A Day in May

Smile!

2010-01-16T14:09:00.003-05:00

Today I am reminded how fabulous my friends are... almost a year ago I was sitting in Melissa's living room with some of the most amazing friends anyone could ask for. Seriously. It would take me years to write about each of them. Maybe that will be my legacy- a book on our friendship and how to make it last through thick and thin. Not something corny like the Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood (no offense Sandra, I adore you) or The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (however I love Greece), but something about society- how all odds were battled against us. College roommates, long distance phone calls, even "boy crush" swapping (that's another story all together) but we are still close.

Anywho... on a cheery, sunny, Saturday afternoon I thought you'd laugh just as hard as I did when we took these pictures a year ago and as I just did looking at them again! I can't wait to see these lovelies soon. My heart aches for their laughter and joy.

Yep, that's me!

Mel looks like Marge Simpson!

Is that Sponge Bob? Nope it's Christina!

*Thank you Apple for making such an amazing photo distortion program that kept us entertained for more than two hours on a sunny, warm morning in Denver :)

It's never too early...

2009-12-15T13:04:00.011-05:00

Photo credit: Confetti System for Urban Outifitters

It's safe to say that the blistery winds and snow of winter are now here. As I sit typing this looking out on our backyard, I can see some of the dried hydrangea flowers that were still on the bush blowing away like tumbleweeds. For many, winter is a bit of a "Debby Downer" season. The lack of sunshine during these months is always an adjustment. Some flee south for warmer weather and others hibernate. For Kyle and I winter has become a solitude. With crazy busy Spring-Summer-Fall seasons we normally "dial down" a bit in the Winter. Work days are shortened and a time for re-energizing and re-charging is in order.

However, this Winter may not slow down- it very well may "speed up." With A Day in May, Event Planning & Design continuing to grow (we are almost booked for 2010) I'll be working hard this winter on further establishing our blog, our internet marketing presence and designing for our new clients and our company (i.e. continuing to sculpt ADIM).

With our last wedding of 2009 almost three months past I've been in a motivational and inspirational funk. And to be frank, I've been overwhelmed with all the responsibilities of owning a small business and being a wife, daughter, sister, friend at the same time. Some days I find that because my plates are so full that I don't know where to begin.

Because I know I'm not the only person who feels this way I thought I'd fill you all in on my 2010 New Years resolutions that I'm starting today, it's never too early...

Alicia's 2010 New Years Resolution(s) are:

1) to be a better wife.
No one is perfect, thankfully. And I am most definitely not the perfect wife. Since starting ADIM I've been focused on the success of our business rather than the growth and success of our marriage. I am so blessed to have such a great husband and I want to do more to let him know how wonderful he is and how much I love him. He has always supported me and my dreams and I too want to support him.

2) to learn just "to be."
For the sake of my own mental health I need to learn how to relax! I can watch a movie or read a book but I need to learn how to simply exist, "to be."

3) to be more productive with the time I have.
Liene Stevens with Splendid Communications had a great post a while back about Block Scheduling. I know that Block Scheduling does not work for me however I do know that I am most productive in the mornings. By maximizing my "work" time the more time I will have to spend with Kyle, Murphy and our family and friends.

I was talking with one of my best friends last weekend who said she "doesn't have her life figured out." None of us do! I especially don't. But I do know that I want to make changes in my life that will have a positive impact on myself and those I love before things "speed" out of control that I loose the solitude and stillness.

Flash back...

2009-12-05T13:02:00.003-05:00

Take a look at this... precious isn't he?

God willing...

2009-12-01T21:12:00.009-05:00

Mom shared this with me the other day... it's such a powerful reminder that we are not in control of our lives. We live in a society of expectations and false realities but what really is "real?"

Lately I've been focusing on the here and now. Being present. To be. Last night during our small group, the lovely women I meet with twice a week and I were chatting about how we are "programmed" which is far from living in the present. We are built on routine and autopilot- especially during the work week or in our family's case, the busy season (April-November).

Finding time "to be" is difficult. I run two businesses, starting a third (more on that to come!), keeping house and trying to find time for me which is gym/eat, give some attention to Murphy and spend time with Kyle.

Enjoy this brief insight from My Grandfather's Blessings- a great reminder of just how fragile life is...

It is possible to befriend uncertainty, to remind yourself and others of the fluid, ever-changing nature of things. To remain awake to all possibility. Like many Orthodox Jews, my grandfather never made an appointment or spoke of any event without adding the words "God willing." It is actually a teaching of Orthodox Judaism that one does not make a promise without this tip of the hat to the authority of God. So whether someone said "I'll see you next Tuesday," or "We will have dinner in an hour," Grandpa would invariably respond, "God willing." God might, after all, end the world sometime between now and the chicken soup. There was never any fear in his voice when he said this, just a simple reminding of himself and those around him of the nature of things. Life required us to hold things loosely, not to be attached to a particular outcome. The lunch appointment, the pot roast, the graduation, or the marriage -- all were in God's hands. To be alive was to wait for the will of God to reveal itself. And one waited with curiosity. A sense of adventure. Much in the way you read a detective story at bedtime, struggling to stay awake in order to discover what is true, to see how things will turn out. If the fulfillment of every promise or plan rests on God's approval, then God's hand is hidden in everything that happens. According to my grandfather, all tragedy or blessings was a part of some unknowable and dynamic purpose. One might not always get one's own way, but one trusted the Way absolutely. At any given time, the will of God might be unknown, but the presence of God was certain and was the only certainty anyone needed in order to live. These days, my appointment calendar has places for entries three years ahead. There is a certain hubris in this, and, even as I write my commitments down, I remember this other way of living. I exchange letters of confirmation, I make plans, I even buy plane tickets, but deep inside I hold these things loosely. Lightly. I make my promises, and then I wait to find out. In my heart, I still hear my grandfather say, "God willing."

New look!

2009-11-21T15:14:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone!

Be sure and check out the new blog and some new updates on A Day in May, Event Planning & Design website!

Happy Saturday,
Alicia

Six letter word

2009-10-13T17:40:00.000-04:00

For over 18 years my mom has been a breast cancer survivor and patient. Ever since I can remember we've had five members in our four person family. Through countless surgeries, treatments, emotional roller coasters and stories of success I'm writing this post to tell you how she's inspired me, our family and my closest friends. I've never been more proud to be my mother's daughter than I am now.

My senior year of college at Michigan I lived with seven amazing women. Three of us out of the seven have mom's that lost, are fighting or had won their battles with breast cancer. One of my best friends Melissa lost her aunt to cancer. Another extremely close friend Chris lost his dad to cancer. My grandmother had breast cancer and my other grandmother had lung cancer- both have passed. And a new friend David is battling brain cancer.

Cancer- it has six letters, it's a word that is used as a verb and a noun. It's not uncommon to hear in conversation yet it stings each time it's spoken. Why? Is it that we don't talk enough about it? I hear about cancer all the time on the news? Is it that we are immune to it? Surely "I" won't get cancer. Is it that we are scared of it?...

After 18 years of a continued fight my mom is at peace with her cancer. Through the word of God my mom sees her cancer as a gift. Each day she wakes up and thanks Him for the new day before her, for my dad, my brother and I, for Kyle and the dogs, for the life she has. Each day cancer is a six letter word. Nothing more, nothing less.

Four weeks ago three of my best friends told me they were going to run Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure in Denver. It was impossible for me to get to Denver that weekend but I wanted to run too. So on Sunday, October 4th at the same time but different time zones we all ran 5k in honor of my mom- the gang ran with thousands of other survivors, family members, supports and friends... I ran by myself back Traverse City.

Aside from feeling like I was going to die, I haven't ran 5k all summer, I made it! The gang runs every day so it wasn't a big deal to them. :) But the simple feat of all running together to honor my mom and support her was mind blowing to me. After the run I sent a couple pictures back to them shrinking the miles between hoping they'd send some of their pictures but I never got an email. I thought it was weird since we are all iPhone junkies- maybe they didn't get around to downloading the pictures or were busy with work like I was.

Then today I went to the mailbox after my meetings and had a card in the mail from them. There were the pictures and notes that brought me to tears. Everyone wrote such touching words of love and encouragement lifting me and our family up. They all ran with photos of my mom and carried a sign that said "Team Gail." Christina, Melissa, Kristin and I have been best friends for almost half of our lives. They along with their husbands Chris, Nick and Phil, Melissa's brother Jeff and his fiance' Judy and our other friend Aaron all ran.

The old cliche is that "words cannot describe" feelings. I disagree. I was overwhelmed with love from those images and words to the point of uncontrollable emotion. Murphy thought I was going to explode! I couldn't hold back the tears and crying... how amazing to witness God's love like that. It's incredible to know how much love they have for me but my mom as well. For 18 years she's inspired all of us to "just do it." Fight our fight and run the race. We did Mom, thanks to you.

Cancer- it's a not a six letter word. It's four, love.

The gang in Colorado :)

Me in TC :)

BIG SCAM HITS HOME

2009-10-03T13:57:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone! My personal email account was hacked into this morning sending messages to my ENTIRE contact list (anyone who ever emailed me), dumping my contacts and hacking in to Facebook and Blogger. PLEASE do not wire any money to Western Union!

Kyle and I are not in London and we are fine. We were told by authorities that this is happening EVERYWHERE! To learn from our unfortunate episode make sure your passwords are all different and that you check them for security strength. We do not know how they hacked into my account but I believe that Blogger was used to include Kyle's and Murphy's name (yep they got the dog too!). There is nothing you can do to protect yourself except for being careful with sharing your password information through all the sites you use.

If your Facebook is hacked visit their "Privacy" link and scroll to Security and follow the prompts. If Google is hacked fill out the "Reclaim Account info."

Want to know the hacker's phone number? +2348089127656. Thanks Google :)

Dear Nigerian Hacker Jerks,

I wish that you did not live in such a poverty stricken area and stealing money from strangers is deemed unacceptable in your social circle. I happen to have friends from Nigeria who are wonderful people who made something of themselves other than just low life's who wreck havoc on others. Stay away from my accounts and my family.

Alicia "Don't Mess with Me" Caldecott

European inspiration

2009-08-03T09:18:00.001-04:00

Before our season at A Day in May kicked into high gear at the end of May (I know, it's been two full months) my parents, brother and I embarked on our very own version of "National Lampoons: European Holiday."

We didn't get kidnapped or create any minor disasters however we took in the sites, sounds and culture the way only the Fritz Family could! With incredible airfare, under $400 from Traverse City... we are the 3rd most expensive airport to fly in and out of in the country, we flew across the pond to Stuttgart, Germany where our journey began.

Where is Stuttgart you may ask and why go there? Stuttgart prides itself in being the creative power of Germany. Located near the Black Forest and north of Switzerland it's home to two of my favorite things- Porsche and Mercedes :) But... when we arrived at 9:30am Germany time we didn't head into the city, we headed to the sleepy medieval town of Tübingen about 30 minutes outside the city.

This university town has been in the record books since the 12th century and survived WWII through it's lack of industry and catering to the more popular rise of tourism.

I'm no Jen Kroll or Bob Davis but here are some shots I took while walking around with the family (DISCLAIMER- my photo editing skills are not as sharp either but we're getting there!):

So cool huh! This was an old town government building that is now the local library.

I love these half-timbered houses. Walking along the cobblestone streets and gazing upward provided an interesting look at their architecture and color.

This was the only "cool" spot with a dampness that chilled you to the bone- it was welcome as we crossed the town... very hot that day! This would be an even cooler shot had I taken the picture before we started walking down.

This trip I wasn't taking pictures for the sake of taking pictures. I wanted to "play" with my photography not document every site we saw. I love this tile look from a gate over a window up the hill to the castle. Don't be surprised if you see this again :)

Schloß Hohentübingen or better known in english as Castle High Tübingen, was built in the 11th century but in the 12th and 13th century wooden walls shown here were incorporated. The castle is now home to the Univerty of Tübingen's ancient studies and overlooks the Nekar Region.

With the stifling heat and the onset of crankiness setting in from no sleep we headed back to Stuttgart. Oh I forgot to mention one minor detail... Andrew drove us on the Autobahn... in a pimped out Mercedes we rented... nice graduation present huh! Only problem was that it started to rain and heavy traffic around the city prevented him from really "driving" on the Autobahn. Next time...

Love

2009-07-08T11:31:00.005-04:00

I love my husband. So many days do I forget to tell him how much he really means to me and as I was searching through papers today I stopped and read a part of our wedding program- a poem that I love. I've been reminded of our finite life in many ways lately. We may never know what tomorrow holds for us however my prayer is that all those who mean the most to me recognize just how much I love them.

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings

Yes, Yes and Yes!!!

2009-06-03T09:43:00.005-04:00

Before I blog about our fabulous trip (we just got home from Germany and Italy) I HAVE to post this!

Allison and I didn't make the best first impressions on one another but shortly after that infamous meeting we've been the greatest of friends and over three years ago she married the love of her life Jake Fox. Out of the Michigan Baseball program, the University of Michigan that is, Jake got drafted by the Chicago Cubs and just last week he was given the promotion of a lifetime... welcome to the big leagues!

There is not one person who derserves this more than Jake, aside from Ali- who's stood by him every pitch, run and strike out along the way.

I love you both so much and am so happy for you! GO TEAM FOX!!!

Jake Fox gets long-awaited promotion to Cubs

Fox finally gets a shot with the Cubs

Thank you!

2009-05-21T19:44:00.001-04:00

It is both an honor and an extreme privilege for me to announce that A Day in May was voted as The Best Wedding Planner in the Traverse City Area via Up North Live and is now a member of Traverse City's A-List Vendors!

Voting began about two months ago and ADIM was nominated! (Thank you for whomever nominated us!) There were over 14,000 votes cast for the A-List and we'd like to thank everyone who left us encouraging and heartfelt comments as well as those who showed their support in voting!

Having officially broken onto the stage over two years ago we are still in awe of the incredible people and clients that come our way. I truly have the greatest job... yes days can be long and weekends working can be difficult but the reward is so sweet. There is nothing that brings me more satisfaction than the happiness on my clients' faces!!

Cheers to all our phenomenal colleges who were also nominated and big thanks to those of you whom we work with regularly. There is no "I" in team and sometimes it takes an Army to execute a wedding!

Thank you again to all of you who believe in pursuing your dreams. Mine has just begun and I cannot wait to see where it takes me!!

The Doctors- Post Graduation Part 2

2009-05-18T16:25:00.002-04:00

Where were we... oh yes, Bar Louie!

With some food in the tummy and some drinks to toast we finished the rounds at Bar Louie and headed to Barton Hills Country Club for a fabulous dinner treated by Rick and Ron.

Here are the Doctors' :)

This isn't a great picture of the parents of the graduates but I didn't have any others to show! Good thing it is very expressive!

What a great watch Christina got from her grandparents :)

After a lovely, lovely dinner we headed to Ricks... Without posting any pictures that could be incriminating or just inappropriate I will take it upon myself to narrate a little paragraph for you about the evening...

Linds, Katie, Erin, Christina and myself on the dance floor!

It was Katie's 25th birthday and she received a fabulous gift that everyone at the bar wanted to use! The joys of graduation filled the room and commradery was abundant. From shark bowl races to dancing queens the night was full of celebration... then we went to Pancheros. The end!

The Doctors- Post Graduation Part 1

2009-05-15T10:13:00.006-04:00

Like I said, we had a lovely time at the UM Dental Graduation and an even more thrilling time at the after party(s). With the new doctors leading the way the Wurtzel's, Hatch's, Mazzola's, Dreves' and the rest of us one-namers, headed to Bar Louie near campus for some cocktails before cocktails at dinner! (I told you... merrymen!)

Doctor Sandwich!

Carrie, Matt and Doctor!

Aron, Scott & Andrew- they came to help celebrate like I did!

Tina (not sure what she is looking at since she had two cocktails), Megan and Ryan (who will be Doctor next year)!

Nick and Lindsey- the soon-to-be-newlyweds!

Thanks to Ron and Perla for the drinks and yummy pretzel sticks and nachos! It was the perfect way to start the evening... now off to Barton!

The Doctors

2009-05-14T17:03:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure of watching three very dear people to my heart receive their Doctorate Degrees... yep, the Doctors. No I am not talking about the stupid show on before Dr. Phil and Oprah, I'm talking about the University of Michigan Dental School Graduation. Perhaps a new "Hail" rendition should go something like this, "Hail to the Doctors Valiant, Hail to the Comp Care Classes, Hail, Hail to Michigan the Cleaners of Best! Hail to the Dentists Valiant, Hail to the Mountain Dont's oh Hail, Hail to Michigan they are heading West!"

It's with pride that I introduce Dr. Christopher Mazzola and Dr. Christina Mazzola...

And what an honor to have Dr. Don Wurtzel hood Dr. Lindsey Wurtzel!

The graduation took place in Hill Auditorium on campus after it's beautiful restoration and the Class President was phenomenal- what a great speech!

Way to go Chris, Christina and Lindsey- we are all so proud of you and your accomplishments! Also congrats to Christian, Roa, Salam and Piper!! Does this mean I get dental school pricing for life?!?! Stay tuned for a post graduation update... we started with sophistication and ended like a band of merrymen!

The Great Bo

2009-05-14T09:01:00.002-04:00

I just got this email this morning from Michigan Today: What I learned from Bo by John Bacon. If you enjoy great sports commentary read this... Why Bo Never Got a Speeding Ticket!

It's worth watching... especially if you're a Michigan fan!!

BO VIDEO click here

Kristin & Phil

2009-05-11T20:37:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone, Kristin and Phil had their engagement photos taken a few weeks back and here is a sneak preview of them!

Visit James' blog for some of his favorites :)

Aren't they awesome... and what a great looking couple!! Cheers you two!

When the lights go down...

2009-04-03T11:05:00.004-04:00

Apparently I totally forgot to post some of these pictures from our last day in San Francisco back in March for Lewy's bachelorette party! Oops!

This is the gate through China town. Linds, Kel and I walked across downtown from our hotel all the way to the Warf... wow are those hills steep!

We had some pretty, and not so pretty views, on our walk and as soon as we boarded the Ferry (which took us directly under the Golden Gate and around Alcatraz, The Rock) it started to rain. However, these lazy guys didn't mind what so ever. Say hello to the Warf Sea Lions!

Here's Linds and Kel- they look great in rain don't they!

An homage to my favorite Jedi Master Yoda.

Isn't she beautiful- and what an Engineering Marvel (yes we watch the History Channel)!

We concluded the site seeing in San Fran with a visit to the famous prison Alcatraz. Home to Al Capone and The Birdman amongst some other notorious criminals in it's prime. About 7 years ago I was there with my family and we toured The Rock. Andrew and I donned headsets and did the audio tour where they treat you like an inmate. One of the weirdest parts of the whole tour was seeing where the inmates tried to dig there way out... all the concrete in the world wouldn't stop them from trying!

Even though our weather was not ideal we had an AMAZING time together celebrating Lindsey and her upcoming wedding along with celebrating friendship. As we all get older (and we're not that old) our time with one another becomes less and less. What is so amazing to me is the committment we all make to still travel and see each other! Here's to the next adventure and Congratulations Lewy!

Feeling Hot Hot Hot!!

2009-04-03T10:44:00.006-04:00

That's right, let the party begin! After a great day touring the city we all headed back to the hotel for a little "Shower" for Lewy- what would a shower be without some "fun" gifts! To keep the surprises to a maximum I can't show you the gift but it was a very successful shower in deed!

After Lind's made some crazy rule about opening a gift and taking a shot (bad idea!) we all headed out for a night on the town.

Since it was St. Patty's Day weekend there were some parade goers staying at the hotel. They just happen to be men in uniform and we were all about sharing their cool hats and beads!

After a boat load of taxis and I think a limo was involved somehow we made it to this great Mexican restaurant!
From Left to Right: Ep, Tina, Jenna, Linds, Kelly, Al, Lo, Lish and Leanne (the nicknames come out when the Patron comes out)

In spirit of showering we all proposed to Leanne... talk about bling huh!

And what would be a party without another bachelorette? We always seem to do this and we had the WHOLE restaurant taking shots and playing games!

After the dinner (Tina and I had the most amazing fried quesedillas ever) we took the town by storm...

... Oh what a night!!!

I've got to get back...

2009-04-03T09:45:00.007-04:00

to My City by the bay-ay-ay, ohhhh ohhhhh ohh ohh ohh.

After a fabulous day in Napa and some great dinner in Russian Hill we hit the streets pounding to check out San Fran.

We started at the Old Ferry Building where they have the most amazing market!

The Port of San Francisco!

Christina trying her hand at a very fresh oyster. She said, "I love horsey sauce" before she ate the oyster. After, when the flames were shooting out her nostrils she said "that was a little hot!"

Here I am taking one, so yummy but wow- it burned my nose hairs off!

And of course we made Jenna take one :)

After the market we walked along the Embarcadero to Fisherman's warf.

Then headed to Ghirardelli Square for some yummy hot chocolate- it was a little chilly that day.

What would a trip to San Fran be without a Trolly ride?

Here's Tina and Ali- hang on!!

Linds and I trying not to slide onto the other passengers!

The trolley took us to Chinatown where we actually found and ate at a restaurant Laura's parents recommended. This cute little statue greeted us!

Napa Valley

2009-03-30T11:23:00.008-04:00

So where did I leave off? Oh yes... Napa Valley! It should be called Valley of the Gods and everything that is good and holy in California :) The limo picked us up at the hotel and off we went. At first things were looking a little dismal but the fog, as you will see, quickly cleared!

Our first stop took us to Road 31 winery at White Rock Vineyards- the oldest vines in the valley. The winemaker Kent was kind enough to show us the sites in and around the caves and sample his wine. Kent produces on wine, a fabulous Pinot Noir. He, along with the rest of the guys on the soccer team he plays with, rents out a portion of White Rock's caves to produce their wines. Talk about keeping it all in the family!

This is White Rock's vines on the estate.

Here we are in the caves... aged to perfection!

This is the whole crew, from Left to Right: Jenna Naylor, Lindey "The Bachelorette" Wurtzel, Leanne Rutherford, Erin Patton, Christina Mazzola, Laura Olin, Kent, Kelly Moore, Allison Fox and yours truly.

From Road 31 we headed north in the valley, to almost the tip, to Rombauer Vineyard. They have some amazing wines and their flagship is their Chardonnay. I'm not a huge Chardonnay fan but this was wonderful- buttery, fragrant and smooth.

Here comes the sun do do do do! Yes there is the view from the tasting room. And the fire down in the center of the shot is a controlled burn from pruning the vines. It was a perfect day- no wind just lots of sunshine!!

And of course Linds found something to ride on the way out to the limo! No we aren't in Jurrassic Park, but that is a dinosaur!

From Rombauer we moved onto our last stop, Duckhorn Vineyards just south. They had a beautiful new tasting room, great wines and we all enjoyed being outside!

From Left to Right: Tina, Erin, Kelly, Laura, Linds and Leanne.

The tastings were done outside on their porch... talk about the perfect Napa image. (Why so grey you ask? The vines and trees weren't "blossoming" yet but everything else was.)

Enjoying one another and the great wines (Tina snuck a bottle out!) outside!

With a long ride back to the city we use the WC and look what Tina and I found... inspiring "duck" cartoons! Can you guess which one that is? :)

What a great day filled with new and fun experiences. Truly Napa is a beautiful place and is a must to return to!!

Happy to be!

Salud Linds!!

I'm going, going...

2009-03-27T19:28:00.011-04:00

back, back to Cali, Cali...

Ah yes, there is nothing sweeter than the sunshine in Napa Valley with your girlfriends :) A few weeks ago nine of us traveled to San Francisco and Napa Valley to celebrate Lewy's bachelorette-hood, Ms. Lindsey Wutrzel for the rest of you.

We had an absolutely wonderful time and got to take in the sights along the way. On Thursday myself, Christina and Laura all met in The City and saw the sights with my Uncle Greg (a resident for 30 years). After learning that him and Bruce in what the Realtors call "the hot Valencia corredor" we took off and saw the sights...

We first headed to check out an awesome overlook of San Fran...

Next we headed to Golden Gate Park & The Pacific Ocean. I love this picture of Laura :)

Here we are at the Golden Gate bridge, we're huge!! Christina is hanging from the bridge, watch out!

Laura is so tall she can touch the top!

Here I am... I'm so strong that I can hold the bridge up!

Next we headed to the Precidio (an old army base that is used as a National Trust with Lucas Film making their home base there) and Lombard Street- the curviest street in the world. Here is Uncle Greg and I posing for a snapshot!

After our city tour we headed back to Greg & Bruce's to settle in and check out their neighborhood and meet with a new ADIM client Lindsay Gardner (what an awesome woman!). Before turning in we ate great tapas down the road and enjoyed the local wines and sangria. In the morning we met up with the rest of the ladies at the Marriott and took a limo (courtsey of Dr. Wurtzel) to Napa Valley via Pete! (When I say "Napa" it's not like refering to Burger King kids. I'm saying "Napa" like you would said Ferragamo or Yves St. Laurent... yes friends, it doesn't get much better than Napa!)

"Where in the world is...."

2009-03-08T10:29:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Yikes, it's been a LONG time since blogging. But, I'm not going to apologize... instead I'll give you an update as to what's been going on!!

Since the end of January when I last posted I've been in Orlando, Naples, Denver and Summit County and this week I'm heading to San Francisco!

What have I been doing- Florida was for work and pleasure and I got to enjoy some awesome time with Laura Olin, a best friend from college. Unfortunately we were indoors in Orlando but fortunately we did not have to face the brutally chilly temperatures of 40 degrees, yes 40 degrees. Lo and I both work as sales reps for Lija, this incredible clothing line out of Vancouver, BC. We were in Orlando for the PGA Show which was the craziest 4 days ever- I got blisters on my throat from talking, talking! By the time we made it to Naples, where her parents live, we had one day of warmth and sun and then rain- just my luck right! Nonetheless we had a great time with her parents, an awesome Super Bowl party and shopping in Naples.

Here is me, Kelly Moore, Laura Olin and Amy Schmucker at Disney World- thanks Kel for meeting us and for a great night. Thanks Amy for letting us stay with you!

Morning beach walking on Marco- little cloudy but nice warm salty breezes!

The shells were still attached!

Out to dinner on 5th Avenue in Naples. (It was pooring down rain, hence the messy look!)

Laura, Ginny Paulson (Sheryl's friend from EP), Sheryl Olin (Lo's Mom) and Me

Thanks for a great visit to Florida!

Now onto Denver... I left Florida on Tuesday arrived in Denver on Thursday. It was 60 degrees in Naples and 72+ in Denver!! Yep, tell me about it! I was there on "business" and pleasure helping our dearest Kristin Anderson celebrate her Bridal Shower and to make arrangements as her wedding planner for their August wedding in Copper Mountain.

We all stayed at Melissa Erikson's and kicked her husband Nick out for the weekend to stay at a hotel, that's true love! It was such a great time to visit the mountains, enjoy the downtown Denver scene and relax with the girls.

Some people say that Disney is the happiest place on earth. I was there and it is very, very happy. But what's my happiest place on earth? The Crepes a la carte cart in Breckenridge! Yep, I am about as happy in a pig in mud on a warm summer day! So is Charla!

Kristin's shower was awesome, Mel and Charla were great hostesses and it wa a joint effort in decorating and preparing the Erikson's for the fiesta. K took to the shower well after we told her now many ribbons she broke- looks like the future Tognetti's will have 4 kids!!

After a few Happy Shots and Bridal Shower wishes the group with the Mother's of the Bride and Groom, all geared up for a crazy night with Funkiphino- K's band who was playing at Herb's.

(From L to R) Lindsay, Paula, Charla, K, me, Tuna and Mopissa

This was after a few too many Rumblemintz... but it's why I love these women so much!

After a great weekend and a quick run through the Denver aiport I was on my way home to TVC with a new obsession for Stephanie Meyer and Robert Pattison... you know what I'm talking about ladies!!

With two feet back on the ground I hit the snow covered roads running. I missed Kyle's birthday the last day I was in Denver so when I got home we had a birthday party for him! (By the way, Happy Birthday to... Ali, Karla,Chris, Sarah, Keri and Phil!)

Check out the awesome cake we had... Murphy must have walked all over it!

The birthday boy blowing out candles, maybe he already blew them out!

Murphy still thinks he's little enough to be held- he really wanted to help Dad with those candles. Maybe he wanted the cake too! Yep, I'm definitely struggling to see and hold him!

I've got a busy summer coming up with great weddings in the works and phenomenal clients. With printing deadlines and the days numbering for finished details we've got lots of work.

And with the fall selling season here, I've been traveling for Lija and working on getting some new accounts to carry the line. This is much easier said than done... especially with a global recession going on!

Last but not least Kyle and I are making some great friends through Bay Pointe and are working to create a great 20's and 30's group for adults our age along side some pretty incredible people. We're going to be in TC for quite some time, even though we have the world's bestest friends around the country, we both need a support group here. Friends we can do life with. We're super pumped about all the great people God is bringing into our life and all the people we hope to help touch too.

Finally, like I said. On Thursday I leave for San Francisco with the girls- Christina, Laura, Leanne, Ali, Erin, Kelly, Jenna to help Lindsey Lew celebrate her bachelorette hood west-coast style! We'll get a chance to visit with Uncle Greg and Bruce, take in the wineries of Sonoma and become prizoners of Alcatraz... or just temporary visitors.

Whew, that was a whirlwind post! There may be some spelling or punctuation errors there but please, READ WITH CAUTION! For a parting picture... here's our Murph... look how big and handsome he is!

Love,
Lish

New Years Photos

2009-01-19T10:01:00.009-05:00

As promised I've got some New Years photos to share with you all! Kyle and I headed to Boyne City to ring in the new year with the Wurtzel's, Linds, Nick, Erin, Matt, Scotty, Julie and Dave. We left Murph at home with Uncle Andrew and some friends and never looked back!!

Thanks Dr. and Mrs. Wurtzel for having us and for a great evening of fun- gotta love a good game of Cranium!!

Dave and Julie enjoying the shrimp cocktail

Scotty and I having a camera education session over beverages

Linds and Erin are all smiles

Kyle... no he's not picking his nose

Nick and Niemo preparing for the ball to drop

Happy New Year!

Last New Year's as Lewy!

Let's hear it for the girls!

We took it one step too far... maybe we were channeling Madonna?

Inspiration

2009-01-08T12:12:00.001-05:00

from Creature Comfort

Christmas Recap III

2009-01-03T15:00:00.007-05:00

As I mentioned earlier, the day after Christmas we headed down to Indiana to celebrate with Papa and Aunt Sue. After a long but comfortable ride 6 hours south of home we made it safely to Muncie, Indiana just in time for dinner and one more Christmas.

On Saturday it was nearly 70 degrees! I cannot tell you how amazing it was to walk around barefoot in jeans and a t-shirt. I love four seasons and I love living in Northern Michigan. But, if we had 3 months of winter I would be okay with that too! On Sunday we went to round up the remnants of the Christmas sales- just wait till next Christmas when you see the amazing wrapping paper I got for $0.75 a roll, finished some projects around Papa's house and made Nana's famous German Filled cookies. Come Monday morning we each had our coffee, packed the truck and headed home.

This time Kyle played Santa and Murphy was the elf!

Dad and Murphy.

Somehow Andrew still hasn't "grown up." The only difference between this picture and a similar one taken over 15 years ago is that the size of the cars have grown proportionately with him!

Aunt Sue bought a Wii!! After I kicked Kyle's butt boxing Aunt Sue kicked Dads!

We thought we'd teach Papa how to bowl. He came in second (to me which is unheard of) with a 135.

Pure bliss.

Again, we hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas filled with family and lots of love!

Christmas Recap II

2009-01-03T14:55:00.005-05:00

On Christmas Day we left the house pretty early to get to Boyne in time to celebrate with Kyle's family. My list of to-bring items were packed and Murphy was ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa's to play reindeer games... or so I thought. It was then that I committed an Alicia-crime. I forgot my camera!! If Kyle's sister sends us pictures of us in Boyne I will post them but for now just imagine us opening presents, eating lots of food and digesting with a leisurely game of ice hockey. Yep, you read that right, ice hockey!

After Boyne we packed up and headed back home to my parents for another Christmas and more great food. I love honey glazed ham! Since Dad has just as many cameras as I do (well almost) I was able to use his camera to take some pictures, enjoy!

Something funky was going on with the camera but that's Kyle waiting to open presents!

Cayman was pouting. He gets very jealous if I don't show him enough attention while Murph is over... how could I not pay attention to him? Look how cute he is!

All the stockings hung in a row by the chimney with care.

Hudson is dressed as a present!

And he also wants to help Mom unwrap hers! Yep, the dogs all unwrap all their own gifts!!

Dad's new hat= J.Crew mailer.

This sums up the evening. Andrew in his tall wool socks, shorts, t-shirt sipping a glass of wine before dinner. Gosh I love my family!

Christmas Recap I

2009-01-03T14:06:00.006-05:00

I'm not sure about you all but Christmas totally blindsided me this year... it could be that we had one less week between Thanksgiving and Christmas or it could have been the insanely busy time of year! Nonetheless I still managed to get all the shopping, baking and decorating done just in the nick of time.

Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love spending time with family and friends playing games, eating great food and celebrating the true meaning of the season together. Here are some pictures, in no particular order, of our laughs and thanksgivings this year!

For outdoor decorations this year we kept things clean, simple and nostalgic. I wanted one tree lit with my parents old C9 lights from our childhood home. It was a great effect pulling into the drive and looking out our patio!

Tina and the girls came over to bake biscotti (our first attempt) and watch Sex in the City. Our gingerbread biscotti was amazing, despite it's appearance!

While we were baking Murphy and his girlfriend Lola were playing in the snow. Murphy likes to bury himself and play hide-and-go-seek!

Santa and her elf on Christmas Eve- we just put out all the presents under the tree!

Ta dah!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T20:56:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! Kyle, Murphy and I wish you all the best for a blessed 2009!

For the holiday this year we spent the evening with friends in Boyne City and had a great time... stay tuned for some fun pictures and comments from the evening!

On a side note, we just went to see" Marley & Me" today. About three Christmases ago my mother-in-law bought the book for me and I could never bring myself to read it. Everyone I knew that had read, or was reading it, said how upsetting it was and how much they cried. (A very dear friend, who will remain anonymous even said he even cried! Let's just say he's no leaky faucet.)

The day after Christmas, Kyle, Dad, Andrew, Murph and I headed down to Indy to visit Aunt Sue and Papa. In an effort to decompress I elected to not turn on my computer (the reason for delayed postings) and read a book and a few magazines that are piling up. Jennifer Aniston is one of my favorite actresses. Ever since "Friends" when we shared the same haircut I've felt a huge bond. Owen Wilson cracks me up every single movie I watch him in. I knew that I wanted to see the Marley movie yet it was a matter of preparing myself.

In an effort to curb the uncontrollable sobbing I feared would happen I opening the book and dove in. John Grogan is an incredibly talented author. By far a great laugh-out-loud read... at one point people were making fun of my random giggles when no one in the room I was reading in had said anything funny. My favorite line... "he (Marley) had the attention span of algae and the volatility of nitroglycerine."

Grogan writes with a tenderness and brutal reality that makes readers fall in love with this big loveable beast. His unfailable loyalty and devotion, spastic bursts of energy and truly intuitive nature make Marley a page turning read dragging you along for the ride! As I neared the end I knew our four legged friend was also approaching his. About a year ago there was a great email forward that my Mom sent me. It had something to do with the shortened life span of dogs compared to humans. I don't remember the full email nor could I find it but it was something like this... dogs don't need to live as long as we do, for they have loved greater than any human in a fraction of our lifespan.

As I finished the last page I wiped my eyes and the snot that was running down my face feeling lucky to know and experience first hand the love that Grogan writes about. My family has had two wonderful Golden Retrievers. Squirt, our first, was the Old Wise One. He never barked and was always the gentle giant helping me get over my fear of dogs. Our second who is five is Cayman. The crazy yet loveable goof who stole my heart the moment he came home with us. And then there is our little angel- Murphy, who has me wrapped around all four paws so tight that sometimes I swear he really is a small, furry baby!

Walking out of the movie was a lot like closing the book. Not a dry eye in the hallway- except the snot that was on my face was now on my scarf (I forgot kleenex). And the best part of all... my strong, loving and amazing husband was wiping his eyes and in such a hurry to get home to see our Mr. Wiggles.

Merry Christ-Murph!

2008-12-30T12:37:00.002-05:00

Introducing Glassbaby

2008-12-08T08:52:00.007-05:00

I stumbled across this amazing company based in Seattle, Washington one day and I have been in awe ever since. I've been waiting for the right time to blog about this company. Partially because I wanted to keep this hidden treasure to myself but also, I was struggling for the right way to introduce them... to the 5 people that read my blog! .

I would like to introduce Glassybaby. These beautiful candleholders not only demonstrate impeccable talent in glass blowing but a tough battle with a rare cancer and the journey one woman has walked with grace. Founder Lee Rhodes has a passion for life and other people's hearts that she demonstrates through a multi-layered hand blown process producing a Glassybaby. As her husband states, they "give warmth to a cold day, a clam token of busy in the busy world. And just a Lee was navigating her battle ahead, to her they represent "that deep breath that we often forget to take."

I am just in awe of the beauty this company and family exudes. They create a product that I long to have in our home and the homes of my family. They are a reminder of the fragility of life and one's etnernal flame. If you are looking for a Christmas present with a cause visit their site and check out their "goodwill" page. A portion of the sales from each glassybaby will benefit the selected causes.

In the words of MS, "it's a good thing."

Ever since I was old enough to remember watching Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and he took us on all those cool factory tours I have been intregued with the art of glass blowing. The ultimate for me was when Christina, Lindsey and I were on the glass blowing island of Murano in Italy and we were able to watch a master craftsman at work. This is just as impressive...

What a beautiful decor peice and it does bring a sense of calm doesn't it?

These remind me of our Christmas lights on our tree outside. They just so happen to be the same lights my dad used to hang on our house when I was a little girl. I remember the glow so clearly... nostalgic.

For the cherry on top, Glassybaby has a rental program for your decorating needs- it doesn't get much better than that! Yes it does... you know the flower and wine programs that our out there- sign up for a flavor of the month and they ship you one every 30 days? Glassybaby has programs like this too. I know, phenomenal right?

Enjoy the day and Happy Glassybaby shopping!!

U turn!

2008-12-06T23:01:00.005-05:00

I think it is fair to say winter is here in Northern Michigan! We have had a day full of wind, snow, drifting and more wind and snow. We all know how much Murphy loves the snow and how much he loves to play in it, but when it comes close to bed time and he has to "go" it is a different story.

Yes folks, that is what we call a "bee-line to the bathroom!" Murphy walked off the top part of our patio (which was shoveled off 3 hours ago) then onto what would be the lower part of the patio, went potty and then ran back in the house! Now that's what I call a U-Turn- or a "Michigan left" for those familiar with the term. Have a good night and stay warm.

Sneak peak

2008-12-03T20:30:00.005-05:00

Before I begin to brag about my amazing 2009 clients I need to thank all of my fabulous clients for 2008! Thank you for all your support and love- you were all a dream to work with and for. I don't think ADIM would be where it is today without each and every one of you all. Thanks Cam & Caitlin, Paul & Kristi, Laura & Mike, Melissa & Nick, Mikki & Jason and Brenna & Jon!

With one season coming to an end the 2009 season has been in full force for quite some time. Here is a sneak preview from a couple of the weddings in progress... I can't reveal too much, afterall I have to have some tricks left up my sleeves!

Enjoy!

This is Jessica and Andrew's save-the-date we designed with the beautiful image provided by the incredibly talented Jen Kroll.

For those that know me I am ga-ga over details, beautiful papers and designs. So, when one of my best friend's Kristin asked me to plan her wedding to her beau Phil I was honored and SO EXCITED. Now this is an ultra sneak peak since this is a preview of their wedding invite however I thought the design came out beautiful. I love the formal yet playful script with the one-of-a-kind monogram!

Gobble, Gobble

2008-11-27T08:39:00.002-05:00

On behalf of our small and furry family we'd like to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Murphy's Manic Monday's

2008-11-24T08:15:00.003-05:00

I have quite a few pictures of Murphy since his last post so enjoy these!!

The last time Kyle mowed the yard we had Murph outside with us. I was pulling weeds and Murphy was chasing the mower and then stealing my pile of lawn invaders. Once we came inside I was looking at his paws and broke out laughing- Murph has grass stained paws from the lawn!! The picture doesn't do it justice. The light outside was too dark and an exposure well beyond puppy time was needed thus we resulted to a flash. He really did look part leprechaun and didn't like me laughing at him!!

This was Murph's first real car trip aside from bringing him home in August. We went down to Northwood University for Andrew's car show. Murphy was a definite crowd pleaser with everyone wanting to say hi. Do you think they make doggy coat sanitizer?

As 99.9% of you already know, Michigan lost brutally to Ohio State this weekend. And as most of you know that's my alma mater. To help boost a little team moral and channel Bo's spirit, who must be rolling in his grave (rest in peace), Murphy decided to be the honorary Wolverine mascot we so desperately needed. Don't let the picture fool you. This little guy kept his sweatshirt on all day long and not once did he try to take it off!

With snow actually sticking here Murphy has a new found love with the white stuff. Quite frankly, he cannot get enough of it. He would play outside for hours if we let him. He loves running with his face down in the fluff and digging for mom's frozen tomatoes she tossed out in the weeds for the compost pile... hind sight being 20 20 I should have fenced the compost pile!

More Murphy pictures as the days continue! Thanks for your patience!!

Simply Amazing

2008-11-21T07:13:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of assisting Jodi Bos and her staff of In Any Event in Grand Rapids for what is assured to be "the wedding of the year." For confidentiality reasons the name of the bride and groom will remain anonymous however the presence they and their guests evoked at the JW Marriot was unmistakable.

Earlier in the year Jen of Jen Kroll Photography mentioned that Jodi had recently booked this amazing wedding. Jen along with celebrity photographer Bob Davis of La Storia Foto (yep, Eva Longoria's photographer) and Ryan Prins of Ryan Prins Photogarphy were all hands on deck for the incredible weekend affair. Larry and Todd Guitar of Special Events Rental in Detroit provided amazing lighting and draping transforming the JW ballroom, made the ceiling disappear and camoflaged their not-so-subtle carpet! Jen with Modern Day Floral is my newest hero. Jodi has sung her praises for a while now and within an instant of seeing her work she deserves a special place in heaven, gorgeous work and such a sweet woman. Unique Tabletop Rentals supplied the stunning placesettings. Bella Figura designed the most stunning paper suite to date- sophisticated, glamourous and passionate- with letterpress you could drool over. John and his staff of Coastline Studios rocked out on the dance floor and produced amazing videography. If you are looking for the most decadent buttercream look no further- Sweet Cakes Design is outstanding. Not to mention their artistry for the mole groom's cake was impressive and adorable! MI Photobooth was present snapping shots of guests throughout the evening and once again the fabulous JW Marriot staff were on top of all details. (For complete vendor information visit Jodi's blog so I am sorry if I have missed you!)

Without futher ado, here are some amazing shots that Jen and her team took from the weekend. Jodi's vision and excusite attention to detail is ambodied in these shots. Congrats to the bride and groom, two of the most lovely individuals I have ever met, and congrats to Jodi- you are incredible!

The sanctuary at LaGrave in Grand Rapids was magical. The sunlight cascaded down the isle as the bridal party entered. Beautiful floral complimented the sacred space and the hand painted isle runner was beautiful.

Inside the JW ballroom for the reception. Tuscan seating with placesettings for a king dazzeled the guests. Not to mention the soft light cast by some 5000 votive candles evoking lovestories of the past.

The crowning glory and whimsy of a nickname.

After dinner guests were asked to join the bride and groom in the club area to dance the night away. Very swanky I may say!

Love this idea, Jodi's assistant Jill designed this icesculpture that played a recurring slideshow of the bride a groom throughout the night.

And what could be better than a helicopter departure to the airport to start the journey of the rest of their lives... phenomenal!

Big, HUGE thanks to Jodi, Jen, Kara, Jill and the rest of the IAE staff for letting me be a part of your team for the day. You all carry your team with grace, style and wear your faith on your sleeve. Thanks again and I am looking forward to the next event with you all!!

Totally MIA

2008-11-16T19:31:00.002-05:00

If I could hire someone to blog for me that would be amazing. I love reading other's blogs, surfing the web and scouring for off-the-beaten-track sites but I spend too much of my time there than with ADIM blog!

These past three weeks have been filled with blessings and busyness! Starting tomorrow and every day this week I will post on the highlights. It's in my planner and Berry so I will be reminded each day of my duties (on top of the gazillion-and-on things I need to accomplish).

However I will leave you with a few words about the most recent excitement- "butt bongo!"

Chat soon :)

Our baby...

2008-10-26T20:40:00.001-04:00

Our baby isn't so much of a baby any more... Murphy lost his first two teeth this weekend! He won't hold still to let me take a picture and I don't think there is a Puppy Tooth Fairy, nonetheless it is exciting!

Time flies...

2008-10-24T21:52:00.002-04:00

If you didn't guess by the sheer lack of blogging activity- things have been very, very busy! I'll be sure to post soon with some actual content and not just stating the obvious. But real quick for a recap of the month since it's almost over...

ADIM is getting great exposure, Murphy is huge, Kyle's growing facial hair because temperatures are falling, our house smells like spiced pumpkin, Michigan football isn't playing so well, I've traveled over 2,000 miles this month, my office looks like a cyclone blew threw and I'm so exited for the holidays!

As I said, I will post soon acknowledging some of the excitement I've encountered!

g'night!

Procrastination

2008-10-01T09:24:00.003-04:00

There isn't much that needs to be said about this one... we have all been there before. And some more than others... hilarious!

Murphy's Manic Monday's (...on Tuesday)

2008-09-30T13:51:00.003-04:00

This one is short and sweet but with an emphasis on the sweet! Our friends and neighbors the Grant's have five children and no pets. Once we got Murphy it was puppy central around here and Murphy loved, and still loves, ever moment of it. Last week Stephanie brought over their two youngest for lunch and it was the first time that Emma (the baby of the family) got to meet Murph up close and personal...

The hilarious part about this photo is that Emma and Murph are practically the same height!

We all know Murphy loves to give kisses Emma likes to receive them just as much!!

Update the event Photobooth!

2008-09-23T14:25:00.006-04:00

While I was day dreaming this morning coming home from a meeting I was thinking of ways to dress up the ever so popular photobooth you see at events. (You're probably thinking that is a really random thought to have!)

Beautiful fabrics and trimmings are popular and the standard photobooth is great- it's creative, it's clean and who doesn't love trying to fit 5 people in them at once?!?! But what about creating custom canvas? How about adding some props?

When I was in Florida a few years back with my girlfriend Laura for the PGA Show we had some time to go to Disney World with another friend of ours Kelly who is lucky enough to work at the "happiest place on earth". This was a picture someone took for us in front of this great backdrop constructed to promote the release of the movie Chronicles of Narnia.

These photobooths/shoots provide perfect cocktail hour entertainment and are meant to be fun and goofy so why not inspire your guests with a themed background and some props to dress up in? You can stick with the event's theme or maybe the bride and grooms favorite vacation spot or the characters to their favorite movie! For an island inspired backdrop take this photo...

Your props could include a snorkle, diving mask, flippers, beach towel, bucket cap and oversize sunglasses. Maybe have a signature cocktail complete with a tiny umbrella to serve at the cocktail hour!

For those movie lovers take this photo of the empire state building (or one like it) and reenact Godzilla or Sleepless in Seattle!

If you have an adventure inspired photo shoot take an aerial shot and use a parachute, some strings attached above the canvas and diving goggles- I bet that would be a great photo montage at the end of the evening- which of your friends do you think would forget to pull the string?!?

And if you are looking for a little something extra to give your guests have your photographer head to the nearest one-hour photo, process the images from the shoot and then pass them out to couples/groups in a fun custom frame at the end of the evening!

Murphy's Manic Monday's

2008-09-22T16:34:00.008-04:00

It's that time again folks... it's Murphy's Manic Monday! Since last week I've stepped up and taken oodles of pictures of Murph and his crazy adventures. Aside from watching his belly expand and his legs grow like bean polls, Murphy has reached some pretty significant milestones and given a new meaning to "adventurous."

Within the past two and a half weeks we've only had one accident to pick up (knock on wood Alicia). We've been training Murphy by taking him outside often and rewarding for every "deposit" he leaves behind. For a good week and a half now he has been letting us know when it is time to go- he he! He'll sit by the sliding glass door until we notice him or give us a little bark.

Last week he had just woken up, walked to the door and just sat there. No movement, no whimper, no bark or growl. So I called him over and he just sat in front of me... makes you melt huh!

So I let him outside and took the camera hoping something fun would happen and it did! Apparently we were playing hide-and-go-seek!

After our game he walked to the side of the house in the shade and plopped down again. Now this little guy is no amateur. Since day 1 at his new home he's had a camera in his face and he is beginning to enjoy posing for the camera. But this day he upped the ante! Is there an "America's Top Puppy" show?!?

This weekend was pretty low key so when I was hustling and bustling around the house this morning Murphy was a little taken aback. Normally I do laundry in the evenings when clothes have been worn for the day and I can squeeze in that last pair of jeans. However today I wanted to wash rugs and clothes so I started early. Inspector Murph here, or Agent Snoop as I like to call him, loves to sneak into the closet, grab the socks or shirt and then parade it around the living room like the king of England. To discourage this action we shut the door to the closet and for the most part no problem.

So today, as I was shifting laundry from the dryer to the folding area and the washer to the dryer Murphy got REALLY adventurous and sneaky. He thought he grab something, and he did... all for a used dryer sheet!

And this was for a sock that was left behind!

How did he get in the dryer you ask? Well, he had a little boost but it was all in good fun!! We'll have to wait and see what is in store for Murphy this week but I would guess it would be nothing short of amazing!! I couldn't resist just one last picture of the little guy!!

Inspiration

2008-09-21T20:54:00.004-04:00

Ever since I graduated from Michigan I have become a magazine and book junkie! I've always loved to read but with endless pages of textbooks and studying I never had time to read for fun. I can remember walking through Barnes & Noble and Borders for some much needed decompressing and loving every moment in the late afternoons. There is something so exciting about the discovery of a new author or the mystery that lies within the clean ecru pages of a beautifully designed book cover... I can't lie, I pre-judge a book by it's cover- it's horrible.

I would walk past the new release table carefully observing the titles and then proceed to the sale table placed behind, or off to the side, of the new releases. And once I glanced over those books I headed to the fabulous magazine area. When I was a child I remember Highlights magazine and National Geographic for kids. I'm not sure if I ever read an "article" but I made lots of decoupage crafts with cut outs and completed every maze and puzzle!

I love the excitement created by the magazine rack. The glossy cover, bold typeface, beautiful people/things catching your eye as you see hundreds of new issues... it is so overwhelming! I was faced with a major dilemma... do I spend the $4 and get a coffee that I've been craving since 2:00 or do I splurge on $2 more for the new Martha Stewart? Thank you to the fabulous people at B&N, I would buy my coffee and sit in the comfy chairs with a stack of magazines and flip till my hearts content. (Funny thing, when Kyle and I first started dating over 5 and a half years ago, I found out that he used to do the same thing!)

So what's the point of this story? Here it is... now that I "have" time (I use that phrase lightly) I have magazines and books everywhere. I can't tell you how exciting it is to get the mail in the morning and see the new issue of In Style or Everyday Food. What magazines do I subscribe to?
Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, In Style, Shape, Everyday Food, Travel & Leisure and Domino to name a few. My new favorite magazine is Domino. The magazine is interior design based with elements of luxury, thriftiness, utterly ridiculousness luxury and re-purposing junk- I love it!

While sifting through the pages (the first thing I do with a new mag, then I go back and read) I stumbled upon a name that caught my attention and design that I gravitated to- Ochre. I am not a modern girl by any means but if modern design means beautiful lines, yummy fabrics and creative styling then sign me up. Added bonus, they are a British company and my husband's entire family are Brits.

Here are a few of the pieces that blew me away and check out their chic site for some beautiful peices. FYI there are no prices on the site so be sure to put your "savvy" glasses on before wiping the drool from your keyboard!

Devine Recline corner chair and stool

Arctic Pear Chandelier

Snooze sofa with Light Drizzle Chandelier

These pieces are not only aesthetically beautiful but linguistically beautiful as well- who wouldn't love a "snooze" sofa that looked like this?!

The MacBeth Collection

2008-09-19T16:12:00.011-04:00

You all remember Melissa and the fabulous wedding she just celebrated right? (And I promise- I will post pictures from Jen once she get's them done but we must be patient!) Because she is so sweet and such a great friend she passed along a great "thank you" gift that I must share with you all. Now I cannot take credit for her find however I will definitely be shopping here now that I know about them.

Ladies and gentlemen (gentlemen being my husband and dad), allow myself to introduce The MacBeth Collection. When I am at an event I always carry my details on a clip board along with various other things. One of them being my Blackberry and the other a rubber band. You see I use the rubber band to hold the phone to the clipboard allowing me to still flip through my sheets and use my Berry at the same time. Well my old clip board was your standard size and totally boring (clear acrylic). But take a look at the one Melissa got for me... it's Alicia size and it's beautiful!!

Then to go along with the oh-so-fabulous clip board came two sizes of customized notepads complete with "A Day in May" monogramming. I am saving this pretty notes for meetings with potential clients. And I have to hide them for fear they will be used for grocery lists or reminders!

On the site they have a ton of great chic products that can be customized. Check out this cute utensil silhouette tote...

For a bbq, beach party, or tailgate this is great to haul all your goodies in style without having to separate the forks from the knives. For a dinner party dress up the tote with a large silk ribbon bow and some large hydrangea blooms for a stylish and modern centerpiece.

Perhaps my favorite thing about TMC are their amazing design collections. I am a huge pattern and graphic junkie and their designs are bold, feminine, sophisticated and whimsical all at the same time. Here are a few samples but if you want to check out the entire collection click here.

So if you are looking for a fun gift idea, a treat for yourself or some good old fashioned eye candy, check out The MacBeth Collection and indulge! Thank you Mel for the fabulous find and your thoughfullness- love yah!

Gardner-Mood Wedding

2008-09-19T08:39:00.005-04:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure of assisting Mikki Gardner and her fiance' Jason Mood with their wedding as their Event Coordinator. Mikki and I were introduced through another vendor earlier when she began the wedding design process trying to find the perfect location for their intimate affair.

The wedding, attended by 87 guests, took place at her parents home on Lake Michigan in Glen Arbor. With the passing of Hurricane Ike, rain was prevelant throughout the day however it was a non-issue. Todd and Larry of Special Events Rental in Warren took care of the foul weather with their great staff and tented the entire terrace and cocktail area, which were to be open for natural beauty. The event tent itself was constructed out over the beach down to Lake Michigan providing 360 degree views of the water.

The grand executer of Mikki's decor vision was Barry from Procedo Events of Grand Rapids. Great combinations of color, texture, light and space transformed the dinner area of the tent as well as the entire homestead. Beautiful Gala apples with sunset dahlias, orchids and calla lillies were the embodiment of understated elegance. The hand crafted willow trees in the corners of the tent adorned with hanging lanterns and floating lanterns above the long guests tables created a Harry Potter effect that was magical.

What would an event be without a wonderful meal? Back on the scene in Northern Michigan, which I am very excited about, is Hanna Bistro of Traverse City. Jim and Rob, along with their staff, prepared a phenomenal meal fit for the perfect Michigan evening. Keep your eyes and ears open for more coming from Hanna's.

After dinner came amazing entertainment I had had the pleasure of seeing this woman perform once before in Detroit and when Mikki and Jason told me that she was to serenade them and their guests for their wedding I was thrilled! Thornetta Davis coined "Detroit's Funky Rockin Blues Diva" is just that! The Thornetta Davis Band brought an energy to the night that was unstoppable. If you happen to be on North or South Manitou last Saturday you were probably able to hear the concert!

Thank you to Mikki and Jason for letting me be apart of such a special occasion. It was greating working with the both of you and I hope that there are more opportunities for Setting the Scene and A Day in May to team up for great events! Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Jason Mood!

I did not get a chance to take many photos however the talented Blaine Siesser and his assitant were everywhere shooting. Once he has a chance to process his images I'll make sure to post a link to review all the beautiful details of the day. But in the mean time here are a few shots of the details in the dinner tent, enjoy!!

This is taken from the back left corner of the tent. You can see Lake Michigan through the walls and the expansiveness of the room. Wait till you see it under candle light- it was breathtaking!

The perfect combination of containers, candles, flowers and apples dressed up the ivory silk doupioni table linen. Yes that is linen not linens... only one cut of fabric for each table.

The lanterns were various shaps and sizes and placed along the plexiglass shelves hung from the roof of the tent with heavy duty twine. I love all the apples! Barry said he went through four shipments of gala's to find the pefect color to compliment the floral. I love the attention to detail!

Instead of charges at each place setting Mikki chose a rattan basket with a folded dupioni napkin and menu card and a name card with cheese plate placed on top. The glassware was the right combination of modern design and elegant styling and the chivari chairs completed the regal look and dressed the table.

One of my personal favorites were these beautiful shell chandeliers. The funky look in daylight transformed into a thousand dancing shadows once evening fell. The warm light was just enough to illuminate the main walk without stealing the candlelights thunder!

... and like I said once I am able to link to Blaine for more images I will post them immediately. Something funny to leave with... I knew Mikki and I had similar styling from our converstations and meetings but I wasn't prepared to come up to let her know we were ready to begin and see her in the same wedding gown I wore just over a year ago. Yep! Can you believe it!! The beauty of it was that both of us wore the dress completely different and each was stunning... way to go Monique Lhuillier!

Murphy's Manic Monday (...on Thursday)

2008-09-10T11:36:00.005-04:00

If you can believe that our lives were turned upside down for the past four weeks believe it. It wasn't a stressful time (well not all of it) but it has been very busy. Going here, being there, seeing them, helping her, calling him, yada yada yada. So in that busy time, especially this last week, I hadn't taken many pictures of Murphy and the times when I needed to- like when he got into the faux moss at the base of a tree and dragged it all out into the living room or when he would go into our closet and drag out my shoes one at a time- I wasn't thinking about taking a picture I was thinking about teaching a lesson.

However we have had a major growth spurt... Murphy's ears are getting to be huge and because they are not proportionate to his head they easily get flipped inside out. The first time I saw this I took a picture with my Blackberry and when he was sleeping the other day I took these two pictures. We're not sure if he realizes they are like this or if he does realize but doesn't care... that's totally Murph.

He is so cute sleeping, and still cute when he is awake but if you wake him up or disturb him from his rest he snorts like a little piglet! Notice the ear!

This was a few minutes later when he woke up, that ear is still flipped out! But so cute!!

And if you can't tell already by the scenery around him during most of these pictures he loves our mud room area with the cool tile floor. In this picture he couldn't decide whether to chew on the carpet we have down as a rug or my flip flops... did I tell you he ate through a pair of those cheapy Old Navy ones!

I'll take more pictures this weekend as we venture out. I'm debating on bringing him to the farmers market on Saturday for a little Socialization Field Trip.

Murphy's Manic Monday's

2008-09-08T08:37:00.002-04:00

I love the 80's! So in true 80's child fashion, Murphy's weekly blog is inspired by his not-so-calm demeanor at 7:00 in the morning and a great 80's girl band, The Bangles.

I made a promise to blog about him every week so here we go! Welcome to MurphyLand!!

Last week I caught this picture of our little guy just waking up. The look on his face is priceless, "come on mom, are you taking another picture?"

For a brief instant last night we had a rainbow after a quick shower. There wasn't an end to the rainbow but if there would have been I think we could have seen the pot of gold.

Kyle was outside checking some mortar he set yesterday and the little mountain lion decided to attack his hat while scaling the rock ledge. I must say Murph has good taste- get that Spartan!

After rock climbing he decided to take a break for a minute and he let me get really close with a camera. Normally when I get this close he jumps up to play tug with my camera strap. You can really see how much he's growing compared to when he first came home.

Shortly after his little portrait session he went nuts and decided to pounce on Kyle. Murph may look little but he's quite fast- watch out for those fingers!!

We have lots of day lilies around the house and for some reason Murphy loves the flowers and the seed pods that are left after they bloom. He'll sneak up real quite and then jump on them. We've lost a few blossoms but this little Simba thinks he's the king of the garden jungle!

I thought the garden ambush was cute but Kyle not so much. Poor Murphy got in trouble.

... stay tuned for more of Murphy's Manic Monday's!!

Designing Graphically

2008-09-07T12:54:00.007-04:00

For Nick and Mel's wedding I had a blast graphic designing their wedding stationary- escort cards, table names, wedding program and menu cards. There is this creepy sort of feeling that I get when I see how all the little details intertwine to compliment the vision as a whole. Even though I did not design their invite it was the muse, along with Melissa, for the rest of the ensemble.

I can't tell you how much I love iStock photo. Okay, I can, but it may be creepy too! I've learned that you can find almost anything on that site, especially vector images that are all completed and royalty free. (In other words it may take me a little time to locate just exactly what I am looking for but it can save oodles of time compared to creating the file.) With that last statement in mind, trying to find just the right graphic for the Erikson's was a gong show. Almost 8 hours into my search over multiple days I finally found it... should I have known how long this would have taken me I would have created the file but oh well.

So back to the point of this entry... once I found the graphic I fell in love with the typeface Helinda Rook. Since my early scrapbooking days fonts have been a passion and combined with the right weight, kerning and size you can work magic. When you pair Helinda with Garamond (my favorite font in the world) it's like a childrens choir singing at St. Paul's cathedral in London... too carried away? Sorry! But Mel and Nick chose Futura for their invite and that sick feeling I have told me to "make it work." Thus their wedding monogram/logo was developed and Futura is now a close second to Garamond.

Once the graphic and fonts were chosen I had to develop colors and layout. This is where my fun truly begins. I'm all for traditional engraving and black ink but why not throw a splash of color and offset the centered? Now I've never had any formal training, unless you count the hours I've watched my dad and now my husband create, so be kind. However as my first truly custom design for ADIM clients I was exceptionally pleased. Enjoy!!

This is the cover to the program. The programs themselves were printed on a Natural VIA paper with smooth texture and they were bound in the upper left corner with varied ribbons.

The them if you will was a vintage romance which you will see in the photos Jen took on her blog and the floral silhouette provided just enough femininity for the bold monogram.

The first page of the program was an invitation to the guests and throughout the program the floral motif was used in various locations, sizes and rotations to carry the theme through. Even though I believe design elements should be carried through all pieces the floral graphic was different. A marriage ceremony is sacred and personal. I did not use the floral graphic anywhere else in order to signify the importance of the ceremony and how honored we were to be invited as witnessed to Nick and Melissa's love and commitment to one another.

On the wedding invitation, bachelorette party invite, wedding cake, pie stands and menu card was a polka dot theme in chocolate brown. I loved the simplicity of the design and how sophisticated it was.

For the table names and escort cards Mel and Nick came up with important locations/memories to them with a story and photo. Each table card was 8x8 and spray mounted to foam core with a green stock background and were rested on glossy chocolate brown table easles. Each image was printed on glossy photo paper and sprayed to withstand humidity.

The escort cards coordinated to the tables and guests were allowed to choose their individual seats. The table cards were a great way for Nick and Mel to tell parts of their story to their guests and tied into the vintage theme excellently.

The Newlyweds

2008-09-05T13:25:00.002-04:00

Here they are... the new Mr. & Mrs. Nick and Melissa Erikson!

Thanks to Jen Kroll for the amazing portrait and stay tuned for more!!

He's getting so big!

2008-09-02T10:47:00.005-04:00

As promised I'd continue to share Murphy's adventures with you all. He's now been with us for just over two weeks and today he is ten weeks old. He's eating much more and learning to clean his plate and that when we go outside in the early morning it's for potty only- not play!

Even though I will be traveling a just two days this week it's still hard leaving him behind.

The next few posts will be about Melissa's fabulous wedding weekend. But here is Murphy with his girlfriend Lola (Christina's new pug) playing like crazy!

This is Murphy with the stuffed Murphy puppy Christina gave me for Christmas last year to hold me over until the real Murphy arrived!

Murph giving dad kisses and biting his nose!

He's finding new hiding places. This time the laundry room in between the hanging rack, plastic container and steamer.

And here is the little yoda waking up from his nap :)

Nichols-Howe Wedding

2008-08-27T07:39:00.004-04:00

On August 23rd I had the pleasure of assisting Laura Nichols and Michael Howe with the final details of their wedding. Laura and I began working together back in July to help with some design and planning concepts and I think they all turned out smashingly! Here are just a couple photos of the day. When I have more from the photographer I'll post them!

Congratulations Laura and Mike! You were both great to work with and I wish you all the best!

Since the bride is from Traverse City, chocolate covered cherries were the perfect wedding favor.

One of her two styles of centerpieces from Flowers by Marla Courtney Woods.

The second centerpiece- simply elegant with the painted granite rocks from Whitefish Point on Lake Superior.

And the cake, picture perfect by the window.

Reception: The Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor
Flowers: Flowers by Marla Courtney Woods
Entertainment: Mac Daddy
Cake: Robin Smith

Here's Murphy!

2008-08-24T12:00:00.006-04:00

I couldn't keep it a secret any longer. Please welcome our newest addition to the Caldecott house, Murphy our 8 week old golden retriever!!

I was trying to hold out until guests started to arrive for Melissa's wedding but he's growing so much and he changes every single day. Murphy was born on July 1st and was welcomed into the world with 4 other brothers and 2 sisters. And by a promise made by my husband, Chris and Tina you can vouch to that conversation at our condo in Colorado, I could have a "Golden on my Golden Birthday." Thus, Murph is here :)

These are a few pictures of him since he came home. He successfully has multiple nicknames already the most commonly used is Murphenstein then Murphffles, Murphenshiz, Small Fry and Superman. The last name is because he already loves to leap off our bed which is quite a drop for someone that small.

The house looks slightly like a miniature prison but each day he is better and better with behavior. His favorite tug is still mom's ponytail! In honor of our new baby I'll feature a post a week, or many more :), on Murph and his adventures. He is very excited to meet his friends Gus and Moose and to play more with Isabelle and Lola. And he loves his playdates with his cousin Hudson and Uncle Cayman at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Day one sleeping in the hallway.

Day two playing in the backyard.

Day three checking out the garden, which he loves, especially the tomato plants.

Day four sleeping upside down.

Day five mom was traveling and didn't take a picture, bad mom!

Day six taking a break from eating mom's shoes to check out her camera that's been in his face all week.

Day seven posing with mom who was squinting in the sun

So there he is everyone, our newest love Murphy.

Shhh!

2008-08-17T13:24:00.002-04:00

I have a secret and I can't tell you just yet... but when I do, watch out!!

We live in paradise

2008-08-13T21:27:00.002-04:00

You'd think I'd have more "free time" not working at the course in the summer right? Absolutely not! My office is at home therefore my home is my office thus working is continuous. Oh no, don't think I am complaining for one moment... you will know why sooner than later!! (I am a great surprise maker and secret keeper, hehe)

This has been just as, if not a busier summer for Kyle so one weekend morning we decided to make a day out of enjoying God's playground, a summer vacationers haven, our home.

The Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore has some of the most picturesque coastline I've ever seen, and trust me I've seen my fair share. From California, to Hawaii, BWI, USVI, Cote d' Azur and the Liguria coast... Sleeping Bear is just as magnificent in it's own right. So we headed to one of our favorite spots, North Bar Lake. In high school this was the place to beach it- you could run from the sand dunes down to the shore, jump on a trampoline and dive into the water because the shoreline fell away 6 feet into the water! Now there are ropes and posts protecting the dunes but I will never forget the time I slipped on the trampoline face planting into the sand!

It was a perfect, I mean perfect summer day. Great breeze, comfortable air and water temperature and not too much traffic earlier in the afternoon.

Don't you love the pretty signs... please tell me... how do you "preserve" dunes?

North Bar Lake.

The little creek bed connecting Lake Michigan to North Bar... great for skim boarding.

US Coast Guard patrolling the lake shore.

Dune grass is so beautiful!

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore.

I swear I didn't edit this photo... natural beauty at it's finest!

I love the look of this shot with the beach umbrellas.

Kyle enjoying some reading and relaxing... this was a great day!

Where did summer go?

2008-08-10T19:31:00.006-04:00

To make up for my lack of posting recently I've got some great images to post from "July" that are completely blog worthy! Enjoy these snapshots and the stories with them!!

These stargazer lily's were a Mother's Day gift for mom that were absolutely stunning. The intensity of color was just breathtaking.

Following Melissa's wild bachelorette party at Polka Fest we headed to Linda Dornbusch's house the next morning for a beautiful shower. Here's Melissa with Christina who was crowned the winner of the Toilet Paper bride contest and a picture of Christina's design team!
From LtoR: Sarah Cahill, Christina Mazzola, Carrie Calcutt, Libby Godwin, Karla Krause, Keri Firek, Jamie Foster and me.

What would the National Cherry Festival be without the insanely talented Blue Angels?! Try watching them from a boat on West Grand Traverse Bay. When then fly right over your head you can feel your sternum vibrate and a HUGE rush of adrenaline. As Christina would say... well nevermind... I can't say that online, hehe! Let's just say these are the best of the best.

Walloon Lake is northern Michigan's best kept secret and my second favorite lake. Our adorable nephew Dylan whom calls me "Bish" was trying to smile but had to squint because the sun was in his eyes. Oh yes, he melts my heart!

Another "adorable" nephew (he'd kill me for saying this) Cameron, Dylan's big brother, show's all the guys how to wake surf... he makes it look so easy. He went from surfing to knee boarding the blink of an eye!

And yet another adorable nephew Simon celebrating his first birthday and enjoying his dessert like a true Caldecott/Hornak! How cute is this... a mess only an aunt would love!

Tina and I enjoying the sun, water and time together... we don't get much of it but when we do we know how to make the best of it right girl!?

Set the world on fire

2008-08-10T13:40:00.004-04:00

Kyle and I have been attending Bay Pointe Community Church for almost two years and this past spring when my career path changed I was able to serve on our programming team. Our worship leader, Joe Horness gave a great message this morning on walking in step with the Holy Spirit and what that means in his life and in our own lives.

This week I have danced, walked, ran away from and embraced the Holy Spirit. There has been loss, grief, rejoicing, happiness, nervousness, excitment and joy. And this morning I said a simple prayer... "Lord be with me this morning as I direct this service in your name, I've had a lot on my mind and plate lately and I need your help."

I gave my heart to God shortly after I met Kyle and ever since then I am constantly amazed by the blessings he has given me and my family. Not a day goes by where my heart isn't touched by His grace. Now back to the prayer- here comes the funny part of my relationship with the Big Man upstairs. I listened for a response and before I knew it for some reason I was singing the bridge from Chris Brown's Forever, "I won't let you fall, I won't let you fall, let you fall..."

So right there, my prayer was answered! He knows that I love music and that I've let go many a times to this song with my wooden spoon and dishtowel... you all remember that post!

At BP, we had great rehearsals with one more to run before 8:30. It was a song from our student ministry group that just returned from South Africa. I don't know if the song will be on the podcast (visit itunes, search Bay Pointe Community, and subscribe for free to the teachings each week) but I am going to try and get a clip for you. It was an incredible piece. It was raw, it was real and it was God's children worshiping their hearts out- way to go!

So back to the Holy Spirit... set the world on fire with your love, your patience and your kindness. You will dance, you will fall but when you do His arms will be there to welcome you home.

One World

2008-08-08T20:54:00.003-04:00

Few and far between, and extremely rare, are the moments where the world becomes one and tonight it was truly awe inspiring to witness just that... on a sixteen hour time delay!

08-08-08 marked the opening of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Kyle, Dad and I watched the opening ceremony in awe of the technology, cost, creativity and human spirit this country of 1.4 billion exhibited. Without Matt Lauer as our commentator we all would be slightly confused as to what we were watching, nonetheless it was amazing.

There has been such controversy over these games and I hope tonight helps those who questioned the Chinese judgment- the true spirit of China was present this evening. With the help from over 15,000 performers, tonight's opening ceremonies was the most magnificent I've witnessed. I cannot wait to see more from China during the next 18 days. Below are a few of my favorite moments from tonight taken from publications around the world.

Go Team USA! GO WORLD!!

Quite the woman

2008-08-08T14:36:00.003-04:00

Earlier this year, as ADIM was still finding it's breath I was introduced to a remarkable event planner by the name of Jodi Bos. Jodi owns In Any Event and is an extremely talented designer and special events planner through out the Grand Rapids area. (Please visit her site to see the amazing events she has done in the past!)

We both have a mutual friend, Jen Kroll, who helped introduce the two of us and our first conversation I wanted to thank Jodi for some great words of encouragement and guidance in getting ADIM off the ground. There is always a little controversy when there is a "new kid on the block" and Jodi was so great in offering her advice as a mentor and a friend. As I told Jodi, and everyone else, ADIM officially started (I mean getting paid for what I do instead of just doing it!) when God opened one door in our lives and closed another.

This past year has been one of the most rewarding, yet challenging times in my life. So thank you to Jen for introducing us and thanks again to Jodi for her amazing talents and growing friendship- I hope you see you ladies soon!

Jodi Bos of In Any Event, photo by Jen Kroll of Jen Kroll Photography

My favorite DIY Store

2008-08-07T15:21:00.004-04:00

Quite possibly my favorite DIY website and store ever is Paper Source. Not only do they have the greatest selection of affordable paper products but they offer beautiful letterpress (my personal favorite), great gift ideas and everything you could possibly need for creating a one of a kind event!

I stumbled upon them a couple years ago when I began to plan our wedding. I never knew I had such a love for paper and stationary until I started searching for the perfect wedding invitation. Unfortunately there is no PS store in Michigan but their headquarters is conveniently located in Chicago... their store on Chicago Avenue is a must go to for paper lovers a like.

For a great way to jazz up your paper products check out their adorable rubber stamp collection. They have a stamp for every occasion. For a great gift/card pick up a PS stamp, Colorbok ink, embossing powder and PS paper* and let your creativity run wild!

* You can find all those supplies and more at www.paper-source.com

This was our rehearsal dinner invite that was created exclusively with Paper Source products and the design talents of yours truly!

Lija Sales Meeting

2008-07-23T19:58:00.005-04:00

This spring I was given an amazing opportunity to work in sales with a company called Lija. They are a women's clothing line which specializes in fashionable and functional golf, active, leisure and tennis wear. Here's a few pictures from our amazing trip to Whistler B.C. and as soon as I get my samples steamed I'll give you the first sneak peaks of the Spring 09' collections!

The ferry from Vancouver to Victoria across Howe Sound.

The sign outside the pub we ate at in Squamish on our way to Whistler... apparently I didn't have such good karma, I got food poisoning from the clam chowder there, ew.

Whislter Village with a view of Blackcomb.

Laura and I representing Minnesota and Michigan plus UM at the pub.

The Inukshuk at mid peak of Whistler Mountain. The symbol for the 2010 Olympics plus it was an ancient trail marker used by the Eskimos.

Our Lija hiking crew. From Left to Right: Lori, Patrice, Tammy, Shannon, Dwayne, Kelly, Candice, Michelle, Judy, Deb, Alicia (me) & Sue.

500 feet from the summit with a view of the Garabaldi Range.

Black Tusk, Mount Garabaldi and the start of the Tantalus Range.

I was in heaven... and I am not superimposed.

On the summit of Whistler Mountain with Whistler Village below.

Thanks to everyone for a great trip and good luck this season!!

Photo shoot

2008-07-08T21:07:00.005-04:00

Last week I had the pleasure of taking engagement photos for my dear friends Lindsey and Nick who are getting married next June. We had an absolutely gorgeous day- unfortunately all the light was a bit of a challenge but the editing came out nice. I am still working out the kinks in the camera, I am not used to shooting living subjects! Here is a snapshot of some of my favorite shots. Thanks Nick for putting up with Linds and I and thanks to the both of you for letting me snap these important pictures!

For the waterfront pictures we had to compete with the Blue Angels who were in town for the National Cherry Festival.

I really liked the vintage look that I was able to create during editing, very soft and romantic. (Nick could kill me for saying that!)

A goofy shot at the State Hospital- the only crazies were these two!

All the elements were in our favor here... Linds didn't even smile, stern face!

Urban shot in Traverse City. Who knew!

Down by the waterfront on the Boardman River.

Walking through Brys Estate on Old Mission Peninsula.

My favorite portrait shot. These two are going to have the cutest kids!

Independence Day

2008-07-04T22:57:00.003-04:00

Happy Fourth of July and Happy Birthday to the good ole' USA!

Mariani Wedding

2008-06-29T19:42:00.005-04:00

It was a beautiful Saturday that was threatened with showers and high winds yet somehow the storm circled around us, blessed us with sunshine and graced us with a rainbow... beginning to end. In March Roseann Hoffman, the mother of the bride, contacted me regarding her daughter Kristi's wedding. We hit it off immediately and for the past three months we've developed a friendship and design for the wedding their family would never forget. I met the bride and groom on their wedding day- no pressure right! Delicate, feminine touches were the focus for this June wedding with shabby chic details oozing all the way to the cucumber wrapped salad in soft green hues to the crystal details on name cards and HUGE peony blossoms. (Hmmm I just did a post on those didn't I?!?)

It was a huge success and a wonderful evening. I can't begin to say enough about the love and life that was carrying on in that barn! Thank you Rose and Tom for allowing me to be a part of your daughter's special day. It was such a privilege to breath life into your vision and anytime you need an event planner in Chicago you just let me know, I do travel! And congratulations to Paul & Kristi, the new Mr. & Mrs. Mariani!

For more images please visit A Day in May.

The centerpieces were beautiful peony blossoms in pinks and whites.

The hand lettered calligraphy on the escort cards was stunning.

What a gorgeous cake. We had to cut it earlier in the reception because the bavarian mousse wasn't too fond of the humidity and warm weather.

The chandelier was draped in crystals and cherry blossoms.

The empty room was transformed into a beautiful, warm and inviting space.

Location: Crooked Creek Ranch
Caterer: Epicure Catering
Florist: Field of Flowers
Entertainment: 56 Daze
Photographer: Joana Kaylene Photography
Transportation: New York Luxury Limo, Celtic Tours & Northwest Travel
Linens: BBJ
Rental Company: American Rentals

Favorite Flower

2008-06-25T20:46:00.003-04:00

With summer finally here, my favorite flower is blooming in our garden. The peony. These flowers are simply stunning and are perfect as a single bloom or a cluster in a simple vase. Yeah summer!

Caitlin & Cam's picture perfect day

2008-06-20T09:40:00.010-04:00

Last week I had the pleasure of working with an amazing couple- Cam and Caitlin Brensinger and helped organize their wedding day at Crooked Creek Ranch on Lake Leelanau. The beautiful couple had about 70 guests from all over the country/world join them in celebrating their marriage. Aside from the chaos of the week and the bumps in the road, the skies parted and heavens shown down on them- their wedding day was literally picture perfect.

The following pictures were so kindly supplied by local photographer Tom Kachadurian. For more images click on this link.

Thank you Cam & Caitlin for letting me share your wedding day with you, I am honored to have helped bring all your details and design elements together. Your families and friends are truly one of a kind and I am looking forward to visiting Boston this fall!

The groom and groomsman sunning at the beach bar before the ceremony.

Chandelier decorations, very simple with a touch of class.

The BEAUTIFUL bride. She was an absolute vision in her custom tailored Anne Barge gown.

They were supposed to be straight faced, haha!

Cam's grandfather, Arnold Hanson who is 84, performed their very personal and very moving ceremony. The groom and his men all donned cowboy hats and upon entering the ceremony took them off to pay honor... or as Cam put it, "the way cowboys did when then entered a saloon." You got it!

The wedding party. From left to right: Evelyn, Scott, Ashley, Andrew, Lindsey, Justin, Caitlin, Cam, Lisa & Barry.

Cutting the cake! I love this candid shot!

The band was great, as you can tell!

The newlyweds, Mr. & Mrs. Cam and Caitlin Brensinger, June 14th, 2008.

Photographer: Tom Kachadurian
Caterer: Catering By Kelly's
Floral Decor: Marla Courtney Woods
Linens: Cloth Connection
Entertainment: Eminence, JR Productions
Rental Company: American Rentals
Location: Crooked Creek Ranch

IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!

2008-06-20T09:37:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone!

I am extremely thrilled and so excited to announce the official opening of A Day in May, Event Planning & Design! Our new site went up yesterday and we are thrilled at the compliments and positive feedback.

Please visit us at A Day in May and we look forward to working with you soon!

Wedding season

2008-06-09T16:47:00.003-04:00

This past weekend Kyle and I were in East Lansing for one of his good friends weddings at Michigan State. We had a great time and they threw a great party! I've always been more in tune to the details of events but being an "event planner and designer" I feel like I've turned that up a notch. One of my favorite details from their day was their escort cards. They were made to look like tickets to a Spartans basketball game where Dan and Tiffany first met- adorable!

Here are a few highlights from the weekend, stay tuned for this weekends event- Cam & Caitlin's wedding!

The cake was delicious!

This little one wanted to dance with somebody!

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Stuart!

Last signs of spring

2008-06-06T15:58:00.002-04:00

Can you guess what these are?

If you don't know then I am not going to tell you! But if you do know, they are best prepared pan coated in butter with salt and pepper. Let them brown before eating them and make sure you give them a GOOD soak in salt water! Enjoy

Oops, someone did it again...

2008-06-05T21:14:00.003-04:00

There are some things in life that women, and other men, don't touch. More specifically, there are some things you don't touch that belong to men... one of those is their vehicle. In Kyle's case it's his truck and people have "touched" it twice.

Yesterday morning Kyle's not so brand-new truck got hit again. The first time was very innocent and a complete accident- and minimal damage. This time was quite different. If I told you the whole story you wouldn't believe me and probably stone the individual who did it. Then to have this person say it's not their fault! Here's some of the images from the incident. Thank goodness it wasn't me who hit it and that no one was hurt!

Poor baby!

Aside from all the bug guts you can't really see the crunch marks but they are there... all $3K of them!

Last time I checked the hood wasn't supposed to ripple.

Or not close!

He's taking the lose incredibly well... not!

My risky business!

2008-05-30T16:29:00.001-04:00

How can you not love Janet Jackson...

Caught red handed!

2008-05-30T16:13:00.004-04:00

Okay, I am going a little personal here but I thought you all would appreciate it. And, I didn't even plan this with Tom Cruise's 25th Anniversary edition.

Lately while I have been working (from home in my "home office", aka. my kitchen) I've had the stereo on. Normally when I work I enjoy quite but we have construction on three of the four sides of our house and the sounds of saws, hammers and heavy equipment can be slightly distracting. Thus came the stereo.

Well last night I took my love of music to the next level, hehe. I was making dinner before Kyle came home and had my computer speakers turned way up to some totally girly music- Janet is a hero (Mel and Tina can attest!) helping me wind down from all the e-mails. Anyways, to make a long an embarrassing story short I was dancing around our kitchen like a five year old. Singing loud, using my tongs as a microphone and the kitchen towel as a prop. As I was twirling, yes you heard me right, twirling, I caught him out of the corner of my eye. The irrigation guy at our new neighbors home saw me. I saw him. We made eye contact and I just started laughing!

At this point I couldn't pretend it didn't happen so I just turned up the music louder and kept on going! One quick note... I was wearing more than just a button up and briefs!

Memorial Day weekend

2008-05-27T14:37:00.003-04:00

I couldn't believe it... yesterday was gorgeous here, sunny, warm and wow! It was awesome, then around 5:30pm or so the temperature dropped and this morning it was a balmy 38 degrees when I left the house!

Well enough of my indirect complaining this was a great weekend. My aunt and papa (grandfather to those who don't know the lingo) came up for a visit. We ate, laughed and worked our tails off! Our lawn and gardens are finally taking shape and they look great!

This weekend we also celebrated my dad's birthday again with a few "larger" gifts from everyone. Like his 350 lb. table saw that was kept in our garage for two weeks!

Andrew, Kyle, Dad and Aunt Sue opening his surprise!

I also went to watch my dearest Tina and her hubby run the half marathon at the Bayshore this past weekend. They finished in under 2 hours and Tina demonstrated the latest in running fashion... we thought she looking like something else!

The Mazzolas!

Tina's _ _ _ _ _ outfit! :)

Lastly, with the sunshine and warm(er) temperatures we picked some of my second favorite flowers- lily of the valley. (FYI, my favorite flower is the Peony, more particular the Sarah Bernhardt variety.) They conveniently grow in my parents back yard as well as between their home and our neighbors. If someone could actually mimic the scent of these tiny little blossoms that would be great... so far all the scents I have smelled are hardly like the real ones!

Lily of the Valley

Okay, it's off to run errands and get my house back in order! Have a great day!

Spring Drive

2008-05-14T12:11:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I took a drive up the Old Mission Peninsula with my dad to take some pictures of the beautiful cherry blossoms. They aren't quite at their peak yet but here is a sneak peak of all the beauty that we have up here!

(p.s. SHHHHH! It's Dad's 50th today so make sure to give him a big birthday shout out!)

These blossoms were on Kroupa Road on Old Mission. This image has definitely been PS'd (photoshopp-ed for you non-editing people) but I love the delicate blossoms and the way they cluster together. Plus I was playing around with different techniques!

We stopped near another orchard by the Peninsula Grill on Center Road and I loved the contrast between the yellow ground cover and the white blossoms. This orchard smelled like heaven!

I've always loved magnolia blossoms. They are so dramatic yet so fragile at the same time. If you barely breath on them their petals brown. I just so happened to catch this great light streaming through the branches.

Here's that same magnolia tree in all it's glory. I loved the way the petals were just translucent enough to let light come in and the contrast between them and the dark espresso brown branches. Where the blossoms and the sky met they almost melted together.

Festival of Tables

2008-05-12T19:01:00.007-04:00

Over the weekend I assisted Wine Country Weddings and Events in creating two distinct and unique table designs for the 7th Annual Festival of Tables benefiting Child and Family Services of Northern Michigan.

Not only was this my first design and table particularly for the Festival, however our table for the Crooked Creek Ranch took first place! Overall there were 42 tables and three different categories for judging- Individual design, Small Group and Non-profit. Here are some samples of the "Mother Nature" table we created and designed for the Ranch and the "Bubbles" table for the Vineyard Inn. Enjoy!

This is the Mother Nature table with our first place ribbon!

For the linens we used jute and an antique crocheted overlay covered with moss.

Table settings were acacia wood chargers with green earthenware. Serving ware were recyclable wood utensils tied with twine, menu cards were printed on thin sheets of wood. Stemware were green goblets complete with green stems.

The ornamental apple tree was the focal point of the table light with small decorator lights and accented with cabbage roses wrapped in moss.

Flowers were provided by Marla Courtney Woods and consisted of white peonies, kale and cabbage roses- green, white and very natural!

This is the Vineyard Inn Table, Bubbles!

Inside the large champagne coupes we had colorful gems- baubles and bubbles!

The centerpiece was a tall champagne flute filled with a beautiful arrangement of white peonies, kale and cabbage roses accented with grapes.

The gold chargers tied in the bronze embroidered overlay with silk crepe linen. They were accented by gilded grapes and gold napkins.

Special day for special women

2008-05-11T15:18:00.003-04:00

For all the Mom's out there, especially my own, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! With all the hustle and bustle we have in our lives it is so nice to stop and pause to thank these incredible women. I am just as guilty as the rest of us for not telling our moms how much they mean to us, however take time today to let them know!

Thank you Mom for being an incredibly strong woman. Strong in love, in faith and in family! It took me a long time to realize that you are always right and I'm glad I figured it out sooner than way later! You are such an inspiration and I wish you a day of peace and relaxation! I love you. love, me xoxo

(While I was out walking around the Traverse City State Hospital grounds yesterday thinking about how special of a weekend this is for our family and many others I took this picture. Thanks Mom for teaching me to find beauty and wonder in the most unique places!)

Line study

2008-05-10T10:54:00.005-04:00

The last time I really "played" with my camera was when we were in Colorado... it's been a while! The other day I had an hour or so to fool around downtown and I headed to the pier. I was adjusting different light settings and modes along with trying to channel the spirits of the great photographers and focus on what I was seeing through my lens! Here's a sample of my little photo shoot!

I started with the rocks and boulders around the break wall.

For this shot I was playing around with my aperture, looks like it was a little over exposed!

The water inside the harbor was calm and the "Outrageous"-ness of it made for an interesting shot. (The sailboat's name is Outrageous.)

The water was so blue and inviting... but so cold! There's Power Island.

On my way back to the parking lot I turned around and took this picture... pretty need texture and imagery, lots of linear design here!

Somewhere in between...

2008-05-08T20:22:00.004-04:00

This week has been the busiest weeks of my spring. I've become pretty good at balancing the five different activities/jobs I've got going and I think it's helped lead me to a realization. One that I was in dire need of. About a month ago Kyle and I had a fairly large discussion about how anal I am with the caring of our home. I would make sure that no dishes were ever left in sink, the counters were always clean and clutter was absent... non existent... zilp... zich... nada! I was taking time away from us and from the important things in life to clean! Who does that?

How could something so simple as being "too busy to care" really help me not be so anal? Well it's not that I don't care, it's simply that there are more important things to take care of. After a long day of "work" instead of sweating how clean or tidy the house is Kyle and I enjoy our evenings together. Instead of thinking, "I should have the dished started and the laundry folded," I'll get to it when I get to it. Plus my office isn't finished yet and where else am I going to nurture this new company? (Maybe my dad would rent me a space in his studio!)

Some of you might be thinking eww, does she even clean? Yes, yes of course. If you haven't met my Mom I could see one asking this question. But for those of you who've come to know and love Gail, know me better than to ask such a silly question like that!

So with all the hustle and bustle, coming and going and lack of storage/space I've adapted. I can't take full credit... He's got a lot to do with it!

Now here's what our counter looks like! Pay attention to the toothbrush that's on the counter and last night's Red Mesa container!

Anthropologie

2008-05-04T15:06:00.002-04:00

For those of you not familiar with the above I am not referencing a branch of history which studies the art, kinship and practices of man... on no... I am referring to the fabulous clothing store that's simply amazing! Yes, I must say that just starting a company is not conducive to such luxury but I can still drool over to-die-for cloths! This is the first catalog, aside from JCrew, where I can say without a doubt, I would order every single item if I could... especially the strapless green dress inside the front cover. He he!

And, just for that little extra (which they do so well) there are quotations from famous novels in a segment of the catalog. I thought I'd share one with you not only because the editors of this marketing piece liked it, but it also happens to be a great love story about the destructive powers of romance. Not to mention, it is such a fitting line for the coming of summer and the arrival of the warm tranquil breezes I've come to love so very much.

"I lingered round them, under that benign sky; watched the moths fluttering among the heath and hare-bells; listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass; and wondered how anyone could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth."

If you'd like to know the novel click here!

Busy as a bee!

2008-04-29T22:26:00.002-04:00

What a busy week this has been and I feel like I haven't gotten anything accomplished... anyone else ever feel that way. I've been working my upcoming website and having a horribly hard time describing myself. It is quite possibly the most difficult thing yet that I've done for ADIM. Wish me luck and hopefully the next post will be the announcement of a live website!

I love comfort food!

2008-04-27T15:14:00.003-04:00

According to my last post we were supposed to get a bunch of yard work done yesterday. That didn't happen one bit! After the golf lesson I had with the adorable Amanda who is seven at 9:00 in the morning in 40 degree weather at the Grand Traverse Resort, I refused to be outside any longer than needed. 40 degrees doesn't feel like 40 degrees when you have wind gusting up to 30 miles an hour! So instead we got some errands rounded up and made a great dinner for the family.

Here is a great recipe for scalloped potatoes that I doctored up to fit the chilly weather. We served these potatoes with roasted pork loin, fresh asparagus and apple dumplings! YummY!

Alicia's "Stick-on-your-rib" Scalloped Potatoes

3 lbs Russet Potatoes
3 cups freshly grated Gouda
2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan
6 slices Provolone
3 tbs flour
4 gloves garlic, minced
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 cup reduced fat milk
1 cup sour cream
2 tsp fresh Thyme
Salt
Pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. (Sorry Mel, I don't have the altitude conversion... just wing it!) Clean, peel and thinly slice potatoes (1/4 inch or less- if you have a mandoline even better), place on paper towels to reduce moisture. Combine sour cream and milk, mix well. Grease a 13"x9" baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange potato layer in bottom of the dish slightly overlapping ends. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, 1 tbs flour, 1/3 of the minced garlic, 1/3 cup onion, 1 cup Gouda and pour 1/3 of the sour cream/milk mixture over slices. Repeat this two more times till all onion, garlic, Gouda and sour cream/milk are gone. After final potato layer salt and pepper, then Thyme and place sliced Provolone on top. Cover with aluminum foil- make sure to grease foil, you don't want that great cheese stuck to it do you? Cook for 45 minutes covered then uncover, top with Parmesan and continue baking for another 45 minutes to hour. (Cooking times may very depending on thickness of potato slices.) Once done... ENJOY!

I've recalled the recipe from memory, I hope it's right! Here's a picture of Cayman that I took while he was waiting patiently for his taste of the potatoes.

(To get him to sit there I held his sample on a fork above my head... he's a little food crazy like me! I love it!!)

Spring = Yard Work

2008-04-25T16:04:00.003-04:00

Since we're in the mind set of spring and renewal I wanted to share with you the exciting arrival of our 18 yards of mulch yesterday Kyle brought home from the nursery. Check out the large dumptruck and Kyle in action... yes folks he does do lots of manual labor AND is a computer whiz! I married the offspring of Bob Villa and Bill Gates!

Tomorrow we finish the weeding in the yard, raking the giant rocks out of the garden beds, spread the top soil, go play golf, fix the downspouts off the porch and make dinner for everyone! I wouldn't have it any other way!

Spring or Summer

2008-04-22T08:47:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure what the weather has been like for you all but up here we've gone straight from winter to summer! Yesterday I put on my swim suit top and a pair of shorts, grabbed a great book and read outside for a half and hour in the 73 degree sunshine. It was heavenly!

Unlike many Northern Michigan residents Kyle and I enjoy the snow and winter activities or lack of activities. But sometime in February or March when the snow just keeps coming and you haven't seen the sun in, well, I don't know, seven days... you get a little itch for that "big ball of burning gas billions of miles away."

So here's to some warmer weather, blue skies and green grass! And whether we have a Spring or go straight to Summer, this Traverse City-ian is thrilled about it!

A Quick Trip

2008-04-18T15:59:00.006-04:00

There are two great things about being self employed.

1) I am my own boss.
2) I set my own hours.

On Wednesday I exercised my boss like powers and took off to Ann Arbor to catch up with some girlfriends just like old times and at our old stomping ground, except now three of us are married and the other engaged!

I've known Christina since eighth grade and we've been best friends since ninth grade... that means we've been sharing clothes, oogling over boys and feeding our faces together for over eleven years. Aside from junior high and high school we lived together all four years at Michigan and are closer than ever. Our freshman year at Michigan (we also lived with Melissa and I've known her since seventh grade!) we met some girls from Saline, Lindsey Wurtzel and Allison (Kraeger) Fox.

Tina and I on spring break in 2003 in the Bahamas.

I wish I could say we all met through class or the dorms but no... that credit must be given to the Michigan Hockey team, more particularly those members in our freshman class. (This is another post for another day!) As they say, boys come and go but friends stay, and stay we have. For seven years the four of us have had some crazy adventures together!

Ali and I met on Woodlawn Avenue and thank God for second chances because the first meeting didn't go so well! Since then we've ate numerous boxes of cookies, watched hours of Oprah and shared our hopes and dreams. Ali and her hubby Jake, who plays baseball for the Iowa Cubs, spend most of their year in Arizona and since she drove home last week it was a great reason to take a trip back to A-squared. (For those of you not familiar with Michigan terminology, this means Ann Arbor!)

Ali and I working together for the Michigan football team in 2004, eat your hearts out Michigan fans!

Lindsey and I were introduced a couple times before we became friends but as contagious as her smile, so was her warm heart and unfailing friendship. After graduating in 2005 before Linds and Tina headed to UM Dental School, the three of us headed to Europe for three weeks. There are too many stories to tell about that trip but let's just say we could have accidentally stolen breakfast from a French hotel while we were there! It was a miracle we didn't end up on Interpol's website!

Lindsey and I at the top of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

So on Wednesday this week we all got together for dinner, drinks and conversation- chatting away and laughing our butts off! Unfortunately I had to head back to reality on Thursday, but not before a great breakfast with Al and lots more chit chatting. As I was driving out of town Thursday morning it hit me. What you ask? How incredibly blessed and fortunate I am to have such amazing friends. Now it's not like this was an "ah-ha" moment or it just "dawned on me out of thin air." I know how amazing these women are and when Kyle and I got married, they were all standing beside me, just as we are were, and will be, for one another.

But that wave of emotion was something that was just too cool to not ignore. As the passing lines on the highway blurred I thanked God for all the amazing women and friends in my life. I cannot count the hours, days or years they have pulled me through tough times, made me pee my pants from laughing so hard or shared countless tears of sorrow and joy. Collectively we've experienced more emotional roller coasters than Tiger Woods has fist pumps!

So Al, Linds and Tina... thanks for a great visit and some amazing memories. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us and the adventures he'll take us on! Where are we all meeting up next time?!?!

... and if you ever forget why I love you all so much, re-read our wedding program! Hehe, that's my heart and soul on paper! Love you, xoxox. Lish

The four of us celebrating Christina's birthday in 2004.

I wouldn't have had this moment any other way.

A Personal Shout Out

2008-04-11T18:58:00.004-04:00

I know I've been absent from the blogsphere and since I was called out on my absence I've dedicated this post to the caller-outer... my dear friend Andy Kay.

It's been almost a decade that Andy and I have been friends. His family moved from Troy to Traverse City when we were in high school. He was the new kid on the block yet he blended well with the TCCHS culture. Even though we were friends in high school it wasn't until I headed to Ann Arbor and Andy to East Lansing that we became closer.

I remember countless conversations our first years of college on how lucky we each were to go to the "better" school and I relished the phone calls every fall after a victory was had! One of my favorite memories was our senior year of college. It was the infamous 2004 Michigan State vs. Michigan triple-overtime football game. Andy, Kyle and my brother were in our living room in Ann Arbor watching the game, cheering on their team from the land of maize and blue. Then the bomb dropped, Braylon Edwards had an amazing catch in the North end-zone of the Big House and the Wolverines defeated the Spartans! Three Spartans, in a Wolverine Den, were licking their wounds... Go Blue!

As time went on and I headed back to TC and Andy has moved from southern Michigan to Denver. When Kyle and I were planning our wedding last year and deciding who we wanted to be included in our special day I knew that Andy had to be a part. So as Kyle and I said our "I do's" Andy was one of our ushers. It was great having him there!

So Andy, since you called me out and I made a promise... thanks for being such a great friend and listening to all my problems, cheering me up and surpassing my injury record! Here's to more memories and laughs, next time wear a wrist guard!

Our Sophomore year of college I went on Andy's date party with him to Windsor... ask him about our bus breaking down on the way there!

Robbie Detwiler, Brent Kratchovil, me and Andy

Where has Alicia been?

2008-04-10T20:24:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! Don't worry, I am alive! I have been MIA from the blogsphere, I completely apologize for my absence. You are all probably wondering where I've been and what in the world I've been up to. In a brief, yet descriptive, narrative I will fill you in...

During and after my last post on Easter I was just overcoming the flu but then developed a horrible case of strep throat and proceeded to live in pain for three more days till I dragged my non-health insurance butt to the doctors. Thankfully my doctor is amazing and gave me some antibiotics and within a couple days I was feeling better. I never thought that your throat could feel that bad!

After the second sickness I was, and still have been, building my empire! Haha, well my business of A Day in May. I was guided to a great website template company called Blu Domain that have awesome templates at great prices= two of my favorite concepts. So for two weeks I've been looking around and scoping out other planners to get ideas and hopefully this coming week I will purchase my site and ADIM will be online! Yippee! To help get recognized I've continued my work with Melissa's Aunt Pam who owns Wine Country Weddings and Events and The Vineyard Inn as their "exclusive event planner." She's been great with helping me tap into the local market.

Alongside ADIM, I've been working again with the Traverse City Junior Golf Association and it's director Bob Lober. I was once a Junior golfer back in the days and Mr. Lober is a huge supporter of golf in the area and making it accessible and affordable for any junior that wants to play the game. This year happens to be the 25th anniversary of the non-profit organization and I am honored to be helping. Carrie Calcutt can attest to all the fun we used to have in junior golf... twizzlers and boys were a great excuse to get up a 5:45am in the summer!

Lastly I have joined Lee Houtteman in teaching golf at the Jim McLean Golf School at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for the summer. (Make sure to check out my bio!) So not only am I seeking new wedding/event clients but I'm building my student base for teaching! I will be the women's and children's instructor for his company and I will be offering group and private lessons. I wanted to pursue a career in the golf industry after spending two summers at Boyne with Jim Flick- a master professional who's taught the likes of Jack "the Bear" Nicklaus and Tom Lehman and roomed with Arnold Palmer at Wake Forest. I am really excited and looking forward to spending more time on the teaching tee this summer!

So yah... I've been busy! Plus I've been helping Malasia plan her wedding, shopping for printers, designing my business cards, sending proposals,taking care of my hubby and getting back in a well needed gym routine. Please accept my apology for being absent and it's nice to be back! Buena sera xoxo

2008-03-23T07:38:00.002-04:00

Colorado or bust!

2008-03-21T22:59:00.008-04:00

After a long awaited break from blogging I've saved the best for all of you... highlights from our fabulous trip out west. Great friends, great scenery and great fun! Enjoy!!

The Best Beer- Johan Bach at The Dam Brewery in Dillon, CO.

The view from our porch in the morning in Silverthorne, CO.

The G's.

The Best Skiing- Keystone Mountain.

The Best Appetizer- Rocky Mountain Blue Balls at Breckenridge Brewery in Breckenridge, CO.

The Best Entree'- Oatmeal Stout Marinated BBQ Ribs at Breckenridge Brewery.

Tina & I with the Crazy Coyote!

Little g and Wannabe Little g.

The Best Chili Bread Bowl- Garfinkles in Vail, CO. (Look at all that cheese!)

The "new" Village People.

The Best Nachos- 9,097 Foot Nachos at Backcountry Brew Co. in Frisco, CO. (They were gone in less than 10 minutes, no joke.)

The Mrs'. on frozen Lake Dillon.

The Mr.'s

Melissa and Karla came up to the mountains to join us for some fun in Breckenridge.

Tina & Karla.

Mel & me.

The Best Crepe'- Crepe's a la carte in Breckenridge, CO. as demonstrated here by Charla.

Red Rocks Amphitheater.

The crew at the Rock.

The Best Restaurant- Lola's in Denver, CO.

... and the perfect ending to a great trip.

Where have I been?

2008-03-20T21:35:00.005-04:00

Well I am sorry that I have been such a horrible blogger. When life throws you a curve ball, it really throws you a curve ball.

While in Colorado I found out that I (along with 39 of my fellow employees) lost my job. The private club I was working at ran out of money (all of a sudden, yah, right) and they shut down everything, laid everyone off the locked the doors. Before the dust had a chance to settle on the reality of the situation I was starting to plan my dream of being a business owner. And now, I can officially say that my dream has become a reality and A Day in May has breathed it's first breath.

I've always been a creative gal playing with my dad's watercolors, stealing his camera an helping my mom stitch hundreds of sequins on my dance costumes. As I've grown up I've bounced around between mediums- a camera, rubber stamps, paper crafts. It wasn't until planning our wedding that I truly discovered my medium- event planning. Last year at the club I worked for, I planned all our major events for our real estate, golf and member divisions.

Seeing as how I was so inspired by our special day, it only seemed fitting that our company reflected that moment... A Day in May. I've just started to develop an "image" and I am in love with my logo. Very simple, elegant and timeless. All my hopes and dreams for A Day in May wrapped up into one! Here are a few samples of the photo-sets I am developing for marketing material. Check them out and tomorrow I'll post our Colorado trip!

Blah

2008-03-10T15:08:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone. Don't worry I will still post pictures and our Best of list from Colorado but I've been fighting a horrible cold/flu. Sorry for the delay!

We're back!

2008-03-03T20:53:00.002-05:00

We made it back late last night from a fabulous vacation. Our first "couple" vay-cay was a huge success. Great friends, great food and great weather. We skied three days; Keystone, Vail & Breckenridge then toured Breckenridge, Red Rocks and Denver. Stay tuned for some great pictures and our "Best's Of" list!

God's Country

2008-02-27T09:28:00.003-05:00

Here's a shot to make your mouth water... wish you were here!

(View from Keystone's Outback lift- Lake Dillon in the foreground. February 26, 2007)

Two true inspiring women

2008-02-23T11:12:00.008-05:00

Kyle and I got married May 19th, 2007. Not only did that Day In May mark the beginning of the rest of our lives, but it was also the day I made a wonderful friend. Jen Kroll and I met via the web when I was searching for a wedding photographer. After endless hours of web surfing I came across her site and was immediately taken. You could tell by looking at examples of her work that she was an amazingly strong, loving and faith driven women. And her photos...they were simply breathtaking. At that moment I knew that she was the one who was going to create the most lasting and precious memories of our wedding.

Jen, her husband and two adorable boys Ethan and Carter live in Grand Rapids, about two hours south of Traverse City and this past January my mom and I ventured down to her studio to look at our wedding album. Since that day in May was so chaotic my mom and I didn't really spend time with one another a whole lot. After looking through our photos we did not have a single "portrait" of the two of us! (I know, how could a daughter do that to the one who gave her life? It wasn't intentional and neither of us really thought about it at the time.) When we got to Jen's studio she graciously took a couple pictures of us to add to the wedding album! Here are samples of the pictures and a link to Jen's blog where they were originally posted.

Thank you Mom for being such a good sport! And thanks to you Jen for being such a kind friend and for these lasting memories!

Go west young man, haven't you been told...

2008-02-22T16:01:00.004-05:00

...Colorado has the best snow in North America! Yes my friends Kyle and I are leaving town this coming weekend for cleaner air, bigger skies and hundreds of inches of perfect powder! Not only are we totally excited to hit the slopes but we are traveling with two dear friends Chris and Christina Mazzola... I hope I see more of her alter-ego "Tina" over the week! And to top it off, like a cherry on top, we'll visit with a few of our other best friends in Denver- Melissa and Nick (the newly engaged couple) and Karla, aka: Charla, from Austin, Texas.

This is me, Kyle, Chris and Tina (yep, she was there!) in downtown Traverse City at Amical this past Christmas.

Just picture this same crowd huddled around a small bistro table at the base of a 14,000 ft mountain draped in the Rockies' sun sipping some fine CO Avery beer! Can you vision it? Me too!! Maybe I'll post from Colorado but no promises. If the snow's that great we may never come home!

Ice Storm

2008-02-17T19:43:00.004-05:00

Here are a few pictures I took this afternoon at our home. I woke up to rain this morning and thought for sure all our snow would be gone, and it would be 40 degrees outside- that's happened twice already this winter. Much to my dismay it was 28 degrees and Traverse City was a giant popsicle! Even though this made travel virtually impossible at speeds over 10 mph the scenery was breathtaking. Enjoy the pictures and Happy Sunday!

These little blooms are from one of our birch trees. They are encapsulated in ice, like a caterpillar in a cocoon.

The rhododendron plant buds out early getting ready for spring. I think the resemble tiny dancers (not Tony Danza's)!

Finally one of our white pines was dressed to the nines with Mother Nature's tinsel! The temperature was warming when I took this picture and the heavier pieces of ice had started to fall sounding like breaking glass.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-15T13:40:00.005-05:00

For women everywhere this day marks the celebration of everything we love... chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate! I'm not your typical Valentine. I enjoy sending cards to people I love with special touches but I don't understand all the fuss. Yes, that's right, you heard it... fuss. In elementary school Valentine's day was about getting lots of candy, having a party and hoping that your classroom crush would give you a valentine. Not much has changed since those days, we replace the candy with jewelry and the party with a nice romantic dinner but the crush stays the same. I wish instead of gifts we'd remember to tell people how much they mean to us and how much we love them.

I'll admit, I love presents but what makes Valentine's day so great is that our love is our gift! Sure, I'll gladly accept a box of Godiva truffles and a night on the town but it's expected on Valentine's day. Save the gifts for a "just because" day and shower your loved ones with verbal praise! (That sounded a bit like an infomercial!) Kyle and I didn't shop for treasures this year. We spent all day together watching movies and relaxing. His gift to me was making my favorite breakfast food, waffles. And my gift to him was splurging at our favorite burger joint, Don's Drive-In for lunch... a great $22.00 well spent!

Now I don't want to be pegged as a hypocrite, I never said anything negative about dining out for the holiday. Just remember, burgers and shakes are just as exciting as filet mignon and tiramisu. And as Christina said, "it's a day we don't have to do the dishes!"

I hope your Valentine's Day was everything you imagined and remember to tell everyone in your life how important they are! xoxoxoxo...

We love cake!

2008-02-11T09:31:00.000-05:00

Happy 28 candles to Kyle! As exciting as his actual day of birth is we were all slightly more excited after biting into this monstrous cake from Celebrations Cake Design in Traverse City to cap off the celebration. The chocolate butter cream cake filled with fresh raspberry mousse was delectable. Lisa made our wedding cupcakes and cake and once we had a bite at our tasting we knew we would be developing a great relationship centered around celebrations and her wonderful confectionery treats. Happy Birthday Kyle and thanks Lisa for the yummy dessert!

22 pounds of meat

2008-02-09T20:19:00.000-05:00

As a newlywed I am learning new things all the time about my husband, as I am sure he would say the same thing about me. My routine phone call home to him after work on Thursday was a learning experience unlike any other. Attention all Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, vacuum and knife salesman... MU HUSBAND WILL BY ANYTHING IF YOU COME TO HIM! Apparently our neighbors buy meat from a company similar to Omaha Steaks. After the salesman visited their house he decided to swing through the rest of the neighborhood and to try and sell the rest of his meat. His first stop... our house. After a brief exchange my push-over of a husband Kyle bought $144 worth of meat! This also equates to 22 lbs of beef! Granted he did get a good deal and he saved gas money by not driving to the store but now our freezer looks like a meat locker.

Moral of the story: Wives, never leave your red-meat deprived husband home along with a check book!

Shorty in Chicago

2008-02-06T21:50:00.000-05:00

This past holiday season two of my best friends got engaged to their boyfriends within 24 hours of each other. Melissa and her fiance' Nick were celebrating their dating anniversary in Denver while looking for houses (they've recently relocated west from Madison) and Nick surprised her after dinner on a romantic walk in front of the capital building. Meanwhile, Lindsey and her fiance' Nick (funny huh!) were getting ready to head to Chicago for some Christmas shopping and relaxing weekend away from the chaos of Ann Arbor. Melissa called with the big news Friday around 10:30pm and Lindsey called Saturday around 3:15pm.

What's the point of this story aside from the excitement? I was going through pictures on my computer from Christina's wedding (yep- the waffle maker Christina) and found an hilarious picture of why bachelorette parties are so much more than a right of passage... they are a life changing event... well for this guy it was!

This is Melissa and our friend "Shorty." During Christina's bachelorette party in Chicago we were at a bar called the Hangge Upp on Rush & Division. We were all having a good time, dancing and embarassing Christina then Shorty showed up in the middle of us. Melissa and I are taller than average and love wearing heels, so not only was Shorty short, but he was extremely vertically challenged next to us! Mel, being the good spirit she is, opted to take a picture with Shorty who about jumped out of his skin when he heard the news... hence the captions. All part of the bachelorette party experience!

Melissa and Lindsey, here's to you and your wild parties! And to Shorty, we're eternally great full for the wonderful memory!

Breakfast shmeakfast

2008-02-02T14:51:00.001-05:00

Recent commercials and advertisements have stressed what our parents have told us since day one... well really not day one but at least since we were old enough to eat solid food. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." I'll be the first to admit it, I love breakfast food. I could have eggs, pancakes, waffles, omelettes, hash browns any time, many times, through out the day. When Kyle and I were completing our wedding registry I had lots of fun finding great gadgets and gizmos for this particular meal. Our greatest find (gift we recieved) was from my dearest Christina. One whom I've spent many a Saturday and Sunday mornings with eating one of life's simplest and sweetest indulgences... WAFFLES! Our wonderful Cuisinart Belgian 4-slice Waffle Iron does everything except for putting on the butter and the syrup. To our dismay, they have since discontinued the model however if you visit the Cuisinart Web Store they still have a few left!

Waffles date back to Medieval times where thin wafers were cooked between two irons connected by a hinge and each having a wooden arm. These irons were decorated with a family crest or a rural landscape. The modern waffle iron was not invented until the 20th century and they certainly do not have the pizazz of the ancient irons! There is extensive history for the waffle and lots of internet experts on the delicious breakfast treat. Try googling "waffles" and you'll see what I mean!

For an interesting take on "street vendor food" visit this link and watch the video! Red Rooster Waffles has taken the waffle to a whole new level! They could be popping up in a city near you!

What's the purpose of this post? To inspire all you children at heart to break out those waffle irons, whip up some batter, heat the up griddle and ladle on the syrup! I wanted to share the joy of one of my favorite breakfast foods and pay a small, yet well deserved tribute to the waffle.

Herbal remedy

2008-02-01T20:38:00.000-05:00

My nightly ritual involves relaxing with my sweetie, American Idol or Grey's Anatomy, a cuddly blanket and a soothing glass of hot tea. Thanks to my mom I found Yogi Tea. I know, isn't the name great! The coolest part about the tea is the paper tag at the end of the string attached to the tea bag... there is a daily mantra. I was so inspired by them I took a few pictures to share with you.

Here are few of my favorite messages! Happy Steeping!

This is my favorite tea mug with a great message.

Here's another great message with one of our wedding pictures.