Several days ago, while attending the Perfect Wedding Guide Luncheon at Madeline’s Place, I had the pleasure of sitting next to Patricia Reyes, whose company Just Songs, is the only one-of-its- kind in Albuquerque. So of course, I had to find out more. It turns out, Patricia not only teaches art and gymnastics, but she is also a professional singer and musician. She plays piano and guitar and writes her own songs. Patricia picked up a copy of Mike and Salina’s book (the one hand-bound in platinum goat leather fringe with pink trim), started reading and then turned our words into a sweet melody. All the chit-chat at the table came to an immediate halt, as all eyes and ears were on Patricia. Read the rest of this entry …

Going back-and-forth between Vegas and Albuquerque adds a challenge to attending networking events. The following scenario is typical . . .

I had already signed up for the Perfect Wedding Guide’s Wedding Guild Luncheon in Albuquerque, when Chris accepted a gig in Vegas for the following day. I explained that I couldn’t  join him in Vegas, as I had a commitment. Shauna Pointer arranged a luncheon for local vendors in Corrales at Madeline’s Place and Event Center (photo courtesy of website). Late last night, Chris asked one last time if I would join him on the trip. “Then I’m taking the dogs. They could use a little Vegas vacation,” was his response when I told him, “No.” Not even a request to meet up  with Perfect Wedding Guide in Vegas‘s Karli and Brandi, could sway my decision.

I had met Carol Crist, who coordinates all of Madeline’s events, at one of Shauna’s previous luncheons and I was dying to tour her venue and show her our latest books. The luncheon alone was worth attending to “friendwork,” as I have affectionately re-termed the word “network,” and Shauna had arranged for Barbara Kline, who owns both Madeline’s and Breakthru Communications, a PR Firm, to speak about social media in the wedding industry. Not to mention, I was dying to find out if any Albuquerque photographers or other vendors were using Twitter effectively.  Added to all that is the fact that  Carol is one of those New Mexico wedding industry gems–you’ve got to meet her. There was no way I was going to miss the luncheon held at her venue. Besides, I spoke with Carol ahead of time and she agreed to take a look at our books and tell me all about her brides following the luncheon. Read the rest of this entry …

Anybody who knows me knows I love to meet new people. I am always curious about what makes people tick; where they came from and what they are up to. So, it’s no surprise that whenVané, aka Brooklyn Bride, announced her “blind” holiday card swap with 3-5 mystery vendors and blog readers from across the country, I jumped on her invitation. This weekend, I am going to make a trip to Papers in Albuquerque and pick up my card-making supplies. Then, no doubt, I will call my friend designer extraordinaire, Kristen Trujillo, and set to work at her kitchen table, under her tutelage  making the cards.

This blind holiday card swap makes me feel as if I am a 7-year-old on a treasure hunt. I was so excited when I received Vane’s email with the names and addresses of my soon-to-be recipients. I immediately jumped on-line and checked out their sites, starting with . . . . Read the rest of this entry …

Everybody thinks we lead a glamorous life jet-setting between two homes, but sometimes Chris and I experience the non-glamorous side of owning two homes in two different states, traipsing between spots with three dogs in tow. Several nights ago was one of those times. We had just come from the supermarket, armed with dinner ingredients, and  settled in to cook, when we realized we were out of Olive Oil. “Impossible,” I declared. Then I remembered–yes, I had recently bought a huge bottle and yes, it was in the kitchen cabinet. And, yes, that cabinet is  in Albuquerque. And, we needed it now, with us, in Vegas. Read the rest of this entry …

This week, I had the opportunity to catch up with Albuquerque event planner, Maggie Smith, whose company, Striped Couch Productions, specializes in  “one size does not fit all” corporate and social event planning. Maggie is a lot like me in that she really believes the sky is the limit for her clients. She loves it when they come to her with out-of-this-world requests because she’s passionate about bringing their desires to fruition. Read the rest of this entry …