Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gifts. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Almost There


The bridal shower: the “almost there” point leading up to your wedding. Last weekend, I was lucky enough to have a BEAUTIFUL shower hosted by my best friends in the whole wide world! Which means, we are almost there! (less than 60 days)

The bridesmaids have very important duties. Being a bridesmaid a few times myself, this, I know. And really, all women know -- showers aren’t fun. It’s something you do because you love the person you are honoring and you grin and bear your way through the toilet paper dress making, eye-spy, and a plethora of other ridiculous games.

That was my #1 stipulation for my shower – other than this, I gave no input. I wanted NO stupid games! None. I’m sorry, but as I said before, no one actually likes them, unless you happen to be the 10 year old junior bridesmaid or flower girl.

And in my case, more than 130 invites went out for the shower! How on earth do you keep that many women entertained for a couple hours? For real. In actuality, around 80 attended.
Separately, the venue was decorated amazingly – props to my MOH and BMs. I continue to receive compliments.

But brides, and brides to be – being the absolute center of attention in a room full of women, some of which you have never met in your life – is a bit intimidating. There is nothing more awkward than the moment you open a card and gift from an individual you have never met, and quickly scan the room to do a quick thank you. Now, really, I am thankful for the gift, and I appreciate you getting all my towels, but “From Jill & Jack” on a card just isn’t going to cut it. I need last names people! Make a note to yourself next time, for the bride’s sake, if you are attending a wedding shower - sign your last name (unless you happen to be the BFF).

Now, maybe for people who have had smaller showers, this won’t be a big deal, but how on earth do you get to say hello to everyone. 80 women? Sheesh! I could have spent the two hours wandering from table to table to see how everyone is doing (and perhaps meet “Jill”), but it’s impossible. I feel terrible knowing that I barely got to spend any time with my family members who made it in from out of town just for these three short hours.

Another note – watch your choice of outfit. I was super pumped to purchase a new, cute dress for the occasion, even got me some sweet, new kicks to go with it! But it is a fine art being able to finagle heavy boxes and tear through wrapping paper in 5 inch stilettos and a short dress, all whilst trying to keep your legs crossed and be a “lady.”

Opening the gifts is fun. It’s like Christmas, but only with kitchen and household appliances. And you never realized how much fun a margarita machine can be until you have one (buy one, you don’t know what you are missing).

Ladies, if you are planning a shower for a friend – get in touch with my friends for tips, they did a fabulous job. I had a family member tell me that my MOH should quit her day job and take on event planning full time! If you are a bride to be, like me, soak this day it. It’s your “almost there” point. The final countdown has begun!
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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Give a Gift That’s All the Gab!

I know it isn’t Thanksgiving yet, but Christmas is just around the corner and soon enough your company will be hosting its annual holiday party. Most people spend more time at their job than they do with their own families, how sad, but true! Holiday gift exchanges at work are a great way to build camaraderie and holiday spirit among coworkers. We have all probably been to gift exchanges where everyone draws a name and you end up with some stinky bath soap or pair of mittens. Most of the time, no one really knows what to get. People set gift limits such as $15, then when you take back the earrings you got because your ears aren't pierced, you find out they only cost $5, although you spent $17. It definitely ruins the spirit of the holidays when you end up with a crappy gift. At work we have a gift exchange coming up and I found some great ideas that I had to share.

1. Butt Station
This started off being just a gag gift for co-workers but everyone wants a butt station! A fun art deco desk accessory that includes a pen holder, tape dispenser, memo/card holder, paper clip holder and just a great conversation piece all in one! Stands... or sits... about 5" high and comes in a variety of colors including the ever popular neon green, neon orange and bright blue. You can order these on eBay or Amazon.com.





2. Chalkboard Wine Glasses
Why not do a plug for myself. Do you entertain? I saw this somewhere and thought it was a great idea. I have not yet made these but I plan to and I am going to start selling them just in time for the holidays (if you’re interested in purchasing, let me know.) With these glasses, you don’t need charms to keep glasses from getting mixed up - you can write with chalk on the glass. How cool is that? Write your guest’s name or leave a message - something to bring a smile to their face. These will make a great holiday gift!



3. Is your office cold?
Why not give an electric blanket. I have one at my desk and I use it all of the time, I lay it over my chair and use it to make a heated seat, call me crazy, but it is nice! Look at Walmart, Target or Big Lots, they usually have them reasonably priced.

4. Gift Baskets
Create a themed gift basket. Some examples would be a movie basket, a coffee or tea basket, candle basket, or include things from your local sports teams.

5. Edward Scissors
From traditional scissors found in workrooms and classrooms to those used in private kitchens and linen rooms, these scissors come with comical flair.


6. Sampler of different types of hot sauces. Click here, this website has a great selection. Or, try looking on Amazon.com.

7. Wine and lottery tickets
Who doesn’t like the chance to win money? Give a bottle of wine and attach a few lottery tickets, this was a hot item last year for our gift exchange.
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