Come Shopping With Me!
I’m sharing some discount codes with you, luxelings! Enjoy!
I’m sharing some discount codes with you, luxelings! Enjoy!
Today was one of those pensive days…
The fabutots and I had a great weekend and were just winding down. Throughout the day, I had been checking in on the Puerto Rican primary, and was amazed at how they said PR has about 2 million voters in one particular area. I thought, "Wow, I’m just one person…"
I grilled for the kids today, and as I heard the rumble of thunder in the distance, I remembered that I had forgotten to put the cover back on the grill (Captain America, don’t have a heart attack! It’s back on!). I waited outside for a bit, smelling the rain in the air; hearing cracking of thunder, and the wind whisper in the trees. I looked up at the sky and saw how wide and open it was– the different shades of blue and grey, with disgruntled clouds moving quickly through the sea of blue. The longer I looked, the bigger the sky looked, and I felt so small. There are so many things going on in the world today– politics, racism, sexism, natural disasters, global warming, wars, terrorism….Just one person…a tiny person, no significance…another number in the vast majority of world.
Then I walked into the house and my kids jumped on me as if they hadn’t seen me in years. Shrieking of excitement to tell me about some very minor detail (but was huge to them), they clamored over me and commanded my attention so they could share. As the night grew on and we all huddled to watch one of our favorite movies (Pirates of the Caribbean 2), my daughter clung to me as if I would disappear.
And I felt big.
Small in the world, but three little people’s everything. Not just another number, but number one in the lives of my children.
There are times when we think that our problems are the only thing that are in our lives at that season. That we are our current circumstances. One of my favorite sayings is, "Stop telling God how big your situation is, and tell your situation how big your God is". But there is more to it as well. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of life, we let so many things encompass us and speed up our lives….instead of taking the time to realize what’s really important, or just enjoy small moments like smelling the rain…or being tackled and smothered in kisses by small children.
There’s a saying, "To the world you might be just one person, but to one person, you might be the world".
If you ever need a pick me up or reality check, walk outside…and walk back in to those who love you.
So long, Nikki! She’s been eighty sixed, and by God, was I happy to see her go.
I knew she was going to be the one eliminated just by the way she whined about making mayonnaise by hand. She just wasn’t cut out for it. She had a prime opportunity when she and the groom really hit it off with their similar palates and affinity for Italian foods. My Lipgloss, the woman is Italian and has perfected many Italian dishes on the show– wonderful time to show up and show off.
Because she had this experience, her team looked to her for her expertise and insight. What does she do? Drop the ball and shirk the responsibility. BAD freakin’ move. Chef means "chief" or "head" in French, these are typically description of leaders. It’s not called Top Whiner, Top Shirker, or Top Shying Violet. Nikki had an opportunity to command three other reasonably good chefs to create something she is an expert in. Instead, she had the "you do your thing, I’ll do mine".
For example– Dale, who for all intents and purposes, is a jerk, however, Dale was working his tail off and because he had no direction about Italian food (by his own admission, he does not make it or specialize in it). he did his own thing (and did it horribly). As he was making a ragù, Nikki asked him what he was doing and what his ingredients were. Basically, Dale said that he was making a tomato sauce with very little tomatoes. Genius at its best, yet I digress. Nikki grew indifferent and said in so many words "That’s on him".
WHAT??
Wedding planning interns, you can learn a lot from this:
You are a team! And you are only as strong as the weakest person on your team– leader or not. If you specialize in something and see someone doing it wrong, you need to let them know. You do not become a rockstar by watching your teammate inadvertently sink the ship and absolve yourself by saying "Glad it’s not me". Oh no, mon petit luxeling, it is you– it is all of us.
If your planner gives you a task, you never know if it is the test. You’ve made it through the very harrowing and consuming selection process. If s/he didn’t see potential in you, you wouldn’t be there. Well, at least in my book. My motto is "Go fabulous or go home!" You cannot be afraid to step up to the plate and do your best– if you see an opportunity to lead, take it. This industry isn’t for the timid, the shy or easily intimidated. You’ve got one shot to get it right. If you’ve go what it takes, take it– show up and show off!
But if you even THINK that letting another assistant coordinator or intern working on the wedding do something wrong or haphazardly won’t come back to bite you…YOU might be the one who might be gone.
I love this little lass; she’s a cutie.
We can all agree that people say stupid things. When they say stupid things about your wedding… Mmm, it can be a tad bit annoying and conflicting. But what if it is a vendor? How do you deal with that? Easy. You get your hand on your hip, hold up your right hand, point your index finger, roll your neck and say "Oh no you di-n’t!"
Ok. So I’m joking.
Sorta.
So let’s explore the stupid things vendors say when they should just say "Congratulations on your engagement" and leave you alone:
With our service, you don’t even need a wedding planner/coordinator!: Oh no you di-n’t! How would YOU (the vendor) know? It irritates the lipstick out of me when I hear a vendor say this to the client not knowing what their wedding entails– the details, the relationships, the design concepts, etc. So when the DJ tells you that his services are THAT good that you don’t need a planner or a coordinator, seriously ask him (or her) when would be the best time to contact him about invitation wording for when your mother has remarried and your father has passed away and you want them both on the invite. Then ask him what particular shade of red makes tiffany blue pop– raddichio or barn red? Better yet, ask him how he plans to get the lipstick out of your dress prior to the ceremony…and prior to his schedule arrival.
Call me and let me know what he says.
You’re going with THAT {insert what you want here}?!: Oh no you di-n’t! I have several patented responses, but my favorite is, "Well, if you like {what they want}, you are more than welcome to buy it for me!" Remember, it’s your wedding…and while everyone and their fabmother will have an opinion on what you should be doing, it happens. However, when they become rude or condescending about a choice hat you chose and is dear to you– that’s what I have a problem with. It’s your wedding. Do what you want. Even if it is the McWedding, it’s still your special day…and if you like, it I love it, and I’ll make it happen for you. All your vendors should feel this way. After all, you pay us to feel this way. Not to play Tim Gunn.
You paid how much for THAT {Another wedding service that you’ve already contracted}!? I know someone who got the same thing for much less!: Oh no you di-n’t! Not only do they get a "ONYD", but they get to help themselves to a free cup of "Shut the Hell Up". This irritates me as well, because nothing will drive a bride more insane than to have her decision to hire a vendor questioned by another vendor she is considering. It’s kind of like when your mom would say "Eat your peas. There are children starving in Mongolia". I was always the smart one that said "Name one". Of course, that landed me in my room, but the same premise is true for your vendors. Tell them to name one or to prove it. You will find that a majority of the time that price is old, based on different circumstances that don’t apply to your situation or is just a fabrication. It’s not the florist’s job to grill you as to how much you paid for your DJ or why you chose to fly this particular one from Kalamazoo.
Their correspondence looks like this:
Your package is $7500. I require 50% down.
Mr. Photographer.
Oh no you di-n’t! What ever happened to common courtesy? What does a girl have to do to get a decent salutation around here? When asking for an exorbitant amount of money, is it really too much to ask for a little personality, courtesy and dare I say it…professionalism? If your vendor is that self absorbed and can’t muster up enough niceties to speak to you the way a client should be spoken to, you can best believe, girlfriend, that come wedding time, you will HATE him.
We don’t do contracts…Don’t worry, we’ll be there: Oh no you di-n’t! It astounds me that some vendors honestly think that someone is going to fork over hundreds, if not thousands on a hope and a prayer that they will show up. Honey, please! No one is falling for that– I don’t care how long they’ve been in business, that just doesn’t fly. If at any time a vendor drags their feet on getting you a contract, leave them. They either don’t want to work with you or aren’t business savvy. Nothing good will come out of it. Remember, a contract protects you and them. I’m sure they are lovely people and are so very nice. However, see how nice you think they are when they fall through. Let me now how that works out for you.
That’s not my job or You don’t pay me enough to…: Oh no you di-n’t! Let’s put it on the table– most vendors feel like this, but they shouldn’t say it or say it in a way that is completely and utterly rude. But let’s also put it on the table that you don’t own anyone that day either. But if it is something small like relaying a message to another member of the event staff, moving an item (not a large one, FYI), doing a little extra (like taking additional pictures during the shoot with some special VIPs or playing a special request or making an announcement, or even help with bustling a dress) is just a nice thing to do…and you want nice people working with you on your wedding day, not egomaniacs or Mordecai from Children of the Corn.
As always, I can’t stress enough to you how important it is to pay attention to the service and/or treatment you receive prior to signing a contract. I have seen a lot of brides who put up with substandard or downright rude treatment from vendors because they "love" their work or it’s their dream venue. Can it, toots. That dream will soon turn into a nightmare, and you will resent writing those checks. And stand up for yourself!
If something is about to transpire that you know is wrong or have a gut feeling is wrong, put that index finger up, honey and say "Oh no you di-n’t!" and write and tell me all about it!
It’s tonight on Bravo!
You all know I’m a sucker for awesome food and then series challenge of doing a wedding just makes it all the better for me! I can’t wait to see Collichio and Padma’s critiques tonight. It looks like it’s going to be a good one from the previews and it definitely gives an alternative perspective for the audience who are used to attending weddings or seeing ditzy planners play them on TV.
Do I have any other foodies or Top Chef fans?
Who doesn’t love David Tutera?
I mean, seriously, how much MORE fabulous could your event be with him as your wedding planner? Well here is your chance!
Here are the details from GotCast Casting:
Let celebrity wedding planner David Tutera enhance your wedding on WE TV!
Making your dream wedding a reality can be almost impossible. And if you or someone you know is getting married THIS SUMMER, then there’s very little time left to make that dream come true. That’s why “My Fair Wedding,” the newest lifestyle show from the Women’s Entertainment Network, is offering a few lucky brides a chance to have celebrity wedding planner David Tutera enhance and upgrade their weddings before it’s too late!
In 2006, Modern Bride Magazine honored David as one of the Top 25 Trendsetters of The Year. With a few thousand dollars and his extensive knowledge and skill, David Tutera can bring some last-minute elegance to your fast-approaching nuptials.
If you or someone you know has spent months planning that dream wedding, and something STILL isn’t quite right, enroll today!
Requirements:
– wedding date
– a picture of the bride
– why she needs David’s help!
– weddings should take place in July or August, 2008!
Leading Entertaining Expert David Tutera is hailed as an artistic visionary whose ability, uniquely creative talents and outstanding reputation have made him a tremendous success in the lifestyle arena. Tutera has Created a name for himself by taking his passion for designing spectacular events and transforming it into a lifestyle.? He continuously exceeds the expected with an unmatched level of inspiration, imagination, and innovation to create the latest trends in entertaining.
To enter, go here. Good luck!
My fabulous twin saw this coming in her post, Grey is the New Blonde. Grey has completely replaced beige and brown and even black for the luxe factor in eye makeup. It’s classic, sleek and can be glammed up or ingenued down. Your choice (you know what I’d go for 😉 ). Here are some hot products you will want to try out to see if this trend is something you would like to try out for your wedding or next party.
Bobbi Brown has a beautiful Long Wear Gel Eyeliner that comes in Granite Ink or Graphite Shimmer Ink, which is a darker, shimmery version of the Granite Ink. These can be used to create subtle or dramatic looks ($19, each. Bobbi Brown)
Bobbi Brown also has a Longwear Cream Eyeshadow in Slate (and a silver version called Galaxy). Cream eyeshadows are great because you can increase the intensity without looking “too made up” or worry about creasing. ($22, each. Bobbi Brown)
Cherline— a high gloss, high impact pigment by MAC comes in “Dark Soul” which they describe as “deep smoke grey with silver, gold, and white pearl” ($58 for the set of three. MAC )
Sephora’s creamy, long-wearing eye pencil comes in two awesome shades: Pewter and Dark Grey. These are perfect to have in your arsenal when you want to go for a sexy, smoky eye (which can be done subtly, by the way, if you like the concept, but not being too made up).
I got tagged by Saundra at Planning Forever, and I must say, this is the best tag game yet.
I think we’ve all been hit with the “Name Seven Things About You…”, so to shake it up a bit (and she does that so well….”Them apple bottom jeans…boots with the fur”. Don’t try to get it. Saun will know what I mean), Saundra asked that we name 5 songs that we are embarrassed for anyone to know that we like/listen to.
SCORE. As you can tell from some of my blog posts, I’m always listening to something or other. I’m not necessarily embarrassed, but I bet you never would’ve thought that I rock out to…
1.) Anything Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana. Right now, me and Mini Me rock out to Rock Star (perfect for us 🙂 ) and See You Again.
2.) Toxic or I’m A Slave for You by Britney Spears. That’s great Strippercise music. Hey, to each it’s own, sister.
3.) Any song from Bizet’s Carmen or Premminger’s Carmen Jones. Remember, I’m an old soul.
4.) Prima J’s Rock Star (notice a trend?). I got this from Scarlett’s MySpace page, and it was TOTALLY infectious. Mini Me and I scream this on the way to school. No wonder everyone calls her “Hollywood”.
5.) Crank Dat by Soulja Boy. Perhaps I am embarrassed by this one LOL. But I LOVE the Travis Barker version to work out to….gets me pumped!
Who shall I tag….
Ok!
Stella Event Design | Kenzie Shores | Emilie Duncan | It’s A Jaime Thing | Scarlett Lillian
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Now playing: Sade – Please Send Me Someone To Love
via FoxyTunes
