It's not Business... It's Personal...

Resource One:Peter Starck 'Ghost Chairs'


Hosts of today's Events are getting personal !!! Gone are the bland bouquet table and dull chairs of yesteryear. Event and Party Vendors are giving Guests "Something To Talk About"!!! There are thousands of ways to




personalize your event. Everything from the mood relayed to your invited Guests, when they receive their cus-
tomized invitations, to the roadster used to take you away from your "never to be forgotten soiree", is now receiving the signature touch of the event host/planner. From lighting to table accoutrements, it's all about what is you !!! Custom table linen and embellishments are not longer taking a back seat". (Sash Pendant: here and below -Fabric Jewelry)

Linens and chair treatments are being given as much attention as centerpieces, favors and table elements. Above are a small examples of how you can '' dress up" your table and make it one of the 'WOW' factors of your event. Elements of this trend run the gamut of whimisical - like the martini pendant- to elegant, like that of the exquisitely bejeweled sash pendant above. Both of these 'must-have items' are available at Fabric Jewelry. Peter Starck's-"Ghost Chair" - one of many of the unique chair selections available at New York-based- Resource One- delivers a clean, uncluttered look while enhancing custom lighting. And for that 'Art Deco' soiree (seen above, far right)...Victorious Events of New York delivers on the latest in fabric--spandex!!

With so many choices of elements that you can use to make your event your signature... the event world can safely say that "bland" is definitely not a choice!!



....PEARLS OF WISDOM,LLC "Cordially Invites" you to Join Us in a "LIVE" webcast on TALKSHOE LIVE on Sunday, March 9 2008 @ 1:00pm EST. Tell our listening audience about the unique and special way that your fiance' proposed to you.... OR .... share your 'fantasy' proposal...

Things That I'm Loving Now...

Here are a few of .... MY FAVORITE THINGS....

Glittery, chocolate oral sensations from Bedazzle My Bonbons. Described by the company as "Chocolates for the Fabulous...and slightly naughty", this treat is guaranteed to "open up a world of oral fantasy, like no other chocolate has before....

The jeweled tie tack, The Bosom Button is the perfect way to secure a low blouse or party

dress that otherwise would gape with every movement. Better than the smalliest safety pin, about the size of a dime- these glistening decolletage' 'centerpieces' are the perfect solution to life's clothing malfunction. Sold in sets of three, these gems also do double-duty as wardrobe embellishments....

Rain or Shine delivers just the right cover for your Event's- "Plan B" backup plan. This whimsical weather tamer brings smile to the faces and hearts of even the pickiest Bride. The pagoda parasol has been described as a graphic way to shade your day...

Juliet Ames Breaks plates for a living... the plate breaking resulted in a whimsical mosaic mailbox.
From the broken plates, Juliet crafts jewelry...earrings, necklaces, brooches, pendants, etc. She sells her wares through Etsy - an on-line market place for handmade goods. The unique jewelry finds its origin in salvaged plates that Juliet finds in her travels. At times, she wakes to find plates left at her doorstep by 'silent' lovers of her art. Lately she's has been working with broken Wedding Plates, producing necklaces for single friends of the Brides.

.....JUST A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

Things That I'm Loving Now...

Through a process known as spherification, bars will soon
be able to serve tiny edible balls filled with Cointreau into
a Cosmopolitan or a flute of Champagne....
more (by Pete Wells-N.Y.TIMES)

Serve your decadent sweet treats with this "nine inch heel". Okay, so it's not really nine inches of stilletto, but it's nothing short of "clever". "Soled" by Uncommon Goods, they describe this whimsical, but extremely functional, creation as-

"Slide this sexy server under your cake to formalize any event. This stunning stainless steel cake server has a magnetic "heel" on its handle that transforms this utensil into a size seven slide shoe. The heel comes off for serving and washing, but isn't everything a little bit sexier in a heel?"

Form really does follow function...and oh so cleverly!!! *wink*

A few favorites from MOMA

How about this "uber" finger candy? The jewel on the left is a metallic "diamond" and the rendition seen below is made from acrylic. These would

surely make a pleasant surprise on the ring bearer's pillow. Or what a delight serving double duty as a place card/favor for you guests. The Max.5 Book Light can also pull double duty. Let's see,... cluster several on your guest tables, in a dimly lit room and... or... set them at your guests place setting, couple with the latest read and...
or... well, as I said, the possibilities are endless...!!!!

Surviving the "Little" Stuff...

Every great "Game Plan" has a backup plan. A.K.A., "Plan B", "Rain Plan", "Go To Plan" or "Survival Plan". While planning your Event, your Event Coordinator is sure to have his/her own- "Survival Kit" that will rare its head in times of dire need. Your Coordinator's kit is only used to rescue those situations that have, otherwise been carefully planned for, but fall under the catagory of "Murphy's Law". We, Coordinators know, that if it can go wrong, it will go wrong. And the best-laid plans will not stop that which is inevitably going to occur. Our Survival Kit's is our silent assistant. As such, it's job is to assist us in producing an Event that is seamlessly flawless. We keep various and sundry items that are capable of performing multiple duties...if called upon to do so. For example, clear nail polish works double-duty to save stockings that have minor runs; as well as, its traditional use of covering talons , for a clean, just manicured appearance. Krazy glue functions to, both, re-attach broken nails, repair broken shoe heels and/or for almost all "broken" situations.

To the rescue...for those couples who want to possess the trade secret...three 'Must-Have' Survival Kits :

FOR THE BRIDE:

"The Wedding Day Survival Kit"

FOR THE GROOM:

The "Get Hitched without a Hitch- Grooms Kit"

FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS:

The "Bridesmaids Essential Survival Kit"

Not Afraid to Flaunt their Curves....

By RUTH LA FERLA published:February 21,2008
Natasha DaSilva, in search of a decidely
womanly wedding dress, tries on a gown by Pnina
Tornai at the Kleinfeld bridal salon in Manhattan.

Todays Brides are not afraid to flaunt their well chiselled, curvy bodies...even if the item draping those curves is a Wedding Dress. Gone are the days of the pristine, predictable , virginal white wedding attire (see earlier site post - "...Haute Bridal Couture": 1/27/08) ...read more from today's New York Times...

Crate and Barrel Wedding Party Events...

Crate and Barrel is hosting a series of Wedding Party events to help you with entertaining as newlyweds and a look at their latest registry guide. They’ll provide food and drinks which is generally enough to get me out to an event. Click through to their website to see if the Crate and Barrel near is hosting a Wedding Party.

YOUR NAME ON A SHIP....WHAT A GIFT !!!!

"YOUR NAME could be CHOSEN for Royal Caribbean's new Project Genesis SHIPS!

Enter your ideas for a chance to win a cruise for you and a guest. The new Project Genesis ships will provide opportunies to personalize and customize your cruise experience with more activities and services than ever before.

In YOUR search for the PERFECT NAME, just think of two corresponding names ending in "of the Seas" (for example, Freedom of the Seas) that doesn't necessarily refer to size or grandeur, but that speaks to the most fulfilling vacation of your entire life."

The last opportunity to submit names is 11:59pm February 29, 2008. USA TODAY will announce the name of one Finalist every Friday starting March 14. The Grand Prize Winner will be announced on or before May 31. For complete details and the official rules, please click here. "

Finalists will each receive winning prizes !!! see prizes

A SPECIAL GIFT...

FOR A SPECIAL SOMEONE...

FOR THAT SPECIAL EVENT...

"WILL YOU MARRY ME?"...Essence Magazine picks a WINNER

Eugene T. Glover and Kendra Schuler are the 2008 winners of the " Will You Marry Me?" proposal contest held by Essence magazine and sponsored by Tiffany Jewelers... read more

Body & Soul ... Body Challenge...

BODY & SOUL 30 Day Challenge

My friends at The Pink Peapod blogspot has done it again !!! They found a healthy, appetite fulfilling weight management challenge. It is the Martha Stewarts's 30 Day Body Challenge...

Check it out... and start winning today !!!

BLOOMS GALORE...

"... LOVE WITHOUT A LIMIT..."

These are the words song by sultry songstress Mary J. Blige as she descibes her limitless love for the man in her life.

There are no limitations on love, so why should there be limits on the florals that you choose to express that love on your Wedding day. Incorporate flowers into your ceremony whose "meanings" reflect the love that is felt between you and your life's love.

Customize your Wedding Day floral displays by visiting non-traditional venues for unsurpassed creative ideas. One such venue to put at the top of your 'must visit' list - Philadelphia's "FLOWER SHOW 2008".

This much awaited event, produced by The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, with the rhythmic theme of "JAZZ IT UP!" is scheduled for a March 2-9, 2008 launch.

The SCHEDULE is a follows:

Sundays, March 2 & 9, 8 am-6 pm
Monday-Friday, March 3-7, 10 am-9:30 pm

Saturday, March 8, 8 am-9:30 pm

The Location for this lavish event:

Pennsylvania Convention Center

12th & Arch Streets

Philadelphia, PA 19107

"The THEME of the 2008 Philadelphia Flower Show, will inspire the most winter weary visitors as they enter the Show to the swinging sounds of N'awlins". Hundreds of exhibitors, spread throughout the vass exhibition hall, promise to offer "Jazzed Up" gardens and floral displays that are guaranteed to take the Flower Show to a "whole new level".

Visit this sure to please, over the top, extravaganza---and come away with signature floral displays that are sure to personalize your Wedding Event.

For more Show information , CLICK ON this link: THE FLOWER SHOW.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS !!!!

For most of you, February 14th is special because it is- VALENTINE'S DAY!! For me; however, this day holds a more special meaning. For me, this was THE day of the year that brought me the most joy... That was until Friday February 16th 2007 !! You see, now my life is filled

with joy on both of these extra-special, extra-ordinary days!! And it is for this reason.

Some years in the past (I will let my daughter divulge how many of those years ago), I was

blessed, not only with a shot from cupids arrow

on February 14th, but also with a life "more pre-

cious than gold"-- my daughter--Ashley.

Just when life was fulfilling, especially with the likes of an adult daughter (now, we swap

stories about meaningful relationships; instead

of stories of fable), Ashley blessed me with a little person, aptly named--Beautiful. Beautiful has renewed my believe in "all things good in the world..." Both Ashley and Beautiful have brought me more "heart-filled" joy than any fine bottle of wine, or pleasureable ounce of chocolate.

To them I say..."I LOVE YOU BOTH...AND HAPPY BEAUTIFUL VALENTINE!!!

WIN A "FLYAWAY TO FIJI ISLAND" HONEYMOON GETAWAY !!!

Brides .COM will make several couple's wedding dreams come true this week. In conjunction with the popular, high dollar pay out game show, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" is playing a special version of the game - this week, from FEBUARY 4 - 8th -, aptly titled-"Play To Pay for Your Wedding Week".

During this special Nuptial Week, engaged couples, who have won a spot on the show, play as a team in hopes of WINNING $1 MILLION dollars!!!

As for the Couples in the viewing audience, they want to MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE, also. You and your Fiance can enter for a chance to WIN an 8 day, 7 night, round trip ticket for 2 (includes accommodations) to ...VOMO ISLAND RESORT in the FIJI !!!!!

ENTER by logging onto: www.Brides.com/millionaire the official site of Brides.com "FLYAWAY TO FIJI GETAWAY" The lucky couple will also win a ruby stacked ring for the Bride-to-be and a pair of silver cuff links for the Groom. Hurry, the CONTEST ENDS...... March 4, 2008!!!!!

BLACK is The New White...In Bridal Haute Couture

Hot off of the fashion runways of Paris! Sweeping our Parisian Brides by storm- is the new colour trend in Bride's haute couture----BLACK bridal gowns. Throughout the centuries, tradition has dictated that well-dressed Bride's are presented on their wedding day clothed pristinely in lavishly elegant white wedding dresses.

Taking their lead from the emulated, fashion forward Parisian couture world, elite designers of bridal wedding wear have begun to send their decadent, trendsetting BLACK bridal

gowns down many of the cities well-attended Runway shows. In the forefront of this colour revolution is noted French dress designer, Max Chaoul , whose stunning black and white, softly tiered, ultra-femine gown is featured in the picture, above left.

The Bride that presents herself to her awaiting groom-in the elegantly strapped bodiced gown of French dress designer Creation-Bochet (seen above right), will leave her Groom breathless & her invited guests awe-stricken and envious.

The black wedding dress, like "the little black dress" is the main staple of independent thinking, fashion savvy, "I am my own Woman"--- Bride.

And while some of your guests will gaze in utter disbelieve, the truths that they will have to admit about a BLACK dress are: you can never go wrong in designer black dress, a black dress is always sophicated, every woman can pull off the classic look of the black dress, AND all other opinions aside---a well tailored black dress always makes its wearer a slimming site for sore eyes!!!

For The Grown & Sexy...

Brian O'Neal

I L-O-V-E music !!!! There is something about music that transcends all things. Like a well written book - music takes you - physically, emotionally, psychologically, etc...) to places that soothe, stimulate and move you. Although my love for music runs the gamut from blues/country to classic/baroque (yes, baroque :), it is JAZZ that is the genre that I turn to to get my "GROWN & SEXY" on!!!

So, I'm surfing through some of my favor networking sites and, even before the site is fully loaded, I get an aural pleasure that sends me into my vass mental musical library...."Who is this?... This tune is the "hit"...I know this sound..." And as the site became more visible and the sounds more sweet, realized that I did recognize the sassy sounds of pianist extraordinaire- BRIAN O'NEAL. The site opens with the powerfully mesmerizing tune, aptly titled, "Mesmerimized".--doing just enough to get the mood started. And when I thought that the rhythm couldn't get any more "Grown & Sexy", he breaks into the soft and sultry sounds of "Autobahn". Following is-"Daisy", the upbeat and sassy tribute to the memory of his Grandmother. Keeping the mood 'right there...' is the melodic and sensual sound of "It's Personal". Brian must have known that his grateful listening audience really did not want this musically, delightful experience to end - and so he offers, as his final musical acoutrement -"No Words Necessary" to remind you that you have experienced the aurical world of the "Grown & Sexy".

Brian hails from West Bloom, Michigan. He is, by profession, a consummate musician - a composer, producer and keyboardist. Listed as one of his many musical objectives is to gain more exposure in the public arena. His forte' is musical production ( BCO Media, Inc) - writing jingles, film scores and radio/television commercials.

Experience the montage of sounds that is Brian O'Neal . Perhaps you will commission Brian O"Neal to write and perform the perfect song for your upcoming Special Event!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

{photo via HighSnobette::special thanx}

A New Resolution... A "Life's List"

"Welcome...2008!!!"

...three hundred and sixty five days --now part of our memories. Oh yes, after the traditional song of "Auld Lang Syne" at our favorite gathering place has been sung, the lifting of glasses filled with our favorite bubbly has been drunk, and the sharing of warm and affectionate glances with those who are nearest and dearest to us has passed --we start the year with anewed promises and resolutions. And, although, we know in our heart of hearts that those "never quite achieved" resolutions that we have whole-heartedly committed to -- even if only for the first four weeks of the year -- we continue to have faith that "This year is going to be the year..."

This year, instead of scripting the usual list of "how am I going to change this year"?, make a "Life's To-Do List". Think about what YOU want your life to say about you. Building you list will require more time, commitment, honesty, self-evaluation and introspection than the old "...I will lose those pounds, improve on my golf score, be a nicer person, etc,..." lists of yesteryear. Include several values that are meaningful to you. These values are characteristics and qualities that define how you--moving forward--want to live your life.

As you begin to ponder these values, what ;you will find, is that naturally, you will begin to formulate goals that directly relate to the values, by which, you have chosen to live your life. With deeper introspection, your goals will have reasons.

Working toward your goals with your "To-Do List" spelled out, your begin to see that you are moving toward place that is intrinsically important and meaningful.

Visit your "Life's To-Do List" regularly to check your progress and to congratulate yourself on your efforts !!!

TO ALL OF YOU: "THE HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS !!!

"... GAME DAY..." -- For The Man in your life...

For the Guy Who Wants More Than a Little Off the Top



BARBERSHOP DUO At MR., the owners Sean A. Heywood, left, and Kumi D. Walker

Jim Wilson/The New York Times

SAN FRANCISCO

By JONATHAN D. GLATER
Published: November 14, 2007/The New York Times

PERHAPS it was only a matter of time before someone realized that what a certain kind of man wants while getting a haircut is a cold beer — preferably Chimay.
Two graduates of Stanford Graduate School of Business, Sean A. Heywood and Kumi D. Walker, envisioned such an experience a few years ago and have now opened MR., a combination barbershop, club and lounge in the business district of San Francisco.
“Our goal was to make it nicer than most of our clients’ apartments,” said Mr. Heywood, gesturing toward the 100-inch flat-screen television opposite the bar. “Our vision was-‘ What if we can create this sense of community?’ ”
When they were undergraduates together atBrown University, in Providence, R.I., away from home — Mr. Heywood grew up in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn and Mr. Walker in Columbia, Md. — finding a hair stylist they trusted was not easy. When they decided on this line of business, they were sure they could find a market.
They decided that a shop serving all hair types represented a much bigger business opportunity and better reflected the professional community they wanted to create.
Currently, about 90 percent of MR. Members (there are members as well as walk-ins) are Caucasian men-reflecting the business neighborhood, Mr. Heywood said.
To help create a club atmosphere, the shop offers memberships, charging flat monthly rates that differ depending on the services wanted. For $65 a month, a customer gets one haircut, one touch-up, shoe shining and a drink at the bar, which serves wine and beer.
There are costlier memberships that include more visits and more benefits. A walk-in cut costs the same as a membership, $65. Both Mr. Heywood and Mr. Walker are well versed in the language of business school and can describe the barbershop’s “target demographic”: professional men, most making $75,000 or more, who shop at Barney’s drive a BMW or Mercedes-Benz and appreciate a duplex along the Embarcadero even if they cannot afford one.
The space that they found to appeal to such men has a loft like, red-brick-walled lounge area with several couches and the bar. It is a space that has a certain clubhouse mind-set, but is not stodgy, said Alex Clemens, founder of Barbary Coast Consulting, a communications firm, and an early customer.
“I was intrigued by the idea of a living-room lounge where even a dorky middle-aged white guy could go get an up-to-date haircut, watch some sports on a big screen TV and relax,” he said.
“Barbershops may not be sexy,” Mr. Heywood said. “But there’s nothing sexy about Wal Mart either.”

FOR ONE MORE DAY....

" WHAT IF YOU HAD ONE MORE DAY WITH SOMEONE YOU'D LOST? WHAT WOULD YOU DO?" This is the premise of Mitch Albom's latest poignant, thought provoking novel.

I've just , sadly enough, completed this fantastic, never-want-to-put-it-down novels, by (one of my favorite authors) Mitch Albom.

You already know him for two of his other works (both made into "MADE FOR TELEVISION" movies; "Tuesdays With Morrie" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven". Just like these two phenomenal reads, "For One More Day" does not disappoint. Oprah loved the premise so much that she is the Producer of the "Made For Television Movie" of this "I don't ever want it to end" novel...Make it your next holiday read !!!!

HOLIDAY MUSIC FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT

BLOOMS GALORE...

"LOVE WITHOUT A LIMIT"...

....The words sang by the sultry songstress Mary J. Blige.

If love has no limit...Why should there be limits on the flowers that you choose to use to express your love for one another on your special day?

The choices of floral bliss-like your love for one another- has no limit!!

Incorporate flowers into your special event whose "meanings" echo your feelings for one another. Every bloom has a special meaning. And for those couples looking to personalize their Wedding Event with customized floral arrangements - PHILADELPHIA, PA has a FLOWER SHOW for YOU!!!

With the theme of "JAZZ IT UP", The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society of Philadelphia hosts a week-long floral extravanganza that "will inspire the most winter weary visitors as they enter the Show to the swinging sounds of N'awlins."

Scheduled for March 2 - 9,2008,

Sundays, March 2 & 9, 8 am-9:30 pm
Monday-Friday, March 3-7, 10 am-9:30 pm
Saturday, March 8, 8 am-9:30 pm

Located at the Pennsylvania Convention Center

Hundreds of exhibitors, spread throughout the "jazzed up" exhibition halls will be available to showcase their gardens and floral displays.

For more information re: hours, directions and admission information- CLICK ON: The Flower Show.

Don't miss this Special Event that will definitely add that custom touch to your event...Remember to order your flowers before you leave!

ALICIA KEYES fight to "KEEP A CHILD ALIVE"

KEEP A CHILD ALIVE is an urgent response to the AIDS pandemic ravaging Africa. With more than 28 million dead and 15 million orphaned, the disease continues, wiping out whole societies, threatening economic infrastructure and creating tragic family devastation. We provide life-saving medication, support, and orphan care, to keep these children and families alive. Keep a Child Alive gives 100%* of public donations to our cause.

Help Alicia and all of the Supporters of this worthwhile cause by giving to these children of tomorrow. Click on the organization's title as a direct link to the official site of KEEP A CHILD ALIVE or visit: http://www.keepachildalive.org/ to join in this fight for our children.

THE SEASON OF SOIREES IS UPON US

So it is that time of year - when all is FESTIVE. That time of year of magnificently designed holiday storefronts, hustling and bustling shoppers frantically in search of "just the right gift", and the seasonal music that serves to remind us of the purpose of it all. Lest we forget, the vast and sundry invites to the long anticipated soirees of the season.
Some of us more brave souls, will be willing and ecstatic hosts of these fun-filled fetes. For those of us who are less "Martha Stewart-inclined", we will be eager and willing attendees. It is the time for great hosts. ..and the time for gracious guests.
And what do well organized, leave-no-detail-unattended, "I can't wait to get this party started" hosts say that they expect from their stylishly dressed, "thanks for putting me on the VIP list", "let's get this party started" guests?
Well here's the skinny- right from the Hosts themselves.
First, don't be surprised but, "late is great". Hosts don't mind late, as long as it is "fashionably".
Fifteen to twenty minutes late allows each guests their "minute of fame" while lending a "must be attended... even if I'm late..." air to the party. So twenty minutes late, tops. Secondly, ...bring that one invited guest with you. Hosts will never deny you the chance to bring your favorite dance partner so that you can show off your "Dancing with the Stars" moves. But remember, even the stars have one dance partner. Thirdly, (we're almost done),... arriving fashionably late has its merits; however... leaving fashionably late- let's just say - that will remove from the VIP list immediately.
Finally ...remember to thank your host with a well bought gift. Show the host, that they are the most. A thoughtful gift says many things, among which includes - "Thanks for"- the VIP invite, the fantastic food, the wonderful ambience and the graciousness for allowing me into your world".