Right On Band on Fox News!

Right On Band is a FANTASTIC band that I had the pleasure of working with this past spring. They played at a birthday party that I coordinated. They were so great before, during and after the party.

While I was catching up on some news this evening, I heard that Right On Band will be playing in Times Square for Fox News tomorrow night (New Years Eve!) Not only do they get that honor, but they will be playing for our president elect at the inauguration in just a few weeks!

If you are wanting to have a fun party, I would definitely consider booking this band. You will love them! But you better book now, they fill up quickly!

Happy New Years!!!

Seven Cheap Foods to Serve at your Party

If you are having either a Christmas party or a New Years Eve party, you'll want to serve food that your guests will love. But you don't have to break the bank while filling your friends bellies. Here are seven foods that Money Smart Life says that you should consider for your holiday party:

Chocolate Fondue: Melt some milk chocolate and add light cream and vanilla extract to keep the chocolate from getting lumpy. Then, pick four items as dippers. Serve the fondue in a cool dish, and you’ve got a great dessert that looks like a professional did it.

Mini Crab Cakes: Look for a recipe online to make these wonderful appetizers. The only pricey part of this dish is the crab meat, and the rest is chopped vegetables, mayonnaise and bread crumbs.

Chili: Most people love chili, and it’s easy and cheap to make. Use your favorite recipe, and serve it in punch-style, plastic cups. To give it some extra flare, provide all of the extras such as oyster crackers, sour cream, cheese, and croutons.

Baked Brie: Make a baked ball of brie in the oven with your choice of topping to bake it with. Almonds are always a good choice. Instead of serving it with crackers, use fresh slices of french bread.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries: If you don’t do chocolate fondue, then you can easily make chocolate covered strawberries for an elegant look and a crowd favorite. To keep this dish cheaper, look for strawberries in bulk at your local farmer’s market or produce stand.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: All of these ingredients are cheap and the recipe is nothing more than throwing a bunch of ingredients together and baking it. It’s one of my favorite dips. Serve it with pumpernickel bread cubes and/or crackers.

Pigs In a Blanket: Okay, this one might not look to elegant when you serve it, but they are always one of the first items gone when we make them at parties. To dress this dish up a little bit, offer different dipping sauces like honey dijon dressing, honey mustard, ranch dressing, and nacho cheese.

Great Gift / Favor Idea

Whew, what a loooong past couple of weeks! Like I said in my last post, I was in Florida for an event and then flew straight to Dayton, Ohio to do the Christmas thing with extended family. I just got back in town last night and am feeling a little overwhelmed with the amount of work that I have got to get done by the first of the year, so please bare with me if I don't post as often as I used to. But for now, take a look at this really cute idea:

I saw these wonderful gifts on The Nest (for those of you are avid Knotties, this is the next step up once you are married). For those who like to be creative with your gift giving, wrap up this apple tree for your next gift. If you are looking for a unique favor you can always use this too. You are not only giving a great favor, but you are also giving back to the Earth.

You can find this gift at WishingFish.com. While you are there take a look at all the other great goodies that they have!

Off to Florida

I am leaving for Florida tomorrow to go visit family. From Florida, my husband and I are flying directly to Ohio to visit my side of the family. So, needless to say, we are going to be very busy for the next few weeks. I don't know how much I will be able to post so I wanted to make sure that I gave you something good that you could last a few weeks on :)

I found this website that has the most fun and crazy gifts. It is called The Spoon Sisters and they have so many unique gifts that you will just have to get on their site to look at them all. But here are a few that I thought were really cute:
The Newly Non-Drinking Girl's Guide To Pregnancy - Surviving 40 Weeks Without a Cosmopolitan

When you find out you're pregnant, you've officially crossed the line from "Drinking for One" to "Eating for Two." Yes, the prospect of 40 long, long weeks without a single cocktail is enough to strike dread into the heart, and fear into the belly of even the most moderate of drinkers. Here’s a hilarious and honest look at how to survive pregnancy without alcohol, and recipes for 50 mocktails - from Mock Champagne to Post-Sex on the Beach -- to quench the thirst and keep you social, without getting tipsy. There’s practical information on alcohol and pregnancy, fun advice on how to survive birthdays to barbecues sans cocktails, as well as finding sobriety support at home. The authors, one a doctor, give newly pregnant women insight into how to survive --if not thrive-- while going the full 40 without “a drink”. The perfect book for any party girl who finds herself pregnant.

Do You Know Your Bride? Do You Know Your Groom? - A Quiz About Your Future Mate

You love your future mate, you want to spend the rest of your life with this person -- but what DON'T you know about them? Sure you know whether or not she wants children, but do you know: Who taught her to drive a car? If she has ever jumped on a trampoline? Sure you know what his favorite sport is, but Do you know If he was ever in a fist fight? What he would do if served raw oysters? Any soon-to-be bride or groom should “take this test before they take the plunge”. Have your chosen one correct the answers; it’s a guaranteed way to learn a whole lot more about the person you're going to share your life with. Makes a perfect addition to any Bridal Shower gift. Sold as a set of Bride and Groom. Pad with durable cardboard backing. Click Select One below to choose. Measures 5"W x 7"H.

Cow Tape Measure

This adorable cow uses her tail for more than swatting flies. Pull out her tail when you need to measure something, and milk her for what she’s worth in inches or centimeters. Calibrated up to 60 inches; up to 150 centimeters. Measures 2 1/8” x 2 1/8”.

Welcome, December!

Now that it is December, we all need to start decorating for Christmas (if you already have not). I know in my household, we don't do anything pertaining to Christmas until after Thanksgiving. It seems like holidays are just so rushed anymore, and when we start focusing on Christmas before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving passes us without us even knowing it.

So, as I was looking for decor ideas, once again Better Homes and Gardens had some really cute examples on their website:

Swirling Trees and Lollipops
Whimsical and bright, striped fondant topiary trees put a twist -- literally -- on ordinary holiday decor. Place them in white containers to make the vivid colors pop.

Whimsical Winter
Put a twist on the holidays by painting traditional holiday symbols in unconventional colors. You may like your new dotted Christmas tree so much you'll keep it up year-round!

Paper Panache
A curled paper tree could be the ultimate in disposable decor. Simply glue long strips of colorful paper to a wooden dowel or stake and then roll the paper around a pencil or marker. Gently unroll for a whimsical curl.

Party-Time Peppermint
A cohesive red-and-white color scheme pulls together these glass vases filled with peppermints and the simple white trees with candy ornaments.

More Thanksgiving Decor

I just love this decoration with the white pumpkin and bright colors! It doesn't look to much like Thanksgiving, but who said that Thanksgiving had to only be oranges and browns!?? Do something a little different this year and have an eye-popping arrangement!

Not to say that the golds, browns, and oranges aren't beautiful. I also love the decoration above. It is very elegant and warm feeling. Last night I did a couple of centerpieces for my house and I combined both ideas to make lovely decorations. I went to the store and bought a pre-arranged bouquet of flowers. The flowers had all kinds of colors in them, orange, yellow, maroon, purple and pink. I split the bouquet up and created two small centerpieces. I'll try to take a picture of it this week and post it for you all.

Simple Centerpiece for Thanksgiving

I love how simple and easy this centerpiece is! This can be used for any event that is held during the Fall, especially for the holiday that is this week...Thanksgiving! You can buy these glass containers at any hobby store (I prefer Hobby Lobby) and then just fill it up with dried corn and a candle to match. So easy!

Winter Bouquets

If you are having a winter wedding, here are a few ideas from Martha Stewart that you can use for your bouquets.



The picture above is a festive bridal bouquet features white hybrid Nerine lilies interspersed with variegated Pittosporum, scented-geranium leaves, and a few sprigs of rosemary; it's tied with a velvet ribbon.

This bouquet is perfect for a winter wedding. Casablanca lilies, some a hand-span wide, are wired into a plump and ruffled ball of lilies and intermixed with 20 silver-mesh leaves, some of which drift onto the bouquet’s silvery ribbon.

Pink normally doesn't come to mind for "winter flowers". However this winter bouquet is just beautiful and looks the part for winter. The bouquet has pinecones tipped in glitter glow like a halo around dusky blooms of mauve roses and miniature paperwhites. The delicate flowers soften the rustic sensibility of the pinecones, and accentuate the illusion of floating light.

Venue Spotlight

Trevitt Hall

I have known about Trevitt Hall for awhile now, but it wasn't until two weekends ago that I actually saw it for the very first time. I was very impressed with how beautiful it was! When you hear the words 'banquet hall' it normally puts an empty building that can be rented out for events in mind. But not this place....it is so much more than just an empty building! It has beautiful greenery all around the building with fountains and artwork setting it off beautifully. Trevitt Hall is located in Dalton, GA only about 15 minutes south of Chattanooga, TN. They can rent out the whole building or split it up in thirds. They can also cater your event. Check out their website at www.trevitthall.com for your next event!

Have a Hold 'em Party!

This week has already been super busy but I wanted to post a little something for you all to read. One of the parties that my husband and I like to host is a Texas Hold em party. We have them all the time and just love it! It is a great way to get your friends together without having to constantly entertain them...the poker is entertaining enough! Here is what you will need to throw a good Hold 'em party:

1. Guests - you can't play Texas Hold 'em unless you have people to play with! A good number to have is at least 8 people. If you have a lot of friends and want to invite more people, then you can always setup several tables

2. Several deck of cards - two deck of cards for each table should be your rule of thumb. You will not play with both decks at the same time, but can switch out each hand. The deck that is not being used at that time will be shuffled by another player. This allows for the game to go faster so you don't have to wait each hand for the cards to be shuffled.

3. Poker chips - make sure you have enough chips for each player. A good amount would be 50-100 chips per player.

4. Lots of snacks - finger foods are great for a poker party. Chicken fingers, chips, cookies, brownies, etc.

5. Rules - make sure that everyone is aware of the rules before you play.

Have fun at your next poker party!

Cheers!....Just because it is Friday!

It has been a very long week for some reason and I am just so happy that it is Friday. I have an open weekend with nothing planned except time for the hubby. The time to do nothing is much needed. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Quote that I love: "True love stories never have endings." - Richard Bach

Host an Election Party!

I hope that all of you have already voted today, but if not then why in the world are you reading my blog and not at the poll line??? My blog (and all of the other blogs for that matter) will always be here, but the polls close early...so go vote!

Want to have an election party tonight? Here are a few things to make the night festive. It will already be a very tense night so why not ease things up and make it fun? Get some friends together, turn the TV on to your favorite news station (ours happens to be Fox and ABC) and wait for the results while you and your friends eat, drink and be merry!

Thanks to the following for the pictures: www.allwomenstalk.com, www.weddingbee.com, www.michaelcfina.com, totallycovetable.blogspot.com, www.bbcgoodfood.com, www.marthastewart.com

We've been recognized!

Our blog has been listed on BestWeddingBlogs.com! We are super excited about this recognition and want to thank everyone at Best Wedding Blogs for the opportunity to be on your website. We try to bring our readers up-to-date, unique information and ideas on events of all sorts and feel so honored that our hard work has paid off. Thanks, again!

What's your wedding style?

Martha Stewart has a quiz to determine which kind of bride you are. Will your wedding be dressed up or will it be dressed down?

Take the quiz to find out!

POM Contest!

Who doesn't love anything that is made with pomegranates? There are so many different ways to use them..in drinks (like a pomegranate martini..YUM), in pies, as glazes...the list can go on and on. POM Juice realizes the endless possibilities of this wonderful fruit and is having a contest on who can come up with the best original recipe using pomegranates. You have to submit a picture of your creation and remember....IT MUST BE YOUR RECIPE ONLY! Go to POM's website to enter. The contest ends on November 30, 2008 so make sure that you start working up something wonderful.

I am not normally a frozen margarita drinker but these pomegranate margaritas sure do look divine!

Cute Idea!

Okay, ladies. This item is a MUST HAVE! Have you ever been upset at Groom/Husband/Boyfriend/Any other man in your life because he has either forgotten your Birthday/Anniversary/etc. or bought just a horrible gift? We have all done it, just admit it. Even though we have been so angry at the man who did this, it is partly our fault. We did not equip him with the proper tools that he needed to remember our special occasions and what we really like as gifts (not the blender that he bought us so that we could make smoothies. We get the hint...we will lay off the choco chip cookies!)

Well now we can get our man something that will make both his life and ours a little bit easier. It is the Pink Card! This little card can be personalized to your needs and given to your man so that he never forgets about you again. It can have all your important dates on it plus your sizes or favorite things that you like to receive.

In the end, the man that has forgotten about you once before won't do it again. And you will get you want....attention from him and a nice gift for yourself.

Us women can be so hard to please sometimes :)

Black and Yellow Wedding

I know it is Fall right now and this board is more Spring or Summer, but I was inspired yesterday...and that is exactly what this is..an Inspiration Board. I had a lunch meeting outside yesterday and there was a bumble bee that just loved me. It would not leave my side...and even though it was super annoying, I was able to really look at it and appreciate its bold colors. So as you Spring and Summer brides are planning your weddings right now, think about the bees (no, not the birds and the bees...that will come later!) and appreciate their colors and maybe add it to your wedding. They are bright, bold and beautiful!

Thanks to the following for the pictures: www.kmthornton.wordpress.com, www.dcnearlyweds.com, www.blissevent.com, www.star-of-the-east.blogspot.com, www.lucies-cars.co.uk, www.tonyandjennie.com

Worst Best Man Ever

I saw this on Yahoo and thought it was too good not to share. I feel so bad for this poor bride!

Worst Best Man Ever @ Yahoo! Video

Funny Friday

I needed to laugh a little today so I pulled out today's paper to read the PunchLine section. I am so glad that I did because laughed out loud with a few of the jokes. Today the paper decided to put lines that Southerns would never say and then lines that Northerners would never say. Most of you know that I am originally from Ohio and then moved to Tennessee for college and now reside in North Georgia (right across the TN state line). Having lived now both in the North and the South, I can see that there is such truth in every statement that was in the paper. Here is what it said:

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Here are some things you'll NEVER hear a true Southerner say:

* I'll take Shakespeare for 1,000, Alex.

* Duct tape won't fix that.

* Lisa Marie was lucky to catch Michael.

* I thought Graceland was tacky.

* Come to think of it, I'll have a Heineken.

* We don't keep firearms in this house.

* You can't feed that to the dog.

* Honey, did you mail that donation to Greenpeace?

* Who's Jeff Gordon?

* Give me the small bag of pork rinds.

* I just couldn't find a thing at Wal-Mart today.

* Trim the fat off that steak.

* Cappuccino tastes better than espresso.

* The tires on that truck are too big.

* Unsweetened tea tastes better.

* I've got two cases of Zima for the Super Bowl.

* Little Debbie snack cakes have too many fat grams.

* Checkmate.

* Hey, here's an episode of "Hee Haw" that we haven't seen!

* I don't have a favorite college team.

* What?! Park in my front yard? How tacky!

* I think okra tastes so much better steamed. Don't you?

* Cracker Barrel again?!

* If I have to watch those race cars go around that track ONE more time...

* Honey, I can't decide what I want to rent tonight - should we get this National Geographic video or My Dinner with Andre?

* OK, OK, the Civil War is OVER and we LOST...let's just get over it!

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Okay, now here are some things you'll NEVER hear a true Northerner say:

* "Yes, Ma'am. Thank you very much."

* I haven't been bowling all week!

* I already have too many black turtleneck sweaters and chocolate brown jackets.

* Amen.

* I'm in no hurry. Let me put on some coffee and we'll chat awhile.

* Don't the magnolia trees in my backyard smell wonderful?

* I'm so glad to be back from my visit to the South. People are so much nicer here.

* Y'all look like you might be lost. May I help?

* Oh, Mom! You must be outrageously angry if you used a bad word.

* I see you are only buying three items. Why don't you go in front of me?

* It's no bother. It's just good old Yankee hospitality.

* Oh, I don't want to be pretentious. I'll take whatever you have to offer.

* We would never eat it all ourselves, so we brought you some squash, tomatoes and beans from our garden.

* We were just out for a stroll and saw the lights and decided to stop by and say hello.

* Snow day!

* OK, so maybe we have accents, too.
* Honey, have you seen my white cotton socks? I absolutely refuse to go out in shorts with dark socks on!

* Howdy!

* Pass the butter beans, please.

* May I please have more grits?

* I'm fixin' to go to the store. Do y'all want anything?

Beautiful Fall Decor Ideas

I saw these beautiful ideas in Better Homes and Gardens and thought I would share them with you since Fall is in the air and Halloween is right around the corner! Fall is my favorite time of the year. I just love it! The thought of Friday night football games, cider and hot chocolate, pumpkin pie, and big cozy sweaters just makes me smile! Plus all the beautiful colors that we will be seeing in the next few weeks is just remarkable. Now, if only we didn't have the 87 degree weather today....

I'm not a huge fan of candy corn, but how could I not like it if it is displayed so cute like this!?

Cute, cute cute! I will definitely be doing this for my house!

Ways to be nice

Okay, I know this post has nothing to do with weddings or events, but I found this article on Real Simple and thought that we all need to read things like this every once in awhile. The article is 48 Ways to be Nice and Improve the World Around You. I posted just a few points but you can find the whole article on the Real Simple website. Be nice to someone today!

When someone leaves a pie plate or a casserole dish at your house, return it with something tasty inside.

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Make a list of local shops, restaurants, hair salons, and other services for new neighbors.

When a guest brings a bottle of wine to a party you’re throwing, jot her name on the label. Down the road, when you finally pop the cork, dial up your friend to let her know you’re having a drink in her honor.

Overtip your breakfast waiter. He probably put forth just as much effort as someone on the evening shift would, but his take-home pay is probably lower.

Instead of tossing magazines and old books into the recycling bin, drop a stack off at a local women’s shelter or your gym.

When someone is moving to a new city, supply friends and family members with stamped, preaddressed postcards. (Hand them out at the going-away party.) By the time the family pulls into the new driveway, there will be warm wishes awaiting them.

If you know someone is going out to dinner to celebrate a special occasion, call the restaurant in advance and say you’ll pick up the cost of her wine or dessert.

Every day for a year, jot down one thing you love about your child/husband/friend (he has a crooked smile; she snorts when she laughs). At the end of the year, give the person your one-of-a-kind, 365-item list.

When stocking up on school supplies, pick up a few extras and give them to your child’s teacher to pass on to students whose families might not be able to afford them.

TENTalizied

I found these beautiful tents when I was searching the web the other day. I love tents, especially when it is involving a wedding or an event. The white tents are okay but if you had an opportunity to have a custom made tent available for you, wouldn't you go with that? At Raj Tents they can do just that. They can match the color or theme of your party and do it so beautifully! They have all kinds of tents, lighting, and other items (such as furniture) that you can rent from them. Check them out!

Under Construction

We are undergoing some changes to our blog and website to make it better for our readers. We love that we have a following and we thank each one of you for coming back. We do our best to give you the most up-to-date, creative and unique ideas so that your wedding or event can be the best that it can be.

We have just finished our first phase of the site and are now working on the second. Hopefully we will be completely finished in two weeks. That is the goal! We will continue blogging on a regular basis, it may just look a little messy until we are completely done with all of the changes. Thanks for understanding!

~Allure

I'm in LOVE!

Okay, it might be silly to be in love with dresses, but I can't help it! I recently found this wedding dress designer, Model Novias and my breath has been taken away by these gorgeous dresses! My first discovery of this designer was on the Wedding Chicks' blog (the picture that is on the left of the last group came from their blog) and from there I went on to do my own research. These dresses are so girly and sophisticated that anyone who slips into one will look absolutely stunning. I love them all but I have to say that the pink dress is one of my favorites. It is a light enough pink to make you look soft and lovely while still wowing the crowd (and your groom!). After seeing these dresses I wish so badly that I could be a bride of today. I got married four years ago, and while I still love the dress that I wore, I really would have loved to wear a gown like these shown above. Maybe I'll have to see if Model Novias would let me do a photoshoot for them??!

Invitation Sale!

We have 25 Ivory Invitations with Black Organza Ribbon for sale...at a REALLY CHEAP PRICE! One of our clients accidentally ordered too many and wants to sale them so that they are not just put in a box and never used.
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The sale includes everything that you see above. Here are the details:
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-25 Cream Smooth Front Cards with Envelope
-25 Cream Smooth Front Response Cards
-25 Cream Smooth Front Reception Cards
-15 Cream Direction / Map Cards
- 25 Cream Tea Length Menu Cards
- 25 Cream Place Cards
- 3 Black Ribbon Spools (25 yards each)
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The asking price for these invitations is $50.00 (that equals out to $2.00 each! That is a GREAT deal!)
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These are perfect cards for a smaller wedding (say a Destination Wedding!) The cards are blank, ready for you to print your own wording on them.
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Call Natasha at 423-468-0815 or email her at Natasha@allureeventconsulting.com if you would like to know more or to purchase these cards.

Need a Favor?

ON SALE:

Favors and a bunch of other wedding goodies are on sale over at The Knot right now. If you are in need of any cutsie favors or gifts for your wedding guests (or bridal party) check out their inventory and see if something matches what you want to give.

While you are there, check out some of their other favorite favors like these great ideas: