Champagne & Cake Celebration

36 years ago...yes, I said 36... a child was born! That beautiful, miracle of life, happened to be yours truly! My birthday was last week, October 23rd. To celebrate, my very own National Holiday, I put together a last minute celebration.



The following pictures are of my Champagne and Cake Celebration. It was held at the home of someone who answered my ad off of Craig's List. I am a testament that you can get almost anything off Craig's List and for a great deal. If I told you how much I rented the home for, you would not believe me!!

I want to thank my friend, Mrs. Shakur-Harris, for assisting me and putting up with my idea of a small affair! :-) I would like to thank my friends who came to help me celebrate as well! During these occasions of your life, it is very satisfying to know that you have family and friends who love you! So THANK YOU and I love you!!!

Now, on to the pictures!!!

Event Space, Continued....

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the establishments highlighted.

Continuing with the theme of Event Space in Atlanta, the next establishment that I want to highlight is LIT Kitchen.

Location: 433C Bishop Street Atlanta, GA 30318

Contact: 404-249-4300

Website: http://www.litkitchen.com/

Per the LITKitchen website: LITKitchen specializes in planning and hosting private parties and culinary events for businesses, organizations, associations, and private groups.
We offer a wide variety of hand's-on, interactive events and services designed to educate, entertain and demonstrate the Art of Culinary Excellence. We provide an atmosphere where participants learn more than just the preparation of fine cuisine, they attain the fundamental skills and knowledge of the true Culinary Art.

LITKitchen offers a wide variety of culinary activities throughout the Atlanta Metro Area.

Interactive Hands-on Cooking Classes - We bring the food, the wine, the cookware and the Chef. You prepare the food right along side the Chef with hands on instructions. Afterwards you get to enjoy the culinary masterpieces in a fun and comfortable dining setting with your friends. This event is not only entertaining but educational as well!!!

Private Events - Let LITKitchen provide you with the ingredients for a perfect event. LITKitchen private events are great for – Wedding Showers, Birthday Parties, Catering Events, and much much more!

Meal & Take Out Services - LitKitchen offers a variety of Meal & Take Out Services for Dinner Parties, Romantic Dinners, Lunch, and more.

Field Trips - Come join us on culinary adventures all around town. We will be taking you to hidden markets, teach you how to pick the right kinds of foods and where to buy the best ingredients for all your Culinary pleasures.

ChefWars - You & your friends can compete in a war of Culinary Art & Skill. You will have 45 minutes to prepare as many dishes as possible using ingredients which will only be presented to you once the event begins. Afterwards your dishes will be judged by a panel based on presentation, originality and taste. The winners will be awarded the Customer Chef War Champion award!!!

Photos retrieved from LITKitchen's website.

Event Space in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is still one of the fastest growing cities in the United States and happens to be where I was born and raised. I have lived her most of my life and can not fathom living any where else.....at least not today!

Atlanta does not lack for much. We have a diverse culture of people, great theatre, a music and movie mecca, many attractions, shopping, sports and recreation, along with a deep multicultural heritage. Granted, we can improve on some things, but we make up for it in Southern Hospitality. Visit http://www.atlanta.net/ for the What To Do, Where To Stay, & Where To Eat.

Before I start to sound like I am name dropping about of the famous people who were born or got their start in Atlanta, I will just move along and get to the real reason for my post. I wanted to start another posting regarding event space rental in Atlanta. The places I will highlight, will not be the usual hotel ballroom, historic home or park/garden. I want to give the places which present a different look and feel for you event. Though my personal tastes are more transitional (traditional and modern), I like to offer the modern woman or even the traditional one, a different approach to the location of her nuptials.

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with any of the event establishments listed.

The first place I will highlight is The View at Kings Plow.

Located at 955 West Marietta Street, Entrance # 7 (just a 5-10 minute drive from Downtown Atlanta)

Contact Information - 404-541-9060

http://www.theviewatkingplow.com/splash.phtml

There is a list of preferred caterers: Bold American Catering, Legendary Events, Gloriosa and Regency Caterers.

Per their website: The View at King Plow Arts Center presents a special events space that blends a 1930s structure with modern technology. Boasting 5,000 square feet of unadulterated event space that can be easily transformed to suit individual client tastes and needs, The View's pared-down design has been fully equipped with the latest in audio, visual and lighting production equipment.

Part of the King Plow Company complex, in the late 1930s, the building that is now The View was home to Kewanee Boiler. From 1902 to 1986, the King Plow Company manufactured equipment, and during its prime, employed more than 300 people. The Complex serves as a significant architectural example of utilitarian industrial designs used in manufacturing facilities in the 20th century. The King Plow Company complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today the space called The View contains three fantastic levels, and with its breathtaking top level view across downtown Atlanta, The View stands alone among Atlanta event venues.

Photos retrieved from The View at King Plow website.

With the exposed duct work and loft-like feel, this space can be decorated any way your heart desires. However, a minimalist approach will work better on your wallet as trying to fill up the empty space can be costly. In a space like this, you can use your creativity and flexibility to create the vision of your dreams.

AHHH...the Change of Seasons!

It seems my ambition for posting was marred by the reality of actually finding time to post. As I am winding down from a long weekend, and home alone (today is Columbus Day and I had the day off), it dawned on me that the seasons are in the midst of changing. It has gotten cooler here, but this weekend was overcast and very windy. I am starting to notice that the leaves are shedding their green hue. I am so excited!!! Fall is one of my favorite seasons (Spring is the other). It represents a cleansing of the old and preparation of things to come. Plus, the next major Holiday to be added to the calendar, my birthday is soon. OK, so it is only a major holiday for me...but I intend to celebrate as such!!!!!

Moving along...I posted (seems like ages ago) regarding the current Fall and Winter trends and wanted to follow up with a color board with some inspirations. I will start by sharing some ideas back on a theme I started earlier this year, colored wedding dresses. Though there are plenty of traditional wedding ideas, I want to continue displaying ideas for the modern woman, who wants something a little different for her wedding. Also, with more people being getting married in their 30s and 40s, or on their second (and third) marriages, wearing a white or ivory dress just does not suit their tastes. Plus, it pushes the envelope and adds to the "wow" factor, leaving a lasting impression on your guests. And in my opinion, who wants to spend $$$ on a white dress you will never wear again and which may not be what your daughter envisions for her own wedding dress. I am all about recycling and having the value of my $ last since our economy is not the greatest. I will digress on this subject (be sure to VOTE on November 4th).

Let's start with Gray, a neutral. Most pigments of gray, have a cool and warm aspect to them. Pairing gray with yellow, orange and red creates a "warm" tone. Using green, blue or purple creates a "cool" tone. Take a gander at these dresses. I will try to post a few inspirations boards, using the cool and warm tones to emphasize the color.






Top, left to right: America Ferrera, SAG '08 Awards, Monique Lhuillier; Charcoal dress, Monica Byrne; Silver Gray dress, Jenny Packman. Bottom, left to right: Carolina Herrera, from Perfect Bound blog. Gray Dress; Kyra Sedgwick. Emmy '06 Awards, Armani.

Long Time No See...

I know...I know! I promised to post more wedding trends, inspirations and photos of recent events, but life kinda got in the way. I think I was relieved to have a few days off from class that I got carried away.

Initially, I had been preparing for one of my dearest friends' wedding in St. Thomas! To say the ceremony and reception were beautiful is an understatement. The location was picturesque! A foliage-draped gazebo overlooking the turquoise blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The groom was dashingly handsome in a crisp white linen suit as he waited the arrival of his blushing bride. Ms. Thang, that is what I will call her...as she was looking fierce in her wedding ensemble which lead to a gasped "WOW" from on-lookers. Ok..enough...or I will make you jealous! I will post pictures soon as I am gathering them now!

Though the trip to St. Thomas was work, I ended up seeing the sights, enjoying myself and getting a great tan. I understand why Magen's Bay is one of the 10 Best Beaches in the World by National Geographic! It is truly breathtaking when viewing from afar at Drake's seat or when walking along the white sands.

OK....on to inspirations boards! I have a few ideas for some colors for Fall wedding color palettes. According to Pantone (www.pantone.com), the colors for fall are rich, elegant fabrics, such as cooler blues, greens and purples, along with variations of warm red, orange and yellow. Of course, Fall is not Fall without the autumn colors, however chocolate brown and steel gray are excellent staple colors, which never go out of season.

It's Summer Time

YES!! YES!! YES!! It is time to break out the margaritas (though I do not drink). My classes are finally over for the summer and I can focus on my blog.

Be on the lookout for more wedding trends, inspiration boards and pictures from recent events to be posted soon.

Dare to go Black

Classic white and ivory will never go out style...but the new trend is colored wedding dresses. Soft pastel hues, such as soft pinks, greens and champagne colored gowns will go from Spring to Summer. But would you consider going black? I have noticed an increased amount of black wedding dresses. At first, I was a bit skeptical about black dresses. However after viewing these dresses by Romona Keveza, I am a convert.

Here are a few tips to wearing a black wedding dress:

Mix it with white - which is another trend and pair it with other accents colors, such as yellow, green, red, ...heck, any color.

Forego the dark makeup - Smoky eyes, are great for a wedding, but with a dark dress will make you look like a gothic queen or Elvira Mistress of the Night. Try makeup that gives a fresh-face or barely-there look. This way, you can play up your lips, say with a smoking HOT red! So Tre' Chic!

Ditch the heavy fabrics - Try layered chiffon or light satin instead of thick, heavy garments. Consider a tighter fit. Look for dresses with a streamlined fit or a tight bodice with a flowing skirt or a blend between cocktail dress and traditional wedding gown.

Keep it simple - wear simple jewelry, such a simple pair of drop earrings, after all, the color will make the statement and everything else should be simple as to not compete.

Now, if black is too daring for you as your wedding dress, opt for your bridesmaids to wear the color instead. Visually, this will have the same effect and depending on the style of dress chosen for you "sisterfriends", the dresses can be worn again and again.



Sources: 1st 5 dress, top and bottom - left and top right, Reem Acra; bottom, right, Oscar de la Renta, Jennifer Garner, 2008 Oscars from FabSugar.

Oh, how the days go by...

I started this blog in hopes of updating it pretty regularly. However, life has gotten in the way, inbetween work, school, family and not to mention being ill, I lost track of time. I promise to have some updates soon and post more inspirations.

Pretty in Pink

I will admit that I am not a huge fan of pink. However, with the change of seasons upon us and Atlanta's own Dogwood Festival kicking off this week, I took notice of the beautiful pink hues of the Dogwood Tree, which is my grandmother's favorite.

There are many variations of pink, but...as I stated, I am not a fan of pink, I tried to use the pale pink hue to create the inspiration board below of dresses in this family. Pink is a neutral color and can be combined with others to make an impact. Colors such as green, chocolate, grey, black, and purple. As stated, there are many variations of pink, from the palest most fainest of pink to the dramatic, deep and rich magenta. So do not be hindered by the combinations I give below.




Sources: JSBoutique Dress - Nordstroms; Drew Barrymore - Image.com; Mimosa Dress - Siriinc.com; Jim Hjelm Dress - Jim Hjelm; Dogwood flower: Jim Hjelm Dress - Jim Hjelm; and Pale Pink dress - Chicago Magazine.

The Sweetest Thing...

...have you ever had a day where you just needed to sit back and cry! Well, I had one of those moments yesterday when I felt overwhelmed with what was going on with my life and day. This prompted me to the poem I read some years ago by Iyanla Vanzant, titled, Yesterday I Cried. Before I post the poem, I wanted to say thank you to my son. There are times, when I tell him to do something over and over ....and over again. And I rarely feel like he listens or notices things that are going on around him, other than the latest sneaker or new songs downloaded on his iPod.

Well, yesterday in the midst of my crying, who appears but my son, my baby, the sweetest thing I know. He hands me a tissue, wraps his arms around me and tells me that everything is going to be alright and then he looks into my eyes with his huge, beautiful brown ones and gives me a smile! My heart melts, just as it did when he was first born and the DR laid him on my chest. I love this young man with all of my heart and can not imagine my life before him. Though his room rarely stays clean for more than an hour, he is my biggest and greatest fan as I am his!

So here you go...in case you have one of those days!

Yesterday I Cried

Yesterday, I cried.

I came home, went straight to my room,

sat on the edge of my bed,

kicked off my shoes,

unhooked my bra,

and I had myself a good cry.

I cried until my nose was running all over the silk blouse I got on sale.

I cried until my ears were hot.

I cried until my head was hurting so bad

that I could hardly see the pile of soiled tissues lying on the floor at my feet.

I want you to understand,

I had myself a really good cry yesterday.

Yesterday, I cried,

for all the days that I was too busy,

or too tired, or too mad to cry.

I cried for all the days, and all the ways,

and all the times I had dishonored, disrespected,

and disconnected my Self from myself,

only to have it reflected back to me in the ways others

did to me the same things I had already done to myself.

I cried for all the things I had given, only to have them stolen;

for all the things I had asked for that had yet to show up;

for all the things I had accomplished, only to give them away,

to people in circumstances, which left me feeling empty,

and battered and plain old used.

I cried because there really does come a time when

the only thing left for you to do is cry.

Yesterday, I cried.

I cried because little boys get left by their daddies;

and little girls get forgotten by their mommies;

and daddies don't know what to do, so they leave;

and mommies get left, so they get mad.

I cried because I had a little boy,

and because I was a little girl,

and because I was a mommy who didn't know what to do,

and because I wanted my daddy to be there so badly until I ached.

Yesterday, I cried.

I cried because I hurt.

I cried because I was hurt.

I cried because hurt has no place to go

except deeper into the pain that caused it in the first place,

and when it gets there, the hurt wakes you up.

I cried because it was too late.

I cried because it was time.

I cried because my soul knew

that I didn't know that my soul knew everything that I needed to know.

I cried a soulful cry yesterday, and it felt so good.

It felt so very, very bad.

In the midst of my crying,

I felt my freedom coming,

Because...Yesterday, I cried with an agenda!

by Iyanla Vanzant

Classic Design

I am starting to get the hang of blogging, though my thoughts are still a little shaky.

One July afternoon, I was eating dinner with one my friends and my son, when I noticed a handsome gentleman dining alone. After checking out his left hand, I decided to give my friend, RK, a call! I described him to her and she gave me the "go-ahead" to approach him. After introducing myself, I informed him that I had a single girlfriend and I thought he would be perfect for her. To my surprise he was very interested. Needless to say, they are getting married very soon. I am so very happy for them, though he will be moving her away from me! I forgive him, because they are so smitten with each other and the smile on his face when he looks at her is priceless. Below is a board I created for her. She is very much into classic details and clean lines, without a lot of frills, though ruche and bows are some of her favorite things. Though, the furniture is not insync with her taste, everything else is on target. I thought it was classic and went the scheme. This board gives her an idea of one of her favorite colors, chocolate brown, with accents of pale gold and cream. The Burberry Heather tote was my inspiration, along with Gabriel Aubry in the chocolate suit!




Details, starting far left, clockwise:
Wedding Dress - Tara Keely; cake - unknown; Bridesmaid dress - Jim Hjelm Occassions; Handbag - Burberry on Nordstroms; Invitation - Envelopments; flowers - Tulip bouquet, SimplyBlooms; 3 remaining Bridesmaid dress - Siri; Chocolate Cake - Martha Stewart; Plate - paper&napkins; Party Props - Marie Antionette, PropsForToday; and Suit - Chocolate Tuxedo, SavviFormalwear

Kamadeva

My blog and company name are derived from the Hindu god, Kamadeva.

Kamadeva is the handsome Hindu love god. His attributes are a bow of sugarcane strung with a line of hummingbirds from which he shoots arrows of desire. Kamadeva rides a parrot. He is the son of Lakshmi and Vishnu or Brahma.

I chose this name because I have a quarky knack for meeting guys and "hooking" them up with some of my single, beautiful and intelligent girlfriends. For some reason, the relationships have worked. The credit is mostly on the two in the relationship, but, it was I that introduced them in the first place. So I think of myself as a modern day cupid...and I get to plan their weddings, bridal showers, housewarming, anniversaries and babyshowers! How exciting!!!!

Jumping In

Hello and Welcome!!

This is my first attempt at blogging! I am not sure where to begin, but I will just "jump in"!

My name is Mg. and I am starting my business in event planning. I will be posting information on some of my upcoming events, as well as ideas I have created and some that I have come across online and from other blog sites.

Normally, I am very personable, but words escape me at the present time!

At any rate, here are a few ideas on some of my upcoming events.

The first is a wedding for dear and longtime friend of mine, who is getting married in St. Thomas, VI at the Marriott Frenchmen's Reef and Morning Star Resort. The colors are chartreuse and cream with accents of pink and purple. Not only I am coordinating this event, but I introduced these two and I could not be more happy for them!

for some reason, the coloring is off when I saved this from another file to a .bmp. I will work on correcting this. Also, I forgot to list the sources of my inspiration and will do that later!