Cupcakes Mania…..without the calories!

 courtesy of soapsilly.com

Can you tell that I just love cupcakes!!!! These cupcakes are not for eating, they’re for relaxation. I found these on soapsilly.com and thought they’d be the perfect favor for an intimate gathering i.e. bridal or baby showers. It would also be a wonderful accessory, wrapped in cellophane, as a place setting or presented on a plate as a fake dessert (please have a real dessert as well).

Aren’t they soo cute though! People will love your creative idea and will remember your event when they use your favor. Don’t you just love double duty favors?!

Cupcakes Galore!

via~style me pretty

Wouldn’t this make an interesting centerpiece for a wedding or any occassion serving dessert. I think it’s a great alternative to a cake. It can be done on a much smaller scale or as a grand display. Your WOW factor! It’s so fun to personalize cupcakes, and what better time to show off YOU at your next special event!

Understated elegance!

 

Is this not absolutely gorgeous! This is simple yet elegant, fun and fresh. This would be an excellent addition to any soiree. It could also be the staple of your event. Say you want a casual yet splash of sophistication at your event, why not replace the chairs and tables with a number of lounge areas with heavy appetizers for the evening. Each lounge area could have their own server to serve refreshments and refill appetizers. Your guests will truly feel honored and your event will definitely feel personalized and intimate.

This would be ideal for small weddings, backyard (if large enough) get togethers, and outdoor fundraisers. How refreshing for your guests to attend something with a new flavor!

Ashlee’s budget tip: If your on a budget and the chandeliers won’t work for you try paper lanterns from IKEA! Instead of one server per area maybe you’d only use two or three for the entire event. Be sure to make drinks and food within a short walking distance!

America’s new president!

Our New President

This is truly an amazing day! Remember this day as it goes down in history! America has changed! I won’t get political but this is truly an astounding victory! A toast to America!!!!!

Best Kept Secret!

Cute bag right? Want it for $65? Unbelievable right? Well apparently there is a thrift shop in New York that receives donations from New Yorkers who are able to change with the season! “One woman’s trash is a another woman’s treasure” and this is surely the case at this website! You can find this bag and lots more name brand items at www.shophousingworks.com. They even show the ID number so you can check its authenticity! It is addicting though, so browse at your own risk!

All of the proceeds go to the AIDS foundation and if you are interested in donating more, they give you the option during your checkout. There are bidding items and buy now items, so go have fun and splurge a little for two good causes (yourself included)!

My Apologies

I apologize for my neglectful ways these past couple of weeks. Unfortunately this might be a trend for the next couple of months with the holiday season in full swing! I won’t forget to post ways to save money for the holidays though, so you can look forward to that soon. With work, school and 2 children (hubby included) it’s difficult to make time to write! Enjoy the holiday season and break out those cute boots!!

Looking for Oktoberfest in Sacramento??

CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST WITH THE SACRAMENTO PHILHARMONIC ♦ BEER, BRASS AND SAUSAGES ♦ AT MULVANEY’S

The Philharmonic Brass “Beer & Brass” featuring the Philharmonic Brass, delicious German fare prepared by Patrick Mulvaney & beer from Rubicon Brewing Company MULVANEY’S B&L ♦ 1215 19TH STREET Sunday, October 19, 2008 5PM Tickets: $50 ♦ Make reservations by calling 916-732-9045 What a great way to “tap off” the weekend when Mulvaney’s B&L hosts “Beer & Brass” this Sunday, October 19, at 5PM.  This special Oktoberfest “City Sound Bites” features specially prepared German fare by Chef Patrick Mulvaney, microbrews from Rubicon Brewery Company and music by the Philharmonic Brass Quintet (great Classics with a touch of oompah.) The first five people to arrive in Lederhosen get in free! Call now and make your reservations at 916-732-9045.  Don’t miss the fun!!

Get Ready for a Mysterious Evening!

Sacramento

 

 

The Greens Hotel, 1700 Del Paso Boulevard
Thursday, October 30
7PM – Midnight
Tickets: $125 Per Person – Call 916-732-9045 or purchase tickets online
at the Masked Ball Events Page.  The first 200 attendees to purchase tickets will receive a celebrity style swag bag – $250+ value!

Cuisine by premier Sacramento restaurants, hosted bars with exotic elixers, costume contest, Philharmonic musicians, Latin/lSalsa band, Mouline Rouge Cabaret performers, psychic readers, dancing, live auction, and more…

Proceeds benefit the Sacramento Philharmonic’s education and outreach programs

They also have stylists available at Article Salon, Spa and Boutique for day of the event hair and makeup. This is definitely an event worth attending.

Looking for a weekend activity?

So the weekend is here and you haven’t a clue of what to do?! Well here are few suggestions to get you started.

For those of you who want a romantic afternoon, why not try wine tasting close to home. Scribner Bend Vineyards is about 15 minutes away from Downtown Sacramento which is much better than a drive to Napa! This is ideal for a lazy Sunday afternoon with your delightful other half or just a few friends!

 

SCRIBNER BEND VINEYARDS

9051 River Road, Sacramento
Tasting hours: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Cost: Free
Information: (916) 744-1803; www.scribnerbend.com

Now for the kiddies! For those of us who have young children to entertain why not think about a few of these options:

Sacramento- Take a ride on the Halloween themed “spookomotive” steam train in Old Sacramento. The decorated trains depart on the hour from 11am-4pm on Oct 11-12, 18-19, 25-26. From the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot. All ages are welcome. Adults $6, ages 6-17 $3 and Children 5 and under are free.

Front Street  Sacramento, CA 916.558.3912  www.csrmf.com

Roseville-Fall Carnival at Lakeshore Learning Store: There will be free crafts, games, face painting and a special in store concert by Sandy Holman at 2pm

1850 Douglas Blvd. Roseville. 11am-3pm. Ages 3 and Up. Free. 916 774-4309 www.lakeshorelearnign.com

Woodland-The 7th Annual Great Pumpkin Express on the Sacramento River Train takes your family out to a pumkin patch where Mr. and Mrs. Scarecrow allow you to pick your own pumkin. tickets include a train ride, entertainment, snacks and a pumpkin. 10am. Adults $31; Children$24. Located on E st., Woodland. 800-866-1690 www.sacramentorivertrain.com

10 Reasons to Promote Your Business

1. Promotion is one of the most important aspects of any business.

2. If people don’t see or hear about you then they don’t know about you.

3. No network is too large or too small to bring in new business. Showcase your business to all networks: friends, family, co-workers, your hairstylist, etc. You never know where your next client might come from.

4. If there is an avenue to promote yourself always use it

5. Word of mouth is the best way to bring in trusting clientele. They already know what they are getting because they trust the person referring you.

6. If there are free magazines in grocery stores and coffee shops, find out the cost of placing an ad. Even if it only brings in one new client, you will have made your money back.

7. Post your ad on craigslist and meetup.com

8. Give out your business card to everyone: don’t be shy!

9. Add your contact information on your email signature

10. Start a blog and link your website to it! People love to get to know the person they are hiring to do the job. They want to know your character and it is a great way to showcase the work you are proud of.

If you would like to join my network please leave a post with your contact information. I look forward to working with you!