Life & Entertaining with JEM

Who Needs and Invitation!

2012-02-10T06:30:00.000-08:00

With all the electronic invitations available to us today I question whether or not we still need paper invitation, stamps and calligraphy! Just Kidding!!! I absolutely love opening the mail to find an adorable invitation to a child's party or baby shower, an elegant invite to a wedding or milestone anniversary celebration and I especially enjoy receiving a whimsical, flashy or unique invite to a birthday party.

Receiving an invite by mail is extremely personable. It tells you your presence is being requested directly from the host to be in attendance at that particular celebration! It also shows that you've been kept up with! The sender actually has your full name and mailing address! It's a personal invitation for your eyes only and not a list to someones entire database or massive call to all who can attend! So when someone sends you a note via mail they've gone beyond the social call of duty! You're special! If you can't attend there is usually a request for a regrets via return note or phone call.

Traditional invites show thought, expectation and gives you an indication of the feel of the event! There are so many varieties of the personal invitation. Usually made out of some type of specialty paper or card stock but can be made of bottles, plexi-glass, wood, and other objects. Whatever you imagine can be created! An invitation is also the first indication of the type of event you've been invited to. Is it casual or formal? Is this going to be a creative gathering or a traditional fete!

Now don't get me wrong, I love the convenience of evite, punchbowl and pingg, just to name a few. An electronic invite does not carry the same personal touch that a traditional invite does and should not be used for a formal event. Informal gathering at the house...evite! Game time....evite! Small party with cake....evite! Wedding invitations require a stamp.

Take a look at these invites below and see that they relay so much more info than an electronic message!

Mail the puzzle pieces and let the guests put it together! So fun!

Baby Shower Invite. So Cute!

Sweet Potato Paper has really nice multicultural invites for all occassions!

This record serves notice of the party!

This unique invite tell me it's a Vintage Affair!

Until next time,
Jennifer

dbO Creates Dishes with Style!

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon dbO Home while enjoying my morning dose of Daily Candy. Being that I love to entertain dishes are so important to an event. Now, they don't have to be matchy, matchy, but be creative and spend a little time planning out your food display, buffet table or the dinnerware you want to use for each guest. I guarantee if you put together an unexpected but thoughtful display you will generate some good table talk amongst your visitors that won't be forced or fake. :-)

Look at these one of kind unique platters, spoons and hot chocolate cup cheers me up! What really caught my eye while perusing the dbO site was the unique design of their dishes. Everything is made by hand, thought out and perfected. That's such a joy being that most items are produced in such mass quantities these days.

What a perfect gift these original items would make! What you see below is only a sample of what's available. They have so many different designs and pieces you'll have a time trying to figure out what to get!

Platter set.

Hot chocolate cup. Burr!

These spoons are so adorable! Look at the bowl!

Until next time,

Jennifer!

Cupcakes and Pinterest!

2012-02-08T13:01:00.000-08:00

Today's post is inspired by my love of Cupcakes and the creative finds on Pinterest! Even though cupcakes have been around since the 19th Century there's not much recorded history on the little personal pastries. The new wave of cupcake creations that took place a few years ago, when cupcakes began to make their way into weddings replacing the cake and into adult parties and corporate events was a fad that I thought would not be around for long...boy was I wrong!

Today still holding their own, cupcakes are still showing up at all types of events and with original decorations, designs and displays! Not to mention in all kind of wonderful flavors! Today I saw a blueberry, blackberry cupcake topped with blueberry cream icing! I drooled as my taste buds imagined how delicious and decadent a bite would be!!!

As I searched Pinterest this morning, one of my favorite pass times that inspire creativity, I found some lovely, fun and creative cupcakes. Take a look at these fun unique themed cupcakes. Don't they look tasty!

Hamburger Cupcakes! Too Cute!

I love the sharks floating around the buoy! Creative!

A salute to all things medical!

Who doesn't love the zoo?

I hope you enjoyed this fun creative blog of cute cupcakes!

Until next time,

Jennifer

The Weekly Web Find: The Scarf Boutique

2012-01-13T11:43:00.000-08:00

Unique! Love it!

It's cold outside! As I dropped my kids off at school this morning I glanced at the thermometer to find out it was 51 degrees outside (That's cold for California)! Being that I rushed out the house, which is normal, and due to poor wardrobe planning last night, I had no scarf!

Classic!

However, we all know that when something is on your mind, it usually crosses your path. So as I scrolled through my emails this morning and clicked on the Daily Candy Daily Deal, what did I find? The cutest, fashion forward scarves in Los Angeles! But thanks to the Internet, you can have the cutest, most fashion forward scarves where you live too!
Chic Tweak is a scarf boutique that offers a variety of scarfs from various fashion designers that have chosen the best fabrics, created unique designs and even show you ways to wear them! Now that's a complete package!

I love the colors in the "Peacock" design! Winter or Spring this scarf will jazz up any outfit!

"Glamourpuss" is one of my favorite designs! The fur piece can go from casual to dressy in an instant!

Scarfs have become an accessory in most wardrobes. There are so many options! Knit, silk, gingham, animal prints, fur you name it, it's out there.
So, since it's winter, I thought this wardrobe necessity would make a great bridesmaid, shower or hostess gift. I know I would love to receive one of these scarfs even if it was just because!

Happy Friday!

Jennifer

A Fresh Start

2012-01-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

Most of us look at the start of a new year as "A Fresh Start" or "New Beginning", but I want to refer to the start of 2012 as a time for new growth, a time of forward movement or continuation that will take us into a new chapter in our lives, businesses and relationships. It's a time to experience things we've never seen as we step out into new avenues, ventures and meet new people.

What are your goals for 2012? What do you want to do differently this year as you continue to push forward? We have so much time before us. Let's make it count!
Wishing you a happy and prosperous new year filled with peace, love and joy!
Stay focused!
Jennifer

Engagement Chicken: For Real or Fake!

2011-10-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Today as I browsed the web I came upon an interesting recipe from GLAMOUR Magazine referring to a dish that every woman should know how to prepare. This recipe is entitled Engagement Chicken! It started back in 2006 when then, GLAMOUR fashion editor, Kim Bonnell passed her chicken recipe to her assistant, Kathy Suder to prepare a nice homemade dinner for her now HUBBY of 10+ years Ron (they were engaged a month later!).
Kim's chicken recipe began to circulate the office as fast as wedding nuptial plans! The recipe was passed from assistant to assistant while weddings plans and dates began to fill up the calendar. It was at this point Kim named the recipe," Engagement Chicken".
As the effects of this chicken recipe began to circulate and single ladies became Mrs., Engagement Chicken has become a common dinner served during the months of November and December which are known as Engagement Season in the wedding industry. I thought this was a joke, fable or part of tabloid tale until I googled, "Engagement Chicken" and found it on Food Network, prepared by Ina Garten ( I love Ina), Epicurious.com and many other notable cooking-go-to sites.

Now, I don't believe in this myth, but I thought it was cute enough to share with all of you.

Happy Engagement Season! And ladies, let your groom find you! Oh...I didn't let you in on the secret. If he proposed to you after you made him a wonderful meal....he was already going to ask you to become his life long, forever girl anyway!

Recipe:

1 whole chicken
2 medium lemons
½ cup fresh lemon juice
Kosher or Sea Salt Ground black pepper
Place rack in upper third of oven and preheat 400 degrees. Wash chicken inside and out with cold water, remove giblets, then let the chicken drain, cavity down in a colander until it reaches room temperature (15 minutes or so).
Pat dry with paper towels. Pour lemon juice all over chicken, inside and outside.
Season with salt and pepper. Prick the whole lemons three times with a fork and place deep inside the cavity. (Tip: If the lemons are hard, roll on countertop with palm to get juices flowing)
Place the bird breast-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Lower heat to 350 degrees and bake uncovered 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and turn breast side up (use wooden spoons!); return to oven for 35 minutes more.
Test for doneness-insert meat thermometer in the thigh-temperature should read 180 degrees or juices should run clear when chicken is pricked with a fork. Continue baking if necessary. Let chicken stand for a few minutes before carving.

Serve with juices on top.

Vacationing off the Beaten Path: Sealander Camper

2011-10-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

Looking for a quick getaway? Want to take a weekend trip with the family, spend a couple of days with your love one or plan a quick turnaround with a few friends? How about a camping trip? or should I say covert operation 007 Style!

The Sealander Camper was created and built in Germany for the outdoors man at heart with style. Hitch it to your car, van or SUV and hit the road. It's sleek design is modern cool, but what makes this camper stand in a class all its own is that it has an outboard motor that enables the waterproof camper to float in shallow water. The power generated from the moter supports household ammenities that the average campgrounds don't provide such as a stove, refrigerator and heater. Now that's camping in style.

It's interior design is attractive and provides the view of the best sunset ever! Imagine being on the lake in the Sealander Camper, roofless, great company, good food, music.....now that's a Vacation! Another added benefit, no special liscense is required for towing or boating. Sold on the Sealander....it will be available for sale in early 2012 for about $20,500.

Take a sneak peak for yourself!

Sealander on the road. Happy travels!

I love the sleek, simple design with a pop of color.

The Sealander at every angle! Wow!

Cash Money Pre-Grammy Party

2011-09-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

As an event planner and fan of fashion, furniture, art and design, it's truly exciting to see others execute a plan to perfection! Colin Cowie is one of my favorite event designers and the designer of the Cash Money Pre-Grammy Party. I'm featuring this design out of appreciation and understanding of the ability to listen to a client and execute their vision and desire. Colin probably does not listen to the music produced by Cash Money or Young Money artists, but he has executed the look of their BRAND to the fullest with class!

I will refer to it as ......Young Money Chic!

What an unforgettable way to enter a Cash Money Event.

The Cash Bar!

The VVIP Section. VIP is no longer the hot spot!

I would want to sit in this lounge.

Check out the menu on the screen. Bistro Style Service. Nice!

So many great options to chose from!

View of the room with gold lights!

Colin.....well done! All photo's except the last are from Colin's website.

Balancing Life

2011-09-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

Today I have so many things I need to do and then there are the things I want to do. I need to take a moment and evaluate all the thoughts in my mind and put them on paper so I can organize my thoughts, ideas, to-do's and needs for the day. As a wife, mom and business owner, sometimes it's a challenge to prioritize ALL the things you need to accomplish in a day. Now that I've actually addmitted that to myself I feel so much better!

Today the lesson is, be true to yourself. Most of us (Ladies, Moms, Wives) are just use to getting it done, (By Any Means Necessary!) but we can actually get it done with less stress if we take a step back, evaluate the situation, plan, then execute. Now I'm ready to get somethings done. Happy Monday all!

This week look for me to share some items from one of my favorite furniture stores, a hotel I'm going to visit and a peek into my lunch date with one of my good friends!

And yes ladies balance. Balance is so important! God is helping me get back on track. I was consumed in family and work for a minute, but now I'm going to incorporate some me time....just an hour or two.....so I can laugh a little, share a little and encourage a little! Iron sharpens Iron and I was getting a little rusty. Thank you Lord for Friends!

Cheers to Munaluchi Bridal Magazine

2011-09-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love, love, love this magazine! I love all things wedding, but this magazine has a special place in my heart. Being a bride of color 16 years ago, there was no magazine that I could pick up and say,"Oh! that would look great on me!" or see myself in the women pictured on the pages. I thought of developing my own magazine, but I love Wedding and Event Planning and if you've ever planned an event you know it takes lots of creative time and energy and so does a magazine!..... so I stuck to planning. However, Munaluchi has come along and I'm PROUD to see it on the shelves of Book Stores in ALL areas. This magazine has been mentioned on Blogs and in other magazines which proves there is an audience of women that like what Munaluchi is doing.

I'm also excited that today most bridal magazines do a great job at representing Brides of color from every background. As a planner I have witnessed beautiful events from all cultural backgrounds and I've seen inspiring pictures that have educated me about the heritage of others background and that is a wonderful thing to see.

I saw these pictures yesterday while browsing around The Brides Cafe which is a wonderful blog for every bride that will keep you inspired far after your wedding day. Janie, the Brides Cafe editor is now the floral specialist for Munaluchi! Congratulation Janie!

Anyhow, aren't these pictures FABulous! Two claps and a big smile for Munaluchi!

The soft blue of this dress is awesome! How about that fascinator?

For the bride that's not scared of a little color.

What welcoming southern feel these flowers bring!

The bright colored flower adds a whimsical look to this classy dress.

What a sexy, but subtle dress. Hot Pink shoe! Love them.

Romantic!

The photos are fantastic! I love the wedding gowns, flowers, shoes and the fascinator in the first picture was a wonderful accent! Details, details, details! It's always in the details!

"Black OPS" at the wedding!

2011-09-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

I had to come back and show this to you immediately! Call of Duty is such a popular game right now. I've seen it on billboards, Best Buy opened at midnight the morning of its last release to sale 'Call of Duty Modern War Fare' to the GAMERS that had to have it first. I resently saw the "Black Ops" Jeep, a limited edition Cheeroke model for those that can't get enough the game on the rode while at the gas station. I must say it was very nice! However, I never thought I would see the love for this video game cross over into the wedding world! Wow! I found this while searching the web today. A little creativity, thought and design will definately add a personal touch to your wedding or event.

Prevent Event Munchies

2011-09-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever attended a wedding, party, conference or found yourself hanging out with friends late in the evening and wanted a snack because you've worked off the dinner you ate three hours earlier? Well, the savvy host has has found a few solutions for this after dinner hunger by offering either a late night menu or snack.

This past weekend I attended two weddings and both had after dinner snacks that ALL the guests loved and welcomed after an evening full of fun, dancing and entertainment. The avid host has come to realized that after a long day of events and an early dinner, they themselves as well as their guests would love to have a "Small Bite" or a "Sweet Treat". Check out these pictures below to see what the savvy host has been up to!

How cute is this late night sweet treat!

Santa is not the only one who loves cookies and milk before bed!

Great Balls on Wheels

The food truck craze is the perfect answer for the host that wants to have a specific vendor prepare their late night snack and not have to clean up the kitchen! Great Balls on Wheels is one of my favorite food truck vendors! These mini gourmet burgers are super juicy, flavorful and fun to eat! What a way to say goodnite before departing an event and you won't have to visit the drive-thru on your way home.

To find out more information about food trucks simply google "FOOD TRUCKS" along with your city and you'll wind up with a long list of trucks that service your area. It will be hard to choose! However, what's great about the food truck craze is you can find out where the next food truck event will take place and you'll be able to taste them all before you choose!

So, whatever your favorite food is or maybe you want to serve the first meal you and your husband ate on your first date, may be ice cream,.....the choices are limitless, just go for something you and your guests will love. They'll thank you for not sending them home looking for something to munch on!

2011-09-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

Cake toppers......who still uses a cake topper? Everyone does! Whether you have fresh or artificial flowers, marzipan designed to accent your wedding decor, blinged out initials or the traditional bride and groom situated on the top of your wedding cake all of the above are considered cake toppers. It's pretty much the norm to have something that represents you and your loved one on the top of a wedding cake!
But what about having YOU, yes, YOU and the one you want to spend the rest of your live with on the top of your wedding cake? Take a look at these actual couples transformed into cake toppers.....We love them! Where can you find them? Keep reading.

While searching ETSY.com, one of my favorite places to find unique bridal items and a great place to get inspired, I found Mark who designs personalized cake toppers from your photos and a few questions! How cute! Check them out for yourself!

Find Mark on Etsy if you're looking for a creative way to add something special to your wedding day.

The Bride and Her Shoes!

2010-11-02T22:42:00.000-07:00

I'm absolutely fond of the choices available to the Bride in regards to footwear! I've never been a lace, frilly kind of girl, but when I look at this seasons designs of Badgley Mischka shoes, I'm excited to be a girl! The designs remind me of the classic, princess shoe with a modern twist! The Kiwi is one of my favorites! The open toe, petal accent adds a sexy, but sophisticated detail to a simple shoe. The Randall is a truly classic design that has a silk petal ornament at the toe; the perfect accent to a timeless design. With all the colors and rejuvenated styles any bride seen in a pair of these fancy foot creations will not only generate conversation, but add the perfect accent to her bridal attire. So, before you pick that basic satin white pump, step out of the box and look for a shoe that reflects your style and personality. Don't be scared, it's your day to shine!

The Holiday Season is Upon Us!

2009-11-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

Can you believe Thanksgiving is two weeks away? I promised I would be consistent in my blog posting this year and like a few other New Year's resolutions....I have fallen short, but there is still time to redeem myself! I am officially in BLOG mode.
I love to entertain and create new looks for each gathering. That is going to be the premise of the blog moving forward. You will see me out shopping for events, gathering items for personal and client celebrations and events. You will also get to know me better. Learn about my favorite things and how I handle the stress of producing successful events. As my oldest son would say,"Never let them see you sweat!" But when you love what you do, it's never work......It's fun mixed with passion which equals making others smile and enjoy the moment. That's destiny! Isn't that what life is all about? Giving back and helping others. Let's do some great things this Thanksgiving Season!
Enjoy the day. I look forward to seeing more of you!

It's Been a While!

2009-06-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

I think about blogging all the time........subject matters, pictures to upload and acquiring an audience that will desire to follow what I have to say on a daily bases....., but you have to do it "Blog" on a consistent bases in order to achieve that. Just like my "New Years Resolutions" (I set a few every year averaging one out of four!), but the objective for success is to be consistent. Now that we are officially half way through the year I have decided to pickup my goal book and focus on those dreams that I want to achieve by the end of the year.

All that being said, Look for me to blog on a regular bases and introduce you to Jennifer Jackson, my family and my great company, Jennifer's Event Management Company!

Until next time,
Jennifer

Social Networking...Are you in?

2009-02-09T12:12:00.001-08:00

It's 12:13 pm. I've been on the computer since 8 am updating my Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin pages. I'm trying to come up with a system to keep up and stay in the know! All I wanted to do was, login in, update, read new post and get out, but that system is not working. The whole social networking world is a job in itself. New people are trying to connect to you, you want to connect with them and by the time you're done, it's lunch time and you haven't even looked at your current "To Do List"!

So what's a girl to do? I decided to give myself a time limit. Thirty minutes a day, before 9 am or after 9 pm! Will it work? I'm already putting myself out of Twitter world with those hours. I'll keep you posted.

Refreshed, Revived and Ready for 2009

2009-02-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

As an event professional, you're always the one making sure all guest needs are met, confirming the rentals count hours before delivery and making sure the desserts are plenty! But every year there is an event for event professionals designed to spark your creativity, allows you to mingle among friends, make new ones and most important of all, enjoy the party. It's called The Special Event(TSE)!

TSE has been a vital asset to my business since my personal introduction in 2004. It brings together the best of the best from around the world in the event planning arena. This year I had the opportunity to participate in the table top competition (this is one of my favorite things to do!), and boy did I have a ball.

If there were a People's Choice Award for this competition my team would have won! Here are some pictures below!

Back into the swing of things!!!

2008-10-06T22:22:00.002-07:00

Now that summer is practically behind us, day light savings time is approaching and my kids are back in school, I'm hoping to blog on a regular basis (I'm going to try). Events by JEM had a FABulous summer this year and we will be posting pictures of our events later on this month. Be sure to look for them!

Until then, I want to share pictures of my kids. They are growing so fast and I'm extremely proud of them. It's amazing how much my business carries over into their lives. They are all planners in their own way.

My oldest, Ejay(Too cool), Justin (Papa Love) and Jordyn (My Princess) are wonderful kids. Managing my schedule and theirs is a pretty hefty task, but I wouldn't change it for the world!

Where do I begin.....

2008-06-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have to do a better job at posting to the Events by JEM blog on a regular basis! Time flies by, but I want you to know what we're doing when we're doing it.....not months later!

Spring has come and all most gone since we last spoke. We have been working on events, enjoying family time and planning for this summer.

Last week we were at the 2008 Bizbash Style Expo and Event Show. We stopped by one of our favorite linen vendors, Wildflower Linen to say Hi! That's me and Desiree having fun in the booth!

We also spent sometime with Celebrate Life Cancer Organization at there 1st Annual Golf Tournament. This event was amazing. Walmart sponsored the day on the Green and what a great celebration to be a part of.

Until next time, take care, plan a gathering and laugh with some friends!!

It's February Already!

2008-02-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

I can't believe we are already four day's into the second month of 2008! I didn't even say Happy New Year! Event's by JEM has been busy planning events and out and about being inspired by other industry vendors in order to produce GREAT Events for you in 2008!

Above, you will find evidence of how hard we've been working!

Eventhough it's February, "Happy New Year!"

Seasons of Color

2007-09-09T00:02:00.000-07:00

Summer is always FABulous! Bright colors, sleeveless dresses, out door events...... we all look forward to them. Now that we are saying goodbye to some of the things that make summer events special, how can we make fall and winter events just as memorable, can't wait to put on my boots and dance... EXCITING?

Let's start with color. How about adding a bright color with a neutral one? Navy and light blue, with hot pink, or hot pink and cinnamon? Color is a great way to make your guest feel welcome in a room and to add some cheer to any environment. If you really want to make a statement add in a third color like honey to hot pink and cinnamon or a red.

Going to the fabric store and getting swatches of different materials is a way to create a color palate instantly. Another fun way to create a color palate before your eyes is to assemble a selection of paint chips while on a visit at your favorite home improvement store.

If you ever need color recommendation or an opinion on your party color palate, don't hesitate to contact me!

September 23rd is the first day of fall. Until then, enjoy the last days of summer!

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW!

2007-08-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

August 22, 2007 will go down in the Events by JEM history book! Why, because this is the day we launched into the world of Blogging. We are looking forward to all the great experiences that will cross our path on this new venture. We want our reader's or should I say blogger's to get to know us and to become educated about our industry (the world of event planning) and to be allowed to step inside of our life from time to time. So please stop by and see what we're doing and learn something new from the information we will have available on our blog. Thanks for visiting us and we look forward to getting to know some of you. Also, feel free to leave us a message. Below are a few pictures of events we've just completed. Let us know what you think!