Precious

I absolutely LOVE children's art, so I was thrilled when I found this artist who turns your favorite budding Degas pieces into sterling silver pins. A great gift or happy for Moms and Grandmoms, don't you think?

100 Things Worth Every Penny

A few years ago, Forbes magazine published this great article -"100 things worth every penny". I believe that somethings are indeed worth the price. Hands down. No question. At other times, however, I find myself shaking my head in disbelief when I see the price tag of certain items. At times, I've come close to letting the shop management know that there is an obvious error in their price marked on certain items. ("Umm, yes, you have that T-shirt priced at $98. Obviously you mean $9.80"). I thought it would be fun to see how the 2000 list compared to my thoughts today.
I would add a few items to their impressive list...

* A professional wedding planner
* Frette linens
* Pine Cone Hill comforters
* Maui Jim sunglasses
* A trip to the Cook Islands
* First Class International flights anywhere
* Peninsula Hotels
* Kitchen Aid stand mixer
* A Sonicare toothbrush
* Tempurpedic mattress
* Fresh flowers

100 things worth every penny 11.13.00
FYI's second annual list (in no particular order) of money well spent:

1. A night in the Lincoln Bedroom
2. A good tire-pressure gauge
3. An Arabian horse from Egypt
4. Truffles
5. Parducci Petite Sirah
6. A colonoscopy
7. AAA Plus
8. Gap Kids
9. Cremation
10. Carrara marble
11. Fiji bottled water
12. Private balcony at the Monaco Grand Prix
13. Quies brand French earplugs
14. A good haircut
15. The lobster club sandwich at Le Cirque 2000
16. A boat trip through the Grand Canyon
17. Pelikan fountain pen
18. Viagra
19. A surprise party
20. Side-impact air bags
21. Nepenthe at Big Sur
22. A good baby-sitter
23. Felco pruning shears
24. Tickets to see Tiger Woods at the Masters
25. Paul Stuart blazer
26. The Arizona Biltmore
27. A farewell dinner
28. Any Ducati motorcycle
29. Piedmontese steak
30. Pane e Vino restaurant, L.A.
31. The Four Seasons Hotel, Las Vegas
32. A Riva wooden boat
33. Duracell batteries
34. Any pre-1970 12-cylinder Ferrari
35. HealthRider treadmill
36. Winchester 73 carbine
37. Tattoo removal
38. Chemex coffeemaker
39. Mclaren stroller
40. A great hammock
41. Stanley steel thermos
42. Kryptonite bike lock
43. An In-N-Out Burger, L.A.
44. Breitling stopwatch
45. A cab ride home from the bar
46. Mach 3 razor
47. Motion detectors
48. The Greek Isles
49. Riedel wineglasses
50. A renowned cardiologist
51. Condoms
52. Lifejackets
53. A genuine cast-iron skillet
54. Teeth bleaching
55. Hermès Eau d'Orange Verte cologne
56. "Dominator" Bell Helmet
57. Loro Piana cashmere
58. A good tailor
59. Unlined Italian leather gloves
60. Mason Pearson hairbrushes
61. Crème de la Mer face cream
62. Altus abdominal exerciser
63. Classic hardcover children's books
64. Personalized Cartier stationery
65. Nutella
66. Ski boot warmers
67. Piano lessons
68. Rhodia graph paper
69. U.S. Geological Survey maps
70. Hungarian goose-down bedding
71. Reflexology foot massage
72. Transferring home movies to video
73. Saffron
74. Purell hand sanitizer
75. Pilates classes
76. A powerful humidifier
77. A family reunion
78. A clay tennis court
79. Wooden clothes hangers
80. Chanel Nail Colour
81. Lowa hiking boots
82. A gas-fueled lighter
83. Genuine Pendleton blanket
84. Chameaux "wellies"
85. Orvis rolling duffel bag
86. Satellite TV
87. We-no-nah canoe
88. The honeymoon
89. Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report
90. A view
91. Fuji film
92. John Deere lawn tractor
93. Domke camera bag
94. A New York pied-à-terre
95. Premium unleaded
96. Emerald earrings
97. Insta-shine
98. Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame Champagne
99. Sunblock
100. Your children

My Wedding Plans

When you read a good book, find a great recipe or spot the 'must have' shoes, it's so fun to share your discoveries with your friends. I wish I could do this for a living! There are so many wonderful things out there and seeking them out is half the fun. As I get ready for my September wedding, I've been on the hunt for some special goodies...for my reception, my home, my fiance, my guests and myself. Some of my favorites (so far) are here. Enjoy!

My dress for my wedding is beautiful. I feel like Cinderella when I go into Luly Yang Couture where I found it. Luly is one of the most talented designers I have ever met. On top of being beautiful and talented, she runs an amazing show and never slows down. Rebecca and the rest of Luly's team is top notch. They could rent themselves out and provide women a daily dose of 'Wow! You are so beautiful!'. It's hard to have a bad day after a stop at Luly's.

My photographer is Janet Klinger. Her photography is spectacular and I'm thrilled that she will be there to capture our special day.

Carly and Carah at Little q Designs are two of my favorite women. They are warm, professional, friendly and produce invitations and stationary items that are simply stunning.

My fiance is planning our honeymoon and the location is a complete surprise to me! I truly him implicitly (he has very good taste!) and know what he has planned will be nothing less than spectacular. I'm relying on my sister (the only other person who knows the honeymoon plans) to advise me on what to bring. Shopping blindfolded is a bit tricky, but I found this dress that I think i will definitely be able to bring on the honeymoon.

Heidi Merrick's traveling dress.

I'm ready to head to the airport now!

I am considering using small mint julep cups as part of the decor. You can do so much with them - insert a nice candle, engrave them, use them at each place setting with a beautiful flower... Some other things I like are below. Ahhhhh, decisions, decisions...

William Sonoma Cookies!

beautiful & delicious.

I LOVE Wonderful Graffiti. Their monograms and removable vinyl lettering are so lovely and add a personalized touch to any wedding or event. I have wonderful graffiti in my home and recommend it to all of my bridal couples. Wouldn't a small monogram be cute on each hotel room door?

113 days til the big day so I'll keep you posted!

Living a Beautiful Life

Love is such a nice thing to come home to. Were there ever more beautiful words? Especially when your beautiful kindergartner records it on canvas forever.

This is one of the little treasures that I have in my house. A precious gift that will adorn my home forever. As I thought of this, it reminded me of "Grace Notes" that Alexandra Stoddard (alexandrastoddard.com) published in her books "Living a Beautiful Life" and "Creating a Beautiful Home".

Having Good Taste does not necessarily equate to having a ton of money. Some things are easy to do for little or nothing. Simple things can add an amazing amount of beauty to your everyday life. Here are some of my favorites:

• Light a candle anytime. In the evening they welcome guests; at meals they add a sense of specialness; during the day they offer relaxation and beautiful aromas; and at bath time, there is nothing more calming.
• Add dimmer switches to all of your rooms. It's amazing what a difference lighting can make.
• Display your children's art. Whether they made it yesterday or ten years ago. It brings back that sense of innocence and reminds you of those precious days.
• Always have a fresh flower on your desk.
• Serve milk and juice in glass (or silver/crystal) vases.
• Add sliced lemons, limes and oranges to a summer bath.
• Make your guest room a beautiful retreat - lotions, robes/slippers, water in a carafe and a picture of your guest in a sweet frame.
• Celebrate every holiday. Bake a cherry pie on George Washington's Birthday; Plant a tree on Arbor Day.
• Keep a good sized wicker basket by your bed to keep magazines and books in.
• Display your family photos in various frames throughout your house.
• Vacuum carpet with socks on to prevent footprints and get those beautiful 'just vacuumed' lines.
• Place bathroom accessories on a silver tray from a flea market.

• Use your fireplace year round. If summertime doesn't allow a fire, place flowers in the opening or use a fireplace screen.

Enjoy!

The Power of Nice

One of my favorite old ratty T-shirts that I am caught in often says "Kindness can change the world." Besides the fact that it is incredibly soft after dozens of cycles through the laundry, I love what it says. I believe what it says.

When I found this book and website recently I was intrigued. The Power of Nice. Just the words make me smile. This is fascinating stuff and I can't wait to dig in. Thanks to my Mom, I've been practicing this for as long as I can remember. "The Golden Rule" is what we called it way back then. How refreshing to have this gracing the pages of the Wall Street Journal and getting air time on The Martha Stewart show. Even "The Donald" chimed in with a review - so you know it's gotta be good! (Maybe he should send a copy to Rosie?)

"For my money, I would always rather make a deal with people I like who treat me well. If you want to discover the surprising power of nice, read this book. Memorize it. Use it. You'll be glad you did." — Donald Trump

Word Hard and Be Nice. You may be amazed at the outcome.

Visit them: http://www.thepowerofnice.com/

Hmmm.

Russian Billionaire To Get Married To Win A Bet
March 13, 2007
In order to win a bet that he would marry before he turns 42, Russian billionaire bon vivant Mikhail Prokhorov plans to spend $10 million on his wedding to a woman he has never met.
According to the Russian media, the lavish wedding ceremony with 700 guests would be held in the Maldives on his 42nd birthday, which falls on May 3. Organizers of the wedding say that Prokhorov is not aware which girl he is marrying.
The 6-foot-7 Moscow businessman would rather lose on millions on an uncommon wedding than lose a bet. He is dubbed as Russia's most eligible bachelor, who made his wealth by investing in nickel and gold. Last year, he was listed by Forbes magazine as the 89th richest person in the world.
The playboy is famous for his partying on the French Riviera and was also caught up in a prostitution investigation at a posh ski resort in the French Alps in January. However, the hottest man of Moscow was released a few days later without any trouble.
Article © Copyright All Headline News, Inc. - all rights reserved.

Taking Tacky to a New Level

Finally! Some of the tackiest stuff I've found to date - thanks to Riona at Godawful Wedding Crap. Her reviews of these products are as moving as the items themselves. How can you put a price tag on some of this stuff? Of this little beauty, she writes:


"Oh man. I can't decide which would be sweeter: putting my own face on a tote bag and carrying it around in public, or presenting all my friends with the pillow of their dreams."

and another favorite:

"In the flurry of the big day, it's all too easy to marry the wrong man ... the best man, perhaps, or - heaven forbid - your dad. Fear not. These handy socks will quickly sort out the men from the boys. Gather the most likely candidates and a quick glance at the ankle will identify the scamp, allowing the fiesty rapscallion to be brought up before the priest as fast as you like. Thank you, man brand socks! Without you, I'd had to let that one get away!"




Wow. Thanks, Riona. Let the shopping begin.

Words of wisdom

This weekend I had the privilege of attending the college graduation of my fiance's daughter. She is a stunningly beautiful and bright young woman, who graduated with honors (and TWO degrees!) from a lovely private school in Montana. As we visited the campus and saw the students packing their things, exchanging hugs, wiping tears and sharing memories of their time together, I was struck by the thought of what lies ahead for her and her classmates. I was struck by the knowledge they carry with them as they leave their familiar surroundings and step into the reality of our times.

The world they are embarking on today is full of opportunities, yet full of uncertainty. Like going to a restaurant with too many menu choices, making decisions can be daunting at times. But choosing between the chicken salad or the pasta du jour isn't life changing. Oh, it may make a difference in that number we see on the scale or the number of minutes we run on the treadmill, but it won't affect the big picture things. Happiness, careers, children, health, husbands, finances ... those are the biggies. The things that these graduates will now face head on. The things that their decisions from this point forward will most likely have an effect on.

As I think of these young adults with the world before them, I am grateful that I'm not in their shoes. The real world today is not the same world as when I was their age. We didn't think about terrorism and HIV. Owning your own home was a very achieveable feat and the price of gas wasn't something you even considered when budgeting your weekly salary.

The good news is that the world is at their feet. The bad news is that the world is at their feet. May God Bless them richly.

The following was written by Pamela Satran and published in Glamour magazine in 1997. As much as things change, it's good to know that some things stay the same. I hope they add this to their knowledge base as they move forward on their journeys.

What Every Woman Should Have
One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to (even if you wouldn't) and one who reminds you of how far you've come.
Enough money within your control to move out and rent a place on your own, even if you never want or need to.
Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you're not ashamed to be seen carrying.
A youth you're content to move beyond.
A past juicy enough that you're looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
Eight matching plates, wineglasses with stems and a recipe for a meal that will make your guests feel honored.
A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.
A feeling of control over your destiny.
A skin care regime, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don't get better after 30.
A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.

Every Woman Should Know
How to fall in love without losing yourself.
How you feel about having kids.
How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
When to try harder and when to walk away.
How to kiss a man in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn't like to happen next.
How to have a good time at a party you'd never choose to attend.
How to ask for what you want in a way that makes it most likely you'll get it.
That you can't change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over.
What you would and wouldn't do for love or money.
How to live alone, even if you don't like it.
Who you can trust, who you can't, and why you shouldn't take it personally.
Where to go - be it your best friend's kitchen table or a charming inn hidden in the woods - when your soul needs soothing.
What you can and can't accomplish in a day, a month, and a year.
Why they say life begins at 30.

Childbirth & Event Planning

I've often said that event planning is much like childbirth. When you're in the throes of the most painful labor you would sell your Grandma without blinking an eye just to have the experience behind you. The adjectives you find to describe your woes would make a sailor blush. But then your little miracle arrives and all is forgotten. The severe pain has dissipated. The labor is over and the swearing has been replaced with baby talk and 'ooohs and ahhhhs'. You admire your little creation and are proud beyond measure.

I get flooded with requests from people who are interested in becoming Wedding or Event Planners. Depending on where I'm at in that particular event birthing cycle, my reaction ranges from 'What are they thinking?' to 'Oh! Someone to share in the joy!'. The one thing that is certain is that it is an amazing field to be a part of. I love the feeling of starting with a blank page - a client's vision - and seeing weeks or months or years of planning come together in a few remarkable hours. It is a crazy, stressful, life-changing and rewarding world for wedding and event planners.

Like having a child, I'm glad I am surrounded by the best professionals when the big moment finally arrives. Also like having a child, the pain is a long faded memory shortly after each event, and I'm always eager to jump back in to do it again. This is the first opportunity I have had to post a blog and look forward to finding more time to share the amazing experiences that life as an Event Planner brings. It's an exciting ride.