the romantic setting of White Fence Bed and Breakfast for your Vow Renewal Ceremony. Tall oak, maple and magnolia trees, flowering gardens and a quaint 1890 Victorian B&B create a picturesque backdrop for your special day. Packages includes digital photos, officiate, accommodations in Jacuzzi and fireplace suites, refreshments, wedding cake and flowers.
Wedding Vow Renewals
Villa Victorian, Gros Islet Village, St. Lucia
www.BnBFinder.com/VillaVictorian Renew your wedding vows in St. Lucia; one of the best wedding destination spots in the world. Villa Victorian's Vow Renewal Special includes a bottle of champagne, the bride's floral bouquet and groom's corsage (of course made with tropical and exotic flowers) and a discounted rate for accommodations. Renew your vows and reaffirm your love in “a little piece of paradise.”
These and other bed and breakfast vow renewal packages can be found at www.BnBFinder.com/Weddings.
###
BnBFinder.com is an established, 5 STAR rated bed and breakfast directory with thousands of bed and breakfasts, inns and small hotel listings worldwide. Millions of B&B guests find the perfect inn by searching more than 130 categories such as price, location and local activities and attractions.
Sharon Naylor is the author of over 30 wedding books, including 1000 Best Wedding Bargains, 1000 Best Secrets For Your Perfect Wedding, Your Special Wedding Vows, Renewing Your Wedding Vows, Mother of the Groom, The Mother of the Bride Book, The Complete Outdoor Wedding Planner, and others as listed at www.sharonnaylor.net.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
How many bottles of wine?
For your wedding, engagement parties, after-parties, showers, one of the biggest questions in planning mode is 'how many bottles of wine do we need?' And 'how much beer, hard liquor, etc.?' Evite.com offers a terrific 'drink calculator' to help you estimate your shopping list. Visit it here: http://www.evite.com/pages/party/drink-calculator.jsp, and check out their helpful 'how much food willwe need?' chart, too.
Jack Canfield's Unfinished Circles
I'm reading Jack Canfield's book "The Success Principles," and I wanted to share a very profound piece of advice from that book that applies so greatly to what you're going through in wedding-planning world.
When you start something new, it's like starting to draw a circle as you progress, like the hands on a clock making their way back around to the top. When the task is complete, the circle is closed, and you get (say it with me...) closure. Your mind can put the issue away with a nice sigh of satisfaction. But when you start something new -- or LOTS of something news -- and you're in-process, those circles stall at the 1/2 mark or the 3/4 mark, catching air like a parachute being pulled behind you. Now, when you are in wedding-planning zone, you have a million things on your To-Do list, and thus a million little half-circle parachutes behind you, slowing you down, making you tired. So lighten your load by seeking completion on as many tasks as you currently have open on your To-Do list. If you've addressed only half of your Save the Dates, close the circle by getting the rest of them done. That cuts the parachute free from you, and stops sucking away at all your energy. Grab a day and dedicate it to getting as many small tasks done as possible, and don't take on another big one until you've closed some of those circles.
It's amazing the way Canfield illustrates this concept, talking about the emotional energy of unfinished business -- even the smallest things like a pile of magazines waiting to be read, or calls you have to return to friends, checkbook balancing, errands to run, even clutter in your car. Following the book's example, I made a big list of all the little unfinished circles dragging behind me, and it's amazing to see how much I'm lugging around! Lots of little things to complete, like thank you notes, press mailings, confirmations of receiving press kits and samples for the handbag story, putting in my catering order for book club at my place next month, buying birthday cards for all my friends with February birthdays, returning a dress that's too big, checking in with my friend Katie in Utah to whom I'm woefully late in responding, etc.
Where to find the time to do all this? When I discover the book that reveals the secret to getting an extra two hours in every day, I'll share that one with you. But right now, I have a few things to get done before bed.
When you start something new, it's like starting to draw a circle as you progress, like the hands on a clock making their way back around to the top. When the task is complete, the circle is closed, and you get (say it with me...) closure. Your mind can put the issue away with a nice sigh of satisfaction. But when you start something new -- or LOTS of something news -- and you're in-process, those circles stall at the 1/2 mark or the 3/4 mark, catching air like a parachute being pulled behind you. Now, when you are in wedding-planning zone, you have a million things on your To-Do list, and thus a million little half-circle parachutes behind you, slowing you down, making you tired. So lighten your load by seeking completion on as many tasks as you currently have open on your To-Do list. If you've addressed only half of your Save the Dates, close the circle by getting the rest of them done. That cuts the parachute free from you, and stops sucking away at all your energy. Grab a day and dedicate it to getting as many small tasks done as possible, and don't take on another big one until you've closed some of those circles.
It's amazing the way Canfield illustrates this concept, talking about the emotional energy of unfinished business -- even the smallest things like a pile of magazines waiting to be read, or calls you have to return to friends, checkbook balancing, errands to run, even clutter in your car. Following the book's example, I made a big list of all the little unfinished circles dragging behind me, and it's amazing to see how much I'm lugging around! Lots of little things to complete, like thank you notes, press mailings, confirmations of receiving press kits and samples for the handbag story, putting in my catering order for book club at my place next month, buying birthday cards for all my friends with February birthdays, returning a dress that's too big, checking in with my friend Katie in Utah to whom I'm woefully late in responding, etc.
Where to find the time to do all this? When I discover the book that reveals the secret to getting an extra two hours in every day, I'll share that one with you. But right now, I have a few things to get done before bed.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
My 'Wedding Podcast Network show is up!
Listen anytime, anywhere, to my show 'Here Come the Moms' at: http://weddingpodcastnetwork.libsyn.com/index.php?post_category=Here%20Come%20the%20Moms -- in our first show, we talk about the emotional aspects that moms face when trying to find out their roles in the wedding plans. Times have changed, and so have the rules for the MoB and MoG. Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Personalize your bridesmaids' gifts
This one is fun! Create personalized handbags for your bridesmaids, junior flowergirls, and the moms at this great site: http://www.zbeckybrownstore.com/new/index.php?page=personalize
I'm in handbag heaven right now as I work on an article for Gift Shop magazine...
And today's the big day! My podcast "Here Come the Moms" launches at Wedding Podcast Network later today. I'll provide the direct link here and on my site as soon as it's up.
Now to find the perfect outfit for tonight's dinner out with Joe. I went from being sick-as-a-dog to work-hyper in a matter of days, so I'm treating my man to a relaxing night out and a foot massage by the fireplace afterwards. Can't wait....
I'm in handbag heaven right now as I work on an article for Gift Shop magazine...
And today's the big day! My podcast "Here Come the Moms" launches at Wedding Podcast Network later today. I'll provide the direct link here and on my site as soon as it's up.
Now to find the perfect outfit for tonight's dinner out with Joe. I went from being sick-as-a-dog to work-hyper in a matter of days, so I'm treating my man to a relaxing night out and a foot massage by the fireplace afterwards. Can't wait....
Monday, January 22, 2007
Bridal party gift on a budget
I'm a big fan of truly useful bridal party gifts, so when I saw this one, I thought: "Now that's cute!" And since travel is the #1 trend category for bridal party member gifts, I recommend looking at travel totes and organizers, or this fun 'toy': http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=109989&RN=529
And if you live near a Blue Tulip store [GREAT personalized invitation suites done up by their in-house graphic designer), plan to shop on the weekend of 2/2 to 2/4, since a % of all profits will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Find them at www.bluetulip.com, and call to confirm that the store near you is participating.
Now, back to my article on the newest handbag trends for late '07, my latest for Gift Shop magazine. Check out www.accessoriesmagazine.com for more inspiration on your wedding weekend outfit accents...
And if you live near a Blue Tulip store [GREAT personalized invitation suites done up by their in-house graphic designer), plan to shop on the weekend of 2/2 to 2/4, since a % of all profits will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Find them at www.bluetulip.com, and call to confirm that the store near you is participating.
Now, back to my article on the newest handbag trends for late '07, my latest for Gift Shop magazine. Check out www.accessoriesmagazine.com for more inspiration on your wedding weekend outfit accents...
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The groom's bottom?
This time of year, I get flooded with releases and press kits and DVDs of the latest products and services for the bride and groom. Beyond the usual 'gotta have shoes' and creative registries and honeymoon destinations are a LOT of new things for the stylin' groom. Metrosexual has gone to new dimensions all over the country, as the salon and spa industry do their best to attract the groom. Here are some of the most amazing (and sometimes amusing) things that grooms are invited to indulge in to look their best for the big day:
* Tanning sprays
* New color contact lenses (Have his EYES be your 'something blue????')
* Back massages for them and for their groomsmen, with mimosas and caviar brunches
* Eyelash tinting
* Eyebrow waxing or threading
* Full body waxing
* Manicures and pedicures
* Tattoo removal (the ex's name has got to go, apparently!)
* Tattoo addition (the release espouses placing it in an 'intimate zone' as a gift to the bride)
* Facial peels
* Tooth whitening
* Personal stylist to pick out your honeymoon boxers and wardrobe
* And this physique approver that you just have to see for yourself. [Note: I do not endorse this product or site, but include it here for your information, amusement, sharing with bridesmaids, or all of the above]: http://www.undergear.com/product.asp?navtheme=dept&prodId=AE21LASHzz&itemNumber=AE21_M_ASH&N=150
Have we come a long way from the days of the groom just showing up on time for the wedding? That's a big YES. Are grooms going for these services? Again, that's a Yes in surprisingly big numbers. Hmmmm, something to ponder: what does the money for this come out of in the wedding budget? 'Sorry, babe, we can't get a cake...I had to get a facial peel and a butt enhancer, and the guys and I are going for a spa day and mimosas.'
I love wedding world.
* Tanning sprays
* New color contact lenses (Have his EYES be your 'something blue????')
* Back massages for them and for their groomsmen, with mimosas and caviar brunches
* Eyelash tinting
* Eyebrow waxing or threading
* Full body waxing
* Manicures and pedicures
* Tattoo removal (the ex's name has got to go, apparently!)
* Tattoo addition (the release espouses placing it in an 'intimate zone' as a gift to the bride)
* Facial peels
* Tooth whitening
* Personal stylist to pick out your honeymoon boxers and wardrobe
* And this physique approver that you just have to see for yourself. [Note: I do not endorse this product or site, but include it here for your information, amusement, sharing with bridesmaids, or all of the above]: http://www.undergear.com/product.asp?navtheme=dept&prodId=AE21LASHzz&itemNumber=AE21_M_ASH&N=150
Have we come a long way from the days of the groom just showing up on time for the wedding? That's a big YES. Are grooms going for these services? Again, that's a Yes in surprisingly big numbers. Hmmmm, something to ponder: what does the money for this come out of in the wedding budget? 'Sorry, babe, we can't get a cake...I had to get a facial peel and a butt enhancer, and the guys and I are going for a spa day and mimosas.'
I love wedding world.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
That's just awful!
Over on my Q&A forum at www.pashweddings.com (click on 'Ask Sharon' from the home page), there's a controversial thread going on. A frazzled mother of the groom wrote for my help with her very spoiled, pushy FDIL who planned an insanely expensive rehearsal dinner at the restaurant of the bride's choosing. The mother is being asked to spend -- get this -- $1,300 for a dinner that includes extra friends of the bride who are not in the bridal party. I had to hold back in my response to this, since the Grabby Bride just turns my stomach. Others in the forum have chimed in with their reassuring stories, and we've all banded together to help this mom out. The prevalence of the 'MY Rehearsal Dinner' tantrum has led me to pitch an article on this to the major bridal magazines, so that we can clear this up once and for all. Brides, grooms...the rehearsal dinner is a GIFT from the groom's parents. If they're paying, they plan it. If they say, 'no extra people other than the bridal party and guests,' you listen to that and respect them. Sure, you could railroad your way, but there's a long future ahead. And this will live on in everyone's memories. So if you're planning your wedding right now, and you have an idea for where you'd like your rehearsal dinner, approach the hosts with your request. Now is the time when you're building your relationship with them, so think about the future before you try to 'win' your way.
This is why I'm sooo glad we're starting our 'Here Come the Moms' podcast at Wedding Podcast Network (the announcement is up at Bridal Scene, www.weddingpodcastnetwork.com -- at the end of the broadcast). Moms have a LOT to handle with weddings today, and these are the kinds of problems we're going to tackle. I may not have been able to drop the gloves on that forum, given the intricacies of that Mom's situation, but we're going to give it to 'em straight on the podcast. Tune in soon for the first show.
This is why I'm sooo glad we're starting our 'Here Come the Moms' podcast at Wedding Podcast Network (the announcement is up at Bridal Scene, www.weddingpodcastnetwork.com -- at the end of the broadcast). Moms have a LOT to handle with weddings today, and these are the kinds of problems we're going to tackle. I may not have been able to drop the gloves on that forum, given the intricacies of that Mom's situation, but we're going to give it to 'em straight on the podcast. Tune in soon for the first show.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Back on track
It seems everyone has the diabolical sinus infection right now, and both Joe and I have been leveled by it this past week. But God bless modern medicine! I'm back on my game, and working on some very fun new stuff --
Check out my articles on www.newjerseybride.com and in the print version if you live in the area, and visit my Wedding and Family Reunion columns at www.resortsandlodges.com -- go to Travel Magazine. Right now, I'm working on the first of 5 monthly columns for each: Turning Your Family Reunion into a Charity Fundraiser and Doing a Theme Destination Wedding. Celebrity wedding coordinator Sasha Souza has chimed in for the second one, and I'm thrilled to have her on board.
My Wedding Podcast Network show launches next week -- they should have something about it in their newest Bridal Scene broadcast, so check out the site at www.weddingpodcastnetwork.com. You'll see that my co-authors Michelle and Henry Roth have their own podcast there as well, so get ready for some high-energy wisdom from inside the bridal fashion industry from them, plus the newest details for mothers of the bride and groom on my show with Holli Ehrlich.
That's about it for now. Day #1 of feeling better means catching up on housecleaning and laundry on this MLK day, plus taking a few moments of silent gratitude that my family has come so far in these past 2 years. This is the anniversary of a rough day in my Mom's cancer treatments, and it's a tug of war between 'be happy it's all turned out well' and 'man, why did she have to go through that?!' Adversity reveals character, they say, so that was a watershed moment for all of us. We found out what we're made of, what we're capable of, how much guidance we get, and how lucky we are with the gifts we get. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of my closest friends and family who remembered the day and sent my Mom (and me) messages of love and support. May you all be blessed.
Check out my articles on www.newjerseybride.com and in the print version if you live in the area, and visit my Wedding and Family Reunion columns at www.resortsandlodges.com -- go to Travel Magazine. Right now, I'm working on the first of 5 monthly columns for each: Turning Your Family Reunion into a Charity Fundraiser and Doing a Theme Destination Wedding. Celebrity wedding coordinator Sasha Souza has chimed in for the second one, and I'm thrilled to have her on board.
My Wedding Podcast Network show launches next week -- they should have something about it in their newest Bridal Scene broadcast, so check out the site at www.weddingpodcastnetwork.com. You'll see that my co-authors Michelle and Henry Roth have their own podcast there as well, so get ready for some high-energy wisdom from inside the bridal fashion industry from them, plus the newest details for mothers of the bride and groom on my show with Holli Ehrlich.
That's about it for now. Day #1 of feeling better means catching up on housecleaning and laundry on this MLK day, plus taking a few moments of silent gratitude that my family has come so far in these past 2 years. This is the anniversary of a rough day in my Mom's cancer treatments, and it's a tug of war between 'be happy it's all turned out well' and 'man, why did she have to go through that?!' Adversity reveals character, they say, so that was a watershed moment for all of us. We found out what we're made of, what we're capable of, how much guidance we get, and how lucky we are with the gifts we get. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of my closest friends and family who remembered the day and sent my Mom (and me) messages of love and support. May you all be blessed.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Site recommendations
In the post-holiday crush of press releases, a few stood out as ones I should pass along to you. [Note: I have no experience with some of these companies, so I'm not endorsing them per se. I just thought you'd like to check them out!]
www.signaturedays.com -- A registry for experiences, like dance classes, horseback riding, wine tasting, etc.
www.cloud9living.com -- Same as above, with hot air balloon rides and other adventures
www.kodakgallery.com -- Yes, you already know about this one, but check out their new Legacy albums -- supersized pages (12x14), which will cost you far, far less than ordering print from your pros.
www.ncdia.com -- The colored diamond association, for info and buying details on naturally colored diamonds. And check out that pic of the Jubilee Diamond -- amazing!
www.youtopthecake.com -- Polymer clay renditions of the cake-topper bride and groom made to look like you. It's a little crafty-looking, but the concept is really fun if this is your style
www.idofoundation.org -- A charitable registry, with articles on how to donate your leftover wedding food to shelters and food pantries
www.mountaincow.com -- Terrific software for creating your own save the date cards, invitations, and all manner of printed items (check out my articles on their site for ideas!)
www.charmingfavours.com -- Owner Dana Smith-Acosta makes gorgeous favors using silver charms
www.destinationbride.com -- If you'll get married away, check out the articles on this one.
Coffee's ready, so my day begins now...
www.signaturedays.com -- A registry for experiences, like dance classes, horseback riding, wine tasting, etc.
www.cloud9living.com -- Same as above, with hot air balloon rides and other adventures
www.kodakgallery.com -- Yes, you already know about this one, but check out their new Legacy albums -- supersized pages (12x14), which will cost you far, far less than ordering print from your pros.
www.ncdia.com -- The colored diamond association, for info and buying details on naturally colored diamonds. And check out that pic of the Jubilee Diamond -- amazing!
www.youtopthecake.com -- Polymer clay renditions of the cake-topper bride and groom made to look like you. It's a little crafty-looking, but the concept is really fun if this is your style
www.idofoundation.org -- A charitable registry, with articles on how to donate your leftover wedding food to shelters and food pantries
www.mountaincow.com -- Terrific software for creating your own save the date cards, invitations, and all manner of printed items (check out my articles on their site for ideas!)
www.charmingfavours.com -- Owner Dana Smith-Acosta makes gorgeous favors using silver charms
www.destinationbride.com -- If you'll get married away, check out the articles on this one.
Coffee's ready, so my day begins now...
Thursday, January 04, 2007
2 minutes....
That's how long it took for the fire department to get to my house. I got out of work early and came home to find my entire place fumed up with gas, so it was a quick 911 call and a dash for fresh air. Had I not gotten out of a meeting an hour early, my place might be embers right now. Turns out, the dial on my stove was slightly turned, knocked out of the lock possibly by my putting my coat on this morning, and it did a slow leak for 2 1/2 hours. So now I will be faithfully checking that all of my burners are off and in the locked position. The silver lining -- knowing that the emergency squads and fire department in my town are ON IT. And that they only mocked me a little bit. ;) Bring it on...I can take it.
We're getting a ton of great engagement stories through our contest at www.njwedding.com, and the entrants' excitement reminds me to give you this message: Spend a lot of time planning for the future, not just the wedding. How are you going to handle holidays? How will you handle your own bank accounts and the joint bank account for household expenses? What's your need for private time, couple time, time with friends? THAT'S a big one, since most people crave one or more of these categories. Pre-cana classes and other premarital classes are a benefit, in my opinion, and there are lots of books out there on questions both partners should discuss before they tie the knot. So if you're in the huge wave of newly-engaged couples just exploring the world of wedding planning, take my word for it...plan for the daily details of your future together, be honest about your personal needs, and watch your relationship grow even closer during the planning process -- rather than farther apart, like all the Bridezilla and Groomzilla couples who focused only on the wedding.
Tonight I'm putting some deep conditioner in my hair and sitting down to start on Couples' Bets, my newest book project of tame, romantic and racy wagers that couples can make with one another. And since I've reached a 10 pound weight loss, I get a treat -- I'm allowed to open the box with my new aqua blue Diesel sneakers. I may have found a diet motivation plan that's newsworthy -- buy a bunch of shoes and don't let yourself wear them until you reach your goal. That's way better than chocolate. ;)
Oh, and for my friends who are sure to remember way back into my fireman-admiration days (we all had a thing for firemen), let me tell you...Nada. Zip. Nothing. Couldn't even tell you what anyone looked like, because all I was thinking was: 1. Is my house going to blow up?; 2. Please tell me I put away the new batch of Victoria's Secret panties I had on my kitchen table last night; 3. I don't even remotely notice other men anymore. I can hear my friend Jen right now -- "If Shar's not noticing firemen, she must be REALLY in love." 10-month anniversary last night, salmon and steak dinner, the comfortable quiet of not feeling like you have to fill up every second with conversation, sharing bites off each other's dishes, holding hands across the table, and the best table in the house (it's not location, it's the company). And Joe brought home a bridal magazine he thought might be useful to me....(blush). Ladies, if we clone him now......
We're getting a ton of great engagement stories through our contest at www.njwedding.com, and the entrants' excitement reminds me to give you this message: Spend a lot of time planning for the future, not just the wedding. How are you going to handle holidays? How will you handle your own bank accounts and the joint bank account for household expenses? What's your need for private time, couple time, time with friends? THAT'S a big one, since most people crave one or more of these categories. Pre-cana classes and other premarital classes are a benefit, in my opinion, and there are lots of books out there on questions both partners should discuss before they tie the knot. So if you're in the huge wave of newly-engaged couples just exploring the world of wedding planning, take my word for it...plan for the daily details of your future together, be honest about your personal needs, and watch your relationship grow even closer during the planning process -- rather than farther apart, like all the Bridezilla and Groomzilla couples who focused only on the wedding.
Tonight I'm putting some deep conditioner in my hair and sitting down to start on Couples' Bets, my newest book project of tame, romantic and racy wagers that couples can make with one another. And since I've reached a 10 pound weight loss, I get a treat -- I'm allowed to open the box with my new aqua blue Diesel sneakers. I may have found a diet motivation plan that's newsworthy -- buy a bunch of shoes and don't let yourself wear them until you reach your goal. That's way better than chocolate. ;)
Oh, and for my friends who are sure to remember way back into my fireman-admiration days (we all had a thing for firemen), let me tell you...Nada. Zip. Nothing. Couldn't even tell you what anyone looked like, because all I was thinking was: 1. Is my house going to blow up?; 2. Please tell me I put away the new batch of Victoria's Secret panties I had on my kitchen table last night; 3. I don't even remotely notice other men anymore. I can hear my friend Jen right now -- "If Shar's not noticing firemen, she must be REALLY in love." 10-month anniversary last night, salmon and steak dinner, the comfortable quiet of not feeling like you have to fill up every second with conversation, sharing bites off each other's dishes, holding hands across the table, and the best table in the house (it's not location, it's the company). And Joe brought home a bridal magazine he thought might be useful to me....(blush). Ladies, if we clone him now......
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy New Year!
This was the best New Year's that I have ever had, and it's all thanks to my Joe. He makes everything amazing...
Since we were in the Superbowl of our fantasy football league, we watched the numbers closely the entire day. We started off 34 points up, but it dwindled...and dwindled...and while we came in 2nd, our true victory was in eliminating the 1st place guy (the cheater) from the championship. A good man won, though. So congratulations to Tom, the winner of the FF league this year. (We'll get you next year, Tom!)
Joe fulfilled one of my biggest wishes, which was to go to my favorite sports bar to watch the first half of a game. It felt like a homecoming, I hadn't been there in so long. Great bar food, a great drink, seeing old friends, and we were off to get the makin's for our New Year's dinner. And I unfortunately made eye contact with the lobster before they went into the steamer ;) Dinner was in front of the fireplace (ahhhh! Snapshot moment!): lobster, mashed potatoes, salad, green beans, bread, great wine...and football on TV. It doesn't get better than that. We rang in New Year's Eve all snuggled up by the fire. Perfection. How did I get so lucky?
Now that the holiday season is behind us, work kicked up like wild. My book 'Renewing Your Wedding Vows' is out and doing marvelously well, we're getting hundreds of entries in the 'most romantic proposal' contest, and I'm organizing a new wedding workshop series at Blue Tulip, where I organize events and charity fundraisers (www.bluetulip.com). My friend Jill and I made up our professional goals for '07 lists, and I am so enthusiastic about the year ahead. I don't make New Year's Resolutions, but rather start the year off with a list of goals -- professional, personal, health, etc. It just works better for me to have a To Do list rather than a You Can't list ;)
So, this is the start of a fresh page....a new year with promises of great things to come. This is going to be a good one...
Since we were in the Superbowl of our fantasy football league, we watched the numbers closely the entire day. We started off 34 points up, but it dwindled...and dwindled...and while we came in 2nd, our true victory was in eliminating the 1st place guy (the cheater) from the championship. A good man won, though. So congratulations to Tom, the winner of the FF league this year. (We'll get you next year, Tom!)
Joe fulfilled one of my biggest wishes, which was to go to my favorite sports bar to watch the first half of a game. It felt like a homecoming, I hadn't been there in so long. Great bar food, a great drink, seeing old friends, and we were off to get the makin's for our New Year's dinner. And I unfortunately made eye contact with the lobster before they went into the steamer ;) Dinner was in front of the fireplace (ahhhh! Snapshot moment!): lobster, mashed potatoes, salad, green beans, bread, great wine...and football on TV. It doesn't get better than that. We rang in New Year's Eve all snuggled up by the fire. Perfection. How did I get so lucky?
Now that the holiday season is behind us, work kicked up like wild. My book 'Renewing Your Wedding Vows' is out and doing marvelously well, we're getting hundreds of entries in the 'most romantic proposal' contest, and I'm organizing a new wedding workshop series at Blue Tulip, where I organize events and charity fundraisers (www.bluetulip.com). My friend Jill and I made up our professional goals for '07 lists, and I am so enthusiastic about the year ahead. I don't make New Year's Resolutions, but rather start the year off with a list of goals -- professional, personal, health, etc. It just works better for me to have a To Do list rather than a You Can't list ;)
So, this is the start of a fresh page....a new year with promises of great things to come. This is going to be a good one...
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Conflict diamonds
With the message of the movie "Blood Diamond" reverberating around the world right now, I'm getting a lot of letters about how to tell if your diamond is one of the 'conflict diamonds,' and where you can go to find non-conflict diamonds. Here's a great article from About.com's jewelry expert, where you'll find terrific, educational links to help you out:
http://jewelry.about.com/cs/diamondmining/a/diamonds.htm
And if you're interested in naturally-colored diamonds, check out www.ncdia.com.
While we're on the subject, look at the beautiful hues of colored pearls at www.thepearloutlet.com. I had the great fortune of trying some of these on, and they give a modern twist to a traditional wedding day jewelry look for moms, maids and brides.
http://jewelry.about.com/cs/diamondmining/a/diamonds.htm
And if you're interested in naturally-colored diamonds, check out www.ncdia.com.
While we're on the subject, look at the beautiful hues of colored pearls at www.thepearloutlet.com. I had the great fortune of trying some of these on, and they give a modern twist to a traditional wedding day jewelry look for moms, maids and brides.
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