Creating is in my blood! Last year Christine Brower taught Annette Davidson and myself to bake delicious cookies. There is so much more involved that I ever realized.There so many different colors and shapes and designs to think about after you roll out the dough.
Recently, Christine invited the girls back and we got right into the decorating part of cookies. She had samples and then I got to try my hand at copying what Christine has been doing since she was a young child.
I am inspired to see if I can recreate what Christine has taught me. Just this week Christine sent to me a cookie recipe and an icing one too. I am going to practice rolling out the dough and baking my cookies. When I feel that the cookies are good enough, I am going to move onto the icing part and practice until I get good enough with that part. Then,I will move onto phase three and start to decorate!!!!
My plan is to keep practicing until I feel they are good enough to share with other people. The way I feel is this: If I can get proficient enough to make an eye catching gift basket as well as memorable scrapbooks,then I can do this too if I Practice,Practice and Practice!
I will keep you updated on my progress. I am so excited to learn something new as ALWAYS!
For more info go to: http://www.basket-mania.com
Memories Are Forever!
Posted on: June 28, 2013
Do you remember when we received letters and cards from those we cared about? It was wonderful to be able to keep those special ones in a Memory Box and look at them from time to time. How I treasure letters and cards from loved ones who are no longer around!
It is not the way it is today! We email our messages and thoughts via email. Facebook has become the easy way to convey our congratulations and warm wishes on those important occasions. “Hard copies” sometimes mean much more and show that we took the time to go that extra mile!
Scrapbooks are one way to have that “hard copy” and keep memories alive.Ever since I was a little girl, I loved to make scrapbooks. I started by cutting out pictures from magazines and pasting them into a scrapbook and drawing frames all around them. Then, my final touch was to add stickers. I next graduated when I was a little older to making scrapbooks for friends and relatives as gifts on important occasions.
My first one was a biographical one for my dad on an important birthday. I asked all of his sisters to send photos and I started from his birth to the present. I added the written as well as the artistic embellishments.
My next one was after my sister’s bridal shower. That one was totally different because I got to use all of the feminine touches such as floral embellishments and included all of the messages her friends
and family sent her.
I still continue to do those gifts. They are a labor of love! I have branched out since then and do them as part of my business.For me, it is a process. If I am doing just the cover of the scrapbook so the person can fill the scrapbook themselves, I get to know something about the person so the cover reflects their personality. If I am doing the whole scrapbook,I lay out everything I have been given including photos and all of the little notes and memories and see what the theme is and what embellishments fit to make each page POP!
Scrapbooks are wonderful gifts as well as ways to mark certain milestones in your child’s life as well as to remember those special occasions.
For me, I love to see the smile on the recipient’s face when I present them with the finished product. I love to create and the artistic side of me comes out when I make a scrapbook as it does when I create a customized gift basket.
For more info go to: http://www.basket-,mania.com
You Can Do It Too!
Posted on: May 16, 2013
Giving Back!
Posted on: May 2, 2013
Anything charity that has to do with breast cancer resonates with me. My mom as well as a couple of dear friends went through a bout with this insidious disease. A few years ago I worked to raise over $1700 for The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.Then, my friend and I walked over 26n miles in two days.
Recently, I was asked to participate in a bridal show where all the money you spend for your table goes to Brides for Breast Cancer. It did not take me long to give them my answer. I could give back as well as promote my business.It was a “win-win” situation.
It was so uplifting to see how many brides had donated their bridal gowns and brides to be would be able to get an amazing wedding gown at a fraction of the cost. Not only that but they were photographed in all their glory and given the photo to remember that once in a lifetime moment.
From officiants to makeup artists we all assembled on a Sunday afternoon to meet these eager brides. I met a group of lovely women some with their bridal party and moms,sisters and best friends. They were all looking for that perfect gown and for the different vendors that could make their weddings a memorable event.
Since I am a romantic at heart a bridal show for me is like being “a kid in a candy store.” By the end of the day, I felt like I did when I finished my last mile on that October day back in 2010. I knew I had touched some people by showing them the possibilities how to spruce up their weddings from powder room baskets to Welcome Baskets plus I had contributed to a CAUSE.
It doesn’t get much better than that!
For more info go to:www.basket-mania.com
Dreams Can Come True
Posted on: April 12, 2013
I recently met an amazing woman on Facebook and we connected. She is an award winning gift basket designer and now owns and operates Angelique’s Consulting, Wedding and Event Planner. Now, it is your turn to learn all about this amazing woman.
Questions for Interview
Eight Questions for Someone Fabulous
a) Name- Angelique Powell
b) Title- CEO and Master Consultant
c) Business Name- Angelique’s Consulting, Wedding and Event Planner
d) Address- Sarasota County, Florida
e) Phone- 941-201-1121 800-796-6424
f) Website: http:// http://www.angeliquesconsulting.com
2a)How do you describe your company?
My company is a dynamic multi-faceted company that caters to brides, social and corporate event clients, by offering unique package options that enables them to realize their special event vision.
2b) What is your message to your clients?
Spectacular events are inspired by them and created by us.
?
Forall the aspring entrepreneurs out there what is the secret to your success? FThere is no time for sleep.
4) Who are four guests you would like at your dinner table? They can be from the past or present. They can be historical figures, family members, celebrities,etc.and Why?
a) Les Brown- motivational speaker, He has this twinkle in his eyes that says YOU CAN!
b)Eric Thomas,motivational speaker, His delivery kicks your behind and if you ever think you have a valid excuse as to why you might not succeed, you better think again.
c) Donald Trump-Business man all the way,cool as a cucumber and he can see the areas you need to cover and without a blink of the eye say you’re FIRED!
d) Michael Owens Business Resources and Logistic Management- He encourages to be your best, not just sometimes but all the times,in everything you do, no matter what.
5) What is the best gift you ever received? Why?
My children, because they always manage to bring out the kid in me.
6) What is your guilty pleasure?
Peach Rings
7(What is The Most Fabulous Place You Ever Visited?
Ca d’Zan because it’s home to one of the greatest love stories ever told.
8) What are The Finer Things in Your LIfe?
Spending time with my boyfriend as we go for long drives. There is something very special about just seeing where the road leads because it always leads to the discovery of new things including lots of firsts. It’s really very beautiful.
Angelique Powell, IWPP
For The Most Spectacular Wedding & Events ,
Inspired By You, Created By Us…
Angelique’s Consulting,
Weddding & Event Planner
Making your dreams come true.
http://www.angeliquesconsulting.com
Telephone: 1-941-201-1121
Toll Free: 1-800-796-6425
Fax: 1-941-827-3325
http:// Twitter.com/wowbridalnews
http://www.facebook.com/WowBridalNews
http://wowbridalnews.blogspot.com
http://menplanweddingstoo.blogspot.com
http:youtube.com/wowbridalnews
For more info go to: http://www.basket-mania.com
Let’s Be Creative!
Posted on: March 20, 2013
Does this sound familiar? “I am not creative!” “I am too analytical to make anything!”
Well, I am here to tell you that if you have two hands and ten fingers you can definitely create It is good for relaxation,for confidence and for the chance you take to try something new and know that you can. Remember The Little Engine who kept saying “I think I can” and finally did. It is like no other feeling.
When I was revamping me website a couple of years back and my website designer Nick Dua made me stop and think when he reminded me that because I come from an educational background when I used to teach in The New York City Public Schools, that I might want to think of teaching workshops in “How to Create Your Own Gift Basket.” I immediately loved the idea for introducing children as well as adults to the wonderful world of creating something with your own imagination and hands.Nick put it onto my website and the idea was launched.
Since then I have given workshops to children as a fun activity at a birthday party. They get so excited and caught up in the whole activity and are amazed at what they can create. Children are very open and are not as resistant,usually,as some adults to their creativity. The best part is that everyone goes home with their creation.I have also done workshops at Sweet Sixteen Parties as wel as atBachelorette and Bridal Parties. I just love to see everyone’s reaction when they realize that they are creative and are astounded at what they CAN DO!
Recently,I have done a lot of workshops for women who want to create a gift basket on a budget. This whole winter I have heard again over and over that they are not creative! In the end,each creation is amazing and so totally different. I supply everything one neeeds. All each person needs to bring is an open mind and the ability to let go of preconceived notions and just have fun.Just take a look at what Jennifer Chung created just a couple of weeks ago. She already decided she was going to display her creation on her table so she could be reminded of what she created.”If you dream it, you can create it!”
For more info go to: http://www.basket-mania.com
You’ve Got to Have Heart!
Posted on: January 24, 2013
I was so honored to have been invited to attend an event given by The Wedding Connection about a year ago. I have been meeting the most dynamic,successful and wonderful people there. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Rev. Mary- Rose Engle for lunch and got to know her and realized what a special person she is.Mary-Rose is a non-denominational minister and any couple would be lucky to have her officiate at their ceremony. I have since recommended her to a couple of wedding planners who put her on their list for future weddings. She in turn has recommended me. That is what networking is all about!
I wanted to do an interview on her because I feel everyone should get to know her as I have begun to do. She has passion for what she does and wants each couple to come away from their ceremony with a blissful feeling.
Read on and get a peek into Rev. Mary-Rose Engle as well as Mary-Rose Engle on the personal side.
Questions for Interview
“The Finer Things in Life”- Eight Questions for Someone Fabulous
1) Give me your vitals and how the public can visit your place of business.
a) Name- Mary-Rose Engle
b)Title- Reverend
c)Business Name- EngleHeart
d)Address- New York City
e) Phone- 646-872-6085
f) Website- engle-heart.com
2a) How do you describe your business?
I create personalized ceremonies for couples who don’t want a traditional ceremony but who want a personalized ceremony.
2b) What is your message to your clients?
Your ceremony should not be boring and delivered with enthusiasm and by someone who wants your ceremony to be personalized and about you.
3) For all the aspiring entrepreneurs out there what is the secret to your success?
I love what I do. All my previous experiences have helped me. “No previous experience is irrelevant when you are an entrepreneur.”
4) Who are four guests you would want at your dinner table? Why? They can be from the past or present. These people can also be historical figures, celebrities,family members,etc.
a) Ghandi- “My life is my message.” He lived that. He influences so many people and he was a humble guy.
b) my grandmas because I never knew them
c) Jesus Christ- I would get some facts. What was he thinking?
d) Any of America’s founding fathers- What did they envision our country to become?
5) What is the best gift you ever received? Why?
My name Mary. My mother is Mary and my dad’s mom is Rose.
6) What is your guilty pleasure?
I love to waste time window shopping.
7) What is The Most Fabulous Place You Ever Visited?
Egypt
8) What are The Finer Things in Your Life?
Getting to spend the whole day with my husband.
Spending time with my nephew.
Spending time with my cousin Rosemary who lives a few blocks away
I hope you enjoyed reading this interview as much as I did conducting it!
“You never know what tomorrow will bring your way!
For more info go to: http://www.basket-mania.com
If You Have It, Flaunt It!
Posted on: November 22, 2012
It was not a big surprise that led me to watch season one of Renee Strauss’s “Brides of Beverly Hills. Renee comes across as spunky, personable, knowledgeable and caring.
Then Renee and I became Facebook friends. Recently, Renee posted that she was going to be in town for New York Bridal Week. I asked her if I could interview her for my blog and she was gracious enough to accept and give me the opportunity. She has provided me with everything I need and more. I am so happy to have gotten acquainted with this lovely lady and learn what makes her tick. She is as nice on television as she is off.
Questions for Interview
“The Finer Things in Life”- Eight Questions for Someone Fabulous
1) Give me your vitals and how the public can visit your place of business.
A) Name-
Renee Strauss
B) Title-
Founder, Creative Director
C) Business Name-
Renee Strauss for the Platinum Bride
D) Address-
653 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, Ca. 90069
E) Phone-
(310) 657-1700
F) Website-
2A) How do you describe your business?
Couture bridal salon
2B) What is your message to your clients?
We provide experiential bridal shopping, in that we shop the world for you.
3) For all the aspiring entrepreneurs out there, what is the secret to your success?
We all live in the present, yet we invest our time, energy, and talent for the future. Therefore, we must our way to create the future we dream about. I continually look for opportunities that are brand appropriate and seek out like-minded professionals to collaborate with, which helps me to progress my business in a positive direction.
4) Who are four guests you would like at your dinner table? Why? They can be from the past or present, historical figures, celebrities, family members.
A) Ralph Lauren- because his ability to build an iconic brand from his vision of lifestyle is a unique achievement. Most companies are built on the strength of an individual item, and further growth stems from that item. Ralph Lauren, however, is a visionary. His persona and lifestyle are reflected in his brand. I would love to engage in dinner conversation with him.
B) Joseph Bloomingdale- another visionary, invented what would become a model for consumers in most western cultures, the department store. I would love to relive that history and and hear his insight.
C) Golda Meir- the former Israeli Prime Minister, was not only pragmatic, but she also had a tremendous sense of humor. One of my favorite quotes of hers is from a conversation she had with an American. The American complimented Golda Meir on the generals in the Israeli Army and how the U.S. could use a few of their own. To which Meir responded, “We in Israel could use a few of your generals, such as General Electric and General Motors. She and I are also both Jewish mothers.
D) American comedian Lucille Ball was able to perform in all mediums including radio, stage, film, and television. I adore breaking boundaries. She faced many obstacles, but never gave up.
5) What is the best gift you ever received? Why?
The greatest gift I ever received is my diamond eternity band. This particular gift is special to me because it represents the love I share with my husband.
6) What is your guilty pleasure?
Cadbury milk chocoate and reality TV- preferably at the same time!
7) What is The Most Fabulous Place You Ever Visited?
The Isle of Capri, where my husband and I got married. We try to visit at least every two years.
8) What are The Finer Things in Your Life?
Our beautiful home in Laguna Niguel, my gourmet kitchen, and of course my elegant bridal salon.
For more info please visit: www.basket-mania.com
The Finer Things in Life 