Psssst…don’t look now, but Valentine’s Day is coming. Start thinking creatively!

That’s right, Valentine’s Day is on its way! Have you thought about your plans for romance? That’s step one- think in advance.  Nothing’s worse than trying to impress your sweetie on short notice.  So now’s the time to start tossing that idea salad in your head.  Dinner at home? Romantic drive to a stargazing spot? Think about your loved one and what fits his or her style.  If he’s a pajamas and ice cream on the sofa kind of guy, a fancy 6 course chef’s tasting menu at Chez Fou-Fou might not be your best investment.  If she hates Valentine’s Day hoopla, skip the hearts-and-cupids type stuff but have a fun activity she loves lined up.  See how that works?  Now get those wheels turning in your creative, unique heads!

Be well, and love well.

-Dinah

Valentine's is more than red, white, hearts and cupids. Don't run with the crowd, think creatively to impress your Valentine!
Valentine’s is more than red, white, hearts and cupids. Don’t run with the crowd, think creatively to impress your Valentine!

Inauguration 2013 Wedding Planning Inspiration!

Wedding planning inspiration is everywhere! Brides of all political parties, heads up today and tomorrow for wedding ideas all around in celebration of the inauguration of President Barack Obama.  You’ll see elegant, classic goings on at parties and ceremonies (sound familiar?) galore.

The First Lady's Jason Wu gown in 2009 - very bridal!
The First Lady’s Jason Wu gown in 2009 – very bridal!

Tonight for example there’s a big candlelight reception at the National Building Museum.  NBC news is showing extensive photo coverage on their website, so as tonight and tomorrow progress, there are sure to be photos of dresses, decor, and details to ogle.  Tune in, turn on, and make notes!

Live well and love well.

-Dinah

PS: a live stream of all the good stuff will be available here  tomorrow (including the Commander In Chief’s Ball!)

Limit Your Internet Wedding Planning Time! (otherwise you’ll go nutty)

English: iPad picture
English: iPad picture (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I have an Ipad.  I love it! I have this great app called Flipboard that pulls together my favorite blogs and websites.  But if I start reading everything, I can get completely lost in happy ipad land, and then all of a sudden an hour later I realize that none of the laundry’s been folded, none of my phone calls have been made and, well, I’ve wasted a whole boatload of time.

It’s not a new problem – getting sucked in to something online.  Facebook? Twitter? Don’t get me started.  But the absolute worst (or is it the best) way to lose yourself online is the whole World Wide Wedding-sphere.  As a bride, I could hardly pull myself away, which was hard because my boss was mean and didn’t care all that much that I was getting married.

So here’s my advice.  Set a timer- no more than 30 minutes at a time. Could be on the computer, your cell phone, or even the plain old kitchen timer on your counter, but it will keep you from falling down the internet wedding rabbit hole.

Live well, and love well.

-Dinah