Thanksgiving is almost here!

The holidays have arrived and I love this time of year! A tradition that I always do and absolutely love is creating a custom holiday card! Every year it is a challenge for me to think of something more creative to send to my dearest family and friends. This year I am working on something very special...so stay tuned! :-)

But first things first, Thanksgiving is almost here! This year we are celebrating at my sister Rose's house. This year my husband and I are doing the turkey and mashed potatoes...they are my favorite! I do have a secret recipe that I will share with you! The secret ingredient, celery root! When I boil the skinned potatoes, I boil them with skinned celery root. Once the potatoes and celery root have softened, I mash them together. When the celery is softened, it has the same consistency as the potato. The celery root adds a distinctive fresh flavor. Then you add all of the other goodies...butter, salt, etc. There you go....my Thanksgiving tip from me to you! I hope you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Much gratitude,
Mary

Looks like Excitement in the Future!

A lot of public appearances coming up in the next couple of months that I’m getting excited and ready for! First, we’re working on our first book signing at the Barnes and Nobles in Manhattan Beach in January. We’ll know an exact date soon so be sure to check back! I’m also looking forward to being a speaker at the American Association of Bridal Consultants California Chapters within the first quarter of 2010. And tomorrow, Wednesday, November 18th, I’m speaking at the ISES’s Meet the Masters!! This is where ISES Los Angeles Chapter recognizes our industry accomplishments as a leader in our field and I feel honored to be a part of it! I get to meet chapter members and guests in a relaxed environment and speak casually and honestly about my profession. The event will be held at the Pasadena Convention Center and there are still seats available!! You can purchase them at the door for $115. Hopefully I will see you there!!

Much Gratitude,
Mary

My little girl Gracie turn 4 on Monday!

My little girl Gracie is turning 4 this coming Monday! She’s growing up sooo fast! This year she decided she wanted to have her birthday at Adventure Plex in Manhattan Beach… she is super active and loves shakin her crazies out… Adventure Plex is a great place for kids to run around and play. It fosters an active, healthy lifestyle for children through a range of challenging and exciting activities in a safe, structured and fun environment. We made pink goody bags for all the girls and blue goody bags for all the boys. Gracie and I had decorated the invites and goody bags with plenty of stickers. Thanks to Isabel Gonzales who video taped the day and Sean Azul who photographed her amazing celebration...I will post pics next week.

A picture of Gracie at her party!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Much Gratitude,
Mary

Today in the office!

The sales continue with Wedding Wisdom and we’re busy busy in the office booking new clients and getting ready for Mariam and Afshin’s wedding in just a couple short weeks! I am finally getting the hang of twitter and LOVING it!! Two weeks ago I didn’t imagine I would have received so much publicity via facebook! Amazing!! It’s really exciting and I recommend that anyone who owns their own business or trying to promote a business, utilize this social marketing avenue: Twitter. I actually just recommended to my good friend, April Storms, who is the new Director of Sales at the Andaz Hotel, to make sure she is tweeting! My sweetie Grace’s 4th birthday is coming up so we have several days of celebration. She just can’t wait to turn 4 and play with all her friends! She’s so cute and I feel blessed! I hope everyone is having a fabulous Tuesday! Thanks for all the continued support! Stay tuned for my upcoming Holiday specials on The Balanced Planner DVD and Wedding Wisdom.

Much Gratitude,
Mary Dann-McNamee

WEDDING WISDOM

My book WEDDING WISDOM has arrived, and selling !! And I’m thrilled!! The books came in on Friday, I started signing on Saturday and on Monday the over 100 books went out to all the planners that pre-purchased them over the past year! A special thanks again to those who contributed to my “special thanks” page. I have since sold 20 more books and feel so blessed because my co-creator, Leila Kahlil, http://www.beinspiredpr.com/ twittered about it on Tuesday and the response was HUGE!!! Thanks for all the support. I love knowing that I get to help other wedding planners be better at the job that they love. You can purchase WEDDING WISDOM on my website for $35 (for hard bound) plus $10 (shipping, tax + autographed) Please also check out: www.inspiredbythis.com/2009/11/media-monday-our-first-book-is-published-wedding-wisdom

Much Gratitude,
Mary Dann-McNamee