style event – the Spiff

3 Tips to Help You Throw a Good Party

June 13, 2016 No Comments

June 14th marks eight years that I’ve been married.

Eight years ago I knew absolutely nothing about event planning. And by nothing I mean – a rabid squirrel had more qualifications.

Fast forward to today and what do you know – I’ve been working a job where, for the last 5 years, I’ve had to plan close to 20 corporate events for over 60 people (oh, the irony).

I’ve learned a thing or two at this point and can successfully feed/entertain adults on a large scale (take that, rabid squirrel!).

So whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday party or need to start now on a super bowl shin-dig, these tips will help!

1. Plan Ahead

We’ve hosted a New Year’s Eve party at our house ever since we’ve been married.

One year we had just walked in with groceries and I frantically started making Mexican lasagna as our guests were walking in the door. #planningfail

Make your food plan with reality in mind. If you’re not going to have a lot of time that day, plan for things that can be made the night before. You want to enjoy your event and careful planning and scheduling helps you do that (and helps you be a calmer host).

Also, be aware of your time. If you’ll plan to have everything ready an hour before people arrive, you’ll have plenty of time for last minute touch ups AND will look pulled together in case anyone arrives early.

NOTE TO GUESTS: DO YOUR BEST NOT TO BE EARLY FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!

2. Put yourself in the guests shoes.

Remember the last time you were at a party…what were some things you liked and didn’t like?

I don’t like the awkward period when everyone is arriving and no one knows what to do with their hands. So I make sure to have a focal point of interest like a drink table or a nametag station where people can go and do something with themselves. It generally gets conversation going so that as more people arrive it looks like a happening place.

I like it when people go for the food right when it’s ready. Why do we all play that game like we’ve never eaten before?

The food is ready? Oh. What is this “phood” they’re speaking of?

Drop the pretense. Hand out plates to get the line going.

Whatever it is you like or don’t like, take note of it next time you’re at a party and work to fix it at your next event.

3. Think about flow.

If the drinks and food are all in the same spot, then you end up doing the juggling act of balancing them both on your arm. That’s no fun.

Break up the two so your guests can set their plate down before getting a drink.

This also helps to prevent party clogs. A party clog happens when two people get into a deep conversation while pouring drinks and now hungry people (who are in the back of the line still pretending they don’t know what food is) have to wait even longer while Suzy sorts out her personal problems over Sprite.

Put the drinks in one spot and the food in the other and make the people mill about!

Beauty, the limited, west town mall, winter

3 Unexpected Reasons to Love Winter

February 27, 2015 No Comments

There are very few people out and about with a smile on their face as big as mine. I can’t help but get a little giddy with this snow.

I know people are tired of it (don’t ever move north…not even slightly. We’ve only had 2 weeks of it, they’ve had months) and I know it’s popular to complain, but I’m loving it. And I’m going to try and pass on some of that excitement to you…

1. No bugs.

When was the last time you saw a bug? I can’t remember at this point. Because by now they’re all either dead or hibernating or doing whatever bugs do – just not out in the open, thank God. Relish in that, because as soon as spring hits they’re going to be every where and in the summertime it’s hard to walk around outside without getting bit. That’s not the case now and I’m loving every minute of it.

2. You’re forced to slow down.

I’ve learned over the past two weeks that I’m a hard core home body. I’ve not been sad to have to stay at my house, I’ve been pretty content. And even when I start to feel frustrated, I think about the fact that in just a few short weeks we’re going to be running at high speed – especially on the weekends. So soak up this time of rest. At some point in the coming months, you may find yourself thinking you wish you could have just a lazy day inside – enjoy those days now. Everything is cancelled, soak up the free time.

3. Bundling up is less work than a bikini.

Yesterday I made the biggest snowman (actually snow-woman) I’ve ever built, ever. In fact this round of snow is the most I’ve ever seen in my life. Building it made me think of playing in the sand on the beach, but one thought made me realize it was 1,000 times better than that. You know why? Because I didn’t have to worry that my boob was going to pop out, or be concerned with how closely I had shaved. Yes the summer heat is nice, but it’s so much work. Being outside in the winter means I have to think about what scarf to layer over my sweater – not whether or not I’ve painted my toes, shaved high enough on my legs and gotten an even tan. Let’s all revel in this low-maintenance time period. I certainly am.

Each season has its pros and cons. I choose to enjoy the pros in whatever season I am, simply because life is better that way. And it’s what Paul did in the Bible…”I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances.” -Philippians 4:11

And hey, if you have found yourself being a little less content with being inside…come to West Town Mall tomorrow! I’ll be hanging out at The Limited from 12-2:30pm. I’m there to help you find some pieces that you can wear now AND later. Plus if you have accessorizing questions, or need help with a certain piece, bring it in! We can chat all about it and get you feeling good in your clothes. Can’t wait to see you there!

Fashion, style setter, the limited, west town mall

Let Me Help You Shop

February 25, 2015 No Comments

Shopping for home decor makes me feel like I’m wandering around in a foreign country. I feel lost, very unsure and have to use lots and lost of visuals to understand whether I want something or not.

If you ever see me in Hobby Lobby with my merchandise sprawled out on the floor, along with my confused body…just keep walking. I’ll ~~get up~~ figure it out in an hour or so.

Maybe you feel this way about clothes shopping. Maybe instead of holding up a decorative vase and having a million questions pass through your head, maybe it’s a sweater or a skirt.

That, my friends, is where I can help. It’s like my bat signal. (True story: two girls I know were shopping once and had questions, even said out loud to each other they wish I was there…20 minutes later I showed up in the same store. Coincidence? Well, yes…but it makes me sound like a fashion caped crusader at least ;)

I understand that lost feeling, so let me help. I would LOVE to help!

That’s why this Saturday I’m going to be hanging out at The Limited in West Town Mall from 12-2:30pm. I’ll be there to answer questions, help you shop – mainly my purpose is to eradicate that confused look on your face (the same one I get when I’m in Hob Lob).

In fact if you already own something but don’t know what to wear it with, bring it in! We can look around and give you ideas as to how to get some good use out of it. The Limited has such a great selection of clothing that’s equal parts classic and on trend. And they’ve started getting in some spring pieces that I can show you how to wear now AND later (which will really stretch your clothing budget).

One of my favorite things at The Limited is the jewelery. They’ve got gorgeous pieces that are high quality and affordable. So even if you just need help with accessories, come on in! Accessorizing and editing a look is one of my favorite things to do in life – seriously IN LIFE. :)

I hope I’ve gotten my point across – I want to help you look and feel good about your clothes, so come on by!