The sun is streaming through the blinds onto the bed,
As I rouse awake trying to get thoughts into my head.
Yawning, stretching, getting the body in a nimble state,
Contemplating what this great day holds….what is the date?
Mind is foggy, needing to clear…much to do here,
Out of the bed I climb, facing the day without fear.
The coffee is brewing for the much need jolt,
Off like a flash, to the computer I bolt,
Log on to check to see what the twitter is about,
What fun to see if you will get the fail whale to come out.
On to the blog to make a new post,
About someone you admire the most.
The forums – oh what fun!
The friends you have made and the things you have done.
Peoples lives that have crossed… changes that have been made,
Shared thoughts, kindness, prayers..all who have rushed to my aid.
Where or where would we be…if not for the internet,
And our social networking friends….lonely I bet.
Debbie L Wahl
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Westernize Your Cupcakes
Smaller wedding cakes on each table, mini cakes at each place setting or cupcakes on a tiered server are popular as well as dessert bars. If you are planning a western wedding, have you wondered how to incorporate cupcakes into the theme? I'm sure you don't want to use plain ole cupcakes in your western-themed wedding. I would like to share a few ideas with you.
Keep in mind that I don’t make cakes professionally, but have dabbled in the past. You will need to take the matter up with your baker/decorator to see if the idea is feasible.
*Decorate regular cupcakes with rope-look icing edging. You could include the initial on top to look like a brand.
*Make an icing cowboy hat, saddle or cowboy boot on the top of each cupcake.
*Instead of a tiered holder, use a white enamel plate or platter to hold the cupcakes.
*Make rectangular cupcakes (using mini loaf pans) – decorate to resemble hay bales.
*The cupcake hay bales can be decorated farther by adding icing horseshoes, cowboy hat, etc.
*For a sunflower theme, decorate the top of each cupcake with an icing sunflower. Or you could use silk sunflowers atop each cupcake.
*Use mini sunflower pans to bake the cupcakes.
*Decorate the top of each cupcake with an icing horseshoe or 2 icing horseshoes slightly overlapping.
*For a John Deere country theme cupcake – Ice cupcakes yellow; add the John Deere logo either in icing or by using the plastic picks.
Frost a regular cupcake with your favorite icing – add a chocolate-shaped cowboy hat; cowboy boot; horseshoe, etc. to the top of each cupcake.
I’m sure there are many more ideas for western themed cakes and cupcakes. If you have an idea you would like to share - please feel free to post.
Keep in mind that I don’t make cakes professionally, but have dabbled in the past. You will need to take the matter up with your baker/decorator to see if the idea is feasible.
*Decorate regular cupcakes with rope-look icing edging. You could include the initial on top to look like a brand.
*Make an icing cowboy hat, saddle or cowboy boot on the top of each cupcake.
*Instead of a tiered holder, use a white enamel plate or platter to hold the cupcakes.
*Make rectangular cupcakes (using mini loaf pans) – decorate to resemble hay bales.
*The cupcake hay bales can be decorated farther by adding icing horseshoes, cowboy hat, etc.
*For a sunflower theme, decorate the top of each cupcake with an icing sunflower. Or you could use silk sunflowers atop each cupcake.
*Use mini sunflower pans to bake the cupcakes.
*Decorate the top of each cupcake with an icing horseshoe or 2 icing horseshoes slightly overlapping.
*For a John Deere country theme cupcake – Ice cupcakes yellow; add the John Deere logo either in icing or by using the plastic picks.
Frost a regular cupcake with your favorite icing – add a chocolate-shaped cowboy hat; cowboy boot; horseshoe, etc. to the top of each cupcake.
I’m sure there are many more ideas for western themed cakes and cupcakes. If you have an idea you would like to share - please feel free to post.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Free Photography for One Lucky Bride!
Sherrlyn Borkgren Photography is giving away free wedding photography this year shot by her personally. If you haven't seen her pictures, please go right to her site www.lovesimplyhappens.com to view them. She is fabulous - so talented! She wants to bless someone and give back. Please visit her blog www.lovesimplyhappens.blogspot.com. She has a post on the blog about the giveaway along with the instructions for entering the contest.
The rules are simple - something anyone can do. The deadline is March 31 to enter.
What are you waiting for - you could win wedding photography from Sherrlyn Borkgren Photography and a honeymoon trip from the Travel Channel! Good luck!
The rules are simple - something anyone can do. The deadline is March 31 to enter.
What are you waiting for - you could win wedding photography from Sherrlyn Borkgren Photography and a honeymoon trip from the Travel Channel! Good luck!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Win a Trip of A Lifetime
During these tough economic times, we are all wanting to get away. What better way then to win a FREE trip - a trip of a lifetime. The Travel Channel is having a Trip-A-Month Sweepstakes. This month the prize is a trip for 2 to Peru. Just imagine flying (round-trip expenses paid) to beautiful, magical Peru for seven days and six nights.
You will visit Lima, Cuzco, the banks of the Amazon and take a train tour to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu has been voted on of the new 7 wonders of the world.
For more information on this sweepstakes - how to enter, the rules, etc. Please visit The Travel Channel.
You could win a free trip for your honeymoon to a fabulous, exotic place. Each month will feature a different location.
You will visit Lima, Cuzco, the banks of the Amazon and take a train tour to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu has been voted on of the new 7 wonders of the world.
For more information on this sweepstakes - how to enter, the rules, etc. Please visit The Travel Channel.
You could win a free trip for your honeymoon to a fabulous, exotic place. Each month will feature a different location.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Rentals May Help Cut Costs
You’re planning the wedding of your dreams and the budget just went over the top. Some areas are going to have to be cut, but you can’t bear to do without any of your selections! What to do? Carefully review your plans – just to see if maybe, just maybe you can live without something. If the answer is no way! Then you could consider renting some of the items that are necessary to make your dream day come true.
There are many rental companies around. I would recommend comparing prices as some of them offer better bargains than others. Some offer delivery and pick up services for a fee. You may be able to negotiate the fees if you rent many items. You could ask if you will be allowed to pick the items up yourself and return them. This may be an option, if you have a large number of people to help you. You will need to appoint a reliable person to be in charge of this. You should not try to do this yourself, as you and the groom will not have time to deal with this.
Now to some of the items offered by rental companies:
Tents – There are a large variety of tents available in many sizes and styles. Tents for small gatherings to tents for a hundred or more, tents with sides and climate control, open-sided tents – there is a tent available for every need. If you are planning an outdoor event, a tent may be valuable to you as you will not have to worry about the weather ruining your perfect day. A tent is like a giant blank backdrop just waiting to be brought to life with your decorations, ideas and style. Imagine theatrical lighting, stages, dance floors, tables, chairs, linens and china – your personal touch will create a masterpiece. Tents can be transformed into the most elegant of affairs to a western hoedown with hay, denim table clothes and chairs with bandana sashes. Choose a rental place that visits the venue to help you determine which is best for you. If you have the funds in your budget, many of them offer the service of setting up the tent and decorating it for you.
Tables, chairs, linens and china are all available at most of the rental places. Unless you have access to a large number of these items, I would highly recommend renting them. It is much more cost effective to rent than to purchase them and never use them again.
Dance floors and stages are available in a variety of sizes and designs. If you are hiring a disc jockey you may want to check with that company as they also offer dance floors. I would definitely do a price comparison. With some DJ services, they pass a savings to you for purchasing more services. They may be willing to add a dance floor, a frozen drink machine or a karaoke machine – or perhaps offer you a good discount if you purchase these services from them. The best part of getting these items from the DJ service is – they bring the items with them, set them up, take them down and you don’t have to mess with it. But, I would check with the particular service to make sure they offer this as DJ services have different conditions.
Beverage Services – There are a wide array of beverage items available in different sizes and styles. Urns, coffeemakers, cream pitchers, sugar bowls, punch bowls, ladles, water pitchers, wine carafes, tea service sets, 5 gallon hot/cold dispensers and tabletop or floor standing wine coolers may all be found at rental stores. If you need a cocktail bar or cart for your special event, check the rental companies as there are different styles and sizes available. These bars and carts do not include the liquor, setups or bartender.
Reception - Some other items that you may want to consider renting rather than purchasing: champagne fountains, chocolate fountains, ice carving & display bars, cake plateaus, cocktail bars & carts, outdoor lighting, air conditioners or heaters for tents, china, flatware, glassware, serving utensils, serving trays and bowls. Frozen drink machines, dance floors, stages, karaoke machines are available at rental companies and at most DJ services.
Decorations - Arches, chuppahs, candelabras, columns, and votive candles are available as rentals. You may want to comparison shop at your florist for some of these items. Many times people do not think about a florist having rental items, but many of them do and this may be your best bet for some of the items you need.
Cooking - If you need large grills that will hold 40 steaks or 30 chicken halves, look to the rental companies. Many sizes and styles are available from rotisseries, propane grills - to smokers on trailers. You may have to do a bit of calling to find what you need but better than ending up purchasing something you don’t need all the time. Ask about chafing dishes, propane burners/fish cookers and pots, griddles, heat lamps, hot plates and electric roasters.
I know that I haven’t covered all items that are available from rental companies. Check with your local rental companies, florists, and dj's - seek reputable companies - compare prices. There are many ways to shave a bit off of your budget. If you are planning a DIY wedding or looking for a way to cut some expense from your budget this may be an option for you.
There are many rental companies around. I would recommend comparing prices as some of them offer better bargains than others. Some offer delivery and pick up services for a fee. You may be able to negotiate the fees if you rent many items. You could ask if you will be allowed to pick the items up yourself and return them. This may be an option, if you have a large number of people to help you. You will need to appoint a reliable person to be in charge of this. You should not try to do this yourself, as you and the groom will not have time to deal with this.
Now to some of the items offered by rental companies:
Tents – There are a large variety of tents available in many sizes and styles. Tents for small gatherings to tents for a hundred or more, tents with sides and climate control, open-sided tents – there is a tent available for every need. If you are planning an outdoor event, a tent may be valuable to you as you will not have to worry about the weather ruining your perfect day. A tent is like a giant blank backdrop just waiting to be brought to life with your decorations, ideas and style. Imagine theatrical lighting, stages, dance floors, tables, chairs, linens and china – your personal touch will create a masterpiece. Tents can be transformed into the most elegant of affairs to a western hoedown with hay, denim table clothes and chairs with bandana sashes. Choose a rental place that visits the venue to help you determine which is best for you. If you have the funds in your budget, many of them offer the service of setting up the tent and decorating it for you.
Tables, chairs, linens and china are all available at most of the rental places. Unless you have access to a large number of these items, I would highly recommend renting them. It is much more cost effective to rent than to purchase them and never use them again.
Dance floors and stages are available in a variety of sizes and designs. If you are hiring a disc jockey you may want to check with that company as they also offer dance floors. I would definitely do a price comparison. With some DJ services, they pass a savings to you for purchasing more services. They may be willing to add a dance floor, a frozen drink machine or a karaoke machine – or perhaps offer you a good discount if you purchase these services from them. The best part of getting these items from the DJ service is – they bring the items with them, set them up, take them down and you don’t have to mess with it. But, I would check with the particular service to make sure they offer this as DJ services have different conditions.
Beverage Services – There are a wide array of beverage items available in different sizes and styles. Urns, coffeemakers, cream pitchers, sugar bowls, punch bowls, ladles, water pitchers, wine carafes, tea service sets, 5 gallon hot/cold dispensers and tabletop or floor standing wine coolers may all be found at rental stores. If you need a cocktail bar or cart for your special event, check the rental companies as there are different styles and sizes available. These bars and carts do not include the liquor, setups or bartender.
Reception - Some other items that you may want to consider renting rather than purchasing: champagne fountains, chocolate fountains, ice carving & display bars, cake plateaus, cocktail bars & carts, outdoor lighting, air conditioners or heaters for tents, china, flatware, glassware, serving utensils, serving trays and bowls. Frozen drink machines, dance floors, stages, karaoke machines are available at rental companies and at most DJ services.
Decorations - Arches, chuppahs, candelabras, columns, and votive candles are available as rentals. You may want to comparison shop at your florist for some of these items. Many times people do not think about a florist having rental items, but many of them do and this may be your best bet for some of the items you need.
Cooking - If you need large grills that will hold 40 steaks or 30 chicken halves, look to the rental companies. Many sizes and styles are available from rotisseries, propane grills - to smokers on trailers. You may have to do a bit of calling to find what you need but better than ending up purchasing something you don’t need all the time. Ask about chafing dishes, propane burners/fish cookers and pots, griddles, heat lamps, hot plates and electric roasters.
I know that I haven’t covered all items that are available from rental companies. Check with your local rental companies, florists, and dj's - seek reputable companies - compare prices. There are many ways to shave a bit off of your budget. If you are planning a DIY wedding or looking for a way to cut some expense from your budget this may be an option for you.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Free Wedding Photography Contest
We are always looking for contests to pass along to our couples. This one is being offered by Misha Nikole Photography of Grand Praire, TX.
Misha Nikole Photography is looking for deserving couples to award their prize of free photography for your wedding. They are looking for couples with a great love story and incredible style.
To enter this contest follow this link: Misha Nikole Photography or go to www.mishanikole.com, click on "The Wedding" and enter your information in the check availbility spaces.
The wedding ceremony must be before April 25, 2009.
You must submit to Misha Nikole:
picture of bride & groom
reason why you should be selected
your wedding details
Misha Nickole Photography
Grand Prairie, TX
info@mishanikole.com
817-966-2690
We are not affiliated with Misha Nikole nor or we endorsing them. We are simply passing along an availble contest to you. It is up to you to decide if it is legit and if you want to enter. Be sure to carefully check their website for the official rules and regulations.
We will be looking for more contests, discounts and savings for you in the future.
Misha Nikole Photography is looking for deserving couples to award their prize of free photography for your wedding. They are looking for couples with a great love story and incredible style.
To enter this contest follow this link: Misha Nikole Photography or go to www.mishanikole.com, click on "The Wedding" and enter your information in the check availbility spaces.
The wedding ceremony must be before April 25, 2009.
You must submit to Misha Nikole:
picture of bride & groom
reason why you should be selected
your wedding details
Misha Nickole Photography
Grand Prairie, TX
info@mishanikole.com
817-966-2690
We are not affiliated with Misha Nikole nor or we endorsing them. We are simply passing along an availble contest to you. It is up to you to decide if it is legit and if you want to enter. Be sure to carefully check their website for the official rules and regulations.
We will be looking for more contests, discounts and savings for you in the future.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Dreaming of the Day
Dreams and visions dancing in my head,
As I lay reclined in my bed.
My honey popped the magical question
Without my prodding suggestion.
He dropped on bended knee,
Right before me.
Looking deep into my eyes
He asked will you be my bride.
The answer, of course, was Yes, oh Yes!
There was no room for guessing.
I wanted him to be sure that I was his,
I worked myself up into quite a tiz.
This was the moment I had dreamt many a night,
Wondering when the time would be right.
It seems so surreal…. time is standing still,
I’m out of breath as if I’ve been running up hill.
My heart skipping a beat…
This man of mine is one to keep.
He’s thoughtful, kind and romantic, too
No other man will do.
I would tie the knot…right on the spot,
But we cannot.
We must plan…invite the family and friends,
To see our two lives blend.
This cowboy and I will pick a theme,
To showcase our wedding dream.
It’s western…of course,
We will arrive riding our horse.
Ropes, hay bales, sunflowers and tubs,
Barbequed meat with just the right rub.
What a celebration this day will bring,
When we exchange our vows and rings.
Our true love we will declare,
And throw our hats into the air.
In my dream I can see it all very clearly,
As we share our lives with those we hold dearly.
The most perfect start to our new life,
I promise to be the very best wife.
As I drift off to sleep all snuggled in my bed,
Visions of our new life floating though my head.
As I lay reclined in my bed.
My honey popped the magical question
Without my prodding suggestion.
He dropped on bended knee,
Right before me.
Looking deep into my eyes
He asked will you be my bride.
The answer, of course, was Yes, oh Yes!
There was no room for guessing.
I wanted him to be sure that I was his,
I worked myself up into quite a tiz.
This was the moment I had dreamt many a night,
Wondering when the time would be right.
It seems so surreal…. time is standing still,
I’m out of breath as if I’ve been running up hill.
My heart skipping a beat…
This man of mine is one to keep.
He’s thoughtful, kind and romantic, too
No other man will do.
I would tie the knot…right on the spot,
But we cannot.
We must plan…invite the family and friends,
To see our two lives blend.
This cowboy and I will pick a theme,
To showcase our wedding dream.
It’s western…of course,
We will arrive riding our horse.
Ropes, hay bales, sunflowers and tubs,
Barbequed meat with just the right rub.
What a celebration this day will bring,
When we exchange our vows and rings.
Our true love we will declare,
And throw our hats into the air.
In my dream I can see it all very clearly,
As we share our lives with those we hold dearly.
The most perfect start to our new life,
I promise to be the very best wife.
As I drift off to sleep all snuggled in my bed,
Visions of our new life floating though my head.
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