Monday, June 23, 2014

6 Ways to Say "Hello"

In the past, we have mentioned that one of our pet peeves is how very few people smile, but let's add one more to the list. Why is it so difficult to say hello to strangers? And every time an effort is made to acknowledge someone, they are in complete shock. How sad is that? We are social human beings and most definitely need that attention and interaction with others. Yes, it might take a little bit of effort, but it's worth the final reward...making someone's day brighter!





Say "Hello" with a Smile ~ Sometimes words not necessary. A simple, but bright smile is sometimes all that's needed when passing a stranger at the grocery store.

Say "Hello" with a Wave ~ Our life is full of moments where we can make the most of a small gesture. Wave "hello" to that next door neighbor you rarely get a chance to talk to, but your thoughtfulness might make them smile.

Say "Hello" with a Gift ~ Deliver a container of freshly baked chocolate cookies to a friend. If they aren't home this will be a great surprise for them. An unexpected surprise!




Say "Hello" with a Note ~ Everyone is all about the text messaging, but do remember as a kid when your mother would put a small note in your cold lunch. There was such a level of anticipation waiting until lunchtime to read that note. Leave a love message for your husband before he leaves for work in the morning or mail a card to your mom letting her know you are thinking of her.

Say "Hello" with a Kiss or a Hug ~ We have all heard of the "Love Languages", some of us need to give or receive physical touch. Your grandmother or best friend might just be that person. If you are aware of this, make an effort to give them a hug and/or kiss when you see them each time. This might mean the world to them!

Say "Hello" with a Question ~ In our self-indulgent society we sometimes forget about others. Instead of walking past your neighbor or acquaintance at the store, take a moment to stop and ask them how they are doing. Maybe ask if they need help or would like to go out for coffee. You might be the bright light they needed to get through the day.







Tuesday, June 17, 2014

The Game of Soccer: 2014 World Cup!

Who's your World Cup favorite?
If there's anytime in your life to become a soccer fan, even for a split second, 
it's right now during the World Cup!







Team Brazil

Team England

Team France

Team Germany

Team Ghana

Team Italy

Team Portugal

Team USA

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Wedding Wednesday Essentials




We know that one of the biggest wedding essentials is the dress, but here are a few of our other favorites! Beautiful purses, fabulous heels, a relaxing candle and of course a sweet, intoxicating drink! 

xoxoxo

Wedding Wednesday Essentials

Saturday, June 7, 2014

It's Wedding Season - Love Is In The Air!

Love is in the air!

Now that wedding season is in full swing, we are excited to post some of our favorite and not so favorite trends for 2014! What trends do you love and which do you think should die?


Purse - The Bag Lady.TV
Elizabeth Anne Designs
Yandex
MarieClaire.CO.UK

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Summer Party Planning: Making Memories

Now that summer has officially hit (yes, even in Wisconsin we are ready to get rid of the jackets and sweaters) it is now what we call "Grilling Season". That time of year when the smell of burning charcoal just makes you all warm and cozy inside. The more relaxed atmosphere and the countless hours outside give us the perfect setting for a mid-summer BBQ. Here are a few of our favorite ideas for planning that perfect summer cookout!

Keep food simple, but yummy. - Hot Dogs, Brats and Burgers are simple, so dress them up with a variety of toppings: cheese, onions, relish, dill pickles, sweet pickles, sauerkraut and avocados.



Drinks are a must! - Again, simplicity is great so purchase packages for lemonade or make a pitcher of sun tea (literally it sits in the sun). A variety of beer and wine (or wine coolers) are always a necessity. Everyone will find something to enjoy with beer or wine. If you want to go out on a limb, make a special pitcher of Sangria or a signature cocktail.



Decor...not necessary! - The summer months are so beautiful with the green trees and flowers that it might be best to reserve your hard earned cash for the food and drinks. A few Chinese paper lanterns with LED lights would be nice, but don't go crazy. It's a cookout, remember?

Somewhere to sit! - It is absolutely necessary that you have enough outdoors chairs for your guests. You don't want them to be forced to sit with the kids on the grass, unless they truly prefer that...



Most importantly, have fun! - Summer is about letting go and enjoying that short amount of time each year to soak up the sun, relax with friends and let the kids run wild. Those winter months sure give us cabin fever here in Wisconsin. Don't stress and let loose! Make Memories!


Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Adventures Beyond the Horizon

We all have those moments when childhood memories seem so long ago, and we desire to return to those care-free days. Now being a parent myself, I enjoy just sitting and watching my children play outside. They have no care in the world, but with so many adventures on the horizon. Sometimes, as adults, we forget to have our own adventures. Take a few moments each to to enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass, enjoy the warm sunshine radiating through the trees, or just sit back and sip a frothy cup of morning coffee instead of rushing out the door with it. These might not be the same "adventures" we had a children or even the ones we may dream about as adults (my big adventures include backpacking through Europe or swimming on a Coral Reef), but our daily small "adventures" will help us rejuvenate and begin to enjoy the simple and edifying moments of life. These moments can't ever be taken away from us, even through the daily grind and the chaos of life!









Knee-Popping

Charity Event


Mother/Daughter Day


Book Event

Book Signing

Christmas Party


Work Luncheon







Monday, May 19, 2014

The Quiet Sipper v. The Loud Sipper

There we are enjoying a meal and sipping our favorite cocktail with friends, when out of the blue there is that unmistakable sound. The ear-piercing sound of someone who is having difficult consuming their beverage without the whole world hearing. Yes, we have all been in those situations when all we really want to do is ask someone to drink softer or slower for that matter!


Sheknows.com


Are you a loud sipper? Do you tend to attack your beverage? Whether it's a glass of wine, a cup of coffee or a glass of soda? Many time people have no idea that their loud drinking habits are irritating the person next to them. We are always worried about which fork to use or whether we are cutting our meat correctly, but slurping a glass of wine can be just as rude as chewing with your mouth open.

So take a moment the next time you are enjoying that frothy latte or intoxicating skinny martini to notice if you are one of those people who are making others cringe. Remember that change only comes from within yourself. Become the change and it will spread to others.