You Are NEVER to Young to be a GLAM Girl: Madi turns 8!

Ok Y'all, this was just too much fun! Between having a super client and a great theme, this Glam Girl party was a pleasure to put on! From every color of pink you can imagine, to high heel shoes and tutus, turning eight has never looked so good!

This party was held in a hotel room so please ignore the black chair, picture, and AC unit! :) This is a picture of the food table.  Love the upside down balloons, the personalized flags, pink lemonade dispenser, and all the different shades of pink.

Here is a close-up on some of the decor. I used wine glasses filled with pink gemstones, beads, and ring pops for this display. You can also see the table cloth and a better picture of the adorable flags!

This pink purse was one of my favorite props. Every glam girl loves purses and shoes! I had that in mind when I included this candy filled purse and designed the high heel-shoe favors. The favors were made by vendor in North Georgia. They were hot pink, cardboard high heel shoes filled with candy. I also designed I necklace to go with the shoe. They were too cute! None of the pictures did them justice since they were all wrapped up... guess you will have to hire me if you want to see one! ;)

Here I am after the hard work was completed! Giving you all my signature 'W' :). 

I hope the girls loved the party as much as I did. What is not to love about all pink, glamour, and your own dress-up booth I made in the corner?! 

My next event is scheduled to be pretty glamorous as well! It is sure to be full of bright patterns and holiday cheer. I'll keep you posted on that.

Until then,

-M

All Hallows Eve

Halloween is a great excuse to plan a party. From the costumes to the colors, I had a blast putting together this bash!

First things first! I have said it before and I will say it again. Your invite sets the mood! Thats why I went with a funky, bat inspired invite. The wording is catchy and fun. The guest knew what to expect before they even arrived!







Working in a small space? No problem! Streamers can work dreams for decor. I strung them up from four corners and used the extra to cover a door. I also added a decorated circle to tie it all together. Lighting is key in a small space. Make sure to turn on your lamps!

Space may also be limited in your entryway. I added this funky fabric filled with colorful spiders to greet the guest as they came in!

This table display was a crowd pleaser! My main colors were lime green, purple, and black with a touch of orange. I wanted to steer clear of the normal orange and black. I used a sheer fabric to tie all the colors together. I kept my serving piece to a sold white with black accents. I loved using a Edgar Allan Poe book to give the cake stand a little more height. It went perfect for Halloween.

Here is a close-up of the food. We made name tags from vellum and scrapbook paper and gave all the foods a Halloween name. The menu was as follows from right to left:

"Spider Boo"- inside a cute spider dish was a chocolate Oreo cheese ball. Animal crackers and

nilla wafer for dipping.

"Graveyard dip"- a yummy chicken dip with tortillas and crackers.

"Creepy Caramel Apples"- apples made into perfect bite-sized circles drizzled with caramel (and some extra to dip in on the side!)

"Monster Cake"- the star of the show! A vanilla cake with lime green frosting covered with a hot fudge glaze and topped with googley eyes.

"Candy Cocktails"- simple martini glasses filled with Halloween candy

"Zombie Eyeballs"- cooked in the crockpot all day meatballs

"Ghostly Pizzas"- pita bread cut into 4s topped with lots of mozzerella and two turkey pepperonis for eyes!

Another hit was the "Swamp Water." If I told you what was in it, I would have to kill you! But, I am sure you are dying anyway over how cute this display is! A mason jar drink dispenser inside a birdcage... I did give myself a pat on the back for this one!

This is the drink station! Lined with solo cup monsters and a great carved pumpkin! I used a vase for the flowers before putting them inside the pumpkin so that after the party was over, you can simply pull out the vase and toss the pumpkin out!

A close up of the

pizzas and apples!

Favors for the end of the night filled with a ghost shaped Peep, chocolate bar, and graham crackers.

"Come back next year for S'MORE fun!"

It's not everyday you can get away with decorating a party with spiders, ghosts, and black/orange color combos, but on this day of the year it is fun to pull out all the stops and enjoy a nice glass of Swmp Water with your friends.

Happy Halloween Y'all!

Time for Turkey

Love, M

Deck the Halls

It has been awhile! Between a successfull business expo, planning a Halloween Ball, and another fabulous birthday party, I haven't been able to post as much as usual, BUT I am BACK!

I was asked to do a post on ideas I had for Christmas party centerpieces. The client is actually living in Hawaii (yes, jealous) so I tried to come up with some traditional pieces and a few tropical pieces. Bring on the tacky Christmas sweaters!

All of these ideas are super easy, inexpensive, and most of them are DIY (which we all know I love!) Starting at the top, we have a silver serving platter holding Christmas ornaments of your choice, covered by a glass cake cover. Most of us have all of these things laying around and could whip this one up easily! Same with the next. Wrap boxes with festival paper and ribbons and set them on your dessert stands. In the bottom corner, we have a serving piece, some candles, and Xmas candy... does it get any easier?

Turns out it does! Take your favorite Christmas cards, (or make your own) and put them in bold black or white frames. Try doing all different shapes and sizes to get more of a attention-grabber. My suggestion would be to do 3 cards and place tealights around them to add some subtle lighting.

Spray paint pinecones, (or in my friend's case, maybe seashells) with green, red, silver, white, or gold and throw them in a bowl to make a fun and unique display. Go by the local grocery store and see if they are selling candy trees you can place on top of candle holders. Grab some extra candies to spread around the centerpeice!

Fill cannisters with candy as well and add ornaments or letters to make it more formal/fun. Small Christmas trees can make a bold statement if they are given the right ornaments and decor, or play them down with a simple starfish like above. Last but not least, (yall know I had to do a mason jar!) MASON JARS filled with epson salt and tea lights. I think adding a colored candle would be great!

Two other quick ideas I had that aren't pictured  were to get a flower pot and paint it according to the colors of your party. Line the inside with candy canes so that the top of the candy cane is hanging over the edge. Then fill the pot with flowers!

Grab a clear vase and line the inside with lime slices to get a festive green, then add in your flower arrangment for a fresh take on Xmas or fill your vase with strands of Christmas lights and ornaments for lighting and decor!

I hope this helps and gets you in the Christmas spirit! It may only be October, but I get excited for Christmas as soon as my birthday is over in March!

Can't wait to hear jingle bells and drink eggnog,

-M

100 Likes!

It's official! Wonderland Events made it to 100 "likes" today! I started my page in July, so to have 100 "likes", not including all of the pages that have "liked" WE as well which do no show up in the count, I am thrilled. The love and support of my friends, family, and co-workers is amazing!

In the happy spirit of today, I designed a Citrus colored theme party. Bright watermelon pinks, orange oranges :), and hints of lemon yellow fill this party with cheer. I picture this as an outdoor or garden party for a young girl. I love the pink lemonade cupcakes and the cotton candy. I also love the place settings (minus the neon green :) ) for the party. They would be a super easy DIY project! The hot pink golf cart is a great prop and also a fun thing the play around on at the party! Not to mention how awesome the pictures would be with this beauty! DIY yard balls, ribbon stick favors, and centerpieces pull in the colors and are great added touches. Check it all out here:

Once again, thanks to everyone and keep the "likes" and love coming!

Blessed
-M

Easy Breezy Beach Board

Yay! I finally got my beach board done! I found a lot of really cool details for this wedding that made me fall in love even more with saying “yes” on the sand.  Check it out:



I'll go from left to right explaining my picks! First, the DIY seashell candles are a great inexpensive touch that adds subtle lighting and lots of detail. Use these on the sign in table or even around the centerpieces at the reception.

The guys boutonniere made from starfish are great and will standout on any color of suit with the greenery in the background.

One of my favorite touches to this wedding is the living favors. These small plants can go a long way and will make your guest remember what a great wedding you had when they see the plant grow. I think it would be cute to add a saying to it with a decorative tag. Maybe, "May these plants grow each day more and more like our love has." Love it!

Another one of my favorite is the tandem bike pictured above. For vintage weddings, the couple leaves in a vintage mustang, or for posh weddings, they may have a limo as the get-a-way car, but for the beach, a tandem bike is a must have! Think of what great pictures that would make!

The invitations were hard to pick since there are so many that would look great for a beach wedding. I went with sailboat invites to give more of a laid back feel for the guests. You could do any color to match your palette.

Could the sand aisle and driftwood be any more perfect for a beach wedding? Only if you add this gorgeous greenery! Love the simple, but bold set up for the vow to take place.

I gave two options of bridesmaid dresses, one in blue and green and a neutral tone. Both would be appropriate for the beach. As for the bride, nowadays you can go traditional with a full skirted dress or go ultra flowy with a strapless number. Your pick!

The table set up pulls in the greenery and uses the wood tables to add to the natural setting. I love the centerpiece and white settings. The cake is fabulous and is elegant ivory. Those seashell made of white chocolate add the perfect beach detail.

I could see many happy guests at this wedding full of surf, sand, and lots of love. Make me want to go to the beach!


More to come soon and as always, feedback is welcomed! :)

-M

My First Experience seeing Bieber Fever

WOW! This weekend was a whirlwind! From hitting the red carpet, to helping with a bridal show, I had my work cut out for me. On Saturday, the 33rd Annual Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place at the Cobb Energy Center. The Red Carpet was rolled out and hundreds of fans were lined up, waiting for the celebs to strut their stuff. I was excited to attend the VIP reception ceremony in the ballroom. It is always fun to attend big events and look for inspiration for my upcoming parties. The ballroom was decked out in red tinted back lighting making the room glow.  Chandeliers hung from the ceiling and looked like coral shooting out in different directions. Very modern and fun.

People were dressed to impressed. Head to toe glitz seemed to be the trend for the guests. The food was great for a bite sized meal. Sliders, spring rolls, crab cakes, olive pockets, and mini pies were being served on either side of the room. In the center, four bars were set up in the shape of a circle giving the guest easy access to drinks and short lines.

Pretty soon it was time to take our seats. We watched as Troup County resident, Paul Cochran was inducted in the Hall of Fame along with Bieber, Toni Braxton, Kenny Leon, Mother's Finest and others. Guest appearance and performances took place by Samuel L. Jackson, Usher, Jan Smith (Usher and Bieber's voice coach), and Monica of NBC News. It was defiantly a night to remember and a great resource for me to look back on when planning big events.

Here are a few pictures I took throughout the night:

Me and My Date :)

Samuel L. Jackson with inductee, Kenny Leon

Opening of the Show: Mother's Finest

Lead Singer of Mother's Finest. She is 64 and AWESOME!

Usher with the Biebs and Scotty annoucing Jan Smith, their voice coach, into the Hall of Fame

VIP Reception aka the "Red Room"

Ask and You Shall Recieve

Recently I was asked by a great friend of mine to do a post on centerpieces. Depending on the style of your wedding, centerpieces are capable of being the "center" of attention, or... a big flop. BUT have no fear, you do not have to adorn each table with thosands of dollars of flowers, heck, you don't have to use flowers at all if you don't want to! Here are a few of my favorite inspiration centerpieces I found cruising around the internet. I'll give you a few tips on each, but come on people, if you want more tips... you should hire me! :)

This first centerpiece is from a party I did earlier in the summer. It would be great for the on-going trend of a dessert or sweet treat bar at the reception. Instead of using real candy, I used sugar cookies with royal icing (home-made!) to create the cookie pops. It goes to show that inexpensive and home-made can look great and serve the purpose of a centerpiece. It certainly did draw your attention to the favor table. :)

Flowers not your thing? These next few centerpieces are for you! The one above is brillant. A elegant haystack tied with a bow. LOVE! This centerpiece will make an impact and your guests will be talking about how cool it is to turn hay into something chic... or at least thats what I would talk about!  Great for any type of wedding, dress it up or down as much as needed, just like your LBD. :)Fairly inexpensive and super creative. Fab-u-lous!

Talk about a natural centerpiece! The only thing here that doesn't come from your back yard is the mirrored glass and the mason jars, well, depending on where you are from, you could probably find the mason jars back there too! What a great color combo from the green moss, brown and black rocks, and deep purple flowers. This kind of centerpiece is good if you are planning on having a large and casual wedding. The pieces needed to create this look are easy to find and a no brainer on how to arrange!

Now I am easing you into the whole flower deal :) This stunning centerpiece also doubles as a table runner. Different shapes and sizes of clear glass jars hold candles giving your guests some intimate lighting. Petals from almost any flower can replace the white rose petals in the picture to match the wedding decor.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that! Natural branches with added lights make this table light up. The clear glass vases could be filled with rocks or even faux gems to add some contrast. The smaller vases are filled with flowers to offset the rustic feel of the branches and add in that romantic touch.

Last, but not least is my favorite pick! Drum roll please....

Number one, can I just let it be known that I LOVE ORCHIDS! They are such a great flower and are the star of the show in this clear, crystal centerpiece. All white tables are perfectly paired with classic crystal vases filled with water and full of white orchirds brimming over the top. Small votive candles add a subtle light to the table. Classic, chic, and timeless. What more could you ask for out of a centerpiece! :)
Well there you have it. A few great ideas to get you started! And as always, feedback is welcomed!

Dedicated to my Haiwiian bestie :)

Let me make your centerpiece dreams come true,
-M

I love Facelifts!

If you have been here before, you know that the blog looks different. Luckily, I know/date a talented up and coming artist who knows how to work with all programs and can do just about anything. He was responsible for giving this blog the amazing "facelift" it received over the weekend. Since I am already gushing about his talents, just go check it out for yourself after you leave here. His website is http://www.wtarnold.com/ and was designed by him as well.

Ok, now back to my blog :)

When I decide to walk down the aisle, I want there to be sand involved and I think that is why I am being so picky about my beach inspiration board. I just haven't found the right mix of things to make it worthy yet and of course, I am not going to put it out if it isn't my best. Guess you guys will just have to wait for me to perfect it! Until then, check out this vintage board I made. It is breathtakingly beautiful and ultra shabby chic vintage.

The blush, rose, champange, and pale pinks make this wedding super romantic. The pictures of the little girl with the GREAT rosette headpiece is what got me going on this board. How perfect would she be for a flowergirl? And the unique handpiece is to die for... I just happen to know a great company out of Texas that specializes in them. Any venue that has a great outdoor and indoor space would be ideal. Here, I chose a barn with wooden walls to enhance the colors and theme. Pearls used to make chandeliers add a vintage touch and tie in the pearls from the invitations found at the bottom lefthand corner. A branch and baby's breath wreath hung on the wall dresses up the venue a bit, but the mason jars filled with flowers keep it casual. I love the picture on the bottom righthand corner of the suitcase where guests can drop gifts and cards for the new couple. If you look at a earlier post, I bought a great, vintage butterfly case for
this purpose!

 At the top of the board, pictures printed in black and white are hung on pipes by ribbon. Great idea to show off engagement photos! The tree stump circle is being used as the guest book. After the wedding, it will make a great framed piece or can be displayed on a stand. The chocolate bar is a hot trend for this year. The sign and white antique table are two details that make a dessert bar stand out. The bride's dress makes me drool and is a perfect fit for the shabby chic styled party. Bridesmaids will be dressed in a blush hue to match the flowers. Lastly, the flower headbands found underneath the brides bouquet add a delicate detail to the wedding. It is always nice to have a small touch that is capable of making a big impact.

Sorry boys. I was so exctied about the girl's dresses, flowers, and headbands that groom and groomsmen gear didn't make the cut. I definatly would put them in a khaki colored suit and pin them with matching blush flowers wraped in burlap brown. Precious!

Once again, thanks for reading and soaking up my ideas! I hope you had as much fun reading as I did writing and creating! Also, I would love feedback on the new blog's look and the inspiration board!


All for now,
-M

Admitting You Have a Problem, is Step ONE

Something on Pintrest that said there is always "that" time of day where you realize you aren't going to be productive at all anymore. Like a little switch clicks in your head that says, "I wonder if YouTube uploaded the most recent episodes of 'Toddlers and Tiaras'?" Or, maybe thats just me...but, today I have decided to be extremely productive and write this article. Go Me!

Even on my "less-productive" days, I find myself acting like a hard-working bride. I cruise through articles on unique weddings, wedding disaters, ways to avoid inviting awkward Aunt Ethyl, the perfect wedding dress, new trends and fashion, etc etc. Then it dawned on me. I am totally an addict to Wedding Porn. Anything and everything wedding(and events), I am interested in and want to know more about. I spend hours oggling the new Vera collection and putting together color pallettes. I could spend days searching for venues and catering, drooling as I see the newest chefs creations. Seriously, its an addiction. Luckily for me, it is also a job :)

Admitting my addiction has made me realize how to get more brides interested in Wonderland Events. Brides aren't spending there time looking for the perfect wedding planner, and if they are then YAY good news for me! However, I know where my time is spent with I go into "bride-mode" and its on blogs, in magazines, and on Facebook. So, thats where my time for my business will be spent. Over 1,503,000 women are engaged on Facebook and on average those girls spend 55 mins on Facebook a day. 90 mins are spent on blogs and an additional 2 hours are spent elsewhere for the Bride-to-Be. 

With that being said, it looks like it is time to put my money where my mouth is and keep this blog as updated as possbile. Add new work everyday and devote all of my wedding porn time into a site where Brides will stumble upon it and fall in love. Looks like the next logical step for WE is a legit www. .com website. Let's just hope my "wedding porn" site doesn't get blocked by the firewalls for being "Adult Content." :)

What would YOU want to see on a Wedding/ Party site? Feedback people... thats how I am gonna improve! ;)

Get ready for the .com,

-M

Second Go-Round

I posted my second inspiration board to my Facebook account at Wonderland Events, but am just now getting it onto my blog. This board came with much more detail and was a totally different feel from the first. I wanted to make something that was original, refreshing and full of bright colors. Here is what I came up with:

The picture in the far corner shows where I came up with my color palette. I was skimming through a website and saw this table scape and knew I wanted to pursue a wedding with bright purples and teal. The colors are rich and luscious and I thought they would pair perfectly with the outdoor, evening tent. Tents can be a bit pricey, but I think the statement they make and the possibilites for decor outweigh the cost. I also loved the white and ivory place settings found under the star-lit tent.


Round centerpieces made of fresh flowers sit atop crystal candlesticks. I found a gorgeous cake to match and pulled in the teal by adding a signature cocktail,  a trend that is fabulous in itself. The groomsmen are dressed in matching gray tuxes, solid purple ties, and a peacock feather boutonniere. To incorporate the peacock feathers, I found a great flower arrangement for the bride (feathers included) and fresh purple buds to fill the bridesmaid's bouquets. A vision in this ivory gown full of fun ruffles makes the perfect statment for a bold Bride.


And last, but not least, the favors for the guest are monogrammed glasses. You could do these with anything from a simple set of initals to a favorite song quote to make the glass unique. This is the kind of favor that your guests will use and remember how much fun they had at your wedding!


I am working on a beach wedding next, which is where I intend to tie the knot one day. Sand under my feet, waves crashing in my ears, and fresh seafood in my belly :) Stay tuned.


Love,
-M

My First Inspiration Board

It took me a little while, but I figured out how to use my iPad to create inspiration boards. This was my main reason for buying an iPad. I thought it would be great to be able to sit with clients and show them several boards that I made to see what they liked and create a board just for them! And the best part about it is that I don't have to have the internet to do it :)


Here is my first attempt at a board. I picked these items because it would be a great wedding to have in Early fall. The colors of goldenrod and olive green mixed with natural browns and whites give a vibrant and natural feel. Very laid back and very DIY friendly. The only change I would make would be  the color of the sash on the great vintage dress. I would like to see it in goldenrod or olive. Other than that, I think a wedding is in order!

Invitations always set the tone for your wedding to your guests. Here,the invitations are playful and a great way to set the tone of a casual wedding. Small honey jars sealed with burlap could also be monogrammed to match the last name of the bride-to-be for a yummy favor. Instead of an open bar, use mason jars to pre-mix your cocktails (or just add sweet tea and lemonade!). The chalkboard place mats are fun and super easy to make. Add some of your favorite flowers to twigs, twine, and a mason jar to have a rustic centerpiece. Turn it into a evening wedding by adding lanterns to the table scape. Plain white dishes and burlap napkins are a no brainer. I'm in love with this whole look... Now, WHO WANTS TO GET MARRIED! :)

A Rambling of "Thanks"

Sorry folks, this post isn't going to be about New Hampshire even though that is what was promised "next." I very rarely go off the beaten path, or what I like to call my "plan," just ask my boyfriend, I have a "plan" for everything, but this can be an exception to the rule :)

This post will be about my event "stuff" and where it has been heading for the past few weeks. First, if you are reading this now, then I take it that you either, A. support me in my endevors to become wedding planner extraordinaire, or B. you are bored. Either way, I'll take it; although, if it is A, I wanted to fill you in.

I have been working my hump off trying to get my name out there. Wonderland Events has grown on FaceBook, I am getting more and more invitations on LikedIn from other event companies asking for services and what they can do to help me out, I have been prop shopping for unique items to make my parties one of a kind, and I have even been asked, or shall I say questioned, about doing a few upcoming weddings.

Needless to say I am overwhelmed with how well the business is going. I thought having 70 people "like" my FaceBook page was a sign that I was doing poorly since other companies have over 2,000. Then I realized they have been in the business for years and I have been in it for a few months. Last night I was on the phone with an amazing photographer (her blog is linked to my page) and she was giving me advice about what to do next and where to look for the best props. Tricks of the trade. After our convo, I was even more energized about my biz and am now full speed ahead!

I learned that I am doing just fine, and will continue to get better and better. I guess what this post is really about is a "Thanks" to those who pushed me to follow my dreams and to those who have shown their support!

Here are the two props I snagged. You better believe I can't wait to use them in my next party or inspiration shoot!!

I think that hat is just what the doctor ordered. A little bit of class from the top hat, a little bit of fun from the decor, and a whole lot of Wonderland, which is what my company is all about!

-M

Playing Catch Up

Do not fear! I have been taking pictures of all the wonderful sites of New Hampshire to share soon. From great wedding flowers and perfect bridesmaid l treats to the tasty food and beautiful scenery, I have lots of catching up to do!!


That is all coming in the near future, but I wanted to share a great blog I found about What to look for in a GREAT wedding planner.


You can find the link here: The Wedding Blog. It will tell you what to look for, and what not to look for when planning the day of your dreams with a little help from a gal like me! Check it out! And stay tuned! Once I figure out how to use my iPad 2 I snagged yesterday, blogging will be much easier :) 


Not only will my iPad allow me to have a great portfolio full of event ideas for my clients at my fingertips, it will also match all my WE gear. A white iPad with a baby blue smartcover! Woot!!


I'll keep ya posted,
M

Gem of the North

Today I leave for a twelve day vacation in New Hampshire. I know what you are thinking, New Hampshire? What the heck is there? (Or, at least that was my first thoughts) I was pleasently surprised on my first trip up North to find out that New Hampshire has tons to offer a girly Southern like myself. It is no Florida, but after flying up the coast to visit my boyfriend's family in Dover, New Hampshire, I realized that I could get used to having coastal beaches, endless rivers, broad mountains, and enormous amounts of specialty shops and food at my fingertips. If you ever find yourself wandering up the coast to New Hampshire, here are my picks of where to go, what to see, and most importantly, where to EAT! :)


It is 9:55 AM here in Gerogia and all I can think about is that this time tomorrow, I may very well be sitting in NewMarket, New Hampshire at the Big Bean Cafe. You think Paula Dean can make a bisuit? Well, let me tell you what, you ain't seen NOTHING yet until you try one of the BB's "grilled" garlic cheddar biscuits. TO DIE FOR! I pair mine with a omelet packed with cheese and ham with a side of their home fried potatoes... (I am totally aware that I am over- indulging myself and my caloric intake for a day; however, I would run 100 miles a week if I could have Big Bean everyday, and I HATE running!)

I can smell and taste that buttery, flaky heaven from here! Not an omlete kinda person, try Tommy's favorite, the stuffed french toast. I hear it is out of this world.


Enough about food for now before I take a bite out of my desk! Adventures to the University of New Hampshire's kayaking grounds is the next stop. Tommy's amazing mom is an outstanding kayaker, (and an amazing everything else) and his brother Nick, took up sailing last summer. Hitting the lake with a few kayaks ands a little sailboat is the plan. Granted, I hate to kayak because I am not good at it, but the scenery and company couldn't be better. Give me a large body of water and I am good to go.

Speaking of, the coast of Maine is hardly an hour drive away. As a kid, it was one of my favorite places to go and do cartwheels on a big green lawn facing out onto Booth Bay Harbor. Not much has changed. From the tidal pools full of little marine life to the huge rocks that are just waiting to by climbed, Maine's beachs are serene. The water is cool and when I say cool I mean freezing! But, Hey, thats probably because I am used to a bathwater ocean on the shores of Mexico Beach.

On the way back from the beach, swing through Portsmouth. It reminds me of my favorite city, Chattanooga, TN.  Right on the water and brimming with unqie shops and resturants, it is probably my favorite part of vacation. If you want a great brew with some good food, head to the Portsmouth Brewery. I find myself having to MAKE Tommy go eat somewhere else with me after asking him what sounds good and him always saying, "You know, I could go for the brewery again." Walk across the street to Fatdaddy's for some corkscrew Lobster Mac & Cheese that will make you melt it is so good. One of my personal favorites. Grab a coffee at the cool and laid back Breaking New Grounds or a piece of Chocolate cake that a glass of milk is a must with at the bakery across the way. Take a stroll down the sidewalk, past the bookstore, and around the corner you will find a seafood lover's abode called Jumpin' Jays. This is mine and Tommy's "spot." Its a little black dress kinda place with the freshest seafood brought in daily from coast to coast. The Mahi Mahi with Lobster Volute sauce is a sin.

Just thinking about all the great things I am missing has made me realize that this vacation needs a post about every other day, with pictures of all the marvelous things I have been describing. Stay posted. You never know what new adventure, shop, or food will show  up next :) New Hampy, HERE I COME!

Dog Days of Summer

In honor of my first Chamber Event, The "Dog Days Of Summer" 11th Annual Golf Tournament coming up this Thursday, I thought I would share a great "golf" themed party from one of my favorite blogs: Hostess with the Mostess. She has some graphic design background (like myself) and does a lot of her own invitations, signs, etc. Check it out!

Find the whole party here :

http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/01/real-parties-golf-themed-30th-birthday/

I will post how my first Chamber event goes shortly after the tournament!

Dream big,

M

Getting My Feet Wet, or Jumping in Head First

If I learned one thing about the economy and the lack of jobs generating in America, it would be this: Times are tough and working your butt off in college DOES pay off, IF you decided to work your butt off looking for a job AND putting yourself out there while writing a forty page thesis and trying to have somewhat of a social life senior year. I am grateful to have a amazing job and to be able to follow my dreams. How did I get here you ask? Well, let me tell you.

Graduating in the year 2011 didn't have much of an appeal. "Stay in school as long as you can," or "you will never find a good job if you don't have a Masters" is advice that I was given upon graduating. My response was simple. "Nope!" With no interest in more school and with the accomplished feeling of being a graduate taking over my soul, I began to look for my niche. I wanted to start somewhere that I could move up the totum pole, meet as many new people as possible, and gain connections that would stick with me for years to come in my career. What better place to start then at a Chamber of Commerce, right?

The Troup County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism looked at my resume and saw my hard work on paper. Writer, editor, event coordinator, organizer, legal intern, published author and volunteer were all hats I wore on the Hill. Two days later I was hired on. I walked across the stage on May 21st and I walked into the real-work-world on May 23rd. Prepared to challenge myself and to always give my best effort. That way, if I messed up, at least I would know I did all that I could. That attitude was a gift from my father, who adopted it from his father. It's pretty much my mission statement and way of life.

Another important man in my life told me that his goal in life was to have the job of his dreams and to wake up and want to go to work. My boyfriend, Tommy, taught me to go for my dreams because every person in life deserves to have a shot at what they love. So I did. And here I am.

My love for Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" taught me another way to live my life. Be outgoing like Alice, be a little crazy like the Hatter, be wise and confident like the caterpillar, value time as much as the White Rabbit, and be what I want to be, just as Carroll did. My "dream job" of becoming an event planner was up for the taking and I grabbed it by the horns and am riding it out from here.

Wonderland Events, Wonderland Events a whimsy, fun, and classic company, just as Carroll's book portrayed Wonderland.

I can't say that in just one short month my company is a huge success, but it has hosted some great parties and has had some very impressed guests. It will be involved in THREE inspiration shoots with Three great photographers and some up- and- coming vendors. And, for me, it has given me the chance to be creative and make others feel the fun and enjoyment I get from my job. That's really all I could ever ask for. So check it out! Wonderland Events is on FaceBook (click the link above!) and I'll get his blog pretty packed with info abot it as well.

Don't forget to follow your own dreams and to realize that life is what you make it :) WISH ME LUCK!