SpArKs Of FiRe

2011-03-02T23:01:00.000-08:00

Happier than the morning sun - Stevie wonder

laying out what you want in an employee...

2011-01-17T23:14:00.000-08:00

dear you,
First things first, you should know that you have VERY large shoes to fill. You also should know that I don’t know how to play small, nor do I ever care to learn, and that I’ll expect you to help me stay grounded, inspired, organized, centered, and hydrated. Yes, seriously.

I’m not looking for just anyone.
I’m looking for YOU.
(You don’t live in Hawaii? That’s OK. I’m open to the possibility of hiring an applicant from any region.)

You’re smart.
You’re eloquent.
You’re organized.
You have an eye for good color and great design.
You’re confident in Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.
You know how to prep images for proofing and/or you’re a fast and willing learner.
You recognize quality when you see it and are totally committed to always producing quality work.
You know how to focus and see a job through to completion.
You’re a fast and confident worker.
You are honest, compassionate and principle centered. A straight talker and a straight shooter.
You’re capable of moving along with me as we take my business to the next level.
You get me.
You’re happy to do odds and ends jobs when I need you to.
You’re healthy, mind and spirit.
You’re confident. You’re not afraid to respectfully challenge, question and contribute without being asked.
You’re thoughtful.
You’re available mentally and emotionally to get in here and make meaningful change.
You’re keyed in to inspiration and possibility.
You’re positive.
You’re faithful.
You love to brainstorm and come up with synergistic third alternatives.
You’re proactive.
You uplift.
You have good energy.
You love my children.
You’re creative. You’re passionate about making the ordinary extraordinary! You see the beauty in everything.
You are trustworthy.
You are 100% competent.
You can respond appropriately to situations without guidance from me when necessary.
You keep me focused, inspired and energized.
You allow me to step completely away so that I can be the type of wife and mother that I want to be, and you respect me for it.
You’re articulate.
You have integrity.
You make things happen.
You are goal oriented.
You are customer oriented. My clients ADORE you.
You’re respectful. You respect me, my work, my business.
You can write and speak in grammatically accurate English. (←For instance, is this sentence grammatically correct? And should I put the closing punctuation inside or outside of this parenthesis?)
You are excited to develop a firm handle on the systems and procedures of my business.
You’re ready and willing to work WITH me, not for me.
You are better than me in every way I need you to be.

Oh, and one more thing, “you must be kind, you must be witty, very sweet and fairly pretty.”

Some tasks include:
Responding to email
Graphic design
Styling
Scanning/Filing
Book keeping
All around slack-picking-uping

Part time | Hourly wage | Start ASAP

Application Information:
Send resumes to aloha{at}natalienortonblog{dot}com, subject line: Personal Assistant Application/(your name).

Please understand that I may not respond to every applicant.

xx!
ends with the "perfect nanny"c lip from mary poppins. PERFECTION.

springboard of resolutions

2011-01-17T23:11:00.000-08:00

2011 Work/Business Goals

Get published in 3 magazines
Book 25 weddings
Create 5 WPJA award-winning photos
Shoot 3 non-wedding-related conceptual sessions
Shoot 3 wedding-related conceptual sessions
Buy a Canon 1Ds Mark III
Attend a one-on-one Flanishop
Book 1 international wedding
Buy 3 film cameras
Turn one small room in the house into a dark room
Update my main website (weddings & portraits)
Update my wedding pricing PDF as well as creating a new one for portraits
Update my blog layout
Create & maintain a blog series titled “Wedding Cliche Wendy”
Donate free wedding photography to a deserving couple
Donate a free portrait session to a deserving person/family

2011 Personal Goals

Pray more
Read 5 books
Start & finish 1 scrapbook
Write an original song (sing it & play it on my guitar in front of a group of people)
Pay off every debt
Teach Charlie & Tristan how to shoot on film & have them start a scrapbook of their work
Actually maintain money in savings
Scan all old photos/negatives & save to hard drives
Burn all home movies to DVD
Scan my wedding photos which were shot on film create a wedding book
Clean out my garage
Have a garage sale & donate unsold items to Goodwill
Finally list my eBay & Craigslist items for sale
Sell my SUV
Buy a newer SUV
Lose 50 pounds
Move to Chicago

Trips per year

2010-12-30T15:46:00.000-08:00

Family vacation - Aug
Anniversary stay cation - Sept
Creative retreat -Dec
Girls getaway

Visit New England?
WPPI - March
The Sweetest Day

Stockings

2010-12-29T19:55:00.000-08:00

Toothbrushes
Candy to play the "bargaining candy game"
Scratch tickets
Movie tickets

Razors
Lotions
Chapstick

best places to look at christmas light in orange county

2010-12-23T22:46:00.001-08:00

OLWYN STREET in Orange!!!

The Christmas holiday season is one filled with tradition and one of those traditions in our family is touring the beautiful display of Christmas lights in our neighborhood and surrounding areas. Some of my favorite childhood memories are packing the family in the car for an evening of fun, spectacular lights and decorations adorning some of the most beautiful houses. Our pick this year for the best Christmas lights display in Orange County is here.
The Zimmerman's House on Balboa Island is top notch every year. The house is located at 327 Saphire directly off the main road. This family has been at it for almost 10 years and has won countless awards. They have been featured in newspapers such as the LA Times for their lights display.
The Eagle Hills community in Brea located one block north of Imperial Highway at the corner of Kraemer and Birch Streets. This is an entire community extravaganza and you haven't witnessed a Clark Griswald Christmas until you have seen these houses lit up in person. The streets are packed with families driving by with their holiday music turned up and also those who choose to park on the streets and walk the houses. Some of the residents host open houses so you can see their decorations on the inside as well. One house features a projector screen and holiday shows that make you feel as if you are at a drive-in movie. This is a five star display.
Nellie Gail Ranch in Laguna Hills is the perfect community if you are interested in music and lights show. One house in particular will host their 2nd music and lights show this year. The house is located at 25473 Nellie Gail Rd. in Laguna Hills. The estates in this equestrian ranch style community are extra impressive during the holidays. The talent that some of these decorators have is really amazing. The coordination of the lights and the music looks truly professional.
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a must see during December. The harbor in Newport is lit up by the spectacular display of intricately designed boats that are decorated for this Christmas light show. The best way to see the parade is to eat at one of the restaurants along the harbor on Pacific Coast Highway and you will experience a front row seat for the show.
Rogers Gardens in Newport Beach on MacArthur Boulevard hosts a truly wonderful lights display with their Winter Wonderland. Each cottage is a different theme and you feel as if you are in Santa's Village. This is a must see for kids and adults alike. With a view of the Pacific Ocean and a beautifully decorated Christmas display in the same line of sight, this is a magical place to visit during the holidays.
There tends to be so much hustle and bustle during the holidays. This is one way to stop and enjoy.

easter traditions

2010-12-23T00:49:00.000-08:00

have the kids leave their baskets out on the coffee tabele before they go to bed and then hide them while theyre sleeping. have the Easter Bunny leave a trail of jelly beans that weaves through the house until the kids finally arrive at the destination of their baskets
include:
-big chocolate bunny
-peeps
-jelly beans
-easter book
-bubbles

egg hunts
egg toss
egg dying

put bubbles in the easter basket

2010-12-23T00:16:00.001-08:00

start a blog based on the jewelry that i wear every single day

2010-12-23T00:15:00.000-08:00

give a "year of yum" for the holidays

feast of the beast

family dinners based off of a single highlighted ingredient

2010-12-22T00:17:00.000-08:00

keep open house for all with a glad heart. 1 peter 4:9

Eating, and hospitality in general, is a communion, and any meal worth attending by yourself is improved by the multiples of those with whom it is shared."
— Jesse Browner

small cheer and great welcome makes from a merry feast - shakespere

That's the secret of entertaining. You make your guests feel welcome and at home. If you do that honestly, the rest takes care of itself.
--Barbara Hall

really great branded companies

2010-12-21T23:25:00.000-08:00

-sprinkles
-drybar
-31 bits
-sunday suppers
-star photos
-canary hotel
-cosmopolitan hotel
-ace hotel
-vanilla bake shop
-sweet (boston)
-sweet and saucy

what not to miss in your baby's first year

2010-12-21T19:52:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy to One year list

1. Take at least a weekly picture of your growing
belly while you are pregnant.
You will thank me later

2. Video your baby moving in your belly

3. Get a Birth Story Photographer or have your Birth filmed.

4. Keep everything they put with your baby in the hospital. Wrist band,beanie,name tag,foot prints etc.

5. Take lots of videos of your baby when they are a newborn. Even if they aren't doing anything.

6. Write down how much they weigh at each well visit

7. Write down all the milestones they are
reaching at each month.

8. Take a picture of them at every month.
Try to do it on their Monthly birthday.

9. Keep at least one outfit in every size they outgrow.

10. Record them as much as possible on camera

11. Write them letters

12. Capture them doing their everyday favorite things.

13. Cuddle a lot, swaddle a lot,sing a lot.

14. Listen to your own mommy instinct.
You know what is best for your baby.

15. If you are pregnant, let your baby cook as long as they need. Don't try to put yourself into labor. Your baby will come when it wants. Preemie babies are soo hard.

master chore list

2010-12-17T20:00:00.000-08:00

Daily
For example, you may begin by listing daily chores like:
Dusting
Sweeping
Vacuuming
Washing dishes
Feeding pets
Doing laundry
Preparing meals
Cleaning bathrooms

Weekly
Next you'll list weekly chores such as:
Washing bedding
Mopping floors
Watering plants
Mowing the lawn
Weeding the garden
Taking out the trash
Wash the car

Monthly
Monthly chores should be listed next:
Washing windows
Bathing pets
Clean refrigerator
Change air filters on furnace or air conditioner
Clean blinds
Vacuum curtains

Yearly
Even yearly chores can be included such as:
Shampooing the carpets
Winterize the house
Clean garage
Prune trees and shrubs

STOP. DROP. & MAP IT OUT - end of year creative retreat

2010-12-17T13:43:00.001-08:00

Dallas research, Inspiration Wordlists, Concept Development,

brain dump

identify highlights & successes

identify weakpoints: brainstorm ways to improve OR choose to invest that time elsewhere

. IDENTIFY & EVALUATE ALL MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE BUSINESS
get all major components of the business, total stats from this past year, questions for the future, and items to eliminate or improve. These major components consisted of: Communication, risidual income item, services, blog, Social Media, Money, Short term Goals (within this year), and Long term Goals (1-3 years). We reviewed the stats, evaluated each item, and decided how to move it all forward.

4. BRAINSTORM IDEA PROPOSALS
We have spent the last few days compiling ideas, tweaking job descriptions, crunching numbers, and creating proposals for what these new ideas will look like for next year.

5. CALENDAR SCHEDULING
schedule & flag everything into your 2011 Calendar. YAY! It’s not so overwhelming when you see things spread out throughout the year.

BLOG + WEBSITE IDEAS

2010-12-16T01:23:00.000-08:00

GET RECIPE BUTTON
INDIVIDUAL BLOGS FOR EACH STAFF MEMBER FOCUSING ON A TOPIC
MAIN HOMEPAGE THAT SHOWCASES EACH SEGMENT OF WORK
QUOTE OF THE DAY (HOLIDAY TODAY)

PRESS
BEHIND THE SCEENS
MATCHING CLOTHES WITH HOLIDAY SEASONS "MIXED BAGS"
OFFICIAL "PRODUCTION COMPANY" OF VIDEO CLIPS FROM EVENTS
SHOWCASING OTHER PEOPLES WORK
FAQ VIDEO BLOG POSTS
RESOURCES
WHAT I LIKE
An icon for each category I have on the blog. Put the icon at the beginning or the end of the post to signify what topics are covered. Also, under the drop box "categories" have all the icons and then a tagline next to them that describes what the category signals

Buttons:
Other ideas I've had floating in my head
-closet of K
-traditions
-accessories blog
-personal assistant
-makeup salon
-idea marketplace for investors to pick up
-listening soundboard for people to give suggestions for companies to improve
-restaurant forums/schools/idea haven/news outlet
-workshop reviews
-sounding board for creatives
-legal advisor for creatives

christmas things to buy next year

2010-12-13T03:40:00.000-08:00

tree skirt
elf on the shelf
national lampoon vacation
'twas the night before xmas hallmark recordable book
mariah carey xmas cd
franke peretti "all is well" story recording

wedding album websites

2010-12-12T23:58:00.000-08:00

shutterfly
blurb
snapfish
kodak
album boutique (expensive)

TO FEEL FABULOUS...

2010-12-10T00:11:00.001-08:00

1. GET A MANI/PEDI
2. HUGE EYELASHES
3. HUGE SUNNIES
4. FABULOUS BLOWOUT
5. HOT SEXY HEELS
6. LIP PLUMPER
7. SPRAY TAN
8. GREAT JEWELRY

superbowl snacks

2010-12-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

Definetely:
-tortilla chips & spinach and artichoke dip
-potato chips & onion dip
-pigs in a blanket w spicy ranch & tat or tots (w ketchup)
-pizza bagel bites/ cheeseburger pizza slices
-boneless buffalo bites & BBQ bites (w ranch and blue cheese)

Other ideas:
Nachos w queso dip
Mixed nuts
Chexmix
Popcorn
Soft pretzels (w Honeymustard)
Cheese balls puffs
Mozzarella sticks w marinara
Potato skins
Quasadillas
Jalapeño poppers
Chili
Taco dip
Bean dip (moms speciality)
Salsa, quac, sour cream
Sloppy joes
Sliders
Mini sandwiches

non-negotiables for my dream home

2010-11-23T22:51:00.000-08:00

hammock outside
floor to ceiling chalkboard
home office
farm table (12 seater) for dining room table
wreath hook and 12 wreaths
12 table runner
window seat
library with floor to ceiling bookshelves, sitting area
fireplace with a mantel
a brick oven for firestone pizzas
a firepit outside
LOTS of al fresco dining space
wine cubboards in kitchen

2010-11-22T11:43:00.001-08:00

slo mo minutes

ideas for the marketplace to use

2010-11-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

a new fresh "preview" way to organize and see your bookmarks

a drop and shop place for your children to be watched while you work

an event room

my venue blog idea

sandwich shop/brunch spot for business owners to meet

2010-11-22T11:22:00.000-08:00

founder
publisher
editor

where can this go....

2010-11-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

product line: etsy...
four season collections! spring, summer, winter, fall.
thanksgiving blessing bucket & cards
"the original artwork vows"
wedding certificate
12 runners for each month
12 wreaths
365 hats for the animal

blog: traditions & ideas for families

childrens fashion blog

something with food???

what to do in california + what's "so califorinian"

ideas for other brands already out there (how they can grow and what they can change)

philanthropy

"the first neighborhood (online?) personality"

columns: decorating, holidays, traditions, style, food, notes to my own children

sarah petty: marketing free call in

2010-11-22T10:14:00.001-08:00

do not put your prices on your website
when the customer calls you tell them the VALUE of choosing you over others, then talk your prices afterwards

what editing software do you need?
1. photoshop or lightroom/adobe camera raw (for workflow)
2. proselect (presentation software)
3. successware she recommends but you can use quikbooks (accounting software)

have a marketing plan for each month of the year
always "giftback" your best customers of the year as a way of thanking them

whats next in the marketing world?
making things more interactive
use websites as a relationship building tool

THE MORE YOU LEARN, THE MORE YOU EARN!

if you can learn to be a great marketer, then you can be successful in business

what should you be doing right now to ramp up your business?
chunk out your tasks like this:
ex: mon= productive day, tues= shooting day, wed= sales, thurs= marketing, fri= improvements
stop discounting your services

award ceremonies

2010-11-21T20:09:00.000-08:00

ama = american music awards. november
vma= video music awards. september
cma= country music awards. october.

emmy= television awards. august.
academy awards= the oscars. for movies. march
tonys= musical theater awards. june.
grammys= music awards. february

other:
teen choice
sundance
peoples choice
golden globes
SAG awards

blog name brainstorm

2010-11-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

heart of home
taste of home

legacy
heirloom
keepsake
sentimental

traditions

2010-11-21T18:46:00.001-08:00

handcrafted
collection
designs
artisan
signiture
custom

sentimental
touching

2010-11-17T20:22:00.001-08:00

the best fashion caterer

2010-11-13T22:44:00.000-08:00

From the book: "Creative Girl"

let it roar

when you were young, what creative activities were you drawn to?
what was it about the creative activities you loved as a child that made you so happy?
what media (tv, books, movies, websites) attracts your attention the most?
take into consideration the industries and disciplies youve always found intriguing and what aspects of your intelligence feel best when stimulated. what are you intersted in learning? what excited you about it?
what do you value most? family/friends/nice clothes/travel/helping others?
what are the unique ways you can contribute and serve others with your talents?
what are people always telling you that you'd be grat at? what are the qualities others see in you?
whether you know them or not, which women make you stop and think: "i wish i had THAT career"?
who do you see yourself becoming? describe the best version of yourself that you;d like to see emerge.
WHAT KIND OF FUTURE DO YOU WANT TO CREATE FOR YOURSELF?
what kind of career fits into the future you want to create?
what kind of careers do your closest friends see you pursuing successfully?

monster.com
careerbuilder.com
creativepro.com
24seventalent.com
www.careerjournal.com
jobkite.com
gag.org - graphic design jobs
ed2010.com - fashion jobs
webdesignerdepot.com - creative resumes

BOOKS:
The Business Side of Creativity by Cameron S. Foote
The Small Business Start-up Kit by Peri H. Pakroo

what are the reasons for wanting to start your business?
what is your vision for your business?
what do you intend to create in your new life as a business owner?
what does your business bring you and/or your community?
what are your business strengths?
what are your core competencies? Definition: "a key ability or strength that an organization has acquired that differentiates it from others, gives it competitive advantage, and contributes to its long-term success". (dictionary.bnet.com)
what are your business weaknessess?

www.docstoc.com

your business idea: (one sentence and how it will serve the target market)
what need does your product or service fulfill?
write about the experience, product or service your business sells
write and describe your desired business person and who embodys your ideal
how big do you want your company to be? how many clients or vendors will you ideally serve? will you serve your neighborhood, your city, or is the entire world your oyster? will you have employees or are you a one-woman show? what size do you want to be? are you going solor or hoping to create an empire?

define your target audience:
male, female, or either? age range? ethnic background? marital status? socioeconomic status? where do they live? are they city dwellers/suburbanites or both? why are they buying your product? what experience are they hoping to have by visiting your business? will they use it once or be repeat customers? what level of education do they have? what are they interested in? what other products/services do they buy? what problems and challenges do your customers face? what recent milestones have they experienced and how might that milestone affect they priorites?

online checkout:
etsy
paypal
google checkout
shopity.com**

what matters most to you?

use the word "design" to be more broad in your name of the business

full scale versions for business plans:
Anatomy of a Business plan by Linda Pinson
Write a Business Plan in No Time by Frank F. Fiore
or The Complete Idiots Guide to Business Plans

Download free plans at:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/default.aspx or score.org
bplans.com

Business plan criteria:
1. an executive summery outlinging goals and objectives
2. a brief account of how the company began
3. your company goals
4. biographies of the management team
5. the service or product you plan to offer
6. the market potential for your service or product
7. a marketing stategy
8. a three-to-five year financial projections
9. an exit stategy

craft your mission statement: tells everyone why your business exists, what it offers, and who it serves. could ever mention what you are doing uniquely

company overview and goals: few pages on the type of business you hope to run. include how your business idea was born, and your nonfinancial goals for the first few years in business

roles: describe everyone involved in running the company. partners, store managers, employees ect. include what roles they play and what their responsibilites are.

financial projections: write out for the first three years in business. at the very least, write a list of goal projects and what they might bring in for revenue. when selling a product, set a goal for how many units at a determined price you'd like to move for years 1, 2, and 3

detail your start up costs: list every single thing you'll need to start from raw materials to legal and business licensing fees. then include monthly costs for your first 3 years in business

declare the type of business you are: sole proprietorship, corporation, or limited liability corporation*** visit nolo.com for more legal questions

industry overview: who are the major players in your industry right now? ten years ago? what might be hard for a newcomer to this industry and how will your business overcome this? what are the industrys estimated sales during the past five years? what economic trends have influenced the industry during the past five years and how might these affect the next three years? what is the market and customer base for this industry? include historic growth rate and recent trends.

target market: refers to the section of the market who is most likely to buy your product or use your service. define your market. list your ideas on how you plan to reach your target market and how you will advertise so they will notice your brand which is ultimately: your message.

competition: its your job to know what they are doing and what you are doing differently or better. research!

how did you stand up to the competition: what makes my product or service viable in todays market? what are the benefits my customer recieves from my product or service? in the market, is there another company who dominates my niche? will i be able to break into the market as a newcomer? how do i plan to do this? how will i market my product or service? what makes my product or service competitive? whats my advantage? how will you do things in a unique way? what is my pricing structure and strategy? (list the prices here) how will my prices compare to the competition? (it's okay if they are higher but you must have a reason) is my company a wholesaler, retailer or both/ how will i sell my product? how easy is it for other companies to challenge my prices with a similar product or service? how easy is it for another company to knock off my wares? how would i handle this scenario? as far as my product goes, where do i see my business in five years? will i expand on a product line or add services to my current business model? what equipment and materials do i need to create my product or service? how will i package my product? will i make everything by hand? will i need employees or hire other freelancers on a need-only basis? will i outsource? how much volume can i handle with my current way of doing business? how will i adapt if my business grows rapidly?

exit strategy: long term business planning. do you envision running this for a few years or a few decades? how much money are you willing to spend before seeing a profit? how much time will you give your venture to succeed? will you attempt to sell? list ideas for generating additional income through side jobs so you don't have to jump ship if you have a slow season

big picture goals: devide into financial goals, career goals, and lifestyle goals. be as detailed as possible. YOU CREATE YOUR LIFE, SO GET CLEAR ON EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER DREAMED OF, AND GET STARTED.

decor for my office: HUGE wall with all of this: (serving as my inspiration board) corkboard, magnetic board, chalkboard, dry erase board, paper frames? YOU ARE AN ARTIST with: tacks, magnets, chalk, white board markers, permanant markers & crayons.
Also, candles to burn, and always fresh flowers or something living in the room

to keep track of your expenses check out the book: Keeping the Book: Basic Recording and Accounting for the Successful Small Business by Linda Pinson
grab some color coded folders and create a filing system. some people use monthly folders, some people use per-project folders for their invoices, and receipts. you should make a filing system on your computer as well.

components of a great website: bio, portfolio, press, what others say about you, contact info, extras like: a store locator, mailing list,

trademarks & patent info: www.uspto.gov
copyright info: www.copyright.gov
as soon as you create something, put your name, the copyright symbol and the date under it to protect yourself

copyright= protects original works of which you are the author. ideas are not copyrightable but the way you present them is
patent= prodects a discovery or invention and use you exclusive rights to it
trademark= protects words, symbols, and logos (you'll want to consider this if your name is a big part of your brand identity)
also check out creativecommons.org for another type of license

remember that as you build your company, you're building a direct representation of your character so empower those you employ.

businesses spend many hard earned dollars advertising but when it comes down to it, a customer service creates the face of your business. put your best face forward.

customer service tips:
manage expectations... set realisticdeadlines with your customers,
treat your customer as part of the creative process... allow them to ask questions and express their opinions on what they are hoping for
gift them... on their birthdays or some other time of the year. also, always send everyone in your network each year a christmas card
be responsive... always return messages within 48 hours, best if it's 24 hours
stay in touch... reach out and communicate with your clients once every 3 months
hire wisely... make sure your employees are polite and helpful

(ended at page 224) Too legit to quit

a conversation remembered between AJ and I about forgiveness

2010-11-13T21:46:00.001-08:00

*what are you doing to forgive her?
-writing and praying
*and why haven't you forgiven her yet?
-i just haven't. i've been praying about it and i don't think it's time yet.
*God requires us to not only use our words but calls us to act on our thoughts.
so why can't you just try to reach out and forgive her?
-everything that she has done to hurt me suddenly gets dismissed. she doesn't even know or acknoledge that she has hurt me as badly as she has. she doesn't even recognize that she's been hurting me for the past ten years of my life
*do you know how many times you have hurt God in your own life and he has forgiven you? you might not even have known some of the times that you hurt him or asked him for your forgiveness because you think you've done something wrong and yet you have. and yet God still forgives you. so what changes if you forgive her?
-i don't know.
*you're right. you know, you never know what may or may not come of this. it's not like all of a sudden you're going to be calling your mother up every day to chat just to see what's up. but i'm not suggesting that you consider forgiving her to grow in your relationship with her, but to grow in your relationship with christ.
-I think god knows me and he knows my heart and that im not perfect and i will not ever measure to him.
*God says that the most loving thing you can do is TRY to act as Jesus would. God does not take excuses as answers. God demands more of us.

WHY HAVE YOU NOT FORGIVEN WHO YOU NEED TO?

Best loving advice ever out of this conversation:
1. Jesus requires action in your forgiveness
2. God forgives YOU all the time when you may not deserve it
3. You need to forgive those who have hurt you in order to grow in your relationship with Christ
4. He will not take anything less than true forgiveness, for God demands more of us.

top ten business books of all time (blog post)

2010-11-13T11:11:00.001-08:00

Love is the killer app
the E-myth
the art of the start
crush it

my story...

2010-11-13T10:56:00.001-08:00

i needed an outlet
i needed friends

i never really knew what i wanted to do with my life. i tried all types of traditional forms of higher education: pyschology, communication, english and journalism, business, early education, hospitality and event coordination and then wedding planning. none of these alone stood out to me. and i went to seven different schools with eight different majors and still never graduated college because nothing could keep my interest long enough. but I LOVED TO LEARN! (just only what i wanted to learn). i needed to find something that i incorporated each of my interests. what did i like the most about each one? which did i keep coming back to?

pyschology: (umaine augusta)
communication: (plymouth)
english/journalism: (ccu)
business: (umaine orono)
early education: (lesley)
hospitality/event coordination: (umass boston)
wedding planning: (sheffield)

i began listening to online video clips about business, read a business book a week for an entire year, dialed into every free conference call that i could find, and invested in workshops that push your creative mind. i took more notes than i ever did in any formal learning environment and i was determined. STUDY SUCCESS!

your brain is a muscle, you need to exercise it.

"what you were doing at five years old is what you were made to do"

when i said i was done with the wedding industry, AJ looked at me like i said i wanted to conquer jupiter
but then he said like Nike "just do it". He gave me permission to fail.

it has always been my dream to make my own schedule, and work with my husband. every day i pinch myself that this is what i do.

"find your passion, then find someone who will pay you to pursue it"

what are your assets and what are your liabilities?

about me section...

2010-11-13T00:23:00.000-08:00

i prefer brunch to breakfast and think lunching should be a sport
i have an oreo addiction
believes in hugs not handshakes
and that a great pair of shoes can make any outfit perfect
madly in love with my husband
obsessed with my dog
can't wait to have a daughter so she can dress her in light pink ruffles
can spend hours in bookstores
photographs can stop me in my tracks
crockpot full of ideas and has a hard time putting her mind to rest at night
im a starter, not a finisher
will never say no to dessert
snap when i talk/talk with my hands

WORDPRESS:
I adore Red Bull. I think that passion is the hottest thing that any person can own. I view the world as my playground and never want to stop learning through travel. I read business books till I'm blue in the face. I tell it, write it, and photograph it so I can best share and remember this facinating story. I sleep with ten pillows on my bed. I crave sweets and totally have an Oreo addiction. I am a lover of wine, good dine, and really great time. I am a chancer, romancer, fantastic dancer. I talk, a lot, and loud. I laugh. I loudly laugh. I live for the the moments in life. I know nothing brings me goosebumps faster than feeling loved. I do hugs not handshakes. I believe that people are priceless gifts that will impact your life. I know that Heaven exists, but right now I live the best life here on Earth. I am blessed.

page per views

2010-11-12T23:55:00.000-08:00

style me pretty= 9 million page per views per month which equals 300,000 per day!

design sponge= 50,000 views per day

Satorialist= 70,000 per day

Tech crunch= 30 million per month which equals

for house

2010-11-11T23:40:00.000-08:00

6 forks
0 knives
1 steak knives
2 black linen
0 soup spoons
4 coffee spoons
0 cocktail forks
0 mini spoons

TABLESCAPES & WREATHS TO PURCHASE & PLAN

2010-11-11T23:31:00.000-08:00

JAN:
FEB: VALENTINES DAY
MAR: ST PATTYS DAY
APR: EASTER
MAY:
JUN:
JUL: FOURTH OF JULY
AUG:
SEP: ANNIVERSARIES!!! ;)
OCT: HALLOWEEN
NOV: THANKSGIVING
DEC: XMAS

gingergomez night

2010-11-11T13:27:00.001-08:00

every december 1st make huge gingerbread men.
drink apple cider.
make christmas list for yourself
make christmas list for the world
organize christmas lists for everyone in our lives.
christmas tunes.
Read: the gingerbread baby

VS fashion show party

2010-11-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

wings on the wall
pink twinkle lights with white lights
pink bubbly called "the pink kiss" use stir sticks in each glass and stamp a pink kiss onto them
pink heart sugar cookies

the gomez anthology

2010-11-11T11:27:00.000-08:00

It will contain loads of new eye candy
brand new, never-before-seen heirloom ideas
my best and never-before-revealed homemade recipes,
simple crafting instructions,
styling tricks,
practical tips,
my bible of amazing sources,
and lots more!

My vision is to create an approachable treasury of ideas that you can all use and learn from while creating memories with your families

HOUSE RULES: CUSTOM SIGN DONE UPON ENTERING HOME

2010-11-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

------------------------
HOUSE RULES
------------------------
HELLO HUGS,
GOODBYE KISSES,
AND DAILY 'I LOVE YOU'S'.
MORNING PRAYERS,
BEDTIME PRAYERS.
------------------------
THE GOMEZ FAMILY
------------------------
COME TO THE FAMILY TABLE,
CONTRIBUTE TO THE CONVO,
AND ALWAYS SAVOUR YOURS SWEETS.
FOR EVERYTHING BE GRATEFUL,
FOR WE ARE SO BLESSED.
------------------------
WELCOME TO OUR HOME.
------------------------

"FIND YOUR PASSION, THEN FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL PAY YOU TO PERSUE IT!"

2010-11-10T01:36:00.001-08:00

2010-11-10T01:06:00.001-08:00

"ive got a 'designer kid'. i mean, people pay thousands of dollars for designer dogs to get the best make up of dna found in two breeds. well, i've gone and done it for human kind!"

2010-11-09T23:06:00.000-08:00

mojo

lay it all out on the table

i can go to sleep right at night

what drives you?

i loooooove pumpkin in the fall!

2010-11-06T00:59:00.000-07:00

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
PUMPKIN BREAD
PUMPKIN PANCAKES
PUMPKIN WAFFLES
PUMPKIN LATTE
PUMPKIN CUPCAKE
PUMPKIN WHOOPIE PIES
PUMPKIN PIE
PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE BARS (http://www.bhg.com/recipe/bars/pumpkin-chocolate-cheesecake-bars/)

PUMPKIN MARTINI?

traditions

2010-11-03T01:02:00.000-07:00

thanksgiving:
serve the person behind you their food and then pass it along

christmas:
put santa plate out
write card and stick in a place card holder

give "one year of white pages" to inspire a creative type and give with TONS of art stuff

wedding registries

2010-11-03T01:01:00.000-07:00

williams sonoma
crate and barrel
macys
bed, bath, beyond
sur la table
bloomingdales

pottery barn?

xmas movies

2010-11-03T00:59:00.000-07:00

1. miracle on 34th street
2. nightmare before christmas
3. love actually XX
4. it's a wonderful life (xmas day)
5. elf XX
6. the holiday
7. a christmas story
8. a christmas carol (1951 starring alistair sim)
9. muppets christmas carol XX
10. flintstone christmas carol
11. the polar express XX
12. the santa claus (tim allen version)XX
13. homealone XX
14. scrooged XX
15. a charlie brown christmas
16. how the grinch stole christmas (or the grinch with jim carrey)
17. national lampoons christmas vacation XX
18. white christmas
19. family stone XX
20. santa claus is coming to town XX

frosty the snowman
rudolph the red nosed reindeer XX
christmas with the kranks
christmas in connecticut
jingle all the way XX
bad santa
the bishops wife
holiday inn
gremlins
joyeux noel
a walt disney christmas
garfield christmas special
twas the night before christmas
four christmases XX

34 total.

diaper bag

2010-11-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

petunia pickle bottom: cake collection. "society satchel" or cosmopolitan carryall"

I want to go!

2010-10-28T21:12:00.001-07:00

http://www.sandals.com/main/lucia/lu-home.cfm

2010-10-28T09:50:00.001-07:00

The New Creativity and the Social Art of Photography

animal sounds

2010-10-27T00:52:00.000-07:00

goat - mah mah
mouse - squek squek
bee - buzzzz
cow - moooo
pig - oink oink
sheep - bahhh
duck - quack quack
dog - woof woof
cat - meow
horse - neigh
frog - ribbet ribbet
owl - who who
chicken - cluck cluck
rooster - cock a doodle doo
bird - tweet tweet
monkey - oot oot oot
turkey - gobble gobble
snakes - hiss hiss
bears - grrrr
lions - roar

parrot -
dolphin -
bunny -

baby stuff...

2010-10-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

nursing blanket
car seats (2)
breast milk pump
stuffed animal to take home from hospital
bathrobe
cuddle blankey
video monitor
bassinett
bottle warmer
wipes warmer

nursery:
crib
changing table
rocking chair
bookshelf
dresser
growth chart

machine to make homemade baby foods

2010-10-20T00:14:00.000-07:00

http://www.beabausa.com/product-babycook.cfm

charms for a bracelet

2010-10-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

zodaic sign
birthstone
(dance)
(tennis)
(soccer)
(photography)
baptism - christ
graduation cap - high school
graduation from college - mascot or colors
occupation
key to my heart (heart shaped key)
engagement
wedding
babies
new england - yours roots
california - settled down
dog
car
house

orientation programs

2010-10-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

from lackluster to blockbuster

new hire gift basket

2010-10-11T10:08:00.001-07:00

you should constantly be studying success

2010-10-11T10:07:00.002-07:00

e-junkie (best way to send audio files via email)

2010-10-11T10:07:00.001-07:00

networking
branding
selling
marketing

2010-10-07T20:43:00.001-07:00

pamper yourself in quintessional california chic

best sentimental marriage gift

2010-10-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

marriage present:

3" x 3" squares each with something different that represents each person at the wedding. (ex: my mom might have an apple to represent teacher, my dad a snowmobile) embroderied on each square. Then have things that represent us, on every other square. (me=cupcakes, maine, bible, him=cross, mexico, pepperdine, ect). Have guests sign the backing of the entire thing as the guestbook. Then have mom sew top and backing together.

2010-10-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

razzle dazzle
orange blossom ball

hockey: ducks
baseball: angels
basketball:
football:

jaguar in the garage
confetti grab bag

pre-baby class (like pre-marital)

2010-10-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

breast feeding or not
buying food or making organic
what activities will they pursue and at what age
traditions to incorporate
daddy time and mommy time
school systems: private or public
who is allowed to babysit
where will you spend the holidays
whose role with the kids is what
what will chores be and when
allowances and how much
products, what you need right away, ect.
buy all things new or handmedowns
what pediatrician will you use
birth of the baby: c section or natural, hospital or not, drugs or not
what will you set household rules be (when you're living under my roof...)
tools to use when you fight about something over raising the kids

other baby supplies

2010-10-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

babydam.com

double wide strollers

2010-10-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

bugaboo donkey
phil & teds
bumbleride
icandyuk.com (peach)
baby jogger: city mini double $399// *city select: $450* (in the color Diamond)

NON double but great:
uppababy vista $679

2010-10-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

about the ohjoy foodie blog:

She is also a world-class snacker and traveler (from Palm Springs to Japan) and her guides to the cities she visits and lives in are great when you’re looking for a quick, delicious, no fuss bite to eat.

business cards

2010-10-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

Your business card is what represents you after you leave the room, so be sure it’s worthy of you and all the great things you have to offer. We used to hand out business cards so the recipient would have all of our contact info and clear idea of what we did. Before the Internet, you would likely have a hard time tracking someone down again if you didn’t get their card. But times have obviously changed . . . and I believe the key role of the business card is a new one.

These days, cards are no longer used just to provide basic information about yourself and your company. They are an invitation to look you up online and fine out more about you. That’s when the real magic begins. So make sure you design your card with that intention in mind.

Read more at Design*Sponge http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/10/biz-ladies-designing-business-cards.html#ixzz11eADR000

2010-10-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

drink a giant delicious ridiculous tropical cocktail

2010-09-26T00:03:00.000-07:00

he who vespas lives life

DATE NIGHTS

2010-09-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

ferris wheel
tennis match
hot air balloon
pizza and beer night
walk the montage grounds
driving golf balls

wording for invitations

2010-09-25T17:15:00.001-07:00

sip
drinks
dancing
nosh
music
eats
grub
dinner
joy
merriment
cocktails
feast
mix & mingle
wine & dine
dancing till dawn

please hold the dates for the weddiversary weekend...

under the stars that aligned their lives together, on the rooftop patio overlooking the pacific
they would like to share with you the very first day of their happily ever after
come celebrate the night away
we couldn't celebrate any other way than in the company of our family and friends

would be delighted by your presence
request the joy of your presence
request the presence (pleasure) of your company
invite you to share in their happiness

at the celebration recognizing their marriage
a casual evening

please kindly respond by:
the favour of a reply is requested by:
a response is requested by:
will you celebrate with us?
name of guests:
child care needed?

accepts with pleasure
declines with regret
i'll be there with bells on
i'll be ringing bells from afar
wouldn't miss this for the world
regrets to the moon, we can't make it
packing our bags with ear to ear smiles
can't pack our bags... sorry

rsvp at our wedding website
for details visit

we can't wait to celebrate with you!
hope you packed a couple of party pants... you're going to need 'em!
javascript:void(0)
(put on escort cards)
you may be seated at this table assigned to you, but you are strongly encouraged to dance, dine, and carry on about the place

adjectives to describe me...

2010-09-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

modern
fashionable
charismatic
sparkle
casually sophisticated

Casually chic modern glam (-style!)

?? nostalgic
?? Warm
?? Meaningful
?? Sentimental

...

2010-09-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

personal promises

2010-09-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

full toolkit

collected not decorated

subscribe to a million magazines

curation

dinner ideas

2010-09-16T18:32:00.001-07:00

tuna melts X
stuffed pork + potatoes
pesto chicken + butter noodles
grilled chicken + rice o roni X
mac & cheese + hotdogs
grilled cheese + tomato soup
bleu burger bites + potatoes
chili + crunchbread X
burritoes + rice
chicken lo mein
pasta with spicy sausage

blogposts

2010-09-16T00:42:00.001-07:00

top five best moments about the wedding

what i learned about being a wife

my vows to my husband

wedding through iphone photos

life as a wife

recipes

(photo of your child at 5 years old) then write what your predictions will be for their lives in 20 years

wishlist for christmas

classes

2010-09-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

Book Out Your Year Class:

HOW WE BOOK WEDDINGS WITH OUT SELLING OUR SOUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even our own friends ask how we do it. We have a very high booking rate, and we are able to book out our calendars every year with out giving a single discount (56 weddings in 2009 and 48 in 2008). In this two hour class we will SPELL OUT exactly how we Market, Sell, PR, book our clients, and run an appointment. We will actually run a client appointment during the class so you can see how we communicate to our Mark Brooke Client and the experience they encounter when they hire us for their wedding. Taking awesome photos is just one part of being a wedding photographer. The other half is finding your clients, marketing to prospective clients, and booking the prospective client.
We are going to cover a few simple things...
1.How we market, Sell, and Book our clients
2. What we do for PR
3. How we run our appointments so that our clients get to know us with out feeling like they are being sold.
4. how we communicate properly with our clients so that we get what we want with out offending them

6 Insider Secrets For Booking More Events And Making More Money Than You Ever Have Before - Even In This Economy :: The Party Goddess

2010-09-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

you want to be enjoying the fruits of your labor to create the lifestyle that you want. you have a job to serve your life, not a life that meets your job.

first determine what's really important to you and your business.

be hyper clear about the client that you want to get - you don't want to waste your time with clients that you don't want to work with anyway

three mistakes planners make:
1. don't know how to say "no"
2. marketing is lousy, misdirected
3. unorganized

tips:
1. be clear on who you are targeting - should be 1 page description
2. figure out where your target audience lives. Where is this ideal target audience located at so you can capture their attention? Focus on that.
3. get organized internally. create a system. write down your whole process from start to finish your steps of dealing with your clients. this helps you be able to communicate your process in steps to your client and builds trust that they know what to expect next.
4. get the budget up front. you can not start working on anything until you know where they are going
5. use the intake sheet as a prequalifier. you can say NO. Include: Name, Email, Phone Number, Fax number, Address of Event, Time of Event, Which vendors have they already booked... ect ect. Ask lots of questions of them. Tell them when they should expect a proposal
6. f you can't get a face-to-face meeting with them, email the proposal to them while you have them on the phone with you. Many planners say they dont want to give too many details to the client before signing so that then could go and book another planner to then execute their vision. by doing your proposal over the phone, you can then pitch your details without putting them on paper
7. to get the proposal signed faster, suggest to them "disappearing beniefts". You give them a free centerpeice of something else for free if they have the proposal back to you within a certain time frame. EX: two days or 48 hours

also remember: strategic partnerships with other planners are crucial for your advancement... there are so many other ways to make money in the event planning industry

evaluate your business: which costs you more? 1. trial and error that you do yourself or 2. using a proven system that you buy and then put in place

articles on my wedding

2010-09-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

intros & inspirations boards:

the bridesmaid dresses: what i'm looking for in style + fit + money (gifts)

the photographer: who you chose and why, what it is about their images

the wedding website:

the dress: what i wanted + no-go's + the brand of "the one"

the paper: vendor; style; save the date; escort cards; (placecards); (menus); (programs) ect

the flowers: brides bouquot; bridesmaids; ceremony decor; reception decor; vendor

the cake: style + flavors + vendor

grooms look: suit + groomsman + gifts

brides look: hair + shoes + clutch + veil (jewelry) (makeup)

ceremony: space + music + readings

wedding planner: who + what she will be doing

!!!!! EXTRA: catering: groomsman look: venue:

guidelines for college courses

2010-09-09T23:16:00.000-07:00

to make an accurate college course, you need 35 hours of recorded "class time".

...set up in either three days a week for 50 mins, or two days a week for 75 mins.

then there is a TWO HOUR long final exam period.

most students take 5 classes per semester. 10 per year. thus, 40 classes are usually required to graduate.

most semesters are 14 weeks long.

jasmine star - creativelive - day 5

2010-09-09T20:53:00.001-07:00

80% business, 20% photography
vendors:

clients don't hire you for the photos, they hire you for your experience

keep talking during the experience of shooting

how are you capitalizing on you?

shoot with your three branded words in mind

how did you make your clients family feel?
their answers will come from how you are interacting with them

w- branding the experience
r- technicality
f- wedding
s- review & post processing
s- building your business

people can not duplicate, replicate, emulate... YOU

brides are not hiring you for your photographs, they are hiring you for the photographer

only put out on the web what is compelling for other new brides and future clients

always think in terms of future clients... because that is where your business is going

always keep in mind your clients desires vs. your desires

what you want to brand is the experience.

how do you effectively communicate the experience? the slideshow. showit+ sites. blogpost. twitter. leverage what makes you different, your perspective.

personalizing the brand as much as possible works to your advantage so use your name

your logo is not your brand... it's a symbol that represents your brand

branding experience: smile, dress nice, make sure your clients like the photos before they even see the photos. do whatever it takes to make sure people like them well before they actually see them because they like YOU

listen to what your clients are saying. if you feel there is a lapse, ask them questions. you will gather their stories this way the best. Find the story within the blanks that they leave out... ask about the skips in the story! ;)

when you remember peoples names you are no longer a business entity, but an extension of the wedding. your clients notice. people will become warm to you.

when making a slideshow, do not be afraid to organize photos out of the sequence in which they were shot to better tell the story of the wedding day

end your slideshows on a positive note. if the night did not end in a crazy dance party, then do not have that be your last slide. always have your last slide end on the moment where the highlight of the day was. also, chose music carefully so it reflects the couples taste.

slideshows are online commercials for your photography starring your clients

Your brand is: Jasmine Star. When you have the photography aspect, it is a division of that brand. so you have Jasmine Star Photography. Just like there is another division, Jasmine Star Workshops. You, as a person, have divisions of who you are.

on facebook fan page you would just have Jasmine Star. NOT the photography aspect. You want "fans" that like your brand overall, and then they can interact within divisions of that brand

try to answer to every person that writes on the wall so you leverage your online voice to the most people ... more people see your answers on the wall than in answering individual emails!

it goes back to the first person who inspired you.

keep the slideshows about 4 mins long. 3.3 seconds per image. adds to about 75 photos per show. attention spans are pretty short, but a stranger will watch another stranger for about that long.

you can justify the increase in your prices by explaining that you have been attending classes and you've gotten better so there are now more demand for your services. the potential bride will only see this as a better value for your services

collections:
1. base package
2. base + album
3. base + album + disc of digital images

remember that when you give away the disc of images that you are losing money in print sales, so attribute a value to this disc

disc=$850 dollars

retainer fee of 50%. until you have this in hand it is the only way you should lock and hold the date for a client

business card tips and contacts with clients

2010-09-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

do not put your phone number on your business cards. direct them to your website. this is because they will get an online presence of who you are first and what you are about. it tends to screen a lot of "not for you" clients. also, it puts the initial phone call in your court. if they email you as the first form of contact, you won't be caught off gaurd with a potential clients call, but rather be well prepared beforehand when you make the decision to pick up the phone and call them.

contact page on website:
(x) send me pricing and collection info [my email address]

_________
name
_________
email address
_________
phone number
________
message

2010-09-09T19:57:00.001-07:00

the future wears heels

2010-09-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

Beads, baubles, glass and glitter — this September we are celebrating all that sparkles.From the golden art of gilding and églomisé, to adornments crafted from shimmering shards of glass, to feathers and furniture in jewel tones, this issue is just chocked full of glitz. Let's get the shine on!

workout plan - alternate

2010-09-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

m- soulcycle

t- tracy anderson workout

w- hot yoga

r- soulcycle

f- tracy anderson workout

s- hot yoga

s- swimming

2010-09-02T04:35:00.000-07:00

honoring our commitment everyday

frame vows in "new ketubah" format

large stone inscribed to take first step as husband and wife together

frame marriage certificate

announcement party instead

2010-08-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

Two stations::

CALIFORNIA FOODS:
sliders: turkey or meat
french fry station: sweet potato, tator tots, regular. various dipping sauces
cobb salad

MEXICAN FOODS:
carne asadas: chicken or steak
chip dip station: mom bean dip, layer dip, con queso
(quesadillas?)

DESSERT STATION:
cake (same as this sept)
tres leches cake (his cake)
mini cupcakes
wedding cookies
cc cookies
cali cookies
monogramed cookies

BEVERAGE STATION:
beer (corona + )
wine (red + white)
vodka lemonade
"california crush" : sunshine martini
"dating duo"
"sparkle the bling"/ "24 carets"/
"marry me martini"
"pucker up, i do"

guests arrive at 500 pm. (sangria served) we arrive at 530 with a dj announcement of "now introducing for the first time in front of their friends, family, and loved ones... mr and mrs gomez."

speech + gift unwrap (keys) + saber opens the magnum
vow exchange
champagne toast
first dance
mother/son dance
father/daughter dance
longest couple dance
cake cutting
video of the day
display wedding vows
guestbook
photobooth
escort cards
place cards

brainstorming for 2011 wedding

2010-08-23T17:27:00.001-07:00

same wedding cake flavor
same wedding cake topper
grooms cake: lakers or soccer
same bouquot tags
palomas nest ring bowl
wedding hanger
mexican wedding cookies
mini chocolate chip cookies
pizookies
name tables after orange county cities
vintage postcards
spanish tile
keys
home
marachi band
preceremony cocktail hour
sangria
chips station
signature drinks
gift for groom: artwork, wii, watch,
gift for bridesmaids: clutch,
include canary logo somewhere
california sugar cookies
after party drink stirrers
long family style tables
paper cutouts
tons of candles
hangover kit: gatorade. excedrin. h20.
table runners:
aisle runners/decor:
custom pillows done
donuts for sunday brunch
brides room signs
grooms room signs
spruce up the restrooms (flowers in vases, photos of us over "ladies" or "gents" signs)
first step together as husband and wife
SDE photography
SDE videography
our video
guestbook: engagement photos bound
photobooth + backdrop
custom wine labels

OC CUPCAKE SHOPS

2010-08-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

the perfect circle cupcakery - orange

susiecakes - newport

sweet and saucy shop - long beach

cinderella cakes - costa mesa

wonderland bakery - newport beach (gifts)

frostings cupcakes - lake forest

meringue bake shop - anaheim (no store front)

sugar blossom bake shop - san clemente

wild flour cupcakes - ladera ranch (no store front)

the sugar me bakery - orange ($29.95)

frosted cupcakery - long beach

miss priss cupcakes - long beach (25.00)

polka dots cupcakes - aliso vjieho

vow ideas

2010-08-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

i will court you all the days of my life, and love you endlessly.

the lord knows how thankful i am to have you in my life.

i am so blessed the lord placed you with me.

baby shoes

2010-08-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

vans
toms
converse
uggs
crocs

HENS IN THE CITY HOORAH - HOTSPOT HENS - HITCH

2010-08-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

So he dropped to one knee and asked the question, and now you're ready to subscribe to the five hundred and seventy six wedding magazines and get planning...but wait. Hit the brakes! What about all of that time it takes to put a wedding together?!? Did you know the average wedding takes about 300 hours to plan??? Yowzahs, wowzahs! You're going to want a crew to jab your jaws to till your cheeks turn blue... Time to pop into our hen pack!

Trust me. We get it. You're engaged and planning away and your mother-in-law can't take one more phone call over the great debate between aqua or sky blue bridesmaids dresses... well, come to our coop! Bounce ideas off other brides, exchange ideas, share your thoughts, get uber-fabulous feedback, and of course hear the who's-who's of vendors straight from the other clucking hens beaks! Your rolodex of vendor deals and steals and contacts will explode!

Each jam-packed meeting will be held at a hip, new OC HotSpot to broaden your crazy hunt for venues and locations in our area. We'll kick off with socializing galore and then move into a hen-tastic(!!) ever-changing activity like, sampling unique appetizers, creating your signature cocktail, and tasting yummy wedding cakes! You'll be sure to connect with and leave with a gaggle of new friends and know that yes, there ARE other ruffled ladies that just can't stop thinking about their darn big day!

No matter what stage of planning you're at, if you're a bride, come jump in the fun and be a part of our hen-tourage!

(yes, we have HenFest once a year. It is all the usual ladies madness and then add into the mix their men. Start prepping your roosters now!) ;)

*hens are a reference to the heck of a good time that the girls over in the UK put on for the ladies in their life

2010-08-06T14:52:00.001-07:00

photojunction - free album design

bridal jewelry

2010-08-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

dabchickvintagegems

allthingstinsel

solbijou

missbettylou

allthingshaute

7 truths every wedding planner should know - debbie tobias

2010-08-06T09:27:00.001-07:00

1. image matters - present yourself as creative and polished (logoworks.com)

2. being a wedding planner is hard work - put systems in place

3. develop a niche and grow rich - people pay more for someone who is specialized than a generalist

4. stand out from the crowd

5. get a list of established vendors - put together your dream team

6. set up efficient and profitable pricing

7. aspire to become an expert - invest in yourself

girls birthday parties

2010-08-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

1st birthday:
2nd birthday: seseame street - cookie monster bash
3rd birthday: princess

ideas for my brides meetup group

2010-07-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

mw
db
jc
jL
qp
dbt

HEN
hen house
hen herd
stagette
hen & their men
stag & doe
buck & doe
hag (stag & doe)

bride tribe
marry
wedding
white
veil
princess
queen
brideography
brideopology
wedpology
sisters
barbie & ken
blossom
Lunchbox Brides
Dish Brides
wedmarks
galpal
brides box
sparkle
hut
bridal suite
wife: gomez
swap

You find yourself in charge of planning a wedding or other life celebration or party either by choice or by duress. This can be a daunting task; the list is endless and you may feel you don't have any idea how or where to start. The purpose of this group is to teach you what you don't know, hold your hand, give you ideas, and fill in the holes with the services that you do want to outsource.

This group is not for wedding vendors or other wedding professionals. If you fit into this category and would like the opportunity to connect with the members of this group please contact Cherice at info@designsbycherice.com. Please do not directly contact the members of this group. I will find ways to introduce you to the members that are in keeping with the group's purpose. Thanks for understanding.

sayings

2010-07-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

lah lah lahve it!

best places for wedding dinner in santa barbara

2010-07-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

blush
milk & honey
blue agave
opal restaurant
cafe luck

food for wedding!

2010-07-22T14:30:00.000-07:00

welcome bag:
"How We Spend a Sunny OC Saturday"
lemon muffins
bike ride to ____
coupons for in&out for lunch
????
????
cali shaped sugar cookie
our favorite stops map
magazines: ocweekly, oc family, touroc, ect

rehearsal dinner:
togos sandwiches (turkey & avocado OR & cheese)
sunchips
fruit?
cobb salad
dessert?
samores kit
lemonaide (or spiked)

prejitters:
sangria
chips & dip station

cocktail hour:
quasadillas
empanadas
...

drinks:
california crush (vodka something)
dating duo (wine & beer)
marry me mojito
... margarita

dinner:
chocolate covered strawberry
...
...
...

desserts:
churro brown sugar cinnamon cake (brides)
tres delches cake (grooms)

favors:
cc cookie
mexican wedding cookie
cali cookie/his&hers

brunch:
donuts
...(drink)