Jul 29, 2010

5 Tips to Throw a Swanky Summer Bash on a Budget ~ From Andrea Correale

Our friends over at KMR Communications are at it again providing us with some exciting and unique client access! They recently sent me the below post from Celebrity Event Planner and Caterer Andrea Correale, of Elegant Affairs Caterer. It goes along with my recent post: 6 Great Ideas for a Summer Party, so I thought I would share with you to help elaborate on some Summer Party Ideas!

Celebrity Event Planner and Caterer Andrea Correale says you can party like a Rock Star without a Rock Star budget. Having satisfied the palettes of celebrities including Brooke Shields, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Cattrall, Andrea knows a few things about throwing a fabulous bash without breaking the bank.

With your favorite swimsuit in tow, you can turn a typical pool party from drab to fab! Below, Andrea provides a few tips and tricks to throw a fabulous, low cost, pool party bash in style.

5 Tips to Throw a Swanky Summer Bash on a Budget

~ Tip #1 – Save Money on Food with a “Daytime” Party
According to Andrea, having a party during the daytime versus at night will save major bucks. “When it comes to the food, people’s expectations are usually much higher at nighttime events,” says Andrea. Typically “PM” parties require more appetizers followed by dinner and dessert. “You can get away with less expensive food and less of a spread at a day time poolside gathering,” Andrea continues.

~ Tip #2 – Lights, Candles, Action! Save on an Inexpensive Décor
Create a show-stopping and festive backyard presentation with simple and inexpensive decorations and accessories. “Lawn chairs and table clothes are great, but don’t shy away from stored away Christmas lights, colorful tea candles and paper hanging lanterns (beau-coup.com),” says Andrea. It’s the small things that add grandeur and charm to any party! These stylish decorations will cost under $30 and you’ll have them ready for the next bash!


~ Tip #3 – Arrange Your Own Tunes
Who says you have to hire a professional DJ to keep the party going? Instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars, create a play list of your favorite summer time tunes on your iPod and connect it to speakers. Voila! A DJ that is sure to play the tunes you and your friends want to hear for the cost-efficient price of…zero!

~ Tip #4 – Bottoms Up! Establish a Signature Drink
Every party should have a signature drink, but that doesn’t mean it has to be an expensive one. Impress your guests with large bell glasses filled with red wine Sangria. For an extra flair, insert the Sangria recipe into a colorful picture frame next to the Sangria. Don’t stop there! Make Sangria ice-cubes by placing one, canned mandarin orange slice in each compartment of two ice cube trays. Fill each with red wine and freeze. Serve with Sangria. Supplement the Sangria with bottles of sodas and beers.

~ Tip #5 – Skip Filet Mignon and Grill Skirt Steak Instead
Don’t break the bank on Filet Mignon and Porterhouse steaks at your backyard bash. Skirt steak is a fabulous choice and costs at fraction of the price of the higher end favorites. Skirt steak is a thin cut of meat, making it great to marinate and cook on the grill, as it soaks up the seasoning very well and cooks quickly. It's one of the most flavorful steak cuts, but also one of the tougher ones too, which is another reason why it's so great to marinate. Decadent marinades make skirt steaks exceptionally delicious when grilled. (check out her blog for some great marinade recipies!)

A little information on Andrea Correale:
Andrea Correale created Elegant Affairs, a full-service, off-premise catering and event design firm which is considered one of the best on Long Island, Manhattan and in the Hamptons. Since its inception more than 15 years ago, Elegant Affairs has served over 1400 events a year with razor sharp attention to detail.


Elegant Affairs has satisfied some of the world's most discriminating palates such as L.A. Reid, Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Brooke Shields, Russell Simmons, the Trumps, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, the Stillers, Bebe Neuwirth, Kelly Ripa, and Kim Cattrall, to name a few. Elegant Affairs has been featured on VH1's The Fabulous Life of the Hamptons, The Real Housewives of New York City, and MTV's True Life. Besides being a celebrity caterer, Andrea has worked with budgets big and small to plan fetes ranging from million dollar weddings to an intimate dinner party for ten.

For more information: elegantaffairscaterers.com
Blog: http://andreacorreale.blogspot.com/

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: http://www.elegantaffairscaterers.com/

Jul 26, 2010

Fantastic Finds- July 26, 2010

Today's Fantastic Finds are oriented around: FINANCE, HEALTH & GIVEAWAYS!!! I hope you find them all interesting, helpful and entertaining. Have a great week!
Finance:
~ SavingMoneyLivingLife.com: This blog covers everything from saving money to learning the ropes of being newlyweds, to cooking and just everyday things that happen in our families.

~ FamilyBalanceSheet.org: FBS is a blog about family finances. Most of the posts include personal stories about how my family is striving to improve our own Family Balances Sheet. It is a place to share home-management strategies and money-saving ideas so families can protect their assets, reduce their liabilities and grow their net worth.

~ BudgetAWedding.com: A wedding is one of the most expensive celebrations you will host. You have to learn how to balance getting a beautiful, memorable wedding and not starting your life out in debt.

Health:
~ ShrinkingJeans.net: Started in 2008 (because their jeans were too tight), the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans is a group of women (and one man), chronicling their weight loss on a community blog. The Sisterhood is not just limited to the founding members, though. Others who are interested in losing weight or living a healthier and more active lifestyle are invited to join the site.

~ FeelingFitWithDana: am an Independent Team Beachbody Coach and absolutely love my job!! I am also certified to teach TurboKick and Piyo! I guess you could say I'm a bit of a fitness freak. I also love healthy eating and cooking! I am in the best shape of my life and love feeling fit and healthy! I would love to help you to do the same!!

~ OnlineHealth-Fitness: Run like you're in first, but train like you're in second.

~ SuperHotChicaInTraining:As part of my journey towards status as a "Super Hot Chica", I am starting this blog. I can record the exercise I do - I am a DDR freak, and I also like 5ks, and more. I can just share some of the hard parts along the way.

Current Giveaways from Blogs I Follow:
~ $25 iTune Card: Nolies Place- My Living Stories App Review & iTunes Card Giveaway (open to Canadian residents only)

~ Ecrandal Cookie Cutters, Betty's Party Dress : Pink Martinis and Pearls- Mad Men Cookie Quiz and Giveaway

~ Apron, Book (The G.R.I.T.S. Guide to Life) & Grits: Etiquette With Miss Janice G.R.I.T.S Rock Giveaway

*hugs*
Denice

Jul 24, 2010

6 Great Ideas for a Summer Party

Part of my 31 Day Build a Better Blog Challenge, I needed to create a list post, so here is my attempt: 6 Great Ideas for a Summer Party! Have fun reading =)

There are only a few more weeks of Summer left, it has gone by so fast.  I can't let Summer come to an end without one more blow out, so I started thinking up some ideas.  I narrowed the list down to 6, super fun, summer party ideas.  Check them out and let me know which one sounds like the most fun. 

Did I leave any great ideas out? If so, fill me in!!

Kids Summer Fun Party
For this idea, you can incorporate all the things kids love about Summer: 
- Water balloon fights
- Swimming / Slip-n-slides
- Water gun fights
- Watermelon
- Hot dogs and hamburgers
- Fun treats: My favorite sweet oriented blog, Save The Date for Cupcakes,  has a  bunch of great displays:
~ Rainbow & Race Cars
~ Red, White and Blue Backyard BBQ
~ Splash Bash

Outdoor Cocktail Party
This one is for the adults, unless you make your cocktails "G"rated! There are so many things you can do for this one.
- Wine Tasting
- Margarita Tasting
- A funky glass exchange
- Lots of yummy finger foods
- Create a "Wine" club or "Beer" club and discuss likes and dislikes (similar to a book club)
- Find lots of yummy drink recipes at Celebrations web site
- Do a Wine/Cocktail exchange where everyone brings their favorite and you share (like a cookie exchange)

Beach Party
The Beach Party is a classic Summer must have.  If you are nowhere near a beach, you can always create one in your own back yard. Just get some blow-up pools, bags of sand and lots of friends. Some necessities:
- Beach balls
- Beach umbrellas
- Picnic lunch
- Bon fire
- Boogie boards
- Beach attire
- Kites
- Sand toys
- Creative Beach Cupcakes

Summer BBQ Pool Party
- Pool rafts
- BBQ
- Bubbles
- Cannon ball contest
- Fruity drinks
- Safe (and legal) fire works
- Watermelon pops
- Have a pool scavanger hunt

Camp Out Party
- Smores (try Peach Smores)
- Build a camp fire
- Pitch some tents and sleep in your backyard
- Roast hot dogs on hamburgers
- Tell ghost stories

Christmas in July
You guessed it. Make your Christmas decorations work over-time this year by getting your
garland, tree ornaments, and artificial Christmas tree down from the attic...for instant
holiday atmosphere.
- Surfing Santa
- Christmas tree made from a palm tree
- Snow ball fights (made from white, nylon filled fabric)
- Cookie decorating (but use watermelon as the cookie!)

I hope you enjoy these ideas! Happy end of Summer!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo credits: ME!
Watermelon ideas: Family Fun Magazine

Jul 20, 2010

SITS Girls & ProBlogger-31 Days to Build a Better Blog Summer Challenge

We have joined on to the SITS Girls & ProBlogger-31 Days to Build a Better Blog Summer Challenge! Our goal is to make KDC Events and our blog a better, more informative place for YOU, our valued readers and followers!

Please feel free to tell us how we are doing. You may notice small changes here and there, it is a month long process! We appreciate your feedback, so tell us how we are doing.

Interested? Here is some information for you to check out:
Blog Frog- Info from Darren

Problogger

SITS Blog Frog Community




hugs!
Denice

Jul 15, 2010

Gold Canyon Teams Up with Jimmy Wayne

Gold Canyon Teams Up with Jimmy Wayne with Project Meet Me Halfway

Gold Canyon is supporting Jimmy Wayne in his cause with the sale of a limited edition 16 oz. Meet Me Halfway candle. $5 of every Meet Me Halfway candle goes to benefit the project that assists various organizations working with homeless children and teens. Jimmy specifically selected his personal favorite of Cinnamon Vanilla for his candle, and it also features a special label with his picture. This limited edition candle (#11091) will retail for US $20.00

Jimmy began Project Meet Me Halfway to raise awareness of the fact that too many youth—especially those that are aging out of the foster care system—are facing circumstances similar to those he faced. (Jimmy himself was in foster care and homeless as a teen until a loving couple took him in).


If you are interested in helping this cause, contact me or visit my Gold Canyon Web Site to order, just reference item #11091.

*hugs*
Denice
Photo Credit and Information: Gold Canyon Candle

Jul 11, 2010

Stacie's Gifts Features KDC Events!


A VERY big thank you to our friends over at Stacie's gifts for featuring our recent post: Last Minute Wedding "To Do List".

So, head on over to their blog and check it out, and while you are there, check out their website for an, "Exquisite Selection of Gifts For Most Any Occasion."

A little info on Stacie's Gifts:
Stacie's Gifts is an online retail outlet focused on providing fashionable jewelry, totes, and fashion accessories at the most affordable prices. We are a family operation based in Tampa, Florida with a combined 10 years experience in customer service and retail.


Our goal is to make your shopping experience the best of any online retailer. With a wide variety of fine jewelry, we have also expanded in very unique items, and accessories. You'll find that our products meet a variety of tastes at affordable price ranges. Our products are of the best quality, and are inspected prior to delivery. Our jewelry and gift items come from all over the world.

You can order 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online. Please let us know if you have any questions regarding our products. We strive to provide the best online shopping experience.
Thanks again!
*hugs*
Denice

Jul 9, 2010

The Summer Sun and Your Skin

Ok, we all know I (Denice) avoid sun exposure. I do not tan like Katie and Cindy, I BURN! Thus... I just avoid it. If I need color, I have found that the alternatives work best for me (Mystic tanning). BUT, I am very strict in wearing my sunscreen, even though I don't plan on baking. I wear it daily to protect myself from the harmful rays of the sun. I have been using Neutragina, but have found it leaves my skin oily.

In my quest to find something better to protect my skin, an interesting email popped into my inbox form my pals over at KMR Communication, regarding Sothys and their Sun Care line. Although I have not tried the Sothys products, it did intrigue me. So, I am sharing it with you for your thoughts and opinions, here we go:

Legendary French skincare company, Sothys, has recognized the sun’s importance in daily life and as a result has created a range of sun care products designed to maximize your summer fun without fear of skin damage. Sothys believes the benefits of sun exposure, including mood enhancement and Vitamin D production, can be capitalized on safely if you choose the correct product to protect your skin.

Under the Cellu-Guard® line, Sothys has created products with sun protection factors ranging from SPF 8 to SPF 30 as well as a soothing lotion for after-sun care.
Sun Sensitive Areas Care with SPF 30: A care that protects from free radicals and photo-aging during intense sunlight exposure. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, it is particularly suitable for sensitive skin Price: $40 (1.7 fl. oz.)

Iridescent Tanning Gel with SPF 8: A protective tanning gel containing tan boosting active ingredients to help intensify and accelerate a natural-looking tan. Price: $44 (5 fl. oz.)

Tanning Body Lotion with SPF 20: A soft, light and milky formula for a pleasant tan and ultra-effective protection. Perfect for all day and suitable for face and body application, it is water-resistant, sweat-resistant. Price: $52 (5 fl. oz.)

Soothing After-Sun Body Care: A refreshing fluid which softens the skin immediately after exposure with soothing active ingredients. Through its care actives, it prevents photo-induced aging, and hydrate* the skin to restore it to its full radiance. Price: $40 (5 fl. oz.)
A little history on Sothys:
In 1946, Sothys was a beauty institute in Paris, where a list of exclusive customers enjoyed fine French products created by Dr. Hotz, a medical biologist. Sothys was acquired by the Mas family in 1966 and chairman Bernard Mas decided to add to the beautiful Sothys range and increase its availability. By 1970 Sothys had entered the United States market under the direction of esthetician Christian Garces. Sothys became an instant hit for estheticians looking for a professional, results- oriented product line.

Over two decades later, it continues to be the forerunner in an extremely demanding industry. Much of Sothys' success is due to its focus on education. Not content to simply sell its products, Sothys offers continuous, complementary education to estheticians and therapists who want to learn not just about the products, but about the industry in general. At the Sothys Institute in Miami, and at regional Sothys offices across the Nation, classes are offered, with topics ranging from hands-on body workshops to cosmetic chemistry.

For more information, please visit sothys-usa.com.

*hugs*
Denice
Photo Credit: KMR Communications
DISCLAIMER: I was not provided this product for testing, nor have I ever tried them, this is an informational post only.

Jul 2, 2010

Happy 4th of July!

This weekend we celebrate our Independence.  Thank those who have served in the military, for they have given you, your freedom.
~ God Bless America ~
Be safe and enjoy your families, I know I will!!


*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: stock.xchng

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