Ouch!

Weddings can be very stressful on everyone involved in the beautiful day. The bride has planning and decision making that takes a toll on her emotionally. The family on both sides want to be involved which can become chaotic. With that being said I was checking my email when I came across this article of a step-mom who sent her future daughter-in-law a disturbing email on her manners? Wow! I thought she really said what was bothering her. So let's talk; for all you brides and brides to be what do you think. Family can and could be involved in your future nuptials; because you are marrying into another family and in some cases a different culture. So what do you do when first impressions don't turn out so impressionable with your furture in-laws. How does this behavior affect the future marriage of the happy couple.

 Speak to me ladies was this Mom-zilla a little to forward? read snippets of the email below and let me know. I guess first impressions is taking very serious in this household and should, but when does it go to far. There's no denying it's harsh, but if you've ever been in the line of fire in a wedding party, you know that sometimes marriage anxieties strike darkness in the hearts of man. What do you think......ouch!

from: Carolyn Bourne
to: heidi withers
subject: your lack of manners

Here are a few examples of your lack of manners:

When you are a guest in another's house, you do not declare what you will and will not eat - unless you are positively allergic to something.

You do not remark that you do not have enough food.

You do not start before everyone else.

You do not take additional helpings without being invited to by your host.

When a guest in another's house, you do not lie in bed until late morning in households that rise early - you fall in line with house norms.

You should never ever insult the family you are about to join at any time and most definitely not in public. I gather you passed this off as a joke but the reaction in the pub was one of shock, not laughter.

You regularly draw attention to yourself. Perhaps you should ask yourself why. No one gets married in a castle unless they own it. It is brash, celebrity style behaviour.

I understand your parents are unable to contribute very much towards the cost of your wedding. (There is nothing wrong with that except that convention is such that one might presume they would have saved over the years for their daughters' marriages.)

If this is the case, it would be most ladylike and gracious to lower your sights and have a modest wedding as befits both your incomes.

One could be accused of thinking that Heidi Withers must be patting herself on the back for having caught a most eligible young man. I pity Freddie.

Hat Day.

Ladies!!! my church is having a Hat Day...yeah! You get to wear your most fabulous hat and just look great with your beautiful self. For many woman looking your best from head to toe is imperative going to church, and some of the woman I have seen their hat game is serious. Nowadays it is often the more elder African American woman who dress up with hats on Sunday morning. To many of these women and their ancestors, dressing up for church was a good feeling for them they are looking their best for the Lord.  I would remember my grandmother (Mo. Alice Daniels) would wear her hat, white gloves, handbag and be sharp. That was her way I guess of celebrating from wearing aprons all week taking care of  seven children, cooking, cleaning,  and working in the fields - so on Sunday those garments were replaced by bright colors, fancy shoes and elaborate hats that would stand out in a crowd. Style and sophistication would rule the day.

Now the hat cannot be just any hat; shopping requires serious effort before choosing the correct hat that worked an outfit. Most woman will visit their favorite shops or boutiques for that special different hat, and some are humongous but  they caught your eye....watch out now! The hats are the show stopper to the outfit giving it the Oooh! look at her. Most woman want to look stunnning regardless of where they tread their feet, but its something about Sunday morning girlfriend they must have it together. Although the culture and tradition still remains elder African American woman would not be caught without their hats on Sunday morning.

So join us for our Hat Day come hear an awesome word from God, fellowship with beautiful people, and wear your best hat as we celebrate our stunning selves. I would advise anyone to come early so you can get a seat up front because with the hats that day sitting in the back will not be good for you....lol.

 

Summer Time.

Summer weather is near and with that season brings the three H's - hazy, hot, humid  ugg! bad on the hair & very hot in the house to prepare meals. So what do you do when its blazing hot in the kitchen & turning on the oven/stove makes you sweat more? BBQ! yes fire up the grill partner. Their are many recipes for grilling wonderful meals to prepare for your friends & family.  Did you know that grilling is one of the most popular methods of cooking.  Nowadays you can grill almost anything from corn on the cob, to fire roasted red peppers, which can also bring those veggies to a whole new level. I was reading that grilling vegetables make the natural sugars in the food become carmelized, which adds a natural flavor to them.

 I myself plan on experiencing grilling different foods other than meat. I bought these cast iron individual cooking pans (psst....HSN) and I will be putting macarooni & cheese in them and bake them on the grill, of course I will blog on the outcome I know they are going to be delicious.

So now that your mouth is watering why not enjoy your backyard, get some different recipes together, step away from the regular and really delight your guest and family. Let me know what's your favorite food to grill and make in your backyard BBQ; I would love to hear from you. Share your recipes with me I always enjoy sharing information. Happy Summer in Romanian "Multumesc de vară Happy"

Take the stress out of planning!

This summer I have so many parties, BBQ's, tasting-parties that I am preparing for; so I was looking for ways to take the stress out of planning. Let's talk woman we love entertaining others I surely do. Actually I like the fact that people visit and we eat, laugh and enjoy each others company. Recently my family and I got together for Mother's day at my Moms home and we laughed and laughed with such joy. I was actually missing that with my family, I must admit I had gotten away from that, but I realized family is so important.

So Party Planning...... how was this a stress free gathering? I truly didn't get too fussy. Even a special dinner party should seem casual and fun for everyone. The dinner we had was chinese food nothing major.

Although if you are throwing a bigger party with more guest I would suggest; to save preparation time, set your table the night before your dinner party this gives you more time to get glamorous.  Don’t spend a fortune on flowers.  Just a few low arrangements, along with some candles or even fresh fruit, make a table look fabulous. Also keep your menu simple--elaborate menus with fancy dishes that may take a few hours to prepare.

You will probably need help!  recruit some friends, siblings or even your mom to assist in the preparations any help that is going to lighten the load for you, should be welcomed. Pay close attention to your details this makes a big difference. Your guests may not notice every last thing you’ve done, but they will realize they’re experiencing something special & really appreciate you opening up your home to them.  Last just have fun laughter is amazing and it helps so much so relax, smile and enjoy your company. Amize means "have fun" in Haitian Creole

Elegant Planning affair.

Last night Elegant Planning had an even it was wonderful. The Birthday lady was so surprised and the family looked great. I love helping clients with their affairs it brings such a joy to me; knowing that they were happily satisfied customers. Just to see the faces of everyone enjoying themselves laughing and talking. The praise dancer was a blessing, she danced with such grace. While being a planner you must be dedicated to your clients, making sure they are well attended & pleased with your help. Just a quick tip for me wear flat shoes.