Redneck Olympics

And they use the word Olympics lightly - since, as you can imagine, the events at hand are not all about athleticism and because the real Olympics threatened to sue over calling it that. The fourth annual event in Hebron, Maine is run by organizer Harold Brooks. He expects several thousand people to join the event this year that runs through the weekend of July 31st to August 3rd. The redneck games features a mud run, toilet seat horseshoe, greased watermelon race and much, much more.

A number of local bands performs throughout the weekend, drawing a lot of publicity for the event. The Redneck Olympics has even been featured in a music video, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and the History Channel. According to their Facebook page, they were also voted the 'Funnest Festival' in New England.

Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com or at the Village Trading Post in Minot at the intersection of 119 and 124. They will also be selling tickets at the front gate of the campground where the festival is held if they're not already sold out. Brooks believes that being a redneck has nothing to do with income, job description, or origin, but is more about fun and friendship, so don't be shy and buy your tickets today!

So head to Hebron, Maine and devour the details at the 2014 Redneck Olympics!

Pictue This!

Picture this, a camera inspired wedding. Capture every moment with a theme that is truly, picturesque. Here are some wedding ideas for shuterbugs, photographers, and film-enthusiasts alike.

Use your 'Save the Dates' to announce the theme.

 

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/weddings-for-shutterbugs/

When the wedding gets closer, invite your guests to a night to unwind and unravel with these extremely unique film caster invites.

http://www.colincowieweddings.com/wedding-photos/detail/image249981

Incorporate old family wedding photos and your engagement photos into a display table and your centerpieces. Adding vintage cameras to the mix flows with the use of the old family photos.

http://www.pinterest.com/dougw369/

http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2010/06/02/past-to-present-timeless-vintage-wedding-ideas/

http://ruffledblog.com/page/2/

This vintage camera place card holder for table numbers is picture perfect for this theme.

http://www.ebay.com/

Get creative and have your wedding photographers dress as paparazzi!

 

http://www.picturescolourlibrary.co.uk/hybrid/data.svt?viewpage=picture_details_np.jsp&pclref=2210613

Turn your photobooth into a polaroid. Once the pictures are printed, hang them on display using a clothesline. At the end of the night, the bride and groom can take all of the photos home. It's a great way to create a wedding photo album.

http://www.becomingthemrs.com/diy-wedding-project-poloroid-picture-photo-booth/

 

http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/678146/

Use dessert to display your theme deliciously.

http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2011/03/a-vintage-camera-inspired-shoot/

www.etsy.com

I hope this picture perfect theme has inspired you to devour the details of your wedding!

DIY: Adding Personal Touches To Your Wedding

I came across an awesome blog by a DIY bride. She really shares her whole experience of planning and preparing for her special day. Her industrial theme and creativity allowed her to make her dream wedding, a reality. Kristi married her husband Mike on March 29th, 34 years to the day her parents were wed; and this is how they added their personal touches to their wedding.

Here are some of my favorites.

Bowtie Swizzle Sticks and Personalized Water Bottles

Brushed Brass Vases and Personalized Coasters

Handmade Ombre Butterfly Escort Card Display

Homemade Giant Favor Display (they were Starbucks gift-cards!)

Read more about Kristi's special day and devour the details with her awesome tutorials and guidance!

Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations by Hipmunk

Hipmunk is an awesome new travel website with a creative and unique marketing approach that differentiates itself from other travel sites. For instance, I received a promotional email from them with details on the Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations voted on by 2,000 Hipmunk users. You can also find cheap flights and deals on hotels with Hipmunk. They search hundreds of travel sites to find the best prices and take the agony out of travel planning.

Destination #5 - Crete, Greece

Stay at the Vergis Epavlis in Heraklion (Agios Myronas), you'll be within the vicinity of Tylissos and Shrine at Anemospilia. This 5-star hotel is within the region of Pankritio Stadium and Palace of Knossos.

Destination #4 - Auckland, New Zealand

Stay at the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour. It is on the waterfront and minutes from Victoria Park and Viaduct Harbour. This 5-star hotel is close to Sky Tower and University of Auckland.

Destination #3 - Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii

Stay at the Castle Poipu Shores, a Condominium Resort in Koloa (Poipu), you'll be minutes from Brennecke Beach and close to Poipu Beach. This condo is within close proximity of Poipu Bay Golf Course and Moir Gardens.

Destination #2 - Venice, Italy

One of my favorites; glad it came in second place! Stay at the Hotel ai Mori d'Oriente in Venice (Cannaregio). You'll be minutes from Madonna dell'Orto and Sant Alvise. This 4-star hotel is close to Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Basilica.

And the winner is..

Destination #1 - Mamanuca Islands, Fiji

Beautiful, beautiful Fiji; of course you're #1! Stay at the Sheraton Resort & Spa Tokoriki Island, Fiji in Tokoriki Island (Mamanuca Islands). You'll be minutes from Tokoriki Island Beach and close to Tokoriki Island Port. This 5-star hotel is within the region of North Beach.

Next time you're planning to travel, check out Hipmunk and their spunky way of devouring the details!

'Taste of Summer'

The Liberty Hotel is putting on a wine dinner-party for Gilt City members to celebrate the summer! The Liberty Hotel has been called one of “The Sexiest Hotels in America” by ForbesTraveler.com, and The Improper Bostonian ranked it as Boston’s best “place to see and be seen". On August 8th join CLINK.'s new Executive Chef Bradford Rainville at 6pm in 'The Yard' for a three-course meal and wine pairings with each course. CLINK., the hotel's restaurant has an unbelievably unique atmosphere—complete with tables tucked away in former jail cells (if you didn't know, the hotel use to be a jail).

 

Start off the evening with a variety of canapés like black mission figs with blue cheese and roasted octopus topped with caviar. Delicious menu selections will include warm Maine lobster with local corn and smoked paprika, Cornish game hen with spearmint, shishito peppers and heirloom tomatoes, and a finale of peach panna cotta. These dishes will be expertly paired with summery wines like Las Rocas de San Alejandro Rosé, Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc and Muscato di Asti.

 

Tickets through Gilt City are $95 and include:

• Ticket for one to 'Taste of Summer' al fresco wine dinner in The Yard located at The Liberty Hotel on Friday, August 8, 2014 at 6 PM
• Passed canapés at 6 PM
• Three-course dinner prepared by CLINK. Executive Chef Bradford Rainville starting at 6:30 PM
• Wine pairings with each course
• Tax and gratuity

 

Buy a ticket today and devour the details of the 'Taste of Summer' wine dinner with Chef Bradford Rainville on August 8th!

Trendy Wedding Colors

Lots of my friends are on the engagement express train heading for marriage next year. Their weddings have got me browsing for different ideas and hot trends for the 2015 season. On TheKnot.Com I found a section that shares trendy wedding colors for inspiration. It even gives you some ideas for color combinations and how to carry the color scheme throughout the whole wedding.

Here are some examples:

Color Scheme: Hunter + Oregano + Peony

Good for: Classic outdoor weddings

Tips for pulling it off: With a little bit of the feminine and the masculine, this is the perfect combo for the couple who can't agree on a color scheme. Its natural earthiness lends itself well to loosely arranged flowers and organic stationery design.

Color Scheme: Salmon + Terracotta + Maroon

Good for: Rustic late summer weddings

Tips for pulling it off: Both girly and daring, this combo looks best against a stately and rustic venue. Think: a grand stone mansion, wooden lodge or even among some tall, lush trees.

And my personal favorite..

Color Scheme: Black + Crimson + Robin's Egg

Good for: Casual modern weddings

Tips for pulling it off: Achieve high-style status with this totally of-the-moment color combo. Clean and simple décor paired with graphic and contemporary stationery design show off these colors in their best light.

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-colors/choosing-wedding-colors/articles/hot-new-color-palettes.aspx

I hope with the help of The Knot, you are inspired to devour the details when choosing your wedding color scheme!

Denver's Cherry Blossom Festival

Came across a wonderful festival today that I had to share. Cherry Blossom Denver is Colorado's celebration of Japanese-American culture. This festival features continuous live entertainment, arts and crafts, taiko drums, bonsai, Ikebana, and other exhibits, a feast of Japanese foods and much, much more. The Cherry Blossom Festival (in Japanese, Sakura Matsuri) raises funds for the Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temples programs and operations. It relies on the volunteer efforts of temple members and nonmembers alike. Japanese-Americans, students of Asian studies, and aficionados of Japanese food, entertainment, and culture are all invited to help with all the preparations and operations of the festival.

This year the Cherry Blossom Festival was held June 28-29, in Sakura Square. Inspired by a company that once operated out of Denver, volunteers made fortune cookies (my personal favorite cookie) to honor them. Umeya Rice Cake Co., made fortune cookies and rice crackers for the Japanese internment camps during World War II. The company relocated from Los Angeles to Denver during the war and then returned to California, where it still operates a thriving business today.

Denverites had the opportunity to experience locally made fortune cookies thanks to these awesome Cherry Blossom volunteers. Derived from Japanese senbei aka "crunchy crackers enjoyed with tea", modern fortune cookies tend to be smaller and sweeter than their predecessors. And that's not the only difference, when the cookies were originally made in Japan, the paper fortune wasn't folded inside the cookie but added externally between the two sides of the folded cookie. This was done to ensure that the eater would not bite into the fortune by mistake; so this is how they were made for the festival.

Check out the pictures below and read more about how the Cherry Blossom Festival devoured the fortune cookie details this year!

Love Is A Shore Thing

Check out this awesome site that features custom-made gift baskets, event design, and even coordination, all provided by one of my college roommates, Shelagh Kelley. With a degree in Hospitality Management and her MBA, this intelligent woman has started her own business to pursue her passion for events and represent where she grew up; Martha's Vineyard and Cape Cod. Here is what you can expect from Love Is A Shore Thing:


"We specialize in making life easy. We will work with you to design the perfect event that will have all your friends buzzing, but to top it off we can make beautiful gift baskets to take along with you to an upcoming event. We do everything from baby showers to graduations and engagement parties to weddings and anniversaries. We want to be there to make your most memorable day in life also the one you remember enjoying."


As she is still building her company, you may find her website to be under construction. But be sure to 'like' and check out her Facebook page for more information and continuous updates!


Here are some of her custom-made gift baskets. These are tailored to the individual they're being created for and can really suit any occasion.


"We pride ourselves on making a unique basket for every occasion. From baby showers to graduations and weddings to anniversaries, we want your gift to stand out. Our baskets can fit any budget and we can work with gift registries just let us know! Baskets start at $20 and continue to grow bigger and better. "

Love Is A Shore Thing can be found on Pinterest as well as Instagram and can be reached via email at loveisashorething@gmail.com. What an awesome way to devour the details, good luck Shelagh!

Wahlburgers Comes To Boston

Attention all, if you're looking for something to do in Boston on Saturday, July 26th - look no further! The ever-expanding Wahlburgers will be rolling through our great city, making a stop in Faneuil Hall to serve some very hungry Bostonians. What makes this celebrity food truck even better? It's free! Yes you read that correctly, F R E E, FREE!

Since the second season of “Wahlburgers” is approaching it's premiere, A&E is taking a food truck (notably dubbed “Wahlburgers on Wheels”) to the streets where these infamous brothers grew up. The truck will be set up between Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering the restaurant's “Our Burger”, which comes topped with chef Paul Wahlberg’s signature wahl sauce, dill pickles, government cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion. They're even offering free tots on the side with their delicious burgers

This truck isn't just coming with Paul's creative burgers, it's also bringing some fun and games that make this free event even better! If you want to document your first bite into a Wahlburger, you’ll be able to make a GIF of yourself chowing down and then share it with your envious friends. After that (if you aren’t too full), diners can continue their “Wahlburgers” adventure with a game of cornhole set up near the truck.

Though this fun day encompasses the Wahlbergs, it doesn't appear that any will be attending the event. However, I'm sure their very capable staff will be able to devour the food truck details! Be sure to check out the second season premiere of "Wahlburgers" on A&E on August 13th at 10 p.m.

http://www.boston.com/food-dining/food/2014/07/16/wahlburgers-wheels-brings-free-treats-faneuil-hall-july/P1Yd5b61cHWmUaRwqMfdzM/story.html

 

Who Dun It?

Inspired by the Murder Mystery dinner my friends attended this past weekend, I bring to you some ideas in hosting one yourself! Invite your closest friends over for some thrills and kills (figuratively speaking of course). It will surely be a night to remember!

First it would be helpful to acquire a Murder Mystery script. Party411 gives an awesome list of scripts that can be downloaded for free! They also offer some great advice to follow when assigning characters and how to keep the night alive (pun intended).

• Put some thought into your guest list. Make sure you invite people who will enjoy this type of event and really get into it. Assign the more outgoing characters to the least shy of your guests, and the less involved parts to the more timid people in the group.
• As the host of the party it is your job to keep the script going. Don't let the group get sidetracked with conversation about the last episode of such and such or "did you see what that coworker yada yada". Keep the ball rolling and encourage guests to stay in character.
• Encourage guests to come in costume. Let your guest know ahead of time who their character is so they can prepare.
• Tell your guests to keep their characters an absolute secret, (even partners or spouses!)
• Do a buffet instead of a sit down meal. It will let you focus on the guests and the mystery at hand.

http://www.party411.com/Partygames/MurderMysteryDinner.aspx

Next, send out the perfect invitations and give a great first impression of what the night entails.

 

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/beautiful-invitation-cards/

Setup an eerily awesome atmosphere by dimming the lights and incorporating candles to set the mood! Use a variation of table décor height and place-settings to make a mysterious tablescape.

 

http://inspired-design.tumblr.com/post/34774969334

Have a signature cocktail like this 'Hawaiian Homicide' that fits the theme. It will get your guests ready to solve some crime!

1/4 oz Coconut Milk or Cream of Coconut
1.5 oz your favourite gin
.5 oz lime juice
1/4 oz maraschino liqueur
Fresh Mint or Sliced Lime for garnish (optional)

 

http://www.shotinthedarkmysteries.com/a-hawaiian-homicide-signature-cocktail/

If you wanted, you could actually have a plated dinner menu or just let your guests pick from a dessert table (feel free to even have some passed hors d'oeuvres). Here are examples of both.

 

http://www.hwtm.com/index.cfm?page=albums/view_album&albumid=9549&categoryid=12,13,16,20,14,15,17,18,19,21,88

 

http://catchmyparty.com/photos/41177

Don't forget to represent the victim! If you don't want to have a live person act dead, a 'chalked' body outline will do.

http://livingdink.blogspot.ca/2012/08/10-things-i-learned-while-writing-my.html

Capture the night with some mugshots and Murder Mystery props. Make the night part of your guests' permanent record!

http://www.nightofmystery.com/blog/party-of-the-month-3/party-of-the-month-october-2011--14

 

http://www.pinterest.com/reinaheather/

There's a crime to be solved and we are counting on your to devour the Murder Mystery details!

Process, I Do, Recess

If you plan on a formal ceremony for your wedding day, the Processional and Recessional are two things you definitely want to take a look at. There are so many things to take into consideration such as height, matching up bridesmaids and groomsmen, religious considerations, and the roles of your Wedding Party during the Ceremony. Check out these different lineups that'll give you an idea of how you should want the ceremony to flow.

 

I also found some great tips on the Processional and Recessional on It's a Bride's Life blog, featuring a post by Miss Modern Bride. She explains, if you're in charge at your own rehearsal, you should start by lining up everyone in their places at the altar and do the Recessional first. This way everyone will already know where they are supposed to stand for when you practice the Processional. Run through it at least twice, once where you just watch and have a stand in, so you can see if you like how everything flows, and then make any adjustments. Then run through it again with you actually participating. If you have a Wedding Planner or Ceremony Coordinator they can help you with placement, timing, and specific protocols for a particular venue. These are all just general guidelines so if you have the desire and want to change it up, feel free to add your own personal style!

So line 'em up and devour all the details of your wedding ceremony!



Wedding Paper Divas

When I'm on a wedding kick, there's no stopping me. I love all aspects of weddings from start to finish - save the dates to thank you cards; that is why I decided to post about Wedding Paper Divas today! Wedding Paper Divas is a 'stationery haven' with an 'affinity for beautiful paper and fresh design'. Originally launched in 2006, Wedding Paper Divas is now a member of the Shutterfly family of brands which also includes Treat and Tiny Prints.

Wedding Paper Divas prides itself on offering exclusive designs from the industry's top designers. They offer a variety of tips from etiquette and design advice to style inspiration and planning. Whatever your style may be, their dedicated team of stationery specialists is committed to helping you find the perfect stationery to make your wedding a beautiful success.

As a Wedding Paper Divas customer, you have the tools you need to customize the color, font, text and layout of most of the designs on their website through their state-of-the-art personalization and preview process. In addition, each order placed on Wedding Paper Divas will receive the personal attention of a professional designer/design consultant, who will perfect the layout, sizing and spacing of your cards to ensure that the final design is absolutely flawless. The designer you work with will also typeset your free digital proof and request your approval before your order goes to print.
You can find everything on their website; wedding invitations, bridal shower invitations, thank you cards, wedding programs, save the date cards, and other party invitations. WPD even allows you to order up to free 8 samples before settling on one design. This stress-free process couldn't be any easier for a bride-to-be. Wedding Paper Divas is also reasonably priced making them a desirable vendor for many budget-conscious brides. So be sure to check them out!

Devour the details with Wedding Paper Divas from the start to finish of your wedding; your guests will eat it right up!

Sweet As Candy

Shout out to my sister for inspiring this post. At the party store last night, she and my favorite peach were roaming the candy aisle reminiscing about the candies they ate as kids. Then they thought it would be a great idea for me to blog about it. So here it is Brooke (and Chris)!

If you've got a sweet tooth, I've got the perfect party place for you (if you live in or like to travel to NYC). Dewey's Candy! Dewey's opened in January 2010 when owner Allison "Dewey" Oblonsky decided on a career change. Having spent over 25 years in the fashion industry working for such powerhouses as Donna Karan International and Victoria's Secret, it was time to pursue her dream of owning her own business.

She found a need for candy suppliers in her area and wanted to create an environment that would invite customers to stop in and buy their favorite childhood candies, while also creating a child-friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all shoppers. Needless to say, Dewey's became a huge success.

What I like most about Dewey's is the ability to host a party or event in the actual store! Dewey’s Candy is available for all types of events. Whether you’d like to host a cocktail party, trunk show, or any other sweet celebration, you can make Dewey’s your destination. It’s unique, it’s fun, and since their specialty is nostalgic and retro candy, grown-ups tend to get more excited than the kids in this candy store! They've got something for everybody to enjoy and offer much more than in-store parties. Check out their website for more info!

Too good to be true but it is! Devour the details and all the candy you can eat at your next event with the help of Dewey's!

Speakers That Work

When looking to hire a speaker for your next event, there are some characteristics you should keep in mind. Being engaging, public speaking skills, and giving the right content, are all necessary things for speakers when presenting. And the ultimate goal that comes out of presentations is to get people to retain the information and then to get them to take action to make improvements in their lives, careers, communities, etc. This great article by Thom Singer also known as "The Conference Catalyst", gives great insight in to how to choose the right speaker for your next event. Read more and devour the details!

http://thomsinger.blogspot.com/2014/06/all-speakers-should-be-motivational.html?m=1

What To Check For When Planning An Event!

I apologize in advance for the short post but I am unable to dedicate a large amount of time to blogging today. Here is an awesome checklist and article I found to guide you in planning your next event. It's a great way to keep you on track when devouring the details!

http://haveheartmagazine.com/eleven-ways-to-plan-your-event-like-a-pro/

http://lifestyledbyelle.com/2014/03/11/haveheartmagazine/