What a find!

I was out with a friend today planning a party when we saw Borders was going out of business.  Without hesitation we headed over before heading home.  All the books are 40%-60% off.  It was a little messy but books were still organized by category and once I found the events section I nearly fell over.  There were so many amazing books!  My head and heart said to take them all home, but my wallet made me said not so much.  I did in the end pick up three great books that I can't wait to dive in to!  If you're looking for ideas or even bridal planners head over to the closet Borders that's going out of business! 

1. Emily Post's Great Get-Togethers: Casual Gatherings & Elegant Parties at Home

 

2. Southern Weddings

3. Simply Stunning Weddings

Pick of the Week - March 28, 2011

So I'm currently helping my husband with a charity golf outing that the Barry University class is hosting.  It's coming up in just a few weeks and we're getting ready to start putting together the final details.  Something that really stuck out was the golfer gift bags.  I love incorporating unique items and in this case, items that are creative enough that it inspires golfers to really notice the time and effort you put into the event and come back next year!  

I found these great ball markers on of course, my favorite website Etsy.  You can either purchase the Caddyshack hand stamped markers (my personal favorite since I was a caddy growing up and I love the movie) or you can have them personalized.  If you're hosting a corporate event you could have your company name stamped on one side and a personal message on the other side.  

Boys, these would be great gift ideas for your bachelor party/golf outing too!

 

And on a side note...we're still taking golfers for the outing!  Feel free to contact me for details and registration papers.  We'd really love to have you there and it's guaranteed to be a great time!

Pick of the Week - March 21, 2011

So I'm fascinated.....with fascinators!  I just can't get enough of them.  They've become increasing popular in the realm of every day life, but when it comes to a bridal hair pieces they are incredibly beautiful and can add a lot of pizazz or whatever you'd like to call it for not a lot of money.  This one I found on Etsy for just 69.00.  A steal for a modern, unique touch of prettiness!

Pick of the Week - March 14, 2011

A good friend of ours was in town this week with his fiancee.  While the boys were out, us girls were able to talk wedding plans.  I truly enjoy being able to hear what brides are up to and what their ideas are.  We discussed everything from flowers, to her dress, to lighting.  As we continued to talk I began thinking of all those little last minute things one might forget about.  For me, it was escort, or seating cards.  It completely slipped my mind but I fell in love with so many, especially on Etsy.  One of my favorites were the "Cootie Catchers" or "Fortune Tellers".  They can serve as escort cards, wedding programs, menus, etc.  The list goes on and on as the different, creative ways you could use them!  You can make them in your colors, match them to your theme, and fill them with all sorts of fun information for your guests.  Below are a few pictures to give you some different ideas.  

Pick of the Week - March 7, 2011

I'll never forget debating with my husband about what song we should dance to for our first dance!  We had "our song" but it just wasn't the right fit.  There were days of "practicing" in the living room to anywhere between five and ten songs all that had some sort of meaning to us but all to no avail.  It took us quite a bit of compromising and lots of practicing to finally narrow down our final decision.  Hopefully no bride and groom has to go through such a conundrum like we did!  The song "Marry Me" by Train has really caught my attention lately.  I keep wondering, "Where was this song when I was getting married?!".  If you and your hunny haven't found the perfect song you should certainly check out the music video.  It's an amazing song!

The Start of a Beautiful Friendship!

I'd like to introduce my new partner in crime....Lisa McLeod, a Pampered Chef Consultant!  Lisa and I worked together in Gainesville where we both taught children and now we are joining forces again!  Lisa is available for Pampered Chef parties (she's absolutely fabulous and has such a great sense of humor!) as well as assisting in setting up a registry for your event.  She comes highly recommended by many and I look forward to working with her!  Check out her great Pampered Chef website.

Pick of the Week - February 28, 2011

Looking to personalize your wedding without spending a lot of money while creating a keepsake that will last forever?  Check out the pictures below of photo guest books.  It's a great way to take your favorite pictures of you and your hunny and incorporate them into your guest book.  Then, leave it out for your guests to sign as they enter the reception.  It makes a great, personalized guest book that your guests will love looking at as well as a coffee table book you can keep out in the open in your house for as long as you'd like!  If you're a fan make sure to check out Shutterfly to start your photo book (they're my personal fav but there are numerous other websites like Snapfish) and you can always find great coupon codes at Retail Me Not. There are only certain markers that don't smear on the page but they're about 1.50 a piece.  Shutterfly can direct you to a website where you can order them.  Pick colors that match your wedding colors and make it even more personal!

 

Pick of the Week - February 21, 2011

The Oscars are just around the corner!  The big awards gala is this upcoming Sunday, the 27th at 8 p.m. on ABC.  If you're planning an Oscar party one great way to keep your guests entertained is a little award ceremony of your own.  Honor your guests by nominating and giving awards for categories like:

• Best dressed
• Most red-carpet ready
• Prediction Winner (person who correctly guessed the winners in each category)
• The guest who can give the best impromptu, improvised acceptance speech
• Best host jab at an award nominee
• Best karaoke performance

You can even purchase your own mock Oscar statues at http://www.hollywoodmegastore.com/ or make your own unique awards for your guests.

And don't forget your snacks either!

Attention Brides! $100,000 Dream Wedding Contest!

Create a registry at Crate & Barrel and enter to win a $100,000 Dream Wedding!  Hurry, you only have until March 31st!  Good luck and let me know if you enter the contest so I can vote for you! 

Register at Crate and Barrel

Start your contest entry between February 1, 2011 and March 31, 2011 by registering online at crateandbarrel.com. Just click the “Create My Registry” link above.

Complete the Contest Entry Form

After registering at our site, you’ll have the opportunity to link to the contest entry website, where you’ll need to tell us about yourselves:

• Upload three photos of you and your fiance.
• 1. Tell us your love story;
• 2. Get down to the nitty–gritty and share three important details of your Ultimate Wedding.
• 3. Describe how you’d design and decorate your dream home.

View entries already submitted

Get out the Vote

Once you’ve created your profile, it’s your job to get as many people to vote for you! Hundred couples will be chosen by the public to move on to the final round - heartfelt declarations, funny stories, and grassroots marketing plans are welcome.

Add to Your Crate and Barrel Registry

To advance to the final round, your wedding registry must have a total value of at least $2,000, and contain at least 50 unique items. With all the great selection of product at Crate and Barrel, this will be easy.

Final Judging

In early June, Yifat Oren and Crate and Barrel reps will crown the winner. Then the fun and planning with Yifat begins.
See the full contest rules and eligibility requirements at ultimateweddingcontest.com

Pick of the Week - February 14, 2011

First and foremost, Congratulations to all those newly engaged brides-to-be out there!!  I wish nothing but the very best for you in your new journey!

In the spirit of Valentine's Day and love being in air, this week's pick is wedding related.  However, you could transform this pick to fit your event needs.

This week's pick is a gobo.  For those of you who might not know what a gobo is, it's usually a piece of glass or metal that is attached to a lighting device to manipulate an image either on a wall or floor.  They are a great way to personalize your event.  Below are two pictures, one placed above the cake table, and the other the dance floor.  These can be found from around $80 to $140.

Pick of the Week - February 7, 2011

Well, whether you love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is right around the corner.  Married, engaged, dating, or single, there's no reason not to go out and enjoy yourself!  I've found some of the most delicious adult beverages for any event you're going to attend this weekend!  These tasty beverages are great for singles mixers, couples parties, and even just your average date night with you and your loved one!  Drink up and enjoy!

Pomegranate-Raspberry Martini

Ingredients

• 3 Oz Stirring's Pomegranate Mixer
• 2 Oz Raspberry Vodka
• slice of lime (garnish)

Directions

1. Shake mixer and vodka in a shaker.

2. Strain into a martini glass (rimmed with pomegranate sugar)

3. Garnish with a slice of lime.

Chocolate Martini

Ingredients

• Chocolate Martini to add a special flair. If you're looking for a fruity taste, pick a flavored vodka or rum such as citrus or raspberry. For a sweeter taste, use vanilla flavored vodka or rum. To garnish, coat a rim of martini glass, swirl chocolate syrup in a glass or add a few mouth-watering truffles. 2 Oz base spirit (vodka, light rum or brandy)
• 1/2 Oz chocolate liqueur
• 1/2 Oz white creme de cacao
• Chocolate syrup to coat rim of martini glass

Directions

Coat rim of martini glass with chocolate syrup. Mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a martini glass.

Bubbly Blood Orange Campari Cocktail

Ingredients:

2-3 large blood oranges, juiced, about 1/3 cup juice

1 oz campari

Chilled sparkling wine – choose from prosecco, champagne, cava, brut, etc

Optional garnish – blood orange peel or blood orange slice

Directions:

1. Pour 1 ½ oz of blood orange juice in each champagne flute.
2. Add ½ oz of campari.
3. Top off each drink with sparkling wine, garnish with a slice of blood orange and enjoy.

Pick of the Week - January 31, 2011

What side of the couch are you on?!  Superbowl Sunday is right around the corner and the big game means big parties!  Whether you're a Packers fan or a Steelers fan, you're bound to have a good time with good friends watching the game.  However, we all know food is certainly the staple of every Superbowl party!  So, if you're hosting a Superbowl party make sure to start planning your grocery shopping list now and check out the pictures below for some creative ideas.  Enjoy!

Important Change!

The website address and my email address have changed!!  Make sure to bookmark the new address and share the information with friends!

http://www.dreams-by-design.com/

kristen@dreams-by-design.com

Thanks, everyone!!  Have a great weekend!!!

Pick of the Week - January 24, 2011

This week's pick is inspired by two brides I've been helping out the past few weeks.  When you're on a budget it can be difficult to find everything you want, let alone make it personal and meaningful.  This pick is a mix of a personalized favor and seating cards.  Why not kill two birds with one stone and have it be super cute at the same time?!  If you're not a huge fan of soda you could do the same with all sorts of items like hot sauce, honey, etc.!!  Pick something that means something to you and your hunny!!  Enjoy!

Barry University Physician Assistant Program’s 1st Annual Golf Outing!!

This April, the Barry University Physician Assistant Program will hold its first annual golf outing and silent auction at Cove Cay Golf Course in Clearwater, Florida at 8 am.  The event promises to be challenging, exciting and truly enjoyable.  This event will be a four-person scramble and will feature many opportunities for golfers. There will be prizes for the winning teams, as well as, an opportunity for closest to the pin and longest drive. The cost to play is $100 per individual or $360 per foursome and limited to the first 72 players.  The cost includes coffee and pastries when you sign in, your greens fee, a cart, a gift bag, and lunch after the round.  After playing golf and enjoying lunch there will be a silent auction with a wide variety of gifts donated from local companies and organizations in the Tampa Bay and Pinellas County area.

**Please contact me for information to register for the tournament or to sponsor a hole or donate to the silent auction!**

Free One Year Bridal Guide Magazine Subscription!!

A great find by a friend of mine back in Gainesville! A FREE one-year subscription to Bridal Guide Magazine, courtesy of WeddingStand.com! Even if your wedding is less than a year away I would always check out this opportunity.  Lots of great ideas are always out there!

http://www.weddingstand.com/Bridal-Guide-Subscription-Sign-up

Pick of the Week - January 17, 2011

This week's Pick of the Week was inspired by the current baby boom surrounding me!  Last weekend we went to visit friends in Gainesville and met their beautiful baby boy, Jedediah.  Currently as I speak my pledge mom from college is giving birth and my friend and colleague at Boca Ciega is about to have her baby girl soon!  So, in honor or the Moms-to-be out there and all the moms in the world...this pick is for you!!  These cute little jars contain homemade honey (but there's no rule saying you can't use store bought!).  Adorned with a little pink (or blue) ribbon and a cute little label for the Mama to Bee are perfect for any baby shower!

Pick of the Week - January 10, 2010

Yesterday, Mary (of MC Design - She's a great makeup artist!) and I made the rounds at the Tampa Bridal Show!  We had so much fun and were so inspired by so many great ideas and looks.  If you're recently engaged I suggest finding a bridal show in your area and checking it out...and make sure you bring your camera!!!  This week's pick is specifically for the bride to be...

Pick of the Week - January 3, 2011

Well, the playoff schedule has been set and most avid football fans are patiently awaiting the Superbowl.  So, in honor off the many playoff parties and Superbowl parties to come this month my pick of the week are individual beer tags so that all of your guests can keep their beer to themselves.  No more sipping someone else's tasty beverage!  Check them out!

Back from Break!

Well, I hope everyone had a great holiday and an even better start to the new year!  My husband and I made it from St. Petersburg to Cincinnati to visit some great friends, then to Cleveland to spend a week with his family, and then back down to Sebastian, Florida to visit my family.  Finally, we left this morning for home.  A total of 39 hours in the car!!!  Amazing!!!  I'm just glad we arrived at all of our locations safely and were able to see so many of our friends and family. 

We were excited to hear that two of our friends were engaged over the break - congrats to Erik & Jamie and Rick & Michelle!! Also, another set of friends welcomed their first child over break - a healthy baby boy.  Congrats to Maree & Jono!  What a great start to a new year!

Well, I've made lots of new year's resolutions and I'm hoping to stick to them - one of which is keeping up with this blog!!  I'll post a new Pick of the Week tomorrow, so stayed tune.