A Step to Cool Things Down

Wow talk about a heat wave, temperatures around the country in the upper ninety's even breaching the hundred degree mark. All this heat actually has me thinking about some winter fun. Snowflakes, snow globes, beautiful ice sculptures....

Create a winter wonderland for your guests...have a gingerbread bar, serve crowd favorites such as hot chocolate and warm apple cider. When choosing a signature cocktail stick with your winter oasis and go with an eggnog martini.

EGGNOG MARTINI
Ingredients
Crushed graham crackers, optional for garnish
1 1/2 ounces dark rum
1 ounce spiced rum
1/2 ounce vanilla vodka
3 ounces store bought eggnog
1/4 ounce simple syrup
cinnamon stick, optional for garnish
Directions
1. Dip the rim of a martini glass in water and then into the crushed graham crackers.
2. Combine dark rum, spiced rum, vodka with eggnog and simple syrup in an ice-filled martini shaker. Shake well, strain and pour into a prepared glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Just a little reminder that while sizzling in this summer heat right now, the brisk days and nights of winter are only around the corner.

Photos from: (from top, left to right) marthastewart.com, amemorylaneevent.com, marthastewartweddings.com, marthastewartweddings.com, classicbells.com, cakecentral.com, ivillage.com, etsy.com, carolineoncrack.com, justthething.co.uk, winterparkweddings.blogspot.com, esty.com, justthething.co.uk, mydreamwedding.com

"There is no limit to what you can imagine. And with commitment, with effort, what you can imagine you can become. Put your mind to work for you. Believe that you can do it. The world will tell you that you can't. Yet, in your belief you'll find the strength, you'll find the ability, to do it anyway." Ralph Marston

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt

A few words of inspiration for my fellow entrepreneur's or anyone who may need a little extra strength!

A Little Country Two Step

So I grew up in a small town, a town with two stoplights and my horses in the backyard. Being that small town girl weddings that really speak to me are the rustic country filled events. I envision a barn in the back drop, hay bails used for ceremony seating, a rustic horse carriage filled with presents. I think a good country wedding imparts a casual relaxed feel on its guests, the uniting of two families feeling more like a family reunion.



Adding to the casual charm, good ole southern cooking...fried chicken, corn on the cob, strawberry shortcake favors. As with any wedding, if this is the theme you are going with, you should take in to consideration the seasons. Make sure to provide guests with proper necessities, if the temperature will be sure to drop at night provide wraps, if its going to be real sunny provide parasols,or if it has been buggy make sure to have plenty of bug spray on hand to go around.

If you are in the Illinois area, a few locations to check out would be:
1. Byron Colby Barn, www.prairiecrossing.com
2. Walnut Grove Farm, www.walnutgrovefarm.com (They also have a cozy B&B on site)
3. Veha Barn Rental, www.village.deer-park.il.us
4. Carpenter's Country Barn, www.countrybarnparty.com (They offer to set a bonfire-think s'mores round the campfire with all your guests instead of traditional cake)

Good luck "Gettin' Hitched"...hope you have found some inspiration here!

Photos From: (left to right from top) boards.weddingbee.com, cateringbydeangelos.com, thepreppywedding.blogspot.com, lianeyvkoff.com, flickr.com, elizabethannedesigns.com, bellethemmagazine.blogspot.com, weddingpaperdivas.com, wedding-ideas-guide.com, weddingbeepro.com, katyelliot.com, theweddingco.com, marthastewartweddings.com, thegreenhead.com, and marthastewartweddings.com

A Freedom Step

Video from: youtube.com

I hope everyone is enjoying their fourth of July, whether with family and friends BBQing, taking in a fireworks display or sending prayers to the men and women fighting overseas, may you all have a happy and safe "Independence Day".

Today marks the day commemorating the "freedom" of America. On July 4th, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed asserting our separation from Great Britain. The declaration gave us the meaningful statement that "All men are created equal.".

A few fun facts for you this holiday:
The great "Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest" on Coney Island in New York was believed to have begun in 1916 as a dispute between four immigrants who were trying to prove who was more patriotic.
The Boston Pops Orchestra has been setting music to a great fireworks display on the Charles River since 1973.
And the Macy's fireworks in New York City has been televised on NBC since 1976.

July 4th, 1979 also marks my independence day, I was released from the hospital after being born over a month early. Today I choose to celebrate that independence and be thankful for all those who have supported me and helped me grow. I am still growing and learning that independence does not mean going it alone, but rather surrounding yourself with those who believe in and support you. Thank you!!

I would aslo like to just send a BIG thank you to all the men and women that are still fighting to keep America the land of the free and helping others attain their freedom, you are truely the heroes of America! May everyone have a safe and happy fourth of July!


Photo from: youtube.com

More Musical Steps

When making your play list of music, don't forget older guests. You may actually find yourself smiling while going through the classics, this is when music was true. Believe me, your older guests will appreciate that your play-list included more then Lady GaGa or B.O.B. Here are a few I would include:

A little Otis Redding-


Of course Billie Holiday-


The sounds of Sarah Vaughan-


Just a few selections, hope you enjoy them as much as I do...just imagine Great Aunt Thelma getting up to dance when she hears a few of her favorites.

A Family Step

Are you deciding what kind of dining experience to have at your next event?? Can I make a push for my favorite?


Photo from: www.saltlakemagazine.com

The "family-style" service. This is a great mix of the classic formal sit down and the buffet, a way to serve up casual elegance. It can also be cost effective, reducing the amount of servers needed and is often times less expensive than an individually plated dinner.

Most times guest are seated to a chef plated salad...I can see all the farmers market goodness...in summertime think bright tomato salads or winter think Roquefort pear salad. When salad plates are cleared plattered entrees and sides are brought to the table, for guests to pass. Your guests are then able to serve themselves, taking as little or as much as wanted.

When properly executed I think you will find that many of your guests will feel more welcomed with this service. It also induces more interaction between your guests. After-all when was the last time you had a speechless dinner at home?

A "Funny Face" Step

I am a huge fan of classic movies and the belief in true love. In 1957, Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn made "Funny Face"...a love story that inspired the below story board. From the opening number of "Think Pink" and the backdrop of grand Paris how can one not be inspired to think of a perfectly pink parisian party.


Photos From: (left to right from top) polyvore.com, tumblr.jrameau.com, canaplus.pl, abccakeshop.com, siennawedding.blogspot.com, confetti.co.uk, pariscelebrations.blogspot.com, polkadotbirthday.com