Fridays...Fav, Fab, Find!....ME!!!

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Today...especially today, I give thanks to God for blessing me to see another day, another year! I'm thankful everyday for my life but, on my birthday I pray a special prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of life. It's different from my daily prayers because I reflect on my life over the last year. What I see clearly is the fact that even though there were good times, times of frustration and yes...even disappointments, He was, still is and always will be there for me. I know without a doubt that as I continue to grow with Him by my side I can do anything!

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Today's my BIRTHDAY!!!...How Fab is that!!!...Happy birthday too me!!!
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I'm so grateful for the unconditional love and support of my husband, family and friends! To have good health, a roof over my head, food on the table and live in a country where I'm free to be me!!

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My girlfriend from Texas knows that I love flowers. She sent me this beautiful, "It's your Sunny Day" bouquet filled with beautiful roses, carnations and lilies yesterday. I don't think she knows 1800flowers.com, is my favorite online florist!
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When I called to thank her, she admitted that she forgot my birthday is today! I told her...."it's all good my love, it was a very pleasant surprise"!

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Happy Friday everyone! Have a pleasant weekend! For those of us in the Atlanta area, it's suppose to rain all weekend, the perfect time to snuggle-up with your loved one. A perfect time to talk after a busy week, read a book together, pop popcorn and watch a love story! Wherever you are, whatever you do, make the best of it! s

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XOXO!

Mary

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{Image Source} 1800flowers.com

Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip! Continued...

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Jessica over at How About Orange, came up with this simple DIY idea. Perfect for the love notes that your going to leave around for your honey!

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She used jumbo multi-colored clips that she got at Target and fished out the pink ones. I think they work in whatever color. How about...his or her favorite color!

Thanks Jessica for letting me share!

Wednesday Wisdom...A Romantic Tip!

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Love notes – MANY love notes!!!

Never underestimate the power of a love note when it comes to keeping the romance alive in your relationship. Finding an unexpected note "just because" can change the entire mood of the day. Finding a reminder that someone cares or is thinking about you is bound to make your partner's day better. You can tuck it into a lunch or in a briefcase!
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I love it when my husband leaves me a note, even if it's a "honey do"! When he adds words like..."Keep doing what your doing", or "God loves you and so do I", or simply..."Love you babe, see you later", It warms my heart and leaves a smile on my face!

Sometimes it's the little things that mean a lot. Romance begins in the heart and grows with our actions!

Italian Silk Satin, Rosette Detail....A Sexy Bridal Slingback!

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One of my girlfriends is getting married in June. She lives in Texas and we've been discussing ideas for the last year or so. Everything from her dress, to the wedding planner that she's working with and everything in between!
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She's still looking for shoes because she doesn't want to come out her heels at anytime during her special day but wants something comfortable! She loves to wear 4 and 5 inch heels and can strut through an airport wearing them with blue jeans, so why shes even worried about it beats me!!!!

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Anyway.....she just sent me an email, asking me to have a look at these adorable ‘Cole Haan Ceci Air Rose’ Sling back sandals that she found and let her know what I think!k
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My Reply :

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Love them....perfect....made with NIKE AIR technology to keep your feet comfortable for the big day! I love the rosette detail and the fact that the white Italian silk satin is dyable to match your gown. {vintage vanilla} Girlfriend if your not satisfied, consider them for the bridesmaids dresses and have them dyed to match! {Deep Coral}

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Inspiration: “You make me feel like dancing”!!!

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Heel height: 4 inches!

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Price Tag: $428.00

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What do you think??

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{Image Source}: nordstrom.com

Flower Power!!!!....

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Have you ever had the feeling when you met someone, it was meant to be? That's exactly how I feel about Rhonda Patton from Rhonda Patton Weddings. Rhonda your absolutely right, it was fate how we met!

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The bouquet details: A biedermeier bouquet comprised of hydrangeas, calla lilies and collared with ti leaves and the stem is adorned with pearls.
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Based out of Nashville, Rhonda Patton Designs is a floral and event planning company with special focuses on contemporary floral artistry. Rhonda brings her creativity, passion and expertise to every design. Her philosophy of approaching each event like an interior designer, is a key element to the success of her company.

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Rhonda and her team start by talking about the best use of the space that has been selected for an event. After that they begin to approach various design concepts. They develop mood boards, sketches and illustrations using the various design concepts and best use of space. All of these methods are critical to the final design concept. Once the final concept is agreed upon, a timeline is created along with detailed designs and the arranging of mock-ups, viewing samples etc. The entire process is really project managed. A timeline is critical to the success of any project.
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When it's all said and done...the most rewarding thing that your customers can say about the service that you've provided is..."It was just what I imagined it to be", and then you know that you got it right! That’s exactly what people are saying about Rhonda Patton and her team.
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Visit Rhonda’s website {rhondapattonweddings.com} and see more of what brides and grooms are saying about her!
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I will be working with Rhonda Patton Weddings on a special project later this year here in Atlanta! {stay tune for more details}

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Photo Credit: Dove Wedding Photography based out of Nashville & Atlanta

More on the Red Carpet......

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Ok...I didn't see these last night! Stunning!! It seems that the bridal and fashion industry merged on the Red Carpet last night! The tulle, the beading, the layers and strapless looks—all reflect bridal fashion standards.

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On The Red Carpet, in White!!!!

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Several ladies strolling down the red carpet tonight are wearing white gowns that could very well double as wedding gowns!! I wonder if our first lady may have set it off, with the white gown that she wore for the inaugural festivities last month!

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Fridays...Fav...Fab...Find!

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It's get-away season for whatever the reason! We're on the prowl for beauty and the best! First up Cap Juluca, located along the intimate crescent of Maundays Bay in the Caribbean. All rooms are located in beachfront villas. Couples that are opting for destination weddings this beautiful resort and spa has it all, including a Wedding Coordinator!

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The guest rooms....
have New Stearns and Foster beds and Frette linens, 40” Sony Bravia HDTVs and DVD players, Bose Wave stereos with iPod docking stations, free wireless internet as well as enhanced patio furniture, new towels and new robes.
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Cap Juluca was voted the “Wedding Destination of the Year” by the NBC Today Show. And just this year: Brides Magazine listed Cap Juluca as one of the “50 Sexiest Hotels.” The Travel Channel featured Cap Juluca as one of the “World's Sexiest Beaches.” Frommer's listed Cap Juluca as one of the “Best Places to Honeymoon.” Travel Age West selected Cap Juluca as the best resort for a “Romance Vacation.”
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The Caribbean has so much to offer and so many unspoiled private beaches. We love to travel and as Creations of Love continues to grow and offer the best service possible to our couples, we hope to visit the beautiful places that we often recommend. It's important to see first hand just like we do here in the States, what we're recommending from restaurants to hotels and everything in between!
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We (Sugar Bear and I!), have friends that live in the Caribbean that recommend a number of places to us. They have the liberty to travel and I'll use their expertise for now and of course my own experiences on travel whenever I can! I have found some of the most beautiful places that I'll be sharing with you in the weeks and months ahead! a

A Wedding New York Style!

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Ahhhhh……I finally found the SanDisk for my camera that I’ve been looking for. It’s been lost since last year! I can’t even tell you where it was all this time!!!.......I’m just very, very happy that I found it!!! The disk has over 500 pictures on it, so many treasured memories that I captured from my family reunion, my friend’s wedding, a couple of baby showers, a bridal shower, a college graduation and so many other cherished memories. I thought it was lost forever and had really given up on finding it after months of agonizing over loosing it. One lesson that I’ve learned….don’t leave photos hanging out on a disk. Have them developed as soon as you can!

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I thought I’d share as inspiration, theses beautiful photos from one of my dearest friends fabulous New York wedding. The wedding took place on Long Island in a small town called Mattituck. We flew in a few days early for a little R&R and to attend the rehearsal dinner which was held at the oh so beautiful and oh so Italian, “Touch of Venice” restaurant on the North Fork right on the water! Our hotel was in Riverhead which was just a short drive away from the restaurant.s
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The beautiful Bridesmaids with these stunning bouquets in bright orange! They look really nice with the ivory trimmed brown dresses.

Her adorable nephew trying to get out of his tux!

The intricate beading on her gown is really beautiful!

The happy couple!…Off they go, to the reception at Giorgio’s Fox Hill Golf & Country Club in Baiting Hollow! The club was selected “The Knot’s”, 2007 best of weddings pick!
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We stayed an extra day after the wedding and went out to Greenport for lunch at the famed Claudio’s restaurant, which is a boat ride away from the Hampton’s. It was such a beautiful drive out there too! We passed a lot of wineries and farms that had everything from fresh fruit and flowers to fresh veggies for sale. The area is so beautiful, quiet and romantic, totally different than the hustle and bustle of the great New York City! After lunch we walked around Greenport with its quaint shops on both sides of the street! We stopped by a candy shop that must of had every kind of candy from way back in the day, to salt water taffy! I of course, couldn't resist the salt water taffy and a hand full of mary janes! It was a well spent 4 day weekend!

Photo Credits: Me!

Happy Monday!

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I hope you enjoyed your weekend! It was an action packed, yet fun filled weekend for us! We'll share a few things that we were up to shortly. Looking forward to a great week!

And the winner is.......

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The Essence Magazine "Will you Marry Me" contest winners were announced on Friday's GMA show!

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Ebiakpo Jituboh and DeKeisha George

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Although the hometown couple Sean and Ashley didn't win, I'm very happy for Ebiakpo and DeKeisha! They have a beautiful story and I wish them all the best!

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I'm very excited to announce that we will be decorating the honeymoon suite for the hometown couple Sean and Ashley!

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Sean and Ashley at Centennial Park, downtown Atlanta

Sean is a local area Fireman and Ashley is a full time student. Sean I'm so very proud of you for entering the contest and for sharing your story with so many people. Like you said, "being one of the top 5 finalist already makes us a winner", I love your attitude!

Happy Valentines Day!

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We're off to spread the love today! Just taking time out to share another blessing with you......

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Creations of Love in the NEWS today!!!!!........

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Pick up a copy in print on News Stands today, for the full story with photo!
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You can also view it online!

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df Mary Chatman Articles on ajc.com
Suwanee business takes romantic reins for busy couples (02/14/2009)
Valentine's Day is a 24-hour affair. But to Mary Chatman, Cupid's bow is drawn 365 days a year...

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Thanks to reporter Shane Blatt, for helping to spread the love!

Romantic Ideas are Blooming.....

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I received an email feedback form from a guy that wants to use our romantic decorating and design services. During our phone consultation, he shared that his wife's birthday is in May, an ideal time to surprise her with one of our romance packages!

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He's already made plans for Valentines Day. A drive down to the romantic city of Savannah for a long weekend is on tap! He called me to learn more about our service and to share with me this beautiful limited edition charm from Juicy Couture that I completely overlooked while on Nordstrom's website, (see the Juicy Couture charms that I blogged about in a previous post). He ordered one for his wife and he is going to give it to her while their on the road to Savannah.....sooooo romantic!

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Click on the images to see the charm up close!

One Word: Adorable!

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I gave him a fun tip of discovery for the surprise gift! Pack a picnic basket filled with all of there favorites eats. Leave the charm in the box and place it in the basket in an obvious place. While driving down the road ask her for something in the basket!
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Joe...be prepared for a big kiss and have a box of tissue on hand, for the tears to follow!! So glad you found us while surfing on Google! We look forward to planning your next surprise in May!

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The Essence Will you Marry Me Contest

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Sponsored by Tiffany and company!

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Click Here to Vote

There's still time to vote for your favorite. Read the the 5 finalists proposals and view their surprise proposal videos. Their stories are really heart warming (make sure you have plenty of tissue on hand)! The couple with the most votes between January 5 and February 12 will win $50,000 for an unforgettable wedding.

The winner will be revealed on February 13, 2009 during a pre-Valentine's Day special on ABC-TV's Good Morning America.

We have a special announcement to make once the winner is revealed! Of course we're rooting for the home town couple Sean Collier & Ashley Patrice McCollum.

Romantic Valentine’s Day Celebrations for Every Budget

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1. Breakfast in Bed! Start your special day off right by setting the mood with breakfast in bed. Sneak out of bed and whip up a stack of heart-shaped pancakes topped with strawberries and whipped cream. Deliver them to your snoozing sweetheart with fresh mimosas to toast your love. If you’d rather have some extra cuddle, plan ahead and have the kitchen prep out of the way the night before. Stock up on pastries from your favorite local bakery, pick up strawberries already washed and cut up from your local fresh market. Your sweetie is sure to thank you!

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2. Make it a Spa Night! Treat your Valentine to a special night by transforming your bathroom into the ultimate spa setting. Decorate a hot bath with fresh rose petals (check with your local florist—they should have plenty for you!) and have a glass of red wine and of sweet treats displayed nearby. Just in case the steam from the water melts the the chocolates, have a few red velvet cupcakes from Sweet-Pockets on hand that will melt only her heart (www.sweet-pockets.com). Oh...don't forget to heat the towels in the dryer before she exits the tub. The night doesn’t have to end with the bath! Two plush bathrobes and great smelling spa products will keep the night relaxed and romantic. Spray the bed with lavender scented linen spray and indulge with an exfoliating sugar scrub or peppermint foot massage. It’s a perfect way to prepare for a night out…or a night in!

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3. Indulge with a Romance Package from Creations of Love! Let the romance experts at Creations of Love (www.creationsofloveinc.com) surprise you and your Valentine with one of our signature Romance Packages. Equipped to set-the-mood in a variety of different ways, Creations of Love aims to create a spark of passion greater than that of Cupid. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Creations of Love local orders will receive a free bouquet of flowers and all mail orders will receive a free box of truffles.

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4. Give Jewelry! Let your Valentine know that your love will stand the test of time with a piece of sustainable jewelry, the newest trend in the eco-conscious fashion industry. Smart Glass Jewelry creates stunning necklaces and earrings (and cufflinks for the guys!) from wine and beer bottles. Do you share a love for red wine? Then pick out a pine colored piece to symbolize that special bond. www.smartglassjewelry.com

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5. Give Flowers with a Twist! Roses are always a welcomed gift, but this year you can make your bouquet extra special by placing one different colored rose in the mix of traditional red roses. A simple card that reads, “In a sea of many, you stand out to me,” will really leave a lasting memory. Flower Bar at the Irwin Street Market has an abundance of fresh roses and will help create the perfect arrangement.

An Atmosphere of Ambiance.....

Time slots are almost booked solid for this coming Friday and Saturday. Call today if you want to take the fuss out of Valentines Day for your Valentine! CL will take care of everything for you...all you'll do is show up!

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All you guys out there...women love to receive jewelry gifts! This sterling-silver heart strung necklace ($154.95) with a pair of rare resplendent heart-shaped birthstones is something that she can keep close to her heart! Exclusively from RedEnvelope.

These beautiful Sterling Silver Round CZ Dangle Earrings ($27.99) on sale for Valentines Day at one of our favorite online stores...New Outlet!

f I love this pearl "peas" in a pod necklace and she will to! Exclusively from RedEnvelope.

For HIM....

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I love giving my husband gifts that are unique, something that will remind him of me.

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I found these pieces at Red Envelope. I ordered the stainless steel cuff links ($49.95) for my husband. They have inspirational quotes tucked inside and they come with two blank scrolls that I can personalize.
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The necklace ($74.95) and the key chain ($19.95) come with blank scrolls for personalization.