Sweet Memories + Birthdays

Photography by Scott Faber Photography

In February, I got the fantastic opportunity to work with Donna Ford from Sweet Memories Bakery. I was initially introduced to Sweet Memories by attending a floral class at The Watered Garden (another incredible vendor for another day). Donna had graciously provided cupcakes for the class. And these were no ordinary cupcakes. These were fluffy and light cupcakes that boasted decadent royal icing about three inches high. Absolutely mouth watering.

When the time came to order a birthday cake for a particular basketball coach, my attention focused on Sweet Memories. I was lucky enough to venture over to Apex for a design and cake tasting meeting. It was AMAZING. From red velvet to almond to sweet potato (oddly enough, my favorite), the cakes had a rich, yet airy taste. I could not get enough. The design process was just as exciting. We recreated our invitation as the cake design and Donna cleverly embellished the four tier cake to make it the centerpiece of the event. More people took photos of the cake than anything else and I was more than pleased to see it appear on twitter pages and websites!

Executing events takes planning, organization and energy. However, I have learned that the most important aspect is utilizing great vendors. They can step up a good event to make it absolutely exceptional. Sweet Memories did just that!

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Secret Admirer

On redstamp.com, you can send an adorable card to a crush or a fabulous friend or the love of your life without them knowing who their secret admirer is. I would love to receive a mystery note from a special someone.

See below and send away. I am always looking for mail...

Secret Admirer Mailing Service

Have something to say, but want someone else to say it for you? Bring back the flutter of schoolyard crushes + let us mail your card for you!

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King's Daughters Inn

In mid February, a small group of prominent people gathered in Durham, North Carolina for a relaxed weekend. These folks unite only a few times a year and I wanted a venue for their annual weekend in North Carolina to foster a sense of community and comfort.

{ENTER STAGE RIGHT}

The King's Daughters Inn

This unique, 17 room inn truly knocked my socks off!

I will gush for a few sentences...

This building was originally an old woman's home that was supported by the King's Daughters. After many years, the house was closed and bought by a couple that came to Durham to attend Duke University. A contracting license, a major design project and a year later, the King's Daughters Inn was born. Each guest room has a different look and feel (a quick glimpse at the rooms in the picture above), but is equipped with all the best luxury items and most up to date techonology. It can work for a vacation or a work trip. A home made and hot breakfast is served evry morning and tea is available all afternoon in the parlor. The couple is passionate about wine and will invite guests down for wine and cheese in the evening.

The weekend was a complete success. Their hospitality was impeccable and made me feel at ease as planner. The above photo is the Dining Room where we held an intimate dinner for the group. It was truly an evening to remember.

If Julie AND Julia can do it, why can't I?

Image courtesy of Sulehka.com

"Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."

Julia Child

Day in and day out, I frantically work with caterers, rental equipment companies, linen companies, invitation designers and so on and so on to create memorable events for our donors and their guests. The work can be fast paced, a bit crazy and always upbeat. There are times I focus on the perfection of the event a little too much..."Is the lighting too much?", "Should I have folded the napkins differently?", "Are these the right vases for the type of flower I chose?". It is so detail oriented that there are times I lose sight of the enjoyment of an event.

Having said that, I found myself scrolling through the titles at the Redbox on Monday evening. Being the foodie that I am, "Julie and Julia" was rented and inserted into my lap top as soon as I entered my humble abode. For two hours and five minutes, I was mesmerized by these two women's stories of trial and error in discovering a passion that they believed in and truly loved. While I am struggling with the same issues myself, this movie helped me decide on a few fundamental principles for my life from here on out.

1) Never stop looking for things that make you happy.

2) Stick with something you have a passion for no matter how many obstacles face you.

3) No matter where you are, an event (a Christmas party, a picnic, an impromptu game night) brings people together to enjoy good company, good food and good times. Everything else is secondary.

While I don't plan to have white linens and plastic forks at my next event, I will pay attention to the good times being had and ignore a few of the high strung questions that fly through my brain.

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The next element inspiration board is coming soon!

America's Next Top Event? (Part 1)

It has been over two years since I have been able to push the big red power button on my twelve inch, fifty pound silver box. Correct, I do not have a working television. For the better part of those two years, it was a money saving decision. It still helps the budget quite a bit, but I have become quite proud that I do not have cable, satellite or the dish network. Now I have provided you that information, I can now confess that while I do not have a working television. I rely on my internet to catch up on my various shows. One of my favorite shows is America's Next Top Model. I know, I know. A tad superficial, but I love the creative process of photo shoots, the sets and the runway shows. Last month's finale had two incredible women stomping the runway inspired by the elements - Water, Fire, Wind.

And with that, I decided to create inspiration boards of the elements. This is the first of a four part post that will delve into the four elements - Wind, Water, Fire and Earth.

As I mulled over the elements, water conjures up the ideas of white sandy beaches with crashing waves, a strong waterfall or teeming rain.

For me, Monet's interpretation of water is much more appealing. The"Waterlilies" painting portrays calm, serene flowers floating on an almost still landscape utilizes a palette that many would not associate with the element of water. However, deep purples, midnight blues and bright greens create a complimentary collection of colors that would pop on a table setting or in a floral arrangement. From there, the inspiration board was born.

From the board, I must highlight a few of my favorite things. The flirty green frock comes from a small designer, LulaKate, based out of Charleston, SC. The designer, Katherine McDonald, combines a beautiful fit with gorgeous colors ranging from siren red to bridal white to sunshine yellow. Not only do they look gorgeous on bridesmaids, but they can be worn to cocktail parties and dinner dates long after their dear friend's big day.

Other fabulous accents are the purple satin Kate Spade heels. I go back to her designs time and time again. Kate truly understands the concept of girly and I adore her for it. The other girly accessory is the etsy.com clutch. Etsy has some great, inexpensive finds for a bridal party or a bride herself.

Water can be viewed in so many ways. Bright blue, powder blue, mossy green or even black. It can be strong and harmful or relaxing and composed. In my life right now, I chose to view water as a slow, flowing element and Monet's interpretation suited my emotions perfectly. And in my opinion, those waterlilies would make a great centerpiece at a gorgeous wedding as well!

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Thanks a Bunch

Since I am cooking and dancing and having an overall wonderful time with my beloved family, I will share my new obsession for a quick, easy and inexpensive centerpiece. Cranberries! At about $1.50 a bag, you can put these at the bottom of any vase, grab a bunch of flowers of your choice and add water. Voila! A colorful and quite seasonal arrangement. Not only have I used this for an event at work, but have created multiple arrangements for neighbors and my family.

Have a happy thanksgiving. And remember...

Keep it Sunny! (Gobble, Gobble)

Apples to Apples

Due to the economy, our special event budget has been drastically slashed. While many may see the variety of down sides to this, I have actually enjoyed the challenge of becoming a "recessionista". My most exciting role in the new budget conscious realm is becoming a florist! I meander down the road to Whole Foods, find the best colors in the array of whole sale flowers they provide and work away. I'm sure I look ridiculous on the floor of our small office, but it is a creative process for me and have learned to enjoy it.

Which brings me to the above photo. In late October, I found myself bored with JUST flowers. The color palette included browns, greens and yellows. A true fall combination. So, I considered my options in the Whole Foods flower section. Do I attempt a craft store run? Do I stick with the same flowers, flowers and more flowers? Or do I peruse the produce section?

As you can tell, my eyes went straight for the vibrant granny smith apples and you see the finished product. Playing with the balance of the arrangement was a challenge and I may have incorporated more than one apple next time, but all in all I think the amateur florist is finding her way. If not, the economy should be bouncing back some point soon?

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