National Cupcake Day: Thursday, December 15

Now, that is my kind of holiday!

Marble Slab Creamery is giving out free ice cream cupcakes (limit one per customer, while supplies last) from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2011!

Have you tried them before? Thursday just might be my day of trying these babies...even though I have to trek alllllll the way over to Clearwater! Just sayin'! Yummy.

Man. I am craving one now!

Enjoy!

Burger King: Free Fries this Friday!

BK is giving FREE fries out THIS Friday, December 16, 2011!!!
No purchase necessary! Whoo Hooo!
I love Fridays. I love free things. I certainly LOVE french fries. Don't you?
BK will be giving one Value Size fry per person at participating locations. Sweeeeet!

The information is on FACEBOOK...under the free fries tab, clever huh? :)

Check it out my friends and let me know if you go on Friday!

Ellee

Have you heard of Elf on the Shelf? 

Super neat idea for kids (and BIG kids, like myself!) and fun game every morning to wake up to in December before Christmas.

Go get one. They are fantastic. Target has them.

Our little Ellee!

Meet our family's Elf, she is a girl and her name is Ellee (pronounced Elleeeeeee or Ellie whichever you perfer). I opted to get her the white skirt she needed to be more feminine too! Love a girl elf that is fashionable.

Just wanted to send some pictures of our first week hanging with Ellee.

Hiding in the basket!

Smell those pretty Flowers!

 

Styling in those shades!

 

Mother Goose in the house!

 

Up high!

Happy December! Enjoy!

xoxo
-Tee

Tee's Closet: Lilly Tunic

I came across this and just thought to myself, why yes I would like this to be added into my newly designed virtual closet!

:)

Thanks L!

xoxo

-Tee

Who Are You?

I found this amazing article about the differences between the catering manager's duties and the wedding coordinator/planner's duties, because to be honest...It's Confusing! Get Married Magazine published a detailed article outlining each duty of both. Like their titles, their jobs are completely different. Brides and grooms should be aware of the differences and have the appropriate expectations of both. So here we go!

Catering Manager vs. Wedding Planner

Decoding the differences and responsibilities of Catering Managers vs. Wedding Planners.

When considering whether or not to hire a wedding planner, consider the services your venue will be providing. Ask questions and educate yourself. At minimum, a day-of or month-of wedding planner is encouraged (and sometimes required by an event site). However, at first look, you may not see the need for the additional expense. We’ve broken down the basics of wedding planners versus your catering manager to help you decide if one is right for you.

This list of guidelines we’ve included are of typical duties, though not necessary the case for all locations. So be familiar with your specific situation and make the best, educated decision for your event that you can.

Catering Manager Duties
Though each venue and each department vary in specifics, typically, your catering manager will be included in the cost of the food and beverage or location contract, and oversee and/or be responsible for the following:

Catering managers plan, organize and develop food and beverage services, while meeting customer expectations, food and hygiene standards and financial targets.

The role varies according to the size and nature of the establishment: in a small operation, the catering manager has more of a 'hands on' role and will be involved in the day-to-day running of the operation.

In contract catering, the catering manager will spend time negotiating with the client, assessing requirements and ensuring that it is satisfied with the service delivered.

Organizing and overseeing the catering team.

Planning menus in consultation with chefs.

Ensuring health and safety regulations are strictly observed.

Monitoring the quality of the product and service provided to you and your guests.

Keeping financial and administrative records, including all your contract agreements.

Act as liaising between client and caterer and/or venue.

Negotiating contracts with customers (in contract catering).

Setting and agreeing upon budgets.

Overseeing the management of facilities, e.g. checking event bookings and allocation of resources/staff to ensure your event is booked and staffed properly.

Keeping abreast of trends and developments in the catering industry such as menus, consumer tastes and management issues.

Typical Duties of a Full-Service Wedding Planner

Each planner will vary in the services they provide. Each planner will also offer different packages to fulfill your needs without the added expense of paying for services you will not use or want. This list is a broad scope of an event planner’s duties, though yours may not offer all such services or he/she may offer additional perks.

Assist with etiquette and protocol for invitations, family matters, ceremony and toasts.Assemble, stuff and mail invitations and by request, receive all rsvp’s for accurate on-going guest count (can be additional fee).

Recommend special event professionals to provide music, floral, photography, ceremony officiant, invitations, amenities, and any other niche services.
Create and follow a comprehensive budget and payment schedule for all wedding related vendors to ensure timely payments and accurate costs of event.

Create a timeline for your entire wedding day, including the ceremony and reception. To be consulted on and forwarded to your catering manager prior to wedding date.

Work with you to organize and coordinate your ceremony rehearsal (rehearsal dinner is usually an additional charge). Remind bridal party of all pertinent “call times” and “don’t forgets” for the wedding day.

Create and run the walk-through at the church or ceremony site for family and bridal parties during rehearsal.

Act as church or ceremony site liaison to coordinate all timelines and be aware of all venue and religious restrictions. Confirm officiant desired ceremony text.

Confirm call times and details with all vendors several weeks prior to the wedding day.

Create a sample session with florals, linens and rentals to see actual tabletop design for your event.

Recommend necessary lighting needs and rental needs based on your specific event, venue, and guest count.

Be a liaison with your family, bridal party, band/DJ, florist, photographer and other vendors to create seamless operation.

Assist the bride and bridal party with dressing and prep.

Ensure the ladies have their corsages and bouquets, etc, and assist with the pinning of boutonnieres.

Deliver and arrange ceremony programs, escort cards, place cards, favors and any personal items requested.

Assistant guests find place cards and get their appropriate seats.

Coordinate your actual ceremony (line up bridal party, assist bride with dress) and keep ceremony on schedule and following properly, including any music cues or dove releases, etc.

Coordinate your reception (grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting, etc).

Making sure all vendors are cued as the appropriate times for all of your pre-established “events” during the evening. Make any on the spot changes as needs arise.

Coordinate with vendors and banquet captain to ensure timeliness of event and meal.

Collect any personal items you may have brought to the church, bridal suite, receptions, at the conclusion of each event.

Count and collect all wedding gifts and deliver them to appropriate location at the conclusion of the event. Protection from possible theft.

Assist you with full service coordinating from your engagement to your honeymoon itinerary; should you include it in your package.

Assistants on site at the event to cater to your every need (find the groom, get you a drink, etc…).

Make sure favors are put out where and when you requested and assist guests in getting their gifts at the end of the night.

Oversees all vendors in their duties (makes sure photographer is getting the shot list that was requested, that testimonials are taken by videographer if requested, etc…)

Works with the catering manager and the banquet captain to ensure flawless food service and constant clean up during the event.
Make sure all family members and bridal party needs are tended to.

Oversee, assemble or order and deliver welcome baskets to out of town guests.

Arrange transportation and create precise schedule for all bridal party members requested.

Book room blocks for out of town guests at multiple locations with different price ranges.

Provide design expertise and consultation if and when applicable.
Come prepared with an emergency kit for any stains, tears, missing items that may be needed or need to be tended to on the day of the event.

Happy Planning Everyone!!!

xoxo

-Tee

Dream Wish List...

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December is here. All the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping is in full forth now. I am one of those people who have my gift ideas already ready to go BUT I cannot go and get them because I am also one of those who cannot WAIT to give it to that person, and yes I am like this for all celebrations. I have it all ready to go wrapped and then it just sits there? No way Jose. I want to run with it and give it to the person with the biggest smile on my face! And wait for them to tear into it and hope they have just as big of a smile when they open it as I do. I love gifts. I love giving them, the thought process of why I picked it out for them, the wrapping of the gift and giving it to them and WOWING them. I love it all.

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Don't get me wrong, I love recieving gifts too. And especially the ones that are complete surprises for no reason at all gifts, that is a WOW factor! So it got me thinking this weekend when my lovely in laws asked what would you like for Christmas. Now that is a hard question. What would I like for Chrsitmas. So I thought I would just blog about some realistic and not so realistic items that I have come across and thought I would really like that! Why are all the pretty things so expensive? I tamed it down so you all weren't like, holy smokes! Hold on to your hats, here we go!

First up:

 The Silhouette Cameo with all its goodies, there are so many goodies! I love labels (love is an understatement), I love cards. I love making them handmade and this little fella makes it a whole lot easier. It's amazing!

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Decorating Utensils:

 I haven't dove into making cookies and decoring just yet, I think I am a bit nervous but I love making cake pops so I have been more and more interested into getting in touch with my bakers side!

Coupler Rings in the different sizes for the Wilton bottles

Decorating Tips!

Decorating Bottles

Cookie Cutters

decorating

My front entrance is missing something and I think that this 5 drawer dresser would work perfectly in the area, I have my drawers already planned out, add a pretty lamp, and a picture of my family  ...so i bring you Kullen from Ikea!

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Now another idea I had from Ikea was for our bedroom, acting somewhat like a nightstand by adding a shelf and then attaching a lamp to make both sides of the bed unison and beautiful. Then adding our monogram above them each. These two are a little pricey though.

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Personalized Square Tray, monogrammed with our last name.

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I, of course, would like an iPad2 but the hubs says I dont need one. I think I would blog more. Might be true, but my laptop is dying (truly it is) so maybe a MacBook Air? I still love the iPad2 though. Santa, do you hear me???

In white. She is a beauty.

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And I love the MacBook Air. This girl is dreammmming in 13 inches!

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I think I will leave you with those thoughts, maybe the next list my camera will be on there ;)

xoxo

-Tee

November.

Today is the last day in November, and I wanted to blog about my thankfulness. I wanted to have the holiday chaos to past and still give reasons to give why I am so very blessed, in so many ways.

Tribute to Pinterest

So here is my 30 things that I am thankful for, not only at Thanksgiving, not only in November, not only in the fall. Everyday. Every. Single. Day.

Thank you Pinterest

1. I am so thankful I got to know my dad for 21 years of my life.

2. I am so overwhelmed by happiness by the love that my "chosen" family (those amazing in-laws of mine and their extending families) give on a daily basis that just makes me smile from ear to ear. (Love you all!)

3. I am so thankful to have found someone who loves me for me.

4. I am so thankful that Jesus died on the cross for our sins.

5.  The internet, the blogs that I find to read and feel apart of their daily lifes like they are my best friends and have been forever. Yet they do not know I exist :) Makes me happy.

6. Music..I love jamming to a good tune that makes me happy and makes my body show it. Be it in the car, or in my house.

7. My sisters. Bee for her friendship and her companionship. Kee for her beauty; not only on the outside but inside too. The laughs and giggles and fun memories we share and keep on making together.

8. I am so thankful for whoever make angel food cake and paired it with chocolate icing. Every birthday. Every year. My favorite. Thank you Daddy.

9. I am thankful for my rainbows (the shoes). I live in Sunny Florida where, unlike today, flips are worn almost 99% of the time.

10. Celebrations. I am so thankful for celebrations. Spending time with your loved ones and having the time of your life making new memories. Weddings. Anniversaries. Birthdays. Baptisms. Any and everything to celebrate. Even today.

11. My health. Continuing to stay healthy.

12. I am so thankful for the smell of fresh baked anything: Bread, Cakes, Pies, even my Croockpot meals!

13. You know that feeling when you are going over a big bump? Or down a roller coaster? I love that. Love that my whole body feels it too.

14. I am so thankful for mornings, as I do not embrace it all 365 days of the year, I love those mornings that you can get up and lounge with a good book and a cup of hot tea.

15. Fresh Markets. Seeing all the fresh flowers and home made goodies.

16. This one might sound silly, but I am thankful for my blankie. Why yes, yes I do still have one and Why yes, yes I do still sleep with it. It reminds me of my mom. And provides just that extra comfort, must have when I was a baby as well.

17. GREAT friends. Friends come and go as that saying goes but there are those few, those GREAT ones that stick around and are there for you no matter what. To stop by, to make you laugh, to listen, to cry, to be there for those amazing memories. I am so very thankful to have a few friends I can call GREAT.

18. Coupons. I love saving money and finding a good deal, I am thankful there are coupons in the world help save somewhere.

19. Ice Cream. Chocolate to be exact. Yum.

20. At Last. My favorite song. My wedding song. Sung so amazingly. So talented.

21. As selfish as this sounds, I am so very thankful for the small tokens of love and appreciation my husband shows me. Post it notes, and love notes. Those are the best. Flowers left in every room to make me smile. Simple.

22. Food. Oh how I am grateful of home cooked meals!

23. I am thankful for my iPhone. Without it I would be so lost. I know the hubs wishes I were without it sometimes, but he loves it too deep down I jsut know it. I love the CW app.

24. Glitter. How does one not love thee?

25. DIY Crafts. Having to come up with a plan and see it thought. So thankful that they mostly come out looking good!

26. My job. Espeically in this economy. I am so VERY thankful to have a job especially one that I love.

27. Kate Spade. Fashion. Icon. Love everything about that brand.

28. Manners. I am thankful there was ever a Emily Post in the world to teach us how to be kind and look graceful doing every little thing. More people should read about her ;).

29. Cake Pops. Oooo gooey goodness. I think I have a sweet tooth HA!

30. I am most thankful for my life and all the good things that have come about and the things to come. Every hundle is there for a reason.

Thanks again Pinterest

xoxo

-Tee

Tee's Closet: Boots

It is that fabulous time of year again where I pull out my hoodies and uggs.

These will definitely be a hit in my new make over closet for the fall season.

And don't you know it...they are the fabulous Tory. Pure talent. LOL.

Not to keep you waiting any longer but here they are...ready to be on my feet!

The Selma Riding Boots...



Cozy. Fall. Weather.
Yes, even here in sunny Florida!

xoxo
-Tee

Wrapping Tags!

After wrapping your fabulous gifts for your family and friends. Don't forget to attach a tag.

Aren't these adorable?

Thank you pixelimpress!

xoxo

-Tee

Baking

Don't these look amazing???
They are Cider and Donut cupcakes. Yes, cupcakes. Yum-o-yum!



When I return from my trip my office will be my test tasters of these, yes even you, my dear friend and co-worker (wink wink), Rini who does not like cupcakes and I think you are strange but with love of course. Evil laugh. You will like CUPCAKES!!!

Recipe borrowed from MegaBite !



Will you try to make these???

xoxo
-Tee

Fun Snail Mail

I love getting snail mail. Have I mentioned that? Well...I love sending it also!

Pinterest

Other fabulous news, I love Events and Weddings. Who knew? ;)

One of my dearest girlfriends is getting married in 9 days!
And what other fun way to get excited about it then to send mail!

My beautiful friend and her fiance! Yes this is cake...thank you very much Publix!

About 3 months before her big day, I put together a package of candy in bunches of 15! She is getting married on the 15th of the month...I know I know...so thoughtful :)

Have you been to Sweet Cheeks Candy & Beauty Bar? Awesome. Yep. It is!

Within the last month, I sent her a ball. Yes, a ball. One directly in the mail. FUN MAIL. It weighs less than 13 ounces. You can mail it! It was to help destress and produce laughter :)! Hope it succeeded!

Picture to prove it.

So much fun. I love it.
What could I send to my next friend??? :)
Have you sent anything FUN in the mail???

xoxo
-Tee

Nautical Bridal Shower

My beautiful younger sister is getting married!  A couple weekends ago, I was beyond thrilled to be able to throw her a bridal shower to help her get prepared for married life.  This will be her only bridal shower (she’s having a smallish wedding) so I definitely wanted to go all out and make her feel like the beautiful princess that she is.

The bridesmaids were such a big help also! We hosted the shower at one of the bridesmaids parents home on the water. SUCH. A . BEAUTIFUL. HOME. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. R for letting us crash your home.


My future brother in law is in the Navy. And I thought what better theme then Nautical. Whipped up an invitation...in navy and yellow and ran with the theme. I found so many ideas on...you guessed it pinterest. I am a thinker of creativity but not a do-er of creativity. I said it. I am coming to terms with this.

(Took out that personal info stuff ;) )

Fortunately for this I have many talented people in my life to extend a helping hand too! Same bridesmaid that offered the home is super creative. Super talented. Super sweet. So off I went to ask her to do a few things for the shower if she could.


Napkin rings we made with rope. So darling.


A hand painted canvas with a ship acted as the guest book where all guests took their thumbprint and wrote their name. Now the bride to be can frame it and place it in her home as art and a wonderful memory.

The tables were beautiful with navy tableclothes and white daisies with some boat ropes to tie in the theme.


Along with the invitation, I included a little card asking everyone to bring a pair of running shorts for the groom. As he is a runner. But also in honor of our daddy. He wore running shorts everywhere except on court days where he wore his suit for the lease possible time needed. Not only were they running shorts they were the brightest color and the shortest possible, as our dad always mention...He had nice legs. Yes, daddy you sure did!

As guest brought the shorts in we hung them on a rope that was across the room to surprise the bride to be! We hung pictures of dad wearing the running shorts as well as others can see what we were talking about. As teary eyed as I tried not to be, she loved it. And loved that we included something in for the groom.

 The food was wonderful! Filled with snacks glore! Labels were placed so everyone knew what they were enjoying! I brought the most moist and yummy Publix cupcakes atopped with blue and yellow frosting. We stunk little cut out anchors in them to decorate the theme in the food.


Now onto the fun part...GAMES!
We played a few. Man, it looked like everyone was having so much fun. We greeted the guests with the traditional "Can't say the word...wedding" and gave everyone a bracelet. If you did that person lost her bracelet...the person at the end with the most bracelets WINS. So fun to see that in action.


Then next game was an ice breaker to get everyone talking to each other, we named it "Famous Couples" . We placed a sticker on everyone's back and they had to ask Yes or No questions to guess who they were. We had Adam and Eve, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Aladdin and Jasmine, you get the picture. Now that was funny with the questions!


We played Love Bingo where I asked the bride and groom to send me 10 facts about each of them. I placed those facts on an index card and numbered the card! The guests all got a paddle that one side said Bride and the other Groom. I asked a question and the guests raised their paddle and guessed who it would be. Like...this person has been skydiving. :) If they get it right they place a chip on their bingo card. It turned out to be great, so many laughs and reallys and wow!

And the traditional toliet paper wedding dress game...SUCH A GREAT TEAM GAME!!! Wonderful dresses were made complete with veils and bouquets! :)

<---The Winners!!!

We also played the spice game. This one is hard. But nevertheless fun to watch people team up and try and figure it out. Good times.


The bride then opened her lovely and thougthful gifts. While doing this, we passed out another game that each person does individually. Shower Mad Libs. This turned out so much better than I thought. Everyone was so creative and had us all laughing while the bride opened her gifts!

Shower libs

Brittany’s Bridal Shower

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Wedding Advice For The Bride-To-Be

One of the bridesmaid placed together a cute and thought favor...Clinique Cosmetic Bags with a little note attached to a ring pop as the groom to be placed the engagement ring inside the bride to be's bag before leaving on a trip back home! Attached was an anchor charm instead of the C. So cute!

What a great time with new friends and families merging together. I have to say that is the best feeling.



Congratulations Bee. I love you with all my heart and hope you enjoyed your shower. I am so excited for you and Lo and cannot wait for the invitation to your dinner parties. Hehehe.


xoxo
-Tee

SoleMates

Clever Name. Clever Idea.

SoleMates.

Made for your Heels.

Ladies, you know this is talking straight to you. Wedding events, Picnics, Outdoor get togethers. Don't be afraid to go in the grass, over rocks, or holes in your heels any longer!

SoleMates.

Check them out!

My opinion entirely, was not paid for this.

xoxo

-Tee