“All Aboard!”

I’m always looking for fun and unique things to do, and Los Angeles has plenty to offer.  I had the honor recently of performing with a swing trio on board a vintage railcar and came to discover a whole new slate of “things to do” and one of them is coming up this month!

The Overland Trail is a privately owned 1940s club lounge railway car operated by owners Bill & Debbie Hatrick.  They are dedicated to providing a vintage experience on a fully restored, Streamliner passenger car.  Every year, the Hatricks produce the Annual Pearl Harbor Day Troop Train to downtown San Diego from LA’s Union Station.  Using the vintage trains as time machines to another era, the 6-hour roundtrip tour includes historic re-enactors, WWII Veterans who share their storied and experiences, music from that era, and a wonderful experience.

The Overland Trail offers other day excursions throughout the year and they are available for private charter.  With fine cuisine available on board as well, I can imagine the ultimate Rehearsal Dinner excursion, or treat the bridal party to the Santa Barbara Day Wine Tour.  Whatever the occasion, this is a definite “must do” for those who love vintage eras and history, trains and travel, or adventurers looking for a fun way to travel to San Diego.

“Enjoy!”

Pearl Harbor Day Troop Train for December 5 is sold out.  Additional date added: December 19.  For reservations and more information go to www.OverlandTrail.com or call 714-309-3925

As we round the corner into the final month of 2009, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a moment to give thanks.  It was a year that had our communities fighting for financial stability in our country – the whole world, in fact.   Unemployment is high, personal economies are taxed by job loss or reduced pay, consumer spending is conservative and caution is palpable when it comes to how much to do or spend in a year of uncertainty.

And because of this, I give thanks.  It’s often through the challenging times that we get the opportunity to appreciate what we have, how we can help, and where we can improve.  I’m thankful that in this low, constant buzz of guarded anticipation, we’ve continued to meet excited brides and grooms eager to plan their wedding day and bring together their families for a momentous celebration.  I have a greater appreciation for those organizations that returned to the Ebell this year and struggled to keep their fundraising events profitable for their charities.  And it’s encouraging to see others have a record setting fundraising event.  To both, I am grateful that The Ebell had been a part of their efforts.   Both are realistic of where we are now and optimistic on what the future holds.  For optimism, I am grateful.

The Ebell of Los Angeles is an institution in our city, and has survived many periods of struggle.  In fact, this historic clubhouse was completed in 1927, on the cusp of a financial collapse that sank our country into The Great Depression.  Yet the members persevered.  And for that inspiring legacy, I am grateful.   That The Special Events Team and I have the honor of representing the Ebell of Los Angeles to hundreds of brides and grooms, non-profit organizations, film companies, event producers, corporations, and families, I am thankful.

I am thankful for the health and well-being of our Ebell family, and their families, and your families.  And I’m grateful for every day, for every reward and for every challenge.  I’m committed to remembering this gratitude, not only through the holiday season, but throughout the year as well.  That the sun rises every morning, and I’m lucky enough to see it for one more day, I am grateful.

May this Thanksgiving be a bounty of blessings to you and yours, and may the moment of togetherness translate into an opportunity to give thanks for all that you have, all that you are, and all that you inspire to be.

Happy Thanksgiving,

I’m a huge fan of Mad Men, so to watch their stellar production team transform the Ebell Lounge into the setting for a wedding reception was enthralling!  The time: 1963.  November 23, 1963 to be exact.  What was supposed to be the grandest day of Roger Sterling’s daughter’s life, was a day fraught with sadness and shock, as the country absorbed the blow of the assassination of our president.

Mad Man offers not only engaging characters and a swanky setting; for history buffs like me, its a mini lesson in pop culture and society’s evolution.  (And I would be remiss not to mention that the cast is gorgeous!  Don Draper, you can roam the halls of the Ebell ANYTIME!)

Mad Men at The Ebell of Los Angeles. Images from amctv.com

Mad Men has wrapped up their 3rd season, so if you haven’t watch it, catch up on episodes recaps on AMC.com before season 4 starts in 2010.

Now, where is my Vodka Gimlet?

Need something to do this weekend?? You don’t have to live in Hollywood to know Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs.  Located on the corner of La Brea & Melrose (its original location!), any time of the day or night, you’ll see folks lining up for a Pink’s hot dog.

Pink’s is celebrating its 70th Anniversary with “Chili Dogs for Charity” Celebrity Events.  Beginning Saturday, November 7, 2009, for 7 days, for 70 minutes starting at 7:00 p.m. Pink’s famous chili cheese dogs will be sold for 70-cents (regular price is $3.50.)  100% of the proceeds during the celebration hour will be donated to the charity of the guest celebrity’s choice.

Guest celebrities??  Yep!  Check out who will be at Pink’s for the Chili Dogs for Charity Events:

• Saturday 11/7 – Tournament of Roses Queen & Her Court
• Sunday 11/8 – Entertainment reporter from ABC-7 George Pennacchio with Chef Jamie.
• Monday 11/9 – Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
• Tuesday 11/10 – Host of “California Gold” on KCET Huell Howser
• Wednesday 11/11 – Actor Jason Alexander
• Thursday 11/12 – Comedy legend Bill Cosby
• Friday 11/13 – KRTH 101 FM Radio’s Gary Bryan with LA City Council member Tom La Bonge

If you’ve never experienced Pink’s, now’s the perfect excuse to do so.  From one Los Angeles landmark to another, “Cheers!”

Are you planning a vintage-style wedding?  Always wanted to know how to get that glamorous look from the 1930s and 40s?  Well, here’s your chance!!

Gabriela Hernandez, owner of Besame Cosmetics, and Rusty Frank, swing dance instructor and owner of Rusty’s Rhythm Club, are producing a Vintage Hair Styling and Make-up Workshop this Saturday November 7, 2009. The workshop will take place from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at 1558 Victory Blvd in Glendale, CA.

The first part of the workshop will focus on hair styling: Rusty will show you how to wear a snood, style a bandana, barrel rolls, and other popular styles of the 1940s.

The second part of the day will focus on makeup.  Gabriela will teach basic techniques to achieve that flawless look, pair the perfect lipstick shade, and apply your lipstick to last all day.

$35 in advance ($40 at the door). Includes afternoon tea and refreshments.  Space is limited to 18 attendees.  Email today to reserve your spot: orders@besamecosmetics.com

I’ve known both Gabriela & Rusty for years and they really know their stuff ~ this workshop will be fabulous!

I’m very proud of the fact that The Special Events Office at the Ebell of Los Angeles is a finely tuned and “well rehearsed” group of professionals.  Our Special Events & Filming representative, David Toves; our Event Supervisor, Anessa Curtin; our Executive Chef, Louis Pechan; and even our COO, Philip Miller — we all take great pride in “crafting the magic” with our Catering & Kitchen Staffs.

We think you will especially enjoy this “magic”…!

(Director of Catering & Special Events)

Have you ever sat down at a formal table and felt a bit like Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman”, having NO idea what utensil goes with what course, or how to behave at a formal table?  I recently shared details of the formal place setting with readers at WeddingAces.com ~ allow me to walk you through a formal place setting!

Photo by Michael Norwood Photgraphy

• When sitting at the dinner table, the center of your place setting may have a charger.  A charger looks like an over-sized plate, often decorative, and serves as a base for soup bowls, salad plates and dinner plates.  It is often collected after the main course, before the dessert course, though its not uncommon to collect it with the salad plate.
• On top of the charger (or center of the setting if there is no charger in the setting) is the napkin.  Napkins can be folded in a gazillion ways that add a decorative element to your table.  The most common for wedding receptions is the envelope or pocket fold – an elegant placement for individual menu cards or place cards.
• Utensils are placed in order of use from the outside working your way in.  So when looking at the forks on the left side of the plate, the fork closest to the charger is the entree fork.  Next to that fork (one away from the plate) is the salad fork.  If a fish course is being served, that fork will be the third from the plate.  The knives and spoons are on the right side of the charger, starting with the entree knife; the salad knife is to the right of that (one away from the charger), and next to that salad knife would be a fish knife (again, if that course is part of your menu; if not, then no utensil will be set.)  The soup spoon is to the far right of the knives.   And that fork and spoon hanging out above the charger?  Those are for your dessert and coffee.  Depending on the menu, you may see two spoons above.  The handles for the spoon will aim toward your right hand while the dessert fork will have its handle toward your left hand.

Image from Luxurious Wedding Etiquette

• Glasses are on the right side of your plate (which is a good thing to remember when you are seated at a table where it seems there is no distinction between what if part of your place setting and what may be your neighboring table mate’s. )  The water goblet will be closest to the charger on the top right.  Behind it will nestle the champagne flute.  To the right of these will be the red wine glass, then the white wine glass.  Again, depending on your menu, it may be that one or more of these glasses are not preset on your table.
• The bread plate will be found to the top left of the charger, above the forks, or center above the dessert spoon and fork if space is tight.  The butter knife will be set diagonally across the plate.
• Its customary for the coffee cup and saucer to arrive prior to dessert being served rather than pre-set it on the table throughout dinner.

When setting a table (or again, if you happen to be seated at a table that may not offer enough room to clearly define) here’s a trick of the trade to remember which side of the charger the utensils go: “fork” is spelled with four letters: they go on the “left” (also spelled with four letters).  “Knife” and “spoon” are both spelled with five letters – so is “right”, the side on which they are placed.

When you are finished with your meal, simply rest both the knife and fork together diagonally across the plate and place the napkin to the left of your plate.  This will signal the waiter that they can clear your plate.  If you excuse yourself from the table for a moment, rest your napkin on the back of your chair so your waiter knows you will be returning.

“Happy dining!”

Halloween masks and face paint are common tools to transform kids into zombies, witches and other characters every Halloween. But something even creepier: kids may be unknowingly wearing PVC plastic or spreading harmful substances on kids’ vulnerable skin.

A new report released by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found heavy metals present in Halloween face paint often used on children. Lead, a powerful neurotoxin, was found in every face paint product the Campaign tested. Many of the products also contained nickel, cobalt and chromium, potent allergens that can cause lifelong skin problems.

Additionally, many Halloween masks and costumes are sometimes made out of PVC, the poison plastic, which can leach harmful gender-bending phthalates. In recent years, a growing body of scientific evidence has found that toxic chemicals released by the PVC lifecycle are trespassing into our bodies — phthalates are highest in children ages 6 to 11. When shopping for Halloween masks and costumes, look for those labeled “PVC-free” and if you are not sure, ask the store clerk or manufacturer whether the mask or costume is made out of PVC or vinyl.

(source: http://www.chej.org)

Face Paint and Halloween Makeup

To avoid heavy metals and other potentially harmful unknown ingredients in traditional Halloween face paint, try making your own using food-based ingredients. Remember, foods can cause allergies in some kids: always test your concoctions on a small patch of skin and read up on natural food colorings before sending your little ghouls out for a night of painted fun. And don’t forget that some foods can stain skin and clothes.

Face Paint Made with Natural Food Coloring

Natural food coloring is available at health food stores and typically derived from foods and spices. We recommend reading up about natural food colorings and potential allergies first. Do not substitute conventional food coloring, which may contain synthetic chemical ingredients.

Ingredients:
-Base of safe, unscented lotion (search Skin Deep for safe options) OR pure cocoa butter (available at health food stores) OR safe, mild toothpaste (avoid mint flavors, as they can make skin tingly)
-Natural food coloring (see note above)

Instructions:
Mix a few drops of natural food coloring into the base ingredient of your choice. Test on a small patch of skin before applying to face or body.

Face Paint Made with Food

Make sure young children understand they can’t eat these paints unless you make them without the base. Test a small patch of skin first to make sure your child isn’t allergic to the food you’re using.

Ingredients:
-Base of safe, unscented lotion (search Skin Deep for safe options) OR pure cocoa butter (available at health food stores) OR safe, mild toothpaste (search Skin Deep; avoid mint flavors, as they can make skin tingly)
-Turmeric, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, beets, avocado, spirulina, cocoa, chocolate sauce, squid ink or other colorful foods, juices, herbs and spices

Instructions:
Yellow: Add 1/4 tsp. and a large pinch of stale turmeric to base.

Pink: Using a sieve, mash the juice from 3 fresh or thawed frozen raspberries, blackberries or beets directly into the base. Or, use a deeply colored berry juice or puree.

Mint green: With a fork, mash 1/4 of a small avocado until creamy. Mix this into your base.

Emerald green: Add small amount spirulina or bright green chlorophyll to base.

Purple: Using a sieve, mash the juice from several fresh or frozen blueberries into the base. Or, use blueberry juice.

Brown: Add cocoa powder or chocolate sauce to base.

Black: Use a small amount of squid ink in base for true black.

White: Mix powdered sugar and water.

(source: http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=233#halloween)

We recently enjoyed having OneRepublic film their video for “All The Right Moves”, the first single off their new album, Waking Up, in the Ebell of Los Angeles‘ Lounge.  The extravagance of the setting required little more than some gorgeous dancers and the dynamic band to accent a very catchy song.

Enjoy what is bound to be a chart topper!

OneRepublic, "All The Right Moves"

]]> http://ebelllosangeles.wordpress.com/2009/10/12/get-to-know-echo-parque/ Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:30:03 +0000 Melissa http://ebelllosangeles.wordpress.com/2009/10/12/get-to-know-echo-parque/

I recently had the pleasure of speaking at The Couture Bridal Workshop series and was introduced to a new company called Echo Parque. Sisters Alexis & Kate Lyman are the creative team behind Echo Parque, hair accessories with a bit of “pop”.  Now, I am known to wear a flower in my hair once and again, but I literally squealed with glee when I got to peruse their collection: sparkly, feather-y, whimsical-y…FUN!!  I walked away with five headbands and combs and couldn’t wait to wear them!

A wonderful aspect of their creativity — they will customize a collection specifically for you.  For the bride who wants to remove her veil for the reception, a custom designed comb or headband will be perfect.  Or perhaps having hair accessories for the personalities of your bridesmaids would be an unexpected gift for the bridal party.

Their Facebook Page says it best: “Inappropriate luxe with an eastside state of mind.” Keep an eye on Echo Parque.  Coming soon will be birdcage veils, Marie Antoinette-inspired head pieces, and floral arrangements for your head!

(For more ideas on hair accessories, check out previous posts about Design Visage and Moxie Couture)

I enjoy searching the ‘blogosphere’ for interesting and inspiring (or just entertaining) posts.  I found all three of those elements at  DesignCrushBlog.

Although the blog is authored by Kelly, an Art Director & Designer in Advertising, the purpose of her blog says it all: “Design Crush is all about what I’m into, what I’m inspired by and what I’m just overall diggin’.”

What I’m diggin’ on Design Crush are the regular features:  “One The Rocks” are drink recipes (some I’ve tried, some I have yet to get to), “The Daily Eat” featuring various recipes over the course of a week or so with the theme focused on one key ingredient, “Picture It” is nothing more than a solitary image or photograph and it always incites the writer in me to pick up a pen and get lost in the moment.

Images from Design Crush Blog

There are other regular features: 3 to See, Happy Weekend, and Monday Goodness (seriously, how many times will you see “happy Monday” blog posts?!) — and the best part: they are all short and sweet.  Very little text.  No waxing on, poetically or otherwise, in unnecessary verbiage.  Just you, the viewer and a piece of sweetness to inspire your imagination.

Speaking of waxing on, that’s my cue to close.  Check out Design Crush. Subscribe for daily inspiration.  Join me in the bliss.

I’m a big fan of AMC’s Mad Men.  Every Monday, a group of friend’s gather in my front room and we try out a vintage cocktail while eating dinner, then go for dessert at the half-way point in the show.  In researching ’60s era recipes for dinner, we came across a very vague Kahlua Cake recipe.  It was obvious someone had jotted down the main concept, but not very thorough steps – so in taking the concept and my general knowledge of baking, I took a stab at it.

Oh. My. Gawd. I’m so glad we tried it — this is going to be a regular addition to potlucks and parties for years to come!

Enjoy!

KAHLUA CAKE with Glaze
1 box yellow cake mix
1 large box (5.9 oz) of instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup oil*
4 eggs
1/4 cup vodka
1 cup Kahlua

(*for a recipe lower in fat, replace the 1 cup of oil with 1/2 cup oil & 1/2 cup apple sauce OR 1/2 cup oil & 1/4 cup Lighter Bake.)

Combine all ingredients. Beat with mixer for 4 minutes.
Pour into a greased & floured bundt pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 – 50 minutes.
Cool 1/2 hour then remove from pan onto a cake plate.

GLAZE:
2 tbsp melted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp Kahlua

Place sifted powdered sugar in a medium size bowl. Add melted butter, milk, vanilla & Kahlua to powdered sugar. Stir until smooth. Add more milk if necessary. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

One of the elements of history and historic places that fascinates me is the opportunity to stand where others have stood: others who have made impacts, others who participated in moments that are documented or remembered as being extraordinary and note worthy, others who simply roamed the halls the same way I do, in wonder and appreciation, or even a simple day to day parallel of occupying the same space.

I was so very sad to hear today that Patrick Swayze lost his battle with cancer.  He roamed the Ebell once upon a time, while filming a pivotal scene in the movie “Ghost”, where Rita Mae (played by Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg) adopts a false identity with the help of Patrick Swayze’s Sam to withdraw major funds from a bank account unlawfully maintained by the villain.

So today when I roam the Lounge of the Ebell of Los Angeles where that scene was filmed, I’ll think of Patrick Swayze, the impact he made on our lives, the moments he etched into the celluloid of our minds… and maybe I’ll dance a little, too.

Thank you, Patrick.  May you rest in peace…

Mad Men returns to television this Sunday with the premier of Season 3.  Why not take that opportunity to dive into some vintage cocktail recipes and raise a glass?

The official Mad Men on AMC website has a whole catalog of cocktail recipes of the 1960s era in which the show is based.  If Don Drapers little daughter, Sally, can mix a Tom Collins, then the rest of us should have no problem with an Old Fashioned or a Vodka Gimlet.

Mad Men returns Sunday August 16th at 10pm.  I will be enjoying the return of Don Draper et al with an Old Fashioned in hand.  Looking forward to it… Cheers!

~Meliss

“While we celebrate the 4th of July weekend with friends and family over picnics and BBQs, let’s find a moment to reflect and count our blessings and give thanks for the freedoms we have, the freedoms fought for so that future generations may benefit, the freedoms yet to be gained, and the glory that we live in a country where your right to speak, your right to participate and express an opinion, your right to vote, your right to fight for a better tomorrow is the foundation of these United States of America.

The challenges aren’t easy, the changes are not quick, but the tenacity and will of the people are not hindered.  So much progress has been made, so much ground still yet to cover.  And its because of freedoms provided by the Constitution, defended by our men and women in uniform, challenged and shaped through time that we can grow, we can prosper, we can do and be better.

All this and apple pie, too.

May you have a safe celebration this weekend enjoying the comfort of friendships, the laughter of children, the wonder of fireworks as they light up the sky, and a reflection of gratitude in the moment.”

~Meliss

This last weekend, for Father’s Day, my family and I took a hike at Topanga Canyon State Park.  It was our first time visiting this park and we are in love!!  Lovely view of the ocean from the top, lush green canyons, tons of wildlife, fresh air and wide open space!

And now I hear that because of the budget cuts, they want to close parks like this one.  Yep, that is exactly what we need in SoCal, less open spaces, one less place to go to get out of the city madness.  It’s hard enough on our kids(and us) to be so separate from nature, surrounded by concrete and people all day, everyday.  Getting outside, into nature will be a whole other stress.  But we do have some power, to make our voices heard.

People were out taking action this weekend, people like you and I, taking to the streets, well, parks, and getting signatures for a petition.  Us, as individuals, can make a difference.  I know living in one of the largest cities in the world, a person can begin to feel very small, insignificant, and jaded.  But all of us, coming together, can make changes!

http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/jun/22/groups-rally-state-parks/

• Support the $15 surcharge on vehicle license fees of non-commercial vehicles, in order to provide Californians with free day-use access to state parks and generate much-needed revenues for the system.
• Contact your legislators at http://www.savestateparks.org/
• Sign the petition at www.calparks.org
• join the Facebook group- California State Parks Foundation

Do it now, before it’s too late!

Hi, my name is Melissa Waters. I am married to a wonderful person and we have three little girls.

I have been a book review for Christian reading material for three years. I just stepped down from BellaOnline as the Journals Editor to actively pursue blog reviewing. I’ve worked with magazines and small groups regarding suitable reading material. I also have experience with cellphones, digital calendars gadgets.

I love to read and love to write reviews for books. I would love to broaden my horizon and add some new products to my list of reviews.

I welcome companies to contact me about the review of your product. I am especially interested in doing a review about the new Kindle 2 from Amazon.com.

I have a product review disclaimer for all companies requesting a review. Please contact me at svnhm1@yahoo.com for a copy of this disclaimer. I will not under any circumstances review a product without your review of my policies.

If you have a product you would like to share with my reading audience please feel to contact me.

Thank you.
M. Waters

Ever come home from the Farmer’s Market and wonder what to do with the flat of strawberries you just bought?  This Strawberry Basil Mojito looks like the perfect excuse to hit the farmer’s market tomorrow!

Ingredients:
- 3 fresh strawberries
- 3-5 fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz. simple syrup
- 2 oz. white rum
- crushed ice
- club soda

Slice the strawberries and place at the bottom of a tall glass along with the basil leaves. Pour in the simple syrup and muddle the mixture. Stir in the rum and top with crushed ice. Top off with club soda and garnish with strawberry slices.

Thanks to Design Crush for the link to Drink of the Week, where this recipe originated.

Don’t forget: the annual Los Angeles Marathon is this Monday, so be aware of the route if you are in Los Angeles and Hollywood.  And if you can, pull up a curb and cheer on participants!!

I am taking the week off from all parental responsibilities.  I was filled with both excitement and anxiety, as I prepared myself and family for a week without me.  I knew my husband could handle it and would take care of the kids, but never actually been assigned the task before, I was nervous how things would go.  But wanting the break so bad, I prepared them the best I could, stocking the fridge and freezer, planning playdates, contacting both the school and the kid’s teachers, and talking with the kids about how it would be.  I felt I had set it up, so all he had to do was show up and follow the plan.

I left at midnight, Sunday night, planning to arrive to my sister’s house around nine in the morning.  The drive was easy and without any hitches.  Nervously, I called around the time the kid’s should be getting up and ready for school.  They were surprisingly already up and dressed, with good attitudes.  My husband reported a little crying from my youngest, as she is still mama’s girl and was sad to know she wouldn’t be able to cuddle with me for a whole week.

My sister and I have been making up for lost time, hanging out, talking, and visiting the desert sites.  At moments, my concern for my family creeps in.  I call to check in and things are running smoothly.  The kids are arriving to school earlier than they had been when I was taking them, and being picked up on time.  They have even made trips to the park before bedtime.  The husband reports feeling more productive than he has in a long time.  I like the change!  Maybe I should go away more often!!  It makes for a much more relaxed vacation.

I have a couple more days, before I have to head back.  Trying to get in as much quality time as possible, we have been staying up late and doing things we couldn’t do with kids.  I’m actually glad to have a few hours of down time when she heads to work every morning.  I get to sleep in, spend some time writing, and explore the small desert town she lives in.   I feel fortunate to have this time to spend with my sister, and to spend on my own.  It’s a little pre-birthday treat to myself, funded in part by my family and sister.  Happy Birthday to me.  I couldn’t imagine a better birthday present!  I live a pretty good life.

I heard this song on the radio this morning and recalled the afternoon we at The Ebell became very familiar with the first verse and chorus of “I Do Not Hook Up” while Kelly Clarkson filmed the video in our courtyard Garden. Check it out – its really fun!

Kelly has filmed at the Ebell before, along with Reba McEntire for a dramatic version of  “Because Of You“.  I must say, both ladies wear the vintage styles very well.  This video features The French Room, the Dining Room and the Porte-Cochere entrance with the appearance of that snazzy vintage car.

Come back anytime, Kelly!  We love having you here at the Ebell…!

I am delighted to announce my anointment to “Goddess” status by none other than The Party Goddess!, Marley Majcher - I humbly submit to you my new title:

It will be short lived, as most weekly appointments tend to be, but I will wear it with honor and pride (after I dance around with glee, of course!)

Marley is the CEO of The Party Goddess!, a nationally acclaimed full service event planning and catering company that originates all aspects of large scale functions including menu planning, cuisine preparation, prop styling, floral design, furniture and accessory rentals, staff hires and music.  Recently, Marley launched her revolutionary coaching program: How to Be A Party Goddess, designed to teach everything one needs to know in order to become a “rock star fabulous” event planner.  If anyone can do this, Marley can!  She is a frequent contributor to television and magazines, a sought after speaker, event planner to the stars, and one of the most fantabulous designers to ever flex her personality.

Thank you, Marley (THE Party Goddess) for including me in your “kingdom”!

(Now, I must away and find my tiera…!)

Their Trademark says it all: “The need is constant.  The gratification is instant. Give blood.”

The Ebell of Los Angeles is hosting a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross on

Tuesday May 12 from 11am – 5pm

Enter at 743 S Lucerne Blvd, Los Angeles 90005

Call Jackie Kruse, Chair for an appointment 323-788-7199 or go to www.givelife.org and enter sponsor code: EBELL

Remember: Bring ID and drink plenty of fluids before donating!  And be sure to stop by The Special Events Office and say “hello!”  I hope to see a lot of Wedding & Special Event Planners and Professionals that day…!!

On April 30th, Fusion Linens opened their Los Angeles Showroom with a swanky soiree designed by Uyen of Sassy Girl Weddings & Events.  Sharing the showroom is Jenny Yoo Collection of bridal gowns and formal wear, and Manille Bakery.  Welcome to the neighborhood, Fusion!

Participating in the evening’s festivities: Miguel’s Martinis, Stockholm Vodka, Jay’s Catering, Zuno Productions, Commerce Flowers, Invisible Touch, Jason Q Tran Photography, Town & Country Event Rentals, Papercake Designs, Beverly Hills Best Valet.

The very same evening, Encore Bridal launched their new bridal gown showroom in Manhattan Beach.  Julie offers new and nearly-new couture gowns and accessories.  For Brides-to-be, check their calendar for upcoming trunk shows and special events.

This is the 3rd of a series…. We had the most AMAZING showcase event at The Ebell of Los Angeles on April 22nd.  In celebrating Your Wedding Day Magazine, premier event professionals and vendors came together to create a phenomenal night to remember.   So phenomenal, in fact, that I decided to post detail in a series of three blog posts.

Captured beautifully by Cheriefoto and Russell Fowler Studios, we are able to share a sneak peak of what our guests enjoyed that night.  Be sure to watch newsstands for the next issue of YWD to get the whole scoop…!

Each room at the Ebell was spectacular and I want to thank every one of theparticipants for creating an incredible night!

The Pulsating European Discotheque – Lounge: Designed by Michael Willms of Entertainment Design Events

• Modern lounge furniture and crystal bars provided by Fete Accompli.
• Motion lighting and fog effects by G2 Audio & Lighting.
• Music by 11H Entertainment.
• Photo station entertainment and giveaway by L.A. Photo Party.
• Bridal fashions by Beth Elis with models, hair & makeup from The Studio Agency.

(c) 2009 YourWeddingDay.com, Cheriefoto

Special Thank You to…:

• Valet Services by Beverly Hills Best Valet
• Catering and Bar Service Staff provided by The Party Staff, Inc.
• Event Security provided by Collier Security Services.
• Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian & at The Palazzo for the beauty sample gifts.
• The Bridal Bar