Simply Shay: "No Kids Please"

Preparing To Attend An Event Without The Kids
Nicole Phillips - Splitcybernality.com

How often have you prepared for "me time" and realized that you needed "me time" before your actual "me time"? Here are 3 simple steps that will ensure any event you attend without the kids is well worth the occasion.


1. Prepare in advance. Unless you've been invited to an event in the spur of the moment, you have time to prepare. Let's take a wedding for instance. As soon as you get the invitation begin to make childcare arrangements. When securing arrangements make sure you ask if they can keep the kid/s well enough in advance. This will give you time to relax and take care of any unfinished details. I've also learned to take this one step further. If you have a spouse that can pick the kids up when its time for them to come home, do so. Or maybe the person seeing after your kids is willing to bring them to you. After enjoying a wonderful function, picking up kids is the last thing you want to do. However, if you don't have this option make the best of it.

 

2. Early dress rehearsal. Why do we always wait until the last minute to try on the clothes we're wearing for a special occasion? Making sure we know what we're wearing, what fits, what doesn't and what we may need to complete our wardrobe, saves us time. We can all use time on our side.



Designs By Shay

3. Pamper yourself. Here comes the good part. You've sent your kids to who's taking care of them for the day. You know exactly what you're wearing. Now, it's time for a little "me time before the affair. You may have chosen to go to the salon or spend the morning shampooing,conditioning your hair and/or giving yourself a mani and pedi at home. Whatever you have chosen to do, spend it enjoying time alone before the event. You deserve it!

NICOLE PHILLIPS - Loving all multi facets of her life; Wife, Mom of 3 and Mama Blogger has a lot on her plate and doing it all with a spirit of excellence is her hearts desire. Nicole is also a Licensed Cosmetologist/Instructor for over 19yrs. Working as an entrepreneur as well as with some state of the art Product Development Companies, she has learned balance in her career. As the CEO/Founder of Splitcybernality, Inc. Nicole noticed in 2008 how social networking users created multiple accounts for the different interest in their life. Therefore she created, The website & forum SPLITCYBERNALITY.COM® ~Who Are You Today
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Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Simply Shay: "You and Your Cake Topper"

He's traditional and wants a bride and groom as the cake topper, you're contemporary and want a monogram; where is the happy medium? What's right and who's wrong in this scenario?

Your cake topper is the "Cherry" on the banana split, the "I" in I Do and the "Pretty" in Please. It is that final design element that expresses your own personal style.

When choosing your cake topper remember it says a lot about who you are:

• Are you hopeless romantic? There are many couple toppers and flowers to choose from if this best describes your personality.


• Do you have a sense a humor? If you both ride motorcycles, this might be an opportunity to display that fun, whimsical side .


• Simple, classy and love your identity? The Monogram may be just for you.

From elegant bride and groom figurines and funny cake toppers to monogram cake topper letters, the key to picking the perfect wedding cake topper is to make it all about you!

(photo source:  Exclusively Weddings, Etsy.com)
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Simply Shay: "Put It In The Bag"

As you prepare for your wedding day OR any special event you may be wondering why do I need a purse and what will I put in it?  Unless you're going camping during your event I'm going to suggest you not have a back pack no matter how much you like it.  Small, dainty and elegant is the area you should try to stay in when deciding what should adorn your wrist. When deciding what to put in it, here are a few of my favorite things:

1.Small Mirror: There is nothing worse then smiling for photo's with food in your teeth.  Having a small mirror on hand will help with quick checks and freshening up your lip gloss.

2.Lip Gloss: Since I wear Walgreens flavored lip gloss I'm going to say get what you like BUT be sure to have something so your lips aren't "ashy"...

3.Mints: You’re going to be talking to people A LOT on your wedding day and chewing gum is on the tacky side.  Therefore, some nice mints will do wonders.  My Favorite?  Small Altoids... strong and to the point.. If you don't care for that container, you can find something more to your liking.

4.Nail Polish: Chips or runs (if you still wear panty hose).  Both of these can happen.  Keep clear for that run and your favorite polish (I prefer OPI) for those just in case moments.  My favorite? Cotton Candy!!!

5.Body Mist: This small bottle should have been my #1 pick.  I love the smell of DOVE body mist.  It's light and airy while just small enough to fit in your purse while providing a hint of fresh scent!

This is just a short list to keep in your small bag.  Your wedding planner should come with an Emergency Kit full of "just in case" goodies... ~ Peaceful Planning


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand looking for coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

SimplyShay: "Live, Learn & Grow"

Earlier this week I was posed the question "what is the meaning of family?"  I must admit it stumped me because like who doesn't know what family means!  According to Wikipedia, in human context, a family is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence. In most societies it is the principal institution for the socialization of children. Well, I guess that explains it :)

I'm sure you've heard the statement "you can choose your friends, not your family"; how true is that!?  Family members (good, bad and ugly) help make you who you are.  They are the people that when all the chips are down.. they are down with you.  These are the people that during good times will cheer you on and in bad times, let you know they are bad then lend a hand to pick you up.  These "family" members will get ugly with you AND about you.  Raw and uncut life discussions, loyalty beyond words is my idea of family... you may not like them all the time BUT through it all they are still family and nothing and no one comes between those letters.. FAMILY.

Many families choose the summer months to conduct what we call a "Family Reunion".  The importance of a reunion is the same whether it's FAMILY or CLASS--It allows opportunities to revisit the past as well as learn from the people who share your past.  This life we live doesn't last forever, so when you're at the park or in your backyard these last few weeks of summer; ENJOY your FAMILY! 

"Live, Learn & Grow"

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Simply Shay: "Events of Life"

Ive found in all my years of planning events that we spend a lot of time planning for those "events" that mean something to us or those we care about. We plan the conference/seminar, wedding, baby shower, 1st-21st birth parties; anniversary parties and if your family is like mine..... who needs a reason? Life is a party right?

This week, as I blog from my Evo, I've been able to reflect on those LIFE events we DON'T plan for. It becomes so easy to get "comfortable" in our lives and believe we have "it" under control. Hmmmm well, Sunday, as the rain came down as it's done so many times before, the lights flickered but this time they didnt just flicker..they were OFF. No big deal right? Rain + no lights= no sump pump. In a matter of moments our dry finished basement became a pool for our dog. I listened as my husband lost control of trying to save the many electronics and our puppy splash water as if she were at a water park. Dangit, we weren't prepared for this!!

Standing outside in the rain watching my neighbors have that panicked look on their face; I said to myself, "self!", myself said, "huh"...You're a planner, manager of chaos, believer in creating and maintaining PEACE.. do something. So, I listened for God to speak because last thing we needed was two people in an uproar then I called and got a generator so process cleanup could begin. Did we lose stuff? Sure did! Was peace established in spite of it all? Sure was and I'm grateful!

When life's event come rolling in; pull on your inner Peace, allow that Peace to be created, then work to maintain it. Be Blessed
Photos by me

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

ChiTown Moms Nite Out 2011

In 2010 Kris, Ronnie, Sharon, Sydney and Nicole were Moms Nite Out.  This year, in 2011, it has a different face and overall feel.  ChiTown Moms is the brainchild of Kris Cain and emerged after a successful 2010 campaign where many moms inquired about when there would be another event. Kris, having been in social media for about 12 years, has managed forums for moms off and on in many forms took the bull by the horns and created this wonderful community of moms making a difference.  While her initial circle consists of Ronnie Roseman, Sydney Reid and Sharon Patrice, who assist with organization and anything she else she needs, this new "community" has writers from different backgrounds and expertise.  Therefore, in addition to the previously mentioned, has a few new faces....Antionette Petersen, Alicia Pheiffer, Candace Ford and Sara Parisi on the ChiTown Moms site.

The 2011 event, which is only open to those that have pre registered, has a great lineup of sponsors including GM, Kernel Sweetooth, LittleTechGirl.com A Techy Mom's Nerd Paradise,   Lenise Miller (Mary Kay), Kenmore, Designs by Shay, WhatchuNeed Unlimited, Bloomin' Headz, Carolina Pad,  Sister Save-A-Lot and  Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas to name a few. 
 
Kenmore Live Studios is where over 100 moms will get together and network with each other while partaking in their live cooking show with Chef Mark Beir of Chicago Fit Club and enjoying wine from Roija Wines served by some nice male waiters. 
 
~ Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Simply Shay: "Wedding Favors"

Seemingly a simply task; many couples stress over what to give their guests as a "thank you" for attending their wedding, eating their food and dancing to their music.  Many couples prefer to give the guests something edible rather than an expensive crystal ornament. Candy, sugared almonds, mints and truffles are always a pleasing favor to give.
The tradition of giving wedding favors can be found deed in ancient European history. The bride and groom gave small presents, or favors, to their guests and well-wishers to thank them for sharing the momentous occasion.  Often suger was given and because it was such a rare substance, the contents of the ‘bombonaiere’ were of great value.

A symbol of well wishing the wedding favor represents the five most important ingredients of a marriage bond: Wealth ~Health ~Happiness~Fertility and Long Life

The wedding favor is a symbol of love and respect from the bride and the groom, and a token of well wishing for their future together and can include such items as ribbons, candles, picture frames, personalized book marks, laminated plaques, candy, seed packets, pillows, balloons, potpourri, and more. 

~ Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Summer Sunshine Sangria...

Soothing Saturday's With Shay are JUST that!  Soothing and relaxing.  A few weeks ago I hosted a clip and tweet workshop with Antoinette Peterson (aka) Sister-Save-A-Lot for a few a close friends and family. The goal of this workshop was to learn money saving strategies when shopping for your family.  So, in that same spirit I decided to make my own sangria and other refreshments.  Needless to say it was a hit, so here is the recipe for my Summer Sunshine Sangria.

 Chilled Wine (I used a sweet Riesling)

Fresh Orange

Fresh Lemon

Fresh Lime   

Frozen Pineapple Juice

Passion Fruit Juice

Ginger ale

Using a glass pitcher cut the fresh fruit into sections and squeeze, add the frozen juice and 2 cups passion fruit juice then the bottle of wine.  Stir and add a little ginger ale for fizz and the fruit for ... "appearance".... serve chilled.. enjoy :)

SN:  One guest made it for her family without the wine... they loved it so much they didn't save her any.  Im "Simply Shay" and I approve this message...

~ Peaceful Planning

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Here's the Skinny - "Underneath It All..."

Did you know 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size? I attend an event sponsored by the Skinny Cow which promotes knowing your correct bra size.  We know that what you wear under your dress is just as important as THE dress :) The Skinny Cow Perfect Cup Tour has a whole team of professional bra fitters onsite, ready to help you find a cup that fits you.

coup de foudre lingerie

According to the Knot, the bra is the uberundergarment, that leading piece of bridal lingerie to which all others play supporting roles. Beautiful bridal lingerie should complement your wedding dress! Did you know that selecting ivory lingerie is preferable to white under your white wedding dress. Why so? Often times, a white wedding dress isn't actually white, but more on a warmer white side. Your bra needs to not only accommodate the neckline of your dress, but provide good support and lift, then be comfortable during hours of dining, dancing, and picture taking.
If you have a stapless dress, bridal corsets or longline bras are a great choice because this lingerie piece makes certain that you stand and sit up straight, gives great back support, and insures that the bodice of your dress will not become wrinkled throughout the evening. A bridal corset or bustier also gives an even tone under a more sheer dress all the way down to your waist.

When selecting panties in this case it's comfort over sexiness - so nix the thong! Although great, imagine adjusting that under your gown.. haha plus no one will see it anyway UNLESS your groom is a little over zealous then your guests will get more then they bargained for.. LOL. On a serious note, take all your wedding lingerie along with stockings, shapewear and shoes to your bridal fittings... sucking it in wont give you a proper fit.

SN: A longline bra with garters and stockings (and above mentioned thong) is the ultimate sexy lingerie ensemble.. bridal or not :)


~ Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Simply Shay: "The Heat Is On"

Exclusively Weddings

Todays's blog post is dedicated to the heat!  I'm sure, like me, you've sat back and watched the many things that take place during a wedding ceremony.  How many of you have cringed at the site of the usher, wedding coordinator, cousin, photographer or anyone else with tissue in their purse (pocket) walking to the front of the church and passing either a box of kleenex down the attendants line or event worse.. handing it to the bride? 

Tissue sticks to your face (really I'm laughing) and paper towel is not only rough but just tacky.  Instead of using these, how about we focus on some nice hankerchiefs?  Here are a few tasteful suggestions for dabbing sweat and wiping tears for the couple and their entire wedding party.... they also make great gifts.
 

 Whether you decide on plain hankerchiefs or monogrammed; when you're standing at the front of the church and the heat is on, please dont use tissue :)

 ~Peaceful Planning

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday Vendor Spotlight

For the month of July I've decided to feature something sweet and tasty!  As you will read, each of our Simply Tasty Tuesday Vendors bring something unique and special to any event.  So sit back and relax as we take you on a sweet journey with today's spotlight vendor ~

Katherine Anne Confections 

From a small farm in Wisconsin Katherine Duncan was using cream from her family's Jersey cows to create soft, old-fashioned caramels at the age of 10.  That early passion has led her to Chicago where she is the owner of  Katherine Anne Confections. 

Having been in business for five (5) years, when coming up with unique flavors, Katherine looks for other desserts and flavor combinations that may have not been paired with chocolate or caramel before.  Homemade from scratch, she and her staff make and eat a lot of chocolate to come up with the best flavors!

Currently renting kitchen space in Logan Square, Katherine doesn't have a storefront where you can come in and make on-site purchases.  However, if you are interested in a truffle making party (perfect for bachelorette!!) they do open up their production studio as well as their limited-edition preview parties which happen monthly during the summer.

When asked for that one piece of advice for brides, Katherine stated,

"Use edible favors, even if they aren't mine (though mine are delicious!). An edible favor is one that is guaranteed to be enjoyed and appreciated by all ages"

July Katherine Anne Confections is launching their new summer seasonal truffles & caramel which will be around 'til the end of August:

- Porter Hazelnut Truffle is milk chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, locally brewed porter, and malted milk crisp. It has lots of caramel and roast-y notes, with a subtle tang from the porter.

- Blackberry Fennel Truffle is farmer's market blackberries, fresh grated fennel, pastis, and fennel pollen with bittersweet chocolate. It's dark, intense, and fruity.

- Apricot Basil Truffle is local roasted apricots, homegrown basil, and bittersweet chocolate. Caramelized apricots and fragrant basil create a complex, fruity, and summery flavor.

- Strawberry Balsamic Caramel is our classic honey caramel, infused with white peach balsamic, and blended with local market strawberries. Sweet and tangy, fruity and delicious, this was a spring favorite last year and is returning for a triumphant summer season!

To PURCHASE these treats it's best to order online at katherine-anne.com. They are also found at several Whole Foods stores throughout Chicago, and 6 farmers markets each week.  Contact information for Katherine Anne Duncan • phone at 773.727.3248 • email.

 ~ Sweet Peace

Want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Good Vendor Relationships

Establishing Good Vendor Relations

By Juanita E. Gaynor

Having a solid relationship with your vendors can make you more efficient as an event planner. Imagine not having to take the time to choose floral arrangements because your floral designer is always spot on in her creations. Picture a relationship with your caterer in which you can choose a menu without scheduling a tasting because his cuisine is always magnificent. Developing your vendor relations will save you stress and time, both of which you can save for planning more events.

The Vendor Cast of Characters

Your vendor list will vary depending on your field of event planning that you specialize in. When shopping for a vendor, ask your colleagues and other event planners for their recommendations. You can also ask the company for referrals from other clients in the industry. Be sure to fully vet and qualify your prospective vendor before you decide to hire them. As with event planners, vendors rely heavily on their reputations to be successful. The following vendors are staples to have within you arsenal when you begin your career and as you continue in your career.

• Caterer

• Florist (Floral Designer)

• Baker (Specialty & Custom Designs)

• Purveyors (companies selling produce, seafood, meat products, and beverages)

• Wine and beer companies

• Liquor distributors

• Labor companies (electricians, general contractors, carpenters, and painters)

• Photographers

• Videographer

• Graphic & Web Designer

• Specialty stationery designer and/or printing company

Up Next?  How to create goodwill among your vendors

Author’s Bio
Juanita founded Ellegant Affairs by Juanita, Inc. in 1995 age the age of twenty-one when she was looking for career where she could work closely with her clients, make an impact in their lives, feel relatively quickly the sense of accomplishment when all your hard work has come together. Juanita has brought her considerable talents to product launches, nonprofit gala events, fashion shows, corporate events and high-end social events, such as weddings, birthdays and bar mitzvahs. To each event she produces, Juanita brings her own unique sense of style, and her knowledge of the latest industry trends, plus a great team of youthful and dynamic employees to make her clients' dreams a reality.

She is a certified wedding planner that holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Eastern Nazarene College and is currently working on a Bachelors degree in Global Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

She is currently working on her first book and working to expand her company globally. She credits her business success to her sensitivity to her client's needs and her desire to make every event an unforgettable experience.
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Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

A Fantastic Voyage (Emptynestism)

Proms…. Graduations…. Trunk Parties..…..

the Road Trip to an Empty Nest

Like a well planned vacation through the mountains, or skiing for the first time; the road trip to an empty nest comes along with an array of emotions that are often difficult to explain or contain.  As a professional planner, I’d like to think I am prepared for most “events”.  However, no one told me that the series of events that lead to that DAY would be as difficult as it was….. repeatedly! Eighteen (18) years is a long time right? Ha, well it goes really fast as many of you know or will soon find out. So ask yourself, are you really prepared for when that day arrives?

The road to emptyNestism isn’t easy by any means.  So hold hands with your bestie and take a walk with me down a familiar road:   We’re expecting!! I’m in labor!!! It’s a girl/boy/both! Statements that brought emotions like joy and fear together in one swoop. Filled with so much pride over our little bundles of joy, we wanted to hold on to them forever. Well, forever lasted between six weeks and five (5) years as we dropped them at daycare or kindergarten. They were so cute, so well behaved…remember it’s a journey :)

Immediately following this “cute” stage we enrolled them into grammar school and they begin to think for themselves and have opinions. WHO is this child?? Soon it was middle school/jr. high and the girls didn’t like multiple ponytails and the boys refused to let you cut their hair. They want to talk to their friends and ask for you not to go into their room when they aren’t home.  Can someone please go and find my sweet little baby that believed mom knew everything about everything!

Ughhhh HIGH SCHOOL and BOYS/GIRLS. This is a VOYAGE in itself and even closer to the “end”.  They can’t wait to get out and we can’t wait for them to leave. Then one day, out of the blue the fights and misunderstandings settle down and these now teenagers like us again but we aren’t so sure we like them just yet. Not only are they eating all the food, they want to drive our cars, have permission to stay out until (gasp) midnight and attend parties where they possibly communicate with the opposite sex on a level that we just aren’t ready for.

I’m exhausted; are you? It’s been quite a journey hasn’t it? Watching them develop into responsible young adults had the same emotions of joy and fear we experienced in the early years. It’s now the end of their senior year…. Time for the celebrations to begin! Sit back, enjoy the fantastic voyage in which you’ve spent the past 18 years planning for.  If this is your only or last child, your road to an empty nest IS HERE.. but while you’re planning to turn that bedroom into a craft room – know they come back with other issues and sometimes with friends…


~Good Luck and Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Your Career or Your Wedding

Everyone knows that planning an event of any size can be an overwhelming task when you don't have the TIME to dedicate to it.  Wedding professionals estimate that planning a wedding can take 250+ hours, therefore, life as a bride-to-be is overwhelming on steroids.  From flowers to what should you give out as favors depend on your nah or yah.  What am I saying?  Planning a wedding can be a full time job, and if you´re already a busy professional, guess what? Your work week doubled before you put the S on the Y.E (yes).  Now the question is how to balance your professional and personal life while keeping your sanity.

Organization
This is the best way to avoid headaches.  Having an appointment book is essential in organizing your work and personal life. Now you can see every appointment for the day, week or month.  Create a wedding checklist you can stick to  and use this same method for your work day.

Now & Later
Asking your boss to hold while you speak with your florist is probably a bad idea.  Instead, divide your day into time slots (as indicated in your planner) and have work slots and wedding slots.  Be firm with yourself and don't let one flow over into the other; this will do nothing but slow you down and add to your frustration.  Use your lunch and breaks wisely!  Consider arriving early or staying late so that productivity isn't jeopardized. 

All Work No Play
So the statement of "work hard, play harder" is out the door for YOU!  Use that "play" time to knock off some things from your to-do-list.  Those times when you'd be relaxing on the couch catching up on your DVR - addressing save the dates can done without missing a beat.

Get Some Help
Delegate, delegate, delegate. Since you're sharing this moment with someone else, divide wedding planning tasks evenly between you and your fiance. After that, take it a step further by giving small tasks to immediate family members or bridal attendants (small – don´t turn friends into full time wedding planners, they'll resent you later).  Finally - consider hiring a professional.

Enjoy the process ~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Who Will Make the Final Cut for Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler's Wedding?

So all you Chicago Bears fans - looks like we'll have a wedding to celebrate next spring (2012)when Kristin and Jay wed. 

According to sources, either she's planning either a really big wedding for 400 to include the football team or really small for like 40.  That being said, some of her former co-stars make not make the final guest list.  Also, don't look for a reality tv show from this couple anytime in the future either.... Kristin says, "Jay hates all that stuff."

Want more? Read it here...

~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

A Different Kind of Spring Cleaning

By now the kids are back in school from their Spring Break.  Closets are cleaned, walls are washed and you've sent 15 bags to good will.  Now the weather is starting to"really" break and guess what?  It's time for A Different Kind of Spring Cleaning.

Two weeks ago I was shipping my kid off to school, looked outside and was mortified at what I saw................ "dandelions"! I immediately put on some work gear, cut the grass and headed to my local store to pick up some die dandelions die spray. (they call it weed and feed in the store).  I was on a mission to have this small problem resolved immediately.  Due to the fact that I'm either a good neighbor or a little on the OCD side (my husband thinks the latter) I sprayed my neighbors grass too (heck, who wants to look at that stuff).  After this first application and two hours outside, I stood with my hands on my hips and said, "ha, take that you, you dandelion".  In other words, I felt really good!!

You're probably holding your breath wondering what happened next.  Well, sadly I had to spray again last week because the little suckers refused to go away AND my neighbor has an infestation of them (eye roll).  However, I'm really happy to announce that NOW the grass is really green, the weeds are gone and we can move forward with the real reason for A Different Kind of Spring Cleaning (drum roll please) PARTIES and SOCIAL GATHERINGS AT HOME!!!

Everyone knows I LOVE planning and hosting events at home and really don't need a reason BUT I do need a nice yard (and some music) for it to be truly enjoyable.  This weekend is Mother's Day and the perfect time to plant flowers and make your outdoor space even more inviting for your outside socializing.  What better way to welcome the season then with a beautiful scenery from your window, balcony, patio or deck.  So ladies, as we get ready to enjoy our day - look forward to the serenity that comes with knowing your yard is green, flowers are blooming, birds are singing in the peace of your own space...

Have a Wonderful Mother's Day Weekend
~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Self-Improvement Expert Shares Exclusive Movie Premier, Powerful Theatrical Stories and Motivational

Self-Improvement Expert, Mr. DYNAMIC Himself, Larry D. is celebrating 10 years in business and 50 years in life, like you’ve never ever seen before. Featuring an Exclusive Movie Premier of the Larry D. Patton Story, the Launch of the LaserFOCUS Success System, Singing, Dancing, Music, Fireworks, Powerful Life-Changing Stories, and much more all FREE.

Les Brown, World Renown Motivational Speaker, TV Talk Show Host and Radio Personality says, “If you ever get an opportunity to hear Larry D. speak take it, he’s got something special in him.”

On Friday May 13, 2011 the doors will open at 6:00pm on the campus of Family Christian Center in Munster, IN for THE POINT OF NO RETURN – A 1050 CELEBRATION, where Mr. DYNAMIC Himself will be re-launching his professional speaking career during a motivational and theatrical keynote presentation. Event starts at 7:00pm~ You Don't Want to Miss This LIVE ONE SHOW ONE NIGHT ONLY EVENT featuring one of the most inspiring speakers around.

Larry D. is the owner and CEO of DYNAMIC Enterprises of Chicago Heights, Inc. (www.larrydpatton.net) and Bright Ideas Entertainment, Inc. (www.brightideasentertainment.com). Larry D. has helped over 200 Self-Employed Professionals overcome obstacles, breakthrough barriers and achieve extraordinary results using a simple but powerful 3-part system entitled: The LaserFOCUS Success System. Larry D. is also the author of The Power In You and 7 Keys to Unlock Your Potential.

For Ticket Information Contact
Larry D.
Self-Improvement Expert, DYNAMIC Enterprises of Chicago Heights, Inc.
larry@larrydpatton.net
708.277.9792


Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

Small Celebrations - BIG Ideas

A wedding or any special celebration does not have to be large to feel special and important.  When an intimate celebration is your style, there are some steps you can take to make it feel both cozy and grand at the same time.

Large spaces with few people in them feel empty and sad, but a small space with the same number of guests will feel lively and intimate. It is all about matching the scale of the guest list to the venue.  I recently coordinated a re-affirmation celebration with approximately thirty guests. The small size of the celebration allowed it to feel very personal and intimate. The ceremony was held by the fireplace in the couples family room.  Candles, a lovely way to add a warm and intimate feeling to a small wedding, were used in varying heights as part of the centerpieces to infuse the area with a warm glow.

For your intimate celebration ~ to make the dinner feel more personal, consider serving dishes in a family style setting which have a special meaning to you.  Since the group you will have is probably not much larger than a large holiday gathering, sit your guests at long tables to encourage a good flow of conversation. To add to the inviting ambiance, have some pleasant music in the background.

REMEMBER:  Small weddings can be so special!  Create a warm and intimate environment to help your celebration feel just as grand in its own way as a wedding many times its size. For guests, one of the best parts about a small wedding is that they will feel very much a part of the entire event.

~Peaceful Planning
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