Tasty Tuesday: "Crockpot BBQ Chicken Breasts"

The holiday is suppose to be a time of rest and relaxation in my book.  Therefore, to ease the pressure of grilling everything I tried this recipe for the family.  Not sure how well it went over but as with all recipes, this too is good for a small or medium size event.

Ingredients
4-6 Chicken Breasts
1 bottle BBQ Sauce
1/4 cup vinegar
some minced garlic
1/4 cup brown sugar
some red pepper

Directions
In a medium sized bowl mix the BBQ Sauce, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar and red pepper stirring until mixed well.  Take the chicken breasts and put into the crock pot and pour the sauce over it.  Cook for 4-6 hours. DONE!

This was really good with corn on the cob and some other sides as well as on a hamburger bun for a snack.

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fun Friday Find: Bridal Bling Bouquet

There's no question that flowers are beautiful on their own but today's modern bride has many options when it comes to adorning her wedding look.

 

 

 

Enjoy!

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday Recipe: Teriyaki Salmon Salad

Week five of the weight loss challenge with ChiTown Moms has been in a word CHALLENGING.  True enough I've worked out but clearly lifting cake to my mouth hasn't been as successful as I'd hoped for. 

Even with my busy schedule I try and make at least one really healthy dish for the family.  As with anything I do, I see it as an "event" and making this simple dish was no different.  Baked or Grilled Teriyaki Salmon Salad with walnuts and craisins satisfied my appetite and didn't send my jeans screaming at the thought of having to be worn.

Ingredients
Salmon
Teriyaki Marinade
Lettuce
Spinach
Glazed Walnuts
Carrots
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Craisins
.....and anything else you like in salad

Directions
Marinade the Salmon with the teriyaki sauce and wrap in foil prior to baking or grilling. 
Prepare Salad with fixings, bake or grill the fish and add on top.  I used Raspberry Vinaigrette salad dressing for myself and it was so yummy!

Enjoy!
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Monday Motivation: "After the Love is Gone"

Do we ever truly stop loving our first love? Have you been in a relationship and then when it suddenly ended you couldn't imagine yourself ever loving again?  This past weekend I spent some time with a dear friend and we discussed this very topic.  Often being married it's difficult to be heard when it comes to surviving "the love I lost" but although I am married NOW, I wasn't always.

I am a woman who has lived, loved, lost and recovered - SimplyShay

Breaking up is never easy to do no matter which side of the fence you're on.  If you're the one ending the relationship (unless it's just BAD), you don't want to be seen as a jerk or someone with no regard for the feelings of others so you may struggle with how to end it.  In your struggle you have to be careful not to string someone along with the hopes of finding the right words.  KNOW THIS:  There are NO "right" words.

If you're the one being left I probably don't have to go into how broken that can make you feel.  The level of hurt that comes along with that is sometimes close to unbearable.  You wonder where you went wrong, what you could have done to prevent it, what if this, what if that....  If IF was a fifth, we'd all be drunk.

I'm finding that in speaking with people the best way to "get over it" is to be OK with not getting over it.  Don't give in to becoming bitter and angry but know that having the ability to love is a good thing.  The cliché "it's better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all" is very true.  Never give up on love; be honest about your feelings and know they are valid.  We all have made some mistakes; life is about learning lessons and growing - no one said those lessons would be easy.  A good friend shared something with me that I hold dear to my heart - "Everything has Purpose".

TRUE STORY:  A lady was asked to join a singles club and her response was clearly not the response expected.  She simply stated, "I'm Single?"  Being comfortable in her own skin and not wallowing in the what if's is how she lives her life.

"There was a boy and a girl who loved each other dearly yet too "stuck" in past hurts to admit it.  They dated for years hiding true feelings and today, although they love each other - they are the only two that know it"  That's the true shame of love lost...

If you're struggling with this topic, Chantelle Bittings offers therapy for individuals, couples and families.  Visit her on Facebook at Chantelle Bittings, LCPC or her website http://cbittingstherapy.com/

" Live Life With No Regrets"
 Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fun Friday Find: Out of the ordinary photography!

Remember when wedding photo's were all very posed with pasted on smiles?  Although photographers are still taking those traditional shots; they are also finding creative ways to truly capture the couples personality.  Here are a few cool photo's I ran across for your viewing pleasure :)

Have fun - it's your Wedding Day!

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Guest Post: Hosting A Simply Perfect Wine Tasting Event

As a professional wedding and events planner at SPPE, I enjoy sharing ideas about a variety of events that can be fun and out of the ordinary.  Below is a guest post from Joyce Cunningham of Pthirty1 that fits right into the scheme of things - Enjoy!

A couple of years ago, my sister and I hosted a wine tasting for our business, Selah Events. The event was so much fun, but A LOT of work! So much work, we’ve been planning another one for 2 years now :D!

 

Although our event was for public pleasure, you can host your own wine tasting with less stress. Not a wine connoisseur? So what…who cares?!?! Grab a variety of whites and reds and set a date to explore with your closest friends! Here’s how to pull it off:

 

1.       It Starts with Wine: If you already know what wines you like, you’re halfway there. You are more likely to host with ease when promoting a brand you believe in. So plan to include some of your favorite wines in the tasting. If you haven’t a clue when it comes to the brew, hit your favorite grocer or wine store and ask for recommendations. Read the labels and pick a few that’s interesting.

A great place to explore various wines without breaking the bank is Aldi…my sister hooked me on that tip some years ago and I haven’t been disappointed yet. ;)

 

2.       Fickle Foodie Facts: Have you ever been in a nice restaurant and opted for the recommended wine pairings? Did it make you wonder how some wines go so well with certain foods? I found that even wines I didn’t care for tasted better when paired with a dish I loved. Whether it be heavy appetizers, light dinner or just snacks offered at your wine tasting, choose your food carefully.

You will most definitely need good breads and cheeses. Fresh fruit is also a good idea if you’re keeping it light. Chocolates go well with anything. And just about anything French will work for your wine tasting menu. Oui Oui?

  

3.       Make it Fun: When I was younger, I always had an image of wine lovers as distinguished prudes. I gradually became a wine lover as I approached (and entered) my 30’s. That’s when I discovered those old movies with the 70 year old guy smoking a cigar and holding a glass of wine while wearing his pajamas and murmuring about his golf handicap while barely opening his mouth was just dead wrong! Wine is for everyone…that makes us all distinguished :D!

Make your party less about “sip and chat” and more about exploration and discovery. Draft wine scorecards for each guest to rate their wines. Later, mix it up a bit and blindfold guests having them guess a wine by scent or flavor. Or have each guest bring their favorite wine and play a game of “guess who” by asking each guest to guess who brought what wine (this game is a hoot if your guests are all close friends).

 

4.       Gift it Away: Gatherings are always most memorable when there’s gifting involved. I believe giving is way more rewarding for the giver than for the receiver. You don’t have to spend lots of money to make each of your guests feel special. Of course, you can be as extravagant in giving as you like, but small tokens like wine bags, cork stoppers, chocolates or even personalized wine labels will go a long way in the hearts of your attendees.  Be creative and have fun with it!

For more information and tips check out PThirty1.com

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

WEDnesday Love: Savannah is Engaged!!!

While watching the Today show on Monday I was pleasantly surprised when Savannah Guthrie announced her engagement to long time boyfriend and political consultant, Michael Feldman.  The couple has dated for four years and it was really cute when she blushingly stated that "no one would accuse them of rushing into things".

Savannah thought she'd gone unnoticed and announced proudly, "I got engaged over the weekend, she said with a big smile and even bigger ring. Over the years the Today show has been known to throw weddings, however, when Al Roker jokingly stated that Guthrie immediately shot the idea down with a convincing "Don't even think about it". 

Congratulations Savannah and Michael!

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday: Shay's Peach Cobbler!!!

If you're hosting an event of any kind the question arises about what sweet treat you can serve.  Are you tired of cupcakes and the like? Me too!  Well, last week at work a few people were having this very discussion as it related to graduation parties and an upcoming bridal shower. I absolutely LOVE planning but talking about desserts and creative ways to serve them is right up my alley. 

In terms of desserts, one of my all time favorites would have to be peach cobbler.  This warm delectable treat is easy, quick and absolutely yumtastic! If you're having a small and intimate function, consider using individual ceramic baking dishes for an additional touch of glam.


SHAY'S PEACH COBBLER- Hope it makes your tummy as happy as it does mine and those I love....

Ingredients
2 large cans of sliced peaches
1/2 stick of butter
some cinnamon (I don't measure)
1/2 cup of sugar
1/4 cut Malibu Coconut Rum
1/4 Triple Sec
some flour to thicken the juice
Pie Crust

Directions
Boil Peaches until you think they are almost done. Add 1/2 stick of butter, cinnamon, sugar, Malibu and Triple Sec and continue boiling.  Add pinches of flour to thicken the mixture BUT not too much because it's not a paste


In a separate dish, line the bottom with the pie crusts and bake for approximately 10 minutes.  Pour in the warm mixture and CRUMBLE lots of  pie crusts on top.  Sprinkle with sugar and bake until golden brown.  

Serve warm ... "Toodles"

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Monday Motivation: Loving and Encouraging Words!

Often times in relationships whether they be friendship, marriage or even parenting;  it can be easy to point out all the things that are wrong. Surely, every day isn't sunshine but I'm almost positive that everyday isn't rain.

The challenge and Motivation for this Monday is simply while we are navigating through life change and improve words and I believe we can change and improve life.  "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in HIS sight".

Think on it - live life loving and encouraging.

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fun Friday Finds: Wedding Tags and Labels

When thinking of escort cards and/or favors for your upcoming wedding or special event, consider personalizing miniature condiment, wine, champagne or even soda bottles. Your guests will know their table is located and have a little something to take with them after the celebration has ended. ~ Enjoy!

"Creating & Maintaining"

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

WEDnesday Love: Leave Me Alone - It's Mother's Day!

Life as a wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter, wedding and event's planner equals one thing.. BUSY!  I can count the times that I'm able to lay across the bed and either read, watch television or simply sit and scratch without someone asking me questions or giving me answers that I didn't ask for. 

This week in particular has been a zoo with weddings, cheer tryouts, driving to Evansville, Indiana in a day and a graduation dance that I must prepare for.  Did I also mention I have a few other designs due for a wedding at the end of this month?  AnyANDwho, my daughter's have also asked me repeatedly for the past week what I want for Mother's Day and each day I give the same thing and they chuckle. I have never imagined that being left alone was such a difficult task.  I love my family and wouldn't trade them for the world.  However, after countless hours of "MA, MOM, MOTHER, HEY... SHARON".... at some point silence is more than golden.

Recently a co-worker asked about Mother's Day and was shocked by me not wanting a lot of hoopla surrounding me on that day.  Today, a friend asked the question on FB what ladies wanted for Mother's Day and I'm sure some thought my response was selfish and others may have found humor in it; seriously...  the idea of a day filled with nothingNESS has me all bubbly on the inside. 

NOTE:   I know I'm a mother, reminded MULTIPLE times throughout the day.  I'm beyond grateful to have been blessed with such precious cargo.  However, I can close my eyes and see myself in the most raggedy pj's I own, with a bottle of wine and snacks very close by.  Ooooh, I just had another thought of me sitting outside on the deck off the bedroom with that same bottle of wine (or another) and Pandora playing Will Downing.  Wait, maybe I'll wander outside onto the patio with ... yep, you've guessed it, a bottle of wine to look at the grass grow.  The last two will only work if ALL the kids in the neighborhood, and their dads have the same idea for their mom/wife/girlfriend and walk around in complete silence so we can actually hear NOTHING!

"Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible."

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday Recipe: Spicy Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Welcome to Tasty Tuesday!! What does this have to do with event planning or weddings? Nothing and everything. Life in itself is an event and daily we find ourselves celebrating in some time of way. Currently, I am doing a weight loss challenge with a group of ChiTown Moms called "Lose Weight in 8".  So, in honor of that challenge and Mother's Day, I thought it would be interesting to post recipes each Tuesday during the month of May.

My alias during the challenge is "The Busy Absentee"!  As a professional wedding and events planner I am typically always busy AND always absent from healthy food choices.   I get so busy planning and managing business and family that I often forget to eat.

Last week I believe I did OK by preparing the following recipe for the family... Try it for yours and even for Mother's Day!!! 

Spinach and Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Sauteed Mushrooms. 
Ingredients
8 Chicken Breasts
2 Pkg Spinach (I used frozen creamed)
16oz Pepper Jack Cheese
Mushrooms
Cajun Spices
Grape seed Oil
Toothpicks

Directions

Heat oven to 350. In a bowl mix the spinach and cheese until well blended.

Take the chicken breasts and split open and stuff with spinach mixture. Using the toothpicks to keep close, turn over and rub with grape seed oil and sprinkle with Cajun spices.  Place in glass baking dish and put into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.  In a separate pan, cook mushrooms.  Once sauteed and place over chicken with remaining spinach/cheese mixture

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.