Articles by Andrea Wyn on ArticleSnatch.com

Getting a Marriage License and Marriage License Requirements

Wed, 11 May 2011 10:23:26 -0400

Our wedding day is soon to be and earlier this week we first reviewed the marriage license requirements in route to getting a marriage license. The process is quite easy and it only took a few minutes. Plus, for most marriage licenses you can do most of the work on-line prior to going to the courthouse. The marriage license requirements were quite simple. Basically you need to both be single, (obvious), and on the form, provide the following information: Both your parents' last names and where they were born Pay a fee - $85 for confidential license and $90 for a public license Your date of birth Your current address We went on-line to download the marriage license form and then filled it out. Afterwards, we took the completed paperwork along with our driver's licenses down to the courthouse for the clerk to fill out the legal documents the state requires when getting a marriage license. We then waited about 10 minutes and then asked to take an oath. Once we swore that all the information provided was correct we received our legal document telling us we had 90 days to get married! **End Summary** Topics: california marriage license]]> get a marriage license]]> get marriage license]]> getting a marriage license]]> getting marriage license]]> how to get a marriage lice]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into a book she has written called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about Budger Bash by checking out A Wynning Event.com. or BudgetBashBook.com.

An Engagement Dinner at Il Tiramisu

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 05:26:35 -0400

Recently, my brothers and their wives threw a surprise engagement dinner at Il Tiramisu restaurant in Sherman Oaks, California, and I thought I would share with you some engagement party ideas that they implemented at our dinner. Plus I would love to tell you about our dinner party menu and how it fit within the theme for the party. The first thing to think about when planning an engagement dinner is your budget and guest list. This budget and guest list were easy for us since it was a surprise but some things to think about at a restaurant party such as Il Tiramisu are the cost of the dinner, tax, tip and guest count. Depending upon the guest count is where the restaurant will seat you. Do they have a private dining room or are you seated in the main restaurant or a portion of the restaurant? In our case, we were seated on one side of the restaurant at one long table. Some engagement party ideas to consider are the seating arrangements and whether or not to bring in your own wine. **End Summary** Topics: engagement dinner]]> tiramisu restaurant]]> engagement party ideas]]> dinner party menu]]> planning a dinner]]> il tiramisu]]> wedding and event planners]]> event planning]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into a book she has written called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about Budger Bash by checking out A Wynning Event.com. or BudgetBashBook.com.

Mammoth Mountain Skiing

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 03:31:31 -0400

Ok, so you expected a food or party idea blog this week? Sorry, have to describe this incredible trip I took with my cousin Helaine to Mammoth Mountain for a girls snow skiing trip. We did enjoy some great meals but first let me describe to you what it is like skiing in 48 feet of snow. Bottom line, it wasn't easy skiing Mammoth Mountain. Yes, we got stuck on the mountain and called ski patrol (first time in over 35 years of skiing) to come rescue us. First it was my cousin Helaine who fell and lost her ski and then with ski patrol following me down I lost two! Other fun adventures we had were sipping our martinis after snow skiing, hitting the hot tub with our new friends from Chicago and of course shopping. Learned how NOT to take of snow chains, luckily a Cal Trans worker from Mammoth Mountain saw us stranded and helped us for an hour to untangle the chains. Below is a picture of the chains prior to taking them off. Now for the martinis. We had two very good meals, one at Nevado's and the second dinner at Petra's Bistro. **End Summary** Topics: Mammoth Mountain]]> snow skiing]]> skiing mammoth mountain]]> mammoth mountain skiing]]> snow skis]]> mammoth ski resort]]> ski mammoth]]> los angeles event planners]]> party]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into a book she has written called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about Budger Bash by checking out A Wynning Event.com. or BudgetBashBook.com.

Easy Finger Food for the Green Party

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 02:46:58 -0400

Yes, just a few days away and the luck of the Irish will be with you. Just in case you are hosting a St. Patrick's Day party, I thought I would give you some easy finger food ideas to serve at your event. And of course, since it is St. Patrick's Day, you can easily theme your party as the green party everyone has to attend. Let's first look at how to make the green party work for you and the environment. Three easy words in keeping with this theme are reduce, recycle and reuse. Here are some easy steps you can take to fulfill this theme: Create a compost heap in your backyard with the food scraps from the party and flowers once they wilt Use bio-degradable silverware and plates Set-up a recyclable trash can for all your bar bottles and cans Use Evite for your guest list If possible, have your guests carpool to the party For tabletop decor, use succulent plants or natural greens such as rosemary. You can create a rosemary wreath with wire and rosemary and then place a pillar candle and hurricane glass in the center to give the table an added glow. **End Summary** Topics: the green party]]> easy finger food]]> cocktail party food]]> cocktail party menu]]> appetizers for parties]]> finger foods for parties]]> party finger foods]]> easy party]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into a book she has written called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about Budger Bash by checking out A Wynning Event.com. or BudgetBashBook.com.

Easy Salmon Recipes

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:15:24 -0500

I was never much of a fish lover and to be honest, if it wasn't for my fiancée I would never be eating salmon. But what I learned from him are some easy salmon recipes that are delicious and take no time to make. In addition, one of them is a gluten free dinner recipe. The first of the two easy salmon recipes uses honey or maple syrup and cinnamon. You can either bake this salmon in the oven (or toaster oven if you are single) or grill it on the BBQ. First, select your salmon. I prefer to use the North Atlantic salmon because it has no bones and the tail is a nice fillet. For per person portion size, estimate 8 ounces for the salmon. Then quite simply, spread some honey or maple syrup on top and then sprinkle ground cinnamon. Bake the salmon in the oven on high heat for about 10 to 12 minutes or until finished, just check to see if the middle is cooked through. **End Summary** Topics: baked salmon recipe]]> baked salmon recipes]]> easy salmon recipe]]> easy salmon recipes]]> gluten free dinner recipe]]> grilled salmon recipe]]> grilled salmon recipes]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into a book she has written called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about Budger Bash by checking out A Wynning Event.com. or BudgetBashBook.com.

Wedding Flower Centerpieces Using White Wedding Flowers

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:09:15 -0500

As spring approaches, the wedding season and all the hoopla surrounding it begins. With the receptions, ceremonies, wedding and bridesmaid dresses to name a few, not to mention the flowers the costs all add up rather quickly. Thus, what I thought I would do is help brides on a budget by showing how to make inexpensive yet elegant wedding flower centerpieces using white wedding flowers. Then you can always add some color to the table along with these flower arrangements by accenting your tables with colored votive candles, rose petals or colored napkins. Wedding flower centerpieces can start anywhere from a simple bowl of fresh flowers to an elaborate silver centerpiece with candles and small satellite flower arrangements surrounding it. Table centerpieces can cost anywhere beginning at $20 and grow to hundreds of dollars. But how about the bride who is on a budget and wants pretty white wedding flowers? Here are the simple steps to take to create DIY wedding flowers. To make your wedding flower centerpieces, first start with a small glass container, square or round, one tea leaf and one to two dozen flowers such as roses. **End Summary** Topics: white wedding flowers]]> diy wedding flowers]]> flower arrangements]]> flower arrangements for weddings]]> planning a wedding on a budget]]> wedding flower arrangeme]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into a book she has written called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about Budger Bash by checking out A Wynning Event.com. or BudgetBashBook.com.

Fruit Salad Recipes for a Winter Fruit Salad

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 20:13:19 -0500

Over the holidays, Victor and I had a wonderful opportunity to experience first hand the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park. From the snow covered roads (yes, there was someone to help us with our chains!) to the glory of Half Dome's snow cap, nature's display of scenery was breathtaking. Inspired by this beauty, here are a couple of fruit salad recipes for a natural winter fruit salad. Even in winter, fruits can be fun and delicious. Here are two options for easy-to-make winter fruit salad. One recipe is from Martha Stewart and the other recipe is from EatingWell.com. Both fruit salad recipes call for ingredients that are easy to find and both salads take little time to make. Winter Fruit Salad 1 Pink Papaya 1 Yellow Papaya 1 Pint of Fresh Strawberries 1 Lime Halved Fresh Mint for Garnish Remove the skin and seeds of the papayas and cut them in quarters or vary the look of the salad by cutting one papaya in 1-inch chunks and the other in 1-inch strips. Wash the strawberries, remove the stems and cut in half. **End Summary** Topics: winter fruit]]> winter fruit salad]]> fruit salad recipes]]> event planning tips]]> los angeles event planners]]> party planning services]]> event planning ideas]]> specia]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years of special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into a book she has written called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about Budger Bash by checking out A Wynning Event.com. or BudgetBashBook.com.

Holiday Party Ideas For Your Holiday Party

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20:01:40 -0500

'Tis the season and the countdown has begun for corporate as well as private holiday parties. What I thought I would do is share some holiday party ideas that can be used for both a private as well as a corporate holiday party that you may be throwing this season. I will touch upon both fast and simple decor as well as easy-to-make appetizers for parties. Let's first look at holiday party decor. Colors to use can vary from the traditional green, red, gold and silver to a more modern look playing upon those traditional colors but instead using apple green, fuchsia and yellow. White is also fun to work with especially when creating a winter wonderland themed event. Some holiday party ideas using these decor colors as part of your theme are apple green linen with red napkins tied with gold rope and clear glass votive holders tied with either a red ribbon or gold rope. On a budget? Use Christmas tree bulbs, pine cones, winter fruit such as pomegranates and apples or garland in tall glass cylinder vases instead of flowers. **End Summary** Topics: holiday party ideas]]> holiday party]]> appetizers for parties]]> event planning tips]]> los angeles event planners]]> party planning tips]]> planning an event]]> party ti]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into a book she has written called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about Budger Bash by checking out A Wynning Event.com. or BudgetBashBook.com.

Corporate Event Planning for Special Events

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 03:02:34 -0500

As a corporate event management company, it is important to listen to your client and fulfill their expectations in terms of their special event needs. Most often, clients are looking for the big wow factor for their events and thus many times you will need to go outside the typical corporate event planning box. What I thought I would do is share some corporate event ideas we implemented at a recent event in hopes that you can use them at your next event. One of the first corporate event ideas that you can do at your event is to install round tables that seat 30 and 40 guests at each table. Usually, for any type of party planning, whether it is corporate event planning or social event planning, round tables seat 10 to 12 guests each. It took various ideas from quite a few different teams of vendors that service corporate event management companies to figure out how to manufacture these extra large tables; however we were able to build these tables day-of to accommodate guest seating for 30 and 40 people. **End Summary** Topics: corporate event planning]]> corporate events]]> corporate event ideas]]> corporate event management]]> corporate event planner]]> las vegas event planner]]> corporate e]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Halloween Party Ideas for a Green Halloween

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 07:44:33 -0400

Here are some last minute Halloween party ideas for a green Halloween for this weekend's monster bashes. I also thought I would share some Halloween décor ideas as well. You don't always have to stick to orange as a theme for Halloween but of course, this is always a fun way to get to wear and eat the color orange. But for now, let's look at Halloween party ideas involving another color such as green and create a menu and decorations for a green Halloween. For a Green Goblin party, you can start your menu off with green theme cocktails and then serve small bites instead of a formal sit-down dinner. Rename a mint julep the Green Gremlin and also offer cucumber martinis, mint ice tea or lime flavored soda water and add a drop or two of green food color for fun. Another fun idea is to offer plain water with cucumber, mint and rosemary and color that green as well and call it Frankenstein's Spa water. For munchies, here are some green Halloween ideas that are easy-to-make and can be served either as small bites or on small plates: 1. Guacamole with green tortilla chips 2. **End Summary** Topics: green Halloween]]> Halloween party ideas]]> Halloween decor]]> Halloween decorating ideas]]> Halloween decoration ideas]]> Halloween decorations ideas]]> Halloween part]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Autumn Table Decoration Ideas

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:54:13 -0400

The fourth quarter is always the most fun for special event planning. So many natural elements are available for you to use for fall decorations on your dinner table setting. Here are some table decoration ideas you can use for your next special event or dinner party. For your dinner table setting, simply start in the fresh produce section of your local market. Right now there are so many colorful gourds and other fresh vegetables that can easily be used as fall decorations on your table as well as around the house. Cluster different colored pumpkins at the doorway or purchase the mini-pumpkins and cluster those at the dinner table along with colorful gourds. Simple dinner table decoration ideas include using orange colored candles and votives as well as cluster of silk and dried fall flowers. After Halloween last year, I purchased orange votive candles at 50% off as well as silk flowers at 70% off and kept them stored until now. You can also pick up fresh flowers at the market, either already arranged in a fall bouquet or simply do-it-yourself with a couple different types of roses, sunflowers and dahlias. **End Summary** Topics: table decoration ideas]]> dinner table setting]]> fall decorations]]> event planning tips]]> party tips]]> event planning ideas]]> party planning guide]]> event planning t]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Easy Vegan Dessert Recipe Featuring Vegan Chocolate

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 01:12:23 -0400

I've been cooking vegan again and found an easy-to-make, delicious, nutritious vegan dessert recipe featuring vegan chocolate and I thought I would share it with you. This dessert is one of three simple vegan recipes that I will be writing about in the next few weeks. What I loved about this vegan chocolate dessert is that it had a similar consistency and taste as regular chocolate mousse but not the same high-caloric, high-fat count as the real deal and therefore, I felt less guilty making and eating this easy vegan dessert recipe. Ingredients are as follows: * 1 cup of vegan semi-sweet chocolate chips * 1 cup non-dairy milk, such as soy milk or rice milk * 2 12.3-oz packages of low fat silken tofu * 1 teaspoon vanilla Optional * Vegan graham cracker pie crust * Strawberries * Mint garnish Place the vegan chocolate chips and the non-dairy milk in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 minute so that chips melt. Take the mixture out of the microwave and let it sit and cool down. Then, using a hand mixer or food processor, blend the tofu, vanilla and chocolate chip/non-dairy milk mixture until smooth. **End Summary** Topics: vegan chocolate]]> simple vegan recipes]]> vegan dessert recipe]]> vegan desserts]]> easy dessert recipes]]> vegan recipes]]> easy vegan recipes]]> vegan dessert recipes]]> d]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Cooking Lasagna with NCIS LA Star Peter Cambor

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:17:01 -0400

Ever since I met the NCIS LA star Peter Cambor, he has been talking about how great his duck lasagna is. Finally, after hearing about it for a year, I told him I couldn't stand the talk anymore. The only way for me to verify if this duck lasagna was worth the talk was if he was cooking lasagna for myself and my fiancee. Well, all I can say is, the duck lasagna was worth the wait. Making lasagna, more specifically duck lasagna, is not easy. It's a nine hour process and that is if you are an expert duck lasagna chef as Peter Cambor is. For our special dinner, the NCIS LA star worked two days cooking lasagna. And the crazy thing is, after all the work you still throw out the duck! First and foremost, the lasagna noodles that Peter made by hand were incredible. When thinking about cooking lasagna, duck lasagna is probably one of the hardest lasagnas to make. Not only did he make the lightest, tastiest noodles I have ever eaten but also in the process of making lasagna it took Peter a full day just to cook down the duck. **End Summary** Topics: Peter Cambor]]> making lasagna]]> cooking lasagna]]> duck lasagna]]> NCIS LA]]> event planning tips]]> los angeles event planners]]> event planning ideas]]> party planning ti]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Desserts at Two New York City Restaurants

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 05:00:45 -0400

Last weekend we were in New York City and dined at two New City restaurants, Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe. The desserts were outstanding at both restaurants and I thought I would quickly share them with you. The one thing I like about New York City restaurants is their creativity with food. Mixing flavors and textures and thinking outside the box in terms of different food items. There were four of us at Gramercy Tavern so of course we had to have four different desserts. In addition, after dessert and coffee they brought out a plate of petit fours. I ate the Chocolate Almond Tart with Coffee Ice Cream and Toffee Mousse. Loved the textures and the rich flavors. The presentation was beautiful as well. Gramercy Tavern is known for their desserts and this one did not disappoint me at all. Other desserts that were enjoyed at the table of one of the most famous New York City restaurants were the trio of ice creams and sorbet, the Peanut Butter Semifreddo with a Chocolate Macaroon and the fourth dessert served was the Plum Cheesecake with the Butter Pecan Cookie. The petit fours were outstanding at Gramercy Tavern. **End Summary** Topics: new york city restaurant]]> new york city restaurants]]> gramercy tavern]]> gramercy tavern desserts]]> union square cafe]]> union square cafe desserts]]> event plannin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Making Challah for the Jewish New Year

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:32:24 -0400

I decided to make challah for the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and thought I would share the process. What I couldn't believe was how easy it is to make this egg bread and that you shouldn't be intimidated when considering making bread from scratch. I divided up the process by going to the market yesterday for the ingredients. To make challah for the Jewish New Year, you need the following ingredients: 1. Flour 2. Yeast 3. Water 4. Sugar 5. Salt 6. Eggs 7. Vegetable Oil Here is the recipe for egg bread. I got this from Marlene Sorosky's Fast & Festive Meals for the Jewish Holidays. * 1 package of active dry yeast * 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon of sugar, divided * 1/4 cup warm water * 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour * 2 teaspoons salt * 2 large eggs * 1/2 cup boiling water * 1/4 cup cold water * 1 4/ cup vegetable oil * Poppy or sesame seeds, for topping In a small bowl, combine the yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar and warm water and set aside for 5 minutes or until foamy. Mix in a bowl the flour, salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar. **End Summary** Topics: jewish new year]]> jewish holidays]]> jewish holiday]]> challah]]> jewish holidays 2010]]> rosh hashanah]]> jewish traditions]]> shana tova]]> egg bread]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Catering and Events and Working on the Set of NCIS LA

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:31:48 -0400

I thought I would steer away a bit from the usual articles and discuss my experience as a party event planner working on the set of NCIS LA. Believe it or not, but many of the concepts of catering and events apply to the TV production world as well. NCIS LA is in their second season and already they are back in production. Like catering and events there are strict call times, various locations and of course lots of great food. The closest counterpart to a party event planner on the set is the 1st AD. The 1st AD is the person who keeps the production on schedule while filming, sets the itinerary and tells the crew what shot to set up next. It is important for budget reasons that they continually keep a strict timetable so that little if any overtime (and hence increase of costs) occur. Similar to other special events, the catering on the set of NCIS LA is great and we are well fed all day. As with other catering and events I have been involved with, the food served on the set caters to all tastes. **End Summary** Topics: catering and events]]> NCIS LA]]> party event planner]]> event planning tips]]> los angeles event planners]]> event planning ideas]]> special events planner]]> party plann]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Party Decoration Ideas for a White Theme Party

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 05:35:45 -0400

Labor Day is just a week away and typically this holiday weekend signifies the end of summer and the end of wearing white. Therefore, why not go out with a bang with a white theme party? Here are some party decoration ideas including some finger food ideas for a white party theme. First, set the tone for a white theme party with an invitation that specifically states what the party is all about. Last summer I attended a white party theme special event and on the invitation it specifically stated that you had to wear white to gain entry into the event. Believe me, when it is mandatory that you wear white and you don't, it's obvious! Next, think about party decoration ideas. Some quick and easy flower arrangements using all white flowers are a must as well. Roses, hydrangeas, orchids, mums, daisies are all readily available flowers that you can use for these arrangements. Submerge a white Cymbidium orchid in a small glass container and maybe add an accent color with the glass beads. **End Summary** Topics: white theme party]]> party theme idea]]> white party theme]]> white party ideas]]> white party decorations]]> party decoration ideas]]> finger food ideas]]> event planning]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Summer Appetizers Featuring the Best Crab Cakes with Lump Crabmeat

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 12:43:22 -0400

It's so easy to pick up recipes with the countless resources available such as the various food shows on television, lifestyle magazines and the internet. Recently, I was working out at the gym and playing on TV was a food show featuring summer appetizers. One of the easy-to-make recipes they featured were the best crab cakes with lump crabmeat I have ever tasted. I was so impressed with how easy the crab cakes were to make and how great they tasted that I thought I would pass along the recipe. Best Crab Cakes with Lump Crabmeat 1 pound lump crabmeat 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs 1/4 of green onions 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise 1 tablespoon of lime juice Couple of splashes of Tabasco sauce 1 egg Salt and Pepper to taste 3 Tablespoons olive oil Place the lump crabmeat into a bowl and go through it to ensure there are no shells. Add to the crabmeat the mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, chopped cilantro, green onions, egg, lime juice and Tabasco sauce and mix together. Add salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes. **End Summary** Topics: lump crabmeat]]> summer appetizers]]> best crab cakes]]> crab appetizer]]> easy appetizer recipes]]> party planning tips]]> cocktail party ideas]]> cocktail parties]]> event]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Wedding Photography Tips for When you Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:53:18 -0400

Today I went to interview a professional wedding photographer for my wedding occurring next year, and it sparked an idea to share my experience with my readers. As a wedding event planner, why not provide some wedding photography tips and a wedding photography checklist to help another fellow bride with her wedding? I think it is important when you are researching a professional wedding photographer to let your groom in on the experience. (Based upon the fact that he's interested!) My fiancée happens to be a professional photographer so he has a vested interest in this part of the wedding. Therefore, take a look at different photographers' portfolios, ask your friends, relatives, your wedding event planner for references as well as research online at various wedding sites that offer suggestions and wedding photography tips when you are first selecting your photographer. Next, go and interview your potential photographer like I did today (well, I didn't really interview Michael since I have worked with him as a wedding event planner on other weddings)! It's important that you and your fiancé **End Summary** Topics: wedding photography tips]]> professional wedding photography]]> professional wedding photographer]]> wedding photography checklist]]> wedding event planner]]> weddin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Wedding Dress Tips for When You are Considering Wedding Dress Styles

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 13:47:11 -0400

When you buy a wedding dress, there are quite a few things to consider with wedding dress designs. What I thought I would share with you are some wedding dress tips that I learned while in the process of buying my dress. 1. One of the first wedding dress tips you should consider is to keep an open mind. Since there are so many wedding dress styles available, even before you go to buy your dress, you can easily be overwhelmed. I was very specific about the type of dress I was going to wear. I swore I was going to buy a dress that was vintage like a tea length wedding dress and ended up purchasing a mermaid wedding dress. Go figure! Therefore, don't be surprised if you end up trying on something you thought you would never wear and end up loving it. 2. Go with your gut. Once you try on the dress and it looks fabulous on you, then you are done shopping and you don't need to continue looking at various wedding dress designs. **End Summary** Topics: wedding dress designs]]> wedding dress tips]]> buying a wedding dress]]> discount wedding dress]]> wedding dress]]> wedding dress styles]]> affordable wedding dresses]]> m]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Sustainable Food and Chez Panisse Cafe

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:36:44 -0400

Over this past weekend, I experienced firsthand sustainable food at Chez Panisse Cafe located in Berkeley, California. Alice Waters is the chef credited for creating the sustainable foods movement when she opened Chez Panisse close to 40 years ago. Chez Panisse Cafe has been opened for 30 years and after sampling the delicious whole wheat sourdough bread served with the incredible olive oil (okay I will admit I ate nearly the entire loaf!) and then sharing a rocket salad and clams for lunch, it's no wonder why the cafe was jammed packed. Sustainable food philosophy is to source fine local ingredients that not only are organic but also seasonal. I believe it is evident in the taste of the sustainable foods as well since there is more flavor to these food products than mass produced food. Since we were celebrating a birthday at Chez Panisse Cafe, we were treated to a delicious serving of apricot ice cream, another fine example of the sustainable food we experienced. I could have sworn I was biting into the fresh apricot itself - not just a spoonful of ice cream. **End Summary** Topics: chez panisse cafe]]> alice waters]]> sustainable food]]> sustainable foods]]> organic food]]> organic foods]]> los angeles event planners]]> party planning services]]> event]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Healthy Food Recipe for a Quick Meal

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:05:51 -0400

With the heat of the summer and the fact that we have longer days, many times we would like to eat something light as well as later in the evening. Ideally speaking, a quick easy dinner as well as an easy healthy dinner. Here is a healthy food recipe for a quick meal. Based upon one of my favorite marinades, this healthy food recipe is a quick easy dinner that can be made for 1 or more people (if you are entertaining). What I did earlier this week was prepare halibut over brown and wild rice mixed with dates and served green beans on the side. This easy healthy dinner took no time at all to make. The ingredients to use for this quick meal are: 1 portion of halibut Brown rice Wild Rice Dates Green Beans To start this quick easy dinner, marinate the halibut in a bowl of equal parts olive oil, balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons each) and a clove or two of garlic. Coat the halibut and place the fish in the refrigerator for about two hours. **End Summary** Topics: quick meal]]> healthy food recipe]]> quick easy dinner]]> easy healthy dinner]]> quick and easy dinner recipe]]> easy and quick dinner]]> quick dinner recipe]]> event plan]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Easy and Quick Dinner with Heirloom Tomatoes

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:05:11 -0400

Last night I had the most delicious easy and quick dinner with heirloom tomatoes and I thought I would share this summer salad recipe with you. This quick dinner recipe uses just a few ingredients including balsamic glazed halibut and takes only minutes to make. Heirloom tomatoes are in season right now and they are so delicious whether plain, dressed with olive oil and accompanied with basil or tossed in a summer salad. Last night I used the tomatoes with this easy and quick dinner that is also a low-fat and healthy recipe. What is so great about this quick dinner recipe is that you can make it for yourself or serve it at your next dinner party. The first part of this quick dinner recipe is to marinate the halibut in a bowl of equal parts olive oil, balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons each) and a clove or two of garlic. Coat the halibut and place the fish in the refrigerator for about two hours. **End Summary** Topics: easy and quick dinner]]> quick dinner recipe]]> summer salad]]> summer salad recipes]]> heirloom tomatoes]]> quick and easy dinner]]> event planning tips]]> los angeles ev]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Summer Party Ideas and Special Event Planning for Cocktail Parties

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:44:29 -0400

Summer is such a great time to entertain. You have the warm daytime sunshine as well as refreshing nights. Here are some summer party ideas including a couple of cocktail catering presentations to help you with any special event planning for summer cocktail parties. Create conversation and interaction with your special event planning. One refreshing cocktail catering presentation for cocktail parties is to present a new twist on an old idea. Skewer a piece of cooked shrimp and instead of serving it with a bowl of cocktail sauce serve the shrimp in a shot glass already filled with the sauce. Other summer party ideas that include shot glasses for cocktail catering are soups, whether they are hot such as lobster Saki shooters (I recently enjoyed at a cocktail party) or cold soups such as shots of gazpacho or cucumber. For cocktail parties where you may want to serve a refreshing natural and nutritious dessert, why not accompany a platter full of fresh fruit with a shot of a fruit smoothie? More summer party ideas for cocktail parties include serving refreshing melon balls wrapped with prosciutto or cucumber cups filled with humus, seaweed salad or salmon dip. **End Summary** Topics: Summer party ideas]]> cocktail catering]]> cocktail parties]]> special event planning]]> party planning guide]]> party planning checklist]]> party planning tips]]> caterin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

Cocktail Party Ideas for Summer Cocktail Parties

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:50:48 -0400

Summer is under way and what isn't a better time than now to throw cocktail parties. Here are some cocktail party ideas that don't take much time to produce and won't break the bank! For starters, let's look at the cocktail party menu. Keep it light and simple. Slice chunks of various kinds of vegetables, skewer them, place the skewers in a simple marinade of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, season with salt and pepper if desired and then grill or roast the marinated skewers. Want to mix it up a bit? For outdoor cocktail parties, stick the finished skewered vegetables in a bed of wheat grass and there you have a grilled vegetable garden! Or place the finished vegetables on a platter and decorate the platter with loose flowers such as cymbidium orchids or Gerber daisies. I recently attended a cocktail party where the caterer created a great cocktail party menu that included Macadamia nut crusted chicken lollipops. Other menu items can include European cheeses with dates and figs, sliced toasts and crackers. Have some fun serving your appetizers by using a shot glass at cocktail parties. **End Summary** Topics: cocktail party ideas]]> cocktail party menu]]> cocktail parties]]> corporate event planner]]> party planning services]]> party planning tips]]> party planning guide]]> par]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> With over 15 years in the special event industry , Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget . You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.