Love, Laughter and EVERYTHING in Between: Sweet 16!

A sweet sixteen is a coming of age party celebrating a female's 16th birthday. Like a wedding, this event can be formal, casual, or semi-formal. Sweet sixteens can range from modest parties at home with close family to large affairs with a hired DJ, makeup, hair styling, expensive gowns and dresses, and hotel ballrooms.



 

For friends Sydney and Kianna theirs was an event to truly be remembered.  This soiree took almost a year to plan and included very intricate details specified by these two budding buddies.  Now, don't misunderstand, these are still two emotional young ladies and mid way through the planning process they decided they didn't want to be friends anymore.  Imagine the stress this put on the parents planning and paying for this extravagant event that included not one, but two DJ's, candy/sweet table, a balloon filled ceiling, photo booth, photographer, makeup and hair artists, a wardrobe change, and the list goes on. 

Venue: Lux 223

Sweet Table - Simply Perfect Peace Events/Candy Personified

Sweet Table - Simply Perfect Peace Events/Candy Personified

Planning - Simply Perfect Peace Events
Décor - Designs by Shay
Photography - Tanayia Koonce Photography

At the end of it all the event was great and the girls were happy with their "glow party".  I was honored to plan this event with my daughters best friends mother - it was a blast.  Can't wait for 21!


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.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 23-RUMCHATA!

Every year I come up with a signature beverage for the holiday.  This year RUMCHATA wins and the combination I recently had is the one I'm going to try on my family this upcoming holiday.  If you enjoy RUMCHATA and aren't afraid to venture out; this one is for you too.

Mixing Fireball, Caramel, Vodka with the creamy RumChata liqueur is one drink you absolutely have to try. And when I say try, what I really mean is, go make this as soon as possible. The cinnamon in the Fireball Whisky perfectly compliments the caramel along with the vanilla in the RumChata to form a rich and flavorful RumBall cocktail. This recipe will quickly become your new favorite for the holidays or maybe the rest of your life ~ drink responsibly!


Carmeled RumBall
1.5 ounces Fireball Whisky
1.5 ounces of Vodka
1.5 ounces of Kissed Carmel Vodka
1.5 ounces RumChata

Directions: Fill a martini shaker with ice, then add the Fireball Whisky and RumChata. Shake and strain into a martini glass, or a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.

~Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

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.

Love, Laughter, and EVERYTHING in Between: Day 22 - Holiday Party Etiquette

Your company's holiday gathering is just around the corner -- time to let loose and party with your coworkers after a long year, right? Wrong!!!

No matter how festive the occasion, it's still about business. Here are a few tips to help you keep your job and your dignity..

• Plan an event that reflects well on the company. Choose an appropriate location, control the alcohol flow, and take your coworkers interests into consideration. 


• Be DIVERSE - A Christmas party may alienate some staff. A holiday party is more inclusive.

• Do everything in MODERATION! So eat, drink and be merry -- but take it easy. Alcohol plus you and your boss can equal the next day morning's "I can't believe I said that." If you choose to drink, do so minimally.  

• Dress appropriately for the occasion. You've worked hard to create a professional image, and revealing clothes can alter your coworkers' and manager's perception of you as a competent professional.

• Mix and mingle! At the very least, don't spend the entire evening with your regular office buddies -- get in the holiday spirit and mingle with people from other departments.

• Pay attention to the time you arrive and when you leave. Even if you don't really want to attend, avoid arriving 20 minutes before the end just to make an appearance. On the flip side, don't party into the wee hours either - neither are a good look!

• Be sure to thank those who coordinated the party. They likely put in a great deal of effort hoping you would have a good time. Not only is saying thank you the nice thing to do, but it also makes you stand out from the many employees who don't.  

Until Next Time
SimplySHAY

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.

Wordless WEDnesday: "Turning 50 Isn't Half Bad"

 

 

"Live Life Out Loud, On Purpose and 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: "RumChata Cupcakes"

½	cup butter (1 stick, at room temperature)
1½	cups sugar
2	cups flour
2	tsp baking powder
½	teaspoon salt
1	cup RumChata
1	tsp vanilla extract
1	tsp cinnamon
4	egg whites
	RumChata Cream Cheese Frosting
12	ounces of cream cheese (1½ packages, at room temperature)
½	cup of butter (1 stick, at room temperature)
½	tsp of vanilla
5	tbsp of RumChata
1	package of confectioners’ sugar (2 lb. bag)

 

Cupcake Directions

•Preheat oven to 350*
•Combine sugar & butter and beat until fluffy
•Mix together flour, baking powder, salt & cinnamon, set aside
•Mix the RumChata & vanilla together, set aside
•Alternating, add in the flour mixture and RumChata mixture in to the butter and sugar. Start and end with the flour mixture.
•In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form (this will be easiest in an electric mixer)
•Fold egg whites in to the batter – do not do this in an electric mixer, use a spatula
•Fill cupcake liners
•Bake for 20 minutes

Frosting Directions
•Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth
•Add vanilla •Slowly add confectioners’ sugar
•Mix in RumChata (use more or less based on the thickness of the frosting.)
•Frost the cupcakes

 Yummy!!!!

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: (GUEST POST) - Oriental Salad

This is a guest post by my fabulous foodie friend and co-mom Joyce Cunningham of Pthirty1.  A thirty-something, happily married, entrepreneur, blogger , accountant and working mother of 6 beautiful children (ages 10 months to 21 years). Her passions are faith, family, food, fashion, flying and fun – all with a touch of frugality. As a self-certified foodie, she loves to cook, explore new restaurants, cuisines, cooking styles, cookbooks, recipes, etc.  Additionally, an avid DIYer that loves to sew, craft, build, fix and create at home, for the home, family, friends and anything or anyone in need.

 

When trying to figure out different dishes for family fun or upcoming events its easy to draw a blank.  Be sure to try this one, I guarantee you, your family and friends will enjoy it. *Toodles*

 

~

 

I always promote how much of a foodie I am and that I’ll eat just about anything at least once, but I have a secret to tell you. There are certain foods I just absolutely hate…despise even!  Cole slaw is one of them. I don’t know what happened in my childhood that scarred me from eating cole slaw for life, but I simply won’t touch the stuff. I’ve never attempted to make it myself and I always skip it if it’s offered elsewhere.

 

The problem with my distaste for cole slaw is my love for entertaining. I absolutely loooove having folks over and feeding them something so scrumptious they won’t leave without the recipe. Well, naturally, at any summer BBQ, people expect certain staples with their grilled bites. Cole slaw, my friends, is one of them. You see my dilemma?

 

So this recipe came about as an alternative to that wretched, loathsome, cole slaw I refuse to serve at my home. It is made with a vegetable I love – broccoli – and it’s so flexible as a recipe. You can make it savory as is or sweeten it up or even make it “savorier” (yep, I just made that up) ;).

Every time I serve this, I’m always asked for the recipe. My 12 year old loves it so much, she’s learned to make it herself. She loves to take it to school for lunch.  Substituting the sugar with splenda or stevia makes this a healthier choice, but either way , it doesn’t substitute on taste. This slaw is YUMAZING! Enjoy!

 

You will need:

2 pkgs broccoli slaw
1 pkg broccoli, chopped (or 1 small crown of fresh broccoli)
1 cup roasted sunflower seeds
1 cup sliced almonds (I use Wonderful Almond Accents honey roasted)
½ bunch green onions, chopped
2 pkgs Ramen noodles, uncooked

Optional add-ins
1 cup bacon bits
1 cup dried cranberries

For vinaigrette:
¾ cup oil (I use canola)
½ cup sugar (or sugar substitute)
2 flavor packets from Ramen noodles

Directions:

1.       In a large bowl, mix slaw, broccoli, nuts, and onions. If using, mix in add-ins.

2.       Crush noodles over slaw and mix well.

3.       In a small bowl, mix vinaigrette ingredients well.

4.       About 1 hour before serving, pour vinaigrette over slaw and mix well (I mix this with my hands).

5.       Cover and chill until ready to serve.

6.       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.

Wedding Wednesday: THE Bachelorette Party!

Unlike the "Bridal Shower" which is often mild in demeanor and hosted by the mom; the Bachelorette Party is typically put together by the bridesmaids or that college girlfriend.  This is a great opportunity for the bride to take a much needed break from wedding planning and enjoy her friends.

When setting the date, take into consideration all that has to be done leading up to the wedding for both the bride and her bridesmaids.  Be sure to send your invitations in enough time for guests to RSVP and add to their personal calendars.

Many of us have been in a position of "whooooaaaaa" and asked what is TOO wild?  My short answer is, if the bride experiences more than temporary embarrassment then you might want to scale it down a bit.  Considering you probably don't want to put your friends in a position of being offensive and lessening the "fun" factor ask the bride to be real clear on what a night of fun is to her.  If she isn't a whipped cream and g-string flinging girl, I'd suggest you  pass on the strippers

Always use good judgment and be sure to have a way of escape for the lovely bride.  Last but not least NEVER videotape.. lol  Be considerate of your friends personality and don't push the envelope too much.

As the organizer of what is suppose to be the last night of fun, you are responsible for the bride's comfort and safety on her big night out. This becomes especially important when the bride's alcohol levels lead her to get a little out of control.

Enjoy!

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.

Holiday Party Tips with SISTER SAVE A LOT!

Holiday parties are fun, but we all know they also can be expensive to host. This year, with the assistance of my friend Sister Save A Lot, here are a few tips on throwing a memorable bash without going broke in the process.

• Create invitations that convey the theme of your party -- and that it's going to be really fun, a must-attend. Be sure to include a start and end time along with the style of party so people are appropriately dressed.

Sister Save a Lot Suggests: EVITES because they are FREE!! This is an informal event and no need to spend the extra money on formal invitations.

• You must have fabulous decorations! To keep cost down make use of those Christmas decorations: String white lights around the front doorway, windows or the buffet table; stack same-color holiday ornaments in large glass bowls or vases; and hang colored globe ornaments from the ceiling with pins and fishing wire. Chargers are inexpensive and look magnificent on the table or even mantel.

Sister Save A Lot found a great find at Dollar Tree - don't sleep on the dollar store finds. You can have a fabulously decorated event and no one will ever know you spent under $10 

• Munch and mingle is the name of this game! Design a self-serve buffet full of finger foods. Then use vibrant, shiny, thick wrapping paper to line each serving tray or plate. Suddenly, all your platters and plates will match the mood. Salads go a long way- shrimp wrapped in bacon and pepper jack cheese is one of my favorites along with a crab and cheese mixture I do placed on english muffins. For that touch of sweet and salty I like pretzels with melted rollo's and M&M's. These are snacks that are easy to make and wont kill your budget. You may even have some of these left from the huge candy holiday back in October. :)

 Sister Save A Lot Suggests: USE THOSE STORE COUPONS! Go to Sister Save A Lot's blog page and type in Jewel and you can get more info...

• Speciality Cocktails will help you save big bucks and make a party memorable. I'm a martini girl and off the wall bartender so I love creating exciting drinks (non alcoholic too). However, I didn't create this one :) Start with 1 peppermint stick, crushed, 1 1/2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce peppermint schnapps, 1 ounce Triple Sec, Ice and 1 small candy cane... DELISH! If you have children there or non drinkers.. leave out the vodka - they'll be ok too.

Sister Save A Lot Suggests: Check your local store wine department for "wine tags". Several wine bottles and other items will have in-store coupons on them. Also, consider buying in bulk - you have easily save 10% buying 6 or more bottles of wine instead of one at a time.

To complete your holiday bash, be sure to have some music and even do a little singing. At the end of the night let your guests leave with a batch of cookies or a nice inexpensive novelty gift. Sister Save A Lot likes the idea of a picture frame. This way after you take your group photo you'll have something to put in in.

Have a tip you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it!
~ 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.