Howerton+Wooten Events Blog. The musings of a Maryland Wedding and Event Planner

Yes, I confess. I blogstalk!

Yes, I confess.  I blogstalk!  I can't help myself -- reading blogs can be so addictive.  To help me get over my addiction, I thought that I would share what I found in the Blog world this weekend –

1.    Hostess with the Mostess Blog features hot-hued chandeliers, candelabras, aprons, and tableware.

2.    I love the Cook Report.  I know, I know -- It's not a blog, but I read it like one.  I get information and opinions on a daily basis.  Close enough, right?

3.   The always elegant Andria at Andria Lewis Events is holding a contest for one lucky bride and groom.  The contest winners will receive a “month of coordination package” for only $14.  Contestants have to prove that they were engaged on the most romantic day of the year – Valentines Day.  This sounds like so much fun!  Fun, creative submissions are due by Monday, March 17th.  Check out her Blog for more details.

4.    Saundra at Planning . . . Forever Events mentioned a new iPod gadget that makes me grateful for my 18-hour bra!  Oy!  BTW: Saundra!  Let us see that new haircut!

5.    DC Metro Moms is always interesting to me.  They are moms filled with opinions!  Friday's post discusses Oscars as a family bonding opportunity.

6.   Two of my clients mentioned DIY Bride this week, so I had to see what was new in her world.  The most recent post details an inexpensive way to upgrade your vase, but I love the Wedding Community acronyms!  I intend to save that post and share it with new clients.

7.      I love the little touches at a wedding and so does Aletha at Pearls Events.  She has two different posts that show off fun and stylish ways to display table numbers.

8.      HouseMartin features the yummiest floral arrangement.  If I were in Portland, she could count on me as a lifelong customer!  The colors make me yearn for spring.

9.   I am raising a son that is getting a Montessori education, so I read Three Plus Two to see the day in the life of another Montessori mom.  Her babies are keeping up with the birds in their backyard.  So sweet.

10. The Bride's Cafe showcases Detail Shots that are pure Eye Candy!  But then again, that entire web site is pure eye candy!

11. If you are a working parent like me, then I am sure that you can appreciate the blog, 100 make-ahead meals.  My favorite -- Make ahead stacked salads.  I can provide a healthy meal with a cool presentation!

12. Jaime talks all things sweet and simple

13. And, Kim at Parisian Events demystifies Gelée.  Umm, umm!

Enjoy!  And let me know what blogs you tend to stalk!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Your "Type F"

Sometimes, I can be a major type A.  No, forget that – sometimes I can be a type AAA.  Oy!

 

I must admit that I am legendary for keeping it all together.  But lately my life (business, family, teaching) has gotten a little out of hand.  It's so out of hand that this "Type A" has to admit that her Christmas tree is still up.  Okay, I said it.  Whew!  Before yesterday, I would not have been able to admit that but when I tearfully explained my little Christmas tree secret to my one of my best friends, Tamara (another self-proclaimed Type A), she recommended that I talk to my Type F friend.

Of course I was a little confused.  What on earth is a Type F friend?  She explained to me that a Type F (also known as an “Ef It” friend) is the friend who will view my concern, crisis and/or situation from another perspective.  Tamara explained that this kind of fresh thinking is what she needs when she is in the throes of her most “Type A” frenzy.

 

It's not a person who doesn't care (that's a Type B).  A Type F cares or at least "gets" what you care about, but can think about it differently and actively flip it.

This, of course, made me think of a wedding consultant’s relationship with a bride.  The funny thing about this – Most wedding consultants are Type A (it’s all about the details), but we know how to be your Type F (on so many levels).

As Type F’s, we can be your fireman –

With so many details, a bride is bound to face a fire or two.  Your wedding consultant will know how to effectively put out a fire, and we know how to identify most fires before they actually occur.

As type F’s we can be your comic relief –

Brides have moments when the only thing that they need is a sounding board – a “shoulder to cry on.”  Wedding consultants help you to laugh at the moments that seem huge, but really aren’t, and “breathe through” the truly challenging moments.

As type F’s we are your inside man –

Most wedding consultants have developed long, healthy relationships with some of the best vendors and venues in your area.  And I can assure you that those relationships are what separate the big girls and boys from the new kids when something really kooky occurs on your wedding day.  Don’t think anything kooky can occur?  Check out Soiree Laura’s examples on her Blog.  You will easily see that "Tulle Happens."

So, there you go.

 

Oh, if you are wondering about the name of my Type F -- it's my sister, Shina, of course.  And, I am happy to report that my "O Tannenbaum Un-Tree Trimming” party is taking place this weekend!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Product Love: {FÊTE} ish

My "Product Love" is a little different this week. 

Instead of a fabulous shawl, shoes, or a designer handbag, I would like to show a little love for a fabulous e-magazine that launched earlier this week – Or shall I say, a Fabuluxe E-Magazine!

Terrica Skaggs, the trendsetting owner of Fabuluxe Events, Inc and the author of The Wedding Planners' Fabuluxe Blog has created {FÊTE} ish: feeding your addiction to everything fabulous.

This magazine is a worthwhile read for any bride or event planner.  The creative ideas, expert advice and quick wit that so many of us enjoy on Terrica’s Blog are showcased in her gorgeous magazine.  – And if you are wondering why I called the magazine gorgeous, check out the breathtaking photographs shot by Scarlett Lillian, and you will see why!

I must admit that I am a fast fan. I have already read the magazine from start to finish, and I am looking forward to the next issue!

Enjoy!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Don't Shoot The Messenger!

According to the U.S. Postal Service, the cost of a first-class stamp is going up to 42 cents starting May 12^th.

Important Information To Note – The price of the Forever stamp will go up at the same time, meaning those stamps can still be purchased for 41 cents but will remain good for first-class postage after the rate increase takes effect.  Apparently, the post office has sold 5 billion Forever stamps since they were introduced last April and plans to have an additional 5 billion in stock to meet the expected demand before the May price change.

In addition to the First-Class Mail Letter (1 oz.) going up to $.42, the Postcard is going up to $.27 and the First-Class Mail Letter (2 oz.) is going up to $.59

Take care!  Love & Soul Always, Kay

Photo Book GiveAway at Sk*rt

In honor of Valentines Day, Sk*rt is partnering with Shutterfly to give away fun photo items.

Be sure to leave a comment on this post before midnight EST on Friday, February 15^th and you will be entered to win one of the items below!

Enjoy and Happy Valentines Day!  Love & Soul Always, Kay

Two 12-inch Valentine Day Photo Books

Two Love Books

One Valentine's Day Sterling Bracelet

Five Romantic Restaurants in DC Area Neighborhoods

I love intimate restaurants with candlelights, fireplaces, kind waiters and dark corners.  In honor of Valentine's Day, I listed below five of the most romantic restaurants in the Washington DC area.

Adam’s Morgan – The Little Fountain Café is a dark and cozy and intimate (only 38 seats) restaurant that provides very, very good food with some of the best wine in the city.  The restaurant provides a relaxed, civilized atmosphere for fine dining at moderate prices.

Capitol Hill – Not many people think of romance when they think of Capitol Hill, but Two Quail Restaurant is a fun option for a charming, intimate dinner with your valentine.  Following your meal, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Dupont Circle – The white-washed stone entrance, grapevine-covered patio complete with lion's head fountain, and cozy dining rooms give the Iron Gate Inn Restaurant a distinct European air.  I love this restaurant’s courtyard – It’s a great little spot for an afternoon getaway with your man.  And, the roaring fire makes the Iron Gate is a great place to shake off your winter chill.

Northern Virginia – Considering a restaurant for romance and a wedding proposal?  You can’t go wrong with The Inn at Little Washington.  Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley (just 70 miles west of DC), this inn is definitely worth a day-trip or overnight side-trip for those of you that have the time. This small intimate inn is best known for its gourmet cuisine and superb wine list.

Baltimore – A French menu and the country elegance of stone walls, candlelight and white tablecloths set a celebratory mood at The Milton Inn.  Located in Northern Baltimore County, this 260-year-old fieldstone building is counted among Maryland's historic treasures.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Happy (Lunar) New Year!

(photo of Lisa Ling. source: Eric Lamph, InStyle Weddings)

Red – The color of luck in Chinese culture.  The bride would normally wear an all red dress that is typically embroidered with many designs made of gold or silver thread. The most typical designs on the dress are those of the dragon and phoenix, showing the union of male and female sides.

This is the year of the Earth Rat, which is associated with fresh starts.  Oh!  I can't think of a better year to get married -- especially if you were born in the year of the Ox, Dragon or Monkey.  If you were born in the year of the Rat, prepare for a double dose of good forturne throughout the Chinese New Year!

Gung Hey Fat Choy!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Why This Tuesday is so Super

If I created a list of women that had the largest impact in my life, my grandma Lorana would be at the top of the list.  She was the epitome of a “Large Family Matriarch.”  She was sweet, stern, hilarious, sensitive and wise.

In 1999, Grandma Lorana and I had a long discussion regarding the presidential elections.  She mentioned to me that no woman should ever pass up an opportunity to vote – It was a right that so many women (of all cultures) had to fight for in the U.S., and we shouldn’t take it lightly.

If my grandma were alive today, she would be beaming over our election choices.  And, I can assure you that she would have made sure that her grandchildren (and great-grandchildren) made it to the polls.

Take a moment to vote.  It’s important, it matters and it’s a right that was created for us by women that didn’t have the privilege for so many years.

Don’t know when your primary is taking place?  Check out this Presidential Primary Election Calendar.

For a little fun, check out Brides Decide.  It’s a fun web site created by The Knot that gives you a front-row ticket to the 2008 presidential election.  For kicks, check out the Presidential Candidates on their wedding day.

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Product Love: Collage Print from Isabella Catalog

Picture this:  A wife is upset with her husband, and she can’t wait to talk to him about the reason why she is so upset.

While she waits for her husband to return home, she starts to hold an argument with him (in her head, of course!).  By the time that the husband arrives home, the wife has worked herself into a tizzy, and the poor guy has no idea why she is so dramatically upset.

Sound familiar? Of course it does.

If you do, you can appreciate the saying, “Don’t Believe Everything You Think.”  Quite frankly, I believe that this is some of the best advice I have heard in a long time!

If you need a daily reminder, Isabella Catalog is offering this saying on a little metal-framed collage print.  Hanging by a satin ribbon, this print is an attractive antidote to the mental toxins we often allow into our lives.

The collage print costs $29.95 and you can purchase it on www.isabellacatalog.com

So, free your mind!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Let's Go For Red Today

I don’t wear red – I don’t think it is a good color for me.  Never have.  I do; however, own a pair of stylish red glasses, eight red purses, and my rolling business/laptop case is red.  I know; I am weird.  I am going to wear red today though.  Because today is “National Wear Red Day”

Now, I am not going to wear red because today is a special "wear red" day.  I am going to wear read because my mom suffered a heart attack more than ten years ago.  To say that my siblings and I were surprised by her heart attack would be an understatement.  At the time, my mom weighed a healthy weight and she was extremely active.  Fortunately, the health care professionals at Duke University's Hospital took care of her, and my mom is still around coming up with new and exciting ways to drive her children absolutely crazy! 

So, I intend to wear red today and I encourage you to do the same.  By wearing red and making a donation, you'll help the American Heart Association support its ongoing research and education about women and heart disease.

If you are wondering why you should wear red, read this fact about heart disease – Heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of American women, claiming the lives of nearly 400,000 American women each year. And yet many women do not even realize they are at risk – nor do their physicians.  I don’t know about you, but that fact blows me away every time.

Too few people realize that heart disease is the #1 killer of women (and men), so spreading the Go Red For Women message “Love Your Heart” raises awareness of heart disease and empowers women to reduce their risk.

If you are like me and you don’t wear red, you may be wondering what to wear.  Well, National Wear Red Day has a dress code (thank goodness!). Wear your favorite red clothes or accessory - a red blouse, a red dress pin, a fabulous red handbag - put on red lipstick, or sport a red tie and red socks. Heck, add a little red to your wedding to show your support for women and the fight against heart disease.

And while you are at it, take the Heart CheckUp. You'll learn about your own heart health risks AND help the American Heart Association reach its goal of 1,000,000 Heart CheckUps!  One more thing:  Tell your friends, sisters, aunts, and moms about the Heart CheckUp.  Knowledge is power.

Take care of yourself.  Love & Soul Always, Kay