Thursday, February 12, 2009

Bacara Event/Valentine's Rant and Update


I am busy at work and finishing up last details for my event at the beautiful and very very expensive Bacara Resort and Spa, this evening. All the florals came in beautiful but at the highest prices, due to VALENTINE'S DAY!!!! I think I lost about 10 years off my life when I looked at the bill! None the less we are moving forward, and making sure everything is perfect.

Jasmine and I have been running around like Chickens with their heads cut off (She's The chicken and I'm more of a turkey... hehe) to make sure everything all turns out as planned. This Holiday makes everything more challenging, for our line of work. Regretfully (not really), this is my first Valentine's Day that I will NOT be taking Valentine's orders since I was 12 years old. I really don't know if I will miss staying up night after night the days before the black day, stripping roses, filling vases, dealing with desperado guys, and making bows...Oh so many bows . Everyone thinks "Oh Flower shops make SO much money on Valentine's Day!"

Well, Actually they don't. They work their tails off weeks before preparing. Only to find out wholesale flower prices have DOUBLED or even TRIPLED at times. For all of you that will be ordering flowers for V-Day, don't be cheap, just cough up the dough or go to the grocery store. My heart does go out to everyone in the flower business right now.

Okay that's enough from Debbie Downer!!!

On a "brighter" note I have to confess that I have NOT gone to the gym or dance class since I've been back from New York. UHG. Monday will be my day to get back in the groove.


Okay. BACK to work, I'll keep ya'll posted on how the event turns out

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Spray God.


I have an obsession with hairspray, spray paint, spray glue, spray glitter, leaf shine spray and pretty much anything that sprays. (I'm Sorry Green people!!) Let me also be clear that this obsession is in an artsy, overly creative, obsessed with work kind of way NOT in a druggie, tweaker, east LA kind of way (Please, I wear a mask!). Today I took my obsession to a whole other level and killed a spider with my can of hairspray. I hate spiders, love hairspray and yes ladies and gents I am an insect murderer.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Bling IS Back!







Bling has been creeping up on us for the past few years, but this is the first year we're going to see a lot more of it. Sparkles are always a fun way to add romance and glitz to your wedding. Search for antique brooches, old crystal chandeliers and beaded crystal votive cups and BLING up your BIG day. Fun, fun fun!!

Cotton Bridal Bouquet


I think this is just SOOOO darn fabulous!! Frank Alexander of NYC , designed this bridal bouquet out of cut cotton branchings. The bride said she wanted something (to carry) that was light weight, organic , and wouldn't die or wilt. So Gorg!!! Good Work Frank! LOVE it!

Green with Envy


Carnations have a bad Rap, but I'm obsessed with this one!!! Green carnations are so fun. As a lot of you know (or maybe you don't know) green flowers are very hard to come by. I get bored with proposing and designing with the same ones... Green orchids, green callas, green roses, Bla!

I think the green carnation will add fabulous color and texture to centerpieces and maybe even boutonnieres???? I love new flowers and think this one is a great find. Boy, has it come a long way from the dyed ones they sell at Conroy's for St. Paddy's Day. :)

Leaving New York and heading back to work


I'm at the airport and just getting to ready to leave my favorite city. It has been an amazing trip with fabulous food (and drink.. hehe) and unforgettable memories. Thank you to all who made my stay in the Big Apple the best trip out to the city yet! I'm excited to head back to work and out of the cold. Until next time, Farewell !!

Working in New York




On Saturday I got the great opportunity to work with Ruby on an event at the "espace" in New York city. It was fun working on vacation and with Ruby. We made ALL the flower arrangements on site!!! It was a crazy day but everything came out beautiful. Check out the pics!

Friday, February 6, 2009

New York City Ballet




What most of you don't know about me is what a huge ballet fan I am. I started taking ballet classes at the age of 18. I danced 4 hours a day, 5 days a week into my twenties. As I battled with my weight it became apparent that I could never dance professionally. The art of ballet will always be in my heart as I still take classes for fun.

Tonight I have the amazing opportunity to see the New York City Ballet perform here in NYC at the Lincoln center. I am SO excited!!! I will keep you all posted!

Let it snow!


Growing up in Santa Barbara, I've never been exposed to the snow because during the winter months we are usually at the beach. During my stay in New York I've been thinking about how beautiful snow would be to incorporate into a winter wedding or event. So the question is
"How do we make it snow in sunny Santa Barbara?"
Well My friends, I have the answer! An evaporated snow machine. This machine silently blows out "snow" that evaporates within 10 seconds before hitting the ground. Creating a beautiful illusion of snow without the mess or cold. Imagine how breathtaking it would be to recite your vows in the snow? The machine is also adjustable. Whether you want a light and graceful sprinkle or even a heavy blizzard. The evaporating snow machine is available at www.Partymachines.com

Lost without the "L" train




After visiting with Ruby and Ari I attempted to make my way back to Manhattan, however Brooklyn just was not ready to see me go. Leaving the lofts I found myself strolling empty, lonely deserted, dark streets trying to find my way back to the Subway station. I took a wrong turn somewhere had no idea where I was! My feet were killing me (from walking 14 miles earlier today), and the 13 degree freezing weather was starting to get to me. Block after block was still and person less. After several blocks I found a homeless man and asked him for directions. He was so nice and told me exactly how to get there without any hesitation. I did not know how to thank him, but to give him cash. I stuck my metro card into the machine and pushed the gate to get into the station. Much to my distress the gate locked. I had just used up my last ride on my card and there were no ticket booths to be seen. I sat there in the cold, wet, dark station trying to hold back my tears. I reached in my back pocket for my phone to call Ruby and quickly discovered that my phone was dead. Scared and frustrated I waited patiently trying to come with some sort of plan to return to my beloved Manhattan. As my mind raced, a young gentleman arrived, saw my discomfort and offered me his card. I feel so blessed to have met such genuine people in New York. People say "New Yorker's are rude." I would have to disagree.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Ruby and Ari











Ruby and Ari are old employees/friends of Nico Designs. They are so dear to me and it was very sad yet exciting to see them move on with their lives. Ari is attending Wharton school of business in Philly and Ruby is a freelance designer for some of the largest fashion labels in NYC. I had the fabulous opportunity to meet up with them in THE big apple!!! It makes me so happy to see how successful they've become. We met up in Soho and ventured to little Italy for an amazing authentic Italian dinner. We shared new stories, as well as, laughed and cried about old ones. After dinner we traveled to Ruby's trendy "Loft" style apartment in Brooklyn. It was there where I realized what a true New Yorker she had become! Brooklyn is filled with artists, musicians, and photographers, and Ruby fits right in! Rumor has it that these two very talented women might escape the east coast heat this summer and relocate back to their roots to rejoin the Nico Designs team for its summer season!!!! It's booking up and I will be so happy to have their expertise.

New Friends and Nightlife







My New York adventure continues... Last night I ate at a great restaurant in Chelsea called " The Rocking Horse". The restaurant features a selection of food compiled together, with recipes from all the major Latin countries. It was fabulous. What was even more fabulous is that I met a great group of people who took me under their wings and showed me NYC nightlife through local eyes. I had SOOOO much fun, maybe too much fun;)

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Warmin' Up!!!







As I continued my journey through the city, I started getting a bit chilly. I walked past a Chocolate Shop called " Max Brenner, Chocolate by The Bald Man" It looked toasty and seemed like a lovely place to warm up. Well I had NO idea what I was in for. First, I took a window side table, to admire the street traffic,as it turns out I didn't look out once. I ordered a Mexican hot chocolate which came in a "Hug Mug". The mug is to be held with both hands and be sipped out of the spout. The Waitress asked me if I would like breakfast and I declined till I saw the menu. WOO HOO! You can order, chocolate pizza, chocolate bagels, chocolate omeletts, eggs, bacon, you name it!!! The waitress recommended the Chocolate tutti fruity Belgian waffles with chocolate drizzle and caramelized banana slices, "I surrender!!!!" As some of you know, I've been trying to lose weight but...... Forgive me father , I have SINNED:)

Small Town Boy







This morning I took a walk and explored Chelsea, my new home for the next 5 days. My eyes widened as I discovered all the freshly fallen snow from the night before. How BEAUTIFUL. Snow covering park benches, tree limbs, building ledges, signage, and planter boxes. Puffs and patches covering the city and its environment. It took my breath away.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK


So, I'm in New York. Yes , I made it here safe despite of what most of you think about my travel abilities. Before I start blogging about my trip, I have to tell you a little about my flight out here. It was a TOTAL freak plane (biggest freak being Nico of course hah) Okay, so our pilot was 1.5 hours late due to sleeping in, and we found this out AFTER we boarded the plane. The flight attendants would NOT let us off. All 188 passengers, including actor Jimmy Fallen (and entourage), members of the Gay Men's chorus, Six dancers from Cirque du Soleil, eight orthodox Jews, and ME practiced their trade to fill the time. Needless to say it was a long hour and a half.