Kim Kardashian ENGAGED!

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries, who have been dating since December recently announced their engagement.  Her $2 million dollar custom-designed, 20.5-carat Lorraine Schwartz engagement ring set off a media frenzy and was discussed this morning on The View.

Kim, 30, tells People that Kris, 26, popped the question at her Beverly Hills home on May 18. “I didn’t expect this at all,” Kim told the magazine. “I was in such shock.”

Kim also announced the news on her official blog:

OMGGGGGGG!!!!!!!! It’s true! I couldn’t be happier! Thank you guys for all of the sweet messages!!! I finally found my missing puzzle piece, I’m complete!

What are your thoughts on the ring?  Do you feel like Joy from "The View" - Too much? Or more like Sherri Shepherd, who got engaged in January, if you have it, flaunt it?


(photo source: Celebuzz)
~ Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

A Fantastic Voyage (Emptynestism)

Proms…. Graduations…. Trunk Parties..…..

the Road Trip to an Empty Nest

Like a well planned vacation through the mountains, or skiing for the first time; the road trip to an empty nest comes along with an array of emotions that are often difficult to explain or contain.  As a professional planner, I’d like to think I am prepared for most “events”.  However, no one told me that the series of events that lead to that DAY would be as difficult as it was….. repeatedly! Eighteen (18) years is a long time right? Ha, well it goes really fast as many of you know or will soon find out. So ask yourself, are you really prepared for when that day arrives?

The road to emptyNestism isn’t easy by any means.  So hold hands with your bestie and take a walk with me down a familiar road:   We’re expecting!! I’m in labor!!! It’s a girl/boy/both! Statements that brought emotions like joy and fear together in one swoop. Filled with so much pride over our little bundles of joy, we wanted to hold on to them forever. Well, forever lasted between six weeks and five (5) years as we dropped them at daycare or kindergarten. They were so cute, so well behaved…remember it’s a journey :)

Immediately following this “cute” stage we enrolled them into grammar school and they begin to think for themselves and have opinions. WHO is this child?? Soon it was middle school/jr. high and the girls didn’t like multiple ponytails and the boys refused to let you cut their hair. They want to talk to their friends and ask for you not to go into their room when they aren’t home.  Can someone please go and find my sweet little baby that believed mom knew everything about everything!

Ughhhh HIGH SCHOOL and BOYS/GIRLS. This is a VOYAGE in itself and even closer to the “end”.  They can’t wait to get out and we can’t wait for them to leave. Then one day, out of the blue the fights and misunderstandings settle down and these now teenagers like us again but we aren’t so sure we like them just yet. Not only are they eating all the food, they want to drive our cars, have permission to stay out until (gasp) midnight and attend parties where they possibly communicate with the opposite sex on a level that we just aren’t ready for.

I’m exhausted; are you? It’s been quite a journey hasn’t it? Watching them develop into responsible young adults had the same emotions of joy and fear we experienced in the early years. It’s now the end of their senior year…. Time for the celebrations to begin! Sit back, enjoy the fantastic voyage in which you’ve spent the past 18 years planning for.  If this is your only or last child, your road to an empty nest IS HERE.. but while you’re planning to turn that bedroom into a craft room – know they come back with other issues and sometimes with friends…


~Good Luck and Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Art Institute of Chicago vs. Summer Brides

If you wanted to have your wedding at the Art Institute of Chicago, be prepared to spend $5,000 for the outside terrace, and $10,000 for the entire third floor, including the Terzo Piano restaurant, according to Art Institute spokeswoman Erin Hogan.  A beautiful scenery unless you've booked it for this summer because that covered view of the city is now blocked by art.

Hogan and the Art Institute are working on ways to address the concerns of wedding parties including full access to Nichols Bridgeway, which connects the modern wing to Millennium Park.

"At the same time, we are an art museum committed to bringing contemporary art -- and art of all periods and places -- to our visitors," Hogan said.

Expecting a lush, green view of Millennium Park, Gabrielle Berger, who holds a degree in art history and formerly worked at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, booked the outdoor terrace months ago for her June wedding. To her delight (not) "Restless Rainbow," designed by artist Pae White for the terrace, will now obstruct that view.



José M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune

Consisting of colorful vinyl strips, the artwork, opens to the public on Saturday, May 21st wraps around the terrace's glass panels and sweep across the floor. The panels on the north end of the terrace, which overlooks over Millennium Park, are 18 feet tall.

Booking in modern spaces has it's ups and downs.  You have to be OK with the possibility of change. 

"I knew what risks we were taking in booking the space," Berger, who thought the stark white walls of the museum's modern wing would fit with her wish for a "minimalist" wedding, told the Chicago Tribune. "But what they've selected to display in the space during wedding season is absurd."

 (Source: chicagotribune.com)
~ Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Your Career or Your Wedding

Everyone knows that planning an event of any size can be an overwhelming task when you don't have the TIME to dedicate to it.  Wedding professionals estimate that planning a wedding can take 250+ hours, therefore, life as a bride-to-be is overwhelming on steroids.  From flowers to what should you give out as favors depend on your nah or yah.  What am I saying?  Planning a wedding can be a full time job, and if you´re already a busy professional, guess what? Your work week doubled before you put the S on the Y.E (yes).  Now the question is how to balance your professional and personal life while keeping your sanity.

Organization
This is the best way to avoid headaches.  Having an appointment book is essential in organizing your work and personal life. Now you can see every appointment for the day, week or month.  Create a wedding checklist you can stick to  and use this same method for your work day.

Now & Later
Asking your boss to hold while you speak with your florist is probably a bad idea.  Instead, divide your day into time slots (as indicated in your planner) and have work slots and wedding slots.  Be firm with yourself and don't let one flow over into the other; this will do nothing but slow you down and add to your frustration.  Use your lunch and breaks wisely!  Consider arriving early or staying late so that productivity isn't jeopardized. 

All Work No Play
So the statement of "work hard, play harder" is out the door for YOU!  Use that "play" time to knock off some things from your to-do-list.  Those times when you'd be relaxing on the couch catching up on your DVR - addressing save the dates can done without missing a beat.

Get Some Help
Delegate, delegate, delegate. Since you're sharing this moment with someone else, divide wedding planning tasks evenly between you and your fiance. After that, take it a step further by giving small tasks to immediate family members or bridal attendants (small – don´t turn friends into full time wedding planners, they'll resent you later).  Finally - consider hiring a professional.

Enjoy the process ~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Who Will Make the Final Cut for Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler's Wedding?

So all you Chicago Bears fans - looks like we'll have a wedding to celebrate next spring (2012)when Kristin and Jay wed. 

According to sources, either she's planning either a really big wedding for 400 to include the football team or really small for like 40.  That being said, some of her former co-stars make not make the final guest list.  Also, don't look for a reality tv show from this couple anytime in the future either.... Kristin says, "Jay hates all that stuff."

Want more? Read it here...

~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Shall We Dance? ....NOT!

Reality TV shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing With The Stars" have couples believing they too shake a tail feather on their wedding day.  However, for many, the first dance at a wedding reception comes with a lot of anxiety.  Where some couples believe they are the next Fred and Ginger and welcome the spotlight, others are afraid of embarrassing themselves on the dance floor like Master P.

If you really want to dance like a rockstar at your wedding reception but terrified those two left feet of yours may get in the way; consider taking dance lessons, and practice your first dance until you are comfortable with it. Now, you may be like my one darling couple Apryl and Dwayne, who took it to the next level. They welcomed being the center of attention and their well  choreographed first dance proved it!!

Choreographed first dances are a big trend right now. Instead of simply gliding around the dance floor to a romantic song, newlyweds are working together (with or without a professional choreographer) to arrange some very interesting dance routines. Usually dramatic, and often funny, the idea is to shock the guests and make a big splash.... almost like a flash mob! (ha)

Before you run out and start working on the Never Say Never video, ask yourself will your grandmother think it is funny, or will she be mortified?  How will your father react to his little girl “shaking her moneymaker” on her wedding day? When you look back on your wedding in five or ten years, will you be amused or embarrassed? Remember, too, that just because YOU think you can dance doesn’t necessarily mean that you have the rhythm to actually pull off the moves!

~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Gift Registries

I received an interesting email inquiring about Gift Registries and the outlandish items being placed on them. What's acceptable and what isn't?You don’t need china or a blender but the new IPad or a Silver Cross Balmoral Pram baby stroller (priced at a measly $2900) would make your life more manageable. Again I ask, is that acceptable? Whether you’re having a baby shower, trunk party or a lavish wedding here are a few basic tips to consider when thinking about your gift registry.


1. Start Now and Keep Adding
Once you’ve let the cat out of the bag that something wonderful is about to happen; someone in your circle of family and friends will want to say congratulations with a gift. Wouldn’t it be nice if it’s actually something you want? Although it won’t be a complete wish list, set up your registry by the time invitations go out and keep updating and adding items as you think of things you need or want.

2. Register at Multiple Stores
National retailers such as Macy's, Crate N Barrel and Target have great selections. Make life easier by registering at all three. Doing so will also appeal to guests who naturally shop at different stores.

3. Create An Online Master Registry List
There's a site called GiftRegistry360.com that lets you link and sync multiple registry lists from different stores into one easy-to-navigate list. Even better, you can register at any online store —For you iPhone users, there's an app for that which lets you walk around the store and scan any item you want.

4. Spread Price Point Love
Imagine opening a friend's registry list only to find there's not a single item within your price range. When registering, consider the guests who will be buying you all of these gifts. Your guests will, naturally, want to spend varying amounts of money on your wedding gift

5. Say Thank You
This one is key: Keep thank-you notes personal. Try to send out thank-yous for any pre-EVENT gifts you receive within two weeks of getting them. Get thank-yous out for the rest of the presents within a month following your event.

~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

A Different Kind of Spring Cleaning

By now the kids are back in school from their Spring Break.  Closets are cleaned, walls are washed and you've sent 15 bags to good will.  Now the weather is starting to"really" break and guess what?  It's time for A Different Kind of Spring Cleaning.

Two weeks ago I was shipping my kid off to school, looked outside and was mortified at what I saw................ "dandelions"! I immediately put on some work gear, cut the grass and headed to my local store to pick up some die dandelions die spray. (they call it weed and feed in the store).  I was on a mission to have this small problem resolved immediately.  Due to the fact that I'm either a good neighbor or a little on the OCD side (my husband thinks the latter) I sprayed my neighbors grass too (heck, who wants to look at that stuff).  After this first application and two hours outside, I stood with my hands on my hips and said, "ha, take that you, you dandelion".  In other words, I felt really good!!

You're probably holding your breath wondering what happened next.  Well, sadly I had to spray again last week because the little suckers refused to go away AND my neighbor has an infestation of them (eye roll).  However, I'm really happy to announce that NOW the grass is really green, the weeds are gone and we can move forward with the real reason for A Different Kind of Spring Cleaning (drum roll please) PARTIES and SOCIAL GATHERINGS AT HOME!!!

Everyone knows I LOVE planning and hosting events at home and really don't need a reason BUT I do need a nice yard (and some music) for it to be truly enjoyable.  This weekend is Mother's Day and the perfect time to plant flowers and make your outdoor space even more inviting for your outside socializing.  What better way to welcome the season then with a beautiful scenery from your window, balcony, patio or deck.  So ladies, as we get ready to enjoy our day - look forward to the serenity that comes with knowing your yard is green, flowers are blooming, birds are singing in the peace of your own space...

Have a Wonderful Mother's Day Weekend
~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Self-Improvement Expert Shares Exclusive Movie Premier, Powerful Theatrical Stories and Motivational

Self-Improvement Expert, Mr. DYNAMIC Himself, Larry D. is celebrating 10 years in business and 50 years in life, like you’ve never ever seen before. Featuring an Exclusive Movie Premier of the Larry D. Patton Story, the Launch of the LaserFOCUS Success System, Singing, Dancing, Music, Fireworks, Powerful Life-Changing Stories, and much more all FREE.

Les Brown, World Renown Motivational Speaker, TV Talk Show Host and Radio Personality says, “If you ever get an opportunity to hear Larry D. speak take it, he’s got something special in him.”

On Friday May 13, 2011 the doors will open at 6:00pm on the campus of Family Christian Center in Munster, IN for THE POINT OF NO RETURN – A 1050 CELEBRATION, where Mr. DYNAMIC Himself will be re-launching his professional speaking career during a motivational and theatrical keynote presentation. Event starts at 7:00pm~ You Don't Want to Miss This LIVE ONE SHOW ONE NIGHT ONLY EVENT featuring one of the most inspiring speakers around.

Larry D. is the owner and CEO of DYNAMIC Enterprises of Chicago Heights, Inc. (www.larrydpatton.net) and Bright Ideas Entertainment, Inc. (www.brightideasentertainment.com). Larry D. has helped over 200 Self-Employed Professionals overcome obstacles, breakthrough barriers and achieve extraordinary results using a simple but powerful 3-part system entitled: The LaserFOCUS Success System. Larry D. is also the author of The Power In You and 7 Keys to Unlock Your Potential.

For Ticket Information Contact
Larry D.
Self-Improvement Expert, DYNAMIC Enterprises of Chicago Heights, Inc.
larry@larrydpatton.net
708.277.9792


Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

Small Celebrations - BIG Ideas

A wedding or any special celebration does not have to be large to feel special and important.  When an intimate celebration is your style, there are some steps you can take to make it feel both cozy and grand at the same time.

Large spaces with few people in them feel empty and sad, but a small space with the same number of guests will feel lively and intimate. It is all about matching the scale of the guest list to the venue.  I recently coordinated a re-affirmation celebration with approximately thirty guests. The small size of the celebration allowed it to feel very personal and intimate. The ceremony was held by the fireplace in the couples family room.  Candles, a lovely way to add a warm and intimate feeling to a small wedding, were used in varying heights as part of the centerpieces to infuse the area with a warm glow.

For your intimate celebration ~ to make the dinner feel more personal, consider serving dishes in a family style setting which have a special meaning to you.  Since the group you will have is probably not much larger than a large holiday gathering, sit your guests at long tables to encourage a good flow of conversation. To add to the inviting ambiance, have some pleasant music in the background.

REMEMBER:  Small weddings can be so special!  Create a warm and intimate environment to help your celebration feel just as grand in its own way as a wedding many times its size. For guests, one of the best parts about a small wedding is that they will feel very much a part of the entire event.

~Peaceful Planning
Getting Married and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.

REVOLT: Architectural Anarchy’s Launch Party

Architectural Anarchy is an eclectic mix of modern, industrial and vintage finds for the home specializing in art, artifacts and antiques.

On April 27th Architectural Anarchy hosted their Launch Event entitled “The Revolt” and featured amazing vendors like Art of Imagination, Pure Kitchen Catering, An Urban Affair, LLC, Erickson Design, Carasco Photography, and Tablescapes plus many more.

To view this new venue space that has something for everyone contact:
Architectural Anarchy
2229 S. Halsted
Chicago, Illinois 60608
(on the East side of Halsted between Cermak & 22nd Place)

Hours of Operation:
Thurs & Sat 11 am – 6 pm
Fri 11 am – 7 pm
Sun 12 pm – 5 pm

Phone: 224.522.452
Email: gosia@architecturalanarchy.com

(Photo Source: Carasco Photography)

~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice
Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.
You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs. 

Beautiful YOU...

"Radiate your outer beauty by loving your beauty within". 

The truth about women is that we come in different shapes & sizes.  Whether you're full figured or thin, the chances are if you're preparing for your wedding, vacation, or simply out to dinner with friends there are some insecurities about your appearance. 

Without exception, EVERY bride deserves to feel beautiful on her special day.  So your bridal gown makes you feel like royalty, you have the most elegant jewelry, your make-up is flawless and as the doors open, he says "wow, you're beautiful".  After all that is said and done, allow yourself to believe it knowing that your true beauty comes from WITHIN! 

  "The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides...." Sam Levinson

Getting Married and need assistance?Email Me for current specials For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. Sharon Patrice, Owner Simple Perfect Peace Events Designs by Shay

Your Wedding Headpiece

The hats are back for 2011!!! Perhaps inspired by the royal wedding or maybe just a natural extension of the birdcage; whatever the case, one of the most fashion forward trends for brides today is a hat instead of a veil.

Some hats are more classic in form, while others are more whimsical, and some (called fascinators) are barely hats at all.  One of the most daring statements that a bride can make to really spice up her wedding day look is to wear a stunning hat instead of a veil.

A fascinator is perfect for brides that like the idea of a non-traditional headpiece but not quite sure about an actual "hat".  Almost as large as a hat but not quite is the best way to describe a fascinator. Worn perched on one side or pinned into the hair, these unique and quirky headpieces often feature details such as showy feathers, large silk flowers, and hints of sequin or beading.  While striking, fascinators make less of a statement than a true hat, which makes them more versatile. A bride could wear a fascinator with anything from a formal beaded gown to a deconstructed tulle dress.

Whether you're a veil or hat girl, don't be afraid to think outside the box when considering all of the essentials for your wedding day.

~Peaceful Planning
Getting Married and need assistance? Email Me  For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.

FREE Mother's Day Spa Event!!!

Join Parents of Color Magazine and Daylight Media along with other fabulous vendors and sponsors for a FREE Spa Networking Event in honor of Mother's Day on Saturday, May 7, 2011. 

Taking place at the Martini Club @3124 N. Central from 5pm-9pm MOMS!! SISTERS!! DAUGHTERS*AUNTS* it's all about honoring YOU for MOTHERS DAY!!

NETWORKING*SHOPPING*RELAXING*PRIZES*

COMPLIMENTARY SPA SERVICE:
MINI MASSAGE*MINI MANICURE*MINI PEDICURE!!

Sponsors Include:
Adorable Designs by Candace
Cookies with Flavor
Crystal Eyez
Fabulous Lashes
Infinite Memories Photography
Inspiring Hands
N'ticing Ngredients
Popacorn
Simply Perfect Peace Events
TT Sweets

Hope to see you there -
Getting Married and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc.