Coy Clothes ~ T-Shirt Giveaway!

I won a giveaway a few weeks back.  Through that giveaway, I met Lisa of Coy Clothes.  She is a kick and her stuff is hilarious and cute. Can something be hilarious and cute at the same time...YES! I followed her blog and checked her out on Facebook, and she continues to keep me laughing day after day. So I had to share her all with you. She obliged AND said one lucky KDC Event reader could WIN one of her awesome shirts!! So read on... (to enter, see last paragraph)

Denice: Why did you start Coy Clothes?
Lisa: I started Coy Clothes because I saw a real need for funny, good-fitting t-shirts for the 30+ set. Also, I'd been home for 5 years with my kids and I was craving a creative/entrepreneurial outlet.

D: Where do you get your inspiration?
L: I always start with an image. I spend hours pouring over old advertising art looking for images that are evocative. Once I have an image, I focus on text. I'll work on the text until I have it down to two or three. Sometimes I'll post my shortlist on Facebook to get feedback, but usually I'll go with mine and my husband's gut reaction.

D: What is your favorite piece?
L: I have two favorites. I have a men's shirt called "Pensive Guy" and I really just love the illustration style. I think it's really beautiful and I love his expression. My funny favorite is the "Crazy Jesus Lady." She's ridiculous and has this crazy vacant expression that kills me.

D: Do you do custom orders, let's say for bridal parties?
L: I'm always open for custom orders! I'm happy to work with existing stock or source brand new images and write text for them. Just keep in mind, a custom order with a new image would take a minimum of 4 weeks.

Ok, now you have met Lisa of Coy Clothes- Go visit her site and tell me which one you love and have to have. (mandatory for entry)

Additional entries:
1) Like KDCEvents on Facebook and say hello! (1 entry - leave separate comments for each)
2) Like Coy Clothes on Facebook (1 entry)
3) Follow KDCEvents on Twitter (1 entry)
4) Follow Coy Clothes on Twitter (1 entry)
4) Tweet this giveaway: Want to win an awesome Coy Clothes T-shirt? Check out http://tinyurl.com/3pjpv4n @KDCEvents

***NOTE: Please enter a seperate comment for each entry.  Contest ends FRIDAY April 8th!

GOOD LUCK!! You will LOVE your Coy Clothes, I LOVE my apron!!! THANKS LISA!

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit: Coy Clothes

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/

Bridal Handbags By Laura Lee Designs

I have been blogging for a few years now, but just recently caught on to the twitter phenom.  I never really understood it, or had the time to "tweet".  Well, this year I made that my goal, and boy, am I glad I did!  Through Twitter, I have made some great connections, one being Laura Lee Designs. Laura Lee Designs handcrafts the best looking bags I have seen. They are super cute... SUPER CUTE I say!!   Their web site says it all:

"Laura Lee's handmade beaded handbags are a fusion of cultures, fabrics and trimmings discovered during her travels abroad. Stylishly appealing and refreshingly chic, each handbag is adorned with high quality satins and swirling patterns of Japanese beads. Colorful snakeskin and leathers compliment the intricate beading, adding a functional elegance to every handbag. Less an accessory and more a piece of wearable art, Laura Lee handbags capture your style and verve."

Well,  we have tweeted back and forth a bit and the individuals behind this brand are super nice. Laura Lee agreed to let me interview her!! (Exciting!!) So without further adoo, I introduce THE Laura Lee of Laura Lee Designs (LLD):

Denice: Is Laura Lee Designs a one-woman show, or is there a team behind it all?
Laura Lee: An excellent team is behind LLD! A manufacturing team in NYC, material and leather resource group in NYC,  A "photo-shop" Associate & NY Assistant, Washington D.C. Assistant, Graphic Artist and Advisory Board. LLD COULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT THIS FANTASTIC TEAM!

D: What inspired you to start your company?

LL: I was surrounded by brands while living overseas and hadn't seen anything unique or one-of-a-kind that showed a "personality". I had access to artisans that could help me with samples and felt if I didn't start with my small idea of a beaded bag, somebody else might take this idea and run with it...so I began the "journey" of Laura Lee Designs.

D: For Brides who have never heard of Laura Lee Designs, what is your single most important selling point of your Bridal Bag?

LL: The most distinct element that defines the "SOMETHING" BRIDAL BAG is the 4 pockets inside labeled "OLD-NEW-BORROWED-BLUE”.  little keepsakes can be put into each pocket by the Mother of the Bride or the Maid of honor.  These Bridal Bags come in ivory/silver and gold. Finally, they can be handed down to the next generation.  A sentimental gift indeed!

D: How did you develop the idea for the Bridal Bag and all its fabulous compartments?

LL: I was in a girlfriend's wedding when I started this line.  The day of the rehearsal she was panicked because she did not have anything that had the "SOMETHING"  themes and she thought it would be bad luck if she did not have something with the traditional necessities. Also, she could not find a decent bag to hold her mints, lip gloss and hanky.  All of the bridesmaids scrambled, and it made me think that there could be an incorporated item; finally I made the decision to come up with the Bridal Bag that would serve both of these needs.  The "SOMETHING" bag was created!!

D: When people request custom-designed Bridal Bags, what are their options?

LL: We currently do not do custom design Bridal bags, but we will do custom-colored bridesmaids handbags, but with a minimum of 6 bags required.

D: Summer is here, what is your “must-have” pick from your line?

LL: The clutches, especially the STEPPIN’ OUT with 3 straps: MAGENTA/CANADIAN BLUE AND GOLD. This one can be used wearing jeans or a little Spring/Summer dress!

D: Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know?

LL: There are some new lines that are coming out: OUR ALUMNI SERIES, currently featuring the VIRGINIA TECH BAG. Then in the fall; UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, TEXAS A&M and UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON.

Also, Next year we are looking forward to participating in the KENTUCKY DERBY, THE 167 YEAR OF "RUNNING WITH THE ROSES",  and finally, we are doing private label for companies such as ROLLER BAGS and TOTE BAGS.   In the pipeline: "RAIL" EQUESTRIAN SHIRTS FOR DRESSAGE/SHOWINGS and WHITE WEDDING BOOTS.   At LAURA LEE DESIGNS, we are always looking for ways to keep the brand and women fresh and unique!

 

Thanks Laura Lee!  I have to say, I love the M bag!! What's great about them is they come in virtually every color!

I hope you enjoyed this interview and getting to know Laura Lee Designs.  Should you want to contact them, here is their info: General inquiries: info@lauraleedesigns.com OR for PR info Lindsay: Lindsay@lauraleedesigns.com. OR, you can always go to their web site, blog, Twitter, or Facebook!

*hugs*

Denice

Photo Credits: Laura Lee Designs

Tag...I'm It!

I was tagged by a fabulous blogger, Leeann over at Join the Gossip. These get to know you games are always fun because it introduces you to new people and blogs and gives your readers a different look into me! So I hope you enjoy:

The rules:
1. Click on the above button and paste onto your blog/website
2. Answer the below questions
3. Pass onto 10 bloggers that you Love, go to their blog and let them know they've been tagged

Here is goes... =)

1. Who is your style icon?
I really never thought of myself as having style! I have always loved the look of Posh Spice herself, Mrs. Victoria Beckham, but I know I could never achieve that! So... I love the classic style of Reese Witherspoon.
2. What is your favorite socialite lit book?
I have not read any lately! I have a 1 year old that I chase around all day, so I'm open to any suggestions =)

3. Favorite party theme?
I would have to say Famous Couples. It's fun to see who people dress up as. (Yes, that is Hubby and I back in our college days!)

4. Go to Halloween costume?
Anything you can do as DEAD. I don't know why and I have never dressed up as a dead person, but if your make up is done right, it looks amazing!

5. Extravagance you cannot live without?
Getting my hair done. It makes me feel pretty and kept. I have had the same gal for YEARS, she's my buddy. I can't live with out her. In fact, she designs smocks for stylist, so check out her site: Hairwearsmocks.com.

6. Living person you admire?
Three actually. My sister because she is the worlds best mom and all around good person, and my Mom & Dad because they taught me to be the person I am today.


7. Greatest fear?
My food touching...lame I know, but it totally grosses me out!

8. Trait you deplore in yourself?
Sometimes I am TOO honest and don't know when to keep my mouth shut.

9. Which talent would you most like to have?
Public speaking. I wish I had the gift of gab =)

10. Greatest achievement?
My kids =) I am passing on to the following because they are fabulous:

~ Jennifer at Beauty In Real Life

~ Jana at Things to Do With Your Kids

~ Stephanie at Thoughts From Cali

~ Tammy at White Iris Designs

~ Miss Janice at Etiquette With Miss Janice

~ Kori at Blond Episodes

~ Beth at Social Climbers

~ Elana at Good Girl Gone Shopping

~ Angel at Angel Diane Photography

~ Raquel at House of Raquel

*hugs*

Denice

Photo Credits:

- Reese

- Victoria

- Food

- Honest

Getting the Perfect Shot

Important moments in life should be captured, and not just in our memory but in pictures. I am a photo freak! I take pictures of everyone and everything. I am by no means good at it, but I am terrified I am going to miss some fantastic moment in life, so I document it in thousands of photos. As most of you know, I had a baby last year, and he is quickly approaching his first birthday. I wish I could say I was as on top of things as I was with my first child, but come on...let's be serious, the second child is often caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. He is a photographed child, but on my iPhone!

So, as his first birthday quickly snuck up on me, I had never even thought of having him photographed! Then I received an email from a local Photographer asking my opinion on an association I used to belong to. We began chatting through email and we instantly clicked! She offered to photograph Cooper for his birthday and I accepted.

Her name is Angel and that's exactly what she is. She was amazing with both of my children, and captured them and their personalities exceptionally. I was so impressed with her that I needed to know more about her and why she does what she does. Here is a brief interview with Angel from Angel Diane Photography:

1) What made you decide to be a photographer?
My father's untimely death. He was 44 and I was 17. He took pictures of the family and they are all I have left of that life. They are images of my memories and a life that is now gone and the only proof of a childhood. From that I started speaking the gospel of, "you MUST take pictures." The photography came secondary. My passion was fueled and the camera found me.

2) How long have you been a photographer?
Professionally, 9 years. I stumbled onto a kind man who saw my passion and graciously mentored me. He changed my life by mentoring me for a year. We did weddings & sporting events together, coupled by college classes. I started in film photography.

3) What is your favorite subject?
I enjoy capturing the bond between people / family. Emotion that exists between people. Weddings are special because I enjoy capturing such an intimate day and freeze framing it for future generations. I also favor capturing the bond between siblings. It's such a beautiful relationship. Siblings are those people that truly know us like no other. They know the good, the bad, and the ugly. And when it comes to hell or high water,they are typically the ones who will stand with us.

4) What is your favorite prop?
Something that is meaningful to the subject. Something that will invoke a memory for the person I am taking the picture for. I don't want them to remember me. I want them to remember a period in their lives.

5) What was your all time best shoot?
Wow! To pick just one is so so hard. I have so much fun with so many people. I laugh with my subjects and somehow become part of their lives. I am honored that my work will become part of their family history. This question causes a flood of memories with so many people I have photographed I seriously don't know how to name one singular experience.

6) What is your best advice for those looking for a photographer to photograph their event?
The food gets eaten, the flowers die, and the cake gets cut. After everything is over, the only thing they are left with is the pictures which will serve as their memories. Make sure you appreciate the photographer's style. It's so much more than telling people to, "smile!" Experience is so important because there are never two variables alike: lighting, time of day, weather, flesh tones, environment, etc...Google all of your vendor's names and find out what they have going on.

7) What is your favorite image you have captured?
This image is special. To me it represents life. Grandma's loving working hands. It was on a wedding shoot and the bride beamed with glee how her grandmother had made her veil. What she conveyed is that she was so happy that her grandmother had made it. I wanted her to have an image of the hand that worked on her veil. She included that image on her final wedding album.

Thank you so much Angel for sharing your passion, and Thank you for the fabulous images you took of Cooper!

If you are in the market for a photographer, contact Angel and check her out. She is very reasonably priced and like I said before, a pleasure to work with. Just a note to all, I paid for my photo session and prints, so this is a true testament of how much I liked Angel as a photographer.

*hugs*
Denice

Photo Credit:

[photography]