INTEGRITY

Today, I veer away from the usual nicities to talk about something that is SO, SO important to me- INTEGRITY. 

 When I started my business 16 years ago, I came to it with a skill set that prepared me for whatever might happen.  I had worked in the restaurant business for over 20 years and had run some of the best restaurants in the city of Philadelphia.  In those years, I entertained celebrities, politicians, local business owners and even tourists.  There were weddings, political gatherings, private dinners for stars who were working in the theaters.  Every customer that came in the door I treated as if they were coming to dinner at my house.  And, I treated my staff with respect and decency- from dishwashers to chefs.  We were a team and our goal was to make sure the guests had a wonderful time and a great meal.   INTEGRITY in my work- that's what was most important.  Being respectful, honest and doing the best job every day.

After too many years of working 7 days a week and never being home for a holiday, I switched gears.  On a whim, I answered an ad for a bridal salon manager.   This began a new chapter in my work life and a spark that I didn't even know was there.   Working with a bride on this journey, deciding what she was going to wear for such an important day in her life was exhiliarating.  I learned about fabrics, construction of a gown, how to alter a dress, how to dye a veil to match a dress and how to dye shoes- among other things,  And, again, my staff was important to me, my brides were important to me and my INTEGRITY was important to me.  I would never tell a bride she could have something that she could not.  I went out of my way to ensure that every bride felt important, listened to and that every sales associate felt like I had their best interests at heart.  

Along the way I did some other things that prepared me for the leap into wedding planning.  I worked for an events company writing brochures, creating party themes and acquiring props.  I nannied two little girls, which taught me patience and tolerance.  I worked in a theater- handling all the costumes, making lodging arrangements for the stars who worked there and entertaining them at night for dinner.  INTEGRITY- being respectful of their needs and their privacy, while ensuring that their stay was pleasant and that their costumes and accommodations were always in order.  Let me tell you a story.  Most of you won't remember Ronnie Claire Edwards.  She played Ike Godsey's wife on The Waltons.  She was cast as Miss Daisy in the play Driving Miss Daisy- which is very different from the movie.  This is a 3 person play and she is on stage for most of it.  Her changes were very quick and she was a nervous wreck.  When she arrived for rehearsals- she was a very eccentric lady, she explained to me that I was not going to be able to get her changed in time because I didn't know her or how quick the changes were.  Rather than argue with her and try to make myself feel better, I just did my job.  Every outfit was lined up according to scene, including hats, gloves, shoes, jewelry.  And, after the first rehearsal, I had her eating out of my hand.  At the end of the run, she refused to leave without me and I had to travel with her to two other theaters to dress her.  INTEGRITY!  Honesty, hard work and diligence.  I earned her respect.  

When I started my business, it was because, in my personal life, I also had INTEGRITY.  My mother was ill and needed to be cared for.  And, my grandmother was in her 90's and needed weekly help.  As the oldest of four and the only girl, I learned early on about service to others.  I raised my three brothers, took care of my grandparents, became a single mom after a bad divorce and weathered all kinds of storms that prepared me for ANY "what if".  Believe me, there have been MANY "what if's"  in my life.  Anyway, I needed a job that was more flexible so that my mother would not be alone all day, every day.  At the time, wedding planning wasn't the "IN" thing to do.  But, it was a VERY valued service that brides took seriously because is was a huge help to their stress levels and the success of their wedding.  So, I took my skill set and I plunged into the world of event planning.  My first ever bride was a 40 year old, first time bride and a TV producer.  She had already alienated all of her vendors and brought me on to do everything.  She and I got along great, because I respected her vision, her personality and her needs.  I didn't take over, I just did my job.  Her wedding was quite the To Do, including walking her dress from Vera Wang's studio to the hotel- up 5th Avenue, and making sure that 150 people boarded buses in the city to travel up Riverside Drive to the venue- with lemonade!!  Needless to say, it was a great success and she emailed me from the beach in Hawaii to thank me.  INTEGRITY!!  Being respectful, honest and doing my best.

Here I am 16 years later, and I am wondering- what happened to the value of INTEGRITY?  I have treated all of my brides with it, have done a supurb job of making them happy.  It didn't matter if it was a DIY bride with a $10k budget or an executive with a $100K budget- they all get the same treatment.  I won't spoil my integrity with bashing anyone or decrying another's ability or success.  But, I AM WORTH IT!!!  My commitment is worth it.  My ability is worth it.  My creativity and my hard work ethic is worth it.  I know what I am doing.  TALK TO ME.  ASK ME.  ASK MY BRIDES.  And, then- HIRE ME.   I promise you won't be disappointed.  I work incredibly hard- I have all my life, not just in this business.  I am 100% here for you- its your day!   And, I have INTEGRITY!!!  No matter what you see, what you read, what you think because I don't have a fancy web site.  My worth speaks for itself in my track record.  So, give me a chance to be what I LOVE being.  Every bride needs a planner- let it be me.  Thank you for reading.  Someone told me that I needed to speak my worth.  So, here it is.  I hope to talk to you soon.

ROMANTIC AND ELEGANT HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans is one of the most romantic and haunted places to be married.  This is a city I would do weddings in all the time, there are so many amazing venues.  The history, the ghost stories, the voodoo.  So, in honor of Halloween tomorrow, I created a Halloween wedding at Race and Religious- my personal favorite and the most romantic venue in the city.

Steeped in history and original artifacts, this is a huge venue, made up of three buildings.  Its charming enough for an elegant wedding and just spooky enough to make it perfect for this day.  And, it is equipped with every modern amenity, while keeping with the original history, painstakingly renovated by its owner.  If you are planning a spectacular destination wedding, want to marry in a place that congers the spirits or just want your guests to have something to talk about for years to come, lets plan your Race and Religious wedding now!!   I would be so excited to help you plan your wedding here!  And, planners are a MUST here.   

DRESSING THE GROOM

  

Well, here is one for the guys!  Gone are the days where the men in the wedding have to wear a tux with a vest and a tie matching the bridesmaids.  Tuxes are still popular and they have changed with the times and the trends.  And, certainly, for a black tie or formal wedding, they are appropriate. There are so many other options now.  This sophisticated white suit with a dark tie and a pair of trendy shoes make for the modern groom with a hint of Humphrey Bogart.  Or how about color!  No one ever said the groom has to be in black- or brown or navy.  This yellow suit is perfect for a summer garden wedding.  Add some flowers to your tie and pocket square.   And, if you are really daring and love to have fun, floral print jackets are everywhere!  Its your day too and you should be whatever you want to be.  Just remember to think about the kind of wedding you are having and, without revealing any secrets, have the bride give you some guidance about her dress style.  

Finally, if you are looking for a custom suit or just the latest fashion with  personal attention and an on site day of dressing service for you and the groomsmen, you have to visit my friend Jimmy at Saget's Formalwear.  He and his team are the best at eveyting they do- from rentals to alterations to custom designing your wedding day suit.  

Stand out in the crowd on your wedding day.  Put a little of your personality in your wedding day dressing.  And, enjoy the process.  

A HEAD THING

Your bridal look is more than just the dress.  All of the accessories, the shoes, the veil, your hair... its all part of that finished look.  Today, I want to talk about your head.  Veil or no veil, hair up or hair down.  What kind of veil.  These are all questions you will ask yourself as you put together your wedding day look.

To me, every bride should wear a veil of some sort.  It doesn't have to be a cathedral length cloud of netting.  A bird cage, a short veil at the back of your head, but some way to say- I am the bride and this is a special day.  That being said, the type of veil you wear depends on the dress.  But, here are some things I have observed over the years, some of the mistakes I have seen and some sound advice on choosing how your head will look when you walk down the aisle.

First, let's talk about hair.  Up or down?  Unless you have perfect hair that stays put and keeps its shape, wearing your hair down in your face is probably not the best decision.  Its a long day and you want to look and feel fresh for all of it.  If your curls are bedraggled by cocktail hour, that isn't a good thing.  Consider pulling the front back into a braid or a crystal hair comb and then if your hair doesn't hold up,. at least it won't look like you forgot to comb it.  My advice about bridal hair is to do something that looks like you, but better.  Try a braid, a low bun at the nape of your neck, something that makes you feel special.  Because- YOU ARE!


Veils come in all kinds of lengths and styles.  They can be plain or adorned with crystals or lace.  Mantillas, Juliet caps, just a billow of tulle down the back of your dress- and more.  When you choose your veil, make sure it fits the feel of the dress and doesn't fight with the beading or the applique on your dress.  However, if your dress is simple, perhaps you want to choose something that has embroidered flowers or a lace applique.  Try different styles until you feel like the best YOU.  

Once you have decided on a veil, your hair has to fit the style.  So, if you have a specific style in mind before you purchase a veil, make sure that style compliments the veil.  There is nothing attractive about an unembellished comb stuck in the back of your head.  If you wear your hair down and want to just wear a veil with no ornamentation, try a mantilla.  It sits flat on your head and looks finished.  Another thing that I see is a veil that is placed too close to the face.  Position your veil far enough back that is doesn't hide your pretty smile.  And, again, if you don't want to have anything on the veil, choose a hairstyle that you can tuck the comb of the veil into so it doesn't look like an afterthought.

Finally, a note about blushers.  A blusher is a totally unadorned layer of veil, usually detachable, that should come to about your bust.  It is not the top layer of a multitiered veil and it should not have any lace or other decoration.  It is also not a shroud.  This is a very beautiful ethereal look, but how practical is it?   

Discuss all of these things with the bridal salon when you are shopping.  They will know what looks right.  One last piece of advice- its much easier to choose a veil when you choose your dress, or at your first fitting, provided the veil is something that comes in quickly.  Its very hard to get an idea on the whole picture in your jeans and a tee shirt.  

Have more questions about your veil or your hair or- anything?  Feel free to contact me.  I am never too busy to answer a question.  Happy Planning! 

XTRAORDINARY EVENTS

When Vito Russo enters the equation, you can be sure the result will be Xtraordinary!!   Vito is a presence in the special events industry.  And, his new venture, along with partner Ken Sharples, is just that- XTRAORDINARY!



When you set out to impress your guests at a luxury wedding, a lavish gala or a corporate event, you want to hire the best.  Xtraordinary Events lights the room, creates the floral and overall design of the event and handles the flawless set up with attention to every detail.  The final picture is stunning- every time.   Hands down, this team has the expertise, the creativity and the resources to make your special occasion one that will be talked about for a long time.  Contact Vito and Ken today and begin to create your one of a kind dream come true.
 










Click here to see where you can meet the team of  Xtraordinary Events 

THE EARTH LAUGHS IN FLOWERS

So says Ralph Waldo Emerson- and Kim Bakke.  Sometimes I am just mesmerized by someone's work and I can't stop looking at it.  If, like me, you love English gardens, incredible colors and unique florals, you are going to LOVE- The Cottage Gardener!   Kim is an artist, a gardener and one of the most romantic floral designers in the area.  her work is spectacular.  I just have to tell you about her.  

Kim started loving flowers as a child in her mother's garden.  She took that love into adulthood and, in her words, began to "understand the deeper truths about the language and enduring wonder of flowers.  Kim is a story teller and a romantic.  Every wedding is a personal testament to each and every couple.  

No matter the season, Kim uses brilliant colors and lush pastels to create the most beautiful bouquets and tablescapes.  Just look at these exquisite bouquets!  No springtime wedding should be without such lush and lovely flowers.  Kim is on top of all the trends, like lots of lights and hanging greenery.   This summer wedding is just gorgeous.  Perfect for a rustic wedding, an outdoor wedding or a winery wedding.   And, a winter wedding with vibrant reds and soft greens really captures the frosty outdoors combined with the love of warmth of the celebration inside.  There are so many amazing floral designers out there.  But, if your vision is pure romance- contact A Cottage Gardener.  Tell your love story through flowers!

REALITY TV?

Reality TV!   Its been around for awhile, from Whose Wedding Is It Anyway, to Say Yes To The Dress, to Four Weddings.  Brides flock to these shows for ideas, for inspiration, for validation- and because its fun.  I admit- I watch it too.  I even did a blog series when SYTTD did the first season.  

So, why am I writing about this now?  And, why are my images, here, all of me dressing my brides?  I'll tell you.  REALITY TV isn't real!  Its scripted and planned and edited and- full of bad ideas!!  I know how to dress a bride properly and I always make sure they are picture perfect before anyone sees them. So, let me pick apart my reason for this article. 

 When I look at a bride who is doing her first dance and her train is wiping up the dance floor, I ask- where is her bustle?  Did she not know she needed to have the seamstress add one during alterations?  Or, didn't she know she needed one?  Or, was there no one to help her after the ceremony?  That little loop at the bottom of the train is NOT to hold it!!  Its only there to hook it to a hanger. WHERE IS THE PLANNER?

If you are planning to wear your hair down, remember two things.  First, the weather could have you looking bedraggled before your pictures are taken, so have a back up "do" ready in case of rain, snow or wind.  Watching a bride on a TV show whose hair looks like it hasn't even been combed is not attractive.  Also, that flowing mane does not lend itself to a veil on a comb plopped on the back of your head.  When I see a bride on TV with a plain veil stuck in her flowing hair, it drives me crazy!  Think about what goes on your head and make sure that if you are planning to wear your hair down, ask about alternatives when you go shopping for the veil. Your planner can be a great resource for ideas of how to looked finished from head to toe.

Now, as for the dress.  I spent several years running bridal salons.  In that role, it was my job to oversee alterations, sometimes do the alterations- or remake a dress, and advise brides of what looks nice.  Let me tell you, a puddling hem does not look nice.  Your dress should be an inch from the floor- IN YOUR SHOES.  So, before you have your first fitting, make sure you have the shoes you will be wearing on your wedding day.  If you are wearing a strapless dress, the last thing you want is to be pulling at it all day.  Make sure it is snug, well structured and have the seamstress put an elastic belt on the inside at your waist.  This will keep it from sliding.  Because, guess what, your dress is going to "grow" as you perspire.  TV brides constantly have dresses that are too long and strapless dresses that don't fit properly.  When I see it, I ask myself- WHY IS THERE NOT A PLANNER HERE?!  

Other things that I notice on Reality TV, brides with no real focus.  There is no reason on earth for any bride to try on over 100 dresses.  After the first couple, it begins to become clear that some shapes work and some don't.  It isn't true that the more dresses you try, the more sure you are.  Just the opposite.  Its so much more confusing.  Focus on what looks nice on your body.  And,  DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU WHAT YOU SHOULD LIKE!!!  Its your day, its your dress.  Only YOU need to like it.  Limit your posse.  Too many opinions are confusing.  TV brides who show up with 20 people to try on dresses are just asking for trouble.  I find myself yelling at the TV for those on the couch to be quiet!!  

Pinterest is a great place for ideas.  Its hard to stick to one theme when you there are so many to choose from.  Don't try to do too many things.  Four Weddings is notorious for this.  One of the biggest things I see when I watch this show is that a bride has an idea, but gets carried away and either does too much or tries to incorporate too many themes into her wedding.  Again, focus.  Pick a color palette or a style and stick with it.  A good planner can help you sort out your ideas and put them together in a beautiful vision board that will bring your ideas into focus.

Here's the thing.  Reality TV is entertainment.  Its fun to watch and everybody loves weddings.  But when it comes to your REAL wedding, don't depend on Reality TV to find answers.  If you have questions or want to know more about my services, contact me.  I am an experienced source of really good information.  Lets talk about your wedding.  I offer a free consultation.  Can't wait to hear your wedding ideas!

ON SALE

I DO FOR THE PLANET

Everyone knows that our planet is changing.  The weather, the oceans, the ice caps and glaciers, the rainforests, the air we breathe.  All of us has an obligation to do what we can to keep our carbon footprint in check.  One of the most important trends for weddings in 2020 is sustainable options.  For all of you who are getting married next year, here are some things that you can do to be ecologically and environmentally responsible.  

The other day I wrote about recycling your flowers and giving them to hospitals, hospice, nursing homes.  You can also opt for live plants or grasses and other natural elements to decorate your venue.  How about decorating with trees strung with twinkle lights (another trend for next year) and then planting the trees in a nearby park or your own yard.  

Another way to respect the planet is to buy local, seasonal flowers.  You can keep your cost down, you can avoid flying flowers from Europe or South America and you can support local business.  And, you can create amazing bouquets!  

When planning your menu, discuss with your caterer the possibilities of donating leftover food to a local shelter.  We all know that there is always food that is not even brought out of the kitchen, especially with a buffet or station menu.  Donating what isn't eaten to those less fortunate will put a smile on their faces and reduce waste.

While we are on the subject of food, there are many caterers who only use locally sourced foods or have their own farms.  This may sound like a crazy idea, but it is absolutely true.  When interviewing caterers, ask where they get their produce, meats, etc.  Farm to table is very big in the industry.  And, its a good way to give back to the earth.

Don't use plastic!  Paper straws, recycled paper products, real glassware are all ways to reduce waste.  Ask your venue or caterer what they do with their bottles and cans.  Many just throw them in the trash to be dumped with the garbage.  But, there are caterers who actually make sure to recycle and to create composting vessels while cleaning up.  This is a great way to save the planet.

Micro weddings are going to be very popular.  Have a small gathering of 40 or less of your closest relatives and friends.  This is a lovely option for an intimate and personal celebration and a way for you to limit travel for large numbers of guests.  You also have more options to be a little extravagant with your wedding.

Have a local wedding or a wedding that limits airplane trips and highway driving.  Plan a city wedding with public transportation or provide transportation for all of your guests from hotels to the venue.  Keep it all in one place- ceremony and reception at the same venue.  This is a good way to avoid emissions from motors and fuel.  

That ring, that can be environmentally sound too.  Buy an antique, use a family heirloom or use a jeweler who sources gems that are socially and environmentally sound.

Instead of toss away favors, opt for a charitable donation or use favors sourced from an organization that gives back to a charity.  Honey jars, truffles for charity, all sorts of organizations that provide you with a treat and give back to a charity.  

Weddings are exciting and fun to plan.  Just remember, after the party, you want to leave a safe environment for your children.  So, plan responsibly.  It will make the day that much more special.

HAPPY PLANNING!

STRAIGHT TALK

Usually, my posts are full of pretty pictures and great advice.  But, today, I just want to talk to you.  First, I chose this little quote because it says all you need to know about me.  I have a very kind heart, a fierce and creative mind that is always thinking, and, probably, the bravest spirit you will ever find.  What more could any bride want in a planner?!

For 16+ years I have given my heart to this business.  Every bride has been like my own daughter getting married.  I have done things that I won't even share here, to ensure that I didn't miss a meeting, forget a cherished photo, tell a bride NO or not pick up the phone late at night for a meltdown.  I have been there for whatever needed to be done, whoever needed my attention and wherever I needed to be.  I am not perfect.   Certain things are beyond my control and you can't please everyone.   But, I can honestly say that in all this time, 99% of my brides have been glad they hired me.  I LOVE this business.  I LOVE my clients.  

Lets face it, there are hundreds of planners out there. So, why would you choose me?  There are more public planners, there are planners that pay to get referred, there are planners that do more advertising, have more glamorous websites.  But, how many of them have that FIERCE MIND?  When I check my analytics on here and on my Pinterest boards- I am always amazed at how many hits I get on my inspirations, my vision boards, my expert advice.  My biggest percentage of engagement doesn't come from my own city, but from New York and Chicago and Washington D.C.  I have done weddings in all of those cities.  But, the numbers are far greater than those weddings I have done. When I get reaction from my Instagram page, its from people like Katie Couric and Lori Allen (SYTTD Atlanta)and photographers from all over.  I have a fierce mind!  I have a keen eye and a true artistic vision.  I see all kinds of weddings, I get inspired from a blob of paint, a peacock feather, a night sky or a classic love story.  And, I can see your vision- all you need to do is show me a photo, a color, tell me a story.  

My HEART is so kind it gets me into trouble.  I have taken on those clients in that 1%.  I have done my job and planned their weddings.  And, kicked myself afterwards.  I have been the mom that the bride doesn't have, saved more that one wedding from absolute disaster, listened to couples from different cultures try and navigate family differences, fought for more than one gown to be fixed to the bride's specifications, gone straight to the designer to get bridesmaids dresses remade because they were ordered wrong and came in late.  I have been there for every bride I have helped- for whatever they need.  Heck, I have even slashed my fees for a truly needy bride who needed the help.  I have set up weddings for DIY brides so they didn't have to set them up themselves- even when I wasn't the planner, only the venue supervisor.  I don't say NO.  That doesn't mean I am looking to give myself away.  This is my business and I have bills to pay too.  But, I care about people.  I care about you!

BRAVE SPIRIT!  No one is more brave than I!   Brave to stand strong in a business that is changing.  Brave to keep going even when, personally, life was very hard.  Brave to be sitting here writing to all of you, opening up to you like friends.  Because, we are friends.  If you have come her to read this, you are my friend.  And, likewise, I will be yours.  Bravery is about not being afraid of the unknown.  And, each wedding I do is unknown when YOU say yes to me.  I am brave and I am capable and I am so excited to help you plan the biggest and best day of your life.  

I chose angels for my logo because that is what I want to be to you.  Angels watch over us.  Angels keep us safe.  Angels are sweet, kind and good.  I want to be your wedding angel.  Because I have a kind heart, a fierce mind and a brave spirit.  And, because every bride needs to have someone totally in their corner while planning a wedding.   I am the Angel of Hearts!  
Tell me what I can do for you

STAYING ALIVE

One of the trends for 2020 is "sustainable weddings".  We all try to do our part for the environment.  And, there are things you can do as a couple to keep your wedding environmentally responsible.  Today, I answered a bride's question about her flowers.  Thus, this post was born.

What do you do with all of these amazing flowers after the wedding?  So much time and money went into them and they are beautiful to look at.  Consider donating them!  Hospitals, shelters, hospice, nursing homes- or just an elderly or sick neighbor.  Many of you have chosen to use donations in lieu of a favor for your wedding.  Here is another way to give back and to look our for Mother Earth at the same time.  Imagine the smiles when your flowers appear in a place where they will be so appreciated.  

WALL AND GRACE

Floral accents are a beautiful addition to any event, or as the focal point of your boutique, bridal salon or styled shoot.  They can be whatever you want them to be.  Whether its a flower wall, a decorated chair, a backdrop for a photobooth, the frame for an elegant sign, floral accents create an ambiance.  I am so excited to be able to share with you these floral creations by Kimberly Curley of Wall and Grace.  

Are you looking to make a statement at your wedding?  Maybe a special backdrop for the sweetheart table.  Or, a way to create a magical twinkle in the garden after the sun goes down on your wedding.  Kimberly can create a wall of greenery with flickering candles or a vertical garden of roses to bring the outside in on your ballroom reception.  

 With me, things spark a creative meteor shower in my brain.  And, when I saw Kimberly's stunning creations, I started thinking of vision boards that would create a total image of a wedding, with the floral accent as the inspiration.  It can be modern and sleek or feminine and ethereal.  It can be anything you wish it to be.  

Here, I have used a twinkling wall of lights for a modern black and white garden wedding.  And, a vintage look tented affair at Appleford Estate, with antique chairs for the bride and groom and a moss covered chair for some special photos.  There are countless possibilities.  

Photographers, event designers, venues and bridal salons create styled shoots to showcase their work or their product.  These floral accents are the perfect touch to bring another dimension to the finished design.  Bridal salons like a place to showcase a new collection or to have a special place for the bride to take the first photo of her "yes to the dress".  A flower wall is a beautiful addition to any salon.  

There are so many wonderful ways to use these floral accents at your event or location.  So, contact Wall and Grace  at 610-283-4940 and get started on yours.

VISION BOARDS

Pinterest!  What a fascinating place for daydreaming.  And, a great place to find inspiration for your wedding.  If you enter this world with an open mind and a realistic point of view, you can find all the pieces to put together your vision.  But, what if you are having trouble figuring out what that vision is?  Or, maybe, you don't know how to put it together into a picture.  That's where I can help.  I have added a design service to my list of services, as my creative mind never stops thinking of ways to create beautiful weddings.  

To me, wedding planning is an all encompassing job.  And, part of that job is helping you figure out what works, where to find it and who can bring it to life.  Today, we are going to explore vision boards.  This is the place to start putting together a "look" for your wedding.  These are vision boards I made up, some, using the gown as the inspiration and then adding flowers and a venue to pull it together. Others, I wanted to use certain flowers in a certain color palette.   Everything else works off of this picture.  From engagement party to bridal shower to your most perfect day ever, vision boards help me to help you have the wedding you dream of.  This aspect of my business is one that is evolving and one I can't wait to help you with.  So, bring me your pins and lets make a vision board together.

PRETTY PARTIES

Parties!  I love planning parties.  And, when there is a wedding being planned there are so many parties to plan.  Just want to share some ideas for planning engagement parties, bridal showers and rehearsal dinners.  Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.  These inspiration boards will get your creative juices flowing.  And, I am here to help make them all a rousing success.