Happiness is the Ability to Help Others

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to visit the Philippines with the Association for Wedding Professionals international. We were treated with the greatest hospitality and met some of the nicest,humble and happiest people! This experience taught me to really appreciate everything I have and not to take my blessings for granted because everything we have can be quickly taken away.

The recent typhoon was definitely another reminder. It's easy for us to turn our heads the other way...but the truth is still there, there are families, fathers, mothers, children that are in need of assistance. Every little bit helps. Whether you contribute $20.00 or offer prayers for the people of Manila the most important thing is you tried to make a difference. By sacrificing a couple of Starbucks runs you can help to feed a family for two weeks. I encourage you to find out how you can help by visiting this site:
http://naffaar8.com/typhoon-ondoy-ketsana-disaster-relief-efforts-in-san-francisco-ca/

These beautiful images were taken by one of the talented photographers of AfWPi Jodi Halliday-Yorston http://www.byjyp.com/

Top 7 Ways To Create More Hours In Your Day

I know this is not "wedding related" but I think a lot of us can utilize this information since we are all trying to cram in so many things into our days. Thank you Linda Hollander from the Wealthy Bag Lady, (http://www.wealthybaglady.com/) I've already started incorporating some of these tips into my day! Hopefully you will find it helpful as well.

1. Use the 80/20 rule. We all know that 80 percent of our results come from 20 percent of our efforts. Figure out what the top 20 percent of your activities are and concentrate on them. Delegate the other tasks or put them off until later.

2. Reduce the Time You Spend on Email. Set up electronic file folders and flag messages from clients and other key contacts. Avoid the urge to check your email every few minutes.

3. Put Fun Names On Your Daily Activities. According to Lisa Nichols, one of the teachers in the Secret Movie, we need to put fun names on our tasks. Instead of checking email, she calls it "Finding money." Instead of working out, she calls it, "Bringing sexy back."

4. Work with a Timer. Buy a kitchen timer and turn it on when you start a task. When I'm editing corporate sponsor proposals for my clients, I put the timer on for 20 minute intervals. Just knowing the timer is on, makes me more productive.

5. Take Frequent Brakes. Avoid working for hours on the phone or your computer with no brakes. Get up, stretch and walk around every hour. If you're in a home office, you could take a walk around the block. If not, you can just go outside. Breathing in fresh air and looking at nature will re-charge your battery.

6. Strive For Completion, Not Perfection. This is a favorite mantra that I use with my clients. Too many of them are perfectionists and it blocks them from completing tasks and moving on to the most important cash flow activities in their businesses.

7. Reward Yourself For Completing Tasks. I love chocolate, so after completing a task, I eat a piece of chocolate and savor the flavor. I eat the good quality chocolate, so I my hips haven't gone condo yet.

Ever Thought About Getting Married During A Hockey Game?!?!?

Looking for a unique inexpensive wedding? If you Love Hockey and are looking to Get Married in search of something different! Check this out! Free Floral for Bridal Party up to 10 Wedding members, on Jumbo Tron for your family and friends and over 1000 Fans to cheer you on! Reception and Ceremony Fully Decorated including 10Ft Crystal Trees and Floral Treatment! Free Hair Stylist for Bride by Crowning Glory Hair Salon aka The Wedding Hairdresser voted #1 on the Knott. Free Day Of Wedding Coordination, free Wedding Cake by Levy's, free Limo by Eternity Limousine to Hotel for A Free Two Night Stay in a Honeymoon Suite! Free Gift Basket upon arrival, Music for your reception area in the Skybox! Free Tux from Allen's Tuxedo's and more!! You have use of the Skybox Room and can invite up to 150 guest including Bridal Party! Tickets for Guest to attend game and your wedding is $25 per person which includes ALL YOU CAN EAT HOCKEY MENU BUFFET! You are welcome to update your menu with Levy's Catering. Contact Kim_weddingsonice@yahoo.com for details!

West LA Bridal Show

Join More than Just Weddings at the West LA Bridal Show on Sunday, September 13, 2009 from 1-5pm. Free Parking and Free Admission. Indulge in wedding cake samples from our friends at Hansen's Cakes and learn how to create a fabulous looking wedding from our event designers Flowers on Mars. There will be a host of talented wedding vendors on hand to answer all of your wedding related questions. Don't forget to check out all of the amenities the newly remodeled Courtyard by Marriott has to offer for your next event! Bring your bridesmaids, mother, mother-in-law, make it a girls day!!!! See you then!

Money Saving Tip

Wow! I can't believe summer is almost over! What a busy summer this has been! Everyone knows I am always trying to help my clients save some money so this tip is specifically for all of my Budget Savvy Brides with a beach or summer theme. Since summer is almost over that means a lot of summer sales at your local stores! Now is the perfect time to stock up on those cute summer favors or accessories for your summer/beach themed rehearsal dinner, wedding, or bridesmaid luncheon at a discounted price! Why pay full price if you don't have to?!?!?! Be on the look out for everything from favors, escort card holders, gifts for out of town guests and accessories for centerpieces. Get creative, use your imagination and have fun saving money!!!! Happy shopping!!!

A Breath of Elegance

Be prepared to get inspired! Get new ideas from the highly talented event design company Flowers on Mars. Find out why Flowers on Mars has become a highly sought out design company for brides in Southern California. Meet some of their preferred vendors. All brides will have an opportunity to win a discounted lighting package. The first 5 brides will receive a free bridal bouquet. You will definitely leave feeling inspired. There is ample parking and admission is complimentary.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

11:00am-5:00pm

Del Rey Party Rental

4855 W. Rosecrans Ave

Hawthorne, CA

rsvp@flowersonmars.com

Cute and Yummy!!!!

Ladies...how cute is this?!?!?! Edible, glitter, chocolates that can be customized in your wedding or party theme colors!!! These bonbons are not only cute but they are fantastically delicious as well! So if you're looking for a "unique" wedding or party favor, searching for an addition to your candy station, or just something that gives that "cute" factor to your event....check out their site: www.bedazzlemybonbons.com