Posted in entertain, Musings, Quick and Easy, tagged benefits of smiling, smile, smiley face on May 17, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Word of the Week: Smile
• to assume a facial expression indicating pleasure, favor, or amusement, characterized by an upturning of the corners of the mouth.
• to give a gift only you can give
• to bring joy to others
Put on your best smile and see what happens today. Smile at everyone you meet, whether friend or stranger, and see the snowball effect of what a smile can do!
Posted in entertain, Musings, tagged Deer, EAH, Focus, Humor on May 13, 2010| Leave a Comment »
The other night I had the pleasure to be in a lovely home, set out on the edge of civilization, with the woods literally running right up to the backyard. The living room had wrap-around windows that flanked both the front and one entire side of the room, providing a grand view of the beautiful lawn below and to the side of the house.
I was just getting rolling with a product demonstration for EAH and was knee-deep in my spiel of entertaining ideas and tips when I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. Looking out one of the side windows, I watched a partially-grown fawn wander into the yard, nibbling at grass and greenery as it went, acting like it did that everyday, which it probably does.
Since all the nice ladies in the room were facing me with their backs to the window, none of them were aware that Bambi had traipsed into our midst and was creating a complete distraction for my already weary brain.
I forgot my spiel (which I’ve given no less than 1,286 times in the last four years) and was having trouble even remembering my name.
Bambi was so cute. So adorable. So attention-grabbing.
Instead of pointing out the sweet little deer munching away at the outdoor herbiferous smorgasbord provided by the hostess, I gave myself a quick mental scolding of “Just Focus! Focus! Focus!” grabbed my unraveling thoughts and attempted to tie them back together. I’m fairly certain those nice ladies may think I’m a bit of a scatter-brained nut-job. But what was a girl to do? Could you ignore this cute little face?
Does anyone else ever have this problem? Do you ever need a reminder to “Just Focus!” I’d love to hear your stories!
Shanna
(a.k.a. the scatter-brained nut-job)
Posted in entertain, Referrals, tagged Capps, Radio Station, Referrals on May 12, 2010| Leave a Comment »
The shout-out this week goes to Capps Broadcast Group. This is a group of radio stations that does an excellent job of providing local news coverage, entertainment, great music and top notch programming.
All the staff I’ve worked with over the years are professional, fun and a pleasure to work with. They offer everything from talk radio and ESPN to easy listening and country stations.
If you are in my local area, tune in to one of their many stations. You’ll be glad you did!
Posted in Centerpieces, Entertaining at Home, Entertaining Ideas, Quick and Easy, tagged Centerpiece Ideas, Decorating a Table, Easy Centerpieces on May 11, 2010| Leave a Comment »
If you are hosting a party that involves seating your guests around the table, think about keeping the centerpiece low. A high-flying centerpiece can make it difficult to see across the table and visit with other guests. When you use a low centerpiece, it won’t block faces and can help keep the conversation flowing.
One of my favorite ways to dress up a long dinner table is with individual bowls of flowers. Use a grouping of three to five or scatter as many as you like down the table. If you alternate these with votive candles, it is a beautiful and simple way to dress your table with style and a hint of elegance. It is also a very affordable way to create some “Wow!” factor for your table.
You can also use individual bowls of flowers scattered throughout a buffet table setting. Nestle little bowls, jars and glasses with individual stems next to serving pieces for an added pop that your guests will appreciate.
Any type of stemmed flower will work. My absolute favorite is roses, but since they are not yet in bloom, I’m currently having a blast with tulips. 
Choose a container with some character. It could be anything from a custard cup to canning jars to a tiny bowl. Listen to what speaks to you and have fun with it. If you’ve got a set of matching little serving bowls, parfait cups or even tea cups, they all make interesting containers for your blooms. Use clear glass votive holders to finish the look. If you really want to get fancy-schmancy, put down a piece of shimmery fabric and loosely drape it in the middle of your table. Then place the flowers and votives on top. It will look amazing and beautiful.
Be creative, have fun with your centerpieces and remember that you are the artist and the table is your blank canvas!
Happy Entertaining!
Shanna
Savvy Entertaining 