Boathouse Christmas Decor

Whalen Creative Group had the unique opportunity to decorate Winona Lake's landmark restaurant, the BoatHouse.

We decided to combine a traditional Macy's on State Street feel, with a modern twist that highlights the amazing atmosphere the BoatHouse already gives.

If you have missed the chance to check out the Christmas decorations this year, don't fret. You can still stop in to enjoy some amazing food and be waited on by the most wonderful people.

Anything But Subtle (flats edition)

I didn't want to leave you "non-heelers" out of the blog, so I posted some pics of some BEAUTIFUL flats to help inspire you a little, and to keep you away from the Old Navy flip flops! :) Enjoy!

Anything But Subtle

These photos are to encourage you to think outside the box with your wedding .

There are so many cool and unique things out there when you take a small step away from tradition.

Wedding shoes are just a small example. Now some of you are reading this and thinking.

"Wedding shoes that ARE'NT white"??? Yes this is true. I am encouraging a little / semi-bold color.

Now I made the mistake for my wedding to buy ivory Stewart Weitzman peep-toe pumps. Now any of you who are familiar with the designer know he is not cheap at all. Wonderful, comfortable, beautiful shoes, that unfortunately because I bought in ivory, have never been worn since my wedding.

Embrace your unique self and add some color to your wedding. Plus, you'll have the pleasure of wearing them over and over again after your wedding.

Moral of the story: The newest trend is color! Run with it!

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.

Volunteering

Recently I was asked to decorate for an annual event with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The event is to help raise money and awareness about the disease. At the same time I had the opportunity to help out a local non-profit organization raffle off a house to raise money and get their name out there. They renovate houses in the area for people who do not have the means to do so on their own.

I was extatic about these two opportunites because I have always wanted to venture out into the fundraising field and I am always looking for new ways to push my limits and see what I am capable of.

But I'd be lying if I didn't say that the lack of payment did not enter my mind. I think as planners, when approached by non-profit agencies, our initial thought is, "I don't have time to do an event for free." "The stress, the time commitment, and in this economy....doing it for free?" These are all normal feelings most people would have when trying to keep their own business afloat today.

The crazy thing is that there are hidden treasures in these places of sacrifice and hard work. And until you take that leap of faith, you'll never find them.

As soon as I volunteered and began attending the planning meetings, I ended up meeting more potential new clients than I could have done with 2 weeks of paid advertising. So many people, even in my own town, never knew I existed. My volunteering ended up being free advertising to hundreds of people.

I may have sacrificed a few weeks worth of work, but the people I met made it all worth it. Plus, knowing you are helping those organizations raise money and awarness just plain feels good.

If you find yourself coming up with excuses everytime volunteer work presents itself then you might want to make some changes.

Make a commitment to yourself that you will volunteer your services to an event in need at least 3 times a year, more if you can. You will not only help people, but you will see your business benifit as well.

Moral of the story: It is ironic how we don't take on things like volunteering becuase we don't want to "hinder" our business by sacrificing our time, but in turn we end up doing just that.