Wedding Anniversay Gifts by YEAR

I recently celebrated my 10 year wedding Anniversary.  WOW, where did the time go?!  I have been with my hubby since 1997, and we married in 2001. We were not quit babies. but we were young.  The last 10 years of marriage have been work, but have turned out to be the best. Yup this is us, 10 years ago:

So, what do you get your hubby for a 10 year Anniversary? I had NO CLUE!!!  Here is what tradition states:

Hope this helps you all...I failed and did not research it until it was too late.  Hubby got a nice watch.  Guess I am a few years early on that one =)

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Kano Photography

Gifts, Gifts and More Gifts, What Do I Have To Buy? Wedding Question Wednesday

Today's question is from Becca over at barefeet on the dashboard - Thanks Becca =)

Question: Should bridesmaids buy the bride an engagement gift, shower gift,  bachelorette party gift, and wedding gift?

Answer: LOL!! This question never gets old.  We first answered it back in 2008! The truth is, being part of a wedding is EXPENSIVE- so if you sign on to do it, be prepared to shell out some cash. I know, it kind of stinks, but its part of the deal. Some of the financial responsibility the will be required of you is:

1) Your Bridesmaid Dress
2) Your Shoes
3) Necessary accessories (unless gifted by the bride)
4) Contribution to the Shower (usually given by a brides bridesmaids)
5) Contribution to the Bachelorette Party (usually given by a brides bridesmaids and friends)

So, when it comes to the gifts, keep them simple and thoughtful, because YES if you are attending all the festivities, its appropriate to bring a gift of some sort. Here are some ides:

Engagement Party:
It's not totally not necessary to bring a gift, but a nice gesture.  Opt to bring something that celebrates them as a couple. A nice bottle of wine or champagne, or maybe something for them to use while planning their engagement and the upcoming big day.

Bridal Shower:
This is a more intimate of a gift. If the Shower is themed, go along with that. Some are home based others are honeymoon based. Stick to getting a gift that flows along those lines. If there is no theme, buy something they will use in or around the home, or something for the Big Day! Remember the groom too! Garden and tools are nice and always needed. TRY not to give something embarrassing at the shower as many of the brides "mature" family will be there =) Save the fun gifts for the bachlorette party.

Bachelorette Party:
This is a fun gift, usually lingerie or something for the honeymoon ;) While this gift is not totally necessary, but fun!

Wedding:
General rule here...Stick to the registry or give a gift card. If you are invited to a wedding it is appropriate for you to bring a gift.  If you can't make it to the wedding, you still should follow good etiquette and send a gift. Also good etiquette, send the gift to the brides home before the wedding and do not bring it to the reception.  Check out these post out for some wedding gift etiquette: WeddingBasics.com  & HuffingtonPost.com.

Keep this tip in mind:
Give only what you can afford! Be creative. Homemade gifts are always a hit! 

Here are some GREAT DIY sites that have tons of crafty ideas that your bride/groom will love:
http://www.504main.com
http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com
http://thediyclub.com
http://craftychicmommy.blogspot.com
http://www.theidearoom.net 

*hugs*
Denice
Photo Credit: Katie

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

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

Giveaway Alert...Gold Canyon Candles!

KDCEvents is hosting another giveaway! This time, it is for something that I simply can't live with out. What is that you say? Well, if you know me, you know I can't live without my Gold Canyon Candles. I am so addicted to them that I became a demonstrator just to support my habit. I know...who can burn that many candles? Well, I CAN!!


Ask anyone, these candles are fabulous! One little candle can make your whole house smell amazing for HOURS. Yup hours. The biggest draw to these candles for me is that they have a cooler burning wax, so I don't have to worry about my little ones burning themselves if accidentally spilled.


My new favorite product from Gold Canyon is the Scent Pod Warmer. I have two and I LOVE THEM! I can leave these babies on and not worry about burning my house down. =) They come fit with a timer (4, 8 & 12 hours) and are so easy to change out the scents, see:

I also love the Auto Fresheners. They help keep my car smelling way better than the baby formula it is masking. I have also used the Sachets as a freshener in my car, I just throw it under my seat.

NOTE: These candles are great for events of ALL KINDS!! Weddings, showers, parties, receptions, you name it. They make great shower prizes and gifts, if fact, I am giving away 4 different candles at a baby shower tomorrow. I also used the tealights at my wedding. So check them out for your upcoming event.

Here is what we are giving away to a lucky reader:
~ 16 oz Bella Candle
~ Pack of Auto Fresheners
~ Wick Dipper (scents to be chosen at random)

How do you enter? Just leave a comment on this post as to why you need this fabulous candle, and follow our little blog =) That's IT! (comment is required)

Additional entries you say? Well, here are a few ways to earn them (please be sure to do a seperate comment for each):
~ Follow our little KDCEvents Blog
~ Become a Fan on Facebook
~ Follow KDCEvents on Twitter
~ Retweet this giveaway

We will choose one lucky reader on April 23. Good Luck!
**Must be a US Resident to enter

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Gold Canyon Candle

Valentine Day Ideas - For the Adults

Looking for that perfect gift idea? Maybe you are trying to be creative in your planning. Well, here are a few ideas that should help steer you in the right direction.

Valentine Drink Recipes:

1) The Valentini
A custom made drink from the King Of Martinis~Dan Minjares (Now that's an impressive gift!)
You can contact Dan at: kingofmartinis@yahoo.com
Make in an Ice-Filled Cocktail Shaker
1.5 oz Stoli Raspberry Vodka
.75 oz Chambord
1.5 oz Cranberry Juice
.50 oz Triple Sec
2 Squeezes of Fresh Lime
Splash of Simple Syrup
Shaken and Strained into a Martini Glass
Float with a splash of Champagne
Garnish with a Cherry or Fresh Raspberry

We would also like to thank Dan and his lovely wife Mary for creating this drink especially for KDC Events! We love you =)

2) Valentine Soda (from ParentsConnect.com)
1½ cups and ¼ cup slightly softened nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt
1 1/3 cups hulled strawberries
1 cup chilled club soda
Blend 1½ cups frozen yogurt and hulled strawberries in a blender. Divide between two tall glasses and add chilled club soda to each glass.Top each with ¼ cup nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt or whip cream!


Other Gift Ideas:

1)Ooh, la, la Lotion: Margarita Bloom
Made with delicious ingredient goodness like aloe vera, shea butter, rice bran oil and more your skin will be singing! (Ooh, la, la Lotion from Margarita Bloom)

***APHRODITE: A SCENT TO FALL IN LOVE WITH***
Luscious pink fluffy clouds of cotton candy, caramel and vanilla with fruity notes, lily, licorice blossoms and spicy bergamot, Sicilian oranges, raspberry and fig leaf. This complex fragrance will hold you in its spell like cupid with his bow and arrow of love….a fragrance worthy of APHRODITE herself. Everyone will be in love with you…er your fragrance I mean!


2) Homemade Hershey Kiss Rose Buds:
(might require supplies from a craft store & maybe a friendly neighborhood florist)
- Take 2 Hershey kisses and attach them bottom to bottom (use tape if you are going to eat)
- Wrap the kisses in a red or pink cellophane
- Tie with a ribbon
- Attach the kiss rose bud to a floral wire - twist around the bottom of the kiss
- Wrap the bottom of the cellophane and the wire, with green floral tape
- Arrange with some artificial greenery in a floral display box or vase

Here is a photo found at Fabulous site called Bridal Buds:

We hope this helps you be a little more creative this holiday, rather than giving the ordinary chocolates and flowers =)

Happy Valentine's Day!

*Kiss, Kiss, Hug*
Denice

Photo Credits:
Valentini: King of Martinis
Valentine Soda: ParentsConnect.com
Ooh, la, la Lotion: Margarita Bloom
Hershey Kiss Rose Buds: BridalBuds.com

Wedding Question Wednesday- Grooms Gift

Today's question comes from Kacie- "When do you give the grooms gift? At rehearsal with everyone else or on the wedding day? If on the wedding day, how do you get it to him without seeing him?"

Here is what I would do: Give it to your lucky guy at the wedding. When Ryan and I got married we had a special moment, right before the ceremony where in the brides room, alone (well sort of, the photographer was there at first) and we got to chat and exchange gifts before the ceremony. This was nice, we were able to get out all the jitters before hand!

If you want to wait, and do it after the ceremony, do it right after, BEFORE the craziness of the photos, and the reception. Tell everyone you want 15 minutes, after the ceremony... alone! Instruct your maid of honor and best man to guard the room so no one bothers you. It is a nice moment for the two of you. It gives you the chance to savor the day and reflect before you entertain your guest for the remainder of the night.

I hope this helps! Let me know how it goes!



[wedding]
[trends]

Personal Wine?

Yes, I am a wineo and I love it. In fact, I love anything that has to do with wine. I find it relaxing and fabulous. So, according to me, there is no better gift for ANY occasion than WINE!

I recently had a chance to pick the brain of Alex Andrawes, the CEO of Personal Wines. Personal Wines is a great idea. Basically, they customize the wine bottle for you and your occasion. You choose the wine and you choose the label! Fabulous...I know!

Here is what Alex had to share with me:

Denice: What was your inspiration for creating Personal Wine?
Alex: I was sitting at a bar discussing cool business ideas with a friend. The idea popped out and we decided to make a run for it. Sometimes good ideas happen best when you are sitting in a bar with a friend!

D: What is the philosophy behind Personal Wine?
A: To pair up marketing gurus, graphics designers and wine aficionados to collaborate on a cool custom wine company. Our philosophy is to give the highest level of customer service teamed up with an excellent wine menu.

D: Can you tell me about a wine lable you especially enjoyed creating?
A: We created one a few weeks back for Oscar de la Hoya for a congratulatory event (boxing). We’ve also just finished up a season wrap for the voice cast of the Simpsons. My favorite orders tend to be orders from the obscure. These would be for memorial services for departed loved ones who have requested wine at their memorial or even a nice touching 50th wedding anniversary. The pinnacle of orders was our first request for a marriage proposal to be on the bottle. What an honor!

D: Do you have any suggestions on ways to preserve and display the wine bottles after the big day?
A: The best way to preserve a custom wine bottle is to keep it from direct sunlight (office or natural home light is fine) and to put it on the shelf. We have packaging like wooden boxes (which we can etch as well) that allow you to safely store the wine in the event that you want to drink it a few years down the road.

D: What are some of the top occassions you prvide lables for?
A: Corporate events (entertainment parties), big corporate deals like mergers, weddings, and golf tournaments.

D: What is your favorite wine and why?
A: My favorite wines are Syrah as it has the highest level of resveratrol, a molecule that scientists at Harvard discovered to have anti-aging and anti-cancer properties. Its also rich, bold and really tannic, which I like. I love wines with a deep and complex body.

So there you have it! YOU NEED Personal Wine for your next event or ocasison! Call them up, check out their web site and blog. Did I mention it's fabulous? Don't forget to mention that Denice at KDC Events sent you!

photo credits: Personal Wine



[wine]

Beauty Chat Fab Freebie Giveaway!

Since Beauty Chat is turning one, we are hosting a fabulous giveaway valued at approximately $350. Check out the amazing products you can receive:



iQ Derma (Gorgeous Skin) + Redpoint (Flawless Makeup)
*iQ Derma Daily Renew Refreshing Cleanser
*iQ Derma Flawless Face System – SkinTensive xCel High Potency Anti-Wrinkle Serum + iQ Derma RestorEyes
*iQ Derma Lip Quench
*Redpoint Blush Whip in “Glow”
*Redpoint Eye liner in “Conga”
*Redpoint NOC-Out Cover Up Compact
*Redpoint MegaLash Mascara

Hurry and enter on over to Beauty Chat to enter!!

Photo Credit: Beauty Chat


[beauty]

Wedding Question Wednesday- Bridesmaid Gifts

Today's questions: "What type of gift, if any should I get my bridesmaids?"

This is a fabulous question! YES, you should get your bridesmaids gifts. They are spending quite a bit of money to participate in your big day. It does not have to be an expensive gift by any means, just something that says, "Thanks for being in my wedding and for being a great friend."

(Denice and her bridesmaids 2001)

We all know how brides can be the closer it gets to there wedding, and our friends are great at acting like we are still the nice, sweet, girl who has been their friend for years, when in actuality they become nasty bridezillas!

So your bridesmaids deserve your thanks and appreciation. Here are a few ideas that are nice:

- Shoes! If you want them all to match for the wedding, you can buy them.
- Jewelry set for the wedding day (try House of Raquel)
- Nice slippers
- Gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure
- Make up (like Bobbi Browns Beautiful Bride Kit)

These are just a few ideas I thought I would like if I were a bridesmaid.

Have any ideas or gifts you have received? Let us know!

Photo Credit: Denice's Wedding 2001 (photographer Stephanie Kano)



[wedding]

Wedding Question Wednesday- Gift for the Groom?

Today's question is, "What do I get my groom as a gift on our wedding day?"

Well, there are a lot of nice gifts out there, but what you need to do is ask yourself...What would my new hubby really like? The answer...something that reminds him of you. What better way then with a sassy photo of you in your *special* wedding attire.

Our friends over at Beauty Chat just did a fabulous review on this type of photography called Boudoir Photography, it gives the groom a glimpse of your sensual side!

Check out Beauty Chat, Jennifer has listed some great tips on how to pick your photographer. Some wedding photographers will even include this as part of your wedding package, so if you are interested, be sure to check with them.

Is this something you would do? Let us know!

Photo credit: Back of bride/veil


[bridal]

Avon's Mission ~ Empower Women

I just received this fabulous bracelet from Avon. It is the Woman's Empowerment Bracelet and it's purpose is to help raise funds to stop the violence against women around the world.

Avon, along with their Global Ambassador, Reese Witherspoon, and UNIFEM are trying to raise funds to help bring awareness to this global problem. The bracelets will sell for $3 each and all net profits will be donated to the Avon Empowerment Fund. In 2008, the Avon Foundation will match the first $500,000 in bracelet sales for a total donation of $1 million for new grant-making by the UN Trust Fund.

"One out of every three women in the world is affected by domestic violence. I am proud to be a part of this Summit, and I support Avon and UNIFEM wholeheartedly in their efforts to put an end to this global epidemic, and as honorary chair of the Avon Foundation, I'm also very excited to introduce the Avon Women's Empowerment Bracelet." ~ Reese Witherspoon

So, do you have yours? If not, get one! It is a simple way to help other women around the world.

Need an idea of who to buy them for: Your mother, you sister, your friends, YOUR BRIDESMAIDS!!!

Contact your local Avon representative, or go directly to the AVON website.


Photo credit: Avon





[charity]
[gifts]

Wedding Question Wednesday- Wedding Favors

Today's question comes from a random discussion amongst co-workers at my day job, PlasticSurgery.com. We were discussing wedding party favors. One lady asked, "is it necessary to have a favor for each guest and if so what should it be?"

This is a fabulous question! The gals of KDC Events feel that YES, it is respectful to give your guest a parting favor from your big day. Your guests spend a lot of money attending your wedding; it is nice to show them you appreciate it. We strongly feel that the favor should be one of two things:

1) Something reusable (and we don't mean a champagne glass with your name on it or bubbles). We mean something tangible! Maybe a wine stopper, candle or mini frame.

We recently tried these fabulous candles from Travertine Spa. They are Bergamot Soy Wax Candles, and they smell fantastic! It is a fragrance of fresh bergamot blended with citrus, for a soft scent. Each candle is adorned with a band of light-enhancing prisms that are beautiful and chic!


They look very elegant and would go in almost any home decor...after the wedding. You could also use them as wedding shower gifts, or gifts for your wedding party. You can purchase these directly from Travertine Spa.

2) Something edible! If the guest can eat it, the happier they are! Couples are getting very creative with this one. We have seen the traditional Hershey Kiss filled bag, and Jordan Almonds all they way to a custom candy bar catered to the bride and grooms favorite sweets.

So YES, wedding favors are necessary! Get creative and show your guests some love!

Share your favorite wedding favor with us!

[wedding]
[wedding favors]

Wednesday Wedding Question

So we are going to start a new series...Wednesday Wedding Questions! Just send in your wedding related questions. Whether it is engagement, shower, dress, ceremony, gift etc. related, BRING IT ON!!! Let us help you.

Our first question comes from Elana from Good Girl Gone Shopping:
"I am a little confused; does a bridal shower mean that you buy a cute, sexy gift for bride? Or, do we just use the registry and give her the wedding gift then? It is so confusing!!!! ;)"

Well Elana, the shower gift is completely separate form the wedding gift. The type of gift you decide to give solely depends on the Bride and the type of shower. Some showers can be theme oriented (think naughty lingerie shower, or honeymoon destination shower). If they are theme oriented, you would like to comply with that and stick to something related to it.

If it is not themed, then a nice gift of your choice or off the registry is fine. Typically wedding showers are looked upon to "shower" the bride or couple and help prepare them for marriage. So if it’s nice (or naughty) lingerie, or a handy dandy coffee pot, either will help equip the new couple with the necessary tools to begin their marriage. But remember, the shower gift IS separate form the wedding gift!


We hope this helps, have fun!


Photo credits: http://www.onlingerie.co.uk/bridal.html




[bridal shower]

Valentine's Day Helper

With Valentine's Day right round the corner, I am sure everyone is looking for that "perfect" gift for that someone special in our life. Well, if you are anything like me, there is little or no time to actually go out shopping.

So I do what I always do, surf the internet. I found some nice and interesting gifts out there for both men and women. I know most people are dead set on receiving the norm...candy and flowers, but here are some ideas to help you think outside the box...the candy box that is!


Gifts for Her

Fashion Consulting & Personal Shopping
Good Girl Gone Shopping
Elana Pruitt




Beautiful earrings Made By Geeta
"Designs by Geeta"





Magarita Bloom
Aphrodite's Heaven Collection

Gifts for him

So now that he knows what we want, how about some ideas on what to get him. Most guys will act like they don't really need anything, that valentines day is a holiday just for chicks, well wow him with one of these ideas:

Formula 2000 Half Day Racing Experience

Suit up, Strap in & Start Your Engines

Two-Initial Monogrammable Brander for the BBQ

RedEnvelope.com

Send him a PantyGram
The Package...The Message...The Tease
Sendapantygram.com

Well, there you have it! Have a happy Valentines Day. If you happen to get a unique and "out of the box" gift, please share it with us!




Photo credits: "Designs by Geeta", Margarita Bloom, Good Girl Gone Shopping, Formula 2000 Half Day Racing Experience, RedEnvelope.com, Sendapantygram.com

[gifts]
[valentines day]