Hand Tied Bouquets!

What a week, not one, but TWO floral arranging seminars featuring Hand Tied Bouquets!! And then on the news, a segment on the School of Floral Design….Does it truly get any better than this??!! Paula Pryke of London Fame, breezed into town to give an unbelievable 2+ hour demonstration on all her techniques of flower arranging. She started with variations on Hand Tied Bouquets making it look easier than making lanyards!!! I know that when I was a camp counselor, I did know how to make a lanyard, but I do believe I struggled with that. AND here was Paula, just throwing these incredible bouquets together that were GINORMOUS…I was sitting in the back, so I couldn't see the size of her hand, but they looked fairly normal sized..so I was in total awe and amazement as she whipped these flowers into visions of loveliness and all in the palm of her hand. She said that it was easy to do with a bit of practice. However, MOI knows better!! Ikebana looks easy too…..but, you just try finding the right branch!

So, it was with continued amazement that I attended my Ikebana International meeting today to view yet another demonstration of Hand Tied Bouquets. Our guest demonstrator was a faculty member from the American School of Flower Arranging (yes, we are stealing from the Brits!). He made a large array of Hand Tie Bouquet arrangements and each one was a bit different. He made small ones and attached them to a wreath. He made large ones in clear vases that he covered with this wire mesh wrapping material that you can get a Michaels…He used colored wire to create a kenzan in a clear vase and then put the Hand Tied Bouquet in that. Tied it up with a wire bow from CostCo! He also used these little cubes that you soak in water and then put them in a clear vase. You add cranberries and they sort of float in the clear cubes (think gelatin) and then here is the best thing…you can buy these little votive lights called, eco-lights, that can be turned on and SUBMERGED in the jello-cranberry mixture. I mean TRULY…does it get any better than this??!! Paula also had some tricks up her sleeve using CROTON leaves on outside of a clear vase and tied it with wire. She said they would last up to 4 days. CROTON leaves have great color, so you can use them for many occasions! You can fill the vases with a variety of flowers-very FESTIVE!!!

It was such good fortune to see two excellent demonstrations in less than four days knowing that I will probably never be able to master this type of flower arranging!!! I did speak to the fellow from the American School of Flower Arranging and asked if I could just take a class in Hand Tied Bouquets and he said YES! So stay tuned Chi-town readers and I will let you know when the next class is being held!! Well worth it!!!!!

Of course, attending the Ikebana meeting always brings with it memories of living in Japan and trying to keep a part of that experience alive in my current life! NOT SO SIMPLE!! The meeting was in a suburb, an hour from home, so that means two hours of driving time. Of course, I truly couldn't believe that it was really an hour away, so I left late, but arrived just in time for LUNCH! I had to take the last open seat, which meant that I didn't get to sit by dear friend, Janet Knowlton, who is living in the Chicago area. We were friends in Tokyo and also at Ikebana International. She went on to live all over the world, but has now landed in Chi-Town. (I am sure the highlight of all her destinations!!) It is fun to see her after 15 years! The demonstration and meeting lasted 4 hours, so Janet and I waved to each other. You know, this WAS my life in Tokyo, when you felt like you had accomplished something if you did ONE thing a day…But, this is my current life and I need to do 15 things a day… the people in the group are lovely…but, Janet and I both looked at each other and said..THIS IS SO NOT FITTING WITH OUR LIVES!!!!
It is the love of Ikebana that brings people together, but trying to make it a part of your life is something else!

And doesn't that seem the mantra lately…THIS IS SO NOT FITTING WITH OUR LIVES!! It usually appears during the beginning of the holiday season! You have all these things that you need to do and hope that people will help you and they are in the same boat and decide to bail on you!! The funny thing is that, what you had signed up to do is still there!! YIKES!! I can usually handle my own volunteer commitments, but this season, it seems more than ever, the need is greater. Perhaps it is the economy, maybe it is an excuse for some. I am not sure, but I must be on the speed dial of those groups that need help, since the phone keeps ringing!!! But, that is what all-nighters are for!!! I love it when the young people come to work looking like they pulled an all-nighter…and guess what they did!! I tell them that I can RELATE!!!!

Attended a Fashion seminar on "Your Image in times of FLUX!" It wasn't for the Fashion Forward, but still some great ideas to share:

1. Hone your people skills, conversational arts and emotional intelligence. What is that?? This was a term I wasn't that familiar with, but in times of FLUX it is important to know what to think! Here's a definition from Wikipedia and if this isn't clear, click on the link for an entire discourse and see if it is any clearer!!!!

Emotional Intelligence (EI), often measured as an Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ), describes an ability, capacity, skill or (in the case of the trait EI model) a self-perceived ability, to identify, assess, and manage the emotions of one's self, of others, and of groups. It is a relatively new area of psychological research. The definition of EI is constantly changing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_intelligence

Shop SALES!! (Tell us something WE don't know!)
Use coupon websites: www.ebates.com, www.wow-coupons.com (you can let MOI know about these)
Expand your global network, internally and externally-Facebook here we come!
Add Accessories!

And advice for the Fashion Forward! Buy a Capelet!
They are everywhere in all price points (try to buy one on SALE)! They are cable knit and faux-fur trimmed (what I bought-bien sur!). It looks best with a pencil skirt or jeans. And be sure to wear Pointy-toed shoes!!!!!

In case you missed last week's lipstick fest in the NYTimes-here you go!!

By ELLEN TIEN
Published: November 7, 2008

As the economy crumbles, the Lipstick Index — that frivolous financial barometer that says cosmetics sales rise in direct relation to free-falling finances — has jumped. Sales in the last few months are up 40 percent. Here are 41 of fall's most popular pick-me-ups, from $1.99 to over $50. What do women want when they aren't allowed to want too much? Traditional lipsticks in more-sheer neutral shades; the bright reds of days gone by have been replaced by pinky browns and rosy taupes.

Top row, from left to right:

1. Benefit Full-Finish lipstick in Ladies' Choice, $18 at benefitcosmetics.com.

2. Sisley Hydrating long-lasting lipstick No. L17, $55 at Neiman Marcus stores.

3. Vincent Longo Lipstain SPF lipstick in Americana, $23 at vincentlongo.com.

4. Pur Minerals lipstick in Raspberry Quartz, $15 at Ulta stores.

5. Shiseido Perfecting lipstick in P13, $22.50 at sephora.com.

6. Mark Dew Drenched Moisturlicious lip color in Pretty Posey, $6 at meetmark.com.

7. Jane Iredale PureMoist LipColour in Melisa, $19 at Vert in Los Angeles, (310) 581-6126.

8. Josie Maran lipstick in Rumi Joon, $20 at barneys.com.

9. MAC lipstick in Viva Glam VI, $14 at maccosmetics.com.

10. Clinique Long Last Soft Shine lipstick in Bamboo Pink, $14 at clinique .com.

11. Avon Beyond Color Plumping lip color in Divine Wine, $8 at avon .com.

12. Dior Addict High Shine lipstick in Casual Beige, $25 at Bloomingdale's stores.

13. Mally Beauty lipstick in Zooey Doll, $15 at henribendel.com.

14. Origins Smileage Plus Organic Liptint in Vintage, $11 at origins.com.

15. Nars lipstick in Dolce Vita, $24 at narscosmetics.com.

16. Sally Hansen Natural Beauty in Plum Shimmer, $9.99 at Duane Reade stores.

17. Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Crème Matte lipstick in Red 165M, $23 at shuuemura-usa.com.

18. DuWop Prime Venom nude lip plumping balm and primer, $20 at Sephora.

19. Michael Marcus lipstick in Jenifer, $24 at michaelmarcus.com.

20. N.Y.C. New York Color Ultra Last LipWear in Brandy Sparkle, $1.99 at Wal-Mart stores.

21. Sue Devitt lipstick in Zimbabwe, $20 at Barneys New York.

Bottom row, from left to right:

22. Bobbi Brown lip color in Brown, $22 at bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

23. By Terry Rouge Delectation lipstick in Icy Praline, $41 at Barneys New York stores.

24. Jouer Lip Color in Phoebe, $22 at Henri Bendel in New York, (800) 423-6335.

25. Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick in Coffee Shimmer, $4.95 at CVS stores.

26. Ramy lipstick in Ramy Red, $17 at ramybeautytherapy.com.

27. Estée Lauder Signature Hudra Lustre lip at bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

28. Chanel Rouge Hydrabase in Enigma $27 at chanel.com.

29. Chanel Rouge Allure in Naïve, $30 at chanel.com.

30. Calvin Klein Delicious Luxury Crème lipstick in Oasis, $18 at sephora.com.

31. Trish McEvoy sheer lipstick in Innocent Sheer, $22 at Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

32. YSL Beauté Rouge Volupté lipstick in Sweet Honey, $29 at Henri Bendel in New York, (800) 423-6335.

33. Smashbox Photo Finish lipstick in Delightful, $22 at Sephora stores.

34. Rilastil Long Lasting Color Fix in Tender Rose, $28 at C. O. Bigelow in New York, (212) 533-2700.

35. Laura Mercier lip color in Pink Champagne, $22 at lauramercier.com.

36. Paul & Joe Lipstick N in No. 17, $20 at thebeautycloset.com.

37. TheBalm Read My Lips lipstick in Letter to the Editor, $16 at C. O. Bigelow in New York (212) 533-2700.

38. Lipstick Queen by Poppy King sheer lip color in Medieval, $20 at Barneys New York stores.

39. Kat Von D Painted Love lipstick in Lolita, $18 at sephora.com.

40. Korres Mango Butter SPF 10 in Nude 33, $18 at sephora.com.

41. BeingTRUE translucent lip color in Protagonist, $22 at truelynatural.com.

Have a great week!!
Love, P

And here are some holiday recipes from friend, Louise Davis!
Go to this website!
YUM!!
http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/rec0741.html

"“Raise Your Hand if….."

There I was at the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Midwest conference, EAGER to hear this speakers thoughts on starting your own Planned Giving program…almost as exciting as those banking days!! I truly can't get over how so many things are transferable!! The plans, processes, marketing….all similar between profit and nonprofit. I think the only difference is that the nonprofit world doesn't think they are the same!!!! Have to work on that! This very nice fellow was beginning his program with, "Raise your hand if you are the person at your organization that is in charge of the Annual Appeal." All 100 attendees raised their hand. "Keep your hand raised, if you are ALSO in charge of the Planned Giving." 25 hands went down. "Keep you hand raised if you are ALSO in charge of Major Gifts." 25 hands went down. "Keep your hand raised if you are ALSO in charge of Events." Another 25 hands went down. I was looking around the room AMAZED that there were still others in a similar position as MOI!! "Keep your hand raised if you are ALSO in charge of the PR." Down went 15 hands. "Keep your hand raised if you are ALSO in charge of the Marketing." Down went 5 more!

5 of us left with Hands Raised!! The speaker went on to say-Let's give these folks a hand!! One Person Shop!!! I was a bit surprised…I hadn't really thought of my job in these terms. It seems like you just do what you have to do! I could see my fellow conference attendees viewing MOI in a new light, instead of who is that OLDER woman over there…now I was a ONE PERSON SHOP WONDER!!!!

My last session was on how to raise money in difficult financial times!! Hoping to find TRUE insight here! Three speakers from different corporations all seemed quite pleasant and were smiling…so I thought, this has to be good!! They all outlined their giving strategies, none of which would apply to my job…so, I remained hopeful that they would provide ADDITIONAL insight…and then….it appeared on the screen: "Skilled Volunteering!!" Skilled Volunteering…why didn't I think of calling it that!! You are all in DEMAND, since you are skilled volunteers!! In fact, one company offered pro bono assistance with website design (I took note of that!!!), but that really isn't what we need from a corporation…we need the $$$$! Of course, pro bono legal or accounting help is always desired, but that isn't going to help balance my budget, if I don't need those services. They went on to say they were looking for "Team Building" volunteer experiences for their employees, such as painting…Friend, Louise Davis suggested that we could get another dumpster and instead of MOI spending the day going up and down those stairs, it could be a TEAM BUILDING project!! This definitely has possibilities!

And alas, just like Oprah's makeovers…I hate to admit it, but I have not kept up my "organizing system in my office." It isn't horrible, but the piles are back-maybe a function of 6 different things all converging at once….but still, no excuses….I called my organizer helper back on Saturday for a session! He was nice, but firm-he didn't really YELL at MOI, but just said that he couldn't believe that I had fallen back into my old habits (It was a good thing he didn't see the piles of papers on my dining room table!)….Well, what does he expect, MIRACLES?? He is correct, of course…but, I am doing my best!! We managed to get things back in order and better shape. Why does this happen??? I AM open to change…I just have certain habits that are hard to break! Those piles of papers!! He is trying to help MOI get rid of things that I can find on the web. My problem is that if I don't see it, I don't always think of looking it up on the web. Every time I put a piece of paper in the recycling, he would shout HOORAY! It is nice to get that POSITIVE reinforcement! I can see why our kids love it!!! We are working on setting up a Google doc where I can keep my notes, instead of using all those cute note cards that are pink with a "P" on them! BUT, I LOVE THOSE NOTE CARDS!! I told him that I would be a challenge!! At the end, we decided that his Tag Line should be, "He's tough, but gets RESULTS!"

As many of you know, I LOVE anything with made with apples, as in PIE, TARTE TATIN, CRISP, and my all time favorite, Carmel apples, so Delicious!! I am so excited this time of year because Carmel apples abound! So you can ONLY imagine my horror to discover the caloric count of my FAVORITE TREAT!!! I was about to bite into this delicious treat when I saw that the calorie count was only 140 calories per serving per apple. HOW FABULOUS!! And just as I was to take the SECOND bite, I noticed the fine print in the SERVING size…..3 per apple! ARE YOU KIDDING MOI!!!! Three folks sharing ONE APPLE! Oh my goodness!! Here I was ready to chow down on the entire thing, not realizing I had to share it with others if I wanted to stay thin!
It is NEVER easy is it!

Chatting with fellow young people in the office, another FAB shoe site for you all!
www.shoebuy.com

Time to get out the PURPLE!! Jeff is certainly excited about this color!! His beloved Northwestern team may even get invited to a Bowl Game! Let's just hope it is in a geographically desirable destination!!

PURPLE goes well with Black and Grey, so it can go with your wardrobe. One piece will signify to others how truly CHIC you are!

Look for something simple, such as a sweater, maybe a cardigan or turtleneck, handbag, ballet flat, Bootie (INC International Concept: Coral Bootie, $89 at Macy's. A wool scarf could give that black winter coat just the touch it needs!!

Taking next week off from the Newsletter, Heading to Mexico for a holiday! Can't wait to see what Fashion tips I can find there!!!!

A full report in two weeks!!

Lot of love,
P