Just a thought.....

Last night, I had a mini meltdown. I am not the most tech-savvy girl and yesterday, I hit "the wall" while trying to work with my computer and camera. You know "the wall" I am talking about. The one where you've tried and then re-tried, then asked for help, then thought about it some more, then came up with a new strategy and that didn't work either. So, last night I gave up! I turned off the camera and computer because NOTHING was going according to my "new and improved plan."

I worked on something else, totally unrelated, for the rest of the evening and went to sleep. I, unfortunately, suffer from the condition of "over analyzing." So, when I got up this morning and walked past the computer and camera, I got upset again. I left for work and dropped off my dry cleaning. When I got back into the car, I noticed this coupon for Krispy Kreme donuts that had been riding in my car for the month or so. At that moment, I did not have much extra time and I was nowhere near a Krispy Kreme shop. Something in my spirit told me that I needed to do something nice and unexpected for the people I work with, even though I really didn't feel chipper or in a very giving mood.

I took the 20 minute detour and wouldn't ya know, the HOT NOW light was on at the donut shop! Yeah! I got my 2 dozen original glazed and drifted down the highway. I announced that there were warm Krispy Kremes in the break room to my co-workers. Someone asked "What's the occasion?" I responded that "Jesus told me to be nice today." Someone else said that having that donut made her morning; it had been a little rough already. Another just popped her head into my office to say thanks.

I came to my desk and wrote this post. I didn't expect people to be so appreciative...they were just donuts. I am glad I listened when Jesus touched my heart. The lesson is quite simple: Give and go the extra step when you don't really feel like it. You may be surprised how the act touches others, but most importantly, how the act changes you.

Have a good one! I am going to get a donut. (I hope they are still warm!)

Super Sales----till Saturday!

Hey folks! I did better this week. I scoured the pages of the KC Star and here are my finds for the week:

1. Joann Fabric & Craft Store have their stock of jewelry making beads, findings, tools and supplies on sale 40% off. This is the perfect opportunity to make personalized gifts for your bridal party or make a special "I love you!" memento for your mother.

2. Target has SELECT swim separates on sale for $14.99 to 19.99 for each piece along with the Exhilaration swim coverup with pocket for $9.00 For you beach bound honeymooners, you can afford to have a different swimsuit and coverup for each day!

3. Target also has the Flip MinoHD 2GB camcorder on sale for $229.99! The camcorder records up to 120 minutes of HD Video! This is perfect to capture all of the pre-wedding festivities like the bridal shower and bachelorette party (just keep it PG on the bachelorette party footage, okay....) Take it along on the honeymoon too. When is the next time you're gonna swim with the dolphins or go white water-rafting? You want to be able to relieve the moment when you're having a really icky day.

What shopping finds have you seen?

Around town---Restaurant Week Kansas City!

Kansas City foodies.....ARE YOU READY?

Tomorrow begins Kansas City's Restaurant Week. This awesome event will satisfy any palate. From January 22-31, 100 of the best and finest Kansas City metro area restaurants will offer multiple-course lunches and/or dinners at the deliciously low prices of $15 for lunch and $30 for dinner (beverages, taxes and gratuity are not included).

The goodness keeps on coming....10% of the price of each multi-course meal purchased will go to Harvesters to help fight hunger in the Kansas City community.

So, how does it work? The website lists all 100 restaurants participating in the event. The restaurants have PDF files of their lunch and/or dinner offerings. Scroll through the list, read through the menus, start salivating like Pavlov's dogs and then make a reservation using Open Table. There is a link for reservations right next to the menus. It's that easy!

Now, ladies and gents this week comes at a perfect time for wedding plans. Some of the restaurants offer catering services and depending upon your venue, you can get a tasting of what some of your reception fare could taste like. Some of the restaurants can accommodate wedding receptions and this event gives you the chance to take a peek into the venue and evaluate their service level. You just might discover the perfect place to host your rehearsal dinner while you're noshing.

Or, quite simply, you could use this opportunity to eat a lot of delicious food and do some good for Kansas City's community. Enough said!

Super Sales----till Saturday!

Okay, I may be the only person, but it takes me forever to make it through the Sunday paper. How about you? As I scanned the paper, I saw several items that would help brides. So, here are my finds in for the KC market.

1. Get organized. If you haven't already, invest in a small file box along with hanging folders. This helps you keep all contracts handy, a place for your notes, a print out of the budget, etc. Office Max has IRIS File-N-Stack Handy boxes on sale, along with hanging folders and manila folders. They also have bonus rewards on heavy duty binders!

2. Get GLAMOROUS! For you ladies doing your own makeup or who want to do some experimenting before your make-up trial, head to CVS. There are some great sales on Revlon and CoverGirl cosmetics...even "buy one get one" on select Revlon products with a CVS card. I think I may buy a few new items to get ready for Valentine's Day!

3. Inspire the little ones. World Market has a 365-piece Everything Craft Jar on sale. The kit, made for kids 3+, has all kinds of goodies that will keep the kiddos entertained during the reception.

4. Get crafty. Michael's has Favor Kits and the BRIDES line of invitation kits on sale. In addition, they have other goodies like silk petals and party bubbles on promo. You know you want bubbles floating over your head as you float down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs.!

Are there any sales or bargains you've come across? Hurry girls, get shopping!

You're Engaged....Now what????

First, congratulations on your engagement! I know that you're beaming....looking at your finger constantly and just loving life! That's exactly how you're supposed to feel! hehe!


Now that you two are on the way to marital bliss, what should you do next? Well, here are a few tips to get you started.


1. Discuss your budget. That means talking to everyone who is contributing to the wedding fund. Also discuss contingency plans. What happens if someone loses their job or gets sick and cannot contribute? What will you do?



2. Talk about your dream wedding with your fiance. Will it be outdoors in a remote field, at the church where you grew up? Do you want a lounge/cocktail fete for the reception or a 5 course sit down dinner? Do you want it in the morning or evening? Get all of the ideas down on paper and come to some type of consensus....and remember it's two people getting married....not one!!



3. Make a guest list. This gives you an idea of how many people you've got to plan for. Yes, your parents get to invite their friends!


4. Select a wedding date and an alternate wedding date. What if your dream venue is booked on the first date? You want to have a back-up plan.


5. Select your bridal party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girl, etc.) You need to know how many people will be standing at the altar with you. Nothing is worse than cramming in a lot of people in a little bitty space! Plus, your bridal party needs to starting planning and budgeting for the big day.

6. Research and visit ceremony venues. Look at different types and locations. Pictures often can't tell the story of a place. Remember to consider the vicinity to lodging if you will have a lot of out of town guests. Also consider the distance to the reception and how easy it will be to navigate.

7. Research and visit reception venues. The same notes apply. But, also look at the restrooms. Are they adequate? Is there space to store items (you and your maids purses and make-up bags) so that you can keep them handy, but safe. Is there enough dressing space? Take a look at the catering kitchen and know what amenities are present.

8. Now, go dress shopping! I know how exciting it is to buy a dress, but you want to make sure that the dress fits the ceremony space and reception space that you and the hubbie-to-be hav chosen. What if you picked this long, grecian style dress just knowing that you're going to have a simple, outdoor wedding and then fell in love with a beautiful chapel and decided to go a little more formal. That dress doesn't fit the venue and may look a little out of place. To satisfy the need to shop, look at lots of magazines and The Knot.

9. Choose a photographer. Pay attention to each individuals' style. Are albums included? What about the rights to images? Do they offer those cute thank-you cards you adore?

10. Hire an officiant. You do want to get married....legally.....don't you?

Okay, this should get you started for now. Does anyone have any questions about what to do next? If so, leave or comment or email me at Sharon@kiss-events.com.

Happy Planning!

Making Things Happen 2010!

Wow....I just returned from Dallas meeting Lara Casey , the Southern Weddings Magazine team and Jeff Holt. Lara and her good friend Jeff launched The Making Things Happen 2010 tour across America designed to fire up those in the wedding planning industry. Let me just say that my ears are still smoking because I am fired up and excited about what is in store for KiSS Events.

I had the chance to meet a number of amazing vendors from the Dallas area and I am just as excited for what they will accomplish in 2010.

If you haven't checked out the Southern Weddings Mag blog, you simply must do so. They feature some of the most beautiful, inspiring and sweet weddings.

Thanks again Lara, Jeff, Emily and Katharine for a wonderful experience!!

We're in the Knot Magazine!

Woo hoo! I am featured in the latest Missouri/Kansas Knot Magazine, page 30 to be specific! Several months back, The Knot contacted planners, requesting tips about the KC area from our perspective. Well, I sent in 3 pages worth of ideas, tips, suggestions, etc. This past summer, I received a call advising me that the magazine was going to feature some of the tips from KiSS Events. I was in the lobby of a corporate building when I received the news.....have you ever tried to do your "happy, excited dance" in public??!!

....mmm, well, ...I think I maintained some composure. Check out our tips in the magazine, as well as the other features. As usual, it's chock full of goodness!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

It's 2010! I cannot believe how quickly time has flown. I must first apologize for not posting since June.....after dedicating a lot of time to my brides, time has gotten away from me and my laptop. Now for the good news, look for some exciting news about KiSS Events. I have been featured in the latest Knot Magazine for MO/KS! So, look for a post this week about the feature. We are also working on a new and improved website along with some other REALLY fun stuff. I cannot reveal too many details, but I am super excited!!!!!! (yee haw!) We will feature some of our 2009 clients as well. Finally, look forward to some tips, inspiration and all around wedding goodness.

Again, Happy New Year to you! I pray that 2010 holds health, peace and prosperity for you and your families!

Sharon