The Holiday Blog

Champagne, sugar cubes, and potato chips

2010-12-31T15:19:00.005-05:00

I love the idea of Champagne, well on my budget it's actually sparkling wine. But it still gets across the concept of Champagne, the universal drink of holiday cheer, celebration, and an all around good time. Plus Champagne is always in the movies. There are a few reasons I love champagne... Let's see.

"Hey, did you ever try dunking a potato chip in Champagne.

It's real crazy!" (The 7 Year Itch)

In the 7 Year Itch, that's the movie with Marilyn Monroe's infamous white dress, she gets super excited because they decide to have Champagne and eat potato chips. She thinks it is the most divine combination. And why not? It's just glamorous and youthful enough to work.

"I don’t think I’ve ever drunk Champagne before breakfast before. With breakfast on several occasions, but never before, before." (Breakfast at Tiffany's)
In the movies the characters always have just enough champagne lying around, should they ever need to celebrate. Even broke Holly Golightly had some in her ice box, when her precious "Fred" sold some of his writings. And who doesn't want an excuse to drink before breakfast?

"So long, farewell, au revoir, auf Wiedersehen! I’d like to stay and taste my first Champagne." (Sound of Music)

Okay, this doesn't correspond to the movie quote, but I just love Liesl. Another thing I love? Sugar Cubes! So why not combine sugar cubes and Champagne for a classic cocktail?Classic Champagne Cocktail
You'll need:

Champagne, or sparkling white wine of your choosing
Sugar cubes, white
Bitters
Champagne flutes
Lemon, for garnish

To create:

This cocktail is super simple! First soak a sugar cube into bitters for a few seconds. Then place the sugar cube into the bottom of a Champagne flute. Top with your Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist if desired.

Cheers!
Julie

3 Dares to accomplish before New Year's Day

2010-12-30T15:55:00.005-05:00

Adorable photo credit

1. Collect all of you disposable cameras (you know they ones that still have like 10 shots left each). Bring them to a party or just give to friends and use up all the film before midnight. Don't forget a digital camera to get photos after midnight. Then collect the cameras and take them and get them all developed. Who knows what's on those cameras?

2. Clean/organize your space. Whether it be your desk, your room, your kitchen, etc. Throw out stuff too. Be brutal! You can always buy more nail polish or a new sweater later. Wouldn't it be a nice feeling to wake up on New Year's Day (or the next evening or whenever) and know that you're organized for the year? It'll feel like you are starting 2011 with a clean slate.

3. Cut down your New Year's resolutions. Take an honest look at that paper or the imaginary list floating in your head. Are you really going get up and exercise every day at 6am? Maybe you can or maybe just 3 times a week. And really lose 20 pounds? Maybe you just want to feel better?
And the best thing? If you don't get down with these before the clock strikes midnight, it doesn't matter! You have a whole year to commit to these and then forget about them completely.

Happy New Year!
Julie

An apology and a cupcake?

2010-12-30T02:32:00.007-05:00

The Holiday Blog would like to apologize for not having any fun information or posts about the following holidays: St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Of course I don't believe Thanksgiving needs its own post...ever, so I just apologize for the other 3. I'll attempt to cover them next year.Photo thanks to photofunia.com

But instead of worrying about the past, let's consider this moment. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve! How are you going to celebrate? Are you ending your year with a bang or making a statement about next year? Unfortunately, I somehow have gotten the flu, so I am not sure if I will be getting out of my house anytime before 2011, but I know there will be... cupcakes!

(Possible more on this later....when I'm not feverish. For now enjoy me as a blonde...)

Starbucks' receipts....Really?

2010-12-27T12:26:00.008-05:00

Image from moneyning.com

At most of the quick service restaurants I frequents, at the register I am usually asked the same questions. "Do you want the receipt?" I like getting that question. I mean I am buying a sandwich and a drink. Do I really need to keep proof of that? It is just me. What am I really going to do with that receipt?

Well, during the end of this semester I needed more caffeine in my life, so Starbucks became one of my staples. Lucky for me at my university's union I am tax exempt with my school ID. So my tall coffee is only $1.50. Yes!.....well, kinda. After stopping by Starbucks a few times, I quickly realized that they give you a receipt.....every time. Every order from the tall coffee to the vente-nonfat-something-or-other-latte to buying a pound of coffee or a reusable to-go mug.

A receipt is the last thing I want to get when I go to Starbucks. I've already waited to long in line for one drink. One drink that could potentially cost like 7 dollars. And now I have paper proof of the money I spent on this one drink. Plus how do you get rid of the paper? All the trash cans have tiny opening because they are just for cups. And remember that 7 dollar drink? Ya, it is in your hand now and the receipt in your other. All you can do is hope and pray that when you drop that piece of paper it finds its way into that trash can.

Pictures from the Road: Lake Buena Vista, FL 2010

2010-11-15T13:31:00.000-05:00

Walt Disney and the Disney Company has always been an inspiration to me. Last time I visited Walt Disney World even the dividers, that hide the construction sites, inspired me. Enjoy. :)

Life Goal #OF THE MOMENT: Graduate College on time

2010-11-10T16:04:00.006-05:00

For my major I am required to complete a paid internship working a minimum of 400 hours. It is now my Junior year, and in order to graduate on time and not take off a semester just for my internship, I HAD to get an internship for this summer. I am so lucky and so thrilled to say that I did it. I got that internship. And it could be my dream job...

My internship for this coming summer (May-August 2011) is in Palm Beach, FL working for the Breakers Hotel. I am beyond excited! Florida is my love. My mom and I used to go on road trips to Florida over several consecutive summers. We would always stop to visit family and the pink house in West Palm Beach, so that area is like my second or third home.

I've finally had a free moment, so I am doing a little research on people who have worked for the Breakers before. Here's a little taste of what someone from Norway wrote on her experience.

"...having worked for a company with these high standards also means I was give the chance to work with many extremely professional people who I have learned a great deal from. If you are lucky enough to get an opportunity to work for The Breakers Palm Beach I have one thing to say; do it!"

It is definitely exciting to see how much someone else has enjoy the company. Also I just think it's really cool how diverse the hotel must be. I mean they have to be. They are after all only an hour away from Miami.

Overall this is more than enough encouragement for me. Palm Beach, better bring it!

"Boiler Up!" the Purdue Boilermaker Jello Shots

2010-05-25T16:31:00.006-04:00

My brother, Eddie, recently graduated from Purdue University. My parents, my brother, Brady, and I all ventured up West Lafayette, IN in order to witness him receiving his diploma. After the commencement ceremony we all went to his apartment where he and his roommate were holding a little party for their families. Luckily for the party guests, I was requested to make jello shots for the event.

At first I just made a batch of red cherry jello shots, but after seeing them finished, I felt I needed more appropriately colored jello shots. So my black and gold jello shots were born!

Boiler Black Jello Shots
Ingredients

1 Grape jello packet
1 Blue Raspberry jello packet
1 cup Water
3/4 cup Vodka (chilled)
1 cup Coke Zero (chilled)
How-To
Start by mixing approximately half of the Grape jello powder and half of the Blue Raspberry jello powder into a bowl. Now put 1 cup water into the microwave for approximately 3 minutes or until boiling. Add the boiling water to your jello powders and mix until all is dissolved. Now add in your chilled Vodka and Coke Zero.

Once everything is mixed make sure you take a minute to taste the mixture and add more liquid if desired. Now divide the mixture into shot glasses or plastic cups of your choosing. Put them in the refrigerator for approximately 4 hours and then enjoy!

Yellow Margarita Jello Shots
Ingredients
1 Lemon jello packet
1 cup Margarita Mix
1/2 cup Tequila (chilled)
1 cup Water (chilled)

How-To
Empty the lemon jello packet into a bowl. Boil the cup of Margarita Mix by putting it into the microwave for about 3 minutes. Once boiling add to the jello powder and mix until dissolved. Now add the tequila and water.

Be sure to taste and add different amounts of liquids or alcohol if you wish. Once you have your desired taste, distribute the mixture into shot glasses or other cups of your choosing. Chill in the refrigerator for about 4 hours. Then take out and enjoy!

Cheers!
Julie

Confessions of a Traveler: Hotel rooms

2010-05-23T19:53:00.005-04:00

A popular saying says "a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind." Personally, I don't care for desks, but when my room is cluttered I know that I cannot get a thing done in that room. Once I've cleaned, my head becomes clear, and I am ready to start all kinds of new tasks.

Just recently I cleaned my room which inspired me to do something, like update this blog (a great example of this concept). My clean room led me to think about hotel rooms and the thrill of being in them for the first time. A clean hotel room gives even the messiest person the chance to experience a clean room. The chance to organize a new space by putting clothes into empty drawers.

I just love being organized, so sometimes that is my favorite part of a trip. The actual hotel room. I like going in for the first time and unpacking my suitcase into a drawer with plenty of room to see all my things. It's a fun thrill for me.

World Panoramic Photography, 360 Cities

2010-05-17T08:42:00.003-04:00

Exploring the Taj Mahal with 360 Cities

An old post I wrote about a trip to Austria (2006) got me interested in looking at pictures of the Salzburg as well as other fountains I love (see old post). While I was snooping around the internet, I discovered a really high quality panoramic view of Place de la Concorde in Paris, France.

The website which provided the panoramic photography is 360 Cities. It's a website that anyone can join for free and upload images of something like a city square. Then the website has technology which can help you turn the images into a panorama, which others can enjoy or purchase the photography. I think it's an exciting find for the travel junkie or even someone who is reminiscing of a place they used to live.

The only unfortunate part of the website is that when I did a search on Indiana, the only panoramas I found were of sites at Indiana University. I may be making an account soon to right this injustice, and get Purdue the adequate coverage it deserves.

On Holiday: Sunday Afternoon at the Contemporary, Disney 2010

2010-05-16T15:43:00.005-04:00

Can you find the hidden Mickey?

We are staying in the Bay Lake Towers at the Contemporary Resort. We are walking distance from the Magic Kingdom, which is already my favorite part! We are on the 7th floor of the 16 floor building. The hotel is fancier and more modern than any other place I've stayed in before. I want to style my apartment just like this place!

Right now is nap time. We're waiting for our groceries to be delivered, and I'm blogging and check on @DisneyParks on twitter, but then we're probably heading to EPCOT to catch the last day of the Flower and Garden Festival. (Have I mentioned my mom's a master gardener?)

(Really really) On holiday,

Julie

On Holiday: Sunday Morning, Disney 2010

2010-05-16T13:25:00.001-04:00

Our vacation began on Sunday morning in the beautiful, though not warm enough, city of Indianapolis. My parents and I left our house at 8:45AM and drove to Indy Park, Ride, & Fly, where we left my mom's van for a well deserved vacation in the valet parking section. After parking we moved on to the riding portion of the deal, and we were dropped off just outside of the Indianapolis International Airport.
Our flight was scheduled to leave at 10:40AM which gave us plenty of time to get through security and enjoy some of the fresh produce my mom had brought in her carry on (oranges and bananas). We boarded, flew, and unloaded into Orlando without a glitch. Once in the sunshine state's sweet warm embrace, we found a Disney Magical Express bus waiting just for us. The first stop was the Polynesian Resort. We are actually staying at the Contemporary, but we decided that the Polynesian would be perfect for lunch.

We ate at Captain Cooks, which hosts 3 electronic ordering stations. Instead of placing an order with a cast member, we went straight to the monitor and ordered our meal by physically touching the screen and finding the menu items we wanted. It was really simple and ensure we were ordering exactly what we wanted.

After we got our food and filled up our new refillable mugs, we sat at a table just outside the resort. Though we did not share an food with our new animal friends, a group of ducklings came and sat under our table. The scavengers were fine eating companions until they decided my little toes were edible.

Now off to the Contemporary and our home!

Life Goal #4: Live walking distance from a fountain. Part 1: The Dream

2010-05-16T09:30:00.002-04:00

Over the summer before my junior year of high school, I went on an international choir trip to Salzburg and Vienna, Austria. It was my second time out of the country, and my first time going overseas. I learned a lot about myself during that trip, especially about myself as a traveler. The fondest memory I have about the trip is the vision of a beautiful fountain my tour group passed every day while we were in Salzburg, Austria.

As shown in the picture, the fountain showcases 4 "aquatic horses," which can only be described as half horse and half mermaid (which is already half woman, half sea creature). The fountain is located in Residenzplatz Square... which is a Baroque style courtyard in Salzburg's Aldstadt, or Old Town. When I was in Salzburg we would base our location on whether we were "in Old Town" (of Salzburg) or "just outside of Old Town."

Since my discovery of this first fountain, I have found other fountains which I have found beautiful as well. I love this fountain in London called "Eros Fountain" after the lovable baby you may know as Cupid (his Latin name). Also a similar horse fountain is in Paris, France at Le Place de la Concorde. Unfortunately I did not have a chance to see the beauty up close.

I never knew this when I was in Austria, but the water horse fountain or Residenzplatz Fountain is the biggest Baroque fountain throughout Central Europe. And you know what they say, "If it's not Baroque, don't fix it!"

Pictures from the road: Indianapolis, IN 2010

2010-05-15T09:00:00.002-04:00

I have the privilege of living Indianapolis, IN which is home to the Indianapolis Children's Museum. The museum is one of the biggest of its kind, and I just learned that it also has one of the largest displays of real juvenile and family dinosaur fossils in the world. In the past several months I have been to the museum twice, especially to visit one of my childhood idols. Barbie! The exhibit was called "Barbie: The Fashion Experience," and it is the only Barbie museum exhibit in the United States.

Yes, that's me! Little kids weren't the only ones taking advantage of Barbie's pink runway. The fashion exhibit did not skimp on fun activities. The backstage had different selections of clothes that kids could model on the runway, also had barbie hair that kids could style, and of course the actual catwalk. On the other side of the catwalk, kids could try their skills as DJs or paparazzi.
Originally I said the exhibit is closed, but I was incorrect. The exhibit is still open! You can still get a phone call from Barbie! I went two different times with two different Barbie lovers, and we all loved hearing from the blonde bombshell. Barbie not only shared her fashions in the exhibit, but also in the gift shop. I couldn't leave without something fun, so I bought the adorable travel mug shown above for my mom, since she had to work both days I went. It is covered in Barbie shoes, one of my favorite things!

Crabapple-tini Jello Shots

2010-05-14T10:33:00.003-04:00

It's summer! For me at least, since school is out. Summer is the perfect time for a new recipe, especially for this party staple. Jello Shots!

Ingredients
One package cherry jello
Apple juice
Vodka
Sprite or 7up
Water

How-to
First make sure your liquids are chilling. Then measure about one and one fourth a cup of apple juice and boil it. Since it's such a small amount of liquid, it's easier to do in the microwave for a minute or so. Now empty the contents the jello package and add the boiling liquid. Mix until the gelatin is dissolved like it says on the package.

Once it's dissolved you can add your chilled vodka and apple juice. How you measure depends upon your personal preference. You can add a whole cup of vodka. I usually add less though. Add about a half cup more liquid and mix it all together.

NOTE: Adding more liquid than the jello package calls for (2 cups), will keep the jello from getting very firm and make it easier to "shoot." Plus if you want less potent jello shots you can cut them with sprite.
Now dispense your jello mixture into whatever cups you choose. Glass shot glasses make beautiful shots, but plastic cups or plastic medicine cups are more practical, especially for big parties. It'll take about 3-4 hours for the jello to set. Share and enjoy!

Cheers,
Julie

I cannot wait...

2010-05-13T12:20:00.002-04:00

I am pleased to inform you that on Sunday I am embarking on a trip to my favorite place on earth. Walt Disney World. And I will be there with my favorite people on earth. My family! My two brothers and my mom and dad, and everyone is already very excited!

I will be bringing my baby laptop (which I have named Mo) on the trip, so I will continue to blog. So expect some great pictures and some new fun experiences! If anyone has any requests for parts of Disney World they'd like to hear about please let me know. I love having a "mission" in the parks.

On holiday,
Julie

Variations on a PB&J

2010-05-13T10:35:00.001-04:00

When I was in kindergarten, I had a weird request for my mom. She would make my lunch, as well as my dad's and my brothers' lunches, but on days when she made peanut butter and jelly, she would make me a "jelly sandwich." Yes, I ate jelly sandwiches all through kindergarten. Now that I think back on it, I think it sounds gross, but when I was little, I always knew what I wanted.

I doubt that I am the only one with weird PB&J traditions. For instance, I only eat PB&Js with crunchy peanut butter. It's what I was raised on. Smooth peanut butter just tastes wrong to me. I'll never use smooth peanut butter, but I am always up for other changes on the classic sandwich. Here's some innovative ideas

Grill the PB&J. Butter the outside of your bread and then grill both sides until golden brown. I like using my mom's panini maker. That way I can get those grill lines on the outside. I try to make diamond patterns, just for appearances.
Use different jellies/peanut butter/bread. I love blackberry jam and strawberry preserves; however, I'm not crazy about the different flavors of peanut butters. Possibly because they are all smooth...
Add new ingredients. Marshmallows, raisins, pretzels, oreos, bananas?
Use the PB&J as inspiration for a new dish or food. Perhaps a smoothie? Or maybe a sour cream based fruit dip? There's an eHow article about "How to Back Peanut Butter and Jelly cupcakes." Sounds intriguing.
Make PB&J Pancakes. Okay, so this is more #4.5. I made these one time on a whim. I made a whole batch of pancake batter, but I was the only one at home, so I experimented with half the batter. I just added a little peanut butter and jelly into a pancake I already poured into the pan. I add a teeny bit more batter just to make sure the PB&J would in the middle of the pancake. I remember that pancake fondly.
Use PB&J as condiments for your favorite food. I think a warm soft pretzel dipped in peanut butter and jelly would be yummy.

Just some ideas, but if you've never had a grilled PB&J then that is definitely where you ought to start.

On holiday,
Julie

Pictures from the road: Chicago, IL 2008

2010-05-12T10:47:00.003-04:00

I took this picture in Chicago, IL. The last time I was there was Summer of 2008 (summer before I went to college). I went with my mom, my aunt and uncle, and my cousin Meme aka my family from Georgia. We had a great time! Our hotel was actually on the Magnificent Mile. We didn't do a whole lot of shopping, but when we did I passed this dress display. I thought it was gorgeous and had to take a picture. When I was younger I always wanted to make my own prom dress (with a tinkerbell twist). This artwork is actually really close to what I had envisioned.

Our trip to Chicago was only a weekend, but we still hit a lot of different sites, mostly museums. Most significantly we accomplished one of my life goals: To see Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle at the Museum of Science and Technology. I was so excited. I took so many pictures that I will have to devote a whole post just to those pictures.

Life Goal #3: Be on the travel channel

2010-05-11T11:54:00.009-04:00

I love goals. They are my main driving force in life. Currently my number 1 goal is to put other people first, but number 3 on my list is to "Be on the Travel Channel." They way I see it, there are a few different ways to accomplish this.

Become Hugh Hefner's girlfriend.
I have never actually seen Bridget Marquardt's Show "Bridget's Sexiest Beaches," but still she hosts her own show. How cool! So cool, that I am now following her on twitter (@BunnyBridget).
Steal Samantha Brown's identity. She's on TV right now showing me around Latin America. This episode? Machu Picchu *cue envious sigh*
Travel the world eating and cooking. I am fairly new to the Travel Channel, but I feel like half of the shows on it should actually be on the Food Network (*ahem* Man v. Food, No Reservations, $40 a Day...). Luckily, I'm a foodie, so I usually get over it.
Work for Rick Steves. Face it world. When it comes to TV shows about travel, Rick Steves is the king. Yes, he's on PBS, but there is nothing wrong with that. Plus his books are the best for trips to Europe (My mom bought one of his books for our trip to England a few years ago, and it was incredibly helpful!).

Those seem to be my best bets for getting on the Travel Channel. Now, I just need to pick a plan of action. Any suggestions?

On holiday,
Julie

Failures and Opportunities

2010-05-10T11:50:00.000-04:00

Dear Holiday Blog,

Clearly over the last month or two, I, your author have failed on many counts. I have failed to update you. I have failed to complete entries or ideas which I have started, but never came back to finished. I have failed to make a new design. I have failed to keep you up-to-date with my hospitality and tourism escapades. Those are my failures as a blogger.

As a person of the hospitality industry, I have failed to secure a job.

But I have come across lots of opportunities including a chance to work at a hotel in Sneem, Ireland. Due to some personal reasons I could not accept that job, and for the same reasons I am having trouble following up for some other jobs. I haven't felt like myself lately, so I don't honestly know if I am going to end up with a job this summer. But if I don't have a job then I will devote more time to this blog, so don't fret!

Much affection,
Julie

Twists on the grilled cheese

2010-03-27T23:13:00.005-04:00

If you are capable of taking one glance at this sandwich and not begin salivating, then I salute you. You are a much stronger person than I am.
The above sandwich is called The Farmhouse, and is a deluxe version of a grilled cheese sandwich. The picture shows the sandwich with tomatoes, but I'm just wondering how much tastier it could be with ham? Or bacon?

I was lucky enough to stumble upon this brilliant list of different variations on the grilled cheese sandwich. Check it out below!

Save These 15 Creative Grilled Cheese Recipes

Coffee's effect on Hospitality

2010-02-17T14:33:00.006-05:00

I would like to take this time to tell you how awesome coffee is.

According to an article from WebMD (which has become my new best friend),

When you need a shot of caffeine, coffee is a better choice than soda or energy drinks. Black coffee is calorie-free and rich in antioxidants. Studies have shown that consuming moderate amounts of coffee (about 3 to 4 cups a day) may improve mood and concentration, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and several types of cancer.

As a mild coffee drinker, I can vouch for the positives of coffee. Coffee improves my mood immensely. Since I do not have a coffee maker in my dorm, I only average about 4 cups of coffee a week. But my change in attitude is obvious when I get a boost of caffeine from a cup of coffee.

For anyone still hesitant on becoming a coffee drinker, don't be! There are so many health benefits. Plus the boost in good mood can definitely help you be more hospitable.

Wedding Theme: Let's be like penguins and mate for life

2010-02-14T13:14:00.010-05:00

I promised I would show you my "Wedding Theme" once I was finished with it, so here are a few snippets (and pictures) from the explanation of my theme.

Enjoy and Happy Valentine's Day!

"Following the wedding ceremony guests are invited to a one of a kind reception in the Dolphin Adventure Zone at the Indianapolis Zoo.

Once guests are at the reception they are encouraged to enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and cheery mingling while they await the arrival of the bridal party.

The Ice Bar will be open at this point serving an assortment of drinks including the signature “Penguin-tini,” presented in a specialized martini glass complete with glittered base and bow tie detail.

Upon the arrival of the wedding party, a skilled DJ/emcee will announce each member of the court as they march their way to the table of honor directly in front of the dolphin display. Once the bride and groom are seated, guests will be asked to take their seats in anticipation of the beginning of the meal. Tables will be marked by elegant black and white place cards.

Apart from the bridal party’s table, there will be 12 round tables. Each table will have a white tablecloth and white napkins. The centerpiece will showcase silver twigs decorated to look like ice crystals.

Guest will not have to leave the event empty handed. Bottles of bubbles on each table are for guests to use throughout the evening. The bubbles will help create memorable pictures, and guests are welcome to take the bottles with them. Plush penguins will also be dispersed on different tables as decoration. Guests, especially children, are encouraged to find these and take them home at the end of the evening.

An aquatic dance floor will be constructed… for guests to show off their smooth moves and take part in a unique “penguin dance,” a play on the traditional chicken dance. The dance floor is also where the bride and groom will share their first dance together."

You know you're a HTM major when...

2010-02-09T11:00:00.005-05:00

1. The Nra has nothing to do with guns.
2. An OTA, is an online travel agency.
3. You plan weddings as class projects.
4. You get excited about discussing proper sanitation.
5. FIFO refers to your kitchen pantry.

And of course my favorite number.
6. Your life is made when you get a phone call from the Wild Dunes, Charleston's Island Resort.
Today after I got out of class, I had a voicemail from a number I did not recognize. The message was about setting up a phone interview with the Wild Dunes about a job I had applied for. I immediately called back afraid they would change their mind and scheduled an appointment for this Thursday

I was estatic then, and I am currently still floating on a cloud of euphoria.

This website is not helping me float down from my cloud. I also looked at a map of South Carolina, and the resort is on an island, which means there is ample beach space and ocean. And it is approximately 6.5 hours from Orlando, Florida. Not that I will be vacationing this summer, but I do like to keep my options open.

The resort is on the Isle of Palms, about a half hour from Charleston, SC. It is a great location for weddings, group vacations, and other social or business meetings. If I get the internship that I applied for, I get free housing, free parking, employee discounts, and I live at the beach!
Please check out the Wild Dunes website and get excited for me!

Planning my first wedding

2010-02-06T11:14:00.003-05:00

One of my class group projects requires my group to plan a wedding for 100 people. The project stipulates that the event has to take place somewhere in Indiana. My group wanted to go all out, so we chose the Indianapolis Zoo as our venue. We are actually only planning the reception, which is going to be in the Dolphin Adventure Gallery. I am in charge of the theme of the event, which is perfect for me because that job requires oodles of creativity. The first assignment actually just got an extension which is why I am taking the time to blog about it. Not because I am procrastinating at all.

Currently I am gathering and editing some pictures to help illustrated my ideas for the reception. I actually have a really adorable theme already picked out, but I am going to save it and post it once I have it all planned out.

During my search for pictures I found a cutest wedding blog called Unique Bride. The blog is full of creative ideas, advice, and tips. Unfortunately, the website has not been updated since September 2009, but it still has plenty of posts which will help inspire the inner wedding planner in you.

In Anticipation of Valentine's Day

2010-02-02T19:32:00.007-05:00

Usually about a month away from Valentine's Day, I think about how much I dislike the holiday (I have never been a big romantic). Then about two weeks away I remember all the amazing fun parts. I love being creative and designing valentines graphics. I like looking up bad pickup lines and using them as my Facebook statuses. I don't even have to mention the candy. But I think my favorite part is that it reminds me to do something special for someone else to let them know how much I value them.

I am going to use next week and Valentine's Day to focus on giving back. Not just in a general doing volunteer work way, but specifically by showing people close to me how I appreciate them. Last week was an extremely rough week for me, with record high stress levels, but with the help of people in my life I made it through. I found a support system, I just had to be willing to seek it out. Sometimes we aren't willing to let other people help us, like we think it is not allowed or that it shows weakness, but really it is how most successful people become successful and stay that way. Stress just happens sometimes, but it is how we handle those stress levels which show what kind of person we are.

I hope this holiday post gives you enough time to think of something fun to do for the important people in your life. Maybe write a song, draw a picture, bake yummy treats, buy candy, or something else just for them. I hope some of my valentines will give you inspiration.