Midsummer's Day Dream

Just before the summer ends, it is time to get one more BBQ, Birthday party, or just plain, "goodbye summer" bash.

Here are some photo inspirations for you, from a party I put together called...

Midsummer's Day Dream

The moss, the twig balls, and the butterfly garland all bring the garden to life.

Stunning yellow and green centerpieces, perfect summer colors.



I just had the umbrellas in the trees alone, but the extra detail from the garland made it all pop!

The twig balls are some of my favorite. I added a yellow flower to the larger one and a yellow bee to the smaller one, just for added detail.

The combination of the moss balls and the glass holders create an outdoor sophistication.

Just another light and airy table setting.

A table runner and garland on one of the tablescapes.

When the wind blew, those ribbons went on forever.

One of the tablescapes under a decorated tree.

Standing out and making your mark

Yesterday I was on my usual walk with my 1 year old Golden Retriever Bohdan (Bo-den). My husband and I live in a condo downtown, so of course, we walk Bohdan on our regular route all along the streets of the city. Bohdan has become some what of a mini celebrity in our town. Most people now know his name. They are always telling us how cute he is. At least once a week someone will whip out their camera phone to take his picture. They giggle and laugh, and with out a doubt, every single person who sees Bohdan walking down the street at the very least... smiles.

Now you may be asking, "what is so special about this dog?" He is one of about 500 Golden Retrievers in this town. Why does everyone know his name, and why is he so much more adorable and appealing then the other Golden Retrievers, let alone dogs?

Well, I should probably let you know, EVERY time Bohdan goes on a walk with us he carries a stuffed animal in his mouth. Sometimes a duck, a squirrel, chipmunk, puppy, a Build-A-Bear (yes, i said Build-A-Bear), even an armadillo.

Now that you have a picture of an already cute puppy, looking so much more adorable with a stuffed animal hanging out of his mouth, with his big puppy eyes, you now understand why people pay attention to Bohdan. He catches your eye, he's different. The animal hanging out of his mouth as he trots down the sidewalk, past restaurants is unique, new, and quite appealing.

As I look at my business, I wonder...am I appealing? Does my business stand out? Are my designs unique and different and eye catching?

I realized that if I want to stand out from competitors and steal the show, I need to separate myself from the rest. Just like the difference between a regular golden retriever, and one with a giant Build-A-Bear dangling from his mouth, starring at you with big, lovable, puppy eyes!

Moral of the story: There is a reason people on the street know Bohdan's name, do the people on your street know your name?

The Key to Communication

My husband and I recently put our house on the market. We had it built only two years ago but are quickly out growing it. Upon hiring a realtor, our selection was based on the one that will "get the job done". Annually, our realtor sells more properties than any other realtor in the area.

Yesterday I called him at 10 in the morning with a time sensitive question. He answered, and asked if he could call me back. Of course I understood that he could be busy and I did not mind, thinking he would just call later in the day.

But, I waited all day and the moment I needed him had passed. Then, the next morning at 9:30 a.m. (almost 24 hours later) he called. He said he was sorry he didn't call, but he was "swamped" yesterday.

As as fairly new business owner, I am constantly looking at things that happen in my life and comparing them to how I am running my business.

After this conversation, I realized you are NEVER too busy to call a paying client! Emergencies are one thing, and clients understand when you tell them after the fact. But saying you are "too busy", is like saying you are "too busy for them".

The experience I felt after not receiving a call when he said he would, will take a while for me to forget. But I cherish it at the same time, because I now am aware of what a client feels like, and will always remember to keep my word and communicate.

Moral of the story: Communicate! It will save you from heartache and gain you respect.