Viva Las Vegas!

Weddings Mandalay Bay Style in Las Vegas Nevada. Imagine being married on the shores of an 11-acre tropical lagoon with the most picturesque backdrop in Las Vegas surrounding you. Your dearest friends and family in attendance, beautiful flowers, and all of the details and help that you need to create a lifetime memory!

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That's exactly what this beautiful resort has to offer. So many couples are looking for all-inclusive stress-free alternatives to planning the most important day of their lives. Couples are scaling down cost to avoid going into the marriage already in debt which can lead to stressful financial money matters in marriage.

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Even couples that have a "sky is the limit" budget are cutting cost and avoiding the stress that's associated with planning a large wedding. Mandalay Bay has a number of different options to choose from.

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The photos below represent the "Eco-Chic Ceremony" set in this beautiful area called "Valley of the Falls." The package comes with 2 Wedding Coordinators to assist with the ceremony. The resort was voted "the Best of Weddings pick 2008/2009" by "the knot."

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Model Eva Marcille and Lance Gross.....

Finally Reveals Some Wedding Details: Although not many details here's what we know. The date is now set for July 17th, 2010. The couple will wed in a catholic ceremony, then host an outdoor reception with a fall theme in July, and the bride's pooches will be VIPs on the big day.

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The happy couple broke their big news to Essence.com Who shared these photos from the couples sexy engagement photo session.

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Eva on Lance:“To put it simply, he makes me a better me,” says Marcille. "I am now complete."“He is the epitome of perfection and never spares being a gentleman,”

Lance on Eva:“The way she is down for me is comparable to my mother and that’s very hard to come by,” says Gross. “She’s everything I have dreamed of in a woman and so much more. My best friend, motivation and happiness. I can’t ask for anything more.”

Photo Credit: Derek Blanks and Robert Ector Courtesy of Essence Magazine

The View....According to Sheri!

Dear Sheri, we will be watching. Congrats on your new show!

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The comedy series is loosely based on her real life. A newly single mom, paralegal and part-time comedienne/actress who tries to get back into the dating scene and move on with her life after divorcing her cheating husband. Sheri marks the first comedy series ever to be wholly owned by Lifetime!d

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Love and Money Summit continued..

The International Love and Money Summit wrapped up on Sunday with a women's power tea and fashion show. It was a truly awesome weekend. The Summit offered real, practical tools and transformational power strategies that can be used in your personal and professional life.

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Connecting on so many levels with many of the professional speakers was empowering. Love, money and marriage go hand in hand and although I thought I could not be more excited about CL, I am even more excited for the future and all that it holds. In a conversation that I had just this morning, with someone that I met at the conference her comment, "I believe on some level all were blessed by Dr. Brenda's vision!" is so very true!

The International Love and Money Summit

We are having a ball down in Savannah GA. at the 1st International Love and Money Summit with Dr. Brenda Wade.
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The Westin Savannah is hosting the Summit along with all of the speakers. The Westin, right down on the river front is just the right setting for the Summit. The first night we had sign-in and the meet and greet outside on the lawn and watched the steamboats sail by as we took in a little star gazing! I had an opportunity to talk with many of the featured speakers up close and personal. A fantastic, dynamic and personable group of professionals.

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Affectionately known as Dr. Brenda has been on Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, and in Essence Magazine. Now she’s the founder and host of the Summit. Dr. Brenda Wade is an award-winning holistic psychologist, television host, author, keynote speaker, retreat & seminar leader, and media producer.

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Although DH and I are staying at the beautiful romantic Mansion on Forsyth, (photos coming) the Westin Savannah is hosting the Summit along with all of the speakers. The Westin, right down on the river front is just the right setting for the Summit. The first night we had sign-in and the meet and greet outside on the lawn and watched the steamboats sail by as we took in a little star gazing! I had an opportunity to talk with many of the featured speakers up close and personal. A fantastic, dynamic and personable group of professionals.

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Today was great, seeing the team that Dr. Wade assembled do what they do best. All I can say is WOW, I am inspired and refreshed with a new energy and passion for love and life! We took the ferry over to Five Guys across the river for lunch that Dr. Wade and her team had set up for us. An afternoon of empowerment and then a break before diner and a Motown extravaganza. Can't wait to hear more tomorrow, day 2 of the Summit.

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Photos Courtesy of: The Westin Savannah

Fashion's Night Out in New York City!

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On September 10, 2009 NYC will present Fashion’s Night Out a shopping event that kicks off New York Fashion Week. Vogue, NYC & Company, The City of New York, and The CFDA have come together to promote and boost the retail economy and celebrate the fashion industry with a night of shopping and celebrating. It will be a night of shopping with hundreds of retail stores that will stay open until 11:00 pm. The stores will host appearances by models, designers, and celebrities whom support the industry.

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Oh me oh my if you know me, you'd know that I was a heart beat away from being in New York City for this highly anticipated event. I won't be able to attend due to a special invitation to attend another highly anticipated event, The International Love & Money Summit in Savannah, Georgia next week. We will be staying on for a few days after the summit, and therefore I will not be able to fly to NY for this one, but oh next year I'm so there!

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A few of the event details from the promo site are.... d

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The first evening of New York Fashion Week, Fashion's Night Out will encompass festivities galore— from inventive window displays to model and celebrity appearances. Champagne may flow; hors d'oeuvres may be passed. Rumors of musical performances, downtown barbecues, shoe capsules, limited-edition rings, and sweepstakes abound. Apparently there will be makeovers, brow bars, and haircut stations at sundry spots, too.

Gift Baskets

Just another one of my passions, making gift baskets! It's a craft that I find to be therapeutic. Although I don't make gift baskets as often as I'd like to, I had so much fun making this sample for the upcoming Ellis Hotel's girl's night out soiree!

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The Yummy Content:

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Skin Silkening Milk & Honey Lotion
Skin Silkening Milk & Honey Body Wash
100% Natural Foot Scrubber
Soft Body Wash Cloth
Exfoliating Gloves
Malaysian Aromatherapy Candle
Sonoma Natural Lemonade
Carr’s Crackers
Brie Cheese Wheel
72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Bar
Walton Chocolate Wafer
Defranco Expresso Chocolates
Nikki Key lime Cookies

The First Eco-Friendly Decorators’ Show House!

If your living in or around the Atlanta area, you don't want to miss the opportunity to tour the first eco-friendly Decorators’ Show House in Atlanta. It’s open for public tours this Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, August 9. Parking and admission are FREE.

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This could be a fun activity for couples or maybe newlyweds house hunting – a great way to see over 34 eco-friendly spaces designed by 20 of Atlanta’s top interior designers. Each room also has a listing of tips for your own home. From the latest no VOC paints and lighting fixtures to bamboo bedding and eco-friendly wallpaper.

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Living Room

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Dining Room

Eco Master Suite

Women's Study

Green Craft Room

A fun activity for couples looking for green living and building tips. Scoot on over and take a note pad with you so you can take good notes on all of the tips you'll learn!

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For more information about the eco-friendly Decorators’ Show House in Atlanta, visit the GreenHaven Home website
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See you Thursday!

Wednesday WindDown!

Looking for something to do for a romantic date, check out Wednesday WindDown. If your a jazz fan you'll love it. It's every Wednesday in Centennial Olympic Park, the best park....it's free! The WindDown started in April and runs through September. There's still time to add this one to your Summer fun date night list.

Before one of my girlfriends moved to Jamaica, every 4th of July evening we'd head over to her condo, downtown right across the street from Centennial Olympic Park. We would have a little soiree and wait for the fireworks to begin. It was so spectacular to see, because she lived so close to the park, the fireworks seemingly we could reach out and touch them.

Don't forget the 4th of July fireworks celebration this year at the park.!

Tomorrow...Where reality ends...obsession begins!

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I was in town today for a site visit of a newly renovated historical hotel that's now a boutique hotel. As soon as the pics arrive, I'll share them with you. While I was in town I was invited to a private preview screening of OBSESSED at Regal Atlantic Station! s
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The movies national release is tomorrow! Let me tell you...to all the men out there that ever even thought about cheating on your wife, think again. This movie is a 2oth century version of the movie "Fatal Attraction" with Michael Douglas and Glenn Close. There is one exception, Idris Elba.....well......you'll just have to see for yourself, I'm not one to give away the story!

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Grab your spouse and make it a date night. After the movie go have a cup of coffee and discuss the movie and tell each other how committed you are to one another. Mean it and show it everyday not only with words, but with your actions as well.

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With infidelity being one of the number one causes for divorce, seeing this movie will make you think long and hard about getting involved with someone outside of your marriage. You just never know what your getting yourself into. It can easily start with simply the way that you look at someone!

In celebration of "Earth Month".....

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We were so excited to receive a personal invite to attend Laura Turner Seydel's third annual "Eco-Trunk Show" last Thursday, in celebration of "Earth Month!" The trunk show also included a tour of Eco Manor, the “Greenest House in the South,” which is also Laura's personal home. It's a beautifully crafted home and just like the owner, it's beautiful inside as it is outside!

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A few pictures!

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Me with Laura

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One of the highlights of my visit, was a conversation that I had with her son, who came in during my visit. He had been out all day working on a volunteer school project to help clean up the Chattahoochee River. They picked up 40 bags of trash along the river! It was heart warming to hear and see the excitement in his eyes! Taking care of the earth and giving back is obviously a family affair.

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It was a day of earth-friendly shopping with over 15 of Atlanta's premiere eco-friendly designers, artisans, and shopkeepers showcasing the latest green fashion, jewelry, home décor, beauty/skincare and children’s products on the market today.

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The Vendors.....

The vendors pictured here are, top to bottom:

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1. Kathleen Plate - Owner of SmartGlass

2. Lawton Ursrey - Owner of Indie Peace

3. Stacy Smith - Owner of Doddlebugz

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You can visit all of the vendors and learn more about their Eco-friendly products! I couldn't feature all of them here, but I'd like to give them a shout!....

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Alejandra Dunphy Textiles, Bamboo Studio, Cassavoy and Company, Bella Bee , Kay Jay Collection, Lancanster West, Mark Edge, Sally B's Skin Yummies, Ruby Regis, Verde Paperie, Yummy Spoonfuls, and Zoica Matei

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Looking forward to next year's event!

Wild about Wildfire!

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Thanks to Kempten and Ali over at Green Olive Media for the personal invite!

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I had a great time yesterday at the luncheon provided by Green Olive Media. The luncheon was held at the fabulous Wildfire Restaurant at Perimeter Mall. The focus was on the wedding planning industry and brought together, wedding planners and social catering managers from the Westin hotel, the 'W' hotel, the Ravinia Club & Spa and the Georgia Aquarium. The table linen was provided by Tabletoppers Inc. (Thanks Katie!)

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I ran into Eliana from BYSE (By Your Side Events) and Nicole from Your Champagne Wishes Events, LLC. I also met a number of wedding planners for the first time.
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We were able to tour the restaurant which offers private and semi-private spaces for any social or corporate event. "The Club Room" is a semi-private area that provides the ambiance of the main dining area yet intimacy for any gathering, like a rehearsal dinner, birthday or anniversary party. "The Wine Room" provides the intimacy and ambiance that my couples will be looking for while on a romantic date no matter what the occasion! The photo doesn't really give you the feel of the ambience like it does when your in the room!
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The Wine Room

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The tasty food:

• Starters - Grilled Chicken and Portobello Mushroom Skewers
• Salad - Wildfire Chopped Salad
• Main Course - Cedar Planked Salmon and Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast with Redskin Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus
• Dessert - Triple Layer Chocolate Cake

So much food I had to skip dinner!

Thanks again ladies, for inviting me!

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{Images}: Green Olive Media

"the NotWedding is back...Take 2!

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I stumbled upon this event happening right here in Atlanta, so of course I had to check it out for myself. I loved the idea of creating a production of a real fake wedding to show-case local vendors and I also love the idea of giving away a free wedding! I understand that the number of entries has increased over last years event. It's no wonder, in this economy winning a free wedding is quite the prize!

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Callie Murray, the mastermind behind "the NotWedding" and I spoke last week, we had a great conversation! I learned that she's a military wife whose husband was recently deployed, something that's near and dear to my heart. We really hit it off and are planning a few fun projects!

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It's official and we're so excited!....CL is teaming up with "the NotWedding"!....stay tuned to find out how!

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For now....mark your calender for Sunday, April 5 to attend their upcoming event. It's "NOT" your typical bridal show. If your in Atlanta, you won't want to miss it! Click here for details.

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Image: Courtesy of "the NotWedding"

Valentines Day Dinner Event!

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The pictures just popped in from one of the things that we were up to on Valentine’s Day. We were truly playing cupid that day and night! We had to spread our wings and fly and call on the help of a few other cupids!
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To start the evening off, I was invited to share my romantic decorating tips at the ROMANCING THE STONE, A VALENTINE'S DINNER EVENT FOR COUPLES, authored by Relationship Coach and Mediator, Mrs. Paula Y. Martin of Martin Maximum Mediation, LLC.

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Paula

The Lifesaver Game Me

Paula had an awesome message and delivered relationship core competencies, necessary to maintain vibrant romance as couples build and maintain a strong, happy and loving relationship with their mate!

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Sugar Bear and I sat down and played along since we were her surprise guest! We took the test, played the lifesaver game, listened and learned along with all of the other fantastic couples that we met!
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After that it was a long night of playing romantic decorating cupid!

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Stay tuned for more from Paula and Creations of Love!a

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{Image Source}: Martin Maximum Mediation, LLC.

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!