Entrepreneurship Comes in All Ages!

This post is personal and so dear to my heart. I'm a proud mother right now and I'm so excited to share this news with you! After revising her business and marketing plan, answering several short answer questions and writing an essay on her business and the community, my daughter, Jordyn Jackson has been named The 2013 Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Los Angeles Global Young Entrepreneur of the year. She along with her business, Jewelry Made Fabulous will be awarded in New York this April.

Jewelry Made Fabulous was born out of her love of accessories. At the age of 11 after taking a summer business class at the Los Angeles Urban League, where she was challenged to develop a business, taught how to create a business and marketing plan and then present her ideas to three business owners as a competition to advance to the NFTE Finals in Los Angeles. She placed second in her age category, but was so impressive with her speech that she was asked to MC the high school finals at the Getty Center. Jordyn was so inspired that she decided to continue with her business and take it to the next level. Because of her determination, dedication, and commitment she will be honored in New York at The NFTE 25th Anniversary Awards Dinner.

This is such a WOW moment! As parents we really need to pay attention to our children's dreams. Sometimes they are ready to walk in them before we expect it! I never imagined having a little entrepreneur, but I am so thankful that I do! Our children learn so much from us. Jordyn wrote in her essay, "My mom always tells me you reap what you sow, so I always speak life and wealth into my business. Running a business at my age is sometimes a struggle, and sometimes I will get frustrated, but running a business is not easy, you have to put a lot of hard work and dedication into that business." Boy, did she make me proud!

In a couple of months jordyn and I along with a host of our family and friends will be takings flight to New York to see her accept her NFTE Entrepreneurship Award! God is so good! I will keep you all posted on our travels.


Eventfully your's,
Jennifer Jackson

I'm Engaged Now What?

With all the major engagement holidays behind us, brides-to-be are jumping into wedding planning mode. They're talking about the proposal.......It was romantic, he asked my dad, he took me where we first met, he bought out our favorite restaurant, it was Christmas Eve..... Everyone has a unique story of how 'The Engagement' happened, but if the two of you are not running off and eloping your planning will need to start with the guest list!

I know you've dreamt about the venue, THE DRESS, the entertainment, or maybe even the menu, but it all starts with the guest list. You may be thinking why the guest list? Well, let me explain. The guest list determines some important factors in the planning of your big day and any event for that matter. No matter how intimate or grand your event may be your planning needs to begin with the names of those you want to share it with.

If you fall in love with a venue that holds 150 people with a dance floor and you're expecting 200 guests and still want to dance you have just set yourself up for disappointment. Now you have to find another venue, cancel dancing, or reduce your guest list by 50 people and boy is that hard to do! If you decide to increase the number of invites you will now have to add a lot more dollars to your BUDGET! One hundred-fifty guests versus two-hundred guests will have a tremendous affect on your budget.

Lets say you purchased 150 favors, but wind up changing your event count to 200. You will have to purchase 50 more favors, add 50 addition meals, appetizers and drinks in order to accommodate everyone. You will also need five more tables, centerpieces and linens plus an additional 50 chair covers, place settings, menus cards, etc. To prevent the extra work lets start planning with the guest list. You won't regret it!

Eventfully your's,
Jennifer
Photo Credit: Samuiblue, freedigitalphotos.net

Just Do It!

Happy New Year! We have so much time ahead of us. We've made new plans, vows and goals to help us get where we want to go!
My oldest son gave me this phone case for Christmas. I love it! When I saw it I immediately thought of my long list of 2013 aspirations and said,"Jennifer, just do it!" No excuses, no back and forth. If you don't do it today. Make sure you get right on it tomorrow. You don't need a long drawn out map!! Just do it!! What ever it is that's on your list this year.....know that you can do it! Just do it!

Eventfully yours,
Jennifer

Monday Mag: Holiday recipes,

Every first Monday of the month is Mag Monday around here.  That's the day I tell you about my favorite stories, post my favorite pictures, finds or "loves" from that months magazines.  Since the holiday season is upon us, this Monday Mag post will include some thanksgiving recipes, my "likes" and leftover ideas.  As a bonus I want to encourage you to drop by Ms. Event Ettiquette's Blog and see what she has to say regarding being "The Perfect Guest".  Her knowledge and passion for event etiquette will help you through your social party season.

Now on to the Mags!  Barnes and Noble is one of my favorite Quick Treats to myself.  I love stopping in to view all the latest magazines, books and journals!  This quick stop cost me nothing (If I don't buy anything), but gives me a little me time in between picking up my kids, running errands and working. 

Okay, I normally don't do People, because I'm not into gossip, but I wanted to see the details of Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake's wedding.  I think they are a FAB couple, but the article about their wedding did not contain pictures that focused on the wedding details, but after reading the article I can see their special candle lit ceremony and traditional Italian reception was one to be remembered .

Their first dance looked magical! Jessica's pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown was dazzling! The traditional Italian seating at the reception was inviting and all the laughs displayed what a wonderful and relaxed time the newlyweds and their guests had in Puglia, Italy for this great celebrations.  Congratulation Jessica and Justin!

Now, I don't consider myself a professional foodie, but I'm close to it!  If you're stummped about your Thanksgiving Day meal just pick up any of the November Issues of a food magazine and you will have a hard time trying to decide  on the direction of your menu!  Bon Appetit has The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving game plan that will not only get you started, but help you plan your Thanksgiving meal from beginning to end! There are some great recipes, clear instructions and suggestions in this article, but my FAVORITE part is the table setting!  I think it is just as equally important to make the table look as good as the food your going to be eating.  Check out this picture below!

Fine Cooking is full of great receipes.  I'm especially tempted by this beautiful rack roast instructional provided in this issue.  After reading this article you will know how to buy, cook and carve different cuts of holiday roast.  Now that great information.  If you're participating in any cookie swaps this year you might want to check out this mag for decorting ideas!

Martha Stewart's Every Day Food has a few prepare ahead sides recipes I want to try for my at home Thanksgiving Day meal. What makes this issue stand out from all the other food mag November issues is that they give some fantastic ideas for left over Thanksgiving Day after sandwiches.

Architectural Digest has been one of my favorite magazines since I was a child.  My grandmother would aubscribe to this magazine every magazine drive fundraiser my school offered.  I watched her appreciate the architectral design Tino Zervudachi has in his entrance hall are Super Fabulous!

Fashion Friday: Mira Mira

WOW! I love this look! This would be a great second dress for a bride or if you're not scared of doing your own thing it could be worn as the main dress!  It's so chic, but classy.  Modern, but feminine.  Flashy, but stylish! This Mira Mira beauty is so fabulous that it could be worn again, after the wedding.  Maybe to an all white summer party or an elegant fundraiser under the stars or on a classy evening out! This dress is versitile!

Make your own fashion statement!

Jennifer

Giving Thanks

Every calendar holiday our HOA (Home Owners Association) decorates this high traffic path in our community.  I enjoy driving home and passing each of the holiday reminders, but this display is my favorite.  It usually goes up in early October and stays through Thanksgiving.  It reminds me of harvest time, of change, new beginnings and makes me think back on the year and how thankful I am to have such a wonderful family, friends and readers!

I just want to take this time to say Thank You! Some times we get so caught up in life's day-to-day duties that we don't look at the big picture! This display, although fun and welcoming reminds me to STOP, REFLECT and give THANKS.  

So happy November ALL!  Enjoy this month of gatherings, good food, laughter and fun but in the mist of it all don't forget to give THANKS!  



The Importance of a Wrap up Meeting

Wrap-Up Meeting - A scheduled gathering of key players involved in a specific event to discuss the final details.  To confirm all orders, schedules; To ask questions and get answers to unanswered questions; To organize the final details of the event.

You've completed all the pre-planning and the event is four to three weeks away.  It's time to sit down to cross your "T's" and dot your "I's" .  If you have a planner they will assist you in handling the following.  If you have been planning a DIY event then this is for you.  (Suggestion, you need to select a point person that will handle the details on the day of the event so you can enjoy your guests.  This person should attend your wrap up meeting/s). 

What happens or is addressed at a Wrap-Up meeting?

• Meet with your catering manager to discuss final details, room diagram, final guest count, vendor arrival time, load-in location and event timeline.  This will ensure a smooth running event.
• Confirm your final guest count and menu with your caterer.  This allows your caterer to order enough food, beverage and rentals for your event.
• Confirm orders with your linen, florist and rental company to confirm your final orders.  We want every table to be beautiful.  A missing centerpiece, table setting or odd linen denotes an oversite and shows poor planning.  You've put a lot of time and effort into your celebration and we want it to show.
• Turn over all items for event day to your coordinator or point person for set-up.  These items need to be on site at time of set-up.  If you do not plan on being in attendance when rentals are being delivered then you need to give these items to the person in charge of the day of event production prior to set-up.
• Make sure all vendors, including entertainment, photographers, photobooth personal, etc., contact information is correct and exchanged at this meeting.  Not only will this save time on the day of the event if they need to be contacted, but their correct information is needed to verify contract obligations, make any needed adjustments based on final guest count and send over timeline and room diagram.
• Verify load in time for vendors and parking restricts or fees that may apply.  From a vendor perspective, not knowing where to park, being misinformed of load-in time restrictions or not having the cash to pay for parking can delay the set-up of your event and cause you to incur overtime fees if this information is not shared.
•  Ask all and any questions you may have.  In this meeting you walk through your event from beginning to end.  Questions are sure to come up so make sure ALL your concerns are addressed.
• Let your coordinator know of any special presentations, speakers, acknowledgements or last minute changes and additions that you have planned or anticipate.  Your coordinator needs to know every single detail of the event.  Wardrobe changes, special songs, poems, etc. Nothing is too small.  All of these events add to your timeline and affect the flow of your event.  The less unexpected changes or additions you have the smoother your event will be.  Plus you will prevent overtime fees!

The type of event you're planning, combined with your personal details will determine what needs to be addressed at your wrap up meeting and the lenght of the meeting.  Typically these meetings run 1 1/2 to 2 hours minimum depending on the number of activities and event details involved in your celebration.  No matter what type of event your planning be sure to schedule a wrap-up meeting. 

Happy planning!

Eventfully yours,

Jennifer