Why Don't You. . .Have a Gourmet Popcorn Bar??

Candy bars and buffets are very popular and have become an integral part of today's wedding receptions. I don't see any signs of this trend slowing down, either. I can see what's great about it, though:

It looks good as a part of the decor for the reception
It's interactive for the guests
Candy is a wedding favor that 95% of your guests will enjoy

So put a twist on the been-there-done-that candy buffet: why don't you offer a gourmet popcorn bar at your wedding?? It will still engage your guests, it can look fantastic inside your venue and it's tasty!

If I were to design a popcorn bar for one of my brides, I would start with Garrett's Popcorn out of Chicago. YUM!! There are only about seven flavors, so I wouldn't have to make very difficult decisions on what to choose. I would definitely have the CheeseCorn, the CaramelCrisp, the oh-so-popular Chicago Mix and round it out with the Plain and Buttery flavors. I would probably allot 1/4 to 1/3-gallon of popcorn per guest, but Garrett's popcorn is sooooo good that you may have to increase your order to avoid running out!

To save on costs, I would look for original and unique glass containers in places like Hobby Lobby, Ikea, thrift shops and antique stores. And there's always the option of renting containers. One trick that many miss is to limit the size of the containers. I would only use small to medium containers, with only one or two large containers. Five to seven small or medium containers definitely give the look of more goodies as opposed to three large containers, although it's holding the same amount of popcorn. Remember--presentation is everything!

I would liven up the table by adding premium linens or table runners that matched the colors and scheme of the rest of the reception. Votives, flower petals, seashells or scattered gems would also liven up the buffet. You really don't want it to look bland. It should be inviting and appealing to your guests. It should almost scream out: "Come scoop me. . ." Gilded frames for the signage would be beautiful touch, as well.

I would stage the containers at different heights on the table using lifts/risers. This makes access to the popcorn goodies easier, but it also adds drama to the table. I would definitely stage the favor bags and boxes, too, because they are a part of the presentation as well. Stainless steel or silver scoops would round out the look for my gourmet popcorn bar.

Your gourmet popcorn bar is sure to be a success at your next special event or wedding reception. Who doesn't like to pick and choose their own delicious take-home treats? What different ideas do you have for bars or buffets? We'd love to hear your ideas!
Photo Credit: Buttercup Popcorn, Country Confections

Happy Mother's Day!

I would like to send a very special Mother's Day wish to all the mothers, aunts-who-are-like-mothers, mentors-who-are-like-mothers and everyone else who has a mother-like presence in the life of their loved ones.

First--I would have never been born without my mother!  Secondly, I can't imagine my life without her: good, bad, ugly or indifferent.  My Mama (and now, Anija's and Jalaya's Granny) should know that she is very loved and appreciated!  And for the rest of my Mama All-Stars list:

MomMom (Grandma)

Ms. Carrie (Grandma)

Mrs. Winston

El

Ms. Campbell

Kelly L.

I love and appreciate you all for how you have embraced me and enriched my life!

Photo Credit:  Flower Bud

A Great Foundation: Bridal Undergarments

I think this is a very timely post. This has been on my blog to-do list, and just yesterday, Miss Canary from Weddingbee did a post on bridal undergarments. So here is my two cents on the subject. . .

Bridal undergarments do not get the necessary attention they deserve. I think this may be true of good undergarments in general. My sorority sister made a comment to me some time ago and I walk with this statement daily: “We are too old to be jiggling everywhere.” Such a true statement and I make sure I do my part when I get dressed. I HEART Spanx and Sara Blakely.

At any rate, I’m here to talk about strapless bras. And I speak from personal experience. I was in a wedding last summer and we wore beautiful strapless mermaid gowns (can’t wear it again, but it was gorgeous!). At the bridal shop, I was offered the standard strapless bra that retailed at $55.00 and I was so less than impressed! I’m only a C cup, but these babies are heavy! I didn’t get the lift I was expecting, I didn’t feel “secured” in the bra—I felt if I were dancing, my boobs might flop out! Nor did this standard strapless bra do anything for my back side—if you catch what I’m saying. So I ended up saying, “thanks, but no thanks” and started my search for the perfect strapless bra.

My search landed me at the Special Woman Boutique on the northside of Indianapolis. It’s a little storefront in a commercial park off 86^th and Michigan and I had never heard of it before. It was opened by Carole Coogle, a breast cancer survivor. When she went through her ordeal, she found that there were very few places for women who underwent lumpectomies or mastectomies to go for prosthetics, bras and accessories. Nor did they have that special touch and personal attention that she craved. So she opened her own boutique and I am so glad she did! She eventually began to see the need great bras and support garments in larger sizes (up to KK) so she expanded her business beyond prosthetics and medical bras.

You have to make an appointment to be seen at the Special Woman Boutique and each employee spends about 45 minutes to an hour with each client. I got the opportunity to actually work with Carole for my fitting. She was so nice and sweet and told me the background on how she started. She presented several long-line strapless bras for me to try and walked me through various “exercises” while trying on the bras. I had to jump up and down, bend over at the waist, stretch my arms, dance and a few other things. Carole pointed out that my boobs didn’t exactly fill out the cups of the best bra, so she put in some bust cups and the best bra became the perfect bra! I love, love, love the Goddess long-line bra that I purchased from her! Not only did I spend the same $55.00 on a far superior bra and bust cups, I also had a superior experience. The service was so much more personal and I was ecstatic about my purchase! I was Carole’s biggest fan for weeks after I left her shop and I still refer everyone looking for special undergarments to her. And the handwritten thank you note that she sent me after I made my purchase didn’t hurt one bit. She provided exceptional service.

At the wedding, armed with my Goddess bra and Spanx, I was unstoppable! I performed my bridesmaid’s duties, danced and strolled all night at the reception and I never felt better. I was smoothed out and lifted: Look, Ma! No jiggling! Nothing is worse than to be pulling and tugging all night long while you are supposed to be enjoying a wedding. And remember the photographer?? She’ll be there to capture it all—lumps, bumps and all. So this is my official endorsement of Carole Coogle and the Special Woman Boutique. You do not have the settle for what they hand you at the bridal shop, especially if it does not work for you. If you are in the Indianapolis area, do not hesitate to pay Carole a visit. . .and be sure to tell her Katasha sent you!

The Special Woman Boutique
317.876.3770
8770 Commerce Park Place Suite A
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268

Photo Credit: Goddess Bra

Meet Preston Bailey!

This just in from The Wedding Library:

You are cordially invited to meet Preston Bailey in his studio. Preston will share his amazing creations for the luxury Royal Plantation Ocho Rios as well as a "sneak peek" at his designs for the soon-to-be launched Royal Plantation Island at Fowl Cay. A truly fantastic opportunity to meet Preston in person, see his studio and view this latest design.

Mingle and enjoy Mango Bellinis and Caribbean- inspired hors d'oeuvres from downtown restaurant hot spot Five Points. You'll meet Jaime Stewart-McConnell, Managing Director of the Royal Plantation brand. Her wedding was designed by Preston and featured in another of our faves, Martha Stewart Weddings.

Thursday (tomorrow!), May 8 from 6-8pm. Space is limited to this exclusive event so please rsvp to Suzell Rodriguez, 305.284.1300, ext. 4682 today. Preston's studio is at 147 West 25th Street, 11th Floor. See you there!

If you are in the NYC area--jump on this! Come back and tell us how it went. . .
Photo Credit: Preston Bailey

Point, Click, Shoot.

I just read this article in the New York Sun and I think it's pretty interesting:

Bill Would Tie Down Runaway Photographers
For the full article, click HERE.
In brief, the city of New York is proposing a bill that would force photographers to pay fines and damages to clients if they don't deliver the promised goods. City Council will vote on this legislation that will cause wedding photographers AND bridal shops to have to register with the city and post a $5000 bond with the Department of Consumer Affairs. The bond would allow spurned clients to claim damages and the fines would range from $1000-$5000. This proposed legislation all stemmed from a Staten Island case in which an unscrupulous photographer ran away with a young couple's money and never delivered their engagement photos.

I am all for protection of the consumer (and definitely my brides!) because I know it's a horrible feeling to get burned by an unethical vendor--especially for one of the most important events you'll ever have. That being said, there are unethical vendors in all industries and in all categories of the incredible wedding machine, unfortunately. Is it fair to target just one sector?

What do you think about this proposed legislation? We'd love to hear your comments!
Photo Credit: Paul Fortino

Drumroll, please. . .

Now announcing the winner for our Sapphire Package give-a-way and the $500 gift certificate towards ANY package that K Sherrie+Company Wedding and Event Design offers. And the winners are:

Sapphire Package:
Rebecca Walter and Mark Stempel
The Sapphire Package is our “Month-of” coordination package. We box up all of your planning and details and package it nicely and put a nice pink bow on top! What this really means is that we meet with you to go over your concept and vision for the day, contact and finalize all your vendors, design a wedding day timeline and coordinate your wedding rehearsal and your wedding day.

$500 Gift Certificate:
Elisabeth Raess and John Langerkamp

Congratulations to both couples! We absolutely look forward to working with you on your special day!

New Telephone Number!!!

K Sherrie+Company Wedding and Event Design now has a toll-free number. Brides from all across the country can phone and fax us toll-free! Now, we know almost every telephone and cell phone carrier offers free long-distance, but for those of you who don't have free long distance, we've got you covered. Because that's just the type of full-service company we are!



Our new number for phone and fax is 800-409-KSCO (5726), effective May 1, 2008.
The current numbers: 317-222-6255 (phone) and 866-697-1504 (fax) will still be in service for the next 30 days. Thanks for updating your records and call us sometime!

Say Yes To The Dress

Fresh from Kleinfield Bridal's website:

We (TLC) are looking for soon-to-be Brides who will allow us to film them
wedding dress shopping at Kleinfeld in New York City for an upcoming reality
show to air on TLC. There is no monetary compensation for appearing on the show
and SAY YES TO THE DRESS does not reimburse participants for travel,
accommodations, or purchases made at the bridal store. Although there is no
obligation to buy a dress, we are looking for serious participants who are
actively searching for a wedding dress and planning to get married.

This may be considered a win-win if you wanted to shop at Kleinfield's anyway. . .please click here to apply today!

Local and Sustainable

With Earth Day just passing us by, I think this is the perfect opportunity to re-introduce Dawes Design jewelry. First mentioned in the blogosphere about forty-five days ago by BFF Bridal, Dawes Design jewelry is the "green" jewelry for today's tres chic fille.
Dawes Design jewelry was started by Jennifer Dawes in rural Northern California as a socially and environmentally responsible jewelry line. Everything is made locally and sourced using sustainable businesses that use recycled products. The exquisite, stackable baubles are made using only recycled gold, conflict free diamonds and responsibly mined stones. The beautiful and versatile collection can be mixed and matched throughout all the lines to create a contemporary look that remains classical. All of the pieces are designed for stacking so you can combine the many styles and colors and invent some truly unique looks. Dawes also created a bridal line. And what's more, each piece is handmade and finished at Jennifer’s studio in Sonoma County.

In our never-ending quest to "go green" and be eco-chic in our daily living, buying this jewelry is a great way to be stylish. wear pretty, unique jewelry and concomitantly do your part in saving Mother Earth. And if you can look this funky while doing it--what's not to love?

Anyone reading already a wearer of Dawes Design jewelry?? We'd like to hear what you think!

Circular Tags on Etsy

I found some great circular tags on Etsy at {fubabee} Pretty Stationery for Beautiful Souls. I'll be using these tags for shower favors for a baby shower that we're hosting in Dean Johnson Gallery next month. They are perfect to showcase the custom logo designed for Baby Anya by eLucky Designs. We've decided on a pink and green "asian fusion" theme for the baby shower. The favors will be lucky bamboo plants and paper fans. What a chic baby!

I'll be sure to take a picture of the finished product and post them when I receive them. Anyone else using circular tags for their favors?

Tag! I'm It!

I've been tagged by two of my planner colleagues, Andria of Andria Lewis Events in Tennessee and Tabitha of Elite Bridal Concierge in North Carolina. Saundra of Planning Forever Events (fellow Hoosier!) changed the rules a little. The new rules:

1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 5 songs you are embarrassed to admit to others you like and tell why.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I'm not quite sure that I'm embarrassed by my song choices. Should I be? I'm a well-rounded kinda gal. But a few people may be surprised at some of my favorites. My friends and family think I'm the most high-post, high-maintenance girl that has ever walked planet Earth. Whateve! Here goes:

"Lollipop" by Lil Wayne--this is on constant rotation on my iPod in my car. And Lil Wayne is just hot right now on the music scene.

"Get High With Me" by Soulja Slim--LOL--I'm laughing while typing this! I've never done an illegal drug in my life or even smoked cigarettes! And I'm a pharmacist in the valiant fight against drug abuse. . .but I love this song! It's something to "ride to." I think my brother has had a MAJOR influence on my song choices.

"Beautiful Ones" by Mary J. Blige--I want someone to sing this at my wedding. No, wait--maybe I can sing it??

"Dangerously in Love" by Beyonce--My first assigned ringtone by someone very special to me. Brings back beautiful memories. . .

"Pop, Lock and Drop It" (Remix) by Huey--seeing my five-year-old niece (then, four) do this dance is comical! And, no, I didn't teach her!

And, right now, I'm listening to "No Air" by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown, which I'm loving. It's very moving. So, there it is. Probably completely unexpected, but it is what it is!
Everyone I know has been tagged, but here's my list:

Always Fabulous Events | Ayr Hill Events | Soiree Bliss Events | Willrich Weddings | Altered Artist |
Not quite seven, but I'm sure that's more than okay!

8 Days Left. . .

Hello Brides!

There are only 8 days left in the Sapphire Package Give-a-way!! It's not too late to enter! Click HERE for details and directions to enter the contest. We would love to be your Day-Of Coordinator for your upcoming wedding!

Why Don't You. . .Celebrate Earth Day Everyday??

Happy Earth Day!! Today, we celebrate Earth Day, when in reality, we should be celebrating it every day. I drive an SUV--so to make up for that, I try to use these 10 easy ways to go green in my home. It's the least I can do to reduce my impact on Mother Earth (or get another vehicle, which I'm trying to do right now!)
Courtesy of Domino Magazine, here are 10 stealthy ways to decrease the carbon footprint in your home life:

1. shut your tap

While brushing your teeth, remember to turn off the faucet. If you're scrubbing for the dentist-advised two minutes and your spigot puts out the average three gallons per minute, you'll save six gallons.

2. unplug it

It was revolutionary on MTV Unplugged, and it's still the way forward: Pull out cords for cell-phone chargers, microwaves and other "occasional" appliances when not in use.

3. buy in bulk

Packaging can be seductive, but it's clogging landfills. Cut down on the excess by buying either jumbo containers that hold more or from bins of loose flour, rice, etc. Bonus: fewer gas-guzzling trips to the market.

4. turn down the thermostat

Doing so not only conserves fuel and money (for every degree you lower it between 70° and 60°, you'll save about 5 percent on heating costs), but studies show it may also help you fall asleep more quickly and have a more restful night once you do.

5. ditch paper napkins

An elegant way to conserve, cloth napkins save both kinds of green (that's money and trees). Wash in cold water and line-dry for bonus points.

6. cell block

Cell phone reliably die at the worst possible moment, so don't go anywhere without Gaiam's inexpensive "SideWinder" portable charger. Two minutes of cranking yields five to six minutes of talk time. Seems crazy, but it works—and it's good exercise! Bonus feature: a small LED that's perfect for locating dropped keys in a dark movie theater.

7. say no to vampire power

Intriguing as it sounds, "vampire power" sucks. A computer that's been turned off still drains the lifeblood from outlets, accounting for up to 10 percent of home-electricity use. Smart Home's new-generation Smart Power Strip actually stops the current, saving money and energy.

8. the convection connection

Spacious and sophisticated enough to roast a chicken or bake a soufflé, Cuisinart's "Exact Heat" convection oven saves energy by preheating and cooking faster than conventional ovens.

9. 'n sink

A tea-drinker's dream: instant boiling water! The InSinkErator faucet, which connects to an under-sink tank, offers instant gratification and energy efficiency that beats the old stove-and-kettle method.

10. healthy venting

Regulating temperature in a large room can be difficult. To keep the air fresh without letting in a draft, Honeywell offers a special fan called a heat recovery ventilator that sucks in and warms outside air before pumping it throughout the space.

Can you commit to at least one or two of these?

My Frisco Excursion

Here are some pics from my rest and relaxation get-away to San Francisco. Okay, so, I did attend a pharmacy conference there, but, whatever! It was so cultural and picturesque (and windy!) there. . .I loved it! Everything's better when you can do it with your honey, so I can't wait to visit with mine. And no conferences!!



This mansion was on Nob Hill. Used to be some billionaire's house--silver baron James Flood. . .now it's the Pacific Union Gentleman's Club--playground for the powerful and wealthy.

Coit Tower: purportedly designed to look like the fire hose that firefighter's use, dedicated to San Francisco's finest.
You can't see it very well, but this is the curvy decline of Lombard Street.



Me--on a street car.

Entering Chinatown through the famous Dragon Gate. I was hoping to get some great lucky bamboo, but I didn't have time to look. Every street light in Chinatown was actually a gift from the Republic of China and they were very ornate. Can you see the two dragons "holding" up the lamp shade?



Fisherman's Wharf.
Me at Fisherman's Wharf. With Coit Tower in the rear. . .

My view from the car on the way to Fisherman's Wharf. See The Rock?



My comfy room at Parc 55 Hotel. And, I must note--they had excellent service. The hotel was gorgeous and I would highly recommend it.

The view from my room.

Floral and Fabulous

Rock these rocks at your spring time wedding. Floral themes, in jewelry and everything else, are hot. These pieces perfectly fit the bill with their bright and bold colors. The "big, bright and beautifully crafted" designs showcased by Ice.com bring a fun, feminine and flirty feel to your wedding adornments.



The cool and serene blue-green colors of the 4.5 carat peridot and iolite sterling ring definitely make a statement. It can be your something blue and I think it's my favorite piece of the ICE floral collection.

The deep, luscious purple of the amethyst floral earrings truly lend a feminine look to your bridal attire. You can tie it in with the amethyst colors of your bridesmaids dresses.



Filled with purple amethysts, yellow citrines, green peridots, sky blue topaz and red garnets, this oh-so-charming bracelet can bring out the fun in any wardrobe. Add and unexpected sparkle and pop of color with the lovely spectrum of jewels and colors (26.5 carats!). As colorful as any bouquet, this bracelet can be as understated and demure as you wish or as bold and bodacious as you dare! For the bold and bodacious look, stack two or three of them. At $120 each, you can afford to do this. And for an added personal touch, give one away to your mother and mother-in-law after the wedding. Awwwww!


The glow of these gems will make you the center of attention. Embrace it and be floral and fabulous! Are any of you wearing any different or unusual pieces as a part of your wedding attire? We'd like to hear about it!

Ice, Ice Baby. . .Too Cold, Too Cold.

I did love this Vanilla Ice ditty (it's on my iPod!), but I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about ice sculptures. Once always a part of the 1980s spend, spend, spend grandeur--ice sculptures lost their shine and suffered a slow decline in the 1990s. No one wanted to be associated with the excessive gaudiness of the Dynasty-era. Minimalism was truly in.

Now, usher in the Bling-Bling-era of the millennia. Ice is back! And I'm not talking about the kissing swans, either (but if that's what you like. . .it's our pleasure to get it for you). Ice sculptures are very popular in the Indianapolis wedding scene and I don't see any sign of it slowing down. At every networking event I attend, there's an ice sculpture present. Now, many brides and grooms are opting to have these works of art as a part of their celebration.

The many uses of ice sculptures include specialty drink luges, seafood/caviar serving platforms and stations, ice bars or just simple adornment. The double drink luges are particularly fun when you have two "siggys" at your wedding reception.

Ice sculptures typically last about six to seven hours indoors, but they generally start to lose detail around hour three. Outside in the summer, if covered, an ice sculpture can last up to four hours. The pricing of the ice sculptures depend on the popularity of the carver, as well as the size and elaborateness of the design. Expect to pay upwards of $250 for single logos, $350 for moderately elaborate designs greater than three feet tall and $1000 and up for very elaborate designs, very tall sculptures and ice bars. Please don't forget to negotiate take-down and removal in your quote. You don't want to be stuck with trying to dispose of a 5' ice bar. Also, I wouldn't recommend "freezer drops." While it is cheaper to have the carver just drop the sculpture off at the venue, you should pay extra for the set up because you get the lighted platforms, drip trays, drains and pails. Presentation is everything!

From platinum weddings on television to the local weddings and social events, I can count on one hand the ones that did not have some type of ice sculpture. Not only do they lend an elegance to your celebration, they are also functional as food and beverage serving stations. I always encourage you to be daring and different on your wedding day, but when something just works--well--it just works. And ice is so hot right now.

Photo Credits: Jose and Sons Sculptors

Please Excuse My Absence. . .

Dear Friends--

Please excuse my absence and lack of posting. After supporting a loved one in his time of bereavement, I am now in sunny California for some much needed rest and relaxation. I spent the day trekking the neighborhoods of the ultra-fab San Francisco! It's so hip and happening and multi-cultural--I think I could live here.

I am such the nerd! My first thought when driving through the valley to get to San Francisco: "My Dad is going to think it is soooo cool that I get to visit Alcatraz!!" My Dad is the reason that I consistently watch A&E, the History Channel and Tru Network. You gotta love a man who thinks it's more important to read and know "stuff". . .

I'll be back blogging very soon! Thanks to all for the prayers, kind words and condolences.

What Is Your Financial Comfort Zone?

In meeting with higher end clients, I have learned quite a few things about money management and financial responsibility. Everyone is aware of the growth and spending in the wedding industry: close to $80 billion last year! As a planner, I am also very aware of the pressure for couples to plan their wedding celebration bigger, better, more extravagant and more lavish than all of their counterparts. This pressure can easily drive couples into the poor house even before they say, “I do.”

However, in meeting and getting to know some of these clients, a few ideas about money and spending have been confirmed in my mind. It’s about how different people deal with money. With some clients, it’s not about having enough money to spend. What it is about is what they’re willing to spend their money on. Just because you have access to $100,000 doesn’t mean that you are willing to spend it on a weekend wedding blow-out. I met with a young lady a few weeks ago who was a successful business owner. Upon meeting her (first impressions!), I could tell we had the same style and aesthetic, so I knew she liked nice things. During our consultation, I also found that she was very committed to keeping her costs less than $20,000. She didn’t see the sense in blowing a lot of cash on a one-day wedding reception.

And I totally get it.

At K Sherrie+Company, it’s what we call keeping our clients in their “financial comfort zone” (such a great catch phrase taught to us by our friend, Liene, of Blue Orchid Designs, who in turn, learned of the phrase from Scott Corridan). We want you to stay on track, stay on budget and spend your money on what you feel is most important—not anything more or anything less. I’ll use myself as an example. I will happily pay $1500 for a Gucci or LV purse. What I will not spend my hard earned money on, for instance, is a Cross pen or a piece of Riedel crystal. I don’t see the point. Again—it’s not about having the money available, but about what I’m willing to spend my cash on. . .what I value. . .my very own “financial comfort zone.” And we understand many clients feel the exact same way about weddings and celebrations.

K Sherrie+Company prides itself on being a collaborator and co-conspirator in helping people stay within their financial comfort zone. Our flat rate consultation fees are a testament to this. We will never encourage you to spend more so we can make more. This can sometimes happen with unscrupulous planners who charge on a percentage basis. This does not mean that you will not go over budget. What it does mean is that we will help you make informed decisions and you’ll be satisfied when you choose to spend your dollars on what means the most to you.

Sapphire Package Give-a-way

Due to our presence and participation at the Zionsville Spring Bridal Show, we've gotten lots of entries into our Sapphire Package Give-a-way. But it's not too late for you to win! The give-a-way doesn't end until April 30th. Click HERE for details on how to enter. Good luck to all the brides!!

2008 Spring Bridal Show

Hello Indy Brides!

Look for K Sherrie+Company at the 2008 Spring Bridal Show hosted by Ace Tent Company. It will take place Sunday, April 6th at Lions Park in Zionsville. The time is from 11-4 and the weather looks to be a sunny 66 degrees!

So stop by our booth and sign up for our two give-a-ways. We will be giving away a free Sapphire Package as well as $500 off any planning package! Please click HERE to view the contest rules for the Sapphire Package give-a-way.

Hope to see you Sunday. Just look for the beautiful canopy of sweeping tents!

Photo credit: Classic Party Rental

Car Bomb or Boilermaker?

What ever you wish to call it--would this make a good siggy for your wedding?

Maybe. It depends on your crowd and the aesthetic of your wedding reception. But I'm positive it wouldn't carry the cutesy, signature drink names that are very popular right now.

Most guests like to drink at weddings. Just ask any couple who hosted a bar at their celebration! And most guests can be satisfied with the cutesy, colored cocktails with sugared rims and pretty garnish. But some guests and revelers want a drink. And now, enter the Boilermaker. Made with one shot of whiskey and 10-12 ounces of beer, this drink is a sure-fire knock out--and I mean literally.

It's the stuff of lore trying to figure out how this drink got it's name. "Boilermaker" used to be the generic term for industrial metalworkers. What we do know is that this drink showed up in print in 1932 in James Wiley and Helene Griffith's Art of Mixing. It was known then as the Block and Fall ("drink two, walk a block and fall")--so consider yourself warned that two is the limit. I've seen this drink served with the shot of whiskey dropped into the beer stein, glass and all. I've also seen the double-fisted version: drink the whiskey, chase with the beer.

I am not a heavy drinker (just social), so I wouldn't normally suggest this type of drink to be served at a wedding. I'm of the cutesy, colored cocktail set. However, I am more so about accommodating the guests and giving them what they want to have a good time. Let's face it--everyone is not crazy about apple martinis. I feel like the Boilermaker crowd would make for a very, very good time! And that's really the point.

And considering that I'm in Purdue country, I'm sure they would all agree. If all else fails, save it for the afterparty!

Wedding Write-Off?

Many, many favors get left at the reception site. Really--do you think your friends have use for a mini silver picture frame with your name on it? Or, what, pray tell, is a single gal going to do with one champagne flute with your wedding date engraved on it? I have two rules when picking wedding favors: Can you eat it? Would you use it?? But more on that later. . .

This post is for those who opt to make cash donations to their favorite charity in lieu of wedding favors. Lots of couples can benefit twice from this thoughtful gesture. 1) Your favorite charity gets some cash that it needs desparately. 2) This can be a tax write off for you and your new hubby. There is something you must do first, however. When choosing the charity of choice, make sure it's something near and dear to your heart. Then, make sure that Uncle Sam recognizes them. This will make for a special bonus at tax time for you newlyweds in your first year of wedded bliss. Log on to http://www.irs.gov/ to see if your favorite charity qualifies.

For Your Seashore Soiree

Visit Newport News for this 'maids dress that can definitely be worn again. It's deep seafoam color perfect for beachside nuptials. The beaded appliqué detail on this empire waist dress adds just enough personality. Can you picture your beautiful bridesmaids barefoot on the beach in this fabulous frock? And, right now, if you order 2 or more, get 20% off each dress.

Sorry For The Neglect (But I Was Eating Well!)

I spent the weekend in Dallas, so I wasn't able to post any blogs, but I was able to write--so stay tuned to some refreshing entries.

I did want to share my interesting dining experience while I was in Dallas. I was treated to The French Room (ooh la la!). I am not really what one would consider a foodie, but I loved it. The atmosphere was great and the food was even better. Some of the accolades The French Room has received:

*The 2006/2007 Zagat Survey named it the #1 hotel restaurant in America.
* Travel & Leisure chose it for its rankings of “America’s Top 50 Restaurants” and the “twenty-five best dining experiences in the world.”
* USA Today recently featured the Zagat Survey's 100 Top Hotel Restaurants in America. Based on on food quality, decor, and service, The French Room is #1.....
* "The French Room is only one of two Zagat rated restaurants worldwide to receive ratings of 29 (of 30) across the board in the last five years." - Tim Zagat
* "A Religious Experience....Five Stars for Food, Service, and Ambiance" - Dallas Morning News
* "One of World's Top 25 Dining Experiences" - Travel & Leisure Magazine

* "Top 11 American Restaurants" - AOL Food

We dined on exquisite French cuisine under 18-foot cathedral ceilings covered by frescoes. Louis XVI high-back chairs, silver, crystal and fine china exuding Old World grandeur rounded out the experience. I was pleasantly suprised by the amuse-bouche: pork loin served with diced watermelon and curry. The amuse-bouche is served right before the hors d'oeuvres and literally means "to amuse the mouth." It sets the tone for the meal to come and give you a glimpse to the chef's approach to cooking. Under the romantic glow of a single taper candle, I indulged on Maine Lobster with white asparagus soup. Between the first and second course, we were presented with an intermezzo to cleanse the palate: refreshing raspberry sorbet. What I liked most about the intermezzo was the presentation! It was served in this lovely glass lilly that was frosted in the freezer. I almost thought it was an ice form. Presentation is everything and, unfortunately, I didn't have my camera. For my second course, my gulf red snapper was broiled to perfection, with three large gulf shrimp garnishing it and served with steal-cut oat risotto. The second intermezzo was banana soup with a banana nut crouton. And for my final act, I finished with the French Room chocolate souffle.

It is almost sinful to eat such rich and sumptuous food all in one sitting! And we only had the three course meal. Can you believe that they offer a prix-fixe thirteen course meal? My favorites included not what was on my plate, but what was on my friend's plate: the signature jumbo lump crab cake served with lemongrass-ginger infused lobster sauce and perfectly seared pecan encrusted foie gras. My absolute favorite: white chocolate and goat cheese polenta. I wanted seconds and thirds although they would seem to be such strange bed fellows, the white chocolate and goat cheese. . .

As you can see, I can talk about this food all day! And I haven't even mentioned the impeccable service (three cheers for Francisco!). But, I wanted to let you all know why I hadn't been posting in the last few days. The French Room and the Adolphus Hotel get my recommendation if you are in the Dallas area. Now--back to our regularly scheduled program. . .