Sweet Find

There's nothing better than a sweet start to the week. Introducing Cake Muffin.





Cake Muffin is a custom cupcakery that graced the area mid last year. Started by Janine Reed, who is oh so cute, Cake Muffin offers all homemade cupcakes in unlimited varities. Unlike other cupcakeries, you don't have to choose from a limited selection of predetermined flavors..you pick the cake, you pick the icing, you decide what gets added - or what doesn't-the entire process is customized to your liking!

Cute, sweet and easy to eat...sign me up!

Friday, the new black?

Don't you just hate that saying???? What is the NEW black and what's wrong with the old black?

Back in focus...

Today is Friday and had this been 6 weeks down the line, chances are, you might just be getting prepared to attend a Wedding as a guest (or working in my case).As inflation is taking its toll on everything, including the lovely wedding market, more and more couples are considering the option of non-Saturday nuptials. I for one encourage them hands down and actually have my fair share of Thursday/Monday weddings this year as well.

Why exactly may be different than you think…

While it’s common knowledge that on average, couples can save 10 to 20 percent on the total bill by booking a non-Saturday wedding, typically in the venue either crediting the gratuity (19-21% in our area) , waiving fees such as rentals, offering bigger ballroom space, offering the same menu as on Saturday, at a reduced price, and greater availability for the more popular venues, did you ever consider that a Friday wedding may in fact be more convenient for your guests? Let’s take a look...

Travel:
Airfare/accommodations will often offer discounted rates for travel on Thursday

Flexibility:
Most people actually prefer to take off Friday rather than a Monday (for Sunday weddings). The rational is simple-you have 2 additional days to recover from the weekends festivities and you really don’t get that feeling of “missing” out on the weekend…don’t you hate that?

Comps:
We LOVE the comps! Many hotel/lodging facilities offer comps during the week such as continental breakfast, reduced rates and upgrades…much more than they do on the weekend.

If you are having a Friday wedding however, please be conscience of the time. Friday night at the shore mid June at 6:00 pm, with 90% of your guests coming in from OOT, may cause a few hiccups along the way. As it is, many out-of-town guests will have to take a day off work to attend a wedding held on a Friday (or Sunday). Analyze your guest list to determine if the majority will be traveling locally, or from a distance. If you find that many guests are driving in, aim to have your weekday wedding later in the evening so that your guests still have the option to attend work (possibly half day), avoid rush hour congestion and get ready without looking a flustered mess.

If you’re finding this to be a problem, and just can not get the venue of your dreams during the latter time frame, my advice…book it and be done! At the end of the day, the people who love you will attend your wedding and make the necessary arrangements REGARDLESS of the day or time-believe me. Your best friend/mother will be at your wedding be it Friday at 4pm, or Tuesday at 11:30 am, will they not?

Happy Friday!

A little birdie once told me...

Not to release the other little birdies!

Ok, so maybe I'm a little jaded, but dove releases (like butterfly releases) typically don't turn out as planned. It's been my experience that couples tend to react and get nervous as the birds make their way out of their caged confines.

As I begin to see a pattern of increased requests for these releases after the ceremony, I found it necessary to post a few general points, courtesy of White Dove Release Professionals

1. There is a difference in bird types.

When looking for birds for your release, be sure not to use white "Ring Neck" doves for release. These are the doves you will often find in pet stores for under $20 dollars. Not only can they not find their way home, they cannot really fly more that a few feet! Any bird other than a racing pigeon will die when released into the wild, including white pigeons purchased from poultry farms."

2. Be mindful of the time of release.

How late the birds should be released depends on the distance of the event and the home loft location. Well trained birds can fly at 55-60 mph and should be given adequate time to return home before darkness. They do not see well in the dark and need adequate light for flight, otherwise injuries are likely.

3. Releasing in bad weather-

The birds should NEVER be released in foul weather! A quality release company will not want their birds released under such conditions and should have this stipulation mentioned in their contract. They will also return deposits and balances under such circumstances. Make sure to check for this!

4. How far can they fly?

Well trained,quality racing pigeon stock have a range of anywhere between 100 Releases within 50 miles are generally safe provided good racing birds are used. Beware of anyone offering to ship birds to you for self release at exceptional distances.

5. Can you release them yourself, or is it better to have a release coordinator?

While it is possible for anyone to open a box and let the birds go, having an experienced professional who is good at what they do at your event will very much enhance the most special day of your life. There is much more to this than simply showing up and opening the lid.... there is an "art" to it. Only experienced professionals understand bird behavior, timing, and what it take seperate the "ho hum" release from the phenominal release!

If you are considering a release for your upcoming nuptials, please, please please do your research and contact a qualified organization for more information and to lead you in the right direction.

As always, happy planning!

Happy Easter

Ok, so Easter came and went 3 days ago... however, for Christian, as long as there's Easter candy (courtesy of Auntie Sai) there's Easter so from our family to yours, we hope you had a wonderful resurrection day!

GONE...

But not forgotten!

I know, I know, I've been a TERRIBLE blogger lately, with a whole 2 weeks since my last confession. Believe me, I've definitely missed being here.

With wedding season in full swing and a 10 month old who's finally recovered from being sick almost 6 weeks now, I've definitely been busy.

But I'm back now, with lots of new couples, new insight and lots to tell so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!